2006 Preseason Polls (official thread)

[MililaniBuckeye]

By Matt Hayes
Sporting News
.
.
.
Jim Tressel's conservative philosophy of running the ball, playing tough defense and being sound in special teams is going to take a hit.

Hey, Matt, too bad you slept through the second half of last season...485 ypg and 39 ppg is conservative alright. Dumbass.

 

[Best Buckeye]

Hit

By Matt Hayes
Sporting News
.
.
.
Jim Tressel's conservative philosophy of running the ball, playing tough defense and being sound in special teams is going to take a hit.

Hey, Matt, too bad you slept through the second half of last season...485 ypg and 39 ppg is conservative alright. Dumbass.

Actually, if the defense and or kicking game stutters Hayes would be right. Last seasons numbers dont count any more.

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

Actually, if the defense and or kicking game stutters Hayes would be right. Last seasons numbers dont count any more.

No, actually if the defense "stutters" and gives up more points than last year's defense, and the kicking game isn't solid, then the offense will have to open it up more to score more points...it's when the defense is strong and the kicking game scores us points and pins the oposition back that the offense can play ball control.

 

[osugrad21]

Link

Imperfect contenders
http://www.sportingnews.com/exclusives/20060817/767713-p.html
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="780"> <tbody><tr class="v11" width="470" valign="top"><td><nobr></nobr>

Posted: August 17, 2006

When all else fails, ask the old guy. He tried to wrap his hands around it, tried to find a way to explain the utter magnificence of the complete unknown.
"I don't think," Bobby Bowden says, pausing for effect, "I've ever seen a season where so many teams have a chance."
Here's a guy who started this coaching thing in the 1950s, when South Georgia Junior College paid him a couple thousand dollars to do it -- if he'd be the athletic director, too. He has won a few games in five decades, seen some wild, unpredictable things as he built Florida State into a powerhouse and collected a couple of national titles along the way.
Yeah, Bowden is fairly qualified to give an educated assessment of this season.
"Everybody has a flaw," he says.
It's perfectly imperfect. It's the season any fan worth his weight in message board posts dreams about. No more Leinarts, Bushes or Youngs but plenty of the deliciously unknown.
For the first time since Bowden didn't have a fleck of gray hair, none of us knows what on God's green earth is going to happen this season. No clear leader, no certain team or teams more likely to play for the national title than others. At this point, more than a handful of teams -- OK, way more than a handful -- could be in suburban Phoenix in January playing for it all. And that's after Rhett Bomar went old-school OU and watched the grass grow as his summer job.
Want more proof? Let's ask another senior citizen.
"There's not a team out there," says Penn State coach Joe Paterno, "where you say, 'They look like they've got it all.' "
Ah, perfection. It's Pam Anderson (her Baywatch days), cold suds and hot brats rolled into one. It's Miami vs. FSU kicking off on Labor Day weekend and Notre Dame vs. Southern California on the last weekend of the regular season -- and a ton of action in between.
For now, the lead dog is Notre Dame. Heck, we don't know why. But if you have to pick someone in a perfectly imperfect season, why not go with the Dome? After that, there's USC, LSU, Auburn, West Virginia, Ohio State, Texas, California, Florida State, TCU, Louisville, Oklahoma ... wait, who threw the Sooners back in there?
"You may see someone get there that no one had any idea would get there," says Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey.
Look at the bright side: At least you won't be surprised.
Dissecting the various (im)perfect contenders:
Ohio State The flaw: The front seven. Two starters return from a defense that mauled opponents last season and allowed a developing offense to make mistakes. It won't work that way this year. When the defense makes a mistake, the offense will be forced to play catch-up.
The flaw exposed: This is the Big Ten, where power-oriented offenses eat up inexperienced defenses. Teams can pound away at the interior with a strong running game and throw it over the top when the safeties are forced to play close to the line in run support. "Run the ball right at them; shorten the game," says one Big Ten coach. "They don't have the lateral speed at linebacker that they've had the last two years. They're going to be exposed on the perimeter by anyone who has speed in the backfield."
The fix: First, a brief history lesson: In five seasons under Jim Tressel, Ohio State never has finished worse than 20th in the nation in scoring defense. A similar finish will put this team in the national title game. The two returning starters, tackles Quinn Pitcock and David Patterson, form one of the nation's best interior combos. There's no better place to have strength in a young defense than up the gut, where inexperienced linebackers can be protected from consistently engaging 300-pound linemen. Besides, with linebacker Marcus Freeman -- he might have started last season had he not sustained a season-ending knee injury -- and star junior college transfer Larry Grant, the Buckeyes aren't losing much at the position. USC
The flaw: No Reggie Bush, no Matt Leinart, no LenDale White. Now that's a flaw. USC was so dangerous, so efficient the past three years because those three simply didn't make mistakes. Now the quarterback and tailback -- the two most important positions on offense -- potentially could be guys who have yet to take a snap in college football. That's how highly the staff thinks of redshirt freshman Mark Sanchez, who will battle junior John David Booty to be the starter at quarterback, and the three freshmen who will compete for the starting tailback job.
The flaw exposed: No matter who starts in the backfield, this unit will be inexperienced. But stopping the Trojans won't be as simple as blitzing in every pass situation or crowding the line of scrimmage to overload the running game. "You've got to mix it up," says one Pac-10 defensive coordinator. "I don't care who's playing quarterback; they haven't seen the zones, dogs and combos (defenses) that Leinart knew like the back of his hand." Another issue: Not every freshman plays with the poise and presence of Bush and White, so fumbles and missed protections could be a problem, especially in big games.
The fix: USC coach Pete Carroll likes to say the best players play -- no matter how young. But even he realizes a duo like Bush and White only comes along once every forever. The Trojans will play junior tailback Chauncey Washington early and slowly bring along the freshman tailbacks while they learn pass protections. Booty can, at the very least, manage the game and get the ball to his three dangerous receivers -- or he could play much better. There were some on staff in 2003 who thought Leinart would be more of a guy who managed the game instead of taking it over. Back then, the passing game consisted of short-to-intermediate routes and three-step drops until Leinart became more comfortable in the system. Expect more of the same. LSU
The flaw: A three-headed quarterback controversy. JaMarcus Russell has the most experience, Matt Flynn has the moxie, and Ryan Perrilloux has the most ability. Coach Les Miles says he'll make a decision in fall camp and stick with it. But they all say that. Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer did last season, then yanked Erik Ainge after two quarters of the season opener. We all know what that dissolved into. Bottom line: If you have two -- or in this case, three -- quarterbacks, you don't have one.
The flaw exposed: There really isn't a process to attack this flaw. It's more a matter of waiting for self-inflicted wounds to fester. If a defense can force mistakes early or dictate the tempo of the game, doubt will begin to creep in for the coach making the decision of which quarterback plays. "Any coach who says they like having two guys with equal ability competing for the quarterback job is lying," says one SEC coach. "It's frightening because you're always second-guessing yourself on who should be playing."
The fix: Step 1: Whittle the competition to two. There has been talk of putting Perrilloux at another position; that's not going to sit well with the former megarecruit. Step 2: Make a decision and stand firm. When was the last time a team won the national title with a two-quarterback system? No matter how uncomfortable a game situation might get, don't waver and make a desperate, confidence-deflating switch. Auburn
The flaw: An undersized defense built on speed. It's hard to argue with Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville, a longtime defensive coordinator and Jimmy Johnson disciple. Tuberville wants quick, agile defensive linemen and linebackers. The theory is lateral movement and makeup speed are more important than size and quick defensive linemen can shoot gaps instead of engaging and battling.
The flaw exposed: Plop in a tape of last year's Capital One Bowl. OK, maybe Auburn was bored. Maybe the Tigers felt they should've been playing in a BCS game. Doesn't matter. Slow, plodding, muscle-bound Wisconsin beat up Aubie on the line of scrimmage and dominated the game. Auburn gave up 548 yards of offense, 247 of which were on the ground (5.9 yards per carry). The total offense was Wisconsin's high for the season and 56 more yards than Temple gave up to the Badgers. You can bet other teams in the SEC have watched that Capital One Bowl tape over and over.
The fix: You can't get bigger overnight. In fact, Auburn got smaller at linebacker, where Will Herring moved from safety to give the team a sure tackler at the position. Tackle Josh Thompson is up to 300 pounds, and star JC recruit Greg Smith will give the team a 315-pound anchor on the interior. But Auburn doesn't want to veer too far from what helped it win 22 of its past 25 games and 16 of 17 SEC games. If it ain't broke, just tweak it and hope for the best. Texas
The flaw: Two freshman quarterbacks. Want to blame someone? Blame Vince Young. Texas is in this position -- with no experienced quarterback to lead a talented team -- because it was nearly impossible to recruit quarterbacks while Young was becoming the best player in school history. Now the Longhorns will lean on redshirt freshman Colt McCoy and true freshman Jevan Snead to defend their national title. Neither, of course, has taken a snap in college football.
The flaw exposed: These are the game plans defensive coordinators love to scheme. Freshman quarterbacks are going to make mistakes; it's a given. It's all about pressure, about forcing quick decisions from young players whose initial reaction is to panic and try to use physical ability -- arm strength, leg speed -- to get out of a jam. More times than not, it leads to bad plays at best, turnovers at worst.
The fix: Texas went through this with Young and Chris Simms early in their careers, worked through their mistakes and had big seasons. Those teams, though, needed Simms and Young to make a difference on offense. This team doesn't need that from the young quarterbacks. The defense is among the top three in the nation, and the offense is loaded with elite skill players. In other words, McCoy and/or Snead simply have to manage the game and stay out of trouble. West Virginia
The flaw: The inevitable overexposure of the spread offense. WVU coach Rich Rodriguez admits as much: Defenses eventually will find ways to slow his scheme. Heck, he invited it this spring when he let several schools stop by Morgantown to learn the offense. The win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl was impressive, but it's far from an indicator of the spread's ability against athletic, fast defenses.
The flaw exposed: The spread option is, as much as anything, a misdirection offense. The key is to get defenses to overpursue and make individual defenders play outside their specific responsibilities. Translation: Too many defenders try to do too much and no one ends up doing anything. So how do you beat it? Interior linemen shoot gaps to disrupt zone-blocking schemes and linebackers push plays to the perimeter where defensive backs help in run support. It's a strange combination: Linemen must be aggressive and linebackers must be patient.
The fix: Rodriguez's focus has been more on quarterback Patrick White's accuracy than finding new plays for his offense. As a runner in the scheme, there is no one in the nation more dangerous than White. But his accuracy in the passing game must improve so teams don't load up near the line of scrimmage. The WVU staff has tweaked White's mechanics (he was aiming balls too much last season) and convinced him of the value of moving in the pocket instead of running at the first sign of trouble. Remember, Young became truly gifted within the Texas spread option when he became more comfortable as a passer.

