DraftAce Top 25 - Week 5

And I thought last weeks rankings were hard to figure out...

Florida and Alabama hang on to the top two rankings, with Texas right behind them at number three. I don't forsee any changes in this order until one of them loses a game.

I placed Virginia Tech at No. 4 because they are clearly the cream of the crop in the ACC and have only lost to Alabama on a neutral field. This may be the best Hokies team in a number of years and they just might be able to run the table in the ACC.

I moved Oklahoma back into the top five this week. Sam Bradford could return for this weekend's game against Miami, and will almost certainly be ready to face Texas. If the Sooners keep winning, that loss to BYU will easily be chalked up to a fluke due to Bradford's injury.

Cincinnati has climbed up to No. 6 this week and I don't see them falling out of the top 10 for the rest of the season. The Bearcats should be favored in every game from here on out, and its hard to imagine them losing more than one game (if that). Unfortunately, even with an undefeated season they won't have enough quality wins to challenge for the national title.

A number of teams (USC, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Georgia, etc) benefited from all the losses in the top 10 this week. They didnt' really do anything to move up, but took care of business against weaker opponents.

Houston did improve its resume, however, with a comeback victory against Texas Tech. With two wins against the Big 12, Houston has a legitimate case to crash the BCS party if they win out. And after beating Texas Tech and Oklahoma State its hard to imagine that teams like UTEP and Tulane will give them any trouble. Their toughest remaining game will be against Southern Miss.

The rest of the top 25 is a jumbled mess. Iowa, unranked a week ago, climbs up to No. 13. Its a shocking rise, but they're 4-0 and have a win at Penn State. They have to be the favorite to finished 2nd to Ohio State in the Big Ten after this weekend.

I have Boise State at No. 15, despite their No. 5 ranking in the AP Poll. Anyone who thinks Boise State is a top-five team is certifiably insane. This team simply isn't that good. Their defense is atrocious and the offense isn't what it has been in year's past. They're living off reputation and one decent win against Oregon. They'll probably go undefeated and get slaughtered by a team like Virginia Tech or Oklahoma in a BCS bowl. I'm all for non-BCS teams getting some love, but Boise State is, at best, the third best team from a non-BCS conference (behind TCU and Houston).

Test You Draft Knowledge

Thanks to the folks at Sporcle.com you can now create your own quizzes, so naturally I am taking full advantage of the new feature and creating some NFL Draft quizzes. Up first, two quizzes on the top two college programs of the decade.

Can you name every USC quarterback selected in the draft since 1967?

How about naming every player drafted since Jim Tressel took over at Ohio State?

Week 4 Key Matchups

Jonathan Dwyer RB Georgia Tech - vs North Carolina
Dwyer has been huge disappointment this season, rushing for just 169 yards through three games. Heck, he's just the the third leading rusher on his own team! North Carolina has a much improved defense led by Marvin Austin, which could pose a problem for Georgia Tech's offense. Dwyer entered the season as the top running back on my board, but he's falling fast and Jahvid Best is quickly gaining on him. This is a statement game for Dwyer, and his stock could shift significantly one way or the other depending on his performance.

Marvin Austin DT and Bruce Carter LB North Carolina - vs Georgia Tech
The Tar Heels two star juniors will be tested against Georgia Tech's rushing attack. Both are potential first-round picks when the enter the draft and could boost their stock with a solid performance against Georgia Tech. Paul Johnson's unique offensive approach will test these defenders more so than in any other game this season. Austin's lateral mobility will be tested in this game, as Georgia Tech rarely runs up the middle. His performance could be key in showing teams that he could make the transition to defensive end in a 3-4 system, which requires more athleticism than playing tackle in the 4-3. Carter's athleticism will also be tested, as will his ability to shed blockers and keep moving forward to make a play.

George Selvie DE South Florida - vs Florida State
South Florida doesn't have many opportunities to play in the national spotlight this season, but this is one of them. Christian Ponder is one of the more mobile quarterbacks on USF's schedule, which will test Selvie's ability to get into the pocket and make plays. FSU doesn't have the strongest offense line, which could allow for him to make some plays if he can catch Ponder.

C.J. Spiller RB Clemson - vs TCU
TCU could be the toughest defense Spiller faces this season, and likely the most physical. Spiller isn't exactly a north and south runner, which is the type of runner that can wear down TCU's defense. If TCU is able to contain Spiller, it could be a long day for Clemson. However, if Spiller puts on an impressive performance he'll open some eyes and improve his stock.

