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

 

 

#1 (2) Kansas (10-0): The end of the world is upon us. I have no problem voting them in the top spot because to stay there it will require wins over Missouri and Oklahoma. This week they were getting it done on both sides of the ball. Don’t let the 43-28 final over Oklahoma State fool you, or the 471 yards allowed. The Cowboys drove 53, 82, 89 and 64 yards during the final quarter and a half after Kansas was up comfortably 33-14. Those drives ended in a turnover, two touchdowns and downs. The Jayhawk offense went 46+ yards eight times and is the most disrespected unit in the nation. Seven times they have scored at least 43 points. (4, 4, 4, 3)

 

 

 

#2 (3) Oregon (8-1): If ever a coach needed to sit his team down on an off week this is it for Belotti. The BCS title game is within reach, but now they hit the road for two teams capable of giving them trouble. First up is Arizona on Thursday night with the national spotlight followed by UCLA. Neither team is in their class if they play well, but both fall into the category of “trap” games. The finale is the Civil War against rival Oregon State, another potential pitfall. One stumble and they could be out of not only the BCS title chase, but without a Pac-10 championship. (2, 2, 2, 2)

 

 

 

#3 (4) LSU (9-1): After four straight tough, close SEC games it must have been a relief for them to step out for a 58-10 whooping of Louisiana Tech. In the meantime they suprisingly clinched a spot in the SEC title game with losses by Alabama and Auburn. They were not perfect, but we were reminded how good this defense can be. On 13 of 17 possessions the Bulldogs failed to move the ball more than 17 yards. Offensively it wasn’t a perfect effort, just enough to do the job. What surprises me is to see that of their 18 drives only three times did they keep it more than 5 plays. A quick strike offense was part of the problem with TD drives of 5, 3, 3, 3, 3, 6 and 5 plays. They won’t stumble in Mississippi so now it’s just Run DMC’s Arkansas and the title game, likely against Georgia or Tennessee, keeping them from “hosting” the BCS championship. (1, 1, 1, 1)

 

 

 

#4 (5) Arizona State (9-1): Hitting the road following an emotional first loss can be tough. Just ask Cal who lost to UCLA on this field after losing their perfect season. The Sun Devils pulled it out in a game that was fun to watch if you enjoy punts, all 19 of them. It’s easy to see how they controlled the Bruin offense with yet another quarterback leading the way. Their three drives over 28 yards all covered 54 yards, but none of them produced points. Carpenter was not sharp, going just 16/31 for 200 yards while taking 6 sacks. Nevertheless they drove the ball 47, 91, 67 and 64 yards on consecutive possessions in the third quarter to retain control of the game. After a week off they get a Thanksgiving showdown against USC for a possible trip to the Rose Bowl on the line. (9, 8, 8, 8)

 

 

 

#5 (6) Hawaii (9-0): The final score of 37-30 over Fresno State isn’t impressive, but it wasn’t that close. Their offense was only forced into third down 8 times all game and the Bulldogs only had the ball one time (their opening possession) with a chance to tie the score. Brennan did his thing completing 71.8% of his passes for 396 yards. Their opening possessions went for 77, 83, 51, 67 and 80 yards as they opened a 24-7 first quarter lead. This wasn’t a bad Fresno State team either. Their previous losses were to Texas A&M, Oregon and Boise State with two of those on the road. Only one more trip off the island, this Friday night when they visit Nevada. (13, 12, 11, 16)

 

 

 

#6 (7) West Virginia (9-1): They picked a bad time to blow a 31-14 lead. Sure, they answered back to beat Louisville who for all of their woes has still yet to lose by more than 9 points during a disappointing 5-5 campaign. However, this is the time for style points on national TV late in the season. Even as Pat White dazzled with 181 yards passing and another 147 yards receiving with 3 total touchdowns he had fumbling issues. Steve Slaton was contained and the defense let Brian Brohm pass for 345 yards even with no semblance of a running game. It was far from a perfect effort, but they get an extra day to prepare for a trap, uh, trip to Cincinnati. (5, 5, 5, 6)

 

 

 

#7 (8) Oklahoma (9-1): Can a freshman win the Heisman? If so, Sam Bradford could be the guy. This week marked his seventh games over 240+ yards passing (353) or two touchdowns (2) as he completed 20/25 passes. Obviously they controlled the action against Baylor with a trio of rushers carrying the ball 37 times for another 180 yards. Eight times they rang up drive of 49+ yards, but the defense was a little shaky giving up six drives of 58+ with most of those coming when the outcome was in doubt. The Sooners now make a trip to Texas Tech where another super frosh, receiver Michael Crabtree, makes his own case for a historic Heisman win. It fits into the “trap” category. (3, 3, 3, 4)

 

 

 

