Top 25 Rankings — Oct. 13

By Nate Sandstrom
Well, this was the first weekend where the national championship race has really begun taking shape. If either Penn State, Texas or Alabama finish undefeated they should have a go chance of going to the national title game. I consider all three essentially tied for #1, but Penn State's continued dominance of their opponents gets them the top spot.

Meanwhile, my #4, Oklahoma State, got jobbed in the national polls. They are at #8 in the AP and #10 in the USA Today despite winning on the road at #3 Missouri. They honestly might have had a better win than Texas. Another victim of not having pre-season hype. Texas Tech barely got past Nebraska at home, yet remain ahead of the Cowboys in both polls.

The rest of the rankings (record, previous rank):

1. Penn State (7-0, 5). Easiest road of all contenders the rest of the way.
2. Texas (6-0, 6). Little time to celebrate as their next 3 against Mizzou, Ok. St. and Tex. Tech.
3. Alabama (6-0, 2). Tide get leaped by virtue of UGa. barely beating Tennessee.
4. Oklahoma St. (6-0, 4). Will Mike Gundy blame the media when they finally lose? He's 41.
5. Oklahoma (5-1, 1). Can get right back in it if they run the table in stacked Big 12.
6. Florida (5-1, 11). Tebow finally gets it going.
7. Missouri (5-1, 3). Win at Texas would put them right back in title contention.
8. Georgia (5-1, 10). You'd like to see them blow somebody out before the really move up.
9. LSU (4-1, 4). Followed losses last year with near losses.
10. USC (4-1, 9). Still have another loss in them.
11. Texas Tech (6-0, 7). Overtime win vs. Nebraska only slightly better than loss.
12. BYU (6-0, 14). Thursday trip to TCU will be key to national opinion of Cougars.
13. California (4-1, 20). Undefeated in Pacific Time Zone.
14. Michigan State (6-1, 22). Smelling Roses in East Lansing.
15. Utah (7-0, 15). They beat Oregon St. and USC didn't; beat Mich. by less than Toledo did.
16. Tulsa (6-0, 16). Easy schedule, yes. Better than last year Hawaii though.
17. Boise State (5-0, 17). Outside shot at BCS still.
18. Ball State (7-0, 18). All games in November on national TV; could help Cards move up.
19. Virginia Tech (5-1, 19). Top 10 without ECU loss.
20. Pitt (4-1, 21). Control destiny for BCS bid.
21. S. Florida (5-1, 23). Will they collapse following a loss like last year?
22. Kansas (5-1, 24). Should start trying in the first quarter too.
23. Vanderbilt (5-1, 8). They can't finish 5-7, right?
24. South Carolina (5-2, 25). May be Tiger food in LSU's rebound- game this week.
25. North Carolina (5-1, NR). QB injury against VT cost them shot at undefeated season, and maybe division title.