</td></tr></tbody> </table>

 

[Saw31]

It's the season any fan worth his weight in message board posts dreams about.

 

[808 Buck]

Referencing Grad's posted article above, I beg to differ with the author that our flaw will be the front seven. If there was an argument for a flaw, I would go with the back seven. Before the criticism starts to flow, hear me out. What is the essence of Tresselball? Special teams, solid D, ball control, not beating yourself with mistakes. So, from the opposite standpoint, there is no way that JT and staff will allow the ball to be run against us. Schematically, it is my guess that we will outnumber the opponent in the box, pre-snap or run stunt, and roll the dice in the back. When comparing our DL and our secondary, we have more experience up front. I would also argue that the LB's will be stronger against the run than the pass, particularly the younger ones. If there was an area to question, it would be against the pass, not the run. And, I'll tell you this, I am very confident that we will be coached up as the year progresses, and it's best to catch us early.

 

[osugrad21]

Link

<table align="center" bgcolor="" border="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td>College Notes: History not on side of Buckeyes as No. 1
<!--subtitle--><!--top author info--><table align="center" border="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="articleByline"><!-- overline-->Combined News Services</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td></tr></tbody> </table> <table class="articleBody" align="center" border="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td colspan="3" align="center">
</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" class="articleBody" align="left"> <!-- IMAGE IN REGION Position1 -->News of becoming The Associated Press preseason No. 1 team in college football swept the Ohio State campus Friday like a leaf lazily falling in September. Athletic director Gene Smith made sure the mood stayed calm when he addressed the team after USA Today's coaches poll picked the Buckeyes No. 1 on Aug. 4.
''I told them there has never been a team in the history of the Ohio State University program that has gone into the season ranked No. 1 and come out No. 1,'' Smith said. ''How do you distinguish yourself or differentiate yourself from all the teams that have made great history here? You start out No. 1 and you end up No. 1.''
Preseason No. 1 teams have a history of falling off their lofty perch. This is Ohio State's fifth preseason No. 1 ranking (1969, 1975, 1980 and 1998). In 1998, the Buckeyes (11-1) finished second in the AP poll but fourth in the Bowl Championship Series' inaugural season. They finished 15th in the AP poll in 1980 at 9-3, fourth in '75 at 11-1 and fourth in '69 at 8-1. </td></tr></tbody> </table>

 

[NFBuck]

Link
<TABLE class=articleBody width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle colSpan=3>


</TD></TR><TR><TD class=articleBody align=left colSpan=3><!-- IMAGE IN REGION Position1 -->''How do you distinguish yourself or differentiate yourself from all the teams that have made great history here? You start out No. 1 and you end up No. 1.''</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I like that idea.

