Pirate Galaxy » in San Diego if asked. Unfortunately, I miss

Things have started to even out halfway through the regular season, with the top seven or so teams holding true for a few weeks now. After that, opinions vary a bit. But one thing is certain: We are ready to believe that West Virginia is for real. Check out where the Mountaineers land and how the rest of the top 25 looks at the midpoint.?Power Rankings voters: Edward Aschoff, Butch Davis, Heather Dinich, Brad Edwards, Chris Fallica, Rod Gilmore, Danny Kanell, Chris Low, Ivan Maisel, Ryan McGee, Adam Rittenberg, Mark Schlabach | How they votedPrevious rankings: Week 1?|?Week 2 |?Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 61. Alabama Crimson Tide (7-0)Trending:Week 6 ranking: 1 Week 7 result: defeated Tennessee 49-10Debate the rest of the rankings if youd like, but theres no doubt about No. 1. Alabama recorded its most dominant performance of the season against Tennessee, recording two more nonoffensive touchdowns and three rushing scores from Jalen Hurts. The freshman quarterback is unstoppable running the zone read in the red zone. Alabama enters its showdown against Texas A&M oozing with confidence.2. Ohio State Buckeyes?(6-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking: 2 Week 7 result: defeated Wisconsin 30-23There would be no double-digit win this time. The Buckeyes worked for every point at Camp Randall Stadium, and post-halftime heroics from J.T. Barrett propelled them to an overtime win. Barrett accounted for three touchdowns (two rushing, one passing) and showed incredible poise. Ohio States defense struggled for stretches but made key plays late. The Buckeyes face another prime-time road test this week at Penn State.3. Clemson Tigers?(7-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?3 Week 7 result: defeated NC State 24-17 (OT)It takes luck to have a special season, and Clemson might have used up all its good fortune Saturday against NC State. The Tigers were very sloppy on offense, committing four turnovers. If not for NC States kicking game, Clemson would have suffered its first regular-season loss since 2014. The defense continues to excel, but Clemson has a lot to correct in its open week before visiting Florida State.4.?Michigan Wolverines?(6-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking: 5 Week 7 result: byeJim Harbaugh hit the scheduling jackpot: eight home games and an open week right at the midpoint of the slate. The Wolverines are rested for a second half featuring more challenges, perhaps not this week against Illinois but the following week at Spartan Stadium, where they havent won since 2007. Jabrill Peppers remains very much in the thick of the Heisman race.5.?Washington Huskies?(6-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?4 Week 7 result: byeThe Huskies are nationally relevant again. How will they handle that success? Coach Chris Petersen continues to shield his team from the national spotlight as much as possible, but quarterback Jake Browning is an emerging Heisman Trophy candidate, and others are generating attention. Washington gets back to action this week against Oregon State before a potentially tricky stretch (at Utah, at Cal, USC).6.?Texas A&M Aggies?(6-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking: 7 Week 7 result: byeKevin Sumlin and his players got a chance to catch their breath after last weeks wild and exhausting win over Tennessee. The Aggies now get a chance to validate themselves as national title contenders as they visit Alabama. Trevor Knight might be the anti-Johnny Football off the field, but Texas A&M wouldnt mind if he replicated Manziels heroics against an opportunistic Tide defense.7.?Louisville Cardinals?(5-1)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?6 Week 7 result: defeated Duke 24-14Whether Louisville fell victim to an open-week hangover or Dukes pressuring defense, it didnt show its typical dominance Friday. If not for a roughing-the-kicker penalty, the Cardinals would have been sweating it out in the closing minutes with a 3-point lead. Lamar Jackson showed hes human (13-of-26 passing) but still posted his fifth 100-yard rushing-performance in six games.8.?Nebraska Cornhuskers?(6-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?10 Week 7 result: defeated Indiana 27-22Anyone who has watched Indiana knew Saturdays trip wouldnt be easy. The Huskers saw a 17-0 lead dwindle, and quarterback Tommy Armstrong (10-of-26 passing) made some of those uh-oh throws that have plagued him in the past. But Nebraska made enough plays to prevail in an evenly played game. After finding every way to lose last fall, the Huskers are 6-0 for the first time since 2001.9.?Wisconsin Badgers?