NCAA GridIron Gab

Thursday Nite Showdown - Most at Stake - Must See TV: #2 Boston College @ #8 Virginia Tech - You gotta like the Hokies at home in Blacksburg because the Thursday Nite crowd will be on their feet boosting Virginia Tech and they will give them a big advantage and benefit the home team in this crucial ACC game that will determine who is on top in the Atlantic Coastal Conference at the end of this one, also who will stay in the Top 5, (BC) or who will move up into the Top 5 (VT), this game has it all. This week’s match-up has the most at stake of any of the games this weekend and it will be low-scoring - the way the Hokies like it. So far this season these games on Thursday Nite have gone to the home team (ex. SC, Rutgers, Miami, and WF). Defense and Special Teams will determine the winner and those are V-Tech’s greatest strengths and assets. Matt Ryan’s Heisman hopes will fall and come to end tomorrow nite in Blacksburg to the hands of a savvy, hungry, and aggressive Frank Beamer squad. Pick: @V-Tech 24 - B.C. 14 Watch out for G-Tech to return the favor next week at home vs. the same Hokies…

Scoring a Plenty - Too Much Option: #6 West Virginia @ #25 Rutgers - Lots of scoring in this game will favor the high potent offensive attack of the Mountaineers. The Option Run will pose problems for the Scarlet Knights because they will not stop it, and when a scrambling QB like Grothe ran on them last week, he had success. Look for Pat White and Steve Slaton to be on the move a ton and combine for over 350 total rushing yards on their way to the end zone 3 times each. I just see too much running for WV and they are on a mission to make it through the season with only 1 loss. Rutgers offense will crumble because of Teel’s inconsistency and WV has too many weapons to lose this Big East shootout. Pick: WVU 41 @ Rutgers 27 - Slaton and White are the best at what they do and it will show for all 60 minutes on the field in Jersey, this Saturday afternoon.

West Coast Dreamin’ - A Top 10 conest that won’t be all that it is advertised to be: #9 USC @ #5 Oregon - What a game this one will be as it has the chance to become the best game we have seen all year! But wait… I don’t see it coming down to the wire as most may expect to see. Experts will tout this one as a close game and give USC the favor because they have been there and done that, I’ll go out and say Oregon will score at least 5 touchdowns and rack up over 600 yards of offense. The Ducks have the best offense in College Football and the Trojans are on a downward spiral with Booty on the sidelines. They have no QB and Oregon has one of the best in the Ultra-Versatile Heisman Candidate Dennis Dixon. Jonathan Stewart ran for 255 last week and Oregon put up 55 on the road, at home they will put up 40+ and light up the scoreboard in a Pac-10 blowout. Pick: @Oregon 51 USC 34 - USC doesn’t have a chance in this game and Orgeon will jump out to a big lead early and show the world that they should play for the National Title and that their loss earlier to Cal was a fluke. Autzen Stadium will see plenty of fireworks this weekend in rooting for the Green & Yellow powerhouse in Eugene, against a slumping rival USC team.

SEC Slobberknocker - Early KO (Lock): #9 Florida @ #20 Georgia - Another evenly matched game in the eyes of fans and experts in a big conference showdown, though it will not turn out to be that way. No close game here as the Florida Gators are in full-effect and swinging mode, as they will knockout the Georgia Bulldogs and this game big. Tim Tebow is the Heisman Winner at this point in the season and he only can be the reason the team wins this game. Georgia’s defense is shkay and their offense does not have the playmakers to hold up with Tebow, Harvin, and Co., in protecting their house in this SEC match-up. Florida’s defense will be the key in forcing turnovers early and the Gator offense will go to work early and often, dominating the Bulldogs and showing the nation that they should be in the National Title picture and be mentioned in the same sentence/breath with the LSU, OSU, and OU, don’t let the 2-loss record fool you - this is the best road team in all of College Football.m Florida fans will get to see the benchwarmers and a team that is motivated and “chomping” by the bit to win by 30+ in order to impress voters. Coach Meyer will run up the score like the old ballcoach used to do and I smell a one-sided, lopsided affair. An LSU-Fla. rematch is looming ahead and awaits for us in the Georgia Dome, a Round 2 match-up that would be scheduled for the full 12, as it would be the “granddaddy” of ‘em all! Pick: Florida 45 @ Georgia 20

Upset: @Texas A&M over #12 Kansas - College Station will storm the field this weekend as their beloved Aggies will win this game by a score of 27-20.

Don’t Call It an Upset: @Tennessee over #15 South Carolina - Rocky Top makes it a rebound performance after last week’s debacle at ‘Bama, Vols hand it to Spurrier and stick it to a good S.C. defense. Tennessee takes care of business 23-17.

The Party’s Over: #18 Cal @#7 Arizona St. - Cal is too good of a team, no, has too good of an offense, I meant to say… to lose three in a row and DeSean Jackson will run up and down the field in this one, while his sidekick RB Justin Forsett, will go for 150+ in this Pac-10 game you have to stay up for. That combo along with the fact that Az. State is overrated and a Jeff Tedford squad that will pull out all the bags of tricks in this showdown, will be enough to unseat Mr. Carpenter and the undefeated Sun Devils. Golden Bears are the better team and come out on top by the final score of: 37-28.