 

[BB73]

Link

<TABLE width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>College Notes: History not on side of Buckeyes as No. 1
<!--subtitle--><!--top author info--><TABLE width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=articleByline><!-- overline-->Combined News Services</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=articleBody width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle colSpan=3>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=articleBody align=left colSpan=3><!-- IMAGE IN REGION Position1 -->News of becoming The Associated Press preseason No. 1 team in college football swept the Ohio State campus Friday like a leaf lazily falling in September. Athletic director Gene Smith made sure the mood stayed calm when he addressed the team after USA Today's coaches poll picked the Buckeyes No. 1 on Aug. 4.
''I told them there has never been a team in the history of the Ohio State University program that has gone into the season ranked No. 1 and come out No. 1,'' Smith said. ''How do you distinguish yourself or differentiate yourself from all the teams that have made great history here? You start out No. 1 and you end up No. 1.''
Preseason No. 1 teams have a history of falling off their lofty perch. This is Ohio State's fifth preseason No. 1 ranking (1969, 1975, 1980 and 1998). In 1998, the Buckeyes (11-1) finished second in the AP poll but fourth in the Bowl Championship Series' inaugural season. They finished 15th in the AP poll in 1980 at 9-3, fourth in '75 at 11-1 and fourth in '69 at 8-1.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

The information I bolded is simply not correct.

This is tOSU's 7th preseason #1 ranking in the AP poll since the AP initiated the preseason poll in 1950.

1958, ended 8th
1962, ended up out of the top 10 (only 10 teams were ranked then)
1969, ended 4th
1970, ended 5th
1980, ended 15th
1998, ended 2nd
2006, TBD

I don't know why the article mentions 1975, when the team was #4 in the preseason AP poll.

 

[Saw31]

The information I bolded is simply not correct.

This is tOSU's 7th preseason #1 ranking in the AP poll since the AP initiated the preseason poll in 1950.

1958, ended 8th
1962, ended up out of the top 10 (only 10 teams were ranked then)
1969, ended 4th
1970, ended 5th
1980, ended 15th
1998, ended 2nd
2006, TBD

I don't know why the article mentions 1975, when the team was #4 in the preseason AP poll.

I think your expectations of the media are entirely too high...

 

[osugrad21]

CPD

Danielson backs Buckeyes being best


Wednesday, August 23, 2006Roger Brown
Plain Dealer Columnist
Former Browns quar terback Gary Daniel son is college football's best game analyst, hands down - so it's worth perking your ears up when Danielson, starting his first year as CBS' lead color man, says Ohio State clearly deserves its No. 1 ranking.
"There's no perfect team in college football this season, including Ohio State," Danielson says. "But I've always believed in the power of a talented senior quarterback, and [OSU's] Troy Smith may be as good and tough a quarterback as there is this year. With him there, I think Ohio State definitely should be the No. 1 team."
Danielson says he also likes the fact that Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel favors a conservative, safe offensive game plan during the regular season.

"That really limits the chances of your season being ruined by one bad game by your quarterback," Danielson said. "And it shows me Tressel isn't afraid to coach in tight, close ballgames. That's a huge advantage [for Ohio State]."
Smith, part 2:
More than a few folks privately wonder if the OSU quarterback is really up to handling the dual heat of leading a No. 1-ranked team and being a top Heisman Trophy candidate. A recent New York Times magazine profile on Smith has done little to change the skeptics' doubts. The piece depicted Smith as a virtual recluse these days in Columbus, relying on OSU teammates to serve as bodyguards - and keep fans away - when he does venture out.

 

[osugrad21]

Link

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td class="pr">Press Release</td><td class="ps" align="right">Source: Sportsbook.com</td></tr></tbody> </table> Sportsbook.com favors Fighting Irish to win 2007 BCS National Championship
Wednesday August 23, 3:56 pm ET <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="4"><tbody><tr><td height="4">
</td></tr></tbody></table>Odds also available on ACC, Big 12 and SEC 2006 Championship titles
NEW YORK, Aug. 23 /PRNewswire/ - According to odds makers at Sportsbook.com, on January 8, 2007 the Fighting Irish faithful may be toasting their 14th national title in Arizona - Notre Dame's first national championship in close to 20 years. Although Sportsbook.com has listed Notre Dame as the 5-1 favorite to win the 2007 BCS National Championship, fans in Columbus do not need to cancel their tickets to Glendale just yet. The Ohio State Buckeyes, listed right behind the Irish at 7-1, are also heavy favorites to win college football's most coveted prize, while West Virginia, USC and the 2006 National Champion Texas Longhorns - all listed at 8-1 - are strong contenders as well.
Sportsbook.com has also posted odds on the conference championships for the ACC, Big 12 and SEC. In the ACC - it could be anyone's title, particularly for the two schools from the Sunshine State. Florida State and Miami, both listed at 2-1, are favored to win the 2006 ACC Championship Game, with the 'Noles hoping to finish in the nation's top 10 for the first time in five years, and the 'Canes looking to avenge their 10-7 loss against FSU in last year's ACC Championship game.
Moving west to the Big 12, Sportsbook.com has listed Texas as 7-5 favorites to repeat as conference champions, even though the Longhorns lost their national championship-winning quarterback Vince Young to the NFL. In the south, the Auburn Tigers - led by Heisman-hopeful senior running back Kenny Irons - have been given the best odds to win the 2006 SEC Championship at 5-2.
"Bettors are chomping at the bit, waiting for the NCAA football season to start," said Alex Czajkowski, Sportsbook.com. "Everybody bets on college football and this season will definitely be no exception. Most people are looking to either Ohio State or Notre Dame to win the BCS, but with USC, Texas, Florida and West Virginia in the mix, there are many teams who could crash the party out in the desert this January."

