ESPN has come out with their latest Power 16 list, heading into a week of Conference Championships. One-loss West Virginia has vaulted to the top spot, while Missouri's victory over Kansas has moved the Tigers up to No.2. The Mountaineers received eight first-place votes, and the Tigers picked up seven. Ohio State, Georgia, and USC round out the top five. Say goodbye to Oregon (11), Texas (13), and Virginia (16) and say hello to Illinois, Tennessee, and Clemson. Time to organize your football memorabilia, for it seems a new era is being ushered in. The Big 12 North is becoming a more formidable foe for the South, the SEC is knocking itself down in a struggle for the top every other week, and the Big East, Pac-10 and Big Ten are nothing to scoff at. And over it all, an autographed football by Darren McFadden, Tim Tebow, Chase Daniel or Pat White might be worth a pretty penny here in the next month or two. Anyways, check out the recent top 16 and see if you agree with the standings. No doubt if you don't, they'll change in a week anyway.
1. West Virginia, previously ranked #4, 10-1 record
The stakes in the Backyard Brawl have never been higher. A victory over Pitt sends WVU to the BCS title game. Who saw that coming after the loss to South Florida two months ago?
2. Missouri, previously ranked #3, 11-1 record
It's the season for miracles. The Tigers weren't ranked until late September, but now they're one win away from New Orleans. Christmas arrives early if Mizzou beats Oklahoma.
3. Ohio State, previously ranked #5, 11-1 record
You won't find bigger Oklahoma or Pittsburgh fans than the folks in Columbus. The Buckeyes' holiday wish includes an upset... and the way this season has gone, don't be surprised if they get it.
4. Georgia, previously ranked #7, 10-2 record
Is any team playing better than Georgia? The Dawgs don't have an SEC East title to show for it, but they've won six straight games and keep their hopes alive for an at-large BCS bid.
5. USC, previously ranked #9, 9-2 record
There probably won't be a national title for Troy this season, but if USC beats UCLA, the Trojans will claim an unprecedented sixth straight Pac-10 title and a trip to the Rose Bowl.
6. LSU, previously ranked #1, 10-2 record
The Tigers have pulled out close games all season, but their triple-overtime loss will hurt for a while. LSU's national title hopes are likely done (thanks Darren McFadden), but it can claim the SEC crown versus Tennessee.
7. Oklahoma, previously ranked #10, 10-2 record
DeMarco Murray won't play in the Big 12 championship, but it won't matter if Allen Patrick runs like he did versus Oklahoma State. Patrick's line: a career-best 202 yards on 29 carries and two TDs.
8. Kansas, previously ranked #2, 11-1 record
The Jayhawks were second in the nation in scoring (46 ppg), but KU didn't score in the first half and was held to 28 against Missouri. Kansas' 42 yards on the ground didn't help. The Tigers finished with 151.
9. Virginia Tech, previously ranked #8, 10-2 record
Since the loss to BC, Va. Tech has won four straight, outscoring its opponents 144-59. The Hokies get a rematch when they face the Eagles for the ACC championship on Saturday.
10. Florida, previously ranked #12, 9-3 record
Even a broken hand can't stop Tim Tebow or his Heisman campaign. Tebow threw for three TDs and rushed for two more in the rout of Florida State. If you're counting, that's 29 TD passes and 22 rushing.
11. Arizona State, previously ranked #6, 9-2 record
The Sun Devils don't just lose to USC; they lose big. ASU has lost eight straight to the Trojans by an average of 19 points. The good news? They've won five of seven games after USC.
12. Hawaii, previously ranked #14, 11-0 record
Hawaii is the only unbeaten team in the Top 25. With its first outright WAC title in hand, the Warriors' next goal is to finish off an undefeated regular season. Will BCS berth follow suit?
13. Boston College, previously ranked #15, 10-2 record
Matt Ryan finished the regular season with 28 TDs, breaking Doug Flutie's mark, as the Eagles broke a 15-game losing streak vs. Miami. BC can make its first BCS bowl appearance with a win over the Hokies.
14. Illinois, previously unranked in Power 16, 9-3 record
The Illini haven't played since Nov. 17, but they continue to move up in the rankings. They'll be rooting hard for Ohio State to play in the BCS title game because that might mean a trip to Pasadena.
15. Tennessee, previously unranked in Power 16, 9-3 record
Is it time to step off the “Phillip Fulmer must go” bandwagon now? The Vols are the unlikely SEC East champions and will look to claim their first conference title since 1998 against LSU.
16. Clemson, previously unranked in Power 16, 9-3 record
After throwing only 22 passes in his first two seasons, Cullen Harper impressed as a full-time starter. Harper finished the regular season completing 67 percent of his passes with 27 TDs and only six picks.
Others receiving votes: Brigham Young, Auburn, Oregon, Wisconsin, and South Florida. Football collectibles have certainly been a popular item this year due to the weekly fluctuation in rankings among the teams. Be sure to post your items in your 2007 football collections and root your teams on through the Bowl season!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Pennsylvania's Flag May Become A Collectible In The Near Future
Collectors have highly valued historical United States' memorabilia since the birth of our nation in 1776, including the many flags that have transitioned through the years. According to a report on Foxnews.com, the Pennsylvania flag is in talks of being updated with a more recognizable image. Democratic State Rep. Tim Solobay says that “the
Pennsylvania flag is so obscure that many people in the state cannot identify it.” Solobay submitted a proposal to the House lawmakers which passed in June with a 164-31 vote, and has since moved on to the Senate committee for consideration. On the opposite end of the argument, former teacher Peter Malichock Jr. calls the idea of changing the flag “outrageous,” stating that “they are dumbing down the flag because they are making it easier for people to identify it.” Others have concerns that replacing all the flags in the state would be too costly. Solobay stands by his proposal, suggesting that the new flags will be phased in over time, and in the newer version, the words “Commonwealth of” would appear above the coat of arms along with “Pennsylvania” below it, all in yellow silk block letters. Of the 50 states, 28 include the name or initials of the state on their flags, making them easier to identify. Check out the original article and take the 10-flag quiz to see just how many you know.
Pennsylvania flag is so obscure that many people in the state cannot identify it.” Solobay submitted a proposal to the House lawmakers which passed in June with a 164-31 vote, and has since moved on to the Senate committee for consideration. On the opposite end of the argument, former teacher Peter Malichock Jr. calls the idea of changing the flag “outrageous,” stating that “they are dumbing down the flag because they are making it easier for people to identify it.” Others have concerns that replacing all the flags in the state would be too costly. Solobay stands by his proposal, suggesting that the new flags will be phased in over time, and in the newer version, the words “Commonwealth of” would appear above the coat of arms along with “Pennsylvania” below it, all in yellow silk block letters. Of the 50 states, 28 include the name or initials of the state on their flags, making them easier to identify. Check out the original article and take the 10-flag quiz to see just how many you know.
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