The FOX gremlins have screwed up my 1st attempt at posting this. I can't read the comments.

It's a good thing a couple games were played prior to Saturday this week. I'm not sure my heart could have handled all of that action in one day. This week's poll has some huge shakeups and even after all of this great football has been played will we still be wondering about a playoff system? Here are some points to consider when deciding who should be involved.  

If only the conference champions get in, where does that leave Kansas (11-1) Georgia (10-2) or Arizona State who could finish 10-2 and lose the Pac-10 if USC beats UCLA? What about Florida (9-3) who is playing pretty well right now? Assuming we just took the champs here is how it might look, including teams from outside the BCS. The rankings will be based on the favorite winning each conference. 

 

#1 Missouri/Oklahoma winner (Big XII)

#2 West Virginia (Big East)

#3 Ohio State (Big Ten)

#4 USC (Pac-10) if they beat UCLA

#5 LSU/Tennessee winner (SEC)

#6 Boston College/Virginia Tech winner (ACC)

#7 Hawaii (WAC)

#8 BYU (Mt. West)

#9 Troy (Sun Belt)

#10 MAC winner

#11 Conference USA winner 

 

This could lead to some interesting games. Missouri vs. Hawaii and USC vs. LSU would certainly spark interest in the quarterfinals. West Virginia might be an underdog against the USC/LSU winner while Ohio State could quiet their doubters by shutting down Missouri's offense in the other semifinal. In the end I would take USC over Missouri to end this tournament as I see these teams right now. However, should Oklahoma get in they could make some noise. Virginia Tech might also make things interesting with their defense and special teams. 

 

There will be more playoff talk in the coming weeks, but here is all you need to know about why the BCS doesn't work. What happens if Pittsburgh upsets West Virginia and Oklahoma beats Missouri? Georgia gets into the national title game after not winning their division of the SEC East? Kansas is making their argument after they failed to win the Big XII North? This won't happen because the Panthers have no bite, but the possibility should give the BCS folks pause. Georgia could finish #3 in the BCS standings with Kansas #4 and neither reached their conference championship game. Something is wrong with that picture.  

 

Last week's ranking in ( )'s. NR = not ranked. W = watch list. (AP, USA, Harris, BCS)

 

#1 (4) West Virginia (10-1): With the national title game in their sights they played like a team on the mission. They annihilated Connecticut in essentially the Big East championship, going right through them with 517 yards rushing. It took the Huskies 11 games to give up 157 points. The Mountaineers put up 66 even after shutting down Pat White early. Their lone loss was to 9-3 South Florida so a win over Pittsburgh in the Backyard Brawl puts them in the BCS championship. Guess what? They deserve it. This offense is special. (2, 1, 2, 2) 

 

#2 (6) Missouri (11-1): Chase Daniel made his case for the Heisman by going 40/49 for 363 yards and 3 touchdowns to seal the Big XII North title. He was only sacked once and didn't turn it over. Both teams started slow on offense, a natural reaction to the nerves of a big game, but after 3 unsuccessful drives on each side Missouri caught fire. They went 78 and 92 yards for touchdowns. Meanwhile the defense had an interception, and then forced two field goal attempts. Both missed the mark and allowed the Tigers to gain control of the game. Their second half possessions covered 40, 69, 44 and 49 yards with all of them ending in scores before a three and out as they failed to run out the clock. It felt like they were always going to have an answer to whatever Kansas did. Now it's a rematch with Oklahoma with a spot in the BCS title game certainly on the line. (1, 2, 1, 1) 

 

#3 (5) Hawaii (11-0): The Warriors proved themselves worthy of a BCS bid by dumping Boise State to win the WAC title outright for the first time ever. Their offense was awesome. Six times they drove 67+ yards for touchdowns. Then in the fourth quarter they moved the ball 43 and 63 yards while chewing up a combined 11:14 off the game clock to seal the victory. The icing was showing how classy they can be sitting on the ball instead of punching in a meaningless touchdown at the end. It might be the WAC, but the Broncos have a top 25 defense nationally even after facing some of these wide open offenses. They next face Washington in a dangerous trap since there could be a letdown. (11, 10, 10, 12) 