ODDS TO WIN THE 2007 BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Notre Dame 5-1 Alabama 100-1
Ohio State 7-1 Arkansas 100-1
West Virginia 8-1 Boston College 100-1
Texas 8-1 Michigan State 150-1
USC 8-1 Maryland 200-1
Florida 12-1 South Carolina 200-1
California 15-1 Colorado 200-1
Auburn 15-1 Purdue 200-1
Oklahoma 18-1 Georgia Tech 200-1
Iowa 20-1 TCU 250-1
Louisville 20-1 UCLA 250-1
Florida State 20-1 Arizona 300-1
Michigan 20-1 Pittsburgh 300-1
Miami (FL) 20-1 Iowa State 300-1
LSU 25-1 Wisconsin 300-1
Penn State 40-1 North Carolina State 300-1
Virginia Tech 40-1 Virginia 300-1
Nebraska 50-1 North Carolina 400-1
Tennessee 60-1 Fresno State 500-1
Georgia 60-1 Hawaii 500-1
Arizona State 60-1 Northwestern 500-1
Oregon 70-1 BYU 500-1
Clemson 70-1 Oregon State 1000-1
Texas A&M 100-1 UNLV 1000-1
Texas Tech 100-1 Field (Any Other Team) 40-1

ODDS TO WIN 2006 ACC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Miami (FL) 2-1
Florida State 2-1
Virginia Tech 3-1
Clemson 7-1
Georgia Tech 15-1
Boston College 15-1
Maryland 15-1
Virginia 30-1
North Carolina State 30-1
North Carolina 30-1
Wake Forest 50-1
Duke 500-1

ODDS TO WIN 2006 BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Texas 7-5
Oklahoma 9-5
Nebraska 9-2
Texas Tech 12-1
Colorado 14-1
Iowa State 15-1
Texas A&M 15-1
Kansas State 30-1
Missouri 30-1
Kansas 35-1
Baylor 100-1
Oklahoma State 100-1

ODDS TO WIN 2006 SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Auburn 5-2
Florida 11-4
LSU 4-1
Georgia 6-1
Tennessee 7-1
Arkansas 7-1
Alabama 9-1
Mississippi 20-1
South Carolina 28-1
Mississippi State 75-1
Kentucky 100-1
Vanderbilt 300-1

For complete NCAA football odds please visit sportsbook.com

About Sportsbook.com:
</pre> Sportsbook.com is the largest sportsbook and casino on the planet, where millions of adult Americans bet on sports, play poker and enjoy blackjack and other casino games online in a regulated and licensed jurisdiction. Named the "Best US Sports Book" by the industry's top magazine, eGaming Review, Sportsbook.com has been leading the online gaming industry since 1996. Dwarfing its nearest competitors in the US, Sportsbook.com has been the first to achieve every significant industry milestone, from record turnover to active users to number of bets--achieving a peak of fifteen bets per second. As the US online gaming leader, the firm and its products have been featured on CBS 60 Minutes, CNN, ESPN, Wall Street Journal, Barrons, Financial Times, USA Today and in every major newspaper in the US.
Sportsbook.com is the flagship brand for Sportingbet PLC, (LSE: SBT - News), the world's leading publicly traded online gaming company. Sportingbet PLC, headquartered in London, England, has been voted number one in the industry for two years in a row by the authoritative eGaming Review Power 50 Survey.

 

[osugrad21]

Link

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Ohio St., ND have wealth of challengers

[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]August 25, 2006[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]BY HERB GOULD Staff Reporter <!-- Empty line is needed -->[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] <!--publication CST --> <!--pub_section SPT last modified 8/24/06 6:54 PM-->[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Another college football season is upon us. A 12-game, five-BCS-bowl, start-the-clock-on-kickoffs college football season. Buckle up your chin strap. Get your tailgate or your La-Z-Boy ready. And let the arguments begin in the best sport that doesn't know how to crown a champion. Or maybe the best sport, period.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Here's a first-and-10 of topics to start the debates:[/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]1. THE DYNAMIC DUO[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Ohio State and Notre Dame fans might be rejoicing at coming out of the gate No. 1 and No. 2 in the Associated Press poll. But coaches Jim Tressel and Charlie Weis are savvy enough to know that can be a burden as well as an accolade.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Both teams have a lot of questions to answer on defense before they can book a return to suburban Phoenix for a rematch of last year's Fiesta Bowl in this year's national championship game.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]More to the point, a slew of teams could wind up playing Jan. 8 at Glendale Stadium.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]In a departure from recent years, in which two or three teams stood out as most likely to succeed, everyone from the Buckeyes and Irish on down has big questions.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]USC will be inexperienced at quarterback and tailback. Texas and LSU also have quarterback questions. Auburn's defense is fast but undersized. West Virginia's spread offense will need to hold up over the long haul.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Florida has an awkward fit at quarterback and a brutal schedule. Oklahoma and Cal must prove they're ready to unseat Texas and USC in their respective leagues. Perennial powers Florida State, Miami and Michigan are once again talented enough to be lurking -- especially this year.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]''I don't think I've ever seen a season where so many teams have a chance,'' Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, who has seen a lot of seasons, told the Sporting News. ''Everybody has a flaw.''[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Or, as Penn State's Joe Paterno put it, ''There's not a team out there where you say, 'They look like they've got it all.'''[/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]2. THE ON-THE-SPOT TRIO[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]No doubt, the passion is what makes college football so compelling. But it also turns up the heat on college football coaches.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]That's especially true in the Chicago area, where our top three local heroes face difficult missions.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Considering the preseason hype, anything less than a serious run at the national championship, and people will be talking about how Weis underachieved with Notre Dame. Last year's surprising success, which created this year's great expectations, will be ancient history.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]If Ron Zook can't show progress at Illinois, his recruiting coups won't be enough to bring back Illini fans who count the days until basketball season arrives.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]At Northwestern, 31-year-old Pat Fitzgerald faces the difficult task of keeping the Wildcats overachieving. He'll have to do it while breaking in a new quarterback and handling the shocking death of his energetic predecessor, Randy Walker. If it doesn't go well, Fitzgerald will find out just how tough a business he's in.[/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]3. THE UNSUNG ONE[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Who has the best team in Illinois? The experts say it's not the fellas from the buttoned-down Big Ten. Rather, it's the little guy peeking through the cornstalks in DeKalb.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Yes, Northern Illinois, the preseason favorite in the Mid-American Conference, stacks up as the best Division I team in the state.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Illinois, which is trying to wake up its own echoes, should take heart from the experience of NIU, which has become a MAC power since going 3-30 during Joe Novak's first three years.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Northwestern, which escaped the jaws of the Huskies 38-37 last fall, checked in as this year's preseason runner-up.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The Illini, meanwhile, should be glad that the directional state school that's coming to Champaign on Sept. 2 answers to Eastern rather than Northern. Maybe down the road ... when Zook has his pieces in place.[/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]4. COACHING CAROUSEL SLOWS[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]After 23 new coaches were ushered in last season, this was a quiet offseason for coaching changes. Only 11 schools have new coaches, including Northwestern, which promoted Fitzgerald after Walker's shocking death.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Fitzgerald, 31, is one of four new coaches in the power conferences. The others are Bret Bielema, 36, who steps in at Wisconsin for the retired Barry Alvarez; Dan Hawkins, 45, the Boise State energizer who takes over for Gary Barnett at Colorado; and former Virginia offensive coordinator Ron Prince, 36, who succeeds Kansas State legend Bill Snyder.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]In an intriguing potential stepping-stone move, former Wheaton North/Iowa/Detroit Lions quarterback Chuck Long is the new boss at San Diego State after serving as Oklahoma's offensive coordinator the last four years.[/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]5. FEELING THE HEAT[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Here are three respected coaches who need to move their teams in the right direction this fall or hear increasing offseason grumbling:[/FONT]