Juice Williams QB Illinois - vs Ohio State
Williams has had some of his best games Ohio State, including an upset of the No. 1 Buckeyes in 2007. He hasn't gotten off to a great start, but could get his season back on track with a win over Ohio State. The Buckeyes have one of the top defensive lines in the game which will consistently put pressure on Williams. His ability to make plays while under pressure will decide the game, and have an impact on his draft stock.

Trevard Lindley CB Kentucky - vs Florida
Arguably the best cornerback in the SEC faces his toughest test of the season against the Gators. Lindley has been an impact player this year, but Kentucky hasn't faced an offense like Florida's. While he's been successful in big games in the past, this year could be different. Kentucky's defense isn't what it was the past few years with the loss of guys like Jeremy Jarmon. Lindley will be left on an island more than he's used to. It will give him a chance to prove he can be an elite cover corner at the next level.

DraftAce Top 25 - Week 4

The only things I've learned from the first three weeks of college football is that we don't know anything yet. So far this season nothing has gone as expected, and it has completely shaken up the polls. As a result, I tried to toss aside all my preseason expectations (well, most of them at least) and rank the teams based on what they have done this season.

Florida maintains the number one slot, but Alabama is knocking on the door. There was no reason for the Gators to struggle against Tennessee this weekend and their weak offensive performance makes me think that the Gators likely won't run the table this year.

Alabama moves up to number two, followed by Penn State, mainly because Texas has been less than impressive this year. The Longhorns have some issues to work out on offense. Colt McCoy has not looked like a Heisman contender and unless he steps up his game, Texas will continue to fall.

Shooting all the way to No. 5 is Miami. I'm not entirely on the Hurricanes bandwagon, but they do have the most impressive pair of wins this season against Florida State and Georgia Tech. We'll find out in the next two weeks if Miami is for real as they face Virginia Tech and Oklahoma.

Cincinnati also climbs into the top 10 this week. No team has exceeded expectations like the Bearcats this year. With a win at Oregon State under their belts, an undefeated season is certainly a realistic goal in Cincy. The Bearcats have a very favorable schedule; their toughest remaining game is likely at Pittsburgh in the season finale. They should run away with the Big East and return to the BCS, this time as a legitimate top 10 team.

Oklahoma's position at No. 9 may be controversial considering how BYU was slaughtered by Florida State on Saturday. However, I have to overlook the loss to BYU to an extent due to Bradfords injury. If Bradford returns at full health, that loss can be forgiven. If he doesn't, then the loss will need to be taken more seriously.

TCU now takes over the top spot among teams from non-BCS conferences. I am not at all impressed by Boise State, and think they are overrated in the polls. The Broncos have absolutely no defense, which certainly isn't the case with TCU. I am going to treat Boise State as I did Hawaii in 2007. If the run the table, they should be considered for a BCS bid, but I am probably going to keep them in the 12-18 range as long as they keep winning. Should they lose, however, they'll fall out of the rankings for good. TCU on the other hand is a more legitimate threat to make the BCS. They have a solid defense, and balanced offense and play a tougher schedule than the Broncos. TCU will get a moderate test this weekend against Clemson.

I moved Houston up to No. 16 this weekend despite their bye week. Basically I'm admitting my error last week in leaving them at No. 24 after a win over Oklahoma State. Like Boise State, however, even if Houston keeps winning they'll struggle to climb much higher than they already are.

LSU remains one of the teams that I feel much differently about than most of the voters in the polls. I have been unimpressed by their offense in wins over Washington, Vanderbilt and LA-Lafayette. We won't know if LSU is for real until Oct. 3 at Georgia.

Auburn joins the top 25 this week after its win over West Virginia. The Tigers may have one of the top rushing attacks in the game and their defense is much improved. Gene Chizik could complete a remarkable turnaround for the Tigers in his first year with the program.

Week 3 Key Matchups

Dominique Franks CB Oklahoma - vs Tulsa
Tulsa isn't going to challenge Oklahoma, but the Golden Hurricane will still put up some points. G.J. Kinne has picked up right where David Johnson left off in 2008 and is throwing the ball all over the field. That means Dominique Franks and the Sooners' secondary is sure to be tested early and often.

Ndamakong Sue DT Nebraska - vs Virginia Tech
Playing in the Big 12, Sue has plenty of opportunities to show off his pass rushing skills, but no one in the Big 12 can run the ball like the Hokies. Against Virginia Tech, Sue may be relied on in a different role than he's used to. Virginia Tech is more of a pro-style offense than most teams in the Big 12, and NFL teams will certainly take notice if he's able to step up and stuff the Hokie's running game.