 

#4 (1) Kansas (11-1): Reesing simply wasn't up to matching shots with Daniel. They drove the ball at least 35 yards on 8 consecutive possessions, but two ended with interceptions and two with missed field goals. That was the difference in a tough 36-28 loss. With a little better running game Kansas probably beats Missouri. McAnderson came in with 1,009 rushing yards on a season and 15 touchdowns but carried the ball just 14 times for 41 yards. There was no shame in this loss and they certainly weren't exposed as the frauds many people have considered them all year. Now their task is to show well in the BCS or everyone will forget their great season. (7, 5, 6, 5) 

 

#5 (7) Georgia (10-2): It must have been hard for them to focus knowing their SEC title hopes were being played out elsewhere. In the end Kentucky couldn't close the deal on their behalf, but the Bulldogs secured a spot in the BCS by beating rival Georgia Tech. They were far from dominant though. On offense they were only 4/13 on third down and really needed the 3-1 turnover advantage to win this game. I don't blame them for being sluggish under these circumstances, on the road against a rival while another team is deciding their fate. This is probably the best team never to be considered a true threat to reach the BCS title game. Now it would take Oklahoma beating Missouri and Pittsburgh beating West Virginia for them to get in. (4, 4, 4, 4) 

 

#6 (12) USC (9-2): This was the team everyone expected to see this season. Their offense was unstoppable pretty much all night. On 9 of 12 possessions they either drove the ball 50+ yards or scored. Defensively they allowed no drives over 29 yards after Arizona State gave it over on downs following a 42 yards march in their first possession of the second quarter. Their only shortcoming might have been a lackluster running game, but Booty made up for it with 375 yards passing and 4 touchdowns. A win over UCLA gives them a shocking comeback to win the Pac-10 title. Even if they backed in with the Dixon injury this is a team no one would want to draw in a playoff. (8, 9, 9, 8)

 

#7 (10) Ohio State (11-1): I might have been a bit harsh with my ranking of them last week, but the Big Ten just isn't very good. They are coasting their way towards the national championship game again as everyone else struggles with late season upsets. If they wind up facing West Virginia the outcome could be similar to what happened last year against Florida unless their defense is as good as it has looked against Big Ten competition. (3, 3, 3, 3) 

 

#8 (13) Oklahoma (10-2): They left absolutely no doubt in their 49-17 win over rival Oklahoma State. Their first half drives covered 50, 58, 68 and 87 yards for touchdowns. Four more times they marched 50+ yards and this one was never in doubt. This is one of many teams knocked out of the national title hunt that would be dangerous in a playoff. Their 9/12 showing on third down proves just how important it is for them to have Bradford in there at quarterback. We will find out if they are back in rhythm when they face a surging Missouri team in the Big XII title game. The Tigers are definitely better than they were when Oklahoma beat them 41-31 in Norman. (9, 8, 8, 9) 

 

#9 (2) LSU (10-2): They now have two losses to teams who are a combined 12-8 against outside competition. This was a tough one to stomach having allowed 384 yards rushing. Some of it came in the overtimes, but a 7.2 yard rushing average for the Razorbacks? Dorsey not being 100% is no excuse for this performance against an opponent regularly lining up without a quarterback. I said last week they should be worried and now the national title hopes are out the window.  A win over Tennessee would salvage a Sugar Bowl, but if Hawaii is the opponent does it put a damper on the end of their season? (5, 7, 5, 7) 

 

#10 (3) Arizona State (9-2): This was not a good effort with a Pac-10 title and possible national championship game berth staring them in the face. Their offense opened fairly well. Following an empty first drive they went 74 (TD) 60 (FG) and 42 (downs) yards to keep themselves in the game. After that it was over for them on offense. They had no more drives over 29 yards. Meanwhile USC was marching up and down the field all day. Only three times they held the Trojans under 35 yards on a possession all night. Next up is rival Arizona who is trying to become bowl eligible. (13, 13, 13, 13) 

