stripes361 Ballot for 2019 Week 9
Ballot Type: Hybrid
Submitted: Oct. 20, 2019, 8:21 p.m.
Overall Rationale: This is a forward-looking, predictive ballot. It is not a resume ranking. I start with an aggregate of the FPI and SP+ computer rankings and then adjust the teams based off of several "human" factors, including coaching, QB play, roster balance, eye test, and injuries. Because it is forward-looking, long-term injuries can significantly alter a team's ranking even before on-field performance has been affected.
| Rank | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Ohio State Buckeyes
|
|
| 2 |
Alabama Crimson Tide
|
Alabama has a home game against Arkansas and a bye week to rehab Tua Tagovailoa from his high ankle sprain. Since he is expected back soon, I am not downgrading Bama for the moment. This is less a vote of confidence in Mac Jones than it is a vote of confidence in Tua's ankle. |
| 3 |
Clemson Tigers
|
|
| 4 |
LSU Tigers
|
|
| 5 |
Oklahoma Sooners
|
|
| 6 |
Oregon Ducks
|
|
| 7 |
Florida Gators
|
|
| 8 |
Penn State Nittany Lions
|
Penn State looked good to start the game against Michigan but lost their momentum way too early. I'm worried about their ability to compete for 60 minutes against a top tier team. Despite the impressive win, Oregon and Florida jump the Nittany Lions for now. |
| 9 |
Georgia Bulldogs
|
Georgia also gets jumped after a win by two teams who impressed me more than the Bulldogs did. |
| 10 |
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
|
|
| 11 |
Wisconsin Badgers
|
|
| 12 |
Auburn Tigers
|
Bo Nix has thrown the ball very well against Miss State and Arkansas recently. Is the freshman really growing as a passer or will it come crashing back down to earth against top competition? |
| 13 |
Utah Utes
|
The Pac-12's playoff hopes are down to Oregon and Utah, as every other team in the conference has at least 2 losses. Tyler Huntley acquitted himself well against a very good Arizona State defense and Kyle Wittingham has a well-rounded roster with no obvious holes. |
| 14 |
Iowa State Cyclones
|
|
| 15 |
Washington Huskies
|
Washington actually rises several spots after nearly scoring a Top 10 win against Oregon. |
| 16 |
Baylor Bears
|
|
| 17 |
Michigan Wolverines
|
Michigan actually showed out pretty well against Penn State. Their passing game showed more life than I have seen from it in a while against top competition. |
| 18 |
USC Trojans
|
|
| 19 |
Texas Longhorns
|
|
| 20 |
Minnesota Golden Gophers
|
|
| 21 |
Iowa Hawkeyes
|
|
| 22 |
UCF Knights
|
|
| 23 |
Cincinnati Bearcats
|
|
| 24 |
Missouri Tigers
|
|
| 25 |
SMU Mustangs
|
SMU debuts in my poll with an impressive performance against Temple. Honorable Mention: Memphis, Texas A&M, Washington State, Michigan State |
Teams Ranked:
| Rank | Team | Unusualness |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Ohio State Buckeyes
|
0.33 |
| 2 |
Alabama Crimson Tide
|
0.00 |
| 3 |
Clemson Tigers
|
0.03 |
| 4 |
LSU Tigers
|
-0.80 |
| 5 |
Oklahoma Sooners
|
0.00 |
| 6 |
Oregon Ducks
|
0.92 |
| 7 |
Florida Gators
|
0.00 |
| 8 |
Penn State Nittany Lions
|
-0.86 |
| 9 |
Georgia Bulldogs
|
0.00 |
| 10 |
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
|
0.00 |
| 11 |
Wisconsin Badgers
|
0.00 |
| 12 |
Auburn Tigers
|
-0.38 |
| 13 |
Utah Utes
|
0.00 |
| 14 |
Iowa State Cyclones
|
2.42 |
| 15 |
Washington Huskies
|
9.47 |
| 16 |
Baylor Bears
|
-0.14 |
| 17 |
Michigan Wolverines
|
0.42 |
| 18 |
USC Trojans
|
6.96 |
| 19 |
Texas Longhorns
|
0.00 |
| 20 |
Minnesota Golden Gophers
|
-0.56 |
| 21 |
Iowa Hawkeyes
|
0.00 |
| 22 |
UCF Knights
|
3.14 |
| 23 |
Cincinnati Bearcats
|
-0.65 |
| 24 |
Missouri Tigers
|
0.94 |
| 25 |
SMU Mustangs
|
-2.05 |
Omissions:
| Team | Unusualness |
|---|---|
Appalachian State Mountaineers
|
1.06 |
Boise State Broncos
|
0.63 |
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
|
0.35 |
Memphis Tigers
|
0.20 |
Total Score: 32.28