(4-2)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?8 Week 7 result: lost to Ohio State 30-23Few teams have looked better in defeat than the Badgers, who pushed a more talented team to the brink for the second consecutive game. Wisconsins offense showed great balance (236 rush yards, 214 pass yards) as running back?Corey Clement sizzled and quarterback Alex Hornibrook continued to show moxie. A second-half lull ultimately doomed Wisconsin, which might need to win out to claim the Big Ten West Division crown.10.?Baylor Bears?(6-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?12 Week 7 result: defeated Kansas 49-7The preseason is over for Baylor. To the Bears credit, they have continued their success on the field despite all the offseason turmoil. After an easy win over Kansas, Baylor enters an open week before visiting Texas, which, despite being down, has beaten the Bears twice in the past four seasons. Baylor then hosts TCU and visits Oklahoma, so itll get real.11.?Florida State Seminoles?(5-2)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?13 Week 7 result: defeated Wake Forest 17-6The Seminoles are starting to win with ... defense? Coordinator Charles Kellys much-maligned unit sparked for the second straight week as Florida State kept Wake Forest out of the end zone Saturday. Florida State committed three turnovers but got a huge performance from wideout Travis Rudolph (13 receptions, 238 yards). The Noles get a week off before Clemson visits Tallahassee.12.?Houston Cougars?(6-1)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?14 Week 7 result: defeated Tulsa 38-31A second loss likely would have eliminated Houston from New Years Six contention and perhaps the American Athletic Conference race. Instead, Tulsas clock mismanagement and an incredible goal-line stop by safeties Austin Robinson and Khalil Williams preserved a 38-31 win. Houston is banged up and reeling a bit but still alive for big things. The Cougars visit SMU this week.13.?West Virginia Mountaineers?(5-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking: 21 Week 7 result: defeated Texas Tech 48-17Impressed yet? At some point, its OK to admit that West Virginia might be good. The Mountaineers certainly looked the part in a dominant performance at Texas Tech, holding Pat Mahomes and the Red Raiders 38 points and 279 yards below their season averages. West Virginia still has trips to Oklahoma State and Texas but plays arguably its toughest games at home, beginning this week with TCU.14.?Oklahoma Sooners?(4-2)Trending:?Week 6 ranking: 18 Week 7 result: defeated Kansas State 38-17There would be no Kansas State stunner in Norman this season, as Oklahoma took control early and led by double digits for the final 40:39. The Baker Mayfield-Dede Westbrook connection (184 yards, three touchdowns) continues to shatter records as the Sooners are clearly comfortable in Big 12 play. Mayfield will be spotlighted this week as he returns to Texas Tech, where he started his college career.15. Boise State Broncos?(6-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?15? Week 7 result: defeated Colorado State 28-23After taking nearly a half to score, the Broncos pulled away from Colorado State before having to hold on late. Jeremy McNichols (217 rush yards, 40 carries, two touchdowns) sparkled on a rainy night as the Broncos moved closer to overtaking Houston in the race for the Group of 5s New Years Six spot. Boise State puts its perfect mark on the line Thursday against a surging BYU on the blue turf.16.?Utah Utes?(6-1)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?20 Week 7 result: defeated Oregon State 19-14Injuries have depleted Utahs offensive line and running back positions, so not surprisingly, the Utes slogged through a 19-14 win at Oregon State. Joe Williams came out of retirement to rush for 179 yards and a touchdown. The Utes will continue to ride arguably the Pac-12s best defensive line and their special teams, but they need to get healthier soon, as Washington looms in two weeks.17.?Florida Gators?(5-1)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?19 Week 7 result: defeated Missouri 40-14Tennessees second league loss puts Florida in control of its own fate in the SEC East. The Gators have a much tougher schedule ahead, but they took a nice step with an easy win over Missouri. Pick-sixes by cornerbacks Jalen Tabor and Quincy Wilson propelled Florida, which found its offensive flow in the second half. Florida gets a week off before facing Georgia in Jacksonville.18.?Tennessee Volunteers?(5-2)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?9 Week 7 result: lost to Alabama 49-10A grueling stretch and an unstoppable opponent wore down Tennessee on Saturday. The Vols couldnt generate anything offensively, producing only 32 rush yards and 11 first downs against the Tide. Derek Barnett is a force at defensive end, but Tennessees depth just isnt there. The Vols get a much-needed open week before a soft second-half schedule. They now need Florida to stumble once in league play.19.?Arkansas Razorbacks?