NCAA GridIron Gab

1. (2) Ohio State Buckeyes (7-0), (3-0) vs. Michigan St. - Ohio State officially has the best defense in the nation and their offensive production seems to get better week by week. This week against the Spartans (last time OSU was ranked #1 at home vs. MSU, they lost to Burress and Co.) at the ‘Shoe, the run defense will be tested big-time, as they try to stop the dynamite tandem of Ringer (lightning - at 200 pounds) and Caulcrick (thunder - at 255 pounds). The Buckeyes pass defense has been remarkable so far and it has been their best attribute/strength, with Donald Washington and Malcom Jenkins leading the way as lockdown corners in the secondary for the Scarlet & Gray. The knock I have on OSU is their health at RB with Chris Wells, though Freshman Sensation Brandon Saine is doing a fantastic job at making big plays, not just rushing, but receiving the ball also. Another thing to keep your eye in the next couple of weeks will be the play of QB Todd Beockman and how well the team responds if they start off slow and are down early, having tough, upcoming games with successful Big Ten teams on the road (Penn State and Michigan). Ohio State’s strength of schedule has been easy so far and it has yet to be seen if they can beat a legitimate team when the steaks are high. Expect this though, OSU will play their style of the game and force the flow and tempo to stay their way, as they are so good at playing defense and getting the ball in the hands of their offense with good field position, having great special teams play, as they finish well inside the red zone with smart play calls and playmakers to get six. This team has a ways to go but you have to like their chances and the way they play the game with strong defense and a good running attack - this squad resembles the National Championship Winners of ‘02.

2. (6) Oklahoma Sooners (6-1), (2-1) @ Iowa St. - You have to like the way the Sooners handed it to Mizzou last week, when they outlasted the Tigers 41-31, in a thrilling shootout. Oklahoma has all the offensive firepower and weapons to hang with anyone in the nation and their defense is good enough to get the job done. OU is another team that excels at stopping the run and it seems that each week another RB steps up as makes big plays, as Chris Brown this week took home the honors in doing so (3 TD’s). For OU the problem will be how young, hometown kid, Freshman QB Sam Bradford handles the pressure and adversity as the season goes further down the road. So far, Bradford has handled it just well and if he continues to show improvement, this OU team could become the team to beat when January 7th comes around the corner, as you may see a “Sea of Red” in the Sugar Bowl, cheering on the Sooners at the Superdome for the National Title. This is the most talented and balanced squad in all the land and all facets/areas of the game are well coached by Coach Stoop’s ole’ Oklahoma powerhouse, as they play football not just to win but to destroy, week in and week out. This is one of the teams in the country, that can only beat itself.

3 . (5) Oregon Ducks (5-1), (2-1) @ Washington - Oregon proved that last week there would not be any sign of a letdown in Eugene as they smoked the Wazzu Cougars 53-7 in impressive fashion. QB Dennis Dixon is still a frontrunner for Heisman and the team’s run game (Stewart, Johnson, and Dixon) is one of the absolute best in all of College Football. The defense showed that it’s capable of slowing down oppenents and this team is the most talented on the offensive side of the ball. I really think this team is on a mission and they should not have lost to Cal, and look out for them to continue to light up the scoreborad and let it rain points and passing yards by the bunches in Oregon. Expect the Ducks to “quack” their way all the way to at least the Rose Bowl this season, as their the best team in the Pac-10 by far, without a doubt. Oregon has been the most fun to watch team this year and has the #1 dominating offense in all the land.

