ESPN's Rankings

[GoCats1994]

Is anybody else checking out the "Ladder 119" series ESPN.com is doing this week. Essentially, it is a ranking of all 119 Division 1-A football teams. Not necessarily an indication or prediction of the '07-'08 season, but I took it to be more of a reading on the general health of the program over the past decade. (Coaching stability, winning percentage, fan support, etc)

In today's article, UC came in at #69.

My point to making this post is not to debate whether or not Bruce Feldman is correct in his ranking (only one man's opinion). Instead, I have found it to be somewhat of an interesting read so far. I was a little surprised to see the 69 - given the context of the series of articles, I was expecting to see UC in the 50-somethings. However, it also got me to thinking that I may be allowing my own excitement over this upcoming season (and general direction the program seems to be heading) to cloud my vision a little in terms of how the program continues to be perceived nationally.

Or perhaps better stated, I found myself more-or-less agreeing with where he had programs ranked until I saw UC. Am I not being realistic in terms of how far UC still needs to come?

Is this a fair analysis of the program? I think he could have at least given mention to the new coach and general excitement within the fan base....although maybe I am only seeing this at the local level.

Given that Rutgers checks in at #70 on the list, I am wondering what level of success (or rather....continued success) UC needs to have until people nationally begin taking an interest.

Thoughts?

It's certainly possible to get there (see Louisville, K-State, Virginia Tech), although it is a long road. From a Bearcat fan's perspective....I am looking forward to the journey. I think it would be great to have two nationally-relevant football teams in town!

[shaunsimpson]

There is a lot of uncertainty about the program this year. I think they can be anywhere from 25-70 this year. Will the offense get a hold of the system? Was the defense coach D's system or was it the players? How will the defections hurt?

[red_n_black_attack]

From a national perspective, I think they are in the right general ballpark for gauging football over the last ten years.

6-8 Conference championships, 10 straight Bowl game appearances with an 8-2 record in those games, 7-1 record in BCS bowls and 2 National Championships over the next ten years may change National perspectives. Am I clouded in my predictions, absolutely and they are not written as bold this will happen statements. Bottom line, big time winning sustained over time is what will catch the eye of the average college football fan. All I am saying is those type of numbers are possible in Clifton, directly related to the coach and his winning attitude. BK is a difference making coach and his contract will be re-worked before the 2008 season, with a huge pay increase!