FLA Power Rankings Week 8: Calm Before the Storm

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 6-0 (4-0), Last Weeks Rank - 1

Week 8 Opponent: 51 - 14 Win @ Clemson

Week 9 Opponent: NC State, 3:30 p.m., ESPN 2

Comments from Week 8:

FSU picks up and sets down whoever their opponents are, wherever they play. Last weekend was no different as they went into Death Valley and slammed the Clemson Tigers. They dominated in all phases of the game and the box score clearly displayed the shuhlacking. In the latest smack down they flexed their muscle from their receiving core by spreading the wealth by having four players gain over 60 yards and two of those specified players raced for 145 yards (!!).

The NC State Wolfpack are the Noles' next opponents and you have to wonder if this could be a trap game for FSU. They have Miami next weekend and this isn't a "nooner" but 3:30 timed game and a down and out Wolfpack could definitely cause a "look ahead" type mentality.

2 - University of Miami 6-0, (2-0), Last Weeks Rank - 2

Week 8 Opponent: 27 -23 Win @ UNC

Week 9 Opponent: Wake Forest, 12 p.m., ESPNU

Comments from Week 8:

Are the Canes as good as we hope? They've played a depleted Gators squad and middling competition in the ACC so the answers are still out there, we just haven't gotten them yet. Last Thursday UM played an inspired and desperate Tar Heels squad who really needed a win infront of their home crowd to salvage any semblance of a season. With that known, the Canes were able to go into enemy territory (it was the first time they had ventured out of the state of Florida) and wrestle a victory away from UNC with bend but don't break defense and a tremendous effort from their running backs.

Again the Canes play a middling threat from the ACC. This time they play the Demon Deacons who are coming off a thorough demolishing (Wake won 35-10) of Maryland so we'll see if this game is a trap game, similar to what was mentioned in the above section for FSU.

3 - University of Central Florida 5-1, (2-0), Last Weeks Rank - 4

Week 8 Opponent: 38 - 35 Win @ Louisville

Week 9 Opponent: UCONN, 12 p.m., ESPN3

Comments from Week 8:

Biggest win in UCF history, period. They went into enemy territory, at night, against a ton ten team and came out with the victory. The Knights had a balanced running and passing attack (200 yards rushing, 250 yards passing) as well as were able to slow down Teddy Brigewater and crew enough to pull out the victory.

Can they keep up the success? We'll have to see as they play a down and out UCONN team who's coming off a defeat of substantial proportions (41-16) to a depleted Cincinnati Bearcat squad. Also, they fired their coach last month so there's that as well.

4 - University of Florida 4-3, (3-2), Last Weeks Rank - 3

Week 8 Opponent: 36 - 17 Loss @ Missouri

Week 9 Opponent: Bye Week

Comments from Week 8:

Right now I think FAU and UF are neck and neck for "bad luck" award this season. FAU has lost in many heart wrenching fashions whether it's last second field goals, fumbles being picked up for game winning touchdowns, etc. The Gators are just losing players and when second stringers are stepping in they're just not ready or talented enough. UF played Missouri last weekend and the score pretty much tells the story of how this game went, one sided and not overly competitive. It didn't help that on the first play of the game the Gators lost another player, this time their starting safety to a dubious targeting penalty. I watched the game as it played out live and I didn't agree with the call. The refs replayed it and upheld their decision.. Gah!! What could have been..

Luckily UF has a bye week before they play UGA in a huge rivalry game. If Coach Muschamp can pull out the upset against the ‘Dawgs he may be able to save the season. If not, you may start hear rumblings about his job security. I understand Florida has lost over a half dozen players to injury but as a Coach you must show player development from the underclassmen. It hasn't happened this season which has to be hugely disappointing for a team that was hoping for a top 25 ranking throughout the season.

5 - South Florida 2-4 (2-0), Last Weeks Rank - 5

Week 8: Bye Week

Week 9 Opponent: Louisville, 12 p.m., ESPN2

Comments from Week 8:

Oh boy, this could be ugly. Right when the Bulls were getting a little momentum going with two wins in a row they play a very angry Louisville team. This game will probably go one of two ways. Louisville comes out really, really focused and smashes the Bulls by 30+ points or they come out uninterested and still win by 10 points. Either way, it doesn't look good for the Bulls.

6 - Florida Atlantic 2-5, (1-4), Last Weeks Rank - 5

Week 8: Bye Week

Week 9 Opponent: @ Auburn, 7:30 p.m., ESPN3

Comments from Week 8:

Uh oh, looks like another smashing could be in-store for FAU. Auburn is a trendy team right now, especially after trouncing TAMU in a thriller last weekend. The fighting Gus Malzahn's are looking to get out ahead early in this game and be able to play backups in the second half. The Owls will have to bring their A+ game to keep it close. Their only chance is if Auburn turns it over 3 + times early so that the Owls can get out and control the tempo because they can't keep up with the Tigers if it gets into a shootout.

7 - Florida International 1-5 (1-1), Last Weeks Rank - 6

Week 8: Bye Week

Week 9 Opponent: Louisiana Tech, 6:00 p.m.

Week 8 Comments:

A bye week isn't really going to help FIU at this point. They're ranked at or near the bottom of all rankings on both offense and defense and look for Louisiana Tech to pass right by the Panthers on the offensive side of the ball. Based on what FIU has shown this season, their offense won't be able to keep up but that's why they play the game!