The “BUCK” Stops Here (Close Call): #1 Ohio State @ #24 Penn State - Last OSU Buckeyes loss in the Regular Season was to who? Penn State… 17-10 in Happy Valley. Last time College GameDay came to the Nittany Lions Campus? October of 2005 in State College, before the OSU game. With that being said, I like Penn State’s chances because their defense will pressure the OSU offense more than the Buckeyes defense will get in the face of Penn State’s. I expect the home crowd, Morelli and the rushing attack, and an attacking defense to take a note/page out of MSU’s defense last week in the 2nd half - to be the difference. Penn State does not have problems with pocket QB’s, only the scrambling signal callers, Ohio State’s offense is not good enough to win on the road in this environment, Penn State’s defenes is good enough to get this victory, Ohio State’s bend but don’t break, stout defense will have trouble against a ball-control offense like Penn State’s, Joe Paterno’s squad will attack Jim Tressel’s squad straight up the gut win the run and attack the defensive line and go right at James Laurinaitis. I expect Penn State to play the smarter, turnover-free game on offense and have their defense hold OSU to 13 points, while the Buckeyes offense does not have enough to pull this one out and the defense will be out of position for a couple of big plays. Ohio State plays too tight, nervous, and conservative in these type of games, and I look for ‘em to collapse late in the game and for Penn State to pick up the pieces and capitalize off miscues, being the more aggressive, nothing to lose, and opportunistic team in this defensive battle of big hits. This seems like a “deja vu” game all over again and it feels like everything is set for an upset and a Penn State win over Big Ten 10 rival Ohio State - Pick: @Penn State 20 Ohio State 13.

Another #2 arises: Will it be the 4th in as many weeks to fall? The Boston College Eagles, who were off this week, get ready to face the Virginia Tech Hokies (#8) in what will likely be a Thursday Nite showdown (Oct. 25), featuring the two top, premiere ACC teams going head-to-head in what should determine who will be in the Top 5 in next week’s polls. BC will be travelling down south to Blacksburg with a different ranking as the new #2 in the Top 25, a ranking that’s been more of a problem place for teams than a high spot where you’d like to be, as recently three teams have been upset in succession at #2: South Florida (Rutgers), Cal (Oregon St.), and USC (Stanford). - Memo to Matt Ryan and the crew: You better watch your step closely this week at V.T.

P.S. Don’t forget about the Hokies extremely “special” Special Teams Unit.

1st Place Votes don’t define, nor determine much in on-the-field play: Ohio State is still #1 (Show me More!), as they had a late scare offensively in a 24-17 victory over MSU at the ‘Shoe.  But do they really deserve this ranking legitimately with such a “Little Debbie”, cupcacke-like schedule that they’ve been playing up until now?  Do they have this #1 spot in the poll because of a lack of dominate-type team, with all the upsets and movings, or does this really show their talent, resilience, and effort on the gridiron, meaning they are the best that College Football has to offer?

Well the Spartans, a mediocre Big Ten middle-of-the road pack, had an explosive offense was downright awful and it was stopped by the best defense in the land, but if this week hasn’t already been a reminder for Buckeye fans in Columbus, than I’ll tell you it once again - #1 Ohio State still has a long ways to go in securing their top position, trying to make it back to the National Title for the second straight year in a row, as they looked very unimpressive and lackadaisical towards the latter part of the game, making simple errors (forgetting to pick up blitzes and to change the play at the line of scrimmage), as a lack of audible hurt them, while loosing the football twice with those costly miscues - resulting in 14 “gift” points to the opposition. Chris Wells, on the other hand, had his best game as a collegiate athlete, rushing for 221 yards and a TD, showing glimpses of the talent that made him the top RB recruit in ‘06, as he played the role of a workhorse on bad ankle, carrying the Buckeyes on offense, along with Brian Robiskie’s 50-yard scoring haul. Ohio State did not catch my eye as a team that was absolutely worthy of the #1 spot and ready to make plans for Louisiana, January 7th (but who is, really?), but they did enough in winning the game this week, holding on to the position at least for one more week, as they stayed pat by default - receiving 57 first-place votes.

Saturday Nite’s Match-up looking like Upset City: College Station will be pandemonium as they prepare for the Buckeyes of Ohio State as the last time OSU played their at nite they lost (2005 - 17-10). This will be a tough test for ‘em offensively and it will definitely be their 1st “true” battle in the trenches, going up against a stout Nittany Lion defense, as this game will show us not just how good Ohio State may be, but also where Penn State’s level of play is at. It should, and will be a great Big Ten game to watch, as I see it coming down to the wire, so expect lots of hitting between these evenly-matched squads, with Upset Alert on Watch again, like it always is - for another week for another highly ranked team - you gotta’ love NCAA Football! OSU/PSU will be the equivalent to LSU/Auburn’s classic battle, one that resulted in a GW TD (above) - it will be very close and fun to watch!

Rankings shake - Out with the Old, In with the New:
LSU, Oregon, WVU, and OU all look like the “Real Deal”, being Contenders to make it to January 7th’s big game. The LSU Tigers moved up two spots, jumping over #4 Oklahoma, and received two first-place votes after triumphing over the Auburn Tigers in literally, a last-second victory, 30-24, on a Demetrius Byrd 22-yard catch. The most underappreciated, team next to Oregon(Auburn), fell five spots to No. 23 after the crushing, heart-breaking defeat. Oregon, 55-34 winners over Washington away from home, is at #5, after getting a career-best, 252-yards and 2 TD performance from RB Jonathan Stewart. The Ducks are far and away the best offense in all of College Football, being led by ultra-athlete QB Dennis Dixon, as they are the only team that I think has both, a superior passing attack and running game The #6 ranked West Virginia Mountaineers got a healthy, key component back in QB Pat White, moving up three places, beating Miss State, 38-13 in Morgantown. The unstoppable, electrifying, speed-thrilling dynamic 1-2 duo of Slaton and White are leading a team, that if they win out, should make it to the National Championship Game in Louisiana, as they control their own destiny (how many times has that been said)? After four top 10 teams lost last week, four new teams moved up to replace USF, South Carolina, Kentucky and Cal.

No. 7 Arizona State (Flukes - OVERRATED Chant is going on as I write this in), which received one first-place vote, moved up five places without playing this week. The unbeaten Sun Devils (7-0), who have their highest ranking since “Jake the Snake” ended the 1996 season under center at No. 4, play Cal on Saturday.

Virginia Tech jumped three spots and Florida and Southern California also moved back into the top 10. The Gators and Trojans are tied for ninth. South Florida dropped nine spots to No. 11 after its first loss of the season. No. 12 Kansas Jayhawks, one of the five remaining unbeaten teams in major college football, has its highest ranking since finishing the 1995 season No. 9.

