After Newtown. After Aurora. After Fort Hood. After Tucson. And the list could go on and on in recent years with unstable individuals having access to guns. Each of those incidents and many others have led to an unnecessary loss of life. While there have been talks at both the national and local level about gun regulation, stricter laws for gaining access to guns, and what to do about the mentally ill who acquire deadly weapons. Something not discussed is a problem that currently exists about mentally ill individuals regaining access to guns under laws nationally and locally.
The New York Times and Michael Luo and Mike McIntyre provided the following look:
Last April, workers at Middlesex Hospital in Connecticut called the police to report that a psychiatric patient named Mark Russo had threatened to shoot his mother if officers tried to take the 18 rifles and shotguns he kept at her house. Mr. Russo, who was off his medication for paranoid schizophrenia, also talked about the recent elementary school massacre in Newtown and told a nurse that he “could take a chair and kill you or bash your head in between the eyes,” court records show.
The police seized the firearms, as well as seven high-capacity magazines, but Mr. Russo, 55, was eventually allowed to return to the trailer in Middletown where he lives alone. In an interview there recently, he denied that he had schizophrenia but said he was taking his medication now — though only “the smallest dose,” because he is forced to. His hospitalization, he explained, stemmed from a misunderstanding: Seeking a message from God on whether to dissociate himself from his family, he had stabbed a basketball and waited for it to reinflate itself. When it did, he told relatives they would not be seeing him again, prompting them to call the police.
As for his guns, Mr. Russo is scheduled to get them back in the spring, as mandated by Connecticut law.
“I don’t think they ever should have been taken out of my house,” he said. “I plan to get all my guns and ammo and knives back in April.”
The Russo case highlights a central, unresolved issue in the debate over balancing public safety and the Second Amendment right to bear arms: just how powerless law enforcement can be when it comes to keeping firearms out of the hands of people who are mentally ill.
Connecticut’s law giving the police broad leeway to seize and hold guns for up to a year is actually relatively strict. Most states simply adhere to the federal standard, banning gun possession only after someone is involuntarily committed to a psychiatric facility or designated as mentally ill or incompetent after a court proceeding or other formal legal process. Relatively few with mental health issues, even serious ones, reach this point.
As a result, the police often find themselves grappling with legal ambiguities when they encounter mentally unstable people with guns, unsure how far they can go in searching for and seizing firearms and then, in particular, how they should respond when the owners want them back.
“There is a big gap in the law,” said Jeffrey Furbee, the chief legal adviser to the Police Department in Columbus, Ohio. “There is no common-sense middle ground to protect the public.”
A vast majority of people with mental illnesses are not violent. But recent mass shootings — outside a Tucson supermarket in 2011, at a movie theater last year in Aurora, Colo., and at the Washington Navy Yard in September — have raised public awareness of the gray areas in the law. In each case, the gunman had been recognized as mentally disturbed but had never been barred from having firearms.
After the Newtown killings a year ago, state legislatures across the country debated measures that would have more strictly limited the gun rights of those with mental illness. But most of the bills failed amid resistance from both the gun lobby and mental health advocates concerned about unfairly stigmatizing people. In Washington, discussion of new mental health restrictions was conspicuously absent from the federal gun control debate.
What remains is the uncertain legal territory at the intersection of guns and mental illness. Examining it is difficult, because of privacy laws governing mental health and the limited availability of information on firearm ownership. But The New York Times obtained court and police records from more than 1,000 cases around the country in which guns were seized in mental-health-related episodes.
A systematic review of these cases — from cities and counties in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee — underscores how easy it is for people with serious mental health problems to have guns.
Over the past year in Connecticut, where The Times obtained some of the most extensive records of seizure cases, there were more than 180 instances of gun confiscations from people who appeared to pose a risk of “imminent personal injury to self or others.” Close to 40 percent of these cases involved serious mental illness.
Perhaps most striking, in many of the cases examined across the country, the authorities said they had no choice under the law but to return the guns after an initial seizure for safekeeping.
For example, in Hillsborough County, Fla., 31 of 34 people who sought to reclaim seized firearms last year were able to do so after a brief court hearing, according to a count by The Times.
Among them was Ryan Piatt, an Afghanistan veteran with a history of treatment for depression, anxiety and paranoia. The police had descended on Mr. Piatt’s workplace in November 2011, after mental health workers at the veterans hospital in Tampa reported that he had made intimations of violence to his psychiatrist and had tried to renounce his citizenship, mailing his Social Security card, birth certificate and other documents to a judge. Officers confiscated two guns from his car and one more from his toolbox; he got them back less than a year later.
Similarly, the sheriff in Arapahoe County, Colo., had to return a .45-caliber pistol last year that officers had seized four months earlier after receiving a call that Jose Reynaldo Santiago, an Army veteran with post-traumatic stress, was walking around his home in the middle of the night in a catatonic state with a gun in the pocket of his bathrobe.
Even in Indiana, one of the few states that have expanded the power of law enforcement to hold on to guns seized from people who are mentally ill, the examination revealed a significant loophole: there is nothing preventing them from going out and buying new guns.
The state’s seizure law does not address the question, and as a result, records from gun confiscation cases are not entered into the federal background check database that dealers must consult when making sales, according to officials from the Indiana Supreme Court.
Connecticut had a similar vulnerability until this year. Unlike in Indiana, the Connecticut State Police handle gun background checks, running names in the federal system and checking its own records. Judicial officials are unsure, however, if the agency was receiving all gun seizure records. As a fail-safe and a way to prevent people from simply going to another state to buy a gun, the state has now begun submitting these records to the federal system.
Adding to the uncertainty for law enforcement, federal courts have ruled that an emergency involuntary psychiatric evaluation is not grounds to bar someone from possessing firearms.
The police in Caribou, Me., discovered this after repeated run-ins with a troubled resident, Curtis Zetterman, who was sent to a hospital after talking about shooting people; he was released, and was later accused of threatening a neighbor with a gun, according to court records.
Mr. Zetterman’s conviction on a charge of illegally possessing a firearm was dismissed on appeal because his emergency hospitalization did not rise to the level of a formal involuntary commitment.
“We don’t want to violate anybody’s rights,” said the Caribou police chief, Michael Gahagan. “But if you’re in the apartment next door to this guy, what about your rights?”
Outliers Toughen Laws
It was the shock of a potentially avoidable tragedy that pushed Indiana lawmakers to act. Reports of gunfire brought Officer Timothy Laird to Indianapolis’s south side one night in August 2004. Kenneth C. Anderson, a schizophrenic man who the police later learned had just killed his mother in her home, was stalking the block with an SKS assault rifle and two handguns. As Officer Laird stepped from his patrol car, he was fatally shot. Four other officers were wounded before one of them shot and killed Mr. Anderson.
At the beginning of that year, the police had seized nine guns from Mr. Anderson after being called to his home by paramedics because he was being combative. Deemed delusional and dangerous, he was taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation. He was not, however, committed, and when he sought the return of his guns, police officials concluded that they had no legal grounds to keep them.
Several months after Officer Laird’s death, the Indiana legislature passed its seizure bill, giving the police explicit authority to search for and confiscate guns from people who are considered dangerous or who are mentally ill and off their medication. The police can keep the guns, upon court approval, for five years.
Connecticut’s law, passed in 1999, was also a response to a high-profile shooting rampage: a disgruntled employee with a history of psychiatric problems fatally shot four people at the state lottery offices before killing himself.
This year, in the wake of the Newtown shooting, in which 20 children and six adults were killed, the mental health debate in state legislatures focused largely on two areas: requiring mental health professionals to report dangerous people to the authorities and expanding the mental health criteria for revoking gun rights.
One legislature that ultimately did act was New York’s, which passed a far-reaching — and controversial — measure that requires mental health professionals to report to county authorities anyone who “is likely to engage in conduct that would result in serious harm to self or others.” If county officials agree with the assessment, they must submit the information to the state’s Division of Criminal Justice Services, which alerts the local authorities to revoke the person’s firearms license and confiscate weapons.
Maryland, too, amended its laws, barring anyone with a mental disorder who has a history of violence from having firearms.
And California adopted a five-year firearms ban for anyone who communicates a violent threat against a “reasonably identifiable victim” to a licensed psychotherapist. Previously, the ban was six months.
The state already had a five-year gun ban for anyone deemed to be a danger to himself or others and admitted on a 72-hour psychiatric hold for emergency evaluation and treatment or a longer 14-day hold. (Both steps fall short of the criteria for an involuntary commitment under federal law.) Even in cases where people are sent for emergency evaluations but not admitted, the police may confiscate their weapons and petition a court to keep them.
California, Maryland and New York, however, are outliers. (Hawaii and Illinois also stand out for their strict — some would argue onerous — mental health standards for gun ownership.) Most states have been content to follow the federal government’s lead.
In fact, the issue has long been a political quagmire.
Gun rights advocates worry that seizure laws will ensnare law-abiding citizens who pose no threat. In Connecticut, with its imminent-risk standard for seizure, the law sometimes “reaches pretty normal people,” said Rachel Baird, a lawyer who has sued police departments over gun confiscations.
“People make comments all the time when they’re angry or frustrated — ‘I’m going to come down there, and it won’t be pretty’ — but if you say that and you own a firearm, it immediately takes on a context that it otherwise wouldn’t,” said Ms. Baird, a former prosecutor.
At the same time, mental health professionals worry that new seizure laws might stigmatize many people who have no greater propensity for violence than the broader population. They also fear that the laws will discourage people who need help from seeking treatment, while doing little to deter gun violence.
Research has shown, however, that people with serious mental illnesses, like schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder, do pose an increased risk of violence. In one widely cited study, Jeffrey W. Swanson, now a psychiatry professor at Duke University, found that when substance abusers were excluded, 33 percent of people with a serious mental illness reported past violent behavior, compared with 15 percent of people without such a disorder. The study, based on epidemiological survey data from the 1980s, defined violent behavior as everything from taking part in more than one fistfight as an adult to using a weapon in a fight.
Substance abuse, the study found, was a powerful predictor of violence. The highest rate, 64 percent, was found among people who had major mental disorders as well as substance abuse issues. For substance abusers alone, the rate was 55 percent.
This month a consortium of mental health professionals, public health researchers and gun control advocates released a 52-page report containing a series of recommendations on improving state laws regarding mental health and guns. The group focused largely on the gray area beyond the narrow federal standard of involuntary commitment, recommending that people admitted for short-term involuntary hospitalizations lose their gun rights temporarily, and that the police be given a mechanism for removing guns from people they believe to be dangerous.
“That could save a lot of lives,” said Dr. Swanson, a member of the consortium.
Varying Interpretations
One place that has an intimate awareness of the dangers of guns, especially in the hands of people struggling with mental illness, is Arapahoe County in Colorado, where 12 people died in the Aurora movie theater rampage last year. And at a high school there just this month, an 18-year-old gunman critically injured another student before taking his own life, though there has been no indication that mental illness was a factor.
Still, when it comes to seizing firearms, the sheriff there, Grayson Robinson, says he is also acutely aware of the legal limitations. If his deputies encountered a man on the street with a gun acting irrationally or suicidal, they would probably confiscate that weapon for safekeeping, he said. But they would not have the legal authority to enter his home and even temporarily take any other guns. Nor would the authorities hold on to the confiscated weapon, he said, unless the owner is expressly barred by law from having it.
“We understand property rights,” he said. “We would return those weapons to him upon his request.”
In the absence of specific guidance under federal and state laws, local police departments vary widely in how they deal with the issue, The Times found. Some hew to a strict interpretation. Others appear to be searching for a middle ground, fearful of what may happen if they return guns to dangerous people but also aware that they are on difficult legal terrain.
In Arapahoe County, the Sheriff’s Department has confiscated weapons from just 13 people it sent for emergency psychiatric evaluations in the past two years, records show. In 10 of those cases, the guns were returned to their owners. (One gun was scheduled for destruction at the owner’s request; another was given to a third party; one recent seizure was still in the department’s possession.)
Among the guns seized was the pistol from the bathrobe pocket of Mr. Santiago, the veteran found walking around his home in a trance in November 2011. It took five minutes after deputies arrived for Mr. Santiago, then 23, to emerge from his catatonic state, according to the incident report. When he came to, he asked if he had hurt anyone. He also told deputies that he had post-traumatic stress from his deployment in Afghanistan and had experienced a similar episode before. The Fire Department took Mr. Santiago to the hospital for a brief stay to be examined, and sheriff’s deputies took his gun. It was returned the following March.
In an interview, Mr. Santiago said he had “spaced out” after learning that an Army friend had died in a motorcycle accident. He said that the police had told him he could get his gun back right away but that he had decided to wait to “make sure I was all good.” He had expected to have to answer questions about his mental health and was shocked when he only had to fill out some paperwork.
“All I did was I walked in, walked through the metal detectors, walked downstairs to their holding area where they keep evidence for safekeeping,” he said. “They handed it right back to me, no questions asked.”
In August 2012, Arapahoe deputies were called to the home of Jarrod Thoma, 29, another veteran, who was holed up in his bathroom with a newly purchased Ruger pistol pointed at his head. A SWAT team eventually talked him out. According to the incident report, his wife told deputies that he had been discharged from the Army because of a “personality disorder.” (Mr. Thoma says it was actually adjustment disorder, from difficulty coping with stress.) His wife also told the police that he had tried to commit suicide twice before in 2011, once by overdosing on antidepressants and Tylenol and then in an episode involving a gun. The Sheriff’s Department returned Mr. Thoma’s gun three months later.
In an interview, Mr. Thoma said that after his encounter with the police, he voluntarily admitted himself to the hospital, where he remained for two and a half weeks, receiving counseling and medication. When he got his gun back, he said, his problems were under control.
“If I was a danger to others and if I was still suffering from some type of depression, I wouldn’t have went back and claimed my gun,” he said. “I’ve been through therapy. I put that stuff behind me.”
In Nashville, the police appear to be exercising greater discretion in returning seized firearms. Since 2010, they have confiscated weapons from 81 people in mental-health-related episodes, according to Don Aaron, a department spokesman. Guns were returned in just 18 of those cases.
Nashville police officials said they adhered to the same basic federal and state criteria as other departments. But because of problems obtaining full and accurate mental health records from the state’s background-check database, officials said, the department will sometimes ask for a doctor’s note certifying that the gun owner is no longer a danger or will agree to release guns only to a relative.
The Times found a similar rate of returns in Columbus. Last year, the police confiscated firearms from more than 40 people in mental-health-related episodes; in eight cases, the guns were returned.
Mr. Furbee, the Police Department’s chief legal adviser, said the detectives who handled these releases were “very deliberate.” Decisions can also be delayed, he said, because Ohio has no centralized registry of commitments to psychiatric institutions for the police to check. In addition, in several cases examined by The Times, the designation of the confiscated firearm was changed from “safekeeping” to “evidence,” which would delay its release.
Among those who did get their guns back relatively quickly was Paul Colflesh, whose 9-millimeter Beretta was confiscated in May 2012 after his wife, Melody Bowman, called 911. She told the police that Mr. Colflesh had stopped taking his medication for depression two weeks earlier and had begun drinking heavily, according to the incident report. On this night, he had gone up to the bedroom, grabbed his gun and said he was going to kill himself. She added that he had once before put the gun in his mouth and threatened suicide. (In an interview, Ms. Bowman said this had been about a year earlier, also while he was drinking.) Mr. Colflesh was so drunk that the police could not interview him.
A few days after being taken to the emergency room, Mr. Colflesh gave the police a note from his doctor, who said Mr. Colflesh had been off his medication for a month but realized that it was the “wrong thing to have done.” Mr. Colflesh, he concluded, “appears not in danger to himself or others since restarting his medications.”