<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="778"> <tbody><tr><td colspan="5" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top" width="484">[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Bill Callahan, Nebraska: In his third year in the soft Big 12 North, expectations are mounting.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee: Coming off a rare losing season, the Vols need to show signs of a big '07.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Lloyd Carr, Michigan: He's not getting any younger, and he's not getting it done vs. Ohio State.[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]And here are two coaches who could be in serious trouble if their teams struggle again.[/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Dennis Franchione, Texas A&M: Might be the hottest seat in the nation after A&M paid big bucks to lure him from Alabama.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]John L. Smith, Michigan State: Another late-season fade won't cut it.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]6. BCS CHANGES: A FIFTH WHEEL[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Bowing to pressure from the five conferences without automatic berths in the Bowl Championship Series and the potential for yet another paycheck, the six BCS conferences have added a fifth BCS game.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]This year, that means there will be a Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1 and a BCS national championship game on Jan. 8 -- both played at the new Glendale Stadium near Phoenix.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]One team from the MAC, WAC, Mountain West, Conference USA or Sun Belt will earn a BCS slot if it finishes in the top 12 of the BCS standings or if it finishes in the top 16 and is ranked higher than the champion of one of the six BCS conferences.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Only one non-BCS team will be admitted, even if more than one meets either of those criteria.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Notre Dame will qualify for an at-large bid if it finishes in the top eight in the BCS standings.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The champions of the ACC, SEC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-10 all will continue to receive automatic bids, and now there will be four at-large bids.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Under the new rules, four non-BCS teams would have played in BCS bowls the last five years, WAC commissioner Karl Benson said.[/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]7. RULE CHANGES: LESS IS MORE[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The key rule changes for this season are aimed at bringing game times closer to three hours than the 3-1/2 hours they have been approaching.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]One change: The clock will start when the ball is kicked off rather than when the receiving team touches it. That could create some controversies at the end of games, when teams will be able to run off a few seconds by kicking the ball out of bounds.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Another change: The clock will start on a change of possession when the ball is marked ready for play, rather than when it is snapped.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The changes are expected to result in at least 10 fewer plays per game and shave several minutes off the game time.[/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]8. SCHEDULE CHANGES: MORE IS MORE[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]All cranked up about Montana at Iowa? Ohio U. at Illinois? How about that big New Hampshire at Northwestern showdown? Send your thank-you notes to the powers-that-be in college football. Forgetting their laments that the season is too long when critics clamor for a playoff, they have added a 12th game for every school. That will ease the burden on athletic-department budgets at the expense of student-athletes.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]''It's all about money,'' West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez told the New York Times after Buffalo dropped a game with the Mountaineers to play at Wisconsin, which was offering an additional $300,000.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Just call it the Mid-American/Big Ten Challenge.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]As long the MAC schools don't come into their big brothers' houses and take a victory as well as a paycheck, everything should go smoothly.[/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]9. THE HEISMAN COMETH[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]1. Brady Quinn, quarterback, Notre Dame: If the Irish realize their national-championship game hopes, he'll be awfully hard to beat. 2. Adrian Peterson, running back, Oklahoma: If the nation's most respected rusher puts the Sooners back on the national map, he can strike the pose.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]3. Troy Smith, quarterback, Ohio State: With all the preseason hoopla surrounding Smith and his exciting sidekick, Ted Ginn Jr., don't count the Buckeyes out.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]4. Kenny Irons, running back, Auburn: The Tigers won't claw their way to the top unless Irons is hot.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]5. Marshawn Lynch, running back, Cal: An exciting whirlwind who draws comparisons with Ginn.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]6. Paul Posluszny, linebacker, Penn State: An interesting dark horse, but the Butkus Award is where he's headed.[/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]10. HAVE GAMES, WILL TRAVEL[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Let's say you're a huge college football fan who put every nickel into oil futures a couple of years ago. Now you have the Lear jet gassed up and you want to catch a great game every week. Here's the flight plan we suggest:[/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Florida State at Miami, Monday, Sept. 4: A great way to kick it all off.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Ohio State at Texas, Sept. 9: Rematch of last year's classic in Columbus.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]LSU at Auburn, Sept. 16: Clash of the SEC West titans -- er, Tigers. Honorable mentions: Miami at Louisville, Florida at Tennessee.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Notre Dame at Michigan State, Sept. 23: Can underdog Sparty, 7-2 in its last nine vs. Irish, do it again? Honorable mention: Penn State at Ohio State.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Ohio State at Iowa, Sept. 30: Hawkeyes fans will be fired up for this night game.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Texas vs. Oklahoma in Dallas, Oct. 7: Sooners find out whether they're back.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Florida at Auburn, Oct. 14: Tigers face another home-field hurdle in their BCS quest.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Texas at Nebraska, Oct. 21: Cornhuskers find out whether they're back. Honorable mentions: Alabama at Tennessee, Boston College at Florida State.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Georgia vs. Florida in Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 28: A cocktail party and a fierce rivalry.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]West Virginia at Louisville, Nov. 2: For all the Big East marbles and BCS positioning.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Michigan at Ohio State, Nov. 18: Tressel tries to make it 5-1 in the Big Game. Honorable mention: Cal at USC.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Notre Dame at USC, Nov. 25: If both are on track here, could be another epic in the series.[/FONT]
</td></tr></tbody> </table>

 

[scooter1369]

Updated yesterday, the preseason Sagarin ratings.

