Final Top 25 poll

By Nate Sandstrom

Another college football season is in the books and overall I rate it unspectacular in comparison with some recent years. Maybe that's partly because I've never been an avid follower of the Big 12 South or the SEC and those two divisions/conferences were involved in the biggest games each Saturday this season.

I think the greatest moment is probably Michael Crabtree's catch over Texas that cost the 'Horns a shot at a national title. Other moments/points I will always remember were Ole Miss stopping Tim Tebow on a fourth and one to preserve an upset, Georgia Tech gashing Georgia's defense in third quarter of that rivalry game, that tipped Allen Everidge interception that Michigan ran back for a TD (which began the Badgers' lost season), how awful the Clemson offense was in the season opener agaist Alabama and Pittsburgh stopping West Virginia's final drive to win the Backyard Brawl for the second straight year.

Last but certainly not least is the way in which Utah sliced Alabama's defense on their first drive in the Sugar Bowl and cruised to a 21-0 lead. I was so impressed with the win, which I essentially count as a road game, that I am joining 16 other AP writers in putting the Utes #1.

For all the teeth-nashing about not having a college football playoff, this is only the second time I remember ranking a team #1 that did not get a share of the national title (1994 Penn State is the other).

I'm still not going to yell for a playoff, but if something playoff-like is installed, here's what I would like to see:

Play all bowl games as normal, and make sure they are all done by New Year's Day (there were only like five New Year's game this year, it was awful). Then select four teams that won their bowl games and have a mini-playoff. It would still be done by Jan. 15, before spring semester begins at most schools.

For what it is (or isn't) worth, here are my final rankings (W-L, pvs rank):
1) Utah (13-0, 10). Most impressive of any of the BCS teams in their bowl game.
2) Florida (12-1, 1). Clutch takeaways give Gators official title.
3) USC (12-1, 5). Also a dominating bowl performance, but it was a home game.
4) Texas (12-1, 3). McCoy should've been Heisman; led another clutch drive in Fiesta Bowl.
5) Oklahoma (12-2, 2). You can't get inside the six twice and come away with no points.
6) Alabama (12-2, 4). #1 rankings seems like a long time ago.
7) TCU (11-2, 14). Knocks Boise from ranks of undefeated and came closest to beating Utah.
8) Boise State (12-1, 8). Another great year, including win at Oregon.
9) Penn State (11-2, 6). What if Iowa missed that kick and PSU's secondary was in title game?
10) Ohio State (10-3, 9). Think Bucks are looking forward to hosting USC next Sept.?
11) Texas Tech (11-2, 7). Disappointing Cotton Bowl, but at least they've kept their coach.
12) Oregon (10-3, 13). Just another 10-win season in Eugene.
13) Georgia (10-3, 16). Despite rocky times, end their season with a New Year's win.
14) Mississippi (9-4, 17). Beat Florida, Texas Tech and LSU in banner year.
15) Oklahoma State (9-4, 11). A young team that will try to avoid step back next year.
16) Virginia Tech (10-4, 23). At least they snapped ACC's 8-game BCS losing streak.
17) Cincinnati (11-3, 12). Wish they could have that Orange Bowl over.
18) Oregon State (9-4, 21). Three losses to teams in my Top 12.
19) Pittsburgh (9-4, 19). Bowl game shutout a sour end.
20) Iowa (9-4, 20). May have been best team in the Big Ten.
21) California (9-4, NR). Good season in what could have been a down year.
22) Missouri (10-4, NR). Second straight year with double-digit wins, but still underacheived.
23) Nebraska (9-4, NR). Maybe there is a 'D' in Lincoln.
24) LSU (8-5, NR). Peach, er, Chik-Fil-A bowl provides some redemption.
25) Georgia Tech (9-4, 15). Despite blowout bowl loss, Paul Johnson led Jackets to a great year.

Now, with 2008 in the books, we can all look to 2009. NationalChamps.net, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and SI.com already give you a look — and it's about the same as this year.

Final regular season rankings

By Nate Sandstrom

For all the gnashing of teeth about Texas, I think the BCS has done its self-declared job of putting the two teams that have had the best seasons in a bowl game against each other. I hope others are impressed that Oklahoma is the first team in 79 years to score 60 points in six straight games.