 

#11 (9) Boston College (10-2): I know there was nothing on the line, but they were sluggish against a Hurricane team who had lost by a cumulative 92-14 against the Virginia schools following a loss to N.C. State. They should have overwhelmed this team on their home field. Instead it was tied up early in the fourth quarter. Thankfully they responded to adversity immediately with two touchdown drives. The first took only two plays while the second took four. Now they need to beat Virginia Tech in what is certain to be a different game now that poor weather is out of the equation. (12, 12, 12, 11)

 

#12 (11) Virginia Tech (10-2): With the roll this team is on it might be time to chalk up their 48-7 loss to LSU as a bad day at the office. They were on the road in hostile territory for one, and people tend to forget this team had to deal with unspeakable tragedy on their campus earlier this year. Against rival Virginia their defense ensured a rematch with Boston College in the ACC title game. The Hokies allowed just 240 total yards, forced two turnovers and recorded 6 sacks. Once they had the lead it was over. Out of Virginia's final 8 drives only their 28 yard touchdown march following a turnover covered more than 18 yards.  (6, 5, 7, 6) 

 

#13 (15) Florida (9-3): The Gators are pushing Tim Tebow for the Heisman and it showed. It will take a lot for him to win as a sophomore with 3 losses, but the numbers are staggering. In this one the team piled up 30 first downs and 540 total yards while pounding Florida State 45-12. Tebow accounted for 348 of those yards and 5 touchdowns. On two out of three plays he either passed the ball or ran it. Florida had 7 scoring drives of 57+ yards with only two punts. Their defense held the Seminoles without a touchdown and just 287 total yards. Their loss at Georgia deprives us of what would have been a great rematch with LSU. Instead there is talk of a (yawn) bowl game against Illinois. Wake me up when that rout is over if it happens. (10, 11, 11, 10) 

 

#14 (8) Oregon (8-3): It must have made Dennis Dixon ill to watch the quarterbacks lining up for his team against UCLA. Three backups combined to go 11/39 for 105 yards with 3 interceptions and 5 sacks. As poorly as their handicapped offense played, the defense played with a ton of heart. They held the Bruins to 2/17 on third down and didn't give up a drive over 17 yards until after halftime. In all there were 22 punts, and Oregon might have had a chance if not for the 4-2 disadvantage in turnovers. The Bruins "drove" -5, 15 and 6 yards for their field goals. Their touchdown march went for only 31. At this point disaster waits for them because I believe Oregon State beats them in the Civil War and who could they beat in a bowl with this quarterback situation? (18, 20, 19, 17) 

 

#15 (14) Clemson (9-3): It was a tight game which is to be expected when two teams meet who don't like each other. The Tigers got the better of the action on offense, but were forced into kicking field goals five times, making three including the one that counted to win it. Davis and Spiller helped them control the action with a combined 39 rushes for 208 yards. Their success on the ground led to them having five of the six longest possessions in the game. South Carolina was sent off the field in 1:45 or less on 6 of their 11 possessions. As much as it seemed like they were the better team this was not their best performance. (16, 17, 18, 16) 

 

#16 (17) Tennessee (9-3): Does anyone even remember the Volunteers led Kentucky 31-14 in the closing moments of the third quarter? This was an epic battle that had everything. A division title on the line, bowl implications, blocked kicks, key penalties, 13 touchdown passes, 6 turnovers and a couple of yards decided it all. I can't even begin to break this one down other than to say Tennessee made one more play. They also had all six sacks in a game that was about as even as it gets. This team recovered nicely from three road blowouts to win four straight at home and now this huge road win. Can they score an upset of wounded LSU to steal the SEC title? (14, 15, 15, 14) 

 