A detective, who later contacted the doctor directly, scrawled notes that Mr. Colflesh was “not suicidal or dangerous to others if he takes meds.”
The police returned Mr. Colflesh’s gun two months after they took it.
“When somebody comes here and demands their weapon back, and there is no legal disability, we give it back, even when it makes us uncomfortable,” Mr. Furbee said.
67Officials in Florida have also been grappling with ambiguities under the law. In 2009, the attorney general issued an advisory opinion saying that “in the absence of an arrest and criminal charge,” the police could not hold on to firearms confiscated from people sent for mental health evaluations under the state’s Baker Act, which authorizes the police to send mentally ill people who are potentially dangerous for involuntary examinations of up to 72 hours.
Across Florida, however, departments are still taking a variety of approaches, with some simply returning the weapons upon request — after performing the requisite checks — and others imposing additional hurdles.
This year, a judge ordered the Daytona Beach police to return 16 guns to Anthony Bontempo, 27, a veteran with a history of post-traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism. They had been confiscated after he called a suicide hotline in hysterics eight months earlier. A gun-rights group, Florida Carry, filed a lawsuit on behalf of Mr. Bontempo, arguing that the police had no right to hold on to the weapons.
In Hillsborough County, people whose weapons are seized in Baker Act proceedings are required to attend a brief court hearing, where a judge can confirm that they are not felons, have never been involuntarily committed and have nothing else on their records that bars them from having guns. Almost all walk out with orders allowing them to retrieve their guns.
Mr. Piatt, 30, whose guns were seized after the episode at the Tampa veterans hospital, said the police had overreacted by having a group of officers go to his workplace to take him forcibly into custody.
But his medical records, which he sent to The Times, show diagnoses for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and “psychotic disorder not otherwise specified.” He had stopped taking his medication. Adding to his psychiatrist’s concern, Mr. Piatt’s roommate had called the veterans hospital worried about Mr. Piatt’s stability, saying he seemed paranoid and had woken him up in the middle of the night, screaming.
In an interview, Mr. Piatt said the judge who presided over his firearms-return hearing focused not on establishing his mental state but primarily on ensuring that he would store his weapons safely because he has a young son.
The judge, Claudia R. Isom, who at the time was responsible for all gun-return petitions in the county, said she simply required gun owners to affirm under oath that they met the various legal requirements and then determined if the police or the clerk’s office had found anything in their records checks. Judge Isom said she usually did not ask the petitioners if they were undergoing mental health treatment or taking their medication because “it was none of my business.”
“I’m supposed to apply the law,” she said. “If there’s no legal objection, then there’s no legal reason not to give a weapon back.”
A Volatile Mix
It is impossible to know just how many gun owners have serious mental health issues. But an examination of gun seizure records in Connecticut and Indiana, where the police have been granted greater leeway to confiscate firearms, offers perhaps the best sense of just how frequently gun ownership and mental instability mix. Officials with the Connecticut court system have collected records on more than 700 gun seizure cases since the law was enacted in 1999. That probably represents a partial count at best, however, because court officials did not make a concerted effort to ensure that all cases were reported to them until this year, after the Newtown shooting.
The Times analyzed this year’s cases in Connecticut and found that slightly more than half involved threats of suicide; 34 percent involved drugs or alcohol; and 42 percent clearly involved psychosis or some other serious mental health issue, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or clinical depression. Just under 30 percent of the mental health cases also involved drugs or alcohol.
The results were similar in Marion County, Ind., which includes Indianapolis. In 2012, the police seized 67 guns from 30 people, according to court records. Documents in 40 percent of the cases mentioned some sort of mental illness; a quarter of those cases also involved substance abuse.
In one case in April, residents of Carlyle Place in Indianapolis flagged down a police cruiser because one of their neighbors, Michael Fishburn, 54, was screaming at cars and had pointed a handgun at a woman, according to a court affidavit. The day before, he had been strutting around his yard making rooster noises, they said. The police took Mr. Fishburn to the hospital and learned that he had been receiving mental health treatment there for the previous 10 years. They also discovered that he had a lifetime permit to carry a handgun. A judge ordered the police to retain Mr. Fishburn’s pistol, as well as a shotgun, for five years.
The case of James Serapilia of Bristol, Conn., illustrates just how challenging it can be to assess mental stability and predict violence. Shortly after midnight on March 19, 2004, the sound of breaking glass drew the police to a small ranch-style house, where they found Mr. Serapilia, then 41, standing amid the shattered remains of his living room window.
“In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you demons to leave,” he yelled, according to a police report. As officers struggled to gain entry, Mr. Serapilia grabbed a shard of glass, held it to his throat and said, “This is it.” He was stopped only after a sergeant fired a Taser through the broken window. Inside, the police found two rifles in the living room, along with several rounds of ammunition on a table and two handguns in an upstairs closet. Officers seized the weapons.
But as a local prosecutor explained in a court hearing, “the state has the burden of showing that he’s in imminent danger to himself or others” or must eventually return the firearms. So 10 months after the episode, Mr. Serapilia, supported by a positive report from his psychiatrist, got his guns back.
But the police had not seen the last of him. Early on the morning of Sept. 25, 2010, they were at his house again, this time for a Lifeline medical alert for an older person in distress. Officers discovered Mr. Serapilia’s mother lying in the entryway, unable to get up. She pointed to her son, who was sitting on the floor nearby, appearing pale, sweating profusely and surrounded by empty beer cans. “He wouldn’t call an ambulance,” she said, according to a police report.
Mr. Serapilia bolted from the house, screaming that he was Jesus Christ, and proceeded to lead the police on a car chase through three towns before officers were able to deflate the tires of his Toyota Tacoma, smash a passenger-side window and drag him from the vehicle. He later told them that he had schizophrenia and depression, had stopped taking his medication and believed he was being chased by demons, the report said. This time, because Mr. Serapilia was criminally charged and his guns were seized as contraband, a judge ordered them destroyed. Mr. Serapilia, through his sister, declined to comment.
As for Mark Russo, the Middletown man who is looking forward to reclaiming his 18 guns in April, he acknowledged that public records indicated that he had made threats of violence, but he said they were untrue. He said he had had difficulty getting doctors to understand the real nature of his problem, which is not mental illness but paranormal activities that have afflicted him since his youth, including objects disappearing from his home and a bird once flying out of his forehead.
“I’ve offered to take a lie-detector test to prove what I’m saying is true,” he said. “But psychiatrists, they don’t want to hear about God and demons and all that.”
At the Middletown Police Department, Lt. Heather Desmond said there was little her agency could do to avoid returning guns to someone who is mentally ill, unless “there are new incidents or concerns that would justify seeking another risk warrant.” The police check their records for that before handing over the firearms, she said.
“But if a year has gone by and nothing new has happened, there’s nothing we can do,” Lieutenant Desmond said. “It’s unfortunate, and it’s something that has to be addressed.”
Monday, December 23, 2013
Sunday, November 24, 2013
The growing need for more bipartisanship in Congress
It is not an understatement to say that based on results in Congress over the last few years, there is a minimal desire to work together across party lines in order to solve all types of problems facing this country. While the October shutdown was not the first, it has been nearly 20 years since there was one. There are members of Congress who have boastfully put their principles or selfish desires over the betterment of the country. Over time, it is not unheard of for politicians from opposing parties to not always get along. Going back to the federalist and anti-federalists through Democrats and Republicans, there is always more than one way to look at a current issue. However, as was seen in previous times; times not that long ago, it is possible to stand by your principles while also opening yourself up to conversations and ideas from the other side of the aisle.
A perfect case of that perspective was displayed recently by Trent Lott, a Republican from Mississippi who was Senate Majority Leader from 1996 to 2001, and Tom Daschle, a Democrat from South Dakota who was Senate Majority Leader from 2001 to 2003. The two, like when they were in Congress, came together to provide the following analysis of Congress today and what needs to be done:
The Senate majority’s decision to exercise the “nuclear option” on presidential nominations is the clearest evidence yet of how much the Senate has changed in the years since we left office. The two of us worked in Congress for, collectively, more than a half-century as Hill staff, members of the U.S. House and Senate, and Senate majority leaders. We believe in representative democracy as strongly today as we did on the first day we arrived in Washington.
Looking back, we know that many things could have been done better. Partisan battles prevented good people from being confirmed for public office or good legislation from being enacted. But in the 1990s, under Democratic and Republican administrations and Congresses, we ended the decade with balanced federal budgets and more than 22 million new jobs . Telecommunications reform, welfare reform, safe drinking water, portability of insurance, tax cuts, education reform and hundreds of other bills were enacted despite sometimes bitter political disputes, evenly divided party caucuses and a constitutional crisis involving the impeachment of a president.
In recent years, Washington has become deeply polarized and far less civil. Dysfunction has become the status quo. So, what changed?
First, there used to be a shared determination to get things done. When we were in Congress, we had active lines of communication and, for the most part, members were friends. Members spent more time in Washington with their families. There were many occasions to socialize across party lines.
In many ways, the polarization rampant in Washington today reflects the fact that, on matters involving government’s role in society, the American people are deeply divided.
A core challenge for every member of Congress is knowing when to stand one’s ground and when to find common ground. Politicians generally get elected because of their ideological beliefs and the effectiveness with which they articulate positions. Understandably, legislators want to defend their positions during debates. In recent years, however, many lawmakers have taken that tendency to new heights, even pledging that they will never compromise.
The problem with standing one’s ground exclusively is that it assumes that a majority in the House, a super-majority in the Senate and the president of the United States all share that same fervent position. Without compromise, there is no common ground. With no common ground, efforts to address national problems cannot succeed.
This dysfunction is compounded by the fact that members of Congress spend less and less time in Washington. With fewer legislative days, there are fewer opportunities for dialogue and negotiation. It is not uncommon for legislators to leave Washington on Thursdays, return on Tuesdays and attempt to govern on Wednesdays. The Senate calendar expects three weeks of work in Washington and then one week for state work. The House calendar calls for two weeks here and two weeks of district work. Less time in town means fewer opportunities to get to know one another. Less familiarity leads to less trust, which leads to less cooperation, which often leads to less consensus and, ultimately, fewer accomplishments.
Then there is the “permanent campaign.” When we entered Congress, election campaigns lasted a few months. Most of the time when the election ended, the winners came to Washington and attention turned to legislating until the next election cycle started 18 to 20 months later.
Today, there is no end to campaigns. Senators elected to a six-year term start the fundraising process virtually the day after the election. The travel, events and phone calls required for any member in a competitive primary or general election has reached unprecedented levels. The more time spent on fundraising, the less time spent on legislating.
Another effect of the permanent campaign is the practice of members of Congress campaigning against their colleagues. We would have never campaigned against each other. This trend has fractured relationships, undermined trust and diminished chances for a more conducive environment for legislating.
So what should be done?
There is no simple panacea for reform of redistricting issues, campaign finance, voter participation and political advertising. These and structural-reform proposals on the budget, legislative committees and rules ought to be viewed as longer-term matters. But some things could be done to improve the political climate.
First, Congress should return to a five-day workweek and commit to “regular order.” Leadership should schedule votes on Fridays and Mondays to accommodate a more ambitious legislative agenda. Conference committees should be reestablished with a commitment to complete the budget and appropriations process on time. If necessary, recesses should be canceled to accommodate this.
Second, joint caucuses should be scheduled at least once a month. The primary focus could be an off-the-record discussion of pending issues with an expectation that members would agree to move at least one matter of legislation for which common agreement could be found at each meeting.
Third, end the Senate practice of “holds.” Members of both parties have abused this practice, which is now tantamount to a veto. Unanimity on a nominee or procedural motion is too high a bar in a democratic legislative process. It invites far too much delay and dysfunction. Given recent events in the Senate, holds on nominees may be less frequent in the near future. But it is more imperative than ever that all senators show respect for Senate rules and procedure.
Fourth, initiate weekly meetings at the White House and quarterly weekend meetings at Camp David. Regular engagement between the president and leaders of Congress is necessary. Camp David offers the opportunity to work and socialize. There is far too little bipartisan socialization among political leaders today.
None of these recommendations is a game-changer. Ultimately, the American people must demand greater statesmanship and legislative achievement. But our political leaders in Washington can do a lot to set the example and improve the tone.
A perfect case of that perspective was displayed recently by Trent Lott, a Republican from Mississippi who was Senate Majority Leader from 1996 to 2001, and Tom Daschle, a Democrat from South Dakota who was Senate Majority Leader from 2001 to 2003. The two, like when they were in Congress, came together to provide the following analysis of Congress today and what needs to be done:
The Senate majority’s decision to exercise the “nuclear option” on presidential nominations is the clearest evidence yet of how much the Senate has changed in the years since we left office. The two of us worked in Congress for, collectively, more than a half-century as Hill staff, members of the U.S. House and Senate, and Senate majority leaders. We believe in representative democracy as strongly today as we did on the first day we arrived in Washington.
Looking back, we know that many things could have been done better. Partisan battles prevented good people from being confirmed for public office or good legislation from being enacted. But in the 1990s, under Democratic and Republican administrations and Congresses, we ended the decade with balanced federal budgets and more than 22 million new jobs . Telecommunications reform, welfare reform, safe drinking water, portability of insurance, tax cuts, education reform and hundreds of other bills were enacted despite sometimes bitter political disputes, evenly divided party caucuses and a constitutional crisis involving the impeachment of a president.
In recent years, Washington has become deeply polarized and far less civil. Dysfunction has become the status quo. So, what changed?
First, there used to be a shared determination to get things done. When we were in Congress, we had active lines of communication and, for the most part, members were friends. Members spent more time in Washington with their families. There were many occasions to socialize across party lines.
In many ways, the polarization rampant in Washington today reflects the fact that, on matters involving government’s role in society, the American people are deeply divided.
A core challenge for every member of Congress is knowing when to stand one’s ground and when to find common ground. Politicians generally get elected because of their ideological beliefs and the effectiveness with which they articulate positions. Understandably, legislators want to defend their positions during debates. In recent years, however, many lawmakers have taken that tendency to new heights, even pledging that they will never compromise.
The problem with standing one’s ground exclusively is that it assumes that a majority in the House, a super-majority in the Senate and the president of the United States all share that same fervent position. Without compromise, there is no common ground. With no common ground, efforts to address national problems cannot succeed.
This dysfunction is compounded by the fact that members of Congress spend less and less time in Washington. With fewer legislative days, there are fewer opportunities for dialogue and negotiation. It is not uncommon for legislators to leave Washington on Thursdays, return on Tuesdays and attempt to govern on Wednesdays. The Senate calendar expects three weeks of work in Washington and then one week for state work. The House calendar calls for two weeks here and two weeks of district work. Less time in town means fewer opportunities to get to know one another. Less familiarity leads to less trust, which leads to less cooperation, which often leads to less consensus and, ultimately, fewer accomplishments.
Then there is the “permanent campaign.” When we entered Congress, election campaigns lasted a few months. Most of the time when the election ended, the winners came to Washington and attention turned to legislating until the next election cycle started 18 to 20 months later.
Today, there is no end to campaigns. Senators elected to a six-year term start the fundraising process virtually the day after the election. The travel, events and phone calls required for any member in a competitive primary or general election has reached unprecedented levels. The more time spent on fundraising, the less time spent on legislating.
Another effect of the permanent campaign is the practice of members of Congress campaigning against their colleagues. We would have never campaigned against each other. This trend has fractured relationships, undermined trust and diminished chances for a more conducive environment for legislating.
So what should be done?
There is no simple panacea for reform of redistricting issues, campaign finance, voter participation and political advertising. These and structural-reform proposals on the budget, legislative committees and rules ought to be viewed as longer-term matters. But some things could be done to improve the political climate.