The bigger snub is Boise State getting passed over, I'd have put them ahead of Utah and Ohio State. Oh well, they will get to play in one of the best bowl season match-ups when they take on TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl on Dec. 23 in San Diego (get out of work early, kickoff is at 5.)

I would also like to take the time to ask how BYU is #17 in the AP poll. Their best win is Air Force, and they were beat comfortably by Utah and waxed by TCU.

My final regular season rankings:
1. Florida (12-1, 2). Even when they're off they win by double-digits.
2. Oklahoma (12-1, 3). A loss here and they start to be categorized as chokers like the Buckeyes.
3. Texas (12-1, 4). Hope they don't spend so much time crying that they lose to Ohio State.
4. Alabama (12-1, 1). Pretty-much guaranteed preseason #1 next year, right?
5. USC (11-1, 5). Too bad for them no Pac-10 wins were valuable.
6. Penn State (11-1,6). Big Ten team with no athletes. Sure.
7. Texas Tech (11-1, 7). Only team to beat Texas gets only team to beat Florida.
8. Boise State (12-0, 8). Keep racking up undefeated seasons.
9. Ohio State (10-2, 9). Top 10 even in down year.
10. Utah (12-0, 10). Should fare better in Sugar Bowl than Hawaii last year, but how much?
11. Oklahoma St. (9-3, 11). Could be next year's Texas Tech.
12. Cincinnati (11-2, 13). Quietest 11-win season in a while.
13. Oregon (9-3, 14). Late rally has Ducks on verge of another 10-win season.
14. TCU (10-2, 15). Should get more national respect.
15. Georgia Tech (9-3, 16). Where do they go from here?
16. Georgia (9-3, 17). Hope they are recruiting a defense.
17. Mississippi (8-4, 18). Imagine if they had won the Wake and Vanderbilt games?
18. Michigan State (9-3, 19). And we've now reached the lowest tier of ranked teams.
19. Pittsburgh (9-3, 20). Shady McCoy nearly a Heisman candidate.
20. Iowa (8-4, 21). Speaking of Heisman candidate RB's, what about Shonn Green?
21. Oregon St. (8-4, 23). Great at screwing USC.
22. Northwestern (9-3, 25). And I had So. Illinois upsetting them before the year.
23. Virginia Tech (9-4, NR). Somehow, emerged as ACC Champ again.
24. Ball State (12-1, 12). Turnovers are killer.
25. Boston College (9-4, 24). Keep beating expectations.

Top 25 Rankings

By Nate Sandstrom

So this week's complaint fest about the BCS is focused on whether Texas or Oklahoma should be ahead. I can see both sides, but if you ask me, I favor Oklahoma.

I know the main argument for taking Texas is that they beat Oklahoma head-to-head. But I don't see why that's a more valid argument than saying Texas Tech beat Texas so they should be ahead of the Longhorns (which I also don't believe).

In college football every game counts, and I think Oklahoma has the more impressive resume. They've beaten four of my top 15 teams — Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati and TCU – by 20 points or more. Texas has beaten two of those teams — Oklahoma and Oklahoma State — by 10 and 7, respectively.

That's my reasoning; if you can come up with a better argument, let me hear it.

Of course, all this may be irrelevant. If Florida and Alabama play a tight, crisp 60-minute game, couldn't computer strength keep them 1-2 and set up a rematch? Not likely, but we'll see.

In other BCS-related notes, I moved up Boise State ahead of Utah this week. The move is in part because of the way they crushed a disappointing Fresno State team, but has more to do with the fact that the win at Oregon looks even better after they trashed Oregon State in the Civil War on Saturday. I would like to see both Boise and Utah get into BCS games, but that seems pretty unlikely.

What I'd like to see, assuming Florida, Oklahoma and Boston College win on Saturday.

BCS Championship: Florida vs. Oklahoma
Orange Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Boston College
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Boise State
Rose Bowl: USC vs. Penn State
Fiesta Bowl: Utah vs. Texas

Finally, here's my end of November ballot.

