2. Boise State Broncos, 6-0 (3) – Boise State keeps benefiting from some big losses by big schools. The Broncos have done everything asked of them, but losses by Nevada and Oregon State certainly hurt. They throttled San Jose State, and actually took it easy on them; the game was over at halftime. Boise gets their bye this week before running through the rest of their WAC schedule. Last week: Defeated San Jose State, 48-0. This week: Bye.
3. TCU Horned Frogs, 7-0 (4) – Like Boise State, TCU’s national championship hopes are getting stronger. The Horned Frogs easily disposed of BYU. This week, however, they entertain a much more dangerous Air Force team. The Falcons’ triple option is tough to stop, and their secondary is underrated. This could be a tough game for TCU. Last week: Defeated BYU, 31-3. This week: vs. Air Force (5-2).
4. Oklahoma Sooners, 6-0 (5) – Oklahoma had no trouble taking care of the Cyclones, pasting them 52-0. The BCS loves the Sooners, and their win over Texas looks much stronger now. But Oklahoma has a tough road test this week at undefeated Missouri. The Mizzou defense has been especially good the past 2 weeks. Last week: Defeated Iowa State, 52-0. This week: at Missouri (6-0).
5. Auburn Tigers, 7-0 (7) – Auburn just keeps impressing. They dismantled Arkansas’ defense en route to putting up 65 points. They have a big showdown this week when LSU comes calling. These are the SEC’s final two undefeated teams, but only one will be left. This should be a great game. Last week: Defeated Arkansas, 65-43. This week: vs. LSU (7-0).
6. LSU Tigers, 7-0 (8) – The Tigers had FCS school McNeese State, and won easily enough. LSU was able to face a lesser opponent the week before going to Auburn, which is a gift. The last time they had to go on the road was at Florida, and the Tigers answered the call. The winner of this contest has an upper-hand in the SEC West title race. Last week: Defeated McNeese State, 32-10. This week: at Auburn (7-0).
7. Michigan State, 7-0 (11) – Sparty keeps rolling along. They started slowly, but eventually beat Illinois going away. After beating Wisconsin and not playing Ohio State this year, Michigan State has a legitimate shot of winning the Big 10. They go to Northwestern this week, and then head to Kinnick Stadium the week after. If they can get through that 2 week stretch unscathed, people will start talking about Michigan State being a national championship contender. Last week: Defeated Illinois, 26-6. This week: at Northwestern (5-1).
8. Alabama Crimson Tide, 6-1 (10) – The Crimson Tide bounced back from their first loss in two years by beating Ole Miss, although they failed to cover the spread by a touchdown. Don’t count out Alabama. Considering South Carolina is in the SEC East, ‘Bama’s fate is in its own hands. They take on a struggling Volunteer team this week. Last week: Defeated Ole Miss, 23-10. This week: at Tennessee (2-4).
9. Wisconsin Badgers, 6-1 (18) – Wisconsin had one of the weekend’s two big upsets. The Badgers led from start to finish. Their rush offense is bruising. Unfortunately for Wisconsin, they don’t hold the tie breaker against Michigan State. But if they can manage to get a big win at Kinnick Stadium, the Badgers will be in prime position to make a BCS bowl of some kind. Last week: Defeated Ohio State, 31-18. This week: at Iowa (5-1).
10. Ohio State Buckeyes, 6-1 (1) – The Buckeyes tenure as the number one team in the country lasted just a week. Wisconsin took it to Ohio State early, then absorbed the Buckeye comeback, and ultimately won the game by 13 points. Ohio State’s national championship hopes are basically ruined, but with so many teams losing, you just never know. They try to get back on track against Purdue this week. Last week: Lost at Wisconsin, 18-31. This week: vs. Purdue (4-2).
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11. Iowa Hawkeyes, 5-1 (12) – The Hawks won a big game at the Big House. Michigan started well, but simply aren’t good enough to hang with a team like Iowa for 4 quarters. Tate Forcier nearly led his team all the way back, but the Michigan defense is awful. Iowa has a huge game this week as they host Wisconsin fresh off their win over Ohio State. The Badger’s rush offense against the Hawkeye’s rush defense should be fun to watch. Last week: Defeated Michigan 38-28. This week: vs. Wisconsin (6-1).
12. Utah Utes, 6-0 (13) – Utah beat another cupcake. The Utes have been impressive, but haven’t played many difficult opponents. They get Colorado State at home this week, which is more of the same. But games against TCU, Air Force, and San Diego State will determine the course of the Utes’ season. Last week: Defeated Wyoming, 30-6. This week: vs. Colorado State (2-5).
13. Stanford Cardinal, 5-1 (15) – The Cardinal is coming off the bye and gear up for a pitiful Washington State team. Andrew Luck is still a dark horse candidate for the Heisman trophy. Stanford’s defense doesn’t get enough credit. Last week: Bye. This week: vs. Washington State (1-6).
