The ACC is NOT screwing around

Some nice action this weekend was sadly overshadowed once again by too much off-field clutter. Rather than building excitement toward the evening’s Oklahoma-Florida State matchup, the nation’s mood was grim, centered on Syracuse and Pittsburgh’s stunning bolt from the Big East to the ACC. This has been a theme all this year and in the season’s opening weeks – uncertainty off the field stealing the spotlight from on-field action.

And it’s a shame, because there were several more genuinely entertaining games this past Saturday. Oklahoma-FSU, Auburn-Clemson, Navy-South Carolina (a telling game, that one) and West Virginia-Maryland all went down to the wire. Most of the major conferences came out with at least one or two nice victories, but there were some disappointments too.

The Big 10 and Pac-12 both came out of the weekend looking pretty bad, even in their various victories. There might not be a single championship-worthy team in either conference, and I’m including Wisconsin, Stanford and Oregon in that assessment. Penn State was lucky to escape Pitt. Nebraska was as unimpressive as a team can be in a double-digit win (over Washington). Stanford and Arizona played a listless first half. Michigan State got blindsided by Notre Dame. Ohio State was crushed at Miami (FL). UCLA was embarrassed by Texas. Arizona State played sloppy (again) and lost to Illinois. The results were ugly.

But, fortunately for the two leagues, any and all competitive problems were forgotten in the wake of what appeared to be, at least for a few days, the death of the Big 12 and Big East conferences. I’ll talk about the new conference realignment later; for now it seems safe to exhale, as Armageddon has been narrowly averted again. But I’m sure we haven’t seen the end of the madness.

Top 25

1) Oklahoma

I wasn’t sold on Florida State, but the Sooners deserve credit for battling back in a tough environment (how long has it been since Doak sounded like that?!) and winning a low-scoring slugfest. The last time OU had an offense of this caliber, they couldn’t win close and ugly. This time, they got it done, which is enough to take over the top spot.

2) Alabama

The development of A.J. McCarron is encouraging for the Crimson Tide. It just seems weird that Bama has a far inferior quarterback this week against Arkansas, yet I’m picking them to win handily. Such is the fortune of having a great defense. As long as Alabama takes care of business the next two weeks, they should be undefeated going into their showdown with LSU.

3) LSU

Did anyone really expect the Tigers to have trouble with Mississippi State? Moreover, did anyone actually think MSU was a top-25 team? I’ve been watching the Bulldogs longer than most SEC teams and in my estimation they’ve merely moved up from doormat to decent. So, no big pat on the head for LSU doing what they should have done against an overhyped team.

4) Boise State

As it turns out, Toledo is pretty good. Ohio State needn’t be embarrassed any longer. But additionally, it turns out Boise State is really, really good. Much better than OSU. Kellen Moore is a legit Heisman candidate, and the Broncos’ stable of running backs might be the best in the country (with Oregon’s Kenjon Barner out, this is a dead heat). Is this finally the year BSU gets the breaks that land them in the title game?

5) Wisconsin

I moved the Badgers over Stanford because they pasted a team I think isn’t bad in Northern Illinois and because Stanford didn’t look very good for a while at Arizona. Another ho-hum 300-yard passing performance by Russell Wilson and continued excellence on the ground ensured the victory. This team is clearly the class of the Big 10.

6) Stanford

Very interesting, that first half was. It was strange seeing the Cardinal so out of sync. The team predictably picked it up in the second half and left ‘Zona in the dust, but Shane Skov going down is going to kill Stanford. The guy was a beast and meant everything to their defense. It’s not hyperbole to say that his injury may cost them a conference championship and a shot at the BCS title.

7) Texas A&M

I like Texas A&M a lot, but I fear the Aggies may be in over their heads with Oklahoma State. Fortunately for A&M, they got last week off (so to speak, against Idaho), whereas OSU had to play Tulsa after midnight because of a weather delay. But even at home, the Aggies had better come to play. That Cowboy offense is scary.

8) Oregon

The second of Oregon’s patsies passed by without much of a fight and the Duck defense played a lot better this week. I still have concerns about whether this team is really elite, but I suppose that should be answered Saturday night against Arizona. The Wildcats are beaten and bruised from their previous two top-10 opponents. An elite team would squash them here.

9) Oklahoma State

If the Cowboys knock off A&M on the road this week I’m fully prepared to jump them three or four spots. The issue is going to be unit matchups. I see OSU as a team with a brilliant offense and an average defense. The Aggies are more balanced on both sides of the ball. Like an arena league squad, the Cowboys just need to get enough stops to allow the offense to take over.

10) Virginia Tech

Another sluggish start for the Hokies. I know their schedule does them a lot of favors, but Tech has to be careful. They could easily lose either of their first two conference games (Clemson and Miami (FL)) if they don’t respect them. Clemson in particular is looking like a real challenger. I’m still not convinced that either Tech’s offense or defense is that good.