Patrick Robinson CB Florida State - vs BYU
Robinson is an early favorite to be one of the first cornerbacks selected in April's draft. Miami offered a nice test on opening weekend, but BYU could be the Seminoles toughest opponent this season. Robinson's performance could be key to Florida State pulling off an upset.

Brandon Spikes ILB Florida - vs Tennessee
Florida just might hang 70 on Tennessee, but that doesn't mean the Vols' offense can't put up some points of their own. The Vols passing game has struggled, but they have a nice stable of running backs which could keep this came closer than some expect if they're able to establish the run early and control the clock. Brandon Spikes will be the key to stopping Tennessee's rushing attack

Week 2 Review

Game of the Week: Michigan 38, Notre Dame 34
The highest scoring game in the history of the Michigan-Notre Dame rivalry was far more exciting that one could have hoped. Unlike in the previous few years, both teams appear to be ready to compete. The new-found success of these programs lies with starts with their quarterbacks. Both Jimmy Clausen and Tate Forcier were brilliant. In defeat, Clausen may have actually been the player of the game. Forcier was equally impressive, making plays with both his legs and his arm. The most fascinating part of the game though was the final seconds. Replays show that Notre Dame should have been awarded an extra second which ticked off after the kickoff and likely an additional second which ticked off on the final play - giving them one last shot at the end zone.

Player of the Week: Case Keenum QB Houston
Houston's upset of Oklahoma State could very well end up as the biggest shocker of the season. Keenum routinely puts up gaudy numbers, but not against top-5 opponents. Keenum threw for 366 yards and 3 touchdowns on Saturday and added another touchdown on the ground. The Cowboys aren't exactly known for their defense, but this was the same team that shutdown Georgia the previous week. Keenum and the Cougars just might be a legitimate top-25 team.

Upset of the Week: Houston 45, Oklahoma State 35
As I mentioned, this could end up being the upset of the year. A C-USA team has no business competing with a top-5 squad from the Big 12. Its hard to tell what to make of Oklahoma State now. Perhaps they simply thought too much of themselves after seeing the cover of Sports Illustrated last week and overlooked Houston. Or, maybe they're just not that good. We'll find out in a few weeks when the Big 12 schedule starts up.

Random Thoughts:
While watching the Ohio State-USC game I realized that I could very well be watching the 2010 and 2011 National Champs at work. By the time their college careers are over, both Terrelle Pryor and Matt Barkley could end up with national titles. For the short term, however, don't be shocked to see two two on the field in January playing in the Rose Bowl.

I've been skeptical of Clausen since his freshman year, but he is finally living up to his hype. He's getter more patient in the pocket and reading defenses better than ever and he would likely be a first-round pick should he leave school after his junior year.

I can't wait to see Georgia Tech face Miami on Thursday night. After watching Florida State nearly lose to Jacksonville State, I can't help but wonder of the Miami-FSU game was nothing more than two very mediocre teams going at it. Georgia Tech has a high-powered offense that could put on a show if Miami's defense doesn't step up.

Whats wrong with the Big 12? Oklahoma already lost to BYU. Oklahoma State lost to Houston. Missouri barely slid past Bowling Green. And Texas struggled with Wyoming. Could Nebraska be the best team in the conference? I highly doubt it, but they been the most impressive team thus far.

While watching the Stanford-Wake Forest game I couldn't help but think how much Toby Gerhart reminds me of Touchdown Tommy Vardell. Yet, somehow I doubt any team will be crazy enough to select to select Touchdown Toby 9th overall.

DraftAce Top 25 - Week 3

Two weeks of football are under our belts and the top 25 is starting to take shape. There's still plenty of movement this week though, as we try to sort out who's for real and who's simply taking advantage of weak early-season opponents.

Florida remains at the top of my rankings, but there's a new team at No. 2. Really, no one deserves the No. 2 slot this week, as all the challengers struggled. Texas was losing to Wyoming late in the 2nd quarter, USC's offense was completely inept against Ohio State, and Alabama took far too long to put away FIU. The nod goes to Texas however, as I believe they are the next-most balanced team behind Florida. Alabama and USC have great defenses, but neither has the offensive firepower to compete with Florida and Texas.

Like USC, Georgia Tech also fell a spot despite winning. I have serious questions about the Yellow Jackets after Thursday's win over Clemson. If you take away a few big plays early in the game, Clemson would have won easily. I still like Georgia Tech, but their defense may not be as good as I originally thought.

Ohio State, despite a loss, didn't move in this week's rankings. I don't like dropping teams when they lose games that they should lose. OSU entered the game ranked lower than USC for a reason - because we all expected them to lose. So why should they fall further after they meet expectations? Additionally, Ohio State kept it much closer than I anticipated, solidifying its place just outside the top 10.