No. 13 Missouri Tigers (41-10 shellacking over the Texas Tech Red Raiders) is followed by Kentucky, which lost 45-37 to Florida, and South Carolina, which was upset 17-6 at home by Vanderbilt and fell nine spots. No. 16 Hawaii (7-0) is the lowest ranked of the unbeaten teams.

No. 17 Texas, California, which dropped eight spots, Michigan and Georgia round out the top 20.

Four new teams entered the rankings this week, including No. 21 Virginia. The Cavaliers are in for the first time since 2005.

No. 22 Alabama, No. 24 Penn State and No. 25 Rutgers moved back into the rankings after victories.

Falling out this week after loses were Texas Tech, Cincinnati, Tennessee and Kansas State.

Warning - UPSET Alert: UPSET City continued its trend this season as it was front and center once again in Piscataway, New Jersey, with Rutgers outlasting South Florida 30-27 in a tight battle. WR Tiquan Underwood (5 catches, 114 yards, for 2 TD’s) showed why he may be the Rutgers’ MVP this season and their most overlooked star, as he made big plays when it counted and when the Scarlet Knights needed it the most, coming through in the clutch when the game was on the line in critical situations.

The surprisingly 2nd ranked South Florida team, a squad who came out of nowhere, making it to the top of the football world when nobody thought they could reach a high pinnacle, were beaten by a team that’s getting good at taking out national title contenders (#3 Louisville - 2006).

Third-string quarterback Andrew DePaola threw a 15-yard touchdown pass off a fake field goal to give the Scarlet Knights the lead in the third quarter and Rutgers also used a fake punt to set up an early field goal in its 30-27 victory Thursday night.

The undersized, yet durable Ray Rice provided a more expected and usual good game, as he went for 181 yards rushing on 39 carries for Rutgers (5-2, 2-1 Big East) and Mike Teel threw two touchdown passes to the explosive Tiquan Underwood. “We just went out there and played our best football,” Rice said.

South Florida became the third No. 2 team to lose in the last three weeks. “I thought we had a chip on our shoulders tonight,” Bulls cornerback Trae Williams said. “That we would prove something to the nation. That we are deserving of the ranking. Obviously, we didn’t get it done tonight.”

The Bulls (6-1, 1-1) had their eight-game winning streak come to an end, leaving the door of opportunity wide open Boston College, LSU, Oklahoma and the rest of the teams hoping to grab the second spot in the BCS standings USF occupied this week. Matt Grothe threw for 247 yards and a touchdown and ran for 58 yards, but Rutgers’ defense swarmed South Florida’s versatile quarterback in the second half and sacked him seven times in the game!

A week after No. 2 California lost to Oregon State and two weeks after then-No. 2 Southern California was upset by Stanford, the Bulls became the 11th Top 10 team to fall to an unranked opponent this season. There are five undefeated teams left in major college football.

“Personally, rankings don’t mean that much when you’re on the field,” Bulls receiver Marcus Edwards said. “All that stuff goes out the window. It comes down to who scores the most points and they scored more than we did tonight.” Rutgers, which started the season ranked 16th but fell out after two straight losses last month, might not be unranked much longer.

Kicker Jeremy Ito drilled a career-long 51 yard field with 11:59 left in the fourth quarter to give Rutgers a 30-20 lead.

Grothe’s speed-filled crew wasn’t finished, as he led the Bulls on a 70-yard touchdown drive that Mike Ford capped with a 1-yard run with 9:16 left to make it 30-27. When USF linebacker Ben Moffitt recovered Rice’s fumble near midfield with 4:11 left, the Bulls were in good position at the Rutgers 40. But Brandon Renkart sacked Grothe on the first play, and the Bulls were forced to punt.

“We had the ball at the 50, down by three and their defense came up to play,” USF coach Jim Leavitt said. “Give them credit. Give them a lot of credit. They did it twice.” Rutgers was unable to kill the clock and the Bulls got one more shot to keep their perfect season alive, starting at the Rutgers 49.

On the first play, freshman Joe Lefeged came on a safety blitz and sacked Grothe from the blind side. I viewed an aggressive Rutgers defense as the main difference in a game that saw Rutgers bring blitzes early and often in the 2nd half during key moments, bringing the heat successfully to pressure and force Grothe into tough choices. On fourth-and-22, Amarri Jackson caught a pass down the sideline beyond the first down marker, but the play was wiped out by a questionable offensive pass interference call because the receiver pushed off.

The last try came on a fourth-and-37 from the Rutgers 24. Grothe heaved a throw-up toss into heavy coverage and Rutgers defensive back Zaire Kitchen intercepted.

For the second straight season Rutgers came up with a huge victory on a Thursday night at home. Last year it was then-No. 3 Louisville, at the time the highest ranked opponent Rutgers had ever beaten. Not anymore, as this win set off another party on the field, though not quite as wild as last year’s after beating Louisville.

The Scarlet Knights, last season’s surprise team from the Big East, gave their season a boost and turn into the right direction, making a huge step towards making a comeback, climbing up the ladder of the Top 25 and the Big East.

With Rutgers up 20-17 midway through the third quarter, Rutgers defensive back Devin McCourty blocked a game-changing field goal to keep the lead.

Rice and Teel responded with a drive that stalled at the USF 15. Ito came out to attempt a 32-yard field goal, but Rutgers coach Greg Schiano had something else in mind.

“We haven’t done a lot of that around here,” Schiano said. “Thank God it worked.”

DePaola, the holder, took the snap and rolled right, barely eludinga sack, and zipped a bullet for his first career pass into the hands of Kevin Brock, a catch that was made with his fingertips so closely, one that was quite impressive to be nominated a Pontiac Game Changing Performance. The tight end strolled to paydirt with 4:09 left in the third to give Rutgers a 27-17 lead.

“We run it in practice a lot,” DePaola said. “When they called it I just said, `All right let’s go execute it like in practice. It’s no different.”‘ Rutgers used a trick play on its first drive, too.

