Opinion
Rant, Rave
By PETE YOUNG, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 14, 2003
Preseason polls a product of flawed thought process
The problem with preseason college football polls: In ensuing weeks, too many voters are incapable of making fresh judgments. The polls do not adjust to reflect how teams actually play.
Too many voters are unable to base their rankings on performance. Instead, they "lock in" to their preseason ranking - which is an educated guess before teams actually play - and are burdened by three dead-wrong codes: a team can drop in the rankings only if it loses; a team that loses must drop; and teams that win must stay put or move up.
Those flawed codes were in effect after the Miami-Florida game in the Orange Bowl, a thriller decided with about 10 seconds left. The 'Canes eked it out, and since it was only the second game of the season, it should carry a lot of weight in the rankings.
Florida entered ranked No.18 in the ESPN/USA Today coaches poll, Miami was No.3. Florida clearly outperformed its ranking in almost clinching the upset, yet, inexplicably, the Gators dropped to No.20. Miami, meanwhile, moved up. Ordinarily Miami's move up would be bogus, but in this case it is okay since then-No.2 Ohio State did not play near the level of its ranking in barely beating middling San Diego State.
Preseason polls are not necessarily bad. But if the pollsters won't base their subsequent rankings on what actually happens on the field, then maybe the preseason polls need to be eliminated.
Opponents aside, 'Noles are dominant again
Florida State is Florida State again.
Go ahead, scoff that North Carolina is as soft as its powder blue uniforms. Snicker that Maryland lost at Northern Freakin' Illinois. Smirk at Georgia Tech's depleted roster and true freshman QB.
Then start listening for the war chant, because the 'Noles are back.
We're talking on the field. Bobby Bowden's inane denial of his team's off-field problems and his misdirected anger is subject for another story. On the field, between the lines, the Seminoles are roaring back to prominence. The defense is sneering and hyperaggressive once more, the offense is layered with game-breaking skill players with brute force (Greg Jones), whippet quickness (Lorenzo Booker, Chris Davis) and pure speed (Craphonso Thorpe, P.K. Sam).
The only thing possibly holding FSU back from national title contention, besides injuries and bad luck, is its biggest problem from the past two years: quarterback. To minimize Chris Rix's mistakes, the coaching staff has severely simplified the play calling, working around his mental limitations and limiting turnovers. It hardly holds FSU back, though, since the skill guys are so good and the new offensive line is solid.
With Miami appearing vulnerable, a new favorite for state supremacy in 2003 has emerged. Meet the new 'Noles, same as the old 'Noles.
Baseball
MLB acts the bully with Expos
AL: Chisox ride Colon's stamina
NL: Marlins thrill a packed house
Penny injury less serious than feared
BoxingSugar gets sweet win vs. De La Hoya
College football'Canes inconsistent but still cruise to win
Gators shake off doubt, slow start
Technical difficulty
Clarett expected to stay at OSU
'Canes contain big plays
Freshman Harris out until second trial
Special teams a bit more so
UF By the numbers
UF Game balls
'Noles seek new nonconference foe
Defense makes stand when it counts most
FSU By the numbers
FSU Game balls
Buckeyes extend streak by inches
Wolverines devour Irish
ConferencesBig East: Big third helps Pitt pull away
SEC: Georgia stifles South Carolina
State: UCF needs record day to rally, hold off FAU
Big Ten: Wisconsin stumbles, fumbles away game
Pac-10: Trojans click in all phases
Big 12: Hogs upset 'Horns
C-USA: Golden Eagles punish Tigers' errors
Nation: Air Force finds it can pass, rush
ACC: Boilermakers don't fall short this time
GolfDent's 65 within a stroke of his age
Sorenstam, Pettersen strike a blow at U.S.
Gotta minute?Rocco Baldelli
Horse racingCongaree frozen out in warmup
In briefeBay item has James agitated
MotorsportsM. Schumacher wins F1 pole
NASCAR remains a family business
NFLPicks, Week 2
Same Tuna, different diversion
Things make you go hmmm
OpinionRant, Rave
OutdoorsDaily fishing report
Preparation vital ahead of a storm
PrepsKotchman, Quick can't catch King's Bowerman
Biladeau never looks back as Jesuit wins
DQ aids Plant girls at relays; Jesuit tops boys
Jesuit's Biladeau runs away with title
King's Bowerman cruises to victory
Lecanto has strong showing
PHU gets best of Seminole
Practice as targets pays as PHU wins at Keswick
SoccerThis won't be a party like it was in 1999
Letters: Ex-Seminole should have been kicked out
RaysRays detect no signs of a Yankees decline
Lou's worst club still inspires hope
In upside, this OF is peerless
Rays tales
BucsHitting the high spots
A shutout as only Rice can see it
Waitress's joke hard for Sapp to swallow
Carolina blueprint should look familiar
Kickin' back with Thomas Jones
Sideline
Letters: Eagles fans reach the ultimate low
LightningLecavalier, Stillman highlight first day
Success depends on growth