The biggest mover this week is Cincinnati. No, not because they beat up on Southeast Missouri, but because no one ahead of them showed up on Saturday. Cincinnati's offense appears to be for real and they have emerged as the clear favorite in the Big East.

Once again, I have LSU ranked 21st while the polls will likely have them in the top 10. As I asked last week, what have they done to deserve a top 10 ranking? In close wins against Washington and Vanderbilt, the Tigers have barely looked like a top 25 team, much less a top 10 squad.

Two new teams appear in the rankings this week: Michigan and Houston. I'm not completely sold on Houston, but a win over a top-5 team on the road needs to be rewarded. As for Michigan, they may actually be back. They're not ready to compete for a Big Ten title yet, but an 8-4 season could be a realistic goal at this point.

Week 2 Key Matchups

Not a lot of intriguing matchups on Saturday, but there are a few players who could improve their draft stock this weekend.

Mike Williams WR Syracuse - vs Penn State
Williams has the size and speed to be a first-day selection this upcoming April. He's going to be Greg Paulus' favorite target (and really, his only reliable target) so he should put up some big numbers this season. Williams has caught a TD pass in 10 straight games, but that streak could be tested on Saturday. Penn State has a formidable defensive secondary which will challenge Williams.

Brandon Lang DE Troy - vs Florida
Playing at Troy, you don't get many options to perform on the big stage. While Florida should cruise to an easy victory over the Trojans, Lang will be looking to get in a few hits on Tebow. He's a tremendous athlete with impressive size who needs to have a big game against Florida to help earn a spot in April's 1st round.

Charles Brown OT USC - vs Ohio State
USC's offensive line shouldn't have many issues with Ohio State's defense, but Brown could be one who gets challenged. When matched up with Buckeyes' DE Cameron Heyward he'll be overmatched in terms of size, which could limit his ability as a run blocker. Brown could have a lot to gain or lose depending on he fairs on Saturday.

Taylor Mays S USC - vs Ohio State
The player tested most on Saturday by Terrelle Pryor's running ability could be Taylor Mays. Mays won't be the primary guy assigned to stop Pryor on the run, but his decision making ability - when to help out against the run, when to stay back in coverage - could be a key to this game. Pryor's athleticism confuses defensive backs on a weekly basis; Mays needs to be focused at all times to avoid falling into that trap.

Anderson Russell S Ohio State - vs USC
Russell has reportedly lost his starting job, which would be devastating to his draft stock. However, he's experienced and will still see playing time and could earn it back with a strong showing. Facing a freshman quarterback can be an easy way to earn back some confidence, and Russell will be a guy to keep an eye on. He'll be playing with a chip on his shoulder and could be an unlikely key factor against the Trojans.

Notable Injuries:
Rob Gronkowski TE Arizona - may be with a back injury
Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma - out 2-4 weeks with sprained shoulder
Harvey Unga RB BYU - may be out with hamstring injury
Arrelious Benn WR Illinois - missed part of last week's game with ankle injury
Bryan Bulaga OT Iowa - hospitalized with illness; will miss this week's game
Brandon Minor RB Michigan - questionable with an ankle injury
Navarro Bowman LB Penn State - out with a groin injury

NFL DRAFT BUZZ WEEK 1

Keep up with my weekly NFL Draft Buzz from each week of the College Football Season. Here, you will find critical information on the draft stocks of legitimate NFL prospects. -Mike Band

Florida State cornerback Patrick Robinson (Sr.) will likely be a first round pick and one of the first corners off the board in April. He's very athletic, he will run in the 4.3's at the combine and he has developed a great football mind under longtime defensive coordinator, Mickey Andrews. Since Andrews took over the defense in 1984, his defenses have produced 18 first round picks and nine top 10 selections. In Monday’s game vs. Miami, Robinson and the FSU secondary allowed Jacory Harris (So.) and company to generate 386 passing yards. In Robinson’s defense, his receiver was targeted only five times. When Miami came out in multiple receiver threats, Robinson was asked to play man coverage on an island. However, of the five pass attempts in Robinson’s direction, two were caught for gains of over 15 yards, and another was flagged for a costly pass interference call. Robinson also missed an important open field tackle on 3^rd and long during a 4^th quarter drive that led to a Miami touchdown. His presence in run support was lackluster, recording only one solo and two assisted tackles. Robinson will need to make a better contribution if he wants to remain one of the top cornerback prospects in the country. For now, he remains a surefire first round pick, but based on what I saw in live action, I would be reluctant to use a top 10 pick on him. Time will tell.