College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
   1  Southern California  A  =  97.87    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   97.87    1 |   97.87    1
   2  Texas                A  =  95.92    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   95.92    2 |   95.92    2
   3  Ohio State           A  =  90.06    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   90.06    3 |   90.06    3
   4  Oklahoma             A  =  89.98    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   89.98    4 |   89.98    4
   5  Virginia Tech        A  =  89.60    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   89.60    5 |   89.60    5
   6  Miami-Florida        A  =  89.24    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   89.24    6 |   89.24    6
   7  LSU                  A  =  87.32    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   87.32    7 |   87.32    7
   8  Florida State        A  =  86.39    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   86.39    8 |   86.39    8
   9  Auburn               A  =  86.23    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   86.23    9 |   86.23    9
  10  Michigan             A  =  85.98    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   85.98   10 |   85.98   10
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
  11  Georgia              A  =  85.97    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   85.97   11 |   85.97   11
  12  Texas Tech           A  =  84.92    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   84.92   12 |   84.92   12
  13  Florida              A  =  84.15    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   84.15   13 |   84.15   13
  14  Iowa                 A  =  83.97    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   83.97   14 |   83.97   14
  15  Penn State           A  =  83.29    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   83.29   15 |   83.29   15
  16  Louisville           A  =  83.25    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   83.25   16 |   83.25   16
  17  Notre Dame           A  =  83.10    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   83.10   17 |   83.10   17
  18  West Virginia        A  =  82.33    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   82.33   18 |   82.33   18
  19  Boston College       A  =  82.22    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   82.22   19 |   82.22   19
  20  California           A  =  82.00    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   82.00   20 |   82.00   20
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
  21  Wisconsin            A  =  81.86    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   81.86   21 |   81.86   21
  22  Boise State          A  =  81.51    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   81.51   22 |   81.51   22
  23  UCLA                 A  =  81.48    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   81.48   23 |   81.48   23
  24  Oregon               A  =  81.35    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   81.35   24 |   81.35   24
  25  Purdue               A  =  80.70    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   80.70   25 |   80.70   25
  26  Arizona State        A  =  80.60    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   80.60   26 |   80.60   26
  27  Virginia             A  =  80.57    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   80.57   27 |   80.57   27
  28  Alabama              A  =  80.57    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   80.57   28 |   80.57   28
  29  Nebraska             A  =  80.46    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   80.46   29 |   80.46   29
  30  Tennessee            A  =  80.45    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   80.45   30 |   80.45   30
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
  31  Minnesota            A  =  79.95    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   79.95   31 |   79.95   31
  32  NC State             A  =  79.67    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   79.67   32 |   79.67   32
  33  Utah                 A  =  79.65    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   79.65   33 |   79.65   33
  34  Clemson              A  =  79.63    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   79.63   34 |   79.63   34
  35  Maryland             A  =  79.38    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   79.38   35 |   79.38   35
  36  Georgia Tech         A  =  78.85    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   78.85   36 |   78.85   36
  37  Oregon State         A  =  78.53    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   78.53   37 |   78.53   37
  38  Kansas State         A  =  78.34    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   78.34   38 |   78.34   38
  39  Colorado             A  =  77.82    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   77.82   39 |   77.82   39
  40  Fresno State         A  =  77.70    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   77.70   40 |   77.70   40
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
  41  Texas A&M            A  =  77.31    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   77.31   41 |   77.31   41
  42  Washington State     A  =  77.16    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   77.16   42 |   77.16   42
  43  Michigan State       A  =  77.09    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   77.09   43 |   77.09   43
  44  Arkansas             A  =  76.82    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   76.82   44 |   76.82   44
  45  TCU                  A  =  76.40    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   76.40   45 |   76.40   45
  46  Stanford             A  =  75.67    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   75.67   46 |   75.67   46
  47  Iowa State           A  =  75.28    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   75.28   47 |   75.28   47
  48  Missouri             A  =  75.23    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   75.23   48 |   75.23   48
  49  Pittsburgh           A  =  75.09    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   75.09   49 |   75.09   49
  50  South Carolina       A  =  75.00    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   75.00   50 |   75.00   50
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
  51  Northwestern         A  =  74.33    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   74.33   51 |   74.33   51
  52  North Carolina       A  =  73.90    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   73.90   52 |   73.90   52
  53  Oklahoma State       A  =  73.59    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   73.59   53 |   73.59   53
  54  BYU                  A  =  73.36    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   73.36   54 |   73.36   54
  55  Miami-Ohio           A  =  73.33    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   73.33   55 |   73.33   55
  56  Kansas               A  =  73.05    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   73.05   56 |   73.05   56
  57  Bowling Green        A  =  72.89    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   72.89   57 |   72.89   57
  58  Toledo               A  =  72.86    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   72.86   58 |   72.86   58
  59  Wake Forest          A  =  72.41    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   72.41   59 |   72.41   59
  60  Northern Illinois    A  =  72.20    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   72.20   60 |   72.20   60
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
  61  Southern Miss        A  =  71.91    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   71.91   61 |   71.91   61
  62  Colorado State       A  =  71.75    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   71.75   62 |   71.75   62
  63  New Mexico           A  =  71.44    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   71.44   63 |   71.44   63
  64  Air Force            A  =  71.03    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   71.03   64 |   71.03   64
  65  Navy                 A  =  70.90    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   70.90   65 |   70.90   65
  66  Washington           A  =  70.81    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   70.81   66 |   70.81   66
  67  Mississippi          A  =  70.45    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   70.45   67 |   70.45   67
  68  Connecticut          A  =  70.32    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   70.32   68 |   70.32   68
  69  Arizona              A  =  70.18    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   70.18   69 |   70.18   69
  70  San Diego State      A  =  70.04    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   70.04   70 |   70.04   70
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
  71  Memphis              A  =  69.28    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   69.28   71 |   69.28   71
  72  Syracuse             A  =  68.49    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   68.49   72 |   68.49   72
  73  South Florida        A  =  68.31    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   68.31   73 |   68.31   73
  74  Wyoming              A  =  67.88    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   67.88   74 |   67.88   74
  75  Rutgers              A  =  67.79    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   67.79   75 |   67.79   75
  76  Hawaii               A  =  67.62    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   67.62   76 |   67.62   76
  77  Tulsa                A  =  67.36    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   67.36   77 |   67.36   77
  78  Cincinnati           A  =  67.15    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   67.15   78 |   67.15   78
  79  Marshall             A  =  67.09    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   67.09   79 |   67.09   79
  80  Louisiana Tech       A  =  66.87    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   66.87   80 |   66.87   80
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
  81  Vanderbilt           A  =  66.81    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   66.81   81 |   66.81   81