First, Congress should return to a five-day workweek and commit to “regular order.” Leadership should schedule votes on Fridays and Mondays to accommodate a more ambitious legislative agenda. Conference committees should be reestablished with a commitment to complete the budget and appropriations process on time. If necessary, recesses should be canceled to accommodate this.
Second, joint caucuses should be scheduled at least once a month. The primary focus could be an off-the-record discussion of pending issues with an expectation that members would agree to move at least one matter of legislation for which common agreement could be found at each meeting.
Third, end the Senate practice of “holds.” Members of both parties have abused this practice, which is now tantamount to a veto. Unanimity on a nominee or procedural motion is too high a bar in a democratic legislative process. It invites far too much delay and dysfunction. Given recent events in the Senate, holds on nominees may be less frequent in the near future. But it is more imperative than ever that all senators show respect for Senate rules and procedure.
Fourth, initiate weekly meetings at the White House and quarterly weekend meetings at Camp David. Regular engagement between the president and leaders of Congress is necessary. Camp David offers the opportunity to work and socialize. There is far too little bipartisan socialization among political leaders today.
None of these recommendations is a game-changer. Ultimately, the American people must demand greater statesmanship and legislative achievement. But our political leaders in Washington can do a lot to set the example and improve the tone.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Putting country before party
As the clock hits roughly a year before the 2014 midterm elections next November, the following piece by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-17) and Congressman Chris Gibson (R-19) is something you should keep in mind when selecting your representatives. Bustos and Gibson are two of the 80 plus members of Congress that make up the No Labels' problem solvers, a group committed to working with members of the other party in order to better the country and not a party's agenda. While I feel a few members do not always come across as problem solvers, Bustos and Gibson have shown through their actions to be open-minded and wanting to actually address issues that their constituents and the country on a whole care about by showing a willingness to compromise in order to create progress.
Here is the article by Bustos and Gibson featured in the Daily Review Atlas:
Far too often, people these days focus on our differences instead of what brings us together. And more than ever, America has felt like a nation divided, not states united. But some of us are working hard to change that because we know we can do better than this.
Although one of us is a Democrat from Illinois and one a Republican from New York, we both strongly believe that loyalty to our country should come before that to our party. Our hardworking constituents elected us not to point fingers, but to lead. Not to cause problems, but to find common sense solutions to the big issues of the day.
That is why both of us joined the bipartisan group called ‘No Labels’ and have been named Congressional Problem Solvers. We represent a diverse range of viewpoints and beliefs, but are united in our desire to put partisanship aside and find ways to work together.
The recent government shutdown was a product of ongoing political games that both parties have played, where there was too much focus on political winners and losers and not enough on what’s best for our constituents. This has created persistent gridlock in Congress and governing from crisis to crisis. As a former newspaper reporter and Army officer, we were as frustrated by this as the people we represent.
So, while talking heads on cable news fueled this partisan standoff, we met daily with our No Labels colleagues. We sometimes had heated discussions, but every morning over coffee we worked to find middle ground and do our part to resolve the crisis. We knew that although we wouldn’t agree on every proposal put forth, we had to keep a dialogue going or we’d face something worse than a shutdown- economic disaster.
Perhaps most importantly, throughout those breakfast meetings, we built an increased level of trust and a respect for our shared commitment to working together that will serve us well in future debates in Congress. Extreme voices on both sides often get the most attention, but we No Labels Problem Solvers are living proof that reasonable lawmakers still exist, and are dedicated to breaking through the partisan gridlock for the good of our nation.
We both represent parts of the country where hardworking people have a simple expectation- that their elected officials get things done. That they put politics aside and do what it takes to make government work for the people- like it’s supposed to.
We’re committed to continuing to do our part to change the culture in Washington and hope that more of our colleagues join us in No Labels. Civility is an easy concept. People don’t expect us to agree on every issue, but they expect good governance and leaders that put the needs of our nation first.
Here is the article by Bustos and Gibson featured in the Daily Review Atlas:
Far too often, people these days focus on our differences instead of what brings us together. And more than ever, America has felt like a nation divided, not states united. But some of us are working hard to change that because we know we can do better than this.
Although one of us is a Democrat from Illinois and one a Republican from New York, we both strongly believe that loyalty to our country should come before that to our party. Our hardworking constituents elected us not to point fingers, but to lead. Not to cause problems, but to find common sense solutions to the big issues of the day.
That is why both of us joined the bipartisan group called ‘No Labels’ and have been named Congressional Problem Solvers. We represent a diverse range of viewpoints and beliefs, but are united in our desire to put partisanship aside and find ways to work together.
The recent government shutdown was a product of ongoing political games that both parties have played, where there was too much focus on political winners and losers and not enough on what’s best for our constituents. This has created persistent gridlock in Congress and governing from crisis to crisis. As a former newspaper reporter and Army officer, we were as frustrated by this as the people we represent.
So, while talking heads on cable news fueled this partisan standoff, we met daily with our No Labels colleagues. We sometimes had heated discussions, but every morning over coffee we worked to find middle ground and do our part to resolve the crisis. We knew that although we wouldn’t agree on every proposal put forth, we had to keep a dialogue going or we’d face something worse than a shutdown- economic disaster.
Perhaps most importantly, throughout those breakfast meetings, we built an increased level of trust and a respect for our shared commitment to working together that will serve us well in future debates in Congress. Extreme voices on both sides often get the most attention, but we No Labels Problem Solvers are living proof that reasonable lawmakers still exist, and are dedicated to breaking through the partisan gridlock for the good of our nation.
We both represent parts of the country where hardworking people have a simple expectation- that their elected officials get things done. That they put politics aside and do what it takes to make government work for the people- like it’s supposed to.
We’re committed to continuing to do our part to change the culture in Washington and hope that more of our colleagues join us in No Labels. Civility is an easy concept. People don’t expect us to agree on every issue, but they expect good governance and leaders that put the needs of our nation first.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
College Football Week 11 Power Rankings
As the calendar turned to November, Week 10 provided some relatively calmness in the lead up to this week when there will be guaranteed movement. The only real major change was Miami (FL) joining a long list of teams thus far getting run over by Florida State. They still remain at #3 with both Alabama and Oregon running to action in big games this week that could lead one or both of them losing. Ohio State had their second straight dominant win while Baylor creeps in the top 5 before their biggest game of the year against Oklahoma. The only team to fall from the top 25 was Michigan who was dissected by Michigan State, who continues to look very good. Arizona State moves into the top 25 to replace Michigan.
With Week 11 ahead, here are this week's power rankings:
1)(1) Alabama (vs LSU): They have been challenged the most under Nick Saban by LSU and should be prepared for another gritty clash.
2)(2) Oregon (at Stanford): This week and Stanford is likely the biggest obstacle in their way of getting to a national title game.
3)(3) Florida State (at Wake Forest): It is hard to see them not scoring at least about 50 points this week.
4)(4) Ohio State (BYE): They are starting to play like a team that knows it needs to win in dominant fashion.
5)(6) Baylor (vs Oklahoma): They have been a scoring juggernaut this year and if they can continue that this week it will better their argument as a top tier team.
6)(7) Stanford (vs Oregon): They play a style of football that poses challenges for Oregon and are just as good as them.
7)(8) Clemson (BYE): They get a week off to keep themselves focused and on track down the stretch.
8)(9) Auburn (at Tennessee): They now are beginning to position themselves for a SEC West crown if they can keep their winning ways going.
9)(10) LSU (at Alabama): This week's game is a must win for them if they want to stay alive in the SEC West.
10)(11) Texas A&M (vs Mississippi State): They continue to largely do as QB Johnny Manziel goes and he will continues to amaze each week.
11)(12) Missouri (at Kentucky): They continue to look very good and rebounded nicely and should have little trouble this week.
12)(5) Miami (FL) (vs Virginia Tech): They must get refocused to avoid a second straight conference loss against another foe who has challenged over the years.
13)(13) Fresno State (at Wyoming): They have been largely driven by a budding quarterback star and should stay undefeated for at least one more week.
14)(14) Oklahoma (at Baylor): They are looking to bring Baylor back to reality similarly to what they did to Texas Tech but it won't be as easy.
15)(15) South Carolina (BYE): They get a week off to nurse some wounds and keep themselves on track for a potential SEC East title.
16)(20) Oklahoma State (vs Kansas): They have been slowly getting themselves back into a nice groove and showing signs of their dangerous offense.
17)(17) UCLA (at Arizona): They will need to utilize their offensive versatility this week to continue to keep themselves in control of the Pac-12 South.
18)(25) Michigan State (BYE): They get a week off and that should help as they look to have a strong November finish.
19)(18) UCF (vs Houston): They get a Houston team this week and that will force them to push their point totals upward and their balanced offensive attack could get in a shootout.
20)(19) Louisville (at UConn): They can only take care of business at this point and hope UCF trips up.
21)(21) Northern Illinois (BYE): They get a bye and are likely to keep at least one eye on Fresno State down the stretch as only one will likely get an at-large BCS bid if they win out.
22)(22) Wisconsin (vs BYU): They look to continue their dominance in what could be a hard hitting affair at home this week.
23)(16) Texas Tech (vs Kansas State): They have had a couple stumbles after their nice start and must be leery of an emerging Kansas State team next as they try to get back in the winning column.
24)(24) Notre Dame (at Pittsburgh): They have played a lot of close ones this year and this rivalry game should be a tough one as well.
25)(NR) Arizona State (at Utah): They have bounced on and off the top 25 and now they are poised to start to move up starting this week if they step up.
NEXT 5
1) BYU (at Wisconsin): If they can get a win this week, it will get them into the top 25 and add a growing spotlight on them.
2) Texas (at West Virginia): They continue to win and should be poised to keep that trend going.
3) Georgia (vs Appalachian St): They catch a lesser caliber team but with injuries impacting their offense it won't be as easy as it should be.
4) Mississippi (vs Arkansas): They should be able to secure another win and a step in the right direction as they continue to build up their program.
5) Houston (at UCF): They have emerged as a very good offense squad who could shake up the AAC this week.
This week two Thursday night clashes begin what should be another big week as the top 25 is begins to take on a divided look with the top title contenders and everyone else. A couple teams have a loss or two and know they must win out to be in the same sentence as the top 3.
With Week 11 ahead, here are this week's power rankings:
1)(1) Alabama (vs LSU): They have been challenged the most under Nick Saban by LSU and should be prepared for another gritty clash.
2)(2) Oregon (at Stanford): This week and Stanford is likely the biggest obstacle in their way of getting to a national title game.
3)(3) Florida State (at Wake Forest): It is hard to see them not scoring at least about 50 points this week.
4)(4) Ohio State (BYE): They are starting to play like a team that knows it needs to win in dominant fashion.
5)(6) Baylor (vs Oklahoma): They have been a scoring juggernaut this year and if they can continue that this week it will better their argument as a top tier team.
6)(7) Stanford (vs Oregon): They play a style of football that poses challenges for Oregon and are just as good as them.
7)(8) Clemson (BYE): They get a week off to keep themselves focused and on track down the stretch.
8)(9) Auburn (at Tennessee): They now are beginning to position themselves for a SEC West crown if they can keep their winning ways going.
9)(10) LSU (at Alabama): This week's game is a must win for them if they want to stay alive in the SEC West.
10)(11) Texas A&M (vs Mississippi State): They continue to largely do as QB Johnny Manziel goes and he will continues to amaze each week.
11)(12) Missouri (at Kentucky): They continue to look very good and rebounded nicely and should have little trouble this week.
12)(5) Miami (FL) (vs Virginia Tech): They must get refocused to avoid a second straight conference loss against another foe who has challenged over the years.
13)(13) Fresno State (at Wyoming): They have been largely driven by a budding quarterback star and should stay undefeated for at least one more week.
14)(14) Oklahoma (at Baylor): They are looking to bring Baylor back to reality similarly to what they did to Texas Tech but it won't be as easy.
15)(15) South Carolina (BYE): They get a week off to nurse some wounds and keep themselves on track for a potential SEC East title.
16)(20) Oklahoma State (vs Kansas): They have been slowly getting themselves back into a nice groove and showing signs of their dangerous offense.
17)(17) UCLA (at Arizona): They will need to utilize their offensive versatility this week to continue to keep themselves in control of the Pac-12 South.
18)(25) Michigan State (BYE): They get a week off and that should help as they look to have a strong November finish.
19)(18) UCF (vs Houston): They get a Houston team this week and that will force them to push their point totals upward and their balanced offensive attack could get in a shootout.
20)(19) Louisville (at UConn): They can only take care of business at this point and hope UCF trips up.
21)(21) Northern Illinois (BYE): They get a bye and are likely to keep at least one eye on Fresno State down the stretch as only one will likely get an at-large BCS bid if they win out.
22)(22) Wisconsin (vs BYU): They look to continue their dominance in what could be a hard hitting affair at home this week.
23)(16) Texas Tech (vs Kansas State): They have had a couple stumbles after their nice start and must be leery of an emerging Kansas State team next as they try to get back in the winning column.
24)(24) Notre Dame (at Pittsburgh): They have played a lot of close ones this year and this rivalry game should be a tough one as well.
25)(NR) Arizona State (at Utah): They have bounced on and off the top 25 and now they are poised to start to move up starting this week if they step up.
NEXT 5
1) BYU (at Wisconsin): If they can get a win this week, it will get them into the top 25 and add a growing spotlight on them.
2) Texas (at West Virginia): They continue to win and should be poised to keep that trend going.
3) Georgia (vs Appalachian St): They catch a lesser caliber team but with injuries impacting their offense it won't be as easy as it should be.
4) Mississippi (vs Arkansas): They should be able to secure another win and a step in the right direction as they continue to build up their program.
5) Houston (at UCF): They have emerged as a very good offense squad who could shake up the AAC this week.
This week two Thursday night clashes begin what should be another big week as the top 25 is begins to take on a divided look with the top title contenders and everyone else. A couple teams have a loss or two and know they must win out to be in the same sentence as the top 3.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
College Football Week 10 Power Rankings
After a couple weeks of some major changes among the top 25, Week 9 was relatively calm with only a few minor changes led by Missouri suffering its first loss of the year. Alabama and Oregon sit atop of the rankings once again with Florida State proving to be the third best and potentially waiting for one of the others to falter. Miami (FL) continues their strong year and now must try to stop Florida State this week while Ohio State continues to take care of business and has not lost since the 2011 season. Texas Tech and UCLA also slipped a little bit this week along with Missouri. Virginia Tech and Nebraska suffered rough losses that knocked them out of the top 25 and opened the door for UCF and Michigan State to jump into the top 25.
With Week 10 ahead, here are this week's power rankings:
1)(1) Alabama (BYE)- They continue to look like the best team and get a week off to rest up for the stretch run.
2)(2) Oregon (BYE)- They get a week off and need to ensure they are ready for Stanford next week.
3)(3) Florida State (vs Miami (FL))- They look to keep their national title hopes going and enter a top 5 matchup heavily favored.
4)(4) Ohio State (at Purdue)- After some close Big 10 battles this year, this one should be more reflexive of their win last week.
5)(5) Miami (FL) (at Florida State)- They can truly return to top tier status if they can pull the upset on the road this week.
6)(7) Baylor (BYE)- The way they are playing this year, they might still score 30 points on their bye week and need to be sharp as they enter the meat of their schedule.
7)(8) Stanford (BYE)- Like Oregon, they get a week off to prepare for the game of the year in the Pac-12.
8)(9) Clemson (at Virginia)-They need to take of games like this week in order to stay on track for a potential BCS at-large bid.
9)(13) Auburn (at Arkansas)-They should be able to continue to build on their success this year with a weaker SEC foe this week.
10)(14) LSU (BYE)-They are looking to finish strong after this bye week and still make some noise.