Team (W-L, Last Week)
1. Alabama (12-0, 1). Combined with Auburn's suckiness, '08 a great season in Tide history.
2. Florida (11-1, 2). If Gators beat Alabama, they may challenge the Detroit Lions next.
3. Oklahoma (11-1, 3). See above.
4. Texas (11-1, 4). Hoping for a repeat of the 2003 Big 12 Title Game.
5. USC (10-1, 5). Hoping to avoid a repeat of 2006.
6. Penn State (11-1, 6). Enjoyed Thanksgiving at home while all these other suckers were playing.
7. Texas Tech (11-1, 7). Despite Oklahoma game, a great season for Raiders.
8. Boise State (12-0, 11). Would be interesting to see them join the Pac-10 (The Big Ten has 11!).
9. Ohio State (10-2, 9). Good finish, considering they were trailing Wisconsin in 4Q on Oct. 4.
10. Utah (12-0, 10). Utes are probably booking their Fiesta Bowl flight.
11. Oklahoma St. (9-3, 8). Wishing they were in Big 12 North.
12. Ball State (12-0, 13). Great season, but hurt by no marquis wins.
13. Cincinnati (10-2, 16). May have done so well that they lose Coach Kelly.
14. Oregon (9-3, 22). Second straight year of QB injuries may have cost them BCS again.
15. TCU (10-2, 14). Utah game will haunt them, but should take pride in great year.
16. Georgia Tech (9-3, 23). I'm leaning toward Paul Johnson as Coach of the Year.
17. Georgia (9-3, 15). Not their fault they were ranked #1.
18. Mississippi (8-4, 18). Think Houston Nutt is smiling down the standings at Arkansas?
19. Michigan St. (9-3, 19). Javon Ringer can use the time off before the bowl.
20. Pittsburgh (8-3, 20). Another big Backyard Brawl win.
21. Iowa (8-4, 21). This season could have been so much more for Hawks.
22. Missouri (9-3, 12). Most resented team in country right now.
23. Oregon St. (8-4, 16). Didn't expect Rogers to make THAT much difference.
24. Boston College (9-3, 24). Keep beating ACC teams that allegedly out-recruit them.
25. Northwestern (9-3, NR). Finally, I've put Northwestern in the poll. Now they need to win their bowl game to make it a great season.

***Bonus picks for FCS playoff games (I went 6-2 in Round 1, missing on Cal Poly and Colgate)
James Madison over Villanova
Montana over Weber State
New Hampshire upsets Northern Iowa
Appalachian State over Richmond

Top 25 FBS Rankings: Nov. 17

By Nate Sandstrom

So, this past weekend may go down as one of the most uneventful ones in the history of November college football. There's virtually no change in the Top 25 in any of the major polls, especially at the top.

Probably the most eventful part of the weekend was ACC action. Boston College upset Florida State in their hideous all-black uniforms, keeping the Eagles' and Terps' (who converted a fourth-down late in the game to knock off UNC) hopes of winning the ACC Atlantic alive. Four teams can still win the division, and they all play each other this Saturday. Florida State (4-3 ACC) is at Maryland (4-2 ACC) and Wake Forest (4-3 ACC) takes on Boston College (3-3 ACC). Maryland can clinch with a win and Boston College loss; Wake can clinch with a win and a Maryland loss; if Maryland and Boston College both win they will play next week for the title.

In the Coastal, Miami took the division lead at 4-2, though everyone else but Duke is either 4-3 or 3-3 so there's much to be decided here.

I'll have more on the conference races on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, my Top 25 ballot this week.

Team (W-L, last week)
1. Texas Tech (10-0, 1). My top team, even though Coach Leach is still playing the underdog.
2. Alabama (11-0, 2). Has there been a quieter run to #1 in the BCS by any other team ever?
3. Florida (9-1, 3). If not for illegal blocked XP against Miss, they are #1.
4. Texas (10-1, 4). At least the computers like them better than Florida.
5. Oklahoma (9-1, 5). Will wins over TT and OSU vault them up BCS rankings? Probably.
6. USC (9-1, 6). Can you go to the title game without winning your conference? Ask Georgia.
7. Penn State (10-1, 7). A big win over Spartans would go a long way to finishing in Top 5.
8. Oklahoma St. (9-2, 8). Think these guys can't wait to face Oklahoma in two weeks?
9. Ohio State (9-2, 9). OSU tries to break largest margin win over UM this week (38-0, 1934).
10. Utah (11-0, 10). Just needs win vs. BYU and BCS bid is theirs.
11. Boise State (10-0, 12). Bet Boise would love a shot at the Utes.
12. Missouri (9-2, 13). Lucky they play in Big 12 North, unlucky to play South winner in Dec.
13. Ball State (10-0, 15). I think Cards could play with some of these teams above them.
14. TCU (9-2, 16). Oh, to have the last 5:00 of that Utah game back.
15. Georgia (9-2, 11). Fortunate to be 9-2.
16. LSU (7-3, 14). Even down 31-3, you had to know they'd come back.
17. Michigan St. (9-2, 19). Penn State game will define their season.
18. Oregon St. (7-3, 22). Really wish the first two were exhibition games.
19. Cincinnati (8-2, 21). Quietly having one of the best storybook seasons.
20. Pitt (7-2, 24). Can Pitt avoid any more stinkers this year?
21. BYU (10-1, 23). Nice win over Air Force on Saturday.
22. Iowa (7-4, 25). Still looking for New Year's bowl bid.
23. Miami (7-3, NR). Welcome back 'Canes; now can you stay in the rankings?
24. Vanderbilt (6-4, NR). Good chance to rebound from mid-season swoon.
25. Oregon (8-3, NR). Can still finish with 10 wins despite injury-plagued year.

