1. LSU Tigers (5-0), (2-0) - This is the best team in the nation, in the best conference in the land of College Football. LSU’s defense is simply the best and they have shown it by flexing their muscles week in and week out, as they will continue their dominance this Saturday Nite at Home in Death Valley against their rival and NCAA defending champs, Florida. LSU has given up only four touchdowns and has held the opposition to 39 rushing yards per game! Sure they will go up against super-rushing sophomore, standout QB Tim Tebow, and they will have to contain the blazing fast, all-purpose, versatile threat of WR Percy Harvin, but in this showdown I expect LSU to match the Gators in every aspect of the game, especially on the defensive side of the ball, where it will be a true battle between the best vs. the best and strength on strength. DT Glenn Dorsey (Top Senior on Mel Kiper Jr’s Big Board), LB Ali Highsmith, and S Craig Steltz will be ready for the tall task ahead to not only stop Florida, but in doing so, shut them down and convincingly win this all-important SEC contest, a game that will have national title implications on the line, having this match-up as a pure joy for any real College Football fan to watch, so in doing so, look for a dogfight and lots of big hitting coming from two of the top teams that love to hate each other; now don’t blink, because you may miss the action of all the speed displayed on the field in Louisiana this Saturday!
2. USC Trojans (5-0), (2-0) – Arguably the most talented team in all of College Football, just look down their RB depth chart and see all the defensive playmakers on their squad while you’re at it too, Pete Carroll’s powerhouse program were given a scare at the hands of Ty Willingham’s Washington Huskies. Jake Locker, a top running QB, gave the USC defense some fits, and if Booty and friends want to stay undefeated, they’ll definitely have to shore up their run defense and be ready to take on Oregon’s high-flying, spread attack offense (Oct. 27) and the explosive Cal Bears (Nov.10), both road games that will be even bigger tests than Washington was, for a team expected to win it all in ‘07. Dennis Dixon (Oregon QB) and DeSean Jackson (Cal WR/Return Specialist) must be licking their chops and you have to wonder if the Trojans have enough to stop these ultra-talented teams and come away with not just both crucial games, but maybe, just one…?
3. Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0), (2-0) - I may be sippin’ it a ‘lil bit too much of that “Big Ten juice”, but I have to say that this Ohio State defense has answered my doubts, making me a big believer, as it’s been the most impressive and productive, granted they haven’t faced a tough competitor yet, besides Washington on the road, since the defense that silenced and quited the 1st Round NFL Draft-filled, playmaking offense of the “U”, the National Championship unit of ‘02 that pulled out every close game possible. Whether it be CB’s Malcom Jenkins (Top 10 Pick) and Donald Washington, S Anderson Russell, MLB James Laurinaitis, or the beast in which they call DE Vernon Gholston by, this OSU defensive squad can match almost any offensive firepower with ease. That being said, the big question, like it always will be, thinking back to the spanking they received and were granted at the hands of the “better” SEC last January, a power conference more talented and faster, generally than the Big Ten, will they be able to handle these “big boys” and stiffer, much tougher foes down the road when you look ahead to the rest of their schedule, ending up against such teams as: Michigan State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Illinios, Michigan, let alone Purdue this week on the road at nite (not very successful on the road past dark), and in the future if they have to play another SEC or Pac-10 team in a bowl? Ohio State’s offense has put critics to rest so far, myself included, but I’ll be interested to see which Boeckman and Wells will come out to play this Saturday versus the Purdue Boilermakers? With the margin of error being small on offense because of the lack of playmakers and explosiveness outside of sure-handed WR Brian Robiskie and RB Chris Wells (when healthy), can a defense that has only allowed three touchdowns, to go along with just 55 rushing yards per game on top of that, be able to continue a pace that has been remarkable, and put up great performances week in and week out to be a National Title contender?