11) Arkansas

Three home games against three bad teams… the season’s first road game… a great Alabama defense… is it just me, or does this game look really ominous? Not to mention that the next game is against Texas A&M, who will either be flying high after beating Oklahoma State or looking to take their frustrations out on someone after losing to the Cowboys. Oh boy.

12) Florida State

I didn’t drop FSU too far, because in truth the Seminoles did pass the most important test against Oklahoma. Short of winning, Florida State had one task Saturday: win back the nation’s respect. I think they did it. I know they have mine. It’s been years since I’ve seen FSU compete with an elite team for four quarters. They have to keep playing this way to stay relevant, but it’s fair to say that Florida State is back.

13) Nebraska

Nebraska is going to keep sliding down my rankings until they prove that they can actually be great for a full game. Both Fresno State and Washington had chances to beat the Cornhuskers. That should be unacceptable for a team allegedly in the hunt for a national championship. If they keep playing at this level someone is going to bring them down to earth. Hard.

14) South Carolina

Were announcers really celebrating the Gamecocks’ last-gasp escape at home against Navy? Look, I like Navy a lot, but they’re just not a great football team. How in the world anyone can look at South Carolina and think they’re a top-10 team is beyond me. The offense is Marcus Lattimore plus whatever Stephen Garcia happens to contribute that particular day. The defense wasn’t very good against the Midshipmen either.

15) Baylor

The Bears are only 2-0, but with several teams ahead of them falling, they’ll get a chance to show what they can do with expectations. I’m not confident in Baylor’s chances, but it should be interesting to see how the team performs now that people expect them to play well. I can’t remember that ever happening before.

16) South Florida

USF is destined to stay below the radar for a while, but looking at their schedule, I was struck by something I hadn’t noticed before: the Bulls could win every game they have left. That doesn’t mean I think they actually will run the table, but it’s not out of the question either. If they get past Pitt, they could really go on a nice run.

17) Clemson

The win over Auburn wasn’t everything (though the Tigers’ performance in the last three quarters was certainly impressive); rather, this is an admission of oversight on my part. I hadn’t taken Clemson too seriously, but there is clearly a lot of talent on that roster. If Tajh Boyd continues to play like he did against Auburn, look out.

18) USC

Well, I guess I’ve been suckered in by the Trojans. SC turned it on and left Syracuse in the dust the way they should have done with their first two opponents. Next up are the two best remaining teams in the South: Arizona State and Arizona. Could USC go undefeated in division play but be ineligible for the Pac-12 title game? I’m sure the league office hopes not.

19) West Virginia

That wild, close win over Maryland told me everything I needed to know. Unless the Mountaineers show a whole lot more this week than they have so far this season, they’re going to get smashed by LSU. That doesn’t mean they couldn’t still win the Big East, mind you, but losing sure won’t help their confidence any.

20) TCU

A curiously slow start against Louisiana-Monroe again raises questions about the Horned Frogs. Are they for real or not? Welcome to the rollercoaster that has been TCU’s 2011 season so far. I really can’t say what we have in this team, though it’s fair to guess that we probably won’t find out this week against Portland State.

21) Houston

I kept the Cougars in the rankings but was very concerned about their near-loss to Louisiana Tech. Houston is simply better than that and the team won’t get any respect if they can’t dominate against lesser foes. I hope the upcoming start of the Conference USA schedule will startle the Cougars into being the team they can be if they try.

22) Ohio State

OSU’s defense wore down against Miami (FL), but it’s still clearly one of the best in the country. The problems are all on offense: the backs and receivers aren’t as explosive as they have been, and the passing game is just pitiful. Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, this situation is probably going to get worse before it gets better.

23) Michigan

No, I still don’t think the Wolverines are that good, and no, Denard Robinson still can’t pass to save his life. On the other hand, the defense has already come a long way from the Rich Rodriguez era. That’s a promising sign as Michigan enters conference play. First up, though – a dangerous San Diego State squad.

24) Georgia Tech

Words cannot express my joy at what I saw out of my Yellow Jackets against Kansas. It was merely one of the most explosive and dominant offensive performances of the past century, as the Ramblin’ Wreck careened to a glorious 600 yards rushing on a 12-yard-per-carry average. At 3-0, this team has a chance to make a statement against North Carolina this week.

25) Texas

The fact that Texas beat the same UCLA squad Houston did – but more impressively – is the sole reason the Longhorns make this list. I still have little to no faith in the QB situation, and the team seems to still be uncharacteristically reloading despite a down year in 2010. If they can ride out this rough patch, though, the Horns might be good by season’s end.

Pac-12 Thoughts

Not a whole lot to say this week. It looks like Oregon State will be getting James Rodgers back, but I’m of a mixed opinion on that. Should he really come back now? Or even this season? Is it worth it when the Beavers look to be headed for another bowl-less year? More importantly, will he be the same player? Unfortunately, I have my doubts. I think Rodgers may be in the same boat as former Oregon back Jeremiah Johnson: able to return, but a shell of his former self. (Note: Rodgers’ “shell,” not unlike Johnson’s, could probably still be formidable.)