14. Nebraska Cornhuskers, 5-1 (6) – The Huskers’ perfect season is no more. Nebraska was basically dominated at home against Texas. Their vaunted offense was held in check, and if not for a late, meaningless score, the Huskers would’ve been kept out of the endzone. They don’t have time to mope around as they to travel to Stillwater, Oklahoma to take on an undefeated Cowboys team this week. Last week: Lost to Texas, 20-13. This week: at Oklahoma State (6-0).
15. Florida State Seminoles, 6-1 (16) – Florida State had a let down after their big win over Miami. They nearly lost to an outmatched Boston College squad, but managed to squeak out the win. They head into their bye on quite a roll, and come out against North Carolina State. Last week: Defeated Boston College, 24-19. This week: Bye.
16. Arizona Wildcats, 5-1 (17) – The Wildcats bounced back from their loss to Oregon State by handling Washington State. Arizona didn’t slaughter the Cougars like many teams do, but they won easily enough. The ‘Zona defense is solid this year. The offense is efficient with Nick Foles, but Foles was knocked out of the game with a knee injury. His availability is crucial for the Wildcats’ success. Considering Arizona still plays Oregon, the Wildcats can still win the Pac 10. Last week: Defeated Washington State, 24-7. This week: vs. Washington (3-3).
17. Missouri, 6-0 (21) – The Missouri Tigers keep winning football games. They thrashed a decent Texas A&M team in College Station. The Mizzou defense has been outstanding recently; in their last two games, the Tiger D has given up a combined 9 points. They have their biggest test of the season this week with Oklahoma coming to town. This is the team’s best chance to make a national statement. Last week: Defeated Texas A&M, 30-9. This week: vs. Oklahoma (6-0).
18. Oklahoma State, 6-0 (22) – The Cowboys were impressive on Saturday, getting a rare win in Lubbock. The offense was good as usual, but the OSU defense was surprisingly effective. Like Missouri, Oklahoma State has a chance to make a national statement against a quality opponent at home this week. The Cowboys welcome a sure-to-be angry Husker team. Last week: Defeated Texas Tech, 34-17. This week: vs. Nebraska (5-1).
19. West Virginia, 5-1 (24) – It was ugly, but West Virginia managed to put away South Florida, a team they’ve had a lot of recent troubles with. The Mountaineers look to be the class of the Big East, and their only loss is to a talented LSU team in Baton Rouge. They host an upstart Orangemen team this week. Last week: Defeated South Florida, 20-6. This week: vs. Syracuse (4-2).
20. Arkansas Razorbacks, 4-2 (14) – Arkansas got blown out by Auburn, giving up a shocking 65 points. The Razorbacks’ hopes of playing for the SEC title are shot. But the Hogs still have a good team. They get Ole Miss this week – a team that’s very hard to read. Last week: Lost at Auburn, 43-65. This week: vs. Ole Miss (3-3).
21. South Carolina Gamecocks, 4-2 (9) – South Carolina followed up their big victory over Alabama by laying an egg in Lexington. Up 28-10 at halftime, the Gamecocks gave the game away. Credit Kentucky for fighting back and stealing the win. South Carolina was in prime position to win or tie the game, but an awful pass by Stephen Garcia was picked off and the game was over. Last week: Lost at Kentucky, 28-31. This week: at Vandy (2-4).
22. Texas, (4-2) (NR) – Texas scored the other big upset of the week. They went into Lincoln, Nebraska and handled a solid Husker squad. Like Wisconsin, Texas led from start to finish. After their early season struggles, this was a special win for the Longhorns. They look to avoid a let down this week as they host the Iowa State Cyclones. Last week: Defeated Nebraska, 20-13. This week: vs. Iowa State (3-4).
23. Virginia Tech, (5-2) (NR) – Since losing to Boise State and James Madison, the Hokies have quietly rolled through their schedule. They won a laugher against Wake Forest and get Duke this coming week. Va Tech and Florida State seem to be the ACC’s best teams. Tyrod Taylor is an underrated athlete and quarterback. The Hokies always seem to get better as the season moves along. Last week: Defeated Wake Forest, 52-21. This week: vs. Duke (1-5).
24. Mississippi State, (5-2) (NR) – The Bulldogs crack our Top 25 for the first time this season. They won a hard fought game down in the swamp against a struggling Florida team that is loaded with talent. They get an easy opponent this week as they host the UAB Blazers from Conference USA. After that, back to the brutal SEC schedule. Last week: Defeated Florida, 10-7. This week: vs. UAB (2-4).
25. Miami (FL), (4-2) (NR) – The Hurricanes are back into the Top 25 after winning a boring game at Duke. It has to be hard to get excited to play in that stadium, or whatever you want to call it. They host North Carolina this week, a team that has dealt with a lot of adversity. The Tar Heels have been playing some pretty good football, so Miami had better come to play. Last week: Defeated Duke, 28-13. This week: vs. North Carolina (4-2).
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