Utes move to 16th in Coaches Poll

by JazzyUte on Nov 1, 2009 11:21 AM MST in Football

The AP poll hasn't been released yet (I'll post it when they do), but Utah moved up three spots from 20th in the Coaches.

Right now, the Mountain West has three teams ranked. TCU is the highest at 4th and the Cougars rejoined the poll at 25th after a bye-week (which isn't bad for a program that has lost by huge margins in two games).

Other than that, Boise State - TCU's main competition - is at fifth.

Looking at these results, does anyone see a scenario where TCU cracks the top-two? They really need Utah to climb as high as possible before their game against them in two weeks, but even that would require a Texas loss (and right now, that just does not seem to be in the cards).

What's fascinating is just how great this season is playing out for the non-BCS outside the top-three. Unlike last year, where Utah struggled to move up the rankings throughout the season, both the Broncos and Frogs are knocking on the door to the national championship in the regular season. Unfortunately for both, and unlike last year, it seems very unlikely Florida, Alabama and Texas lose in the regular season.

So any hope they have of playing for a championship rests on the following teams: Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Florida International, Florida State, LSU, Miss. State, Chattanooga, Auburn, UCF, Baylor, Kansas, Texas A&M and some average Big 12 North team.

That's the remaining games for Florida, Alabama and Texas. Florida's toughest test will come against South Carolina (on the road), Alabama's against Auburn and LSU (Auburn is on the road) and Texas' against a fickle Texas A&M team. Or basically - it's not looking good any of these teams have one-loss entering the conference championship game period. If that's the case, it won't matter what TCU or Boise State does, they're not playing for a title.

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bcs

The highest TCU could get is 3 because bama and florida most likely will meet up and then lose to each other and it is doubtful texas will lose. Then there is pesky iowa who moves up with a miracle win

Mountain West Connection

by Jeremy Mauss on Nov 1, 2009 1:18 PM MST via mobile reply actions

iowa's luck is going to run out. cincy has three tough games left. they are 4 mid level teams in the top 15

that is serious progress. i think the highest tcu could get is 4th but that is fine with me with the system we have. tcu will be first non aq in boise still has a chance to get the second one if more choas continues.

by wolfmanshowlforever on Nov 1, 2009 7:46 PM MST reply actions

Yes I see one:

Three of the following four must happen:

SEC removed by one of the following:
- LSU wins the SEC Championship Game,
- Alabama loss prior to winning the SEC championship game, or
- Florida loss prior to winning the SEC Championship game.
An inexplicable Texas loss, most likely in the Big 12 Championship Game.
Iowa loss, most likely to Ohio State.
Cincinnati loss, most likely to Pittsburgh or West Virginia.

It is not certain that Florida, Alabama or Texas would stay below TCU with a loss. The latter the losses the less opportunity for them to jump TCU and get their spot back.

Clemson currently leads in the ACC Atlantic and an upset over Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship game would help TCU.

BCS Evolution -- Punctuating the Equilibrium - twitter

by utesfan100 on Nov 2, 2009 10:04 AM MST reply actions