#8 (1) Ohio State (10-1): Maybe I jinxed Boeckman talking him up for a possible Heisman with comparable numbers to last year’s Buckeye winner Troy Smith. He had a disastrous effort with 3 interceptions on 13/23 passing for 156 yards. There is blame to be spread on the defense as well after they allowed Illinois to grind away the final 8:09 following Boeckman’s final interception. This came directed after an 11 play drive took away 6:11 even though they went just 32 yards and punted. A great defense has to get the ball back when it matters most and they failed. Now they probably have to settle for the Rose Bowl because selling a BCS title berth without a win over a team in the top 20 is tough to do. (7, 7, 7, 7)

 

 

 

#9 (9) Missouri (9-1): In their home finale I expected a sharper performance. As it was they kept Texas A&M at bay and continued to pour on the points. They have scored 38+ in every outing save their loss, 41-31 to Oklahoma. Chase Daniel is carving out a great season with 3,306 yards passing and 26 touchdowns against 9 interceptions. He was sharp against the Aggies completing 77% of his passes for 352 yards and 3 touchdowns without an interception. The defense started off very strong limiting A&M to 16 yards or less on seven of their eight first half possessions. In the second half they were touched up for 75, 52, 45 and 65 yards prior to sealing the game with a safety. The lead was preserved by holding two of those marches to field goal attempts with one failing. Next up is a trip to Kansas State who should be smarting off a puzzling 73-31 loss to Nebraska. (6, 6, 6, 5)

 

 

 

#10 (13) Georgia (8-2): Maybe they were just waiting for the right moment to pour it on against Auburn. After falling behind 20-17 and coming off four possessions totaling -4 yards on 11 plays the light bulb went on. Four touchdown marches ensued covering 68, 43, 65 and 59 yards to blow it open. Defensively they were sharp, holding the Tigers to 216 total yards and intercepting Cox 4 times. This is clearly the best team in the SEC East right now, but a flat effort at Tennessee in a 35-14 loss is standing in their way of a title game appearance. Right now I think LSU fans are probably cheering for the Volunteers to win out so they won’t have to deal with the Bulldogs. Their offense can give fits to an LSU unit that has been touched up in conference play. (8, 9, 9, 9)

 

 

 

#11 (15) Clemson (8-2): The Tigers are no longer in the shadows. After a 44-10 thrashing of a pretty good Wake Forest team they are poised to win the ACC Atlantic and possibly avenge one of their losses against Virginia Tech in the title game. They were unstoppable in this game, punting just twice. Their defense was tough as well holding the Demon Deacons to 287 total yards. Of that 125 came on their final two drives when the game was well in hand. They had no turnovers, gave up just 2 sacks and committed only 4 penalties which is a good way to blow a team out. Now the Atlantic division is on the line as they host reeling Boston College. (15, 16, 16, 15)

 

 

 

#12 (10) Boston College (8-2): The defense simply didn’t hold up at Maryland. The Terrapins punted only once in the opening three quarters with six scoring drives of 57+ yards top open a 42-21 lead. Matt Ryan threw two more interceptions, but had 421 yards passing and you get the feeling that if he had gotten the ball again this game would have gone to overtime. I’m not ready to throw out all of their accomplishments including the win over Virginia Tech just yet. This week they can still clinch the ACC Atlantic by winning at Clemson. Will they win to earn a BCS bid or lose to expose themselves as overrated all along? (18, 18, 18, 17)

 

 

 

#13 (12) Virginia Tech (8-2): They are probably wishing LSU wasn’t on this season’s schedule right about now. If not for that loss this team might be in the national title game conversation. After outplaying Boston College in defeat they have blown past two teams who are otherwise 6-3 the past two weeks. Sometimes it feels like “Beamer Ball” is a little bit of smoke and mirrors though. In the second half their offense was dismal, especially the third quarter with 16 plays for 30 yards. Their defense was equally stifling in response to that though, holding Florida State to 28 yards on their last 13 plays covering six possessions. They had better be ready for their rival Virginia in two weeks on the road. (10, 10, 10, 10)

 

#14 (14) USC (8-2): It felt like an SEC game in the constant rain at Berkeley. Chauncey Washington saved their Rose Bowl aspirations with 220 yards rushing. This game seemed to be constantly driven by third downs with USC winning that battle converting 7/14 to Cal’s 4/13. The Trojans had a conservative approach and it worked to perfection while patiently grinding this one out. They waited for Cal to make mistakes and Longshore obliged with 3 turnovers. With a back loaded schedule this is their biggest win to date. Next is a trip to Arizona State on turkey day for what looks like a bid to the Rose Bowl on the line. Anyone want to see Ohio State vs. USC in Pasadena? (11, 13, 13, 11)

 

 

 