Ito lined up to punt but instead lofted a perfect pass over a USF defender to James Townsend for a 36-yard gain to the Bulls 13. That set up Ito’s 26-yard field goal. Rutgers scored more points than any team had against USF this season and kept defensive end George Selvie, the nation’s leader with 11.5 sacks, in check and out of harm’s way for Teel.

USF hadn’t allowed a runner to reach 100 yards in the 14 games since Rice went for 202 in the Scarlet Knights’ 22-20 win last year. Rice had 94 at halftime Thursday night.

“When my number’s called,” Rice said, “I’m going to do whatever it takes.”

Before the Bulls can start making reservations for the Sugar Bowl in Louisiana, it will have to convincingly pass its first true Big East road test, when it visits Rutgers Thursday night, if they want to impress me and show themselves to the entire Nation as an elite team.

With LSU and California - the top two teams just last week - losing last weekend, the No. 2 USF program (6-0, 1-0) will step onto the field with the highest ranking in the school’s brief history after a 64-12 home shalacking of Central Florida on Saturday. They climbed three spots in this week’s poll.

The Bulls, in their 11th football season, are also second to Ohio State in the newly issued BCS standings.

“I get distracted like everybody else, but I try to keep them to a minimum,” South Florida coach Jim Leavitt said. “We’ve only played one game in the Big East, and our goal from the beginning was the Big East championship. And I want to tell you something, it’s going to be a barn-burner these next number of weeks.”

Facing a tough test on the road in Rutgers (4-2, 1-1), which was ranked as high as 10th, will try for its second straight victory after losing its last two home games to Maryland and Cincinnati.

This South Florida squad is starting a challenging, brutal stretch that includes a visit to the Connecticut Huskies on Oct. 27 and a home game against No. 23 Cincinnati on Nov. 3.

The Bulls amassed a season-high 543 yards in scoring the third-most points in the program’s history Saturday. Matt Grothe was 15-of-28 for 212 yards and two touchdowns, and also ran 16 times for 100 yards and two scores.

The sophomore will be trying to reach the 100-yard rushing mark in his third straight game. He was 16-for-25 for 241 yards with a TD and two interceptions, and ran for 61 yards and two scores in 22-20 home loss to Rutgers on Sept. 29, 2006.

The Bulls’ defense will be the key reason if they come out on top victorious.

South Florida held Central Florida’s Kevin Smith - who came into the game as the nation’s leading rusher - to 55 yards on 18 carries, well below his 152.5 average.

The Bulls haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in 14 games, but will face Rutgers All-American Ray Rice, the last to reach the mark against them when he ran for 202 yards on 35 carries and two TDs last season.

“It was a great challenge,” said defensive end George Selvie, who has a single-season school record 20 1/2 tackles for a loss. “We love it, but we’ve got to keep it that way all season.”

South Florida is 1-1 all-time against Rutgers, beating the Scarlet Knights 45-31 on Nov. 5, 2005 in its only visit to Piscataway.

“We have a huge game this week, a lot on the line, a lot at stake,” Bulls linebacker Ben Moffitt said. “We have to really get it done. All our focus is towards Rutgers.”

That means stopping Rice, who rushed for a season-high 196 yards on 36 carries and three touchdowns in Rutgers’ 38-14 road win over Syracuse on Saturday. The junior has 818 yards and 13 TDs and looks to extend the nation’s longest streak of scoring a touchdown to 14 straight games.

“You know I’ve been saying he’s a great player,” Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said. “He got a lot of hits (Saturday) so he’s going to be sore, but we’re going to get him rested and ready for next week.”

Rice, who needs 268 yards for 4,000, is averaging 180.0 yards in two games against South Florida.

South Florida is the highest-ranked team to come to Rutgers since then-No. 1 Miami beat the Scarlet Knights 42-17 on Nov. 2, 2002. Rutgers knocked off then-No. 3 Louisville 28-25 at home Nov. 9 for its most recent victory over a top 10 squad.

The Scarlet Knights have not lost three straight home games since 2003.

PICK - FINAL Outcome/Result:  Rutgers 27 USF 17

Teel and Rice will show the country that USF’s defense is not as legit as some may think or point ‘em out to be.  This game is Rutgers to win and South Florida’s to lose, so I like Rutgers to set the tone/tempo of the game early and not to look back.  Expect the Scarlet Knights to be very aggressive early on in passing and then open up the run with Rice, along with some big play-action pass plays to follow after.  Look for USF for melt under pressure on the road in a hostile environment in this Big East super match-up with lots on the line and a chance for the National Title hanging up in the air, as they have to prove themselves tremendously if they want to be considered a Top Team in College Football.  I feel as if Rutgers knows what they can and cannot do and they will have USF’s number, as the Bulls are going to go in too confident and then find themselves down early, not knowing what to do next.  I see Rutgers playing the game free and loosely, while on the other hand, South Florida plays it too tight and it will cost them going against a multi-dimensional Scarlet Knight offensive attack.  USF depends way too much on the run and the play of their QB, I think Homefield advantage and Rice/Teel combo will be the difference here - write down the key reason for a win to be the red zone efficiency and 3rd down conversion late in the game for a Rutgers “W”.

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.

Major Shake-Up: It was the first time in 11 years the # 1 and 2 teams in the AP poll lost on the same day.

Scarlet and Gray: The Buckeyes received 50 of a possible 65 first-place votes, and were not the only team to advance. South Florida, which had never been ranked before this season, moved up three spots to No. 2, jumping over No. 3 Boston College.

The Bulls received 11 first-place votes after a 64-12 victory over Central Florida. BC’s unimpressive 27-14 victory over Notre Dame helped get the Eagles one first-place vote. No. 4 Oklahoma and No. 5 LSU each received one first-place vote, as did No. 12 Arizona State.

Making History in the Record Books: The last time six teams received first-place votes after the first month of the season was Nov. 25, 1990.

A day after the top two teams in the AP Top 25 lost, the Buckeyes jumped two spots Sunday in the media poll and became the third school this season to hold the No. 1 ranking.