4. Cal Golden Bears (5-0), (2-0) - Very impressive I must say, as last week the DeSean Jackson-led (2 TD’s) Cal Bears pulled out a close one in Eugene, at Autzen Stadium against conference opponent Oregon, 31-24 in the final moments (fumble in the outside the end zone) of one of the biggest victories in school history. The Bears had more “roar” than the Ducks had “quack”, but will they be able to force four turnovers a game and continue a strong turnover differential against teams like Arizona State and UCLA, and of course, the mighty USC? Last week’s showing kind of shocked me, to win a game on the road in a hostile environment against a tough Oregon squad led by Heisman Candidate QB Dennis Dixon, after trailing 10-3 at half, that was something that could help turn this “good” team into a good “enough” team when it comes “Bowl Time”. With Jackson, Forsett, and Longshore, you have to consider this offensively powered team a shot to go all the way, but can you discount them out because of their lackluster, inconsistent defense?
5. South Carolina Gamecocks (5-1), (3-1) - Force Andre’ Woodson into three game-changing turnovers, one (INT) in the end zone and two (fumbles) resulting in defensive touchdowns by DE Eric Norwood, run consistently to end the game, and overcome a sluggish third quarter in which Kentucky “clawed” its way back into the game? Hmm… That’s why this team has catapulted into my Top 10 Power Rankings. Sure, you can say the offensive hasn’t been so impressive and RB’s Mike Davis and Cory Boyd have lifted the team too much, and Jasper Brinkely is lost for the season, you have a point, but in my case and debate this team is up there with LSU in terms of toughness and they can flat out play football under the ole’ “BallCoach” Steve Spurrier. These Gamecocks just need to control the tempo and open up the playbook on offense and pull out the gadgets and trick plays with Spurrier to eclipse their #5 spot and move up, and if I see them improve on offense and continue their great pass defense, expect them to ride up the polls and make a shot at the SEC Title.
6. Oregon Ducks (4-1), (1-1) – This team has too much talent and has come too far to drop out of my Top 10. Dixon, Stewart, Johnson, Colvin, and Dickson make this offense #1 in the Nation, they are the best at what they do, and they do it in a way that nobody can match or duplicate it’s one-of-a-kind(ness). One bounce of the ball the other way and a more safer approach to keep the football (turnovers), maybe we’re talking about Orgeon in the same way we are about Cal, as it’d be switching spots with Cal and changing places in the Power Rankings if they won, but they choked in the worst way. Refer to Orgeon in the same breath of your USC’s and LSU’s because this team is not done with and they have all the offense in the world to make some teams look really bad (ie: Michigan) and a aggressive defense that can create opportunities and force turnovers. Now all they have to do is run the table and beat USC at home, easier said then done, right…? This team has to overcome a tough home loss and get back on track right away if they have any dreams at sniffing the Roses in Pasadena or casting it’s vote in the ballot and booking their flights for the Louisiana Superdome in January.
7 . Florida Gators (4-1), (2-1) – Alright, they lost to Auburn for the second time in as many years, this time at home, and it stung a little bit more than it did last year, but there’s still hope after this major, shocking SEC upset…? I have four words for you “balling” Gator fans: Tim Tebow & Percy Harvin. With the best QB-WR combo in all of the country, this team has all the talent to recover, like they did last season, and win it all once again. On offense they’re more than fine, but on defense, different story, as that’s were the problem lies at hand. This team is very young and going in to LSU’s Death Valley Saturday Nite is not really the best way to go after a huge loss at home to an unranked team that was not even supposed to stay close with you. They have a good enough chance to pull this one out, but it will have to be more than the “Tebow and Harvin Show” featuring Tebow and Harvin for this team to come out on top with a win at LSU. These Gators need to win the turnover battle and attack an overrated and not, so fleet-footed Matt Flynn, but watch out for Ryan Perriloux, “chomp” fans… Can you taste your own medicine Coach Meyer? Make sure to be ready and prepared for the loudest fans in all the land and a young, back-up scrambling QB that has all the tools and skill to break a game wide open, does that one sound familiar…?
8. Boston College Eagles (5-0), (3-0) – How could this team only beat UMASS at home by 10 points when they beat ACC rival Georgia Tech (ranked at the time) by 14 on the road!?! I was almost ready to drop them out and take ‘em off the Top 10, moving them to my “On The Outside Looking In” list and forget about their early season accomplishments. So I didn’t, and QB Matt Ryan and a stellar run defense (46.8 yards per game) was the reason why because this team will be flying high, as it has an outside to go undefeated ~ let’s just not let what happened last week happen again and don’t look too far ahead to the showdown at Blacksburg, Thursday Nite Oct 25th.
