Tigers Move Up Three Spots in Buckner Poll

by Press Release - Wed Sep 27 11:01:33 GMT-04:00 2006

Greenville, SC - Brentson Buckner's Harris poll vote remained virtually status quo after there were no upsets among the top 19 teams in the games of September 23. Ohio State remains number-one followed by Southern California and Auburn.

Buckner did move Georgia Tech and Rutgers into his top 25 at numbers 24 and 25, respectively. Georgia Tech defeated Virginia in a Thursday night nationally televised game, while Rutgers is 4-0 on the season. The Scarlet Knights are ranked in the AP poll for the first time since 1976.

"Georgia Tech was impressive in its victory over Virginia last Thursday," said Buckner, who lists his weekly Harris Poll vote on his website, brentsonbuckner.com. "Calvin Johnson is certainly one of the top players in the nation. I don't see how anyone can stop him one-on-one with his size and speed. The Clemson vs. Georgia Tech game in a couple of weeks is shaping up as a very good game.

"Ohio State had a good test against Penn State. The game was actually a lot closer than the score showed because Ohio State scored late on some interception returns. Troy smith made some plays that the quarterback on the number-one team in the nation needs to make.

"What really impresses me about Ohio State is their defense. They lost nine starters to the NFL after last year, yet they are among the national leaders in defense. They have playmakers on offense and defense. However, they will get another tough test this week when they go to Iowa. "

Buckner continues to be impressed with Louisville and has Georgia ranked in his top 10, but says the Bulldogs need to show improvement on offense. "Louisville has quite a stable of running backs. They continue to show me they are a strong team even with the injuries they have had.

"Georgia has found its quarterback in Joe Cox. He is a winner. But, they have to improve their rushing attack. Fifty-four yards rushing against a Colorado team that hadn't won a game won't get it done in the long run in the SEC."

Florida is also a team on the rise. The Gators are fifth in the AP poll and fifth in Buckner's poll. A few upsets and Florida could be number-one in football and number-one in basketball at the same time, something that has not happened in college sports since January 20, 1974 when Notre Dame had the top spot in both sports.

"Chris Leak is getting comfortable in that offense. Urban Meyer brought in a new offense and it takes a while to adjust. It was a big change for Leak and that offense last year. But, they are getting the system down and have a good running game to go with Leak's passing game. They are a team to watch."

Following is Brentson's Poll for September 27, 2006:

1. Ohio State

2. Southern Cal

3. Auburn

4. West Virginia

5. Florida

6. Michigan

7. Louisville

8. Georgia

9. LSU

10. Virginia Tech

11. Iowa