  82  UAB                  A  =  66.23    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   66.23   82 |   66.23   82
  83  Indiana              A  =  66.20    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   66.20   83 |   66.20   83
  84  Montana              AA =  65.57    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   65.57   84 |   65.57   84
  85  Illinois             A  =  65.45    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   65.45   85 |   65.45   85
  86  Kentucky             A  =  65.39    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   65.39   86 |   65.39   86
  87  Baylor               A  =  65.14    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   65.14   87 |   65.14   87
  88  Nevada               A  =  64.78    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   64.78   88 |   64.78   88
  89  Houston              A  =  64.32    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   64.32   89 |   64.32   89
  90  Mississippi State    A  =  64.14    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   64.14   90 |   64.14   90
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
  91  Georgia Southern     AA =  63.93    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   63.93   91 |   63.93   91
  92  UTEP                 A  =  63.76    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   63.76   92 |   63.76   92
  93  New Hampshire        AA =  63.64    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   63.64   93 |   63.64   93
  94  Northern Iowa        AA =  63.60    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   63.60   94 |   63.60   94
  95  North Dakota State   AA =  63.48    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   63.48   95 |   63.48   95
  96  Eastern Washington   AA =  63.27    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   63.27   96 |   63.27   96
  97  Furman               AA =  63.27    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   63.27   97 |   63.27   97
  98  Massachusetts        AA =  62.95    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   62.95   98 |   62.95   98
  99  Delaware             AA =  62.79    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   62.79   99 |   62.79   99
 100  Appalachian State    AA =  62.73    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   62.73  100 |   62.73  100
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
 101  Akron                A  =  62.72    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   62.72  101 |   62.72  101
 102  James Madison        AA =  62.46    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   62.46  102 |   62.46  102
 103  East Carolina        A  =  62.32    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   62.32  103 |   62.32  103
 104  Southern Illinois    AA =  62.31    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   62.31  104 |   62.31  104
 105  Cal Poly-SLO         AA =  61.44    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   61.44  105 |   61.44  105
 106  Harvard              AA =  61.44    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   61.44  106 |   61.44  106
 107  Western Michigan     A  =  61.42    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   61.42  107 |   61.42  107
 108  UNLV                 A  =  61.25    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   61.25  108 |   61.25  108
 109  Central Florida(UCF) A  =  61.12    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   61.12  109 |   61.12  109
 110  Western Kentucky     AA =  61.07    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   61.07  110 |   61.07  110
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
 111  Duke                 A  =  60.72    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   60.72  111 |   60.72  111
 112  Troy                 A  =  60.58    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   60.58  112 |   60.58  112
 113  Middle Tennessee     A  =  60.54    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   60.54  113 |   60.54  113
 114  Hofstra              AA =  60.09    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   60.09  114 |   60.09  114
 115  Central Michigan     A  =  59.99    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   59.99  115 |   59.99  115
 116  Rice                 A  =  59.71    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   59.71  116 |   59.71  116
 117  Tulane               A  =  59.68    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   59.68  117 |   59.68  117
 118  William & Mary       AA =  59.51    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   59.51  118 |   59.51  118
 119  SMU                  A  =  59.44    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   59.44  119 |   59.44  119
 120  Portland State       AA =  59.28    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   59.28  120 |   59.28  120
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
 121  Army                 A  =  59.03    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   59.03  121 |   59.03  121
 122  Villanova            AA =  59.00    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   59.00  122 |   59.00  122
 123  Montana State        AA =  58.96    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   58.96  123 |   58.96  123
 124  Lehigh               AA =  58.84    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   58.84  124 |   58.84  124
 125  Maine                AA =  58.68    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   58.68  125 |   58.68  125
 126  Ohio U.              A  =  58.45    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   58.45  126 |   58.45  126
 127  Illinois State       AA =  58.24    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   58.24  127 |   58.24  127
 128  UC Davis             AA =  58.21    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   58.21  128 |   58.21  128
 129  Pennsylvania         AA =  58.09    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   58.09  129 |   58.09  129
 130  Ball State           A  =  58.09    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   58.09  130 |   58.09  130
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
 131  North Texas          A  =  58.02    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   58.02  131 |   58.02  131
 132  San Jose State       A  =  57.43    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   57.43  132 |   57.43  132
 133  Northeastern         AA =  57.42    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   57.42  133 |   57.42  133
 134  Youngstown State     AA =  57.36    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   57.36  134 |   57.36  134
 135  Richmond             AA =  57.28    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   57.28  135 |   57.28  135
 136  Utah State           A  =  57.17    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   57.17  136 |   57.17  136
 137  Louisiana-Lafayette  A  =  57.16    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   57.16  137 |   57.16  137
 138  Texas State          AA =  56.85    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   56.85  138 |   56.85  138
 139  Temple               A  =  56.78    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   56.78  139 |   56.78  139
 140  Eastern Michigan     A  =  56.40    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   56.40  140 |   56.40  140
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
 141  Arkansas State       A  =  55.43    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   55.43  141 |   55.43  141
 142  Northwestern State   AA =  55.33    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   55.33  142 |   55.33  142
 143  Nicholls State       AA =  55.28    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   55.28  143 |   55.28  143
 144  Colgate              AA =  55.24    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   55.24  144 |   55.24  144
 145  Kent State           A  =  55.06    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   55.06  145 |   55.06  145
 146  Brown                AA =  54.84    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   54.84  146 |   54.84  146
 147  Wofford              AA =  54.82    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   54.82  147 |   54.82  147
 148  McNeese State        AA =  54.74    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   54.74  148 |   54.74  148
 149  New Mexico State     A  =  54.69    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   54.69  149 |   54.69  149
 150  Western Illinois     AA =  54.31    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   54.31  150 |   54.31  150
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
 151  South Dakota State   AA =  54.07    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   54.07  151 |   54.07  151
 152  Louisiana-Monroe     A  =  54.06    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   54.06  152 |   54.06  152
 153  Idaho                A  =  53.90    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   53.90  153 |   53.90  153
 154  Idaho State          AA =  53.65    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   53.65  154 |   53.65  154
 155  Eastern Kentucky     AA =  53.37    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   53.37  155 |   53.37  155
 156  Stephen F. Austin    AA =  53.31    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   53.31  156 |   53.31  156
 157  Sam Houston State    AA =  53.29    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   53.29  157 |   53.29  157
 158  Northern Arizona     AA =  52.75    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   52.75  158 |   52.75  158
 159  Princeton            AA =  52.54    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   52.54  159 |   52.54  159
 160  Florida Atlantic     A  =  52.25    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   52.25  160 |   52.25  160
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
 161  Jacksonville State   AA =  52.02    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   52.02  161 |   52.02  161
 162  Weber State          AA =  51.95    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   51.95  162 |   51.95  162
 163  Western Carolina     AA =  51.78    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   51.78  163 |   51.78  163