9. West Virginia (4-1), (0-1) – I know I will hear it all and will be reminded of it for the rest of the College Football season on this pick… Mountaineers ahead of South Florida, the team that just beat ‘em, just this last Friday!?! Ahead of Wisconsin, Georgia, and even Oklahoma…? My reasons are the following: A Healthy QB under center, speedster and master option runner Pat White, the most complete back Steve Slaton, bruising FB Owen Schmitt, and the weaponry combo of Reynauld and Devine. This squad has the best running offense in all of College Football (over 323 yards a game) and last week was an aberration, and sorry USF Bull riders, if not for the injury of Pat White these Mountaineers would be atop the Big East undefeated, still in the Top 5, if not the Top 3. Watch out for this team and I expect them to win at Rutgers and Cincinnati. Look for the Scarlet Knights and Bearcats to fall victim to the Greatest Offensive Playcall, the brilliant and exciting “Option” that can not be stopped when ran with the right players and good execution. White and Slaton are too much for defenses, when they’re both of on their a-game, for any team in the Big East and for most teams in the nation. WVU will rebound and make its way up to the Top 5 at the end of the season, make it down. My apologies go out to the South Florida Bulls and their players, who have had an unbelievable season so far and impressed me by knocking off a very good team of West Virginia, well albeit, going against Jarrett Brown, not Pat White.
10. Kansas State Wildcats (3-1), (1-0) – My surprise pick in the Top 10. K-State destroyed and rolled all over Texas, they didn’t just embarrass McCoy’s boys, they stomped a hole through ‘em, as Texas is no slouch at home. This was a big-time program, even though their play has diminished, as it was only a matter of time before they got their behinds kicked, having it handed to ‘em, the victory was surely eye-opening and has given K-State the dap/respect they now deserve, as many now know about this team has been flying under the radar for so long, and if not for a letdown and a blown lead first week @ Auburn, they would be undefeated! Start to recognize ‘em now…? Nonetheless, you cannot overlook this win, as these Longhorns were ranked 7th in the land and were at home, yet the mighty Wildcats beat up ‘em at their place, humiliating Mack Brown’s squad, by 20 points (41-21)! Josh Freeman is now becoming a star at quarterback, improving each game as a threat for opposing teams to reckon with, and he’s still developing, as he is making a name for himself along with the former K-State Wildcat QB greats of yesterday (Michael Bishop and Ell Roberson), turning into a leader, while the brand-new 3-4 defense (4 picks off McCoy) is making it’s strides, playing some of the best defense in the nation, to go along with a dominant special teams play, this team is definitely for real! Jordy Nelson is an absolute playmaker (TD on PR and pass catch) and this team is so balanced that it can win the rest of their games and become the best team since the high-powered trio of Darren Sproles, Terance Newman and Ell Roberson. Wildcat fans get ready and cheer your team on this week vs. your in-state, undefeated rival Kansas Jayhawks, en route to a Big 12 Title, as your squad is bound for a big Bowl game and much more…!
5 Honorable Mentions: “On The Outside Looking In”
1. Oklahoma Sooners (4-1), (0-1) – Red River Shootout is a huge rivalry, as they play struggling Texas this Saturday.
2. South Florida Bulls (4-0), (1-0) - Oct. 18th: @ Rutgers, first big, road test for overachieving Bulls team.
3. Wisconsin Badgers (5-0), (2-0) - Not impressive enough to make my Top 10, almost lost to MSU and Iowa at home, now they head to Champaign to challenge the Fighting Illini on the road, in what can easily be their first loss, as I’m predicting, so next week plan on seeing the Illini right here, taking over this spot… Sorry, P.J. Hill.
4. Georgia Bulldogs (4-1), (2-1) - Going to Knoxville to play a down, but still not out, SEC rival Tennessee Volunteers, 2-2, last year they lost 51-33.
5. Kentucky Wildcats (5-1), (1-1) - Next 2 Games: LSU and Fla. at home, ouch… Sorry Woodson and Co!
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