4. (1) LSU Tigers (6-1), (3-1) vs. Auburn - LSU has a very tough game at home this Saturday Nite against the mighty Auburn Tigers, as this SEC Battle will determine who will play in Atlanta at the Georgia Dome, representing the SEC West in the Title game, to see who’s the best in College’s best conference. LSU will need to focus hard and concentrate on the game ahead and not look back on what could have been with Kentucky last week. The Tigers are loaded with 1st round picks and have the deepest and most talented roster in the nation. The only problem I see is their aggressiveness on defense is being neutralized with quick passing attacks and teams are going to the air more often that not. LSU needs to be a little more assertive and bold on offense, utlizing all the weapons they have, running the option a lot more, and you know what that means - inserting the outstanding athlete Ryan Perrilloux, who once was the #1 rated player coming out of H.S. - two years ago. Perrilloux is a perfect fit for LSU’s offense and they have the right attitude of mind with all the trick/gadget plays they call, to have him in running skillful the offense to 35+ points a game. The indecision on part of the coaching staff is the only thing preventing LSU from staying home having all the 60,000 plus Gold & Purple fans on their side in January for the Bowl Game they hope to reach. Right now, LSU needs to take it one game at a time, and do a better job at getting the right players in their place - to make the big plays in order for a shot at the National Title.

5. (4) South Carolina Gamecocks (6-1), (3-1) vs. Vanderbilt - The team dropped one spot because I realized that the offense is not good enough to make it all the way to the top, so I have better teams in front of ‘em. The defense excels at playing the pass and their run offense has a steady dose of Boyd and Davis running the show. The problem with this team is the lack of playmaking from the QB position and it’s grind ‘em out style that does not fit what Coach Spurrier wants the team to do. I feel that this squad in South Carolina is being held back by their lack of playmakers on offense and their style of play, so I don’t see how they will stay in the Top 5, as they are a couple of better players away from being a Contender for the Title.

6. (Outside) Kentucky Wildcats (6-1), (2-1) vs. Florida - UK’s strength of schedule has been off the hook and mightily impressive. I have liked what they have done beating teams like Louisville, Arkansas on the road, and the #1 ranked team in LSU. They have fought off bad 1st half performances and been able to comeback and win close contests. Andre’ Woodson is the best QB right now in College Football and WR Steve Johnson is one of the best-kept secrets outside the SEC conference. The Wildcats beat LSU at it’s own game when it was on the line, as they defeated them with their top 2 RB’s standing on the sidelines in street clothes. Kentucky outcoached, outsmarted, outhustled, and outplayed LSU when it was “Put up or Shut Up Time”, as they played stout run defense towards the end and made the big plays under pressure in key, crucial situations. They took advantage of the opportunites given to ‘em and made the most out of one the best games of the year. Look for Kentucky to plays it’s heart out and keep the Florida close enough within striking distance, as I predict they will win another game in which they will not supposed to be. Woodson is leading the team to it’s highest point and Coach Brooks has been a genius calling the shots.

7. (10) Virginia Tech Hokies (6-1), (3-1) vs. B.C. (Oct 25th) - Sorry Eagle fans, I’m making my prediction right now and looking ahead as I make my rankings, as I’m going out to say that V.T. will crush B.C. by at least 14 points next Thursday Nite in Blacksburg. Virigina Tech’s offense is finally reaching it’s true potential with true freshman QB Tyrod Taylor, who should play in next week’s game (ankle), as he is the most talented offensive weapon/QB at the school since Mike Vick. I really expect V-Tech to show the nation what they’re made of against B.C. and their defense and special teams unit will be the difference. This Hokie squad has a balanced attack and plays disciplined and under control, they have the makings of a team that will make it to a BCS Bowl come January. Frank Beamer has himself another lean, mean, fighting machine and see the team shooting up my rankings to the Top 5 really soon. Tech’s added offense is the icing on a cake, for a team that is built on a foundation of strong defensive and special teams play.

8. (Outside) Florida Gators (4-2), (2-2) @ UK - There is no doubt in my mind that this is the best team in the state of Florida and this championship squad would annihilate the USF Bulls and Boston College by at least 20 points. UF is still a team to be reckoned with, as their offense is one of the best with the multi-talented, dual threat QB Tim Tebow, and his sidekick, the fastest WR in the game, Percy Harvin. The Gators get the benefit in my rankings because of their strength of schedule in the best conference (SEC) and they are still, the defending ch(o)mps. These Gators may not have the experience on defense but they have all the firepower and weaponry to win this week at Lexington. Expect a showdown and as good as a game that there was last week when LSU played Kentucky, so get the popcorn ready and sit back, relax, and enjoy the show on CBS. Florida’s resilience will play a key factor in their team’s outcome/finish to this season and I see them coming out of the toughest part of the schedule stronger than ever and motivated to make it to the SEC Championship game, led by one of the best coaches in the game, Urban Meyer. Look for Florida to get a little bit of razzle-dazzle going against the ‘Cats and make this game one you won’t want to miss.

