Without further ado, we present to you the first installment of the 2008 Ocho. We wanted to wait a few weeks so that there were actually some games played before we formed opinions on teams, and we have no problem moving teams drastically up or down based on the strength of wins, not just on losses.

We differ from the AP and Coaches in several places. No argument from us on USC being # 1. Even with only two games played for them, they’ve got the best resume and a scary collection of talent. We like Oklahoma at # 2 also. That’s where the similarities end.

We think Georgia is still getting too much credit from the national media and Missouri is getting short-changed, based on results on the field. We like Florida better than Georgia, again based on the body of work, though both teams have visible weaknesses.

Alabama is a little low in our opinion, but certainly will have a short stay in the Ocho if they lose to Georgia this week.

Penn State is probably suffering at the hands of the Big Ten bias, but if you look at how they’ve played and the statistics, they’re definitely getting shortchanged in both the AP and Coaches’. If Penn State beats Illinois decisively this weekend, we’re moving them into the top 5.

You’re welcome.

We’re certainly not in support of hurricanes, the Red Renee world headquarters was without power for two days after Ike, and Galveston is pretty well destroyed (real sensitive to list Galveston second, I know). However, should there be a few more peaceful, harmless hurricanes in the Atlantic, we’ll see a Hurricane Rene. They’ve left off an “e” but we’d be honored to have a hurricane named after us, but only if it plays nice.

Episode Three, Dateline: Iowa City, Iowa. A disappointing effort which we’ll blame squarely on Iowa Hawkeye fans.

Iowa from Dan Rubenstein on Vimeo.

You’re welcome.

In the midst of the Senate hearing on the proposed economic bailout today, we encourage you to research the issues and understand fully what is being proposed and how it may effect our economy. We also encourage you to have some fun by playing the blame game. Head over to www.portfolio.com to play the “Who killed the economy” game. It’s a 16-seed march madness format to determine who the ultimate culprit is. Funny that the Democrat-majority Congress isn’t in the field. Hmmmm…