Miami middle linebacker Darryl Sharpton (Sr.) heads into the season with a 4^th round projection from the guys at nfldraftscout.com. Unfortunately, he remains the 3^rd most talented linebacker on the team and becomes the odd man out in nickel packages. One thing I’ve learned: NFL teams will not use a draft selection on a two-down linebacker, especially when the player is only 235 lbs. He will likely go undrafted.

Oklahoma State cornerback Perrish Cox (Sr.) looks to be the only prospect from OSU who could hear his name called in the first day of the draft. Since 1986, no OSU defender has been drafted within the first 2 rounds that wasn’t a cornerback, with the exception of Kevin Williams (9th overall in 2003). Cox demonstrated the tools needed for the next level with his performance against 13^th ranked Georgia. Cox was all over the field last Saturday, both in pass coverage and in run support. He possesses great size at 6’0, 195 lbs, shows great closing speed in coverage, and still manages to be the #1 kick return option for the Cowboys of OSU. Cox translates very well at the next level and has the potential to hear his name called in round one. NOTE: Cox was recently arrested for driving without a license. He will not receive a punishment from the University; however, don’t expect NFL teams to let this go during formal interviews. Since Goodell took over the reigns as NFL commissioner, very few teams will reach on someone with a police or character history.

The last time a Syracuse defender was selected in round one of the NFL Draft; 2002 when Dwight Freeney was taken 11^th overall. Defensive tackle Arthur Jones (Sr.) will likely follow in Freeney’s footsteps and become a top 20 selection next April. Since his sophomore season, Jones has cemented himself as a playmaking tackle who excels both against the run and as a pass rusher. He has the size and technique that will lead to success at the next level. Jones was stellar against Minnesota last Saturday, recording five tackles and one for a loss. He fits best in a 43 defense, though NFL teams will not rule out the possibility of using him as a 34 defensive end, similar to Evander Hood of last year.

Surprisingly, Jones was not the only NFL prospect on the field last weekend. Wide receiver Mike Williams (Sr.) was terrific in his first game back after being academically ineligible for the 2008 season. The 6’2, 204 lbs. receiver showed excellent body control, strength and route running abilities which led to seven catches for 94 yards and one touchdown. He did, however, drop two catchable balls which he let into his body. Williams was matched against Minnesota’s Traye Simmons (Sr.), and played well against a potential April draft pick. Williams has the talent of a 1^st round pick, but will likely end up in the early 2^nd round.

Running back Delone Carter (Jr.) also looked good against Minnesota. His 90 yards on 23 carries allowed Syracuse to manage the game early on which led to a Syracuse halftime lead. Carter was extremely nifty and virtually “slippery” displaying the elusiveness and vision NFL scouts crave. This is Carter’s first year as a starter, which means he has little wear and tear on his body thus far. He’s a guy you must keep your eye on for 2011.

Although quarterback Greg Paulus (Sr.) played great in his Syracuse debut, he will not be considered a draftable player by NFL scouts. Paulus hasn’t played football since his high school sophomore season.

Alabama defensive tackle Terrence Cody (Sr.) was less than adequate last Saturday night vs. Virginia Tech on Saturday night. Cody was double teamed early on and taken out of action all together. His double teams did help generate a pass rush from other spots along the line, which is something of positive note, yet Cody wasn’t on the field for most of the 4^th quarter, especially in definitive passing situations. If Cody wants to play at the next level, he must show that he can play on all three downs as well as through four full quarters. Otherwise, the 1^st round projection that some have said could be very wrong next April.

FRESHMAN WATCH: Highly touted FSU cornerback Greg Reid has already cemented himself as the starting nickel back as a true freshman. He intercepted a pass as well as recording three solo tackles in his new role. Look for him to get more playing time as the season wears on… NC State cornerback Rashard Smith looked very good in his college debut. Smith was not a high prize recruit from last winter, yet the 5’11, 175 corner and return man recorded four tackles and one sack against South Carolina. Smith holds down the nickel role on a defense that held South Carolina to just seven points. Unfortunately, NC State couldn’t put together more than three… This will be Florida middle linebacker Brandon Spikes’ (Sr.) final season in blue and orange, but it looks like the Gators have found his future replacement in this year’s recruiting class. True freshman linebacker Jon Bostic has the body, speed and instincts to become a Gator great. Although it came against Charleston Southern, Bostic still showed why he was one of the top rated linebackers in the country last season.

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Check out my #1 rated mock draft from the 2009 NFL Draft here:

http://draftace.com/mikeband/2009finalmockdraft.htm