“We’ve improved each week but we understand that the only poll that counts is the last one,” Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said in a statement.

Team out of the blue: Michigan started the season at No. 5 and fell all the way out after an opening loss to Appalachian State. The Wolverines have won five straight after starting the season 0-2, defeating Big Ten foe Purdue 48-21, as they made the polls at #24.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders made their first appearance in the poll this season. Dropping out this week were Wisconsin, Illinois and Florida State.

Bayou Upset U: LSU Tigers stay in the Top 5 (#5) after a stunning loss to Kentucky in 3OT on the road, in front of them are the powerful Oklahoma Sooners, who handed Mizzou (Missouri) their first loss of the season 41-31 in Norman, making their way back into the Top 5 once again at #4.

SEC Insight Analysis: Don’t look now, but the SEC has 6 teams in the Top 25: The Top conference in the Nation has LSU (#5), South Carolina (#6), Kentucky (#8), Auburn (#18), Tennessee (#20), and Georgia (#21). When you look at the Top 25 polls this week, you have to wonder how the potent offensive-minded Texas Tech will hold up, how Arizona State will make it the rest of the way with tough Pac-10 opponents down the road, and if Auburn will be able to hold its place with a showdown against LSU in Death Valley.

There to stay and move up - Legitimate Contenders: 1. Oregon 2. South Carolina 3. West Virginia 4. Oklahoma 5. Michigan 6. Tennessee 7. Virginia Tech

Not so fast - Teams Likely to drop out and have a short stay: 1. Arizona State 2. Texas Tech 3. Kansas 4. Cal 5. Texas 6. South Florida 7. Boston College

The LSU Tigers (6-1), (3-1) had two double digit leads of 17-7 and 27-14 in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, but could not hold on for a victory at Lexington against a rallying Andre’ Woodson-led squad, that came off a tough loss (38-23) at the hands of Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina Gamecocks (21-15 win at North Carolina). Kentucky (6-1), (2-1), a team known for pulling out impressive comebacks (Louisville, Arkansas), scored the final 13 points in regulation to force an overtime, after Kicker Colt David was wide left on a potential 57-yard game-winning FG.

In the first overtime, UK benefited from a roughing of the passer call en route to a 1-yard TD run from Freshman RB Derrick Locke, a replacement for their injured starting RB Rafael Little. LSU quickly answered back, with a fake FB, Halfback toss to back-up RB Richard Murphy, one of many talented backs that the Bayou Bengals have stacked in their program at the arsenal of Head Coach Les Miles, who has trouble choosing from the five, when looking at his options to plug in to game situations, searching his depth chart. After the first overtime, LSU took over and settled for a FG, striking with a 38-yarder from the left hashmark. When the Tigers took the lead, Rich Brooks’ Wildcats went three ‘n out, and then cane in Lones Seiber, who booted in a 43-yarder for the tie, a kick that would’ve been good from 50 yards out. In the third overtime, Kentucky had possession of the ball first and they capitalized off of a questionable defensive holding call, as Heisman candidate and Senior standout QB Andre’ Woodson cashed in with the advantage in his favor, when on 3rd down he stood tall in the pocket, taking a hit from a blitzing LSU LB, throwing a perfect spiral with touch (7 yards) to Steve Johnson in the end zone for the eventual GW TD reception. On the play, Johnson made the corner look bad, making him slip, on a precise slant and go route, a gutsy move when an all-out blitz was called, with his QB hung out to dry.

With the score 43-37 after UK missed the 2pt conversion, LSU took over the football and ran four plays for 8 yards to end the game, with only 2 yards coming in the final three plays, as Coach Miles forgot to bring OC Gary Crowton, his aggressive play-calling, gadgets, and trick plays, along with his successful playbook in Baton Rouge last weekend, foregoing the opportunity to spread the ball out and go to the aerial attack for a game-tying TD that would’ve extended the game and kept LSU’s chances of an undefeated season alive. Miles also did not do a good job of inserting Perrilloux to utilize his ability under center, for Flynn was off target all day long, and when it seemed like every play Miles had to call worked last week, it was almost the exact opposite, as his decisions towards the end of the game were very unsuccessful, especially in the 3rd overtime when his team needed it the most, a place, and a crucial time in the game where he excelled last week at the same juncture and spot, when the stakes could not have been any higher - on this occassion, he came up — Empty.

While #17th ranked Kentucky had its fans storm the field, getting their moment in the spotlight so to say, they upseted the #1 ranked team in the nation and beat them at their game, outplaying the previous unbeaten and unshakable LSU when the game was on the line. Now, we can only ponder and wonder why the play-calling of LSU was so bland, obvious, predictable and vanilla, so conservative, that it made many forget that genius who called all those brilliant 4th down conversions (5-for-5), that last week were unheard of, aggressive, attacking, original, and so unpredictable, with that being said, LSU lost the game this week because of the same reason they won it last week - their Playcalling.

Coach Miles got outsmarted (thought putting injured Star WR Early Doucet out there for his first play would draw attention?) and outcoached by Rick Brooks, and for whatever reason, he discontinued what was working in the Florida game last Saturday, and took a different approach/route in “crunchtime”, going up the gut with a player that had not seen the ball or any action since his 2nd quarter, 13-yard TD run with 5:25 to go, putting ‘em up and ahead 17-7 at the time. Now after the game, we can say, Why does LSU go away from what is working? Why is Matt Flynn still the QB, and not the speedy, playmaking signal caller on the sidelines, while the most talented player (Perrilloux) on the offensive side of the ball for the Tigers still sits, watching a shaky and inaccurate QB steal his snaps? Why does LSU keep rotating all these RB’s in and out, taking out their most productive back, keeping him out until the final play when it is too late? Why doesn’t LSU keep a set on offense that gives them some rhthym, so they can become used to playing with each other when called upon in close games? All these questions need to be answered soon and will be echoed throughout the media all this week, as LSU’s season is on the line when they go back home to Death Valley to face off against the red-hot Auburn Tigers (5-2) in a Saturday Nite Showdown to see who will be the best of a match-up between some skillful Tigers.