11)(15) Texas A&M (vs UTEP)-They like LSU have a small window for mistakes and should have little trouble this week.
12)(6) Missouri (vs Tennessee)-They should be able to bounce back after their first loss but still should not overlook a team that has played some top teams close.
13)(12) Fresno State (vs Nevada)-They hope to continue their pursuit of a perfect and BCS birth.
14)(18) Oklahoma (BYE)-They have a week off to better position themselves for a big one with Baylor.
15)(20) South Carolina (vs Mississippi State)-They may have been dismissed a little too soon cause they might have the inside track to the SEC East after their win against Missouri.
16)(10) Texas Tech (vs Oklahoma State)-They got hit hard last week and will find themselves in another tough challenge this week.
17)(11) UCLA (vs Colorado)-They were given two back to back tough tests and did not come out on top but should get their confidence back this week.
18)(NR) UCF (BYE)-They have shown to be a much more balanced team than some expected and stand in a very good spot for a BCS bid.
19)(16) Louisville (BYE)-They get a week off to assess what might need to be tweaked to get their efficient offense back in check.
20)(17) Oklahoma State (at Texas Tech)-They find themselves in a position to make a run in the Big 12 and get in the BCS picture.
21)(22) Northern Illinois (at UMass)-They should be able to stay on a track for another potential BCS at-large birth this week.
22)(21) Wisconsin (at Iowa)- They should prepare for a physical contest this week but continue to look like the second best Big 10 after Ohio State.
23)(23) Michigan (at Michigan State)-They enter a big rivalry game with a struggling offense that will face a tough defense.
24)(24) Notre Dame (vs Navy)-They dominated Navy for years but the last few years have shown a shift towards a closer series and that will likely be the case this week.
25)(NR) Michigan State (vs Michigan)-They might be the quietest very good team this season as they have a great chance to win the Big 10 if they continue to do what they have done so far.
NEXT 5
1) Arizona State (at Washington State): They continue to be a team that looks ready to make a statement and could do so down the stretch.
2) BYU (BYE): They get a week off but could creep into the top 25 if they continue their strong year.
3) Georgia (vs Florida): They enter their rivalry team this week slightly less beat up than their opponent.
4) Texas (vs Kansas): They had a rough September, but have nicely rebounded.
5) Mississippi (BYE): They are at near the top of that second tier of SEC teams looking to have a break through.
There are a few more top 25 matchups this week led by a top 5 clash so the rankings will continue to see some shake ups as the calendar turns towards November where crazy things can happen on the path to a title for top teams.
With Week 10 ahead, here are this week's power rankings:
1)(1) Alabama (BYE)- They continue to look like the best team and get a week off to rest up for the stretch run.
2)(2) Oregon (BYE)- They get a week off and need to ensure they are ready for Stanford next week.
3)(3) Florida State (vs Miami (FL))- They look to keep their national title hopes going and enter a top 5 matchup heavily favored.
4)(4) Ohio State (at Purdue)- After some close Big 10 battles this year, this one should be more reflexive of their win last week.
5)(5) Miami (FL) (at Florida State)- They can truly return to top tier status if they can pull the upset on the road this week.
6)(7) Baylor (BYE)- The way they are playing this year, they might still score 30 points on their bye week and need to be sharp as they enter the meat of their schedule.
7)(8) Stanford (BYE)- Like Oregon, they get a week off to prepare for the game of the year in the Pac-12.
8)(9) Clemson (at Virginia)-They need to take of games like this week in order to stay on track for a potential BCS at-large bid.
9)(13) Auburn (at Arkansas)-They should be able to continue to build on their success this year with a weaker SEC foe this week.
10)(14) LSU (BYE)-They are looking to finish strong after this bye week and still make some noise.
11)(15) Texas A&M (vs UTEP)-They like LSU have a small window for mistakes and should have little trouble this week.
12)(6) Missouri (vs Tennessee)-They should be able to bounce back after their first loss but still should not overlook a team that has played some top teams close.
13)(12) Fresno State (vs Nevada)-They hope to continue their pursuit of a perfect and BCS birth.
14)(18) Oklahoma (BYE)-They have a week off to better position themselves for a big one with Baylor.
15)(20) South Carolina (vs Mississippi State)-They may have been dismissed a little too soon cause they might have the inside track to the SEC East after their win against Missouri.
16)(10) Texas Tech (vs Oklahoma State)-They got hit hard last week and will find themselves in another tough challenge this week.
17)(11) UCLA (vs Colorado)-They were given two back to back tough tests and did not come out on top but should get their confidence back this week.
18)(NR) UCF (BYE)-They have shown to be a much more balanced team than some expected and stand in a very good spot for a BCS bid.
19)(16) Louisville (BYE)-They get a week off to assess what might need to be tweaked to get their efficient offense back in check.
20)(17) Oklahoma State (at Texas Tech)-They find themselves in a position to make a run in the Big 12 and get in the BCS picture.
21)(22) Northern Illinois (at UMass)-They should be able to stay on a track for another potential BCS at-large birth this week.
22)(21) Wisconsin (at Iowa)- They should prepare for a physical contest this week but continue to look like the second best Big 10 after Ohio State.
23)(23) Michigan (at Michigan State)-They enter a big rivalry game with a struggling offense that will face a tough defense.
24)(24) Notre Dame (vs Navy)-They dominated Navy for years but the last few years have shown a shift towards a closer series and that will likely be the case this week.
25)(NR) Michigan State (vs Michigan)-They might be the quietest very good team this season as they have a great chance to win the Big 10 if they continue to do what they have done so far.
NEXT 5
1) Arizona State (at Washington State): They continue to be a team that looks ready to make a statement and could do so down the stretch.
2) BYU (BYE): They get a week off but could creep into the top 25 if they continue their strong year.
3) Georgia (vs Florida): They enter their rivalry team this week slightly less beat up than their opponent.
4) Texas (vs Kansas): They had a rough September, but have nicely rebounded.
5) Mississippi (BYE): They are at near the top of that second tier of SEC teams looking to have a break through.
There are a few more top 25 matchups this week led by a top 5 clash so the rankings will continue to see some shake ups as the calendar turns towards November where crazy things can happen on the path to a title for top teams.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
College Football Week 9 Power Rankings
After a few minor changes after Week 7, Week 8 provided major foundation shifts among the top 25 especially the top 10 as 6 teams loss led by Clemson getting blown out by Florida State in their top 5 matchup. Alabama, Oregon, and now Florida State look like the best teams right now. Ohio State survived another close call while Missouri continues to move up the polls after back to back wins over Georgia and Florida; who both find themselves out of the top 25 after their third losses on the year. Injuries have not been kind to either especially the Bulldogs. Washington also suffered its third straight loss and like the two SEC teams; they are out of the top 25. In this week comes Michigan, Notre Dame, and Virginia Tech. The Hokies have quietly won every game after dropping the first to Alabama. Clemson, Louisville, and UCLA look to rebound after their first losses while LSU, Texas A&M, and South Carolina now has two losses on the year and have a tougher road to a SEC title game and potentially a national title game.
With Week 9 ahead, here are this week's power rankings:
1)(1) Alabama (vs Tennessee)- While most of the top SEC stumbled last week, they didn't and they have seemed to mostly avoid such occurrences but who knows if this week will be different.
2)(2) Oregon (vs UCLA)- They have steamrolled everyone so far and it is hard to see UCLA being able to slow them let alone outscore them.
3)(5) Florida State (vs NC State)- They loss one game last year and it was against NC State so revenge might be in mind this week.
4)(3) Ohio State (vs Penn State)- They have survived three straight grind out wins against conference foes and could be tested again.
5)(11) Miami (FL) (vs Wake Forest)- They had a scare last week and will likely look to apply lessons from that game to this week.
6)(14) Missouri (vs South Carolina)- They can continue their march through top SEC teams by taking down South Carolina.
7)(12) Baylor (vs Kansas)- They have benefited from many upsets and could position themselves in the national title conversation if they can keep putting points up.
8)(13) Stanford (at Oregon State)- They rebounded nicely last week and are still in the top tier conversation after several upsets last week.
9)(4) Clemson (at Maryland)- They seemed to building confidence that this year would be different but then got hit hard back to reality last week and will need to quickly refocus.
10)(16) Texas Tech (at Oklahoma)- They have not won every game pretty but they have enough to survive close games and that will help against a big conference foe this week.
11)(10) UCLA (at Oregon)- They draw what Washington did recently by getting Oregon after Stanford and hope to avoid their first two losses in the same fashion.
12)(17) Fresno State (at San Diego State)- They are undefeated and could be a BCS buster if they avoid any trip ups as top teams continue to fall.
13)(24) Auburn (vs Florida Atlantic)- They got probably their biggest win of the last three years last week against Texas A&M.
14)(7) LSU (vs Furman)- They should easily rebound this week but might have thrown away any title game hopes last week.
15)(8) Texas A&M (vs Vanderbilt)- If their defense continues to give up a lot of points, their star quarterback will have to be amazing to bail them out and he might need again this week.
16)(6) Louisville (at South Florida)- They likely are out of any national title talks after their first loss but can still get a BCS game.
17)(18) Oklahoma State (at Iowa State)- They should be leery of a potential upset on the road if they aren't as efficient as their talent should allow them to be.
18)(20) Oklahoma (vs Texas Tech)- They look to be back on track and get an improved Texas Tech team that will test them.
19)(21) Nebraska (at Minnesota)- They have been slowly positioning themselves and could make a run that leads to a Big 10 title.
20)(9) South Carolina (at Missouri)- They let a winnable game slip away and could drop another on the road against a very good Missouri team.
21)(22) Wisconsin (BYE)- They earn a nicely placed bye as they look to again make a run at a Big 10 crown.
22)(23) Northern Illinois (vs Eastern Michigan)- They remain unbeaten and have a week off to only get stronger.
23)(NR) Michigan (BYE)- They could use a bye to continue to strengthen all phases of the game.
24)(NR) Notre Dame (at Air Force)- They have done better than some have expected and get a week off to only improve.
25)(NR) Virginia Tech (vs Duke)- They have won every game since opening weekend and are quietly waiting in the ACC for potential upsets to springboard them forward.
NEXT 5
1) UCF (vs UConn)- They have looked like a BCS contender this year and enter a bye week with a big win over Louisville that positions them well for such an end outcome.
2) Arizona State (BYE)- They get a bye week and hope to build on their nice win last week when they return.
3) Michigan State (at Illinois)- They have been a quiet bystander in a crowded Big 10 but are very good and can show that again this week.
4) Georgia (BYE)- There is probably no team in need of a week off more than them after all their injuries this year.
5) Washington (vs California)- They should hopefully be able to stop their bleeding this week and get their confidence back.
Not as many big games this week but still a couple ranked contests and who knows if another upset or two is lurking again after last week. With about a month to go in the season, the title picture begins to get a bit clearer as the top teams start to separate themselves.
With Week 9 ahead, here are this week's power rankings:
1)(1) Alabama (vs Tennessee)- While most of the top SEC stumbled last week, they didn't and they have seemed to mostly avoid such occurrences but who knows if this week will be different.
2)(2) Oregon (vs UCLA)- They have steamrolled everyone so far and it is hard to see UCLA being able to slow them let alone outscore them.
3)(5) Florida State (vs NC State)- They loss one game last year and it was against NC State so revenge might be in mind this week.
4)(3) Ohio State (vs Penn State)- They have survived three straight grind out wins against conference foes and could be tested again.
5)(11) Miami (FL) (vs Wake Forest)- They had a scare last week and will likely look to apply lessons from that game to this week.
6)(14) Missouri (vs South Carolina)- They can continue their march through top SEC teams by taking down South Carolina.
7)(12) Baylor (vs Kansas)- They have benefited from many upsets and could position themselves in the national title conversation if they can keep putting points up.
8)(13) Stanford (at Oregon State)- They rebounded nicely last week and are still in the top tier conversation after several upsets last week.
9)(4) Clemson (at Maryland)- They seemed to building confidence that this year would be different but then got hit hard back to reality last week and will need to quickly refocus.
10)(16) Texas Tech (at Oklahoma)- They have not won every game pretty but they have enough to survive close games and that will help against a big conference foe this week.
11)(10) UCLA (at Oregon)- They draw what Washington did recently by getting Oregon after Stanford and hope to avoid their first two losses in the same fashion.
12)(17) Fresno State (at San Diego State)- They are undefeated and could be a BCS buster if they avoid any trip ups as top teams continue to fall.
13)(24) Auburn (vs Florida Atlantic)- They got probably their biggest win of the last three years last week against Texas A&M.
14)(7) LSU (vs Furman)- They should easily rebound this week but might have thrown away any title game hopes last week.
15)(8) Texas A&M (vs Vanderbilt)- If their defense continues to give up a lot of points, their star quarterback will have to be amazing to bail them out and he might need again this week.
16)(6) Louisville (at South Florida)- They likely are out of any national title talks after their first loss but can still get a BCS game.
17)(18) Oklahoma State (at Iowa State)- They should be leery of a potential upset on the road if they aren't as efficient as their talent should allow them to be.
18)(20) Oklahoma (vs Texas Tech)- They look to be back on track and get an improved Texas Tech team that will test them.
19)(21) Nebraska (at Minnesota)- They have been slowly positioning themselves and could make a run that leads to a Big 10 title.
20)(9) South Carolina (at Missouri)- They let a winnable game slip away and could drop another on the road against a very good Missouri team.
21)(22) Wisconsin (BYE)- They earn a nicely placed bye as they look to again make a run at a Big 10 crown.
22)(23) Northern Illinois (vs Eastern Michigan)- They remain unbeaten and have a week off to only get stronger.
23)(NR) Michigan (BYE)- They could use a bye to continue to strengthen all phases of the game.
24)(NR) Notre Dame (at Air Force)- They have done better than some have expected and get a week off to only improve.
25)(NR) Virginia Tech (vs Duke)- They have won every game since opening weekend and are quietly waiting in the ACC for potential upsets to springboard them forward.
NEXT 5
1) UCF (vs UConn)- They have looked like a BCS contender this year and enter a bye week with a big win over Louisville that positions them well for such an end outcome.
2) Arizona State (BYE)- They get a bye week and hope to build on their nice win last week when they return.
3) Michigan State (at Illinois)- They have been a quiet bystander in a crowded Big 10 but are very good and can show that again this week.
4) Georgia (BYE)- There is probably no team in need of a week off more than them after all their injuries this year.
5) Washington (vs California)- They should hopefully be able to stop their bleeding this week and get their confidence back.
Not as many big games this week but still a couple ranked contests and who knows if another upset or two is lurking again after last week. With about a month to go in the season, the title picture begins to get a bit clearer as the top teams start to separate themselves.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
College Football Week 8 Preview
After six relatively calm weeks, Week 7 provided a few shake ups among the top teams with possibly the biggest coming in the form of Georgia being dealt a major loss by Missouri. One was possibly the biggest loser of the week and other possibly the winner. Stanford as well suffered their first loss and might have an uphill battle to get back in the national title conversation. The ranks of the undefeated dwindle a little and some familiar names are dominating the conversation still while a couple others are hanging in the outside conversation. The ACC will get the major spotlight this week with Florida State going to Clemson in a top 5 battle that will likely knock the loser out of the national title conversation. The SEC has a few good ones this week as well that pit some recent favorites against upstarts.
Looking back at the games highlighted, Rutgers pushed Louisville and QB Teddy Bridgewater but a couple missed chances and plays by the Scarlet Knights allowed the Cardinals to do enough to pull away in the 4th to stay unbeaten. USC and Arizona provided a stellar battle into late hours on a Thursday night with USC doing enough to escape with a win. The Red River Shootout turned out to be a different game than most expected. Texas got on Oklahoma early and despite a couple attempts to mount a comeback by the Sooners; it was never really close. It was a must needed win for head coach Mack Brown as much as the team. And South Carolina came out strong and dominated Arkansas in what could be used as a confidence booster for them despite some struggles.
