We are going to ressurect the MGN Power Poll. It is always very popular, but also controversial. Note that the algorithm is secret, known to only one-person and subject to modification. Roughly speaking, everyone at the top of the list is considered better than the bottom of the list, even if they have lost. It also considers momentum, and talent. It answers the question, “who has the juice?”
For completion’s sake, here is my preseason ranking. Week 2 (current) is below.
Preseason
Memphis
The most talented team in the league. Just look at the payroll.
Tulane
So good, well coached, but lost some key pieces
Navy
Talented, well coached, and experienced.
USF
Talent.
UTSA
Talent in some areas, although I am not a full believe in the QB.
ECU
Sell out that stadium like SEC teams, but are weird.
UNT
Is the defense real? Light schedule will make them look better than they might be.
Army
Lost a lot of talent.
FAU
Who knows what is happening here, with a first-time head coach, a good offense, and a recruiting hotbed.
Temple
KC Keeler is a good coach but it will take a bit of time.
Rice
Scott Abell is a good coach but it will take a bit of time.
Charlotte
Tim Albin is a good coach but it will take a bit of time.
Tulsa
Tre Lamb is a coach but it will take a bit of time.
UAB
Trent Dilfer is a bad coach and his time will come to an end.
Week 2
Tulane ↑
The Green Wave dominated a Big Ten opponent on the road. That’s a lot of shine
USF ↑
Beating up Boise State — a ranked team! — gets everyone talking and a lot of buzz going.
Memphis ↓
Beat up on Chattanooga. Not much to say about it.
Navy ↓
Beat up on VMI.
UNT ↑
Sure, Lamar is a poor FCS squad, but this program hasn’t had a shutout in 2003 and held them to 119 yards. If the defense can be even average it is something for the league to be worried about.
Temple ↑
Nice win, QB looks good and got player of the week from the league.
UTSA ↓
Lost in ugly fashion to Texas A&M. That’s normally not a big deal, but it killed some momentum the program wanted. Big game vs Texas State coming up.
ECU ↓
Similar to the above, lost to a more moneyed team, but didn’t play super well.
Rice
Louisiana has been a solid Belt program, but the problem is that no one cares, and also it was an ugly 14-12 game. Good win, though.
Tulsa
Won, but even league’s digest forgot to include them this week.
FAU
Ugly loss against a name team.
UAB
Ugly win against a no-name team.
Charlotte
Forgettable loss against a better team.
Army
Trump might defund Tarleton State in retribution.
FWIW, The Solid Verbal (who didn't bother to play the "Reverb" this fan sent in after the Lamar win in the "Reverb" line segment on the following show) have picked USF as winning The American and this Verballer has been as-of-yet undecided on who will "win" The American, but think that, barring injuries, UNT can at least (at the worst) barely miss The American Championship Game, but make and win a bowl game (something that has eluded this team for years), with no more than two losses all regular-season long. At-(realistic)best, the Mean Green can make and win The American Championship, with no more than one-loss all regular-season long, but, likely, be screwed out of a playoff-spot that they are at least a year-or-two away from winning an opening-round of, therein.