For Kentucky, they prepare for another gigantic SEC battle at home against the former champs (chomps) Florida, you have to give all the credit in the world to Coach Brooks, Woodson, pass catchers Steve Johnson and Jacob Tamme, and a defense that withstood a tall test, coming through in the clutch, under pressure, when the team needed ‘em the most, something it did not do all of last week or last year, as they improved and played its best performance, shutting down LSU’s run game in the final moments, stopping ‘em on the final three plays, stuffing their attempts, and sending their chances out the window, slamming the door shut on a possible National Championship Title and an undefeated season, for a formerly formidable, LSU world-beating team.

Now if Kentucky can win next week at home versus the Gators, you strongly have to consider them as the one the best teams in all the land, as they may be already one right now, on the verge of moving up the Top 5, as they sure are one of the Top teams in the SEC, if not the “top” team, after beating the #1 Top team in the Nation and the SEC. You have the National Title calls and hopes now shift over from LSU to Kentucky, from the Big Easy to the Bluegrass State, from the Gold and Purple to White and Blue, from highly scrutinized to highly overachieving as the team with the better coaching, QB, and playcalling prevailed to win the game in a place where you would find more people at a basketball practice then at an SEC game, just a couple years ago. So in essence, we can start riding Kentucky’s bandwagon once again and jump right back on it, until again, they lose, going from hot to cold, and best-liked to most-hated, WOW, now what an unbelieveable, Upset-Filled College Football Season this has been - It’s one for the Ages!

South Florida once again this week is showing why they are contenders for the national title chase; Bulls quarterback Matt Grothe passed for two touchdowns and ran for two more and defensive end George Selvie, the nation’s sack leader, led a swarming Bulls defense that held the nation’s leading rusher, Central Florida running back Kevin Smith, to 56 yards on 18 carries as the University of South Florida routed University of Central Florida 64-12.

USF’s defense, for the 14th consecutive game, held an opposing rusher to less than 100 yards a game.  Selvie recorded a sack, giving him 11 1/2 for the season, and Grothe went 15-for-28 for 212 yards and 2 passing touchdowns; he also carried the ball 16 times for 101 yards and 2 rushing TD’s.  UCF’s main culprit was turning the ball over as they committed 3 turnovers in the first quarter alone.  USF improved to 6-0 (1-0, Big East) while UCF dropped to 3-3 (1-1 Conference USA East).  South Florida next travels to New Jersey to take on divisional foe Rutgers (4-2, 1-1 Big East), while Central Florida next faces the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane (3-2, 1-1 Conference USA).

1. (1) LSU Tigers (6-0), (3-0) @ Kentucky - If you missed last Saturday Nite’s SEC nail biter, down to the wire finish in Baton Rouge, you missed the College Football game of the year. LSU was down and out and couldn’t figure out Tebow and the Gators, trailing 24-14 going into the 4th quarter, then comes the defense with some crucial, forced turnovers to swing the momentum, then insert the power RB Jacob Hester to help cap the comeback, coming through with a big fourth down conversion along with the game-winning score following after, and all the national title implications are at steak with a loud, full-capacity crowd at Death Valley, adding more to the intrigue, folks, you had it all in this once in a lifetime, exciting game that gave you the thrills and the chills, depending on which team you were rooting for. The senior from Shreveport was a bull and put forth a tremendous effort that will go down in history, as the LSU Tigers showed lots of guts, perseverance, heart, and resilience in a time of adversity when their season was on the line. As I was watching the game live I could not sit down, because of the fact Coach Miles and LSU kept going for it on fourth down (5 for 5), converting all of the vital plays, while one mistake could’ve cost them their season (playcalling was all-go or no-go), canceling any reservations or plans for the Louisiana Superdome in January for the BCS Championship. The game did not disappoint and it made me want to see a rematch, Round 2 in the SEC Title game in Atlanta at the Georgia Dome! Hopefully, from now until then, LSU’s coaching staff will know and understand what I have already seen - Ryan Perrilloux is the best QB on their roster. The former #1 Rated, Top 5-star, blue-chip Recruit should be their main Starter under center taking the majority of the snaps, as he gives them more talent at the spot, a better, and more accurate deep arm, and more speed/playmaking ability to become that versatile threat in the option department that need to go to more often with all those big-time athletes, now let’s see this change happen before the switching in and out (too much) at the QB postion hurts them. Now with being the first unanimous #1 ranked team since Ohio State last December, LSU heads to the bluegrass state to face off against the Wildcats in an SEC match-up that will light up the scoreboard, what more can you ask for from the best team in the nation. In all of College Football, I cannot think of a team with a better resume than LSU, beating both South Carolina and Florida, while playing impressive on both sides of the ball. Now, they have to go on to the road to beat the #17th ranked team in the land, going head to head with standout QB Andre’ Woodson, in what should be a showdown, with LSU coming out on top by two scores. If you want to watch a team that has it all, look no further than the Louisiana State Bayou Bengals!

2. (3) Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0), (3-0) vs. Kent State - Arguably with the best defense in the nation, OSU’s squad dominated Purdue in West Lafayette, while they left no hope, doubt, nor controversy in this contest, for a close game against the Boilermakers, making sure there would not be any threat or chance of an upset (early on in the 1st quarter, 14-0). The Buckeyes showed a consistent running game, precise passing, and a swarming defense that attacked Purdue all nite long. This team looks more balanced with each week passing by and has all the attributes of a winner to become a National Champion. With the defense giving the opposition fits, the offense is getting more comfortable in its sets, making more and more plays, as the special teams makes for a complete team; while these Buckeyes become closer to the finished product, having their eyes set on the prize. Last year was offense, this year is defense, as this Ohio State squad has the ability to run the table and convincingly be a force to be reckoned with. Robiskie, Wells, Hartline, Small, Beockman, along with a rock-solid o-line, have answered the critics on the offensive side of the ball, while you have the defense sounding off with their actions and play on the field, week in and week out. A letdown is not likely and prolonging injuries to RB Chris Wells may be the only thing to stop this team other than a Wolverines unit, November 17th in Ann Arbor, but don’t about forget the Fighting Illini the week before. Ohio State controls their own destiny and they have the makings of another run for the trophy when it’s all said and done. If they continue to play the way they’re playing, taking it one week at a time, expect this team to meet with LSU for the #1 ranking in the land.

