Amato's Top 25
UHND.com - Andrew Amato
11/6/2001
1. Miami (7-0)- This team is unstoppable...for now
2. Nebraska (10-0)-Will roll into Boulder and lose...
3. Florida (7-1)-Control their own destiny...watch out for SC on Sat.
4. Oklahoma (7-1)-Will run the table, beat NEB in the Big 12 Champ., and battle for the
national title!
5. Texas (8-1)-Dangerous team, could slip in if anyone screws up (OK, NEB)
6. Oregon (8-1)-Another dangerous team who could slip in and will run the table
7. BYU (9-0)-Yes, they play in a fairly easy conference, but they're making things look
way too easy...
8. Washington State (8-1)-Immpressive thus far, nice win vs. UCLA
9. Tennessee (6-1)-There is no reason why ND could not beat them!
10. Michigan (6-2)-2 cheap losses are preventing them from smelling the roses...
11. Washington (7-1)-Yes, they beat Michigan, but this team fails to impress me...
12. FSU (6-2)-Chris Rix is gaining confidence, watch out Gators...
13. Maryland (8-1)-The 'Terps didn't get the upset bug over the weekend and are continuing
to thrash opponents.
14. South Carolina (7-2)-Old Lou has the 'Cocks ready for a huge upset over the Gators
this weekend in Columbia!
15. Illinois (7-1)-Possibly the most underrated team in the polls, only loss came at
Michigan. Kurt Kittner is 1 of the best QB's in the NCAA.
16. Syracuse (7-2)-Another underrated team. The Orange have rebounded and look dangerous
following opening losses to GA Tech and Tennessee, and an upset at Virginia Tech.
17. Stanford (5-2)-Up and down team, no reason Irish can't win in Palo Alto.
18. UCLA (6-2)-Consecutive losses has this team reeling...
19. GA Tech (6-2)-Nice win over one of the top defenses (UNC) in the country, rolling
towards showdowns with Georgia and the 'Noles.
20. Georgia (5-2)-Important showdown with rival 'Jackets is looming.
21. Michigan State (5-2)-Huge win over hated Michigan. Came as no surprise. This
team is for real, but there is no reason why ND couldn't win at home. Watch out for
PSU at the end of the season!
22. Colorado (7-2)-If this team can stay healthy and continue to win, the 'Huskers better
be ready in Boulder after last season's close call at Lincoln.
23. Louisville (8-1)-Well balanced and well coached team. Their only loss came at
Illinois.
24. Virginia Tech (6-2)-Talk about a team on the ropes? Consecutive losses at home vs.
Syracuse and a whitewash @ PITT! This team better be prepared, and I believe they will
when the 'Canes visit Blacksburg.
25. Purdue (5-2)-Despite fallout vs. ILL, the 'Boilers are still in the Big 10 chase after
Michigan's loss.
Close call: Boston College (6-2)- A strong showing vs. Miami this week could boost them
into the Top 25. There is no reason they can't challenge the 'Canes in Chestnut Hill.
In closing:
Every week from here out will rewrite the story. Every game now has implications on the
polls, BCS, and the bowls. My national title tilt right now is Miami/Oklahoma. I think Bob
Stoops will have his players ready to make a run and trounce Nebraska in the Big 12 title
game to boost them into the Rose Bowl. Watch out for South Carolina this weekend versus
Florida. Hosting "College Gameday" will be huge for Columbia and the Gamecocks
defense and crowd will confuse the Gators the same way Auburn did. There is no reason why
the Irish could not have beaten Michigan State, Boston College, and Tennessee. None of
those teams are more talented than the Irish. Possibly Tennessee, but not by much. The 2
fumbles inside the Vols 20 and too many allowed 3rd down conversions cost the Irish the
game. Everyone knew on 3rd down that the play was going to be a quick slant to Kelley
Washington! Didn't Bob Davie, Greg Mattison, or the defense realize that?! One
more thing, if Kevin White buys out Bob Davie's contract, PLEASE fire Kevin Rogers too!
His play calling is terrible! The Irish need to take a week to rest, refocus, and
turn their attention to Navy, Stanford, and Purdue. This is a tough task considering the
Irish will not be playing for the New Year's Day bowl that they're used to contending for
and playing in. These are 3 winnable games if the team that we all know shows up and
plays with heart and passion. Go Irish.