FBS Top 25 and the week ahead

By Nate Sandstrom

It looks like the story of the weekend for much of the national media was "Thank God Penn State lost so they are not in the national title game because they are from the Big Ten and therefore suck." They say that they played no one but cream puffs (I guess beating a team that beat USC, Oregon St., by 31 is nothing). On Fox Sports this morning, Craig Shemon was complaining because they "only" fell to seventh (without saying who they would fall behind).

Yeah, Penn State hasn't blown people away in recent weeks, but they are still a good team that can compete with everybody. I'm betting they show that in their bowl game, especially if they draw Oregon State, which controls their own destiny (more on this below).

Meanwhile, I keep Texas Tech in the top spot, mostly because Alabama's early season wins over teams like Clemson and Georgia look less impressive each week. Not that it matters because we essentially have a Final Four over the next month with Oklahoma getting a shot at the Red Raiders and Alabama and Florida now officially slated to meet in the SEC Title Game. With that out of the way, my new Top 25 Poll:

(W-L, previous rank)
1. Texas Tech (10-0, 1). Who was that team wearing TT helmets that held an opponent to 20?
2. Alabama (10-0, 2). Still undefeated, but they've been interesting lately.
3. Florida (8-1, 4). Clear #1 if Tebow converts that 4th&1 vs. Ole Miss.
4. Texas (9-1, 5). Scoreboard watching now.
5. Oklahoma (9-1, 7). Sooners still have great shot at Top 2 spot.
6. USC (8-1, 8). Trojans look for revenge at Stanford this week.
7. Penn State (9-1, 3). Still a top-flight team, whether or not anyone else believes.
8. Oklahoma St. (8-2, 6). Last week was a bad loss for a good young team.
9. Ohio State (8-2, 9). As good as they are now, the season ended at USC.
10. Utah (10-0, 11). Magical kind of season.
11. Georgia (8-2, 10). Why was this team preseason #1?
12. Boise State (9-0, 13). Will benefit in BCS picks because of two years ago, but shouldn't.
13. Missouri (8-2, 14). Should they even bother to show up to Big 12 Title game?
14. LSU (6-3, 15). Jealous much? "We want you back Saban!"
15. Ball State (9-0, 16). Watch them destroy Miami on Tuesday.
16. TCU (9-2, 12). Led against Utah for like 59 minutes on Thursday.
17. South Carolina (7-3, 17). Spurrier heads back to the Swamp. Hope he has a K this time.
18. North Carolina (7-2, 20). Will talk about Coach Davis moving elsewhere derail great season?
19. Michigan State (9-2, 19). Can they ever blow out a team?
20. Florida State (7-2, 25). Most overlooked 7-2 FSU team in years.
21. Cincinnati (7-2, NR). Who's Ben Mauck?
22. Oregon State (6-3, NR). Two of three losses to Top 10 teams.
23. BYU (9-1, NR). Still have a shot to ruin Utes season.
24. Pitt (7-2, NR). Off for a week before heading to Cincy, hosting WV in BCS bid.
25. Iowa (6-4, NR). Four losses by a combined 12 points.


A closer look within the conferences:
SEC -- Florida and Alabama wrapped up their respective divisons this week, but I don't expect either team to suffer from look-aheads. The Gators certainly have the tougher road with a visit from the Ol' Ball Coach this weekend and will have to travel to Tallahassee on the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Alabama gets Miss. State and Auburn at home, although the Tigers will be eager to keep their salvage their season by keeping their win streak going against the Tide.