9. (Outside) Tennessee Volunteers (4-2), (2-1) @ Alabama - Tennessee is one of the better teams in the country and they are playing their best ball at the right time heading into Tuscaloosa, heading into a match-up against SEC rival Alabama. The Volunteers balanced approach, led by Phillip Fulmer’s pass happy offensive attack through the air, will be the difference this week against Coach Saban’s Crimson Tide. Mr. Ainge and his offense are crusing ahead to a showdown versus South Carolina at home next Saturday Nite, in what will be the top game in all of the NCAA. Tennessee continues to improve each week after getting destroyed by Florida and they will “volunteer” to whoop the ‘Tide and roll all over ‘em in impressive fashion this Saturday. It looks to me that good ‘ole Rocky Top is back to being a Contender in the SEC conference, as they will win this week by 10 or more points.

10. (8) West Virigina Mountaineers (5-1), (1-1) vs. Miss. State - Pat White’s reckless running style at QB scares me and Steve Slaton has not been the same since early on in the South Florida loss. This team can flat out run the ball and has many offensive weapons, but I think they will not have enough to stay consistently in the Top 7 or 8 in my rankings. Their defense is suspect and the recurring injuries to White will be a big factor towards the end of the season, as back-up QB Jarrett Brown is not the answer. Look for this team to win some big games in the next 3-4 weeks and place themselves in good shape to have a chance at a BCS Bowl, but it would not surprise me if they lost a game or two when I look at their schedule down the road. WV should not lose another game with the running attack they have but the Mountaineers seem to come up short in big games, especially on the road. Look for them to win your heat with talent and spread option but disappoint again if Pat White is not at full-strength, which he isn’t.

On The Outside Looking In:

1. Boston College Eagles (7-0), (3-0) @ V.Tech (Oct. 25th) - Both teams have a week to prepare and get ready for the big match-up that will determine a lot in the ACC and in the Rankings/National Title aspirations. This team is too shaky on defense and relies on Hesiman hopeful Matt Ryan too much to go far and keep the dream season alive. Soak it up B.C. fans as Matt Ryan will be no longer considered as the Hesiman favorite and your team will be no longer be undefeated as the party will be over Oct 25th in Blacksburg.

2. Michigan Wolverines (5-2), (3-0) @ Illini - Lets see - Mike Hart, Mario Manningham, Adrian Arrington, and Chad Henne, going up against Juice Williams, Rashard Mendenhall, and Arrelious Benn, mark it down on your list of must-see games and be ready to tune in to all the fun in Champagne this Saturday Nite, as you watch to teams that will be in a classic shootout. UM has an extremely talented offensive team all-around the board and they can really make some noise if they win the big games their schedule has to offer ‘em.

3. South Florida Bulls (6-0), (1-0) @ Rutgers - It’s been a good ride so far and a record-breaking, histroy-making, feel-good story for the Bulls of South Florida, but I don’t think the streak will last, as their first loss will be at the hands of the Scarlet Knights this Thursday. This team has been a joy to watch but I don’t like their chances to remain cinderellas, the clock will strike midnight against Ray Rice, Mike Teel, and Rutgers.

4. Auburn Tigers (5-2), (3-1) @ LSU - One of the stingiest and toughest teams in the nation is looking to make it three SEC road victories in a row! If it can be pull off the trifecta, and do the unthinkable, proving to the world it’s a Top team, then Auburn will be in my Top 5 next week.

5. Arizona State Sun Devils (7-0), (4-0) @ Cal (Oct. 27th) - These next upcoming four Pac-10 games that will be very tough on Arz. State will determine their credibility and we will find out if they are for real. I think this team is vastly overrated and a fluke, and there is no way they should’ve received one first place vote in the AP polls. They have shown me nothing and I expect them to lose to Cal, Oregon, and USC, and maybe UCLA also. This team has a bad defense and an inconsistent offense.