FBS Rankings: Oct. 20

By Nate Sandstrom

I thought Texas was ripe for a fall this weekend, but boy was I wrong. The Horns' 8-touchdown showcase in a 56-31 romp over Mizzou has me moving them over Penn State this week.

I still have the Lions #2 ahead of Alabama, who for the second straight week held on for a narrow victory. Still, an SEC win is an SEC win so that keeps the Tide at #3.

Now the biggest question will be what would happen if my #4 Oklahoma State (#6 BCS) were to upset the 'Horns in Austin, though that doesn't seem likely to happen.

Elsewhere in the poll, Ohio State jumps back into the rankings after demolishing Michigan State. Meanwhile, Tulsa may be looking for a BCS bid as they move up the rankings; however, they also need Utah to lose in the Mountain West.

1. Texas (7-0, 2). Won the biggest game of the week back-to-back. Now for one more.
2. Penn State (8-0, 1). Need a big win over suddenly resurgent Buckeyes this week.
3. Alabama (7-0, 3). Should still be able to handle Vols on Saturday, who come off best game.
4. Oklahoma St. (7-0, 4). Have confidence to beat Texas, but not sure about talent.
5. Oklahoma (6-1, 5). Actually fourth in Big 12 South standings.
6. Florida (6-1, 6). Tebow looks to keep last breakout game going.
7. Georgia (6-1, 8). Next two weeks (at LSU, vs. Florida) will decide title hopes.
8. LSU (5-1, 9). Loads of talent but no easy wins since mid-Septemer.
9. USC (5-1, 10). Still in BCS race with SEC and Big 12 teams playing each other.
10. Texas Tech (7-0, 11). You have to give them credit for wining.
11. Utah (8-0, 15). This may not last; have to beat TCU and BYU still.
12. Missouri (5-2, 7). Will still get to Big 12 title game.
13. Pittsburgh (5-1, 20). Opening loss to Bowling Green cost them a spot in the Top 10.
14. Ohio State (7-1, NR). Looked like Ohio State of old for first time all year. Now get Penn St.
15. Tulsa (7-0, 16). Tulsa just scored on UTEP again.
16. Boise State (6-0, 17). Wish they were playing one more BCS team to get a gauge.
17. Ball State (7-0, 18). MAC West may be better than half of Big Ten.
18. South Florida (6-1, 21). Selvie's back, but Bulls now need Pitt to lose.
19. Vanderbilt (5-2, 23). Move up via good effort at Gerogia.
20. Sotuh Carolina (5-3, 24). Replace Ole Miss as best 3-loss team in nation.
21. Kansas (5-2, 22). Played better than I expected at Oklahoma.
22. Boston College (5-1, NR). How does this team always win?
23. Cincinnati (5-1, NR). Only loss is Oklahoma, can backup QB keep them in it?
24. TCU (7-1, NR). Showed BYU who was better 3-letter school.
25. Kentucky (5-2, NR). Underrated, stout defense keeps them competing against anyone.

Other rankings.