Georgia beat LSU, and LSU beat South Carolina so they appear to have the 3 and 4 spots for bowl bids in the conference lined up without an upset. I think South Carolina still has a shot at playing on New Year's as long as they beat Clemson.

Meanwhile, an AP article reports witnesses linking SEC smack talk to murder.

Big Ten -- It's a three-team race for the Big Ten BCS bid, although Michigan State seems to have the longest shot as they need not only to top Penn State in East Lansing in two weeks but also have Ohio State lose either at Illinois or vs. Michigan.

The Buckeyes will be looking for revenge in Champaign this weekend, but who knows which version of the offense will show up? Ditto for the Illini, who seem to live and die by how many times Juice Williams gives the ball away.

Penn State just needs to win to take the title, and expect them to do so. Iowa probably now has the inside track for the conference's fourth bowl spot, but they've been so up-and-down recently that they may lose at Minnesota if Eric Decker is healthy for the Gophers.

Big 12 -- The most exciting division in college football sure has plenty of great match-ups left ahead of them. Oklahoma State was officially eliminated this weekend, but they still will have a chance to upset Oklahoma on Nov. 29. That's a week after Oklahoma hosts Texas Tech in a bid to take the division. Meanwhile, the Horns just need to beat Kansas and A&M and hope the other three beat each other.

Meanwhile, Missouri clinches the North with a win this weekend over Iowa State, who has lost eight straight, including their 0-6 conference record.

ACC -- Hard to say this division is any clearer after the past weekend, although I am definitely eyeballing the possibility of being in College Park for Florida State's trip to Maryland in two weekends. No one in the Atlantic is better than 4-2, while no one in the Coastal is better than 3-2, although I think Florida State and North Carolina has emerged as the best team in each respective divison. But we know from this season who is the ACC favorite changes quickly. One thing's for sure, it's not Clemson. How's that coaching change working out? (Hint: they were eliminated from division contention after losing in the Bowden Bowl, er, Florida St. game).

Pac-10 -- USC may be recognized as the best team in the conference, yet is Oregon State who controls its own Rose Bowl destiny. By virtue of the Beavers' win over USC, OSU (5-1 in conference) can get the Rose Bowl bid if they beat Cal at home, win at Arizona and finish the year with a home win in their Civil War with the Ducks. It will be a tough road, but I'll be rooting for them. Remember last year's argument about how Georgia was the best team in the country, even though they didn't win their conference? Wouldn't that be fun to see again.

Meanwhile, if the Trojans have only Stanford, Notre Dame and UCLA left. I know they lost to Stanford last year and UCLA in '06, but I wouldn't be too concerned if I was (though I never could be) a Trojans fan.

Big East -- What an upset by Cincinnati, last weekend, though watching the line all week it looked like some people were certainly betting on it. The win is also significant because it sets up a round-robin like tournament in the last few weeks in the race for the Big East Championship. West Virginia, Pitt and Cincinnati are all 3-1. Pitt is off this week before going to Cincy on the 22nd and hosting W. Virginia on the 29th.

Remember when Rutgers started the season 1-5? Well, they're now 3-2 with a win over Pitt, so they will be hoping the three front-runners fall victim to upsets and they can sneak a share of the title.

Mountain West -- Speaking of great finishes, check out the last two weeks in the Rockies:

First, the standings:
1. Utah 6-0
2. TCU 6-1
3. BYU 5-1
4. Air Force 5-1

Now, the schedule:

This weekend:
BYU at Air Force
Utah at San Diego St.

Next weekend:
Air Force at TCU
BYU at Utah

Check your listings to see if you get Mountain West's network. I've watched two late-night Saturday games on it already.

WAC -- Boise State can officialluy clinch the conference title with a win at Idaho combined with a Nevada loss vs. San Jose State. However, if Nevada holds on, they will host Boise with a chance to keep their bid a live the following week.

Since we mentioned Rutgers' turnaround above, we should probably mention that the team that beat them opening day. Fresno State, once ranked, gave up 472 rushing yards to Nevada last week and fell to 2-3 in conference and 5-4 overall.

