We had a very interesting week in college football. A few
teams are unbeaten no more. The real best teams in the nation rose up, while
the overrated pretenders (Oklahoma) showed their true colors. Here is what the
national landscape looks like right now:
Top 25
Others receiving votes: Arizona, Louisiana-Monroe,
Nevada, South Carolina, TCU, UCLA
Dropped from the rankings: Ohio (18), South Carolina (24)
25. (22) West Virginia (5-2) – That bye week is just what
the doctor ordered for the Mountaineers to get their act together for a
late-season run.
24. (25) Toledo (8-1) – That season-opening OT loss at
Arizona is looking better for the Rockets.
23. (12) Rutgers (7-1) – A classic trap game came up to
bite them. I hate how teams schedule cakewalk teams in the middle of conference
games.
22. (14) Oklahoma (6-2) – Getting beat by Notre Dame was
expected, but getting completely shut down and scored on the way they
did…Sooner fans should start to worry.
21. (6) USC (6-2) – That loss at Arizona was
discouraging. Just shows that all the flash and stats on offense cannot always
lead to wins.
20. (NR) Northern Illinois (8-1) – No team would want to
play Jordan Lynch and this high-powered spread attack in a bowl game.
19. (16) Texas Tech (6-2) – They got demoralized by Colin
Klein and company early. It happens.
18. (NR) Nebraska (6-2) – The home win against Michigan
all but clinched a Big Ten Championship appearance for the Huskers, setting up
an inevitable rematch with Wisconsin.
17. (21) Louisiana Tech (7-1) – Like NIU, this team’s
offense can score on anyone. They are consistently an exciting watch.
16. (23) Stanford (6-2) – They survived a scare against
the upset-minded Cougs to keep their impressive season alive. They are still in
control of their destiny in the North.
15. (17) Texas A&M (6-2) – Like many before them,
they destroyed Auburn. This team’s offense is scary at times.
14. (11) Mississippi State (7-1) – Everyone gets blown
out by the Tide. Nothing to worry about.
13. (7) Oregon State (6-1) – Losing in Seattle is nothing
to be ashamed of. Ask Stanford.
12. (19) Clemson (7-1) – Clemson continues to impress
offensively, which will be enough to win out in the putrid ACC.
11. (9) LSU (7-1) – The merit of their loss to Florida
took a bit of a hit yesterday, but it won’t matter. Expect the Tide to roll all
over the Tigers at Death Valley.
10. (13) Boise State (7-1) – This team’s defense is just
incredible. If Southwick played half as good in their opening loss to Michigan
State, then this team would be busting the BCS again.
9. (15) Louisville (8-0) Their win against Cincy was a
great showcase for them. That conference is wide open. It will still come down
to the Cardinals and Rutgers, however.
8. (4) Florida (7-1) – Their true offensive colors were
shown in their big “neutral” site loss to Georgia. Their defense is still
tough, though.
7. (20) Georgia (7-1) – They are still a fraud, but
beating the Gators was a big deal for them. If their defense can play like that
more often, then they will take that division for sure.
6. (8) Ohio State (9-0) – They just keep winning, and
none of us really know why. They are going to be undefeated when they play
Michigan to close the season. The Wolverines would love nothing more than to
spoil the only thing that the Buckeyes are playing for.
5. (10) Florida State (8-1) – If not for a dreadful 2nd
half collapse at NC State, this team would be looking just as dominant as
K-State. That win against the Blue Devils was big.
4. (5) Notre Dame (8-0) – They showed Oklahoma and the
rest of the nation that this team is absolutely for real on defense and that
their young QB is growing up. They can almost coast until they play USC at the
Coliseum.
3. (3) Oregon (8-0) – They continue to destroy their
opposition, but who knows what they will do if they have to play more than 2
quarters. Maybe USC will finally give them that test.
2. (2) Kansas State (8-0) – This team plays good first
halves then just completely dismantles the opponents in the second half. Their
BCS resume might be most impressive thus far.
1. (1) Alabama (8-0) – I don’t think I have ever seen a
team dominate both sides of the line of scrimmage like this team. One of the
most impressive teams I have ever watched. If they lose this season, I will be
shocked.
Heisman Trophy Watch
5. Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon – His yards per carry and
other stats are absurd. If that is what the voters are looking for, then he
stands a good chance at winning over at least the West Coast region of voters.
4. Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio
State – Miller is dominating the Big Ten, but not having the luxury of playing
during conference championship week might hurt his chances.
3. AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama – He just continues to
methodically demolish teams by not making mistakes. He will get his votes, but
I doubt he could ever win the thing.
2. Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame – Another huge game under
the national spotlight only furthered his candidacy. Can he be the first
defensive Heisman winner in 15 years?
1. Colin Klein, QB, Kansas State – If the Wildcats win
out, this will be one of the biggest landslides ever.
BCS Projections
Rose Bowl – Oregon (Pac-12) over Nebraska (Big Ten)
Orange Bowl – Florida State (ACC) over Rutgers (Big East)
Sugar Bowl – Notre Dame (At-large) over Georgia
(At-large)
Fiesta Bowl – West Virginia (At-large) over Clemson
(At-large)
BCS Title Game – Alabama (SEC) over Kansas State (Big 12)
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