#15 (18) Florida (7-3): I questioned Tebow as a Heisman candidate prior to this week’s games because of the three losses. He promptly went out and showed why he is on everyone’s list with 304 yards passing, 120 yards rushing and 7 total touchdowns at South Carolina. The Gators were 12/16 on third down and if not for 3 turnovers plus a failed fourth down this might have been much uglier than 51-31. Their defense was shoddy in the second half giving up drives of 47, 65, 43, 88 and 23 but they were playing with a comfortable lead. I can’t begin to figure out their path to the SEC East title because it is so unlikely. I do know LSU would want no part of a rematch. (14, 14, 14, 12)

 

 

 

#16 (20) Virginia (9-2): The Cavaliers are having a record setting season for close wins which makes their 48-0 stomping over Miami, FL to close down the Orange Bowl so surprising. Seven of their wins have been by a grand total of 23 points. Perhaps they realized it is time to step it up. The ACC Coastal division will be decided on their field in two weeks and they will be off until then getting ready. The destruction of the Hurricanes was complete. They forced 5 turnovers, held them to 3/15 on third down and 189 total yards while finishing it off with a defensive touchdown. Only one Hurricane drive went over 21 yards. The only question is how ready they are for the Hokies having not played Clemson or Boston College from the Atlantic. (16, 17, 17, 14)

 

 

 

#17 (27) Cincinnati (8-2): After two losses to Louisville and Pittsburgh the Bearcats have rallied to beat two of the better teams in the Big East. Their latest victim was this year’s Cinderella and it felt like midnight for Connecticut I’m sure. Only three times did the Huskies march over 15 yards, those being drives of 26, 38 and 74 with a 3/16 showing on third down. They will need some help to win the Big East title, but West Virginia might be surprised to find out how good this team is next week. (21, 25, 24, 22)

 

 

 

#18 (21) Tennessee (7-3): If they hosted the national title game I would take the Volunteers. In four road games they have been blown out three times, but at home their record is 6-1 with five wins by 20+ points. The latest victim is Arkansas who was held to 145 yards rushing after their record setting performance last week. The Razorbacks were held under 10 yards on 8 of their 13 drives, putting up just 49 yards on 21 plays in the first half as Tennessee built a 20-3 lead. If the Volunteers want to win the SEC East they have to hit the road once more, visiting Kentucky after this week’s game against Vanderbilt. (19, 19, 19, 20)

 

 

 

#19 (11) Connecticut (8-2): The rigors of a tough conference schedule finally caught up to them on the road. Even after their 27-3 loss to Cincinnati the title still comes down to the finale at West Virginia. This week it was a disaster. Lorenzen was just 18/37 passing for 182 yards. Dixon had 12 carries for 35 yards. They were never in it. Their task now is to get well at home against a bad Syracuse team. Regardless of the outcome they can win the Big East the following week by upsetting the Mountaineers. (25, 26, 26, 24)

 

 

 

#20 (22) Texas (9-2): I’m not sure where the defense has gone for this team. For the sixth time they allowed at least 25 points and have given up 78 the past two weeks against teams who aren’t supposed to be in their class. Graham Harrell did his thing for Texas Tech with 466 yards passing and 5 touchdowns, hitting stud freshman Michael Crabtree 9 times for 195 yards and two of those scores. McCoy had much more balance with his 268 yards and 4 touchdowns because Charles ran for 174 yards. Both teams went up the field at will with 8 drives of 40+ yards each. I still don’t know how good the Longhorns are because they didn’t play three of the Big XII North’s four best teams and lost big to the one they did (Kansas State). (12, 11, 12, 13)

 

 

 

#21 (23) Boise State (9-1): Other than their crazy 69-67 quadruple OT win over Nevada the Broncos have been on a serious roll since stumbling at Washington. That was their only win on the season by less than 10 points and this marked their fourth win by 35+ points. Utah State is a bad team and they treated them as such. With Ian Johnson back in the fold their offense is going very well. They went 10/15 on third down with Tharp completing an insane 26/29 for 283 yards and 2 touchdowns. Before shutting it down in the fourth quarter they went 38+ yards on all of their first 8 possessions. There will be no letdown against 1-9 Idaho this week and even a monumental loss wouldn’t prevent the following week’s Friday night showdown at Hawaii from being for the WAC title. (17, 15, 15, 18)

 

 

 

#22 (25) Kentucky (7-3): They recovered from a crushing loss to Mississippi State, but were far from impressive at Vanderbilt in escaping with a 27-20 win. Woodson had another flat performance going 17/28 for 222 yards and 1 touchdown although he didn’t turn it over. In the last tough back to back of their schedule they split with LSU and Florida, both at home. Now they travel to Georgia with designs on spoiling their hopes for the SEC East title. If they fail the spoiler hat stays on as they host Tennessee. Losing both would expose this team as pretty mediocre with a huge upset over a great team mixed in. I tend to think that’s the case unless Woodson steps up. (22, 20, 21, 23)