#17 (20) Cincinnati (9-3): They opened up and finished strong, but in the middle it was a pretty ugly showing against a dismal opponent in Syracuse. The middle quarters ended 28-28 with the 'Cuse driving 75, 67, 78 and 77 yards for touchdowns. The Bearcats sputtered on offense at times despite finishing with a gaudy 549 total yards. Mainly they had trouble finishing drives. Eight times they marched 49+ yards, but twice failed to score and missed a field goal on a separate drive of 20 yards. They also made Andrew Robinson look like he was playing Louisville again with 416 yards passing and 3 touchdowns, albeit while sacking him an amazing 11 times. An uninspired effort was to be expected after losing their shot at the Big East title last week. (20, 24, 21, 23) 

 

#18 (16) Virginia (9-3): Offensively they just couldn't keep up with Virginia Tech. Still, they were in the game until the fourth quarter. Sewell is not exactly Tebow with 145 total yards on 39 plays rushing and passing. Brandon Ore hammed away at their defense with 31 rushes for 145 yards while the Hokie passers combined to 17/25 for 300 yards. One victory for them was forcing four field goals including 3 following drives of 64, 60 and 58 yards. They were just not ready for a game this big down the stretch, but this was a great season for Virginia football. (22, 21, 23, 22) 

 

#19 (22) BYU (9-2): Defense ruled the day in their 17-10 win over Utah. This game would have been well in hand if not for two first quarter miscues in enemy territory. First they fumbled at the Utah 25 and then missed field goal. Two drives totaling 125 yards went for naught. In the meantime their defense was dominant in the opening three quarters giving up a total of 92 yards on 39 plays and allowing just a field goal. They wore down during a wild 15 play, 69 yard march for a Utah touchdown that drained 7:11 off the clock to give up the lead before the offense bailed them out. Max Hall had a poor day passing the football. He finished 17/40 yet delivered the key blow with a 49 yard passing play on the winning drive. The Mountain West title is theirs and only a makeup game at San Diego State (4-6) stands in their way of a perfect conference record. (21, 19, 20, 19) 

 

#20 (24) Illinois (9-3): Last week I pondered how this team might regret losing to Iowa which cost them the Big Ten title and a trip to the Rose Bowl. How about their opener against Missouri? Trailing 40-34 they had driven to the 22 before an interception at the 1 sealed the win for the Tigers. These guys are not far from being an 11-1 team and have six wins by 11+ points on the season. (15, 14, 14, 15) 

 

#21 (21) Connecticut (9-3): It was rather obvious this team wasn't ready to play such a huge game against a team like West Virginia. Their defense was shredded for 624 total yards and an average of 9.6 yards per play. They hung pretty tough in the first half, but were totally run over in the second half when West Virginia drove at least 49 yards on all of their drives save the one when they ran out the clock. Connecticut had nowhere close to the offensive firepower to match that. Still, they have had a nice season and will finish second in a good conference. (28, 28, 29, 26) 

 

#22 (23) South Florida (9-3): After trailing at the half they gained control in the third quarter at Pittsburgh and held on for a 48-37 win that really wasn't that close. The Panthers were stifled on six straight possessions after taking the 14-7 lead, totaling 31 yards on 19 plays. Grothe had a very mediocre day at quarterback. He was 17/23 passing, but for only 159 yards. His 80 yard touchdown run came on a day when he finished with 70 yards on 12 carries interestingly enough. Still, this was a break through season for a young program and they rebounded from their losing streak. (25, 27, 25, 21) 

 

#23 (19) Boise State (10-2): Their defense had no answer to Colt Brennan. The record setting quarterback burned them for 494 yards on 40/53 (75.5%) passing and 5 touchdowns. Early on things looked good when they chewed up 8:19 off the clock on their opening possession, but it ended with an interception. After another long drive (5:28) gave them a 14-13 lead in the second quarter the offense went into a bit of hibernation. They had one more march of 50 yards (4:17) for a touchdown to take their final lead at 27-26, but this is what they needed to do all game long against a team like Hawaii. (24, 23, 22, 25)

 