(5-1)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?23 Week 7 result: defeated Ole Miss 34-30Facing an 0-3 start in SEC play, Arkansas needed no fourth-and-25 miracle to outlast Ole Miss on Saturday night. Coach Bret Bielema continued his mastery against Hugh Freezes best teams, as Arkansas won its third straight in the series. The Hogs were extremely balanced offensively (229 pass yards, 200 rush yards) and received a huge lift from Rawleigh Williams III (180 rush yards). They next visit Auburn.20.?Auburn Tigers?(4-2)Trending:?Week 6 ranking: ?24 Week 7 result: byeThe Tigers took momentum into their open week, as an emerging run game is complementing a significantly improved defense. The defense will be tested the next two weeks against Arkansas (home) and Ole Miss (road), two games that could help secure coach Gus Malzahns job or put it back in doubt. QB?Sean White and the Auburn offense get another chance to build against Arkansas struggling D.21.?Western Michigan Broncos?(7-0)Trending:?Week 6 ranking: 22 Week 7 result: defeated Akron 41-0Row The Boat to the New Years Six? Its not out of the question with Houston struggling lately. Western Michigan, with two Big Ten road wins, is dominating its MAC opponents, blanking Akron 41-0 on the road Saturday. The Broncos finally committed a turnover, but Jarvion Franklin set the single-game team rushing record with 281 yards.22.?Ole Miss Rebels?(3-3)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?11 Week 7 result: lost to Arkansas 34-30The Rebels are still among the nations most exciting offenses, but theyre not among the nations best teams. They continue to struggle against Arkansas, which delivered a balanced offensive performance and held the ball for more than 40 minutes Saturday. QB?Chad Kelly did damage with his legs (89 rush yards, two touchdowns) but couldnt stretch the field in the passing game (6.5 yards per completion). The schedule gets no easier as Ole Miss visits LSU, which is finally scoring points.23.?Washington State Cougars?(4-2)Trending:?Week 6 ranking:?NR Week 7 result: defeated UCLA 27-21After an 0-2 start, Washington State coach Mike Leach said of his team, We just arent tough enough. Message delivered, message received. The Cougars since have won four straight, including three in Pac-12 play, and suddenly look like the primary challenger to Washington in the Pac-12 North. Washington State didnt record a passing touchdown against UCLA, ending its FBS-leading streak of 41 games, but still won behind its defense and its rushing attack.24.?North Carolina Tar Heels?(5-2)Trending:?Week 6 ranking: NR Week 7 result: defeated Miami 20-13The Tar Heels are, if nothing else, unpredictable. After being washed out in a 34-3 home loss to Virginia Tech, North Carolina responded at Miami and rode its defense to a 20-13 win. Quarterback Mitch Trubisky executed UNCs short-passing plan well (299 yards on 33 completions with two touchdowns), and the Tar Heels got a lot of players involved. UNC still needs Virginia Tech to lose again, but FPI gives the Heels a 65 percent chance to win the ACC Coastal division.25.?Colorado Buffaloes?(5-2)Trending:?Week 6 ranking: NR Week 7 result: defeated Arizona State 40-16One of the best stories of the season keeps getting better. Coach Mike MacIntyre entered the fall on the hot seat. He now has Colorado one win from bowl eligibility. Whether its Sefo Liufau or Steven Montez at quarterback, Colorado is racking up points and big plays on offense. Phillip Lindsay (219 rush yards, three touchdowns) sparked the run game in Colorados easy win over Arizona State.Fell out of the rankings:?Miami, Virginia Tech, Arizona StateOthers receiving votes: LSU, NC State, Navy, Miami, USC, Virginia Tech, South Florida, Stanford? Green Bay Packers Pro Shop .ca look back at each of the Top 10 stories of 2013. Today, we look back at Boston Strong - a citys recovery from tragedy. Packers Jerseys China . "I was fortunate to play many years at this level with a great organization and unbelievable teammates," said Hejduk in a statement. https://www.packersjerseysale.com/ . MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez also will attend the session, which was announced Monday. The league has discussed placing its next two expansion teams in Miami and Atlanta. Custom Green Bay Packers Jerseys . In what the team had called a retirement, Ryan said Thursday that he is resigning as chief executive of the Rangers in a move effective at the end of this month. Green Bay Packers Gear . He said Tuesday thats a big reason why he is now the new coach of the Tennessee Titans. Whisenhunt said he hit it off quickly with Ruston Webster when interviewing for the job Friday night. NEW YORK -- Giancarlo Stanton lost