Congrats to the Florida Gators on winning the BCS this year!  In the score-fest that was 2008, the BCS title game actually showcased two fairly good defenses doing their thing -- whoulda thunk it?  Also, special congratulations go out to Florida, as they finished the season above 400 points in my system, which is a first in a very long time (I think the last was 1971 Nebraska).  For a team with one loss on the season, this is truly exemplary.

 

Congrats also go out to all of the top teams this season.  While Florida did shine above the rest, I think the level of play this season was sufficient enough to open that Pandora's box once again to really get playoff considerations going.  There's just too many teams that were playing at a very high level this season, including 4 that ended above the 350 point line (which usually earns you a #1 rating in my system).  Playoffs would have been amazing, in my not-so humble opinion.

 

Thanks to all and see you next season!

 

 

Holy cow!  What a bowl season!  And so unpredictable -- 50% of games were upsets?  I'm not sure that's ever happened before, even during the regular season.  Anyway, hope you've enjoyed the season as much as I have (although I do wish that Ohio State would have done better -- oh well, next year).  See you next year!

 

Updated 1/13/09 due to error in Pittsburgh-Oregon State game.

Here's the first ratings release for NCAA Men's Basketball this season.  Despite UNC's stranglehold on the #1 spot in the human polls, I've got them at #3 in my premiere ratings for the season, behind their ACC foe in Clemson, as well as Gonzaga.

 

The Big East is just gaudy at the moment, with Pittsburgh, Connecticut, West Virginia, Syracuse, and Georgetown all in the Top 20.  The ACC is also well represented by Clemson, UNC, Duke, and Florida State, as is the Big Ten with Ohio State, Northwestern, Illinois, and Minnesota in the Top 25, and Michigan, Wisconsin, and Michigan State not far behind.  We'll see how things look in about 3 months though, eh?

 

Data courtesy of Ken Pomeroy.

 

The game of the week this week is by far Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh.  This game has huge AFC North title implications, as well as the possibility of a playoff bye week for the winner.  Expect to see a great defensive struggle in this game.