 

 

 

#23 (26) BYU (7-2): Another big day for Max Hall, but the team sputtered past TCU on their home field, failing to put them away until a decisive defensive stuff. Still it was a fairly clean effort with only one sack allowed, 4 penalties and 2 turnovers. Next up is a trip to Wyoming against a team who beat Virginia to open the season. Everyone seems to either have forgotten or never known that. I will say it right now to be on record – the Mountain West is going to do some damage in bowl season. (28, 27, 28, 29)

 

 

 

#24 (30) South Florida (7-3): It took playing Syracuse to get this team back in the win column following their free fall from the #2 ranking. They either scored or drove the ball 48+ yards on 9 of their first 11 possessions. The battle in rushing yards was a little bit of a landslide at 346-15, and they won the turnover battle 4-1. If they hadn’t pulled up in the fourth quarter the 41-10 final would have been much worse. Closing out the Big East schedule will be Louisville and a trip to Pittsburgh as they keep hopes alive for their first 10 win season. (29, NR, 30, NR)

 

 

 

#25 (16) Michigan (8-3): It was apparent they were saving themselves for Ohio State and I can’t say I blame them. Without Hart or Henne it seemed like their soul was missing in a lackluster effort at Wisconsin. Brown and Minor combined for 64 yards rushing on 18 carries while Mallett threw a pair of interceptions. They did show some spunk fighting back from a 17-0 deficit to close within 23-21. The bottom line is that the Big Ten title is still determined by their trip to Ohio State this week. That’s the time to put everyone on the field and fire all the guns. (23, 23, 22, 21)

 

 

 

#26 (W) Illinois (8-3): If not for a tough loss at Iowa this team might be an Ohio State win over Michigan away from winning the Big Ten. They have quietly gone about their business all season, and now a 40-34 opening loss to Missouri is starting to look pretty impressive considering what the Tigers have done since. Going to Ohio State and taking away their national title hopes was huge. They did so by playing a clean game. No turnovers, 1 penalty and 1 sack allowed while going 8/17 on third down. They intercepted Boeckman 3 times to ruin his Heisman dream and chewed up 14:20 off the clock while running 26 plays over their final two possessions. A 10 win season would be quite an accomplishment for Ron Zook’s team. (20, 21, 20, 19)

 

 

 

#27 (W) Penn State (8-3): There isn’t much to do against a bad team like Temple except shut them out which the Nittany Lions did. Kinlaw piled up 168 yards on 27 carries while the defense held the Owls to 3/14 on third down with 242 total yards. There really isn’t much else to say. Now the task is to win at Michigan State as they jockey for bowl position against a Spartan team coming off a big victory. (26, 22, 25, 26)

 

 

 

#28 (17) Auburn (7-4): This team really sputtered at the start of the season, but had played very well since opening up 1-2. Then they went to Georgia this week and for almost three quarters it was looking pretty good. At that point the Bulldogs simply took over. Auburn was totally stuffed on their final five drives covering -3, -4, 0, 36 and 0 yards with three Cox interceptions during that span. Meanwhile the defense allowed 235 yards during four consecutive touchdown drives. Now comes an ideal time for a week off as they prepare for rival Alabama with both teams trying to post a winning record in SEC play. (27, 28, 27, 28)

 

 

 

#29 (W) Wisconsin (8-3): They were clearly the team taking the game more seriously and it showed from the outset. Over the first three quarters they were driving the ball consistently as they built the lead. After that it was just a matter of holding on. In Hill’s absence Brown filled in nicely with 27 carries for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Donovan completed 13 of his 14 passes to either Hubbard or Beckum, but they were both over 100 yards with some big plays. Next up is conference doormat Minnesota and with a bowl victory this could be a 10 win team. (24, 24, 23, 25)

 

 

 

#30 (19) California (6-4): I was surprised I couldn’t find another team to rank here. Alabama had less impressive wins (both beat Tennessee, Cal beat Oregon while the Tide beat Arkansas). Speaking of the Razorbacks they were just blown out by Tennessee. One thing Cal has going for them is never being routed. Their losses are by 3, 9, 11 and 7 points playing in a quality conference. They were in all of their games and definitely had an opportunity to beat USC. However, Longshore just hasn’t been the same since getting hurt late in the Oregon win. In his first five games he had 6 touchdowns against 2 interceptions. The four games since he has another 5 touchdowns, but 8 interceptions. This week he turned it over 3 times including twice in the final 7 minutes. Forsett kept them alive with 209 total yards. Now they hit the road against bottom feeding Washington and Stanford. (30, 33, 29, NR)

 

 

 

Dropped Out:

#24 Alabama (34, NR, 34, NR)

#28 Arkansas (32, 30, NR, NR)

#29 Wake Forest (NR, NR, NR, NR)