3. (4) Cal Golden Bears (5-0), (2-0) vs. Oregon State - I don’t see many teams keeping off with this offense in the Pac-10, but if there’s a team to knock ‘em off, it may be the defensive-minded UCLA Bruins next week on the road in Pasadena, in the Rose Bowl, a site they may re-visit if they can keep up this rapid pace. UCLA may’ve lost their QB and a lot more in a loss last week at home to an awful Notre Dame, but don’t count out an upset here. Cal should be able to take care of USC at home though (similiar team that plays into their strengths), as they have to much firepower for a USC squad that has lost their touch and mystique, while it will be a tough game, along with a road date with the undefeated Arizona State Sun Devils, I honestly expect UCLA, like they did versus USC at home last season, to possibly give Cal a tougher time than expected. The Golden Bears have shown me a lot this year with two ranked wins (not many can say that) over Tennessee at home and Oregon on the road, and I look for them to be in the hunt ’till the end if they can stay focused and win on the road, with 4 games away from Berkeley, out of the 7 remaining on the schedule for Coach Tedford’s high-powered attack.

4. (5) South Carolina Gamecocks (5-1), (3-1) @ North Carolina - What else can you say about that victory at home Thursday Nite against previously unbeaten Kentucky, other than, impressive and eye-opening, for a team that looked to lost a step after losing star defender and leader Jasper Brinkley, along with a thumping at the hands of LSU. They beat Mississippi State and then walloped an offensive powerhouse in the Wildcats, forcing Mr. Woodson, a top 10 NFL Draft projected pick, into his worst game of the season, picking him off in the end zone and recovering two of his fumbles, resulting into 14 points (DE Eric Norwood). They took over the game completely and had Woodson off his “a-game”, out of his passing rhythm throughout the contest. South Carolina has the shutdown defense, offensive talent, speed, and plays, to go along with the coaching, to eventually have their name’s considered among the elite, sooner, rather than later, this season. Potential Roadblocks: @Tennessee, @Arkansas, vs. Florida, all in consectutive weeks, in what will prove to be a mighty, stiff test, for a team that has high hopes and aspirations.

5. (6) Oregon Ducks (4-1), (1-1) vs. Washington State - I’m not jumping off this bandwagon just yet, and you better not yet either, as you cannot forget about the best offense in the nation. Oregon’s week off last week, one that they rested from, went over gamefilm, along with gameplans, and recovered from a tough loss, will help them get into full swing in Eugene against the Cougars. I expect them to be within striking distance of the Top 3 throughout the whole College Football season and I really like their chances of making it the Rose Bowl over Cal. As for now, look for them to roll by the next two weeks and so the world who they really are, October 27th versus USC. Oregon has been my darkhorse, outside shot title contender for weeks now, and I’m not giving up on them because of the Cal loss, so count on them to rebound because of their spread offense that is the most dynamic in all the land.

6. (Outside) Oklahoma Sooners (5-1), (1-1) vs. Mizzou - The Red River Rivalry was a close, 28-21 victory for the team in red, led by Bob Stoops’ club. The Sooners rebounded in a way I expected them to and beat the rival Longhorns. This week the explosive offensive show of Bradford, Kelly, and Patrick host the red-hot, Chase Daniel-led, undefeated Missouri Tigers in Norman. I have to go with OU here, and if they win this by two scores or more, in which I think they are very capable of, they will shoot up the rankings and reach the Top 3. Oklahoma has too much talent to lose at home and I think their loss @ Colorado two weeks ago was a big-time wake up call, one that got this team more than ready for their sights set ahead to running the table after they beat Missouri, making their way back to the Big 12 Title game once again, and rolling their way back into title contention, this team is a definite Contender, and watch out for them Big 12 foes. I feel that OU is ready to make a run for the gold and they will go as far as their defense allows them to, as the offense is set in place.

7. (8) Boston College Eagles (6-0), (3-0) @ Notre Dame - B.C. has a Heisman Trophy Candidate and a future Top 10 NFL Draft pick in QB Matt Ryan, so you have to consider them as a top team for now… But as I look ahead, reviewing the remaining oppenents on their schedule, you have to wonder if they have what it takes to beat two hot defensive-ridden teams in Virginia Tech (road) and Florida State in back-to-back weeks? Also, they have ACC rivals Maryland and Clemson in consectutive weeks away from the friendly confines at home, so I don’t think this team is a legitimate title contender just yet, and I’ll stay away from putting them up in my Top 5, as I expect them lose at least two games in the next 5 upcoming match-ups, with four of ‘em on the road. The schedule has been very nice to them so far, as they’ve only had to play once away from home, so you have to wonder about them if they are a contender, or a pretender? I’ll take the latter part…

8. (9) West Virginia Mountaineers (5-1), (3-1) vs. Mississippi State (Oct.20) - Ahead of South Florida for the second week in a row, and only 8th behind B.C. because of Pat White’s continued injury problems, this team has what it takes to run the table and win a big Bowl game this year. In a 55-14 rout over ‘Cuse, this team rebounded in great fashion, and they are on my list of teams that are underappreciated. The Mountaineers stil feature the best backfield combo in the nation and they have an improving passing game. WVU will be a team that will have their shot at the National Title if QB Pat White stays healthy and if they beat the undefeated Bearcats on the road November 15th in Cincinnati. They should beat Rutgers and be able to take care of Cincy because of their ultra-speed weapons on offense, along with an excellent coach in Rich Rodriguez.