With my top 5 for Week 7, I went 3-2 bringing my record to 30-5 on the year. Texas A&M was pushed to its limit by Mississippi. For a team that pretty much came up lame against Alabama in an earlier big challenge forced QB Johnny Manziel to dig deep for a major 4th quarter to help keep A&M alive in the national title conversation. The 4th quarter has not been friendly to Northwestern the last couple years. All of their losses in 2012 came after letting leads slip away in the 4th quarter and then fell short to Ohio State the same way. However, against Wisconsin; the 4th quarter was not as questionable as Northwestern were slammed being hard all day and loss their second consecutive Big Ten game. Georgia has done well at managing injuries all year and nearly defeated Clemson to start the year. They fell down early to upstart Missouri who is playing completely opposite from their first year in the SEC in 2012. The Tigers' lead was more than enough to hold off a talented QB Aaron Murray from pulling off the comeback win and now Georgia likely is officially out of the title picture.
It is not unexpected for the SEC to have at least one marquee game each week and this week had a second one besides Georgia-Missouri as LSU was able to slowly wear down Florida. The Tigers still look to have a bit of the hangover after their loss to Georgia but Florida has dealt with injuries throughout the first half and not been close to the team they were last year. Finally, in what was possibly the biggest game in Washington's recent history; they hung close with Oregon early but the Ducks again dominated yet another opponent this year. Washington's defense has played pretty well this year and Oregon torn them apart and they continue to make a strong argument for being the best team in the country.
Now comes this week's games to spotlight and the weekly top 5.
Games to highlight in Week 8:
UCF at #6 Louisville: Louisville had their toughest challenge last week and could see another one this week as they try to navigate the season undefeated and keep slim hopes for a national title game appearance alive.
#15 Georgia at Vanderbilt: Georgia is banged up and the injuries might be catching up to them as they travel to a very good Vanderbilt who can pull the upset.
#16 Texas Tech at West Virginia: West Virginia has shown a bit more fight this year in the Big 12 and this one could be pretty close as Texas Tech tries to stay unbeaten.
Minnesota at Northwestern: Northwestern is staggering a bit after two straight conference losses and draw a Minnesota team that has packed a punch this year.
Indiana at Michigan: Indiana got a big win over Penn State earlier this year and Michigan is coming off a tough quadruple overtime loss to that same Penn State team. Not sure if this goes four overtimes but could be tight late.
#19 Washington at Arizona State: Washington was looking like a potential Pac-12 winner and ran into Stanford and Oregon in back to back weeks. If they are not careful, Arizona State could deal them another blow.
#7 LSU at Mississippi: LSU has not looked as dominant the last couple weeks and Mississippi pushed Texas A&M pretty far last week so don't be surprised if the Rebels keep it close through most of the game and potentially make a couple big plays that win them a huge game.
Top 5 Games of Week 8 (30-5):
5) USC at Notre Dame: Neither are ranked. Neither will be playing for a national title. But, the rivalry between them is as strong as ever. USC has shown a lack of offense and not the strongest defense through most of the year. Notre Dame has some flair in the backfield and should be able to move the ball enough through the air as well. The rivalry aspect keeps it close during the first half before the Fighting Irish gets a small cushion in the second half they use to win this year's battle. PICK: NOTRE DAME
4) #25 Florida at #14 Missouri: Missouri made a big statement last week knocking off Georgia on the road. Now they draw Florida at home with another chance to stay undefeated and more importantly show they are for real this year. The Tigers might be without their starting quarterback but it might be their defense that carries them regardless. They put pressure on the quarterback and will keep Florida off guard a lot of the time. Florida still brings a good amount of talent that will keep it close before Missouri hits a big play or has a big turnover or return that sets up another big win. PICK: MISSOURI
3) #24 Auburn at #8 Texas A&M: Auburn has been reignited this year and they fell short in their first big game of the year against LSU. They go to Kyle Field in hopes of upsetting QB Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M. The Aggies got pushed to the limit against Mississippi and have lacked the killer instinct during the first half of most games this year. Because of that, Auburn will keep it neck and neck for much of the game. A&M and Manziel will need to dig deep in the 4th where they get the go ahead score late that proves enough in a a high scoring affair. PICK: TEXAS A&M
2) #10 UCLA at #13 Stanford: UCLA might be one of the most unheralded undefeated teams this year. They have a chance to make some noise if they can go on the road against Stanford and win a big Pac-12 game. Stanford plays a type of style that involves slow and steady offense and very tight defense. With that in mind, they will keep the Bruins' open offense relatively locked up in what could be a close losing scoring first half that starts to open a bit more in the second half with Stanford getting a couple scores that puts away UCLA. PICK: STANFORD
1) #5 Florida State at #4 Clemson: The ACC has not had a matchup of this caliber in nearly a decade. Clemson is constantly trying to prove they are for real and had a couple scares before staying undefeated. Florida State has left little question about their talent in every game this year as QB Jameis Winston has put himself on the map after only half a season's worth of games. Thus. don't be surprised if Winston is joined by Clemson QB Tajh Boyd in a bit of duel. The two teams have physical defenses and they will look to challenge each quarterback. But, the dual threat ability of both will keep defenses on edge at times. Florida State's defense puts a little more pressure on Boyd and forces a couple turnovers that prove to be the difference as Florida State pulls away with a late score to seal it. PICK: FLORIDA STATE
Lead by a top 5 battle, there are a few big top 25 contests and potential upsets lurking once again. Each week the pressure rises and the title picture gets a little clearer as top teams start to pull away from the field.
Looking back at the games highlighted, Rutgers pushed Louisville and QB Teddy Bridgewater but a couple missed chances and plays by the Scarlet Knights allowed the Cardinals to do enough to pull away in the 4th to stay unbeaten. USC and Arizona provided a stellar battle into late hours on a Thursday night with USC doing enough to escape with a win. The Red River Shootout turned out to be a different game than most expected. Texas got on Oklahoma early and despite a couple attempts to mount a comeback by the Sooners; it was never really close. It was a must needed win for head coach Mack Brown as much as the team. And South Carolina came out strong and dominated Arkansas in what could be used as a confidence booster for them despite some struggles.
With my top 5 for Week 7, I went 3-2 bringing my record to 30-5 on the year. Texas A&M was pushed to its limit by Mississippi. For a team that pretty much came up lame against Alabama in an earlier big challenge forced QB Johnny Manziel to dig deep for a major 4th quarter to help keep A&M alive in the national title conversation. The 4th quarter has not been friendly to Northwestern the last couple years. All of their losses in 2012 came after letting leads slip away in the 4th quarter and then fell short to Ohio State the same way. However, against Wisconsin; the 4th quarter was not as questionable as Northwestern were slammed being hard all day and loss their second consecutive Big Ten game. Georgia has done well at managing injuries all year and nearly defeated Clemson to start the year. They fell down early to upstart Missouri who is playing completely opposite from their first year in the SEC in 2012. The Tigers' lead was more than enough to hold off a talented QB Aaron Murray from pulling off the comeback win and now Georgia likely is officially out of the title picture.
It is not unexpected for the SEC to have at least one marquee game each week and this week had a second one besides Georgia-Missouri as LSU was able to slowly wear down Florida. The Tigers still look to have a bit of the hangover after their loss to Georgia but Florida has dealt with injuries throughout the first half and not been close to the team they were last year. Finally, in what was possibly the biggest game in Washington's recent history; they hung close with Oregon early but the Ducks again dominated yet another opponent this year. Washington's defense has played pretty well this year and Oregon torn them apart and they continue to make a strong argument for being the best team in the country.
Now comes this week's games to spotlight and the weekly top 5.
Games to highlight in Week 8:
UCF at #6 Louisville: Louisville had their toughest challenge last week and could see another one this week as they try to navigate the season undefeated and keep slim hopes for a national title game appearance alive.
#15 Georgia at Vanderbilt: Georgia is banged up and the injuries might be catching up to them as they travel to a very good Vanderbilt who can pull the upset.
#16 Texas Tech at West Virginia: West Virginia has shown a bit more fight this year in the Big 12 and this one could be pretty close as Texas Tech tries to stay unbeaten.
Minnesota at Northwestern: Northwestern is staggering a bit after two straight conference losses and draw a Minnesota team that has packed a punch this year.
Indiana at Michigan: Indiana got a big win over Penn State earlier this year and Michigan is coming off a tough quadruple overtime loss to that same Penn State team. Not sure if this goes four overtimes but could be tight late.
#19 Washington at Arizona State: Washington was looking like a potential Pac-12 winner and ran into Stanford and Oregon in back to back weeks. If they are not careful, Arizona State could deal them another blow.
#7 LSU at Mississippi: LSU has not looked as dominant the last couple weeks and Mississippi pushed Texas A&M pretty far last week so don't be surprised if the Rebels keep it close through most of the game and potentially make a couple big plays that win them a huge game.
Top 5 Games of Week 8 (30-5):
5) USC at Notre Dame: Neither are ranked. Neither will be playing for a national title. But, the rivalry between them is as strong as ever. USC has shown a lack of offense and not the strongest defense through most of the year. Notre Dame has some flair in the backfield and should be able to move the ball enough through the air as well. The rivalry aspect keeps it close during the first half before the Fighting Irish gets a small cushion in the second half they use to win this year's battle. PICK: NOTRE DAME
4) #25 Florida at #14 Missouri: Missouri made a big statement last week knocking off Georgia on the road. Now they draw Florida at home with another chance to stay undefeated and more importantly show they are for real this year. The Tigers might be without their starting quarterback but it might be their defense that carries them regardless. They put pressure on the quarterback and will keep Florida off guard a lot of the time. Florida still brings a good amount of talent that will keep it close before Missouri hits a big play or has a big turnover or return that sets up another big win. PICK: MISSOURI
3) #24 Auburn at #8 Texas A&M: Auburn has been reignited this year and they fell short in their first big game of the year against LSU. They go to Kyle Field in hopes of upsetting QB Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M. The Aggies got pushed to the limit against Mississippi and have lacked the killer instinct during the first half of most games this year. Because of that, Auburn will keep it neck and neck for much of the game. A&M and Manziel will need to dig deep in the 4th where they get the go ahead score late that proves enough in a a high scoring affair. PICK: TEXAS A&M
2) #10 UCLA at #13 Stanford: UCLA might be one of the most unheralded undefeated teams this year. They have a chance to make some noise if they can go on the road against Stanford and win a big Pac-12 game. Stanford plays a type of style that involves slow and steady offense and very tight defense. With that in mind, they will keep the Bruins' open offense relatively locked up in what could be a close losing scoring first half that starts to open a bit more in the second half with Stanford getting a couple scores that puts away UCLA. PICK: STANFORD
1) #5 Florida State at #4 Clemson: The ACC has not had a matchup of this caliber in nearly a decade. Clemson is constantly trying to prove they are for real and had a couple scares before staying undefeated. Florida State has left little question about their talent in every game this year as QB Jameis Winston has put himself on the map after only half a season's worth of games. Thus. don't be surprised if Winston is joined by Clemson QB Tajh Boyd in a bit of duel. The two teams have physical defenses and they will look to challenge each quarterback. But, the dual threat ability of both will keep defenses on edge at times. Florida State's defense puts a little more pressure on Boyd and forces a couple turnovers that prove to be the difference as Florida State pulls away with a late score to seal it. PICK: FLORIDA STATE
Lead by a top 5 battle, there are a few big top 25 contests and potential upsets lurking once again. Each week the pressure rises and the title picture gets a little clearer as top teams start to pull away from the field.
Monday, October 14, 2013
A reemerging voice of moderates and centrists
One of the under the radar developments of the last couple election cycles has been the erosion of moderate and centrists in the U.S. Congress. The Blue Dog coalition emerged about 20 years ago in the wake of the 1994 midterm elections. They were individuals who did not always vote with their party leaders and were looking at what was best for the country on various issues. However, with both parties looking to build their base and voice in the partisan environment in D.C.; that Blue Dog coalition has slowly been lost its voice and the government shutdown's developments are a perfect example of that.
Emma Dumain of Roll Call provided the following snapshot of a reemerging centrist voice in Congress at a time when it is desperately needed:
Late into the second week of the government shutdown, factions of House Democrats and Republicans were planting their flags all over Capitol Hill, holding noisy news conferences and staging elaborate demonstrations.
Drowned out from the warring rhetoric, however, were members of what Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif., recently called “the political endangered species of Washington, D.C.”
He was talking about moderates, the members of both parties who have been squeezed from the negotiating tables since the 2010 election cycle, which shifted Republicans farther to the right and wiped out the once-prominent contingent of centrist Democrats.
The result, Costa and others agree, has been the breakdown of bipartisanship — a virtue extolled by Democrats and Republicans alike, but one that is difficult to achieve in such a partisan political environment.
It doesn’t mean lawmakers aren’t trying, especially after finding themselves in the midst of government shutdown and looming default.
New Democrat Coalition Chairman Ron Kind of Wisconsin and leading GOP moderate Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania rallied roughly 35 Democrats and Republicans around a proposal to pass a six-month continuing resolution at sequester levels while repealing the medical device tax created by the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare.
The fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition released a statement Wednesday calling on Speaker John A. Boehner, R-Ohio, and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to “attack our nation’s larger debt and deficit problems head on.”
But if it’s hard to be in the minority party, it’s even harder to be in the minority of the minority party, said Rep. Collin C. Peterson, who was in office in 1995 when the Blue Dog Coalition was established. The Blue Dogs played a critical role in budget negotiations that year and continued to be a force to be reckoned with inside the Democratic party until the 2010 elections. Now, with just 15 members, they struggle for relevance.
“We now are in such a toxic situation that Republicans cannot be seen talking to or working with Democrats,” the Minnesota Democrat said. “That was not the case back in ’95. Back then, Republicans needed us, because they had enough moderates, and we were more conservative than their moderates.
“Moderates are gone, so they don’t need us,” he said, adding that he had given up going to bipartisan meetings because he no longer saw the point.
“It’s frustrating for everybody,” agreed Costa, who is also a Blue Dog. But unlike Peterson, he hasn’t given up hope that Blue Dogs can make a difference in diluting partisan venom, even if they can’t devise a solution to the current fiscal crisis.
One of the challenges for Democrats and Republicans working together is the suspicion on both sides of the aisle. Pelosi recently slammed the Kind-Dent initiative at a closed-door whip meeting, sources said, arguing that Democrats shouldn’t be freelancing outside the party structure.
Republicans who have started attending these strategy sessions have also been fearful to identify themselves, with one moderate Democratic aide saying that when they received a list to sign on to join the Kind-Dent group, the names of all the other participants were blacked out.
In fact, the only way Democrats and Republicans might have cover to gather across party lines is through the “Problem Solver” initiative unrolled earlier this year by No Labels, a nonthreatening outside organization committed to promoting bipartisanship. There are upward of 40 “problem solvers” from both parties, where conditions of membership include a promise to attend regular meetings and “embrace the right attitude.” The roster ranges from conservative Republican Jack Kingston of Georgia to liberal Democrat Peter Welch of Vermont.
Dent, one of the more than 20 Republicans who has said they would vote for a “clean” continuing resolution, dislikes the term “moderate,” preferring to be called a “pragmatist” or “center-right.” He also disputes the notion that the House Republican Conference has been completely overrun by hard-line conservatives.
The House, though, has become polarized, Dent conceded, which calls for action from more centrist lawmakers.
