Blogpoll Roundtable 4.4

Before I get started on the roundtable questions, overlord of the blogpoll, Brian @ Mgoblog has wedged us into CBS Sports list of college football polls right beside the Coaches and AP polls. So hat tip to him! Also, in their usual hilarious fashion, Black Heart Gold Pants has put together a list of what we the blogpoll have bought with our new found monies from our association with CBS. So read all the way to the end as I will add the precious booty that Mountainlair has accumulated with this influx of awesomeness. But now, on with the roundtable brought to us by Barking Carnival....

Please observe the latest ESPN Heisman Watch. What gridiron presence draws your suspicion and ire?

I have to admit a bit of wonderment about the players not on that list. I understand that it's a week to week thing. But seriously, isn't someone from Penn St. worthy on stats alone worthy of being on that list? But if we have to go with someone it's Donald Brown from UConn. They just got their collective asses handed to them by UNC. Sure he got 161 yards, but at 4.9 a clip, I hardly think that's one of the top three running backs in the country according to that list. I admit, I think UConn is a paper tiger just like they were last year. So take it for what it's worth.


In World War I, British troops were famously characterized as “Lions Led By Donkeys.” What Donkey leading a college football team of Lions is leading his troops into the Somme again this Saturday? Who should replace him after the court martial?

I pause for a second to mention Bill Stewart, but only because I know the team we have is a whole lot better than the 3-2 record. But having said that, Auburn might be worse. They've taken steps to correct that with the firing of the OC. But I don't know that you can do a 180 in the middle of the season and have any success. This could be the last we hear of Tommy Tuberville at Auburn. And in his place might be the ultimate job jumper, Bobby Petrino. How funny would it be to see "Hire Bobby Petrino" signs this weekend when Arkansas visits Auburn?


It’s conventional wisdom that it is “good for the game” when certain NFL teams - Dallas, Pittsburgh, Green Bay - or certain NBA teams - LA, Boston, New York - are strong. Others would contend that this is the arrogant self-importance of the traditional elite. With the resurgence of historic programs like Alabama and possibly Notre Dame (now believed to be turning-the-corner in 12 of its last 15 seasons) is it good for college football when certain name programs are strong? If not, why not?

If you read me on a regular basis, you know that I have contended that the Big East will always have an identity crisis as long as the traditional teams fail to compete for the conference title. I'm sure some of you think that even that won't matter. But a strong Pitt and Syracuse is what this conference needs to crawl out of the bottom of the BCS in perception. So in that light, I think it is essential for the strength of college football that the traditional powers be at least competent. Not that I think there is a problem with college football. But when you beat an Alabama or a Notre Dame, it feels sooooooo much better when it actually means something.


A related question: what team with some record of success could fall off of the face of the earth and CFB wouldn’t miss a beat? Who fancies themselves a name brand, but aren’t?

No need to look any further than my own back yard. It was a nice story, and the spread with Rodriguez at the controls and White and Slaton gaining the yards struck fear into the hearts of a lot of people. But seriously, would anyone outside of West Virginia care if we wen't back to being a team that was happy with at 9-4 season?


Texas/OU in Big D. Okie State @ Mizzou. Penn State @ Wiscy. LSU @ Florida. We have Longhorn, Cowboy, Badger, Tiger - which dog is most likely to get it done?

I like Oklahoma to go all the way. They just seem to be so strong at every position. The only thing that will stop them is a Fiesta.


What currently unranked team will we be hearing about soon?

I expect Pitt will be making some noise now that they had a confidence builder before the end of the season. I guess it depends on what poll you look at as to whether they are ranked or not, but they seem to have everything in place to crack and stay in the top 25. If the coach can just stay out of the way, they might be on their way to a breakthrough season and not just breakthrough games.


What ranked team will finish outside of the Top 25?

Oklahoma State- They have all their difficult games ahead of them. Like UConn, I see them as a paper tiger or Cowboy if you will.

Now, what did we spend out CBS money on? Damn straight!

...a brick shithouse