9. (Unranked) Illinois Fighting Illini (5-1), (3-0) @ Iowa - This team can not be any hotter than it is right now! They are like butter, they are on a roll, and I called the upset against Wisconsin, if you call it one then call it, if you don’t, then don’t. At home against the 5th ranked team in the nation (I can already hear the “overrated” chant all the way from Champagne), the Fighting Illini used a heavy dose of RB Rashard Mendenhall (3 TD’s, 160 rush yards) and QB Juice Williams to “badger” the Wisconsin defense, using options to success, running all over their Big Ten rival at home. They dominated early on with a 17-0 lead and were impressive in all facets of the game, as they strolled by the Badgers on offense with an efficient attack through the air and via the ground game, en route to its biggest victory in years. The campus cannot be any more excited than it is right now and the sky’s the limit for Ron Zook’s lean, mean, fightin’ machine, that has everyone buzzing all round’ the nation. The Illini face a couple of tall tasks ahead, having Michigan at home (Oct. 20), and Ohio State on the road (Nov. 10) later in the year. Would be undefeated if not for a close 40-34 shootout, in a loss to Mizzou opening week. I expect them to go into the “Shoe” and play the Buckeyes with the Big 10 title on the line down in Columbus, and I have this feeling that they are for real, being a Contender to be dealt with seriously, it’s not just a Basketball school anymore, not is it…?

10. (Unranked) Virginia Tech Hokies (5-1), (2-0) - Lots to choose from here for the final spot in my Top 10 Power Rankings in Week 7, as I considered Stanford (oh, yes, what an UPSET over USC, 39-POINT Underdogs!!!), Florida (valiant effort on the road), South Florida (despite only beating Fl. Atl. by 12), Tennessee (smoked a #12 ranked Georgia Bulldog squad 35-14), Cincinnati (beat a tough Rutgers team on the road, 28-23) and Missouri (mightily impressive against Nebraska at home, winning 41-6!). I have to go with the Hokie birds because of their big-time road victory against the Clemson Tigers, 41-23. They were excellent on Special Teams like always, while starting Fr. QB Tyrod Taylor is getting better by the second. Taylor is a mulit-threat QB and is a extremely good talent, and it’s remarkable to see him bring back the Hokies and lead them as a first-year player in the ACC, that is something rare. Coach Beamer’s squad is playing some lights out defense and they are overcoming the tragedy the school went through this last summer. Watch out for this team to run the table and become a scary threat that no one will want to play come November and December, as they will dismantle B.C. and show the Nation what they’re made of!

On The Outside Looking In:

1. Tennessee Volunteers (3-2), (1-1) @ Miss. State - @ ‘Bama and at home vs. S.C. in back-to-back weeks after this week. Closes out Kentucky on the road November 24th.

2. Michigan Wolverines (4-2), (2-0) vs. Purdue - Tough games coming up: @ Illini next week, @ Wisconsin (Nov. 10) and at home vs. Ohio State (Nov. 17).

3. South Florida Bulls (5-0), (1-0) vs. UCF - @ Rutgers and UConn in back-to-back weeks and at home vs. Cincinnati the following week for a tough three-game stretch that will decide their season and determine if they are a Pretender or a Contender.

4. Missouri Tigers (5-0), (1-0) @ OU - Brutal road games to close out the year @ Kansas State and Kansas, with the in-state rivals providing tough tests. OU game will be the measuring stick, so to say, for this up and coming squad who has already beaten Illinois (road) in Week 1.

5. (Tie) Florida (@ UK - Oct 20), USC (vs. Arizona), Kentucky (vs. LSU) - All teams that had their chances to win big games on the road to boost their rankings and knock off rivals en route to a Top 5 ranking. Oops… Sorry, I forgot USC is not supposed to be in this bunch, wrong category….! The Trojans took a small(?) step back, in a hard one to swallow, as they lost to the MIGHTY Stanford Cardinal, led by Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, it was a tough game and a 24-23 loss at Home in the L.A. Coliseum, a place where they previously had not lost a game in 35 tries… and oh, yeah, they were 39-POINT FAVORITES on TOP of that!!! This is why College Football is the best sport in all of America, better than the NFL! UPSET City every week and Showdown Central gets better as the weeks go on, and we’re only in the Middle of October!

Others not included that are undefeated (Pretenders): Cincinnati, Hawaii, Arizona State, and Kansas.

It was not that long ago when the University of Southern California was on top of the food chain.  But a lackluster victory and an upset loss to Stanford rocked the Trojans’ world.  They hope to rebound from that setback when they host the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday.

USC (4-1, 2-1 Pac-10) was a 41-point favorite against Stanford last Saturday but allowed the Cardinal to score 17 points in the fourth-quarter en route to a 24-23 loss.  The Trojans defeated the Wildcats 20-3 last season; however, it is possible that the Trojans may start sophomore Mark Sanchez at quarterback if John David Booty cannot start.  Booty passed for 364 yards against Stanford, but also broke a bone in his middle finger of his throwing hand and threw 4 interceptions after that.  The Trojans hope to have starting running back Stafon Johnson (378 yards, 4 TD’s in 4 games) for this contest after missing the Stanford game.  USC is allowing a league-low 269 yards per game goping into this Saturday’s game.

Arizona (2-4, 1-2 Pac-10), in the meantime, struggled on the ground in their loss to Oregon State 31-16 last Saturday; they totalled 9 rushing yards of a total of 231 yards of total offense.  Wildcat QB Willie Tuitama leads the Pac-10 in 320 passing yards per game and 15 TD passes, but didn’t throw a TD against the Beavers.  He was sacked 8 times and threw 3 interceptions.  Against USC last year, Tuitama went 14-for-23 for 170 yards with an INT and was sacked 5 times.

Arizona head coach Mike Stoops obviously isn’t taking USC lightly, saying, “We look at USC as a hungry and mad team.  We will look to establish something quick and you have to be ready to play, something we didn’t do last week.  It will be a difficult task, going over there and playing a good football team.  They are still a great team.”  Gametime between the Wildcats and Trojans is Saturday at 3:30 PM (EST).