Conference USA -- Tulsa had the week off after a disappointing loss at Arkansas ended their perfect season. They have no more time to sulk, as they head to Houston and Marshall, both still alive for CUSA bids in two of their final three.

Marshall has a tougher road to climb after a heart-breaking OT loss at division-leading East Carolina on Saturday. Most of the teams still have three conference games left so there's a lot yet to be decided.

The biggest game this weekend is Tulsa at Houston. A Cougars win would create a three-way tie at the top of CUSA West with Rice joining these two teams at 5-1. Tulsa already beat Rice, who is off this week, so a win here would almost wrap-up division.

MAC -- Ball State continues its attempt to become the first MAC BCS team Tuesday night at Miami. But their real battle is the next two, as they must head to Central Michigan, who also is 5-0 in the MAC West next week. Then they host Western Michigan, which is still technically alive for a MAC West bid at 5-1, but needs help.

In the MAC East things are wide open with Buffalo, Akron and Bowling Green at 3-2 and Temple at 2-3; however, whoever wins this thing isn't likely to beat the West champ.

Sun Belt -- The winner of the conference will probably be decided in two weeks when 4-1 Troy hosts surprising 4-0 Louisiana-Lafayette in two weeks.

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.

FCS Top 25 — Oct. 6, 2008

By Nate Sandstrom

This weekend was quite filled with upset story lines of the last one, especially since the biggest impact upset happened Thursday when Pitt went to South Florida and killed the Bulls hopes of a national title game appearance.

I didn't get to watch a ton of football Saturday as I was in Madison for Ohio State-Wisconsin. A good game overall, although I think by the end of the season neither of these teams may be ranked. I have to admit that after Wisconsin CB Allen Langford picked off a pass on OSU's second drive I thought the Badgers had it. The 20-17 defeat was Coach Beilema's first home loss as a head coach (third year).

It was also the first time in like 40 years that the band wasn't there as well and it was weird. Half of going to college games is the ceremony, the pomp and circumstance. It's still not determined if they will be back for this week's game against Penn State, also in prime time but apparently moved from ABC to ESPN.

For-now starting QB is apparently on a short leash. Good, says this Badgers fan.

Before I headed out to tailgate I also caught parts of Indiana at Minnesota, Iowa at Michigan State, Kansas at Iowa State and Penn State at Purdue. Late night, I saw Fresno blow a home game to Hawaii. Quick thoughts:

• Minnesota is just one win from bowl-eligibility after winning a sloppy game against the Hoosiers. Coming off a 1-11 season it's good progress for second-year coach Tim Brewster; however, there will be no easy win for them the rest of the way as they go to Illinois, Purdue and Wisconsin and host Northwestern, Michigan and Iowa. Still, they should get one of those to get to 6-6.

• Going into the season I thought Indiana junior QB Kellen Lewis was an NFL prospect. Saturday, he was splitting time with sophomore Ben Chappell. He also had a key fumble. It may be a long year for the Hoosiers.

• Iowa State reversed their usual style of starting slow and jumped out to a 20-0 lead on Kansas at the half. They then played their usual first-half swiss cheese defense in the second half rather than the first as Kansas came back for a 35-33 win. This game, combined with S. Florida's loss, has Kansas dropping way down in my poll.

• All right. It's 4th and 1 on your opponents 21 with 2:16 left. You can tie the game with a field goal, completing a 13-point rally. Kirk Ferentz went for it. Was stuffed. And Iowa had lost three straight. By a combined nine points. Short sentences are annoying.

I was saying kick it and go to OT, but Ferentz apparently got a vote of confidence today, so I guess he will be out by the end of the year. Don't expect him to get a job handicapping, the Hawks will still be favored at Indiana.

• Penn State looked sloppy in their 20-6 win, but I have a feeling they will step it up in Madison this weekend.

• Fresno State's resume looks a little worse each week. The opening win at Rutgers and a narrow home loss to Wisconsin looked good in mid-September. It doesn't look so great now, especially after getting taken to 3OT by Toledo, scraping out a win at UCLA and losing at home to previously 1-3 Hawaii.

