The BCS isn’t all wrong. It got #1 right, and depending on who you ask, it might have gotten #2 right as well. The rest, however, is all up in the air. GoBlue breaks down the Top 10 in the BCS..

1. 9-0 Ohio State Buckeyes (.9864)

Harris Poll: #1

USA Today Poll: #1

Computer Poll: #2

Why they deserve it: Why don’t they deserve it? They’ve beaten every team that they have faced convincingly, and have been ranked #1 since before the season even started. No one deserves this spot but the Buckeyes.

Why they don’t deserve it: I honestly couldn’t think of a reason why they don’t deserve the #1 spot.

In My Poll? #1

2. 9-0 Michigan Wolverines (.9697)

Harris Poll: #2

USA Today Poll: #2

Computer Poll: #1

Why they deserve it: They haven’t really been at risk of losing any game this season, and beat then #2 Notre Dame easily. They’re rush defense is the best in the nation, and they have three potential Heisman candidates. And go ahead and try to make a case for anyone else to have this spot.

Why they don’t deserve it: Notre Dame was extremely overrated when Michigan destroyed them, so the five spot jump might have been a little much.

In My Poll? #2

3. 7-0 West Virginia Mountaineers (.7862)

Harris Poll: #3

USA Today Poll: #3

Computer Poll: #13

Why they deserve it: They are an undefeated team in a tough conference, and that always will boost your ranking. They’re #5 pre-season rank helps, too.

Why they don’t deserve it: Wait, who have they played? Their toughest opponent has been Maryland. Yep, the Terps have been WVU’s toughest competition this season. Which win should I be impressed with? 1-AA Eastern Washington? Mississippi State?

In My Poll? #4

4. 7-1 Florida Gators (.7791)

Harris Poll: #7

USA Today Poll: #7

Computer Poll: #4

Why they deserve it: They started the season at #6, and had impressive wins over Tennessee (now #11) and LSU (now #17). They stumbled last week against Auburn (now #6), but came back this week with a win over Georgia.

Why they don’t deserve it: This is a little high in my opinion for a team who was at #2 last week before they lost to Auburn. They aren’t the best one-loss team in the NCAA.

In My Poll? #5

5. 7-0 Louisville (.7621)

Harris Poll: #5

USA Today Poll: #5

Computer Poll: #9

Why they deserve it: For many of the same reasons that West Virginia deserves their ranking. They have remained undefeated in a tough conference, while beating an impressive team or two (Miami).

Why they don’t deserve it: For many of the same reasons that West Virginia doesn’t deserve their ranking. Besides Miami, they haven’t played a ranked team, and only beat Cincy by seven last weekend.

In My Poll? #7

6. 8-1 Auburn (.7589)

Harris Poll: #6

USA Today Poll: #8

Computer Poll: #7

Why they deserve it: Fantastic wins over LSU (now #17) and Florida (now #4) give Auburn the #7 spot in the BCS. Auburn has always been seen as a good team, but an uncharacteristic loss to Arkansas dropped them deep in the standings.

Why they don’t deserve it: As uncharacteristic as that loss was, it was a loss, and to an unranked Arkansas team? It’s going to drop you pretty far.

In My Poll? #6

7. 7-1 Texas Longhorns (.7562)

Harris Poll: 4

USA Today Poll: 4

Computer Poll: 12

Why they deserve it: A loss to Ohio State early stung, and less than stellar performances these past two weeks aren’t helping. Colt McCoy is coming into his own and the Longhorns are looking better with each week.

Why they don’t deserve it: They have lost once, to #1 Ohio State. How much can you punish a team for losing to the best team in the nation? That’s all I’ve got. What do the computers see that I don’t?

In My Poll? #3

8. 6-1 USC Trojans .7152

Harris Poll: #9

USA Today Poll: #9

Computer Poll: #6

Why they deserve it: They were #3, and considered by many to be #2. They lost. To the Oregon State Beavers. You can’t expect not to fall 6-7 places when you lose to Oregon State.

Why they don’t deserve it: Despite the heartbreaking loss to the Beavers, they have had a pretty unblemished season. It’ll be tough to finish the season with one loss, however. The season ends with Oregon, Cal, Notre Dame, and UCLA.

In My Poll? #8

9. 7-1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (.7151)

Harris Poll: #10

USA Today Poll: #10

Computer Poll: #5

Why they deserve it: A blowout loss at home to Michigan pretty much ensures that ND will finish outside the top 5. A shame, because the Irish have had an otherwise undefeated, and fun to watch season.

Why they don’t deserve it: They haven’t exactly had an easy season. Georgia Tech, Michigan, Penn State, and USC highlight a tough Notre Dame schedule.

In My Poll? #9

10. 7-1 California Golden Bears (.7133)

Harris Poll: #11

USA Today Poll: #11

Computer Poll: #3

Why they deserve it: After starting the season off on the wrong foot with a loss to Tennessee, they posted impressive wins over Arizona State and Oregon. If they finish the season with one loss, I will be impressed.

Why they don’t deserve it: They lost to Tennessee, and Tennessee is just the better team. It isn’t an awful place for them to be, I’d just put them one or two ranks lower.

In My Poll? #11

__________________ 

So my top ten so far this season would be..

1. Ohio State

2. Michigan

3. Texas

4. West Virginia

5. Florida

6. Auburn

7. Louisville

8. USC

9. Notre Dame

10. Tennessee

 

Agree? Disagree? I’d like to hear from you, as always.

Until next time,

-GoBlue1013