Utah looked amazing against BYU; perhaps there’s hope for the South yet! Because the USC loss looked bad but was meaningless in the standings, the Utes just have to beat the Arizona schools to make the Pac-12 championship. Do you think they can’t pull that off? Have you seen Arizona and ASU? Given Utah’s propensity to create turnovers (a ridiculous seven against BYU), it’s not a crazy idea at all.

Speaking of Arizona State… now there’s the Dennis Erickson team I know and love! Let’s see: outgaining an inferior opponent on the road – check. Turning the ball over multiple times – check. Around a hundred yards in penalties – you got it. And thus the Sun Devils lost for the first time in 2011. Boy, did I call that one or what? Unbelievable. ASU should play in the Pac-12 title game this season, but it’s anyone’s guess as to whether they can actually get there.

Heisman* Watch

*Excluding Andrew Luck, etc., etc.

Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Stats against FCS teams shouldn’t really count, so the TCU game is still all we have to go on with Griffin. It’s enough. He’s great. If he’s only half as good as he was against the Horned Frogs, he’ll still be spectacular.

Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State

You can say a lot about Moore’s competition, but eventually that argument loses weight. Moore is going to become the NCAA’s all-time winning QB this season, he’s going to put up some incredible numbers yet again, and he’s probably the most accurate passer outside of Luck. He’s beaten all the elite teams he’s played and dominated.

Random Thoughts and Observations

You can blame Texas A&M for being petulant. You can blame Larry Scott for getting the superconference ball rolling in the first place. You can blame Pitt and Syracuse for bailing for greener pastures. But you can’t blame the ACC for doing what was best for itself. In the most surprising realignment development yet, the one BCS conference everyone saw as an afterthought made the biggest move.

I think it’s safe to say everyone saw the Pac-12 and SEC as the major players as the national landscape continued to adjust. The Big 10, it was assumed, would follow suit once those two leagues upped the ante to 16 teams. Logically, the ACC would have to fight it out with the Big East to survive as one of the four superconferences, though I definitely thought the ACC would win that battle.

Now? Forget the Big East. The conference may yet survive the defections of two of its flagship members, but it simply has no hope to compete anymore with the other BCS leagues on the football stage. The ACC has now successfully raided the Big East twice, with more schools (Connecticut, Rutgers) potentially on the way. The SEC might yet look to snatch up West Virginia, too. The remaining members of the Big East have to be terrified for their own futures.

The news that the Pac-12 has decided to remain at a dozen schools looks to have brought the Big 12 back from the dead again (and credit the conference for not compromising its principles by inviting Texas, even though the Longhorns would have been a boon to revenue). Somehow, someway, the Big 12 lives to fight another day. And of course, in doing so, this in turn may have saved the Big East, which could theoretically invite a couple of Conference USA schools (ECU, who I think is a great fit, has already applied). The Big East is also heavily considering all three of the service academies, which could work for Army and Navy but not Air Force.

I’m happy with those results, because I’m a traditionalist at heart and want to see all of the conferences survive. However, having said that, I still have to applaud the ACC and give it an internet-worthy tip o’ the cap. Well played, sir. Well played. The ACC made two major moves in the last few weeks – one quiet, the other not so much – to permanently crush the Big East as a potential rival, shift the national spotlight to itself and ensure that it wouldn’t be the forgotten party in the next round of realignment.

First, the members of the league agreed to quadruple the buyout for every school to a pricey $20 million. This ensured that if the ACC itself got raided by the SEC, it would cost the departing member(s) dearly. Then it clearly went in under the radar – while everyone was talking about Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Texas – to gauge Pitt and Syracuse’s interest. This culminated in last weekend’s announcement that oh, by the way, two of the most important members of the Big East were jumping ship. Before the sputtering Big East could even react, the ACC members had already voted in the Orange and Panthers. For that kind of efficiency to take place, the two schools and their new conference had to have been in talks for some time. Don’t think for a second that this was an overnight decision.

The final count? The ACC put a knife into the Big East’s back (and twisted it), spooked the Pac-12 out of making a potentially incredibly profitable decision and put the SEC on notice that it’s no longer the biggest, baddest conference in the East. Oh, and by accelerating the demise of their now-crippled rival, the ACC dramatically increased its opportunity to one day land Notre Dame. This wasn’t conference realignment, it was a series of calculated, mob-style hits. Lesson learned: never, ever underestimate the ACC again.

And as a bonus, ACC member Georgia Tech last weekend played the most perfect offensive football I’ve ever seen. A dozen yards a carry on 50 rushes with only seven passing attempts (two of which went for touchdowns) is unheard of in today’s game. This was purist football to the nth-degree. The triple-option scheme confused and flattened the Kansas defense in a way only the option attack can. I appreciate all forms of offense (and there are so many today), but I hold that the best collegiate offense ever designed is still the option. Georgia Tech isn’t a great team that was playing a bad one. The Jayhawks and Yellow Jackets are pretty evenly matched. But Tech’ supreme command of their offense overwhelmed the Kansas defense. I encourage everyone to check out a replay on ESPN3. It’s worth a look. Not unlike the bold new ACC.