“The Republicans have majority in the House, but they don’t always have control,” he said. “It’s incumbent upon the House Republican governing majority to form bipartisan coalitions, to pass some important pieces of legislation. That’s a simple fact.”
In recent years, talks to resolve major issues such as a government shutdown and the debt limit have been handled by leadership, whose members have tended to box out moderates. But that hasn’t disheartened those within the rank and file, who see the past few weeks as having renewed their obligation to forge relationships across the aisle.
Dent said he thinks the working group he formed with Kind will continue to meet.
And Blue Dog Leader Kurt Schrader of Oregon said that while the Blue Dogs’ influence has waned by virtue of their slimmer numbers and new status in the minority party, they now have a new role to play: as missionaries for fiscal responsibility and bipartisan compromise, representing the coalition in various working groups.
“Blue Dogs have historically called for comprehensive fiscal solutions and that’s where we’re planting our flag,” Schrader said. “I think the Blue Dogs play heavily in encouraging people to ‘go big.’”
Emma Dumain of Roll Call provided the following snapshot of a reemerging centrist voice in Congress at a time when it is desperately needed:
Late into the second week of the government shutdown, factions of House Democrats and Republicans were planting their flags all over Capitol Hill, holding noisy news conferences and staging elaborate demonstrations.
Drowned out from the warring rhetoric, however, were members of what Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif., recently called “the political endangered species of Washington, D.C.”
He was talking about moderates, the members of both parties who have been squeezed from the negotiating tables since the 2010 election cycle, which shifted Republicans farther to the right and wiped out the once-prominent contingent of centrist Democrats.
The result, Costa and others agree, has been the breakdown of bipartisanship — a virtue extolled by Democrats and Republicans alike, but one that is difficult to achieve in such a partisan political environment.
It doesn’t mean lawmakers aren’t trying, especially after finding themselves in the midst of government shutdown and looming default.
New Democrat Coalition Chairman Ron Kind of Wisconsin and leading GOP moderate Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania rallied roughly 35 Democrats and Republicans around a proposal to pass a six-month continuing resolution at sequester levels while repealing the medical device tax created by the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare.
The fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition released a statement Wednesday calling on Speaker John A. Boehner, R-Ohio, and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to “attack our nation’s larger debt and deficit problems head on.”
But if it’s hard to be in the minority party, it’s even harder to be in the minority of the minority party, said Rep. Collin C. Peterson, who was in office in 1995 when the Blue Dog Coalition was established. The Blue Dogs played a critical role in budget negotiations that year and continued to be a force to be reckoned with inside the Democratic party until the 2010 elections. Now, with just 15 members, they struggle for relevance.
“We now are in such a toxic situation that Republicans cannot be seen talking to or working with Democrats,” the Minnesota Democrat said. “That was not the case back in ’95. Back then, Republicans needed us, because they had enough moderates, and we were more conservative than their moderates.
“Moderates are gone, so they don’t need us,” he said, adding that he had given up going to bipartisan meetings because he no longer saw the point.
“It’s frustrating for everybody,” agreed Costa, who is also a Blue Dog. But unlike Peterson, he hasn’t given up hope that Blue Dogs can make a difference in diluting partisan venom, even if they can’t devise a solution to the current fiscal crisis.
One of the challenges for Democrats and Republicans working together is the suspicion on both sides of the aisle. Pelosi recently slammed the Kind-Dent initiative at a closed-door whip meeting, sources said, arguing that Democrats shouldn’t be freelancing outside the party structure.
Republicans who have started attending these strategy sessions have also been fearful to identify themselves, with one moderate Democratic aide saying that when they received a list to sign on to join the Kind-Dent group, the names of all the other participants were blacked out.
In fact, the only way Democrats and Republicans might have cover to gather across party lines is through the “Problem Solver” initiative unrolled earlier this year by No Labels, a nonthreatening outside organization committed to promoting bipartisanship. There are upward of 40 “problem solvers” from both parties, where conditions of membership include a promise to attend regular meetings and “embrace the right attitude.” The roster ranges from conservative Republican Jack Kingston of Georgia to liberal Democrat Peter Welch of Vermont.
Dent, one of the more than 20 Republicans who has said they would vote for a “clean” continuing resolution, dislikes the term “moderate,” preferring to be called a “pragmatist” or “center-right.” He also disputes the notion that the House Republican Conference has been completely overrun by hard-line conservatives.
The House, though, has become polarized, Dent conceded, which calls for action from more centrist lawmakers.
“The Republicans have majority in the House, but they don’t always have control,” he said. “It’s incumbent upon the House Republican governing majority to form bipartisan coalitions, to pass some important pieces of legislation. That’s a simple fact.”
In recent years, talks to resolve major issues such as a government shutdown and the debt limit have been handled by leadership, whose members have tended to box out moderates. But that hasn’t disheartened those within the rank and file, who see the past few weeks as having renewed their obligation to forge relationships across the aisle.
Dent said he thinks the working group he formed with Kind will continue to meet.
And Blue Dog Leader Kurt Schrader of Oregon said that while the Blue Dogs’ influence has waned by virtue of their slimmer numbers and new status in the minority party, they now have a new role to play: as missionaries for fiscal responsibility and bipartisan compromise, representing the coalition in various working groups.
“Blue Dogs have historically called for comprehensive fiscal solutions and that’s where we’re planting our flag,” Schrader said. “I think the Blue Dogs play heavily in encouraging people to ‘go big.’”
Sunday, October 13, 2013
College Football Week 8 Power Rankings
After pretty much minimal movement and upsets, Week 7 provided a few shocks to the climate of college football. Stanford losing to Utah and Georgia falling to Missouri were the biggest losers. Georgia now has two losses on the year and essentially out of the national title picture barring a lot of major upsets. The rest of top that was playing got through their slate and Alabama and Oregon still look like they are on pace for a January matchup. Northwestern suffered their second straight Big Ten defeat while Michigan lost a crazy 4 overtime game against Penn State. Those losses knocked them out of the top 25 along with an idle Notre Dame. Those drops cleared the way for Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and Auburn to enter the top 25. Auburn will have a similar challenge as Missouri did last week as a top 25 team with a top tier SEC opponent next.
With Week 8 ahead, here are this week's power rankings:
1)(1) Alabama (vs Arkansas)- They are playing sharp in all phases at this point and hard to see this not winning big again this week.
2)(2) Oregon (vs Washington State)- They went to Washington and dismantled a defense playing very well and should continue their steamrolling of opponents again this week.
3)(3) Ohio State (vs Iowa)- They return from a bye and should not overlook the Hawkeyes in what could be another challenge for them.
4)(4) Clemson (vs Florida State)- They survived their first major test to start the year and know a win this week could set them up in position to play for a national title.
5)(6) Florida State (at Clemson)- They have looked nearly unstoppable in each win and they get their first real chance to show how good they are this week.
6)(8) Louisville (vs UCF)- They had to scrape by last week and could have a similar tough one this week in what continues to look like a potential undefeated season.
7)(10) LSU (at Mississippi)- They continue to be on pace for a potential SEC West crown but it won't be easy.
8)(9) Texas A&M (vs Auburn)- They have often gone by QB Johnny Manziel's play and it is hard to see him slowing down this year as could be said about their emerging star receiver.
9)(11) South Carolina (at Tennessee)- They had had questions around their star defender and potential health worries around their quarterback and whether either or both miss time could impact their second half this year.
10)(12) UCLA (at Stanford)- They have answered the bell each week so far but this week will a tough one that will show how good they truly are.
11)(14) Miami (FL) (at UNC)- They are looking to continue their first half success through the second half in what could be a true return to glory at this pace.
12)(16) Baylor (vs Iowa State)- They continue to be possibly the best offense in the country as it is hard to see them slowing their point barrage this week.
13)(5) Stanford (vs UCLA)- They are looking to bounce back after a tough loss and a tough tier opponent could provide them with a major boost.
14)(24) Missouri (vs Florida)- Can they repeat their major win last week with another one against another top SEC East foe?
15)(7) Georgia (at Vanderbilt)-They are battling injuries and will need to lean heavily on QB Aaron Murray if they hope to avoid another loss this year.
16)(22) Texas Tech (at West Virginia)- They got a scare last week and will need to be leery of another one on the road this week.
17)(23) Fresno State (vs UNLV)- They should do well again this week and keep their undefeated season going.
18)(20) Oklahoma State (vs TCU)- They have slowed down a bit recently and should be careful this week not to let it stay close.
19)(18) Washington (at Arizona State)- Back to back Pac-12 losses have brought them back to a familiar spot in the Pac-12 and need to start the bleeding quickly.
20)(13) Oklahoma (at Kansas)- They got beat pretty badly in one of their biggest games each year and will need to prevent any hangover.
21)(21) Nebraska (BYE)- They get a bye at a time when the Big 10 looks open behind Ohio State.
22)(NR) Wisconsin (at Illinois)-They look to continue their momentum from last week against a solid conference foe on the road.
23)(NR) Northern Illinois (at Central Michigan)- They are continuing to build on their success from last year and look to keep that going at least for one more week.
24)(NR) Auburn (at Texas A&M)-Can they continue their comeback year with a big win that eluded them earlier this year?
25)(19) Florida (at Missouri)- They know they need this win to avoid falling out of the SEC conversation.
NEXT 5
1) Northwestern (vs Minnesota)- They started the year with a lot of hope and wins and now find themselves in a need of a big win in their conference and for them overall.
2) Michigan (vs Indiana)- They were escaping a couple close calls until they got pushed to multiple overtimes and need to avoid what could be another threat.
3) Notre Dame (vs USC)- They will likely come out fired up a little extra this week with a huge rivalry game.
4) Virginia Tech (BYE)- They get a bye and it could be a good timing as they enter the second half of the year looking like they are ready for another late season push.
5) Arizona State (vs Washington)- They truly are the hardest team to figure out in the Pac-12 and could win or lose their next one to continue their up and down trend.
There are a couple more ranked matchups this week and now the conference part of schedules are in full swing so last week's upsets could continue again this week as truly no team is 100% safe. Now more than ever, each game and how you win becomes that much more important.
With Week 8 ahead, here are this week's power rankings:
1)(1) Alabama (vs Arkansas)- They are playing sharp in all phases at this point and hard to see this not winning big again this week.
2)(2) Oregon (vs Washington State)- They went to Washington and dismantled a defense playing very well and should continue their steamrolling of opponents again this week.
3)(3) Ohio State (vs Iowa)- They return from a bye and should not overlook the Hawkeyes in what could be another challenge for them.
4)(4) Clemson (vs Florida State)- They survived their first major test to start the year and know a win this week could set them up in position to play for a national title.
5)(6) Florida State (at Clemson)- They have looked nearly unstoppable in each win and they get their first real chance to show how good they are this week.
6)(8) Louisville (vs UCF)- They had to scrape by last week and could have a similar tough one this week in what continues to look like a potential undefeated season.
7)(10) LSU (at Mississippi)- They continue to be on pace for a potential SEC West crown but it won't be easy.
8)(9) Texas A&M (vs Auburn)- They have often gone by QB Johnny Manziel's play and it is hard to see him slowing down this year as could be said about their emerging star receiver.
9)(11) South Carolina (at Tennessee)- They had had questions around their star defender and potential health worries around their quarterback and whether either or both miss time could impact their second half this year.
10)(12) UCLA (at Stanford)- They have answered the bell each week so far but this week will a tough one that will show how good they truly are.
11)(14) Miami (FL) (at UNC)- They are looking to continue their first half success through the second half in what could be a true return to glory at this pace.
12)(16) Baylor (vs Iowa State)- They continue to be possibly the best offense in the country as it is hard to see them slowing their point barrage this week.
13)(5) Stanford (vs UCLA)- They are looking to bounce back after a tough loss and a tough tier opponent could provide them with a major boost.
14)(24) Missouri (vs Florida)- Can they repeat their major win last week with another one against another top SEC East foe?
15)(7) Georgia (at Vanderbilt)-They are battling injuries and will need to lean heavily on QB Aaron Murray if they hope to avoid another loss this year.
16)(22) Texas Tech (at West Virginia)- They got a scare last week and will need to be leery of another one on the road this week.
17)(23) Fresno State (vs UNLV)- They should do well again this week and keep their undefeated season going.
18)(20) Oklahoma State (vs TCU)- They have slowed down a bit recently and should be careful this week not to let it stay close.
19)(18) Washington (at Arizona State)- Back to back Pac-12 losses have brought them back to a familiar spot in the Pac-12 and need to start the bleeding quickly.
20)(13) Oklahoma (at Kansas)- They got beat pretty badly in one of their biggest games each year and will need to prevent any hangover.
21)(21) Nebraska (BYE)- They get a bye at a time when the Big 10 looks open behind Ohio State.
22)(NR) Wisconsin (at Illinois)-They look to continue their momentum from last week against a solid conference foe on the road.
23)(NR) Northern Illinois (at Central Michigan)- They are continuing to build on their success from last year and look to keep that going at least for one more week.
24)(NR) Auburn (at Texas A&M)-Can they continue their comeback year with a big win that eluded them earlier this year?
25)(19) Florida (at Missouri)- They know they need this win to avoid falling out of the SEC conversation.
NEXT 5
1) Northwestern (vs Minnesota)- They started the year with a lot of hope and wins and now find themselves in a need of a big win in their conference and for them overall.
2) Michigan (vs Indiana)- They were escaping a couple close calls until they got pushed to multiple overtimes and need to avoid what could be another threat.
3) Notre Dame (vs USC)- They will likely come out fired up a little extra this week with a huge rivalry game.
4) Virginia Tech (BYE)- They get a bye and it could be a good timing as they enter the second half of the year looking like they are ready for another late season push.
5) Arizona State (vs Washington)- They truly are the hardest team to figure out in the Pac-12 and could win or lose their next one to continue their up and down trend.
There are a couple more ranked matchups this week and now the conference part of schedules are in full swing so last week's upsets could continue again this week as truly no team is 100% safe. Now more than ever, each game and how you win becomes that much more important.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
College Football Week 7 Preview
Week 6 gave us some good games but nothing overly dramatic or a major upset. While a couple top teams have suffered at least one loss, there has not really been any shake ups. With about half the season complete, the top tier of teams have begun to emerge. The SEC had a couple of the early big matchups of the year before Ohio State knocked off two of the biggest challengers in the Big Ten. The ACC gets its first big game next weekend with Florida State and Clemson against each other and Washington is in the middle of a major Pac-12 doubleheader with a game against Stanford last week and Oregon this week.
Looking back at the games highlighted, Miami (FL) gave Georgia Tech their second straight ACC loss as they continued to look like a team with minimal flaws and they will need to keep playing as such if they want to win an ACC title this year against very tough competition. Baylor continued to look very good as well as they had little trouble blowing up the scoreboard again in a much more one sided affair against West Virginia. Mississippi looked to still be lingering from their loss to Alabama as Auburn continued their rebound season with another conference win. Michigan finally put a complete game together and will need to build on that performance with the end of the season and Ohio State in mind. Florida was less than pretty again but made enough big plays in the second half to go into their clash with LSU with only 1 loss. Finally, Missouri is looking much better this year as they are showing the ability to stare SEC competition and be successful and will need a lot of confidence going to Georgia this week.
With my top 5 for Week 6, I went 5-0 bringing my record to 27-3 on the year. Oklahoma was able to methodically pick apart TCU but the Horned Frogs did not go easy as they kept trying to fight back but the Sooners seemed to have an answer at important moments to seal the game. Arizona State and Notre Dame looked like two even matched squads coming in and the type of game they provided equaled that estimation for sure. Lead changes and each team finding ways answer back kept the final of this one wide open. In the end, Notre Dame played one of the more complete games utilizing a couple big plays to pull ahead late and hold on for a nice win. There is not too much to say with Florida State-Maryland besides the fact that Florida State and QB Jamies Winston looked unstoppable and Maryland might not be as good as some thought after their 4-0 start. Florida State and Clemson will meet next week and that one should at least be a little closer.