his way for a while. He never lost his prodigious power, though.Miamis muscular slugger homered twice to match a career high with five RBI and made a crucial play on defense, sending Wei-Yin Chen and the Marlins to a 5-2 victory that snapped the New York Mets five-game winning streak Tuesday night.Im coming back, said a smiling Stanton, who had three hits to raise his batting average to .226. Its a long road from here. Thats why you dont worry about where youre at on the season stats. Just keep plugging away.Chen (5-3) tossed seven innings of three-hit ball, spoiling Jose Reyes return to the Mets in his first major league game since a 59-day domestic violence suspension.Back with his original team, the speedy switch-hitter received a warm welcome from the Citi Field crowd of 29,477 but went 0 for 4 with a strikeout in his first big league appearance this season. Batting leadoff after getting called up from the minors, Reyes quickly doffed his helmet to cheering fans when he stepped to the plate in the first inning. Some were standing and applauding.They showed me a lot of love and I respect that and I just tipped my hat as appreciation, he said. I didnt know what to expect when I came here today and to see the crowd reaction like that, that was good.The four-time All-Star shortstop also played a new position, third base, but the ball was never hit his way.All-Star starter Yoenis Cespedes and pinch-hitter Alejandro De Aza homered for New York.Mets starter Steven Matz (7-4) sailed into the seventh with a 1-0 lead before first-time All-Star Marcell Ozuna hit a leadoff single. Stanton then lined a 1-2 changeup over the left-center fence to put Miami ahead.The Mets put two runners on in the bottom half, but Stanton prevented them from tying the game when he charged in to make a sliding catch of Juan Lagares two-out liner to right field.Christian Yelich was hit by a pitch with two outs in the eighth and Ozuna singled again before Stanton sent a 3-1 fastball from Erik Goeddel into the second deck in left-center for his 17th home run, making it 5-1.Hes the most powerful guy in the league, Mets manager Terry Collins said.It was the sluggers 17th career multihomer game and first since June 9, 2015, at Toronto. Four of those multihomer games have come against the Mets, his most vs. any opponent.You feel like hes going to be there, Miami manager Don Mattingly said. If he gets hot at all, its going to be a big boost for us.After slumping through muuch of a subpar first half, Stanton has started to break out with five homers, 16 RBI and a .dddddddddddd.324 batting average over his past 17 games.He hit .118 with two homers and five RBI in his previous 29 games from May 7 to June 15.Thats what Ive been working to get to for a long time now. Just happy that the work finally showed on the field, Stanton said. Ive just been in there doing it over and over again with no results.Cespedes homered in the fourth, his first at-bat after the Mets put his picture on the big video board to inform fans the slugger had been elected to the National League squad. Cespedes tossed his bat aside after connecting on a drive that clanked off the facing of the second deck in left field.I know that Stanton can hit further than me, Cespedes said through a translator.One night after the Marlins squandered a six-run lead in an 8-6 loss to the Mets, Chen struck out five and walked one before giving way to a pair of All-Star relievers. Fernando Rodney gave up De Azas first career pinch-hit homer, but A.J. Ramos worked a hitless ninth for his 25th save in 26 chances.New York had won seven straight at home.YES AND NOThough hes not on the All-Star team, a grinning Stanton said he would participate in the Home Run Derby next Monday in San Diego if asked. Unfortunately, I missed two Home Run Derbies that I was supposed to be in. Ive got some catching up to do, he said. Tell `em to ask. Cespedes, who won the contest in 2013 and 2014, said hed rather not take part this time.POWER PLAYStanton has six home runs in his last 11 contests at Citi Field. He has 24 career homers against the Mets, fourth-most among active players, and six of his last nine hits vs. New York have been home runs.FISH FRYMatz fell to 0-3 in his last seven starts after winning seven straight. He is 5-2 in 10 career outings at Citi Field, with both losses coming against the Marlins this year.TRAINERS ROOMMarlins: 1B Justin Bour went back to Miami for an MRI on his sprained right ankle.Mets: RHP Jim Henderson (right biceps tendinitis) was tagged for four runs and four hits in one inning of a rehab appearance with Double-A Binghamton against Hartford.UP NEXTMarlins LHP Justin Nicolino (2-4, 5.34 ERA) starts the series finale Wednesday afternoon against RHP Jacob deGrom (4-4, 2.62), who halted a 10-start winless streak last Friday against the Chicago Cubs. ' ' '