#24 (26) Wisconsin (9-3): At home this was a great team. Fortunately for them they spent seven weeks there, going 7-0. On the road it was a different story. They sputtered past UNLV 20-13 and the Running Rebels finished 2-10. They lost three of four Big Ten road games, beating only bottom feeding Minnesota (0-8, 1-11) 41-34. On one hand they can still win 10 games. On the other, this could have been a 6-6 team if a few balls had bounced against them. We'll see what happens in their bowl game on a neutral field. (19, 16, 16, 18) 

 

#25 (25) Auburn (8-4): With 52-50 and 50-48 multiple overtime scores in the SEC this week it is nice to know this game could provide the familiar defensive struggle. They combined to convert 5/28 on third down with the quarterbacks completing 24/48 for an even 50%. Somehow there were only 10 punts. The longest Alabama drive was 53 yards for their only touchdown while Auburn didn't march over 44 yards after their 65 yard touchdown jaunt on their first possession. There isn't much else to say other than that neither of these teams gave up and for a sixth straight time Auburn has bragging rights. (23, 21, 24, 24) 

 

#26 (18) Texas (9-3): This team was finally exposed for having a weak defense and limited offense. They converted just 2/11 on third down against a Texas A&M defense that has been lit up for 82 points over the past two weeks. Offensively they drove 80 and 73 yards for touchdowns in a failed rally. Prior to doing that against a prevent defense they had just 209 total yards. McGee torched them for 362 yards passing. His previous high was 247 set last week. He had 3 touchdown passes, also a season best and just his second game with more than one all year. The BCS is now out of the picture and fans should be glad they didn't have to deal with Missouri or Kansas because it would have been ugly. (17, 18, 17, 20) 

 

#27 (29) Oregon State (7-4): This team has been playing about as well as anyone in the conference over the past two months. Now they can secure at least a third place finish by beating quarterback challenged Oregon in the finale. Blowout losses to Cincinnati and UCLA were the product of multiple turnovers, but when you look at the big picture the Beavers can finish 3-4 against bowl eligible teams with a win over the Ducks. They were quietly a pretty good team in the Pac-10. (33, 34, 33, 33) 

 

#28 (NR) Arkansas (8-4): This team is probably a better quarterback away from being 11-1 and in the national title hunt. They lose SEC games by 3, 3 and 2 points earlier this season. Turning around two of those would haven give them a shot at the only team to blow them away, Tennessee, in the SEC title game. This week's wild victory over LSU was a product of their offense shaking off a sluggish start to really take it to a tough defense. After opening with drives of 6, 3, 8 and 13 yards they put up touchdown marches of 70, 80, 83 and 72 yards in regulation. They scored touchdowns on all three possessions in the overtimes, taking 7, 2 and 6 plays to do so before punching in the crucial two point play. McFadden might not win the Heisman, but he is the best offensive player in next year's NFL draft. (26, 25, 26, 27) 

 

#29 (28) Texas Tech (8-4): Ultimately this team didn't have enough defense to make noise in a Big XII conference dominated by the Kansas/Missouri storyline all year. The Tigers destroyed them 41-10 and were one of seven teams to score 24+ points against them. They were 3-4 in those games. The upset of Oklahoma was great and they can certainly finish strong with a bowl win, but even if they do no one will remember their 9-4 finish because of what happened in the North. (27, 26, 27, 28) 

 

#30 (NR) Troy (8-3): The Sun Belt will never be confused with the SEC and these guys will never be confused with SEC, but this version of the Trojans stood up fairly well against BCS teams this year. Three times they went to the SEC and scored 26, 31 and 34 points in those losses. Yeah, they gave up 149 but I wonder how this team might have performed against lesser teams from the conference after losing to pretty good ones (Georgia, Florida, Arkansas). How about at home where they whooped Oklahoma State 41-23? I tend to think hosting maybe South Carolina, Alabama or Mississippi State on their field this team would have won. I'd also love to see them earn a spot in a playoff. Beating Florida Atlantic next week will complete an undefeated conference season. (34, 38, 36, 37) 

 

Dropped Out:

#27 Kentucky (31, NR, 31, NR)

#30 Utah (NR, NR, NR, NR)