Ohio State had not really been tested before the last two weeks. They got enough key plays to beat Wisconsin and they took a similar approach despite multiple turnovers to edge by Northwestern. Northwestern was seemingly doing everything right in the first half but couldn't convert touchdowns a couple times in the second half that left the door open and QB Braxton Miller pull his mistakes in the rearview as they turned heavily to a run game that could not be slowed down. Finally, Washington had continued to show early this season that they were a well balanced offense that could play hard against some good teams. However, last week and this were two major opportunities to truly be tested and see how good they really are. Unfortunately for them, they just did not have enough to survive a very good Stanford team who looks like one of the best teams in the country. Every time the Cardinal tried putting Washington away, QB Kenny Price would not lie down as he kept his team alive late. A final drive that could have won the game fell short as a 4th down could not be converted.
Now comes this week's games to spotlight and the weekly top 5.
Games to highlight in Week 7:
Rutgers at #8 Louisville (Thursday): QB Teddy Bridgewater and Louisville get probably their toughest test yet as Rutgers looks to take their best shot as these two rivals add another chapter to what have been some good ones like 2006 and 2012.
Arizona at USC (Thursday): USC has dealt with issues on and off the field this year and get a tough and dangerous Arizona team. The two offenses could provide a close back and forth battle late into the night.
#13 Oklahoma vs Texas: The Red River Shootout is one to always circle around the middle of Texas. It has normally been close affairs that have national title and BCS implications a lot of years. This year though Texas as way more on line as their season is teetering and they are hoping to at least keep it close.
#11 South Carolina at Arkansas: DE Javedon Clowney has gotten some flack for his focus and commitment lately and that might provide enough of a distraction for South Carolina especially if he doesn't play for Arkansas to make this competitive and even sneak an upset.
Top 5 Games of Week 7 (27-3):
5) #9 Texas A&M at Mississippi: Mississippi was looking really good until they ran into Alabama and Auburn. Now they draw QB Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M. The Aggies have allowed themselves at times to fall asleep at the wheel and need a couple quick strike drives to put away opponents before games got close. They will need to avoid that type of play because Mississippi is capable of putting a fair amount of points up. The biggest thing is how well the Rebels' offense can click in this one cause that seems to be where their season took a wrong turn. They play better but not well enough to combat Manziel and his dual threat ability. PICK: TEXAS A&M
4) #17 Northwestern at Wisconsin: This is the battle of the two teams who attempted to knock off Ohio State the last two weeks. They both play gritty and this one could be a tough defensive battle with some timely scoring. Northwestern is showing some versatility with how they use their two quarterbacks while Wisconsin is doing a good job balancing the play of their two running backs. Their ability to put pressure and force turnovers was almost enough last week for Northwestern and if they can do the same this week which I think can occur it sets up for a major win. Close one until the end before Northwestern forces a turnover that leads to a deciding score and their defense does enough to hold off Wisconsin. PICK: NORTHWESTERN
3) Missouri at #7 Georgia: Georgia weathered another storm last week against Tennessee on the road and with injuries on their offense it will not get much easier. Missouri looks like a totally different team from last year and will make Georgia work hard in this one. If HB Todd Gurley can do, that will provide QB Aaron Murray and Georgia with a big boost. However, it looks like the Bulldogs will be going to the third string running back and Murray will need to continue his high play to move the ball and put points up. Thus, Missouri will need to apply a lot of pressure because if they can shut down his throwing lanes; that will allow them to build off of what they've done so far with tough defense paving the way for their offense to get plenty of possessions. Georgia will need another good 4th quarter from Murray and a big touchdown drive again paves the way for them to keep escaping close games with major victories and hope that players can return as the season progresses. PICK: GEORGIA
2) #19 Florida at #10 LSU: Another week and another big SEC game. LSU was tested early last week coming off a loss before they clicked in the second half. Florida played an equally sluggish first half last week before they too got going in the second half. Both teams will want to avoid that this week. LSU even in their one loss have shown the ability to throw defenses off with how they use their offensive personnel. Florida has had to make adjustments with their offense largely due to losing their QB Jeff Driskel. This looks like it could be a close one but something tells me that LSU will strike somewhat early and get a couple big plays before the half that sets them up for a cushion entering the second half where the two sides will be a lot closer. LSU just a little too much overall at home. PICK: LSU
1) #2 Oregon at #18 Washington: Washington nearly beat Stanford last week and now hopes to learn from that against a team in Oregon that is easily putting up 50 points a game. Thus, the Huskies' offense led by QB Kenny Price will need to be just as good as last week if not even better cause they will need to be able to put up a lot of points if their defense cannot find a way to make a few big stops. Being at home will provide a key environment for them to hopefully feed off of very much like their opening win against Boise State as they looked nearly perfect. It is just hard to see Oregon's offense being slowed enough and even if they surrender 30-40 points, they can still win by two touchdowns which is scary to think. A close one early before Oregon begins to slowly pull away but Washington will not go easy much like against Stanford so it will be something to watch throughout. PICK: OREGON
Another couple solid top 25 matchups highlight this week's schedule as we will find out a little more about some of the top teams and where they stand. Will there be an upset that shakes the rankings? There haven't been any major ones yet so you just don't know.
Looking back at the games highlighted, Miami (FL) gave Georgia Tech their second straight ACC loss as they continued to look like a team with minimal flaws and they will need to keep playing as such if they want to win an ACC title this year against very tough competition. Baylor continued to look very good as well as they had little trouble blowing up the scoreboard again in a much more one sided affair against West Virginia. Mississippi looked to still be lingering from their loss to Alabama as Auburn continued their rebound season with another conference win. Michigan finally put a complete game together and will need to build on that performance with the end of the season and Ohio State in mind. Florida was less than pretty again but made enough big plays in the second half to go into their clash with LSU with only 1 loss. Finally, Missouri is looking much better this year as they are showing the ability to stare SEC competition and be successful and will need a lot of confidence going to Georgia this week.
With my top 5 for Week 6, I went 5-0 bringing my record to 27-3 on the year. Oklahoma was able to methodically pick apart TCU but the Horned Frogs did not go easy as they kept trying to fight back but the Sooners seemed to have an answer at important moments to seal the game. Arizona State and Notre Dame looked like two even matched squads coming in and the type of game they provided equaled that estimation for sure. Lead changes and each team finding ways answer back kept the final of this one wide open. In the end, Notre Dame played one of the more complete games utilizing a couple big plays to pull ahead late and hold on for a nice win. There is not too much to say with Florida State-Maryland besides the fact that Florida State and QB Jamies Winston looked unstoppable and Maryland might not be as good as some thought after their 4-0 start. Florida State and Clemson will meet next week and that one should at least be a little closer.
Ohio State had not really been tested before the last two weeks. They got enough key plays to beat Wisconsin and they took a similar approach despite multiple turnovers to edge by Northwestern. Northwestern was seemingly doing everything right in the first half but couldn't convert touchdowns a couple times in the second half that left the door open and QB Braxton Miller pull his mistakes in the rearview as they turned heavily to a run game that could not be slowed down. Finally, Washington had continued to show early this season that they were a well balanced offense that could play hard against some good teams. However, last week and this were two major opportunities to truly be tested and see how good they really are. Unfortunately for them, they just did not have enough to survive a very good Stanford team who looks like one of the best teams in the country. Every time the Cardinal tried putting Washington away, QB Kenny Price would not lie down as he kept his team alive late. A final drive that could have won the game fell short as a 4th down could not be converted.
Now comes this week's games to spotlight and the weekly top 5.
Games to highlight in Week 7:
Rutgers at #8 Louisville (Thursday): QB Teddy Bridgewater and Louisville get probably their toughest test yet as Rutgers looks to take their best shot as these two rivals add another chapter to what have been some good ones like 2006 and 2012.
Arizona at USC (Thursday): USC has dealt with issues on and off the field this year and get a tough and dangerous Arizona team. The two offenses could provide a close back and forth battle late into the night.
#13 Oklahoma vs Texas: The Red River Shootout is one to always circle around the middle of Texas. It has normally been close affairs that have national title and BCS implications a lot of years. This year though Texas as way more on line as their season is teetering and they are hoping to at least keep it close.
#11 South Carolina at Arkansas: DE Javedon Clowney has gotten some flack for his focus and commitment lately and that might provide enough of a distraction for South Carolina especially if he doesn't play for Arkansas to make this competitive and even sneak an upset.
Top 5 Games of Week 7 (27-3):
5) #9 Texas A&M at Mississippi: Mississippi was looking really good until they ran into Alabama and Auburn. Now they draw QB Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M. The Aggies have allowed themselves at times to fall asleep at the wheel and need a couple quick strike drives to put away opponents before games got close. They will need to avoid that type of play because Mississippi is capable of putting a fair amount of points up. The biggest thing is how well the Rebels' offense can click in this one cause that seems to be where their season took a wrong turn. They play better but not well enough to combat Manziel and his dual threat ability. PICK: TEXAS A&M
4) #17 Northwestern at Wisconsin: This is the battle of the two teams who attempted to knock off Ohio State the last two weeks. They both play gritty and this one could be a tough defensive battle with some timely scoring. Northwestern is showing some versatility with how they use their two quarterbacks while Wisconsin is doing a good job balancing the play of their two running backs. Their ability to put pressure and force turnovers was almost enough last week for Northwestern and if they can do the same this week which I think can occur it sets up for a major win. Close one until the end before Northwestern forces a turnover that leads to a deciding score and their defense does enough to hold off Wisconsin. PICK: NORTHWESTERN
3) Missouri at #7 Georgia: Georgia weathered another storm last week against Tennessee on the road and with injuries on their offense it will not get much easier. Missouri looks like a totally different team from last year and will make Georgia work hard in this one. If HB Todd Gurley can do, that will provide QB Aaron Murray and Georgia with a big boost. However, it looks like the Bulldogs will be going to the third string running back and Murray will need to continue his high play to move the ball and put points up. Thus, Missouri will need to apply a lot of pressure because if they can shut down his throwing lanes; that will allow them to build off of what they've done so far with tough defense paving the way for their offense to get plenty of possessions. Georgia will need another good 4th quarter from Murray and a big touchdown drive again paves the way for them to keep escaping close games with major victories and hope that players can return as the season progresses. PICK: GEORGIA
2) #19 Florida at #10 LSU: Another week and another big SEC game. LSU was tested early last week coming off a loss before they clicked in the second half. Florida played an equally sluggish first half last week before they too got going in the second half. Both teams will want to avoid that this week. LSU even in their one loss have shown the ability to throw defenses off with how they use their offensive personnel. Florida has had to make adjustments with their offense largely due to losing their QB Jeff Driskel. This looks like it could be a close one but something tells me that LSU will strike somewhat early and get a couple big plays before the half that sets them up for a cushion entering the second half where the two sides will be a lot closer. LSU just a little too much overall at home. PICK: LSU
1) #2 Oregon at #18 Washington: Washington nearly beat Stanford last week and now hopes to learn from that against a team in Oregon that is easily putting up 50 points a game. Thus, the Huskies' offense led by QB Kenny Price will need to be just as good as last week if not even better cause they will need to be able to put up a lot of points if their defense cannot find a way to make a few big stops. Being at home will provide a key environment for them to hopefully feed off of very much like their opening win against Boise State as they looked nearly perfect. It is just hard to see Oregon's offense being slowed enough and even if they surrender 30-40 points, they can still win by two touchdowns which is scary to think. A close one early before Oregon begins to slowly pull away but Washington will not go easy much like against Stanford so it will be something to watch throughout. PICK: OREGON
Another couple solid top 25 matchups highlight this week's schedule as we will find out a little more about some of the top teams and where they stand. Will there be an upset that shakes the rankings? There haven't been any major ones yet so you just don't know.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
NFL Week 6 Power Rankings
After 5 weeks in the books, there are only three undefeated left at 5-0: the Denver Broncos, the New Orleans Saints, and the Kansas City Chiefs. Three others are 4-1 and two are 0-5 and two are 0-4. There continues to be some shuffling among the top teams and each week big matchups continue to provide potential playoff previews. Denver and Dallas put on possibly the best game this year and one of the best games in the last few years in a shootout that featured 99 combined points. Playoff contenders like the Falcons and Texans continue to struggle as the Browns continue their mini-surge. As the quarter mark of the season moves closer to the half way point, each win will be important for top dozen or so teams looking to improve their odds of getting homefield advantage. The major game this week pits the Saints and Patriots in a top 10 faceoff while the Ravens and Packers should be another good one that will impact the rankings. The Broncos remain at the top and with a game against Jacksonville this week, that will likely not change next week.
With all that said, time to get ready for another week and here are Week 6's power rankings:
1)(1) Broncos- They weathered a storm of offense by Dallas but QB Peyton Manning was too good again as they look like not much will stop them.
2)(4) Saints- They showed a lot of toughness on the road and continue to look very complete on both sides of the ball.
3)(5) Chiefs- Their defense is very underrated as is their efficiency on offense as they limit bad plays.
4)(6) Colts- Don't look now, but they have quietly emerged as a legit title contender behind the play of QB Andrew Luck.
5)(2) Seahawks- They might have suffered their first loss, but they were simply outplayed. However, two weeks in row they've shown the weaknesses they might have if they need to win on the road in the playoffs.
6)(3) Patriots- Their lack of weapons and offensive potency finally caught up to them as QB Tom Brady's streak of 52 games with a touchdown was snapped.
7)(8) 49ers- Back to back dominant wins having them feeling a lot better and with Seattle losing they see a wide open NFC West again.
8)(10) Bengals- They got a big statement win over New England despite not playing especially sharp and them not either but they will take an important win especially with Cleveland surging.
9)(14) Ravens- They look like they might have their running game going as HB Ray Rice was the big key to their win and they will need more of that to mold into playoff form.
10)(9) Bears- Two tough losses in a row but they can quickly get right again with a visit from a staggering Giants' team.
11)(7) Dolphins- After a fast start to the year, they have fallen to two of the last four Super Bowl champs and get a week off to quickly regroup as the AFC East tightens.
12)(13) Packers- They returned from a bye and got a needed win but might be without their best defender for a few games.
13)(11) Titans- They did not miss too much of a beat with a backup quarterback and that should be promising as their defense can keep them in games.
14)(12) Lions- If WR Calvin Johnson misses many more games, it will likely put a dent in their playoff hopes as he was sorely missed this past week.
15)(18) Cowboys- QB Tony Romo did about everything you could ask minus that late pick that was the ultimate difference and continues to beg the question if they can get over the hump when it matters most.
16)(16) Texans- QB Matt Schaub continues to get a touchdown to the other team with a string of pick sixes and has Houston worrying about a major problem that could halt their recent surge the last two years.
17)(21) Browns- They unfortunately loss their quarterback but continue to win and their persistence this past week might allow them to not take too much of a step back.
18)(22) Jets- 3-2 QB Geno Smith might have had his best game of his young career as they continued their back and forth play of the year with a good performance.
19)(19) Cardinals- They took advantage of mistakes by Carolina and their confidence especially on defense continues to grow.
20)(17) Chargers- They allowed themselves to play sloppy in the first half and just could not overcome that as QB Phillip Rivers reverted his play a bit.
21)(15) Falcons- They really need this week bye cause they are piling up injuries of key players and their season is on life support unexpectedly.
22)(26) Eagles- They need to still work on locking down more on defense, but their offense was more than enough to get them a much needed win.
23)(27) Rams- It may not have been the strongest opponent, but they might be showing signs of a little bit of balance on offense.