 164  Lafayette            AA =  51.60    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   51.60  164 |   51.60  164
 165  Rhode Island         AA =  51.59    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   51.59  165 |   51.59  165
 166  Hampton              AA =  51.25    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   51.25  166 |   51.25  166
 167  Missouri State       AA =  51.15    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   51.15  167 |   51.15  167
 168  Yale                 AA =  51.01    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   51.01  168 |   51.01  168
 169  Northern Colorado    AA =  50.34    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   50.34  169 |   50.34  169
 170  Eastern Illinois     AA =  50.19    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   50.19  170 |   50.19  170
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
 171  Grambling            AA =  49.17    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   49.17  171 |   49.17  171
 172  Fla. International   A  =  49.13    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   49.13  172 |   49.13  172
 173  Buffalo              A  =  48.56    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   48.56  173 |   48.56  173
 174  Cornell              AA =  48.20    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   48.20  174 |   48.20  174
 175  SE Louisiana         AA =  48.04    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   48.04  175 |   48.04  175
 176  Citadel              AA =  47.58    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   47.58  176 |   47.58  176
 177  Bethune-Cookman      AA =  46.79    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   46.79  177 |   46.79  177
 178  Sacramento State     AA =  46.61    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   46.61  178 |   46.61  178
 179  Southern Utah        AA =  46.50    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   46.50  179 |   46.50  179
 180  Alabama State        AA =  45.22    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   45.22  180 |   45.22  180
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
 181  Towson               AA =  44.32    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   44.32  181 |   44.32  181
 182  Dayton               AA =  43.97    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   43.97  182 |   43.97  182
 183  Chattanooga          AA =  43.41    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   43.41  183 |   43.41  183
 184  Dartmouth            AA =  43.35    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   43.35  184 |   43.35  184
 185  Southern U.          AA =  43.18    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   43.18  185 |   43.18  185
 186  Alabama A&M          AA =  43.11    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   43.11  186 |   43.11  186
 187  Holy Cross           AA =  43.02    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   43.02  187 |   43.02  187
 188  San Diego            AA =  42.81    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   42.81  188 |   42.81  188
 189  Florida A&M          AA =  42.72    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   42.72  189 |   42.72  189
 190  Fordham              AA =  42.36    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   42.36  190 |   42.36  190
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
 191  Samford              AA =  42.18    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   42.18  191 |   42.18  191
 192  Tennessee Tech       AA =  41.83    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   41.83  192 |   41.83  192
 193  Murray State         AA =  41.58    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   41.58  193 |   41.58  193
 194  Bucknell             AA =  41.13    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   41.13  194 |   41.13  194
 195  Coastal Carolina     AA =  40.67    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   40.67  195 |   40.67  195
 196  Indiana State        AA =  40.62    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   40.62  196 |   40.62  196
 197  SE Missouri State    AA =  40.10    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   40.10  197 |   40.10  197
 198  Central Arkansas     AA =  40.10    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   40.10  198 |   40.10  198
 199  So. Carolina State   AA =  40.10    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   40.10  199 |   40.10  199
 200  Winston-Salem State  AA =  40.10    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   40.10  200 |   40.10  200
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
 201  Gardner-Webb         AA =  39.68    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   39.68  201 |   39.68  201
 202  Elon                 AA =  39.17    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   39.17  202 |   39.17  202
 203  Drake                AA =  39.06    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   39.06  203 |   39.06  203
 204  NC A&T               AA =  38.80    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   38.80  204 |   38.80  204
 205  Duquesne             AA =  38.09    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   38.09  205 |   38.09  205
 206  Columbia             AA =  37.97    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   37.97  206 |   37.97  206
 207  Alcorn State         AA =  37.89    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   37.89  207 |   37.89  207
 208  Delaware State       AA =  37.82    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   37.82  208 |   37.82  208
 209  Tennessee State      AA =  36.93    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   36.93  209 |   36.93  209
 210  Ark.-Pine Bluff      AA =  35.72    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   35.72  210 |   35.72  210
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
 211  VMI                  AA =  35.72    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   35.72  211 |   35.72  211
 212  Albany (NY)          AA =  35.61    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   35.61  212 |   35.61  212
 213  Howard               AA =  35.43    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   35.43  213 |   35.43  213
 214  Monmouth-NJ          AA =  35.14    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   35.14  214 |   35.14  214
 215  Liberty              AA =  34.88    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   34.88  215 |   34.88  215
 216  Morgan State         AA =  34.10    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   34.10  216 |   34.10  216
 217  Morehead State       AA =  34.09    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   34.09  217 |   34.09  217
 218  Jackson State        AA =  33.50    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   33.50  218 |   33.50  218
 219  Georgetown           AA =  32.47    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   32.47  219 |   32.47  219
 220  Tennessee-Martin     AA =  31.73    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   31.73  220 |   31.73  220
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
 221  Miss. Valley State   AA =  31.19    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   31.19  221 |   31.19  221
 222  Central Connecticut  AA =  30.37    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   30.37  222 |   30.37  222
 223  Stony Brook          AA =  29.54    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   29.54  223 |   29.54  223
 224  Norfolk State        AA =  29.24    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   29.24  224 |   29.24  224
 225  Robert Morris        AA =  28.60    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   28.60  225 |   28.60  225
 226  Sacred Heart         AA =  28.59    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   28.59  226 |   28.59  226
 227  Charleston Southern  AA =  28.41    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   28.41  227 |   28.41  227
 228  Wagner               AA =  27.11    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   27.11  228 |   27.11  228
 229  Texas Southern       AA =  26.66    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   26.66  229 |   26.66  229
 230  Marist               AA =  26.21    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   26.21  230 |   26.21  230
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
 231  Davidson             AA =  23.40    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   23.40  231 |   23.40  231
 232  Jacksonville         AA =  22.89    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   22.89  232 |   22.89  232
 233  Prairie View A&M     AA =  22.63    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   22.63  233 |   22.63  233
 234  St. Francis-Pa.      AA =  18.80    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   18.80  234 |   18.80  234
 235  Valparaiso           AA =  18.02    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   18.02  235 |   18.02  235
 236  Savannah State       AA =  16.42    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   16.42  236 |   16.42  236
 237  La Salle             AA =  15.45    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   15.45  237 |   15.45  237
 238  Iona                 AA =  15.04    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   15.04  238 |   15.04  238
 239  Saint Peter's        AA =  14.79    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   14.79  239 |   14.79  239
 240  Austin Peay          AA =  14.75    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   14.75  240 |   14.75  240
College Football 2006 Starting Ratings                                the BCS uses the ELO_CHESS from here
HOME ADVANTAGE=  3.57           RATING    W   L  SCHEDL(RANK) VS top 10 | VS top 30 |  ELO_CHESS   |  PREDICTOR  
 241  Butler               AA =  10.95    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |   10.95  241 |   10.95  241
 242  ***UNRATED***        __ = -90.00    0   0    0.00(   0)    0   0  |    0   0  |  -90.00  242 |  -90.00  242

 

[BuckeyeNation27]

I am shocked that Sagarin has a Pac-10 team #1. Completely shocked.