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How the Teams are Rated
The rankings of each team are based on weekly performances as well as their overall results from the current season. A team may have more talent than another on the list but if they're not getting wins and putting up solid statistics, they won't be rated higher.
1 - FSU 4-0 (2-0), Last Weeks Rank - 1
Week 5 Opponent: 48 - 34 Win @ Boston College
Week 6 Opponent: #25 Maryland, 12 p.m. on ESPN
Comments from Week 5:
For the first three plus quarters, this game was surprising competitive. BC was gaining chunk yardage on the ground and really controlling the tempo as well as the momentum of the game. However, the Noles had a quick strike at the end of the first half and that seemed to turn the tide in their favor for the rest of the game. I call this type of game a "back handed compliment" type game. It's good they were able to come back against a tough opponent away from home to pull out the win. But the fact that they were trailing for a major section of this game could trouble some FSU fans who believe they have legitimate National Title hopes this season.
Their next opponent, the Terps could be a "yard stick" type of game to see where the Noles really stand in the National Title hunt. Maryland is coming into Tallahassee with a 4-0 mark and with one quality win already under their belt (WVU). As a Noles fan you know you can't start slow against a team like this and expect to come back. We'll see if they can start fast and take out UMd.
2 - University of Miami 4-0, (0-0), Last Weeks Rank - 2
Week 5 Opponent: 49 - 21 Win @ USF
Week 6 Opponent: Georgia Tech, 3:30 p.m. on ESPN U
Comments from Week 5:
The Canes took care of business against the Bulls in a game that could best be characterized as "not as close as the end score showed." Miami dominated USF in every facet of the game (even special teams where the refs called some "iffy" penalties that negated TWO Cane return touchdowns). The second stringers for the Canes were even having a banner day against the USF starters but as the game wore on USF finally gained traction against the 2nd and 3rd stringers of the Canes and scored a last minute TD to make the game look more competitive. The benefit during the last two games for the Canes has been the opportunity to get the younger/reserve players more playing time. Ryan Williams and Dallas Crawford have shined the last two weeks and it goes to show that player development can finally be relied on in Coral Gables.. One of the first times that can be said in 10 + years at Miami.
With the first quarter of the year over, Miami looks to stay smoldering hot against a very worthy opponent, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. The Ramblin' Wreck bring to Sun Life Stadium their vaunted triple option attack with a quarterback that can actually throw as well as run so the Canes will have their hands full on defense. On the other side of the field the Canes will be playing a team that is definitely a "bend but don't break" defense (they average giving up 14.6 points per game against D1 opponents) so there could be opportunities for big plays if UM can take advantage.
3 - University of Florida 3-1, (2-0), Last Weeks Rank - 4
Week 5 Opponent: 24 - 7 Win @ Kentucky
Week 6 Opponent: Arkansas, 7 p.m. on ESPN2
Comments from Week 5:
Check off another grueling, controlling win for the Gators. They went to Lexington and pounded the Wild Cats into submission (45 rushing attempts for 246 yards and two touchdowns). I've said it before and I'll say it again, it's not pretty but it's the "Gator way" right now and it's working.
We'll see if styles clash in their next contest as they play an up and down Arkansas team who also orchestrates a ground and pound assault but scores A LOT of points. Two weeks ago UF they lost their starting quarterback Jeff Driskel for the year and last week they lost their star defensive lineman Dominique Easley with a knee injury so we'll see what they have left in the tank moving forward.
4 - University of Central Florida 3-1, (0-0), Last Weeks Rank - 3
Week 5 Opponent: 28 - 25 Loss to South Carolina
Week 6 Opponent: @ Memphis, 4:30 p.m. on ESPN 3
Comments from Week 5:
The Knights almost pulled out a stunner against the Gamecocks last weekend but it was for naught as the Ole' Ball Coach was able to pull out the victory. For the first three quarters UCF was able to hang with their SEC opponent and was even able to knock out Connor Shaw but they just didn't have enough talent.
UCF looks to get back into the winning frame of mind as they play the middling Memphis Tigers next weekend.
5 - Florida Atlantic 1-4, (0-3), Last Weeks Rank - 5
Week 5 Opponent: 18 - 14 Loss @ Rice
Week 6 Opponent: @ UAB, 3:00 p.m.
Week 5 Comments:
Towards the end of last week's thriller, FAU's starting Quarterback Jaquez Johnson got injured against Middle Tennessee and wasn't able to play against Rice. Freshman Greg Hankerson filled in and played admirably but the Owls couldn't muster enough offense to close out the contest. They were winning with 4 minutes left but a fumble returned for a touchdown and a 20 yard run a minute later was insurmountable for the team and they packed up their tent and headed home.
This upcoming contest could be truly unwatchable as the two teams are a combined 1-7 this season. Good luck to you brave FAU fans out there.. Maybe in a few years you can say you were able to stick through this season and were able to have some good building blacks come from it.. You're a better fan than me.
6 - South Florida 0-4 (0-0), Last Weeks Rank - 6
Week 5 opponent: 49 - 21 Loss to the Miami Hurricanes
Week 6 Opponent: Cincinnati, 7 p.m. on ESPN 3
Week 5 Comments:
There wasn't much good news that came from last weekend's contest against the Canes. Actually, the only real "news" that I heard was basically that USF is a dirty team but Stephen Morris later in the week came out and apologized so maybe no hard feelings?? In the end, it doesn't really matter. USF is in full rebuilding mode and although it seems that the players aren't mailing in the year, there's just not that much division one talent on the roster.
The sledding doesn't get any easier as they play in conference opponent Cincinnati next weekend. Even though the Bear Cats lost their starting quarterback a few weeks ago they've played moderately well against lesser opponents in Miami (OH) and North Western State (LA) so maybe the Bulls have a chance to make it competitive but really it's just wait and see at this point.
7 - Florida International 0-4 (0-0), Last Weeks Rank - 6
Week 5: Bye Week
Week 6 Opponent: Southern Mississippi, 4 p.m. Saturday
Week 5 Comments:
If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around, does anyone hear it? If two 0-4 teams play and no one watches does it count? These questions will be answered after this weekend as someone will HAVE TO WIN this game. Last week FIU was on a bye so they were able to practice more.. I'd say they focused on a specific group like offense or defense to get better but at this point i'd be lying. They need help.. Everywhere.
