MIAC Power Rankings For Sunday 1-27-19

First, I want to apologize for not getting my power rankings in last week Sunday.  I was 100% caught up in the euphoria of my Los Angeles Rams winning the NFC Championship Game by beating the New Orleans Saints that I got very little done on that day.  Throw in the fact that it was my birthday as well and I'm sure you'll understand.  Now, let's see what I'm like next week Sunday for Super Bowl 53!  Alright, now, there have been some shake-ups and changes since the last set of power rankings came out so let's see how my crystal ball looks this time around:


1.  Los Angeles Rams
2.  UST
3.  Augsbu....


Uh, let's try that again.  :p


1.  UST
2.  Augsburg
3.  Bethel
4.  SMU
5.  GAC
6.  Hamline
7.  CSB
8.  St. Kate's
9.  Concordia
10.  St. Olaf
11.  Macalester
12.  Carleton


Not much of an argument at the top three spots.  UST continues with its winning ways with two easy victories this last week against Concordia and Carleton and the Tommies stay in the Twin Cities this coming week with dates at both Macalester and Hamline.  Since the loss at home to UST two weekends ago at home, the Auggies have quietly reeled off four straight victories; the latest conquests this last week coming at St. Kate's and then yesterday up in Moorhead against Concordia - never an easy place to win as Augsburg has now set a school record with their 16 wins thus far and everything seems to be pointing to another showdown with UST on February 9.  What a last three games for Bethel as they've gone over 90 points and have either hit or eclipsed the century mark in their last two games with easy wins at home against both Carleton on Wednesday night and then Macalester yesterday.  But this next week there's little time to celebrate as the Royals go up to CSB on Wednesday night and then over to St. Kate's next Saturday. 

SMU has now won five out of their last six games including important wins at home against both CSB on Wednesday night and yesterday's nail-biter against GAC.  The Cardinals have a home date with St. Olaf on Wednesday night but the next two games after that - on the road at both Augsburg and Bethel - appear to be daunting propositions.  Speaking of GAC, I think they finally realized the seriousness of their dire situation from a couple of weeks ago and have got the ship straightened out somewhat; winning three of their last four games although they're likely kicking themselves after the loss at SMU yesterday.  Right now, they seem to be pretty much "locked" into that fifth spot but a very dangerous opponent lies ahead for them Wednesday night - at Hamline - before returning back home to Lund Arena next Saturday to face Carleton.  Despite at losing to both Augsburg and Bethel on the road (which they were supposed to do), the Pipers rebounded nicely this last week getting nice home wins against both Macalester on Wednesday night and then CSB yesterday.  And - right now anyway - they've got that sixth spot all to themselves.  But everything could go awry for them this week as both GAC and mighty UST come calling to Hutton Arena and they'll do good to come away with a split. 

Had I been able to put this together a week ago, it's quite likely I would have the Blazers higher than what I do right now but what a disastrous week this last week was for CSB.  A 66-60 loss at SMU Wednesday night before yesterday's somewhat predictable 67-60 setback at Hamline.  The Blazers certainly aren't out of the playoff race by any stretch just yet but they not only need to take care of their own business but they need some help now as well.  And this coming week is likely a 50-50 proposition at best for CSB with home dates against Bethel on Wednesday night and then Macalester on Saturday.  St. Kate's slim hopes keep dwindling as this young team has dropped five of its last eight games and it took an overtime victory down in Northfield yesterday at St. Olaf to keep their playoff hopes on life support.  And things won't be easy for the 'Cats this coming week as well as Concordia makes the trip down U.S. Highway 10 and the BNSF's Staples Sub mainline for a Wednesday night date at Butler Center before big bad Bethel makes the crosstown trip next Saturday.  And the Cobbers have hit a rough patch dropping their last five games and while the playoffs are pretty much a forgone conclusion, they can at least play spoiler down the stretch and the game at St. Kate's on Wednesday night with a home date against St. Olaf are doable propositions for them.