24)(20) Bills- Without their rising rookie quarterback, they might lack much on offense as they could quickly become one dimensional.
25)(28) Raiders- They continue to play hard and it paid off this week and if they can force turnovers they have a shot against a lot of teams.
26)(23) Panthers- After their offense exploded one week, they returned to play completely opposite.
27)(24) Redskins- They are coming off a bye which hopefully means QB Robert Griffin III is that much more healthier.
28)(25) Vikings- They got a good game out of QB Matt Cassel and hope to duplicate that again this week.
29)(29) Steelers- It is hard to see them falling to 0-5 and an off might have been what the doctor ordered to prevent that.
30)(31) Buccaneers- They return from a bye without their former starting quarterback but still lots of question of what type of team they are.
31)(30) Giants- They continue to struggle to prevent turnovers as QB Eli Manning is having a career year in the wrong way with a dozen INTs already.
32)(32) Jaguars- Getting back WR Justin Blackmon gave them a small bit of hope but came with losing their rookie tackle as they look like they can't catch any breaks this year.
As the schedule moves to Week 6 and the second quarter of the season progresses; some teams hope to establish themselves as contenders while others hope to salvage their season fast before it ends at this early stage. Will the three unbeaten teams continue their winning ways? Will any of the four winless teams finally break through? At the moment, Denver looks to be the clear cut favorite in the AFC while there are a couple solid teams on the NFC side. Another week ahead and the rankings will likely continue to create a better picture of what the playoff teams might look like.
With all that said, time to get ready for another week and here are Week 6's power rankings:
1)(1) Broncos- They weathered a storm of offense by Dallas but QB Peyton Manning was too good again as they look like not much will stop them.
2)(4) Saints- They showed a lot of toughness on the road and continue to look very complete on both sides of the ball.
3)(5) Chiefs- Their defense is very underrated as is their efficiency on offense as they limit bad plays.
4)(6) Colts- Don't look now, but they have quietly emerged as a legit title contender behind the play of QB Andrew Luck.
5)(2) Seahawks- They might have suffered their first loss, but they were simply outplayed. However, two weeks in row they've shown the weaknesses they might have if they need to win on the road in the playoffs.
6)(3) Patriots- Their lack of weapons and offensive potency finally caught up to them as QB Tom Brady's streak of 52 games with a touchdown was snapped.
7)(8) 49ers- Back to back dominant wins having them feeling a lot better and with Seattle losing they see a wide open NFC West again.
8)(10) Bengals- They got a big statement win over New England despite not playing especially sharp and them not either but they will take an important win especially with Cleveland surging.
9)(14) Ravens- They look like they might have their running game going as HB Ray Rice was the big key to their win and they will need more of that to mold into playoff form.
10)(9) Bears- Two tough losses in a row but they can quickly get right again with a visit from a staggering Giants' team.
11)(7) Dolphins- After a fast start to the year, they have fallen to two of the last four Super Bowl champs and get a week off to quickly regroup as the AFC East tightens.
12)(13) Packers- They returned from a bye and got a needed win but might be without their best defender for a few games.
13)(11) Titans- They did not miss too much of a beat with a backup quarterback and that should be promising as their defense can keep them in games.
14)(12) Lions- If WR Calvin Johnson misses many more games, it will likely put a dent in their playoff hopes as he was sorely missed this past week.
15)(18) Cowboys- QB Tony Romo did about everything you could ask minus that late pick that was the ultimate difference and continues to beg the question if they can get over the hump when it matters most.
16)(16) Texans- QB Matt Schaub continues to get a touchdown to the other team with a string of pick sixes and has Houston worrying about a major problem that could halt their recent surge the last two years.
17)(21) Browns- They unfortunately loss their quarterback but continue to win and their persistence this past week might allow them to not take too much of a step back.
18)(22) Jets- 3-2 QB Geno Smith might have had his best game of his young career as they continued their back and forth play of the year with a good performance.
19)(19) Cardinals- They took advantage of mistakes by Carolina and their confidence especially on defense continues to grow.
20)(17) Chargers- They allowed themselves to play sloppy in the first half and just could not overcome that as QB Phillip Rivers reverted his play a bit.
21)(15) Falcons- They really need this week bye cause they are piling up injuries of key players and their season is on life support unexpectedly.
22)(26) Eagles- They need to still work on locking down more on defense, but their offense was more than enough to get them a much needed win.
23)(27) Rams- It may not have been the strongest opponent, but they might be showing signs of a little bit of balance on offense.
24)(20) Bills- Without their rising rookie quarterback, they might lack much on offense as they could quickly become one dimensional.
25)(28) Raiders- They continue to play hard and it paid off this week and if they can force turnovers they have a shot against a lot of teams.
26)(23) Panthers- After their offense exploded one week, they returned to play completely opposite.
27)(24) Redskins- They are coming off a bye which hopefully means QB Robert Griffin III is that much more healthier.
28)(25) Vikings- They got a good game out of QB Matt Cassel and hope to duplicate that again this week.
29)(29) Steelers- It is hard to see them falling to 0-5 and an off might have been what the doctor ordered to prevent that.
30)(31) Buccaneers- They return from a bye without their former starting quarterback but still lots of question of what type of team they are.
31)(30) Giants- They continue to struggle to prevent turnovers as QB Eli Manning is having a career year in the wrong way with a dozen INTs already.
32)(32) Jaguars- Getting back WR Justin Blackmon gave them a small bit of hope but came with losing their rookie tackle as they look like they can't catch any breaks this year.
As the schedule moves to Week 6 and the second quarter of the season progresses; some teams hope to establish themselves as contenders while others hope to salvage their season fast before it ends at this early stage. Will the three unbeaten teams continue their winning ways? Will any of the four winless teams finally break through? At the moment, Denver looks to be the clear cut favorite in the AFC while there are a couple solid teams on the NFC side. Another week ahead and the rankings will likely continue to create a better picture of what the playoff teams might look like.
Monday, October 7, 2013
College Football Week 7 Power Rankings
After six weeks of play, multiple top teams have begun to emerge and stick out. At the moment, Alabama and Oregon could be on a collision course that would pit a good defense against a juggernaut offense. They are not the only threats for a title as close to a dozen teams have shown elements of a team that could challenge for a title. As the season progresses, these teams will continue to play each other. Alabama and Georgia have fared best so far in a tough SEC while Ohio State has outlasted two tough fellow Big Ten foes. Like previous weeks, there was some movement at the bottom of the rankings as Arizona State fell out once again as did Mississippi who lost two games in Alabama against the Tide and Tigers. Replacing them are Notre Dame, who beat Arizona State, and Missouri, who might be on for only a week as they visit Georgia in one of this week's big games.
With Week 7 ahead, here are this week's power rankings:
1)(1) Alabama (at Kentucky)- They were hardly tested last week and that should likely not change again this week against a lesser team in the SEC.
2)(2) Oregon (at Washington)- Their offense has been off the charts all year and it should be interesting to see if Washington can slow them down enough to keep it close enough to pull the upset.
3)(3) Ohio State (BYE)- They survived two tough conference tests and now get a week to rest for the second half of the year.
4)(4) Clemson (vs Boston College)- Their offense has really started to wake up and look dangerous the last couple weeks and might be able to continue that again this week.
5)(5) Stanford (at Utah)- They should not overlook the Utes this week but as long as they continue their great balance they should be fine.
6)(8) Florida State (BYE)- Both QB Jameis Winston and their offense looked nearly unstoppable last week and with a bye they have a lot of momentum entering their clash with Clemson next week.
7)(6) Georgia (vs Missouri)- They are starting to pile up injuries on the offensive side of the ball, but QB Aaron Murray can definitely do enough to use what guys are on the field to his advantage.
8)(7) Louisville (vs Rutgers)- They get their first real test of the year against a gritty Rutgers team who will look to challenge them with their defense.
9)(9) Texas A&M (at Mississippi)- They have shown an ability to create fast paced offense led by QB Johnny Manziel and get a reeling Mississippi team who will likely be angry.
10)(10) LSU (vs Florida)- They got tested early last week before exploding and will need to play sharper early this week to put away a less than dangerous Florida team who could fight back late if close.
11)(11) South Carolina (at Arkansas)- They are dealing with questions around their star defensive player and should be leery on the road against an Arkansas team that has had three straight close losses and might be able to pull the upset.
12)(12) UCLA (vs California)- QB Brett Hundley looks like he could do basically everything and that should cause a lot of issues for opponents now that he continues to look like a tough dual threat to slow down.
13)(13) Oklahoma (vs Texas)- They enter their annual Red River Shootout against a Texas team that looks like it won't be able to keep up.
14)(15) Miami (FL) (BYE)- They have a week off to prepare for what could be a favorable path to the ACC title game.
15)(17) Michigan (at Penn State)- They looked like they solved some of their woes last week and will need to continue to bring that intensity again this week.
16)(19) Baylor (at Kansas State)- They continue to put up a lot of points and should continue that again this week as they have weapons all over the place on offense it seems.
17)(14) Northwestern (at Wisconsin)- They came really close to knocking off the Buckeyes and need to come as fired up to avoid a loss against the team Ohio State beat the week before.
18)(16) Washington (vs Oregon)- They fell short in their first major test of the year and get a chance to redeem themselves against the other top team in the Pac-12 North.
19)(19) Florida (at LSU)- They have yet to truly put away a team but last week was their closest game to that and will need to duplicate much of their second half success on the road in a tough environment.
20)(20) Oklahoma State (BYE)- They were able to right their ship and now get a week off to continue to regroup as they should still be in the mix in the Big 12 South.
21)(21) Nebraska (at Purdue)- They continue to fly under the radar since their beatdown by UCLA but have a chance to keep their improvement and surge going.
22)(22) Texas Tech (vs Iowa State)- They should be aggressive against the Cyclones cause they will come out ready to avenge what they thought was a win they should have gotten last week against Texas.
23) (24) Fresno State (BYE)- They are undefeated and have a week off and that will only allow them to continue to prep for a potential undefeated season.
24)(NR) Missouri (at Georgia)- They struggled mightily in the SEC last year but look like a difference team this year and could put a big upset against a wounded Georgia team.
25)(NR) Notre Dame (BYE)- They don't do much special but just keep fighting and a week off comes at a good time so they can further work on execution.
NEXT 5
1) Arizona State (vs Colorado)- They are a borderline top 25 team and are still in the conversation with UCLA in the Pac-12 South.
2) Wisconsin (vs Northwestern)- They might have two losses but they were close ones and are a tough and gritty team that could work themselves back into the top 25 very easily.
3) Auburn (vs Western Carolina)- Talk about making some major improvements. They should easily win this week and reach the half way point with only 1 loss after losing 9 last year.
4) Northern Illinois (vs Akron)- They have one of the more effective quarterbacks and still fly under the radar despite being undefeated.
5) Virginia Tech (vs Pittsburgh)- They continue to sit as a near top 25 team and look to be able to continue their winning way with that evolving offense to match their opportunistic defense.
There were a couple ranked battles at the top of this past week's schedule as a couple top teams were able to hold off upstarts. Not much has changed among the top of the rankings for the most part, but with conference play in full swing; there could some upsets that can easily occur with a couple top ten teams seeing tough challenges this week.
With Week 7 ahead, here are this week's power rankings:
1)(1) Alabama (at Kentucky)- They were hardly tested last week and that should likely not change again this week against a lesser team in the SEC.
2)(2) Oregon (at Washington)- Their offense has been off the charts all year and it should be interesting to see if Washington can slow them down enough to keep it close enough to pull the upset.
3)(3) Ohio State (BYE)- They survived two tough conference tests and now get a week to rest for the second half of the year.
4)(4) Clemson (vs Boston College)- Their offense has really started to wake up and look dangerous the last couple weeks and might be able to continue that again this week.
5)(5) Stanford (at Utah)- They should not overlook the Utes this week but as long as they continue their great balance they should be fine.
6)(8) Florida State (BYE)- Both QB Jameis Winston and their offense looked nearly unstoppable last week and with a bye they have a lot of momentum entering their clash with Clemson next week.
7)(6) Georgia (vs Missouri)- They are starting to pile up injuries on the offensive side of the ball, but QB Aaron Murray can definitely do enough to use what guys are on the field to his advantage.
8)(7) Louisville (vs Rutgers)- They get their first real test of the year against a gritty Rutgers team who will look to challenge them with their defense.
9)(9) Texas A&M (at Mississippi)- They have shown an ability to create fast paced offense led by QB Johnny Manziel and get a reeling Mississippi team who will likely be angry.
10)(10) LSU (vs Florida)- They got tested early last week before exploding and will need to play sharper early this week to put away a less than dangerous Florida team who could fight back late if close.
11)(11) South Carolina (at Arkansas)- They are dealing with questions around their star defensive player and should be leery on the road against an Arkansas team that has had three straight close losses and might be able to pull the upset.
12)(12) UCLA (vs California)- QB Brett Hundley looks like he could do basically everything and that should cause a lot of issues for opponents now that he continues to look like a tough dual threat to slow down.
13)(13) Oklahoma (vs Texas)- They enter their annual Red River Shootout against a Texas team that looks like it won't be able to keep up.
14)(15) Miami (FL) (BYE)- They have a week off to prepare for what could be a favorable path to the ACC title game.
15)(17) Michigan (at Penn State)- They looked like they solved some of their woes last week and will need to continue to bring that intensity again this week.
16)(19) Baylor (at Kansas State)- They continue to put up a lot of points and should continue that again this week as they have weapons all over the place on offense it seems.
17)(14) Northwestern (at Wisconsin)- They came really close to knocking off the Buckeyes and need to come as fired up to avoid a loss against the team Ohio State beat the week before.
18)(16) Washington (vs Oregon)- They fell short in their first major test of the year and get a chance to redeem themselves against the other top team in the Pac-12 North.
19)(19) Florida (at LSU)- They have yet to truly put away a team but last week was their closest game to that and will need to duplicate much of their second half success on the road in a tough environment.
20)(20) Oklahoma State (BYE)- They were able to right their ship and now get a week off to continue to regroup as they should still be in the mix in the Big 12 South.
21)(21) Nebraska (at Purdue)- They continue to fly under the radar since their beatdown by UCLA but have a chance to keep their improvement and surge going.
22)(22) Texas Tech (vs Iowa State)- They should be aggressive against the Cyclones cause they will come out ready to avenge what they thought was a win they should have gotten last week against Texas.
23) (24) Fresno State (BYE)- They are undefeated and have a week off and that will only allow them to continue to prep for a potential undefeated season.
24)(NR) Missouri (at Georgia)- They struggled mightily in the SEC last year but look like a difference team this year and could put a big upset against a wounded Georgia team.
25)(NR) Notre Dame (BYE)- They don't do much special but just keep fighting and a week off comes at a good time so they can further work on execution.
NEXT 5
1) Arizona State (vs Colorado)- They are a borderline top 25 team and are still in the conversation with UCLA in the Pac-12 South.
2) Wisconsin (vs Northwestern)- They might have two losses but they were close ones and are a tough and gritty team that could work themselves back into the top 25 very easily.
3) Auburn (vs Western Carolina)- Talk about making some major improvements. They should easily win this week and reach the half way point with only 1 loss after losing 9 last year.
4) Northern Illinois (vs Akron)- They have one of the more effective quarterbacks and still fly under the radar despite being undefeated.
5) Virginia Tech (vs Pittsburgh)- They continue to sit as a near top 25 team and look to be able to continue their winning way with that evolving offense to match their opportunistic defense.
There were a couple ranked battles at the top of this past week's schedule as a couple top teams were able to hold off upstarts. Not much has changed among the top of the rankings for the most part, but with conference play in full swing; there could some upsets that can easily occur with a couple top ten teams seeing tough challenges this week.
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