Now this week's FCS Top 25: (W-L, last week's rank)
1. Oklahoma (5-0, 1). Making their schedule look easier than it is.
2. Alabama (6-0, 2). Avoided dangerous trap door game, so props for that.
3. Missouri (5-0, 3). Broke 50 in four of five games now.
4. LSU (4-0, 4). When are these guys going to play?
5. Penn State (6-0, 5). Rest of conference may drag down terrific team.
6. Texas (5-0, 6). Colt McCoy is more accurate than Tom Brady.
7. Texas Tech (5-0, 7). Will look to score 200 over next 3 games before Longhorns.
8. Vanderbilt (5-0, 11). Can't debate the resume, although this story will end badly by Nov.
9. USC (3-1, 12). No game left on their schedule to vault them pass SEC/Big 12 Champs.
10. Georgia (4-1, 10). Right team, wrong schedule.
11. Florida (4-1, 14). Hate to move them up after they piled meaningless points on Arkansas late.
12. Oklahoma St. (5-0, 20). Don't write them off, even if they lose to Missouri.
13. Auburn (4-2, 15). Does Jason Campbell have eligibility left?
14. BYU (5-0, 16). Overrated nationally, but could win a BCS Bowl on the right night.
15. Utah (6-0, 17). Based on Org. St., should be ahead of USC. But Utah plays too many too close.
16. Tulsa (5-0, 18). This year's Hawaii with a better offense.
17. Boise St. (4-0, 19). Win over Oregon doesn't look as good as it did two weeks ago.
18. Ball State (6-0, 21). Make a joke. This team is legit.
19. Virginia Tech (5-1, 22). Being reminded that every game counts, even ECU.
20. California (4-1, 24). Stupid early-game loss at Maryland. Maybe they should cry too.
21. Pitt (4-1, NR). Now that they're ranked again, they'll probably lose again.
22. Michigan State (5-1, 25). Positioning themselves for New Year's Day Bowl.
23. South Florida (5-1, 8). Need a healthy Selvie.
24. Kansas (4-1, 9). Don't often drop teams who win by 15, but see above Iowa St. comments.
25. South Carolina (4-2, NR). Big win over Miss with big plays on defense.

FCS rankings on the sidebar.

FCS Top 25 Rankings

By Nate Sandstrom
I know these are a day late, but I haven't had such a hard time coming up with rankings in a long time. It kind of points to how worthless these early polls are. That said, I think there are now eight front-runners for the national title.

Among them, four are in the Big 12 and have to play each other. LSU and Alabama also have to play each other and will have to face sleeper Ole Miss. Meanwhile, Penn State has to play Wisconsin and Ohio State on the road, but I think they are better than both. South Florida probably has the easiest road right now but they have to play at West Virginia in December and that won't be easy. So maybe my preseason pick of no undefeated teams will hold.

Here's this week's poll.

1. Oklahoma (4-0). Should've been #1 even before USC lost.
2. Alabama (5-0). Will young team keep its focus through November?
3. Missouri (4-0). Glad to be off on a weekend when most of the top teams were getting beat.
4. LSU (4-0). Just once, one of Les Miles' crazy calls has to burn him.
5. Penn State (5-0). Got a win on a night when Illinois brought their A game.
6. Texas (4-0). As under the radar as a Texas team has been in a while.
7. Texas Tech (4-0). Maybe benefitting from high early ranking.
8. South Florida (5-0). Need to increase margin of victory in some of these games.
9. Kansas (3-1). Can get back in it by virtue of playing in Big 12.
10. Georgia (4-1). Insert blackout joke here.
11. Vanderbilt (4-0). Hey, until someone beats them, why not?
12. USC (2-1). I don't want to put them this high, but hard to get a read on them now.
13. Ole Miss (3-2). A few points away from 5-0 with wins over three ranked teams.
14. Florida (3-1). What happened to Tim Tebow?
15. Auburn (4-1). Keep winning, but keeping looking worse in my book.
16. BYU (4-0). One-point win over Washington will come back to hurt them.
17. Utah (5-0). Win over Michigan looks better after Wisconsin loss there.
18. Tulsa (4-0). Just watch this scoring machine one time, it's fun.
19. Boise State (3-0). Will keep cheering for Oregon.
20. Oklahoma St. (4-0). Hey Gundy, you're 20!
21. Ball State (5-0). Maybe Coach Hoke can get on Letterman.
22. Wake Forest (3-1). Tough let down loss to Navy.
23. Virginia Tech (4-1). If they keep winning, they can get back in the Top 10.
24. California (3-1). Ummm, sorry Maryland fans, but in the end Terps only won by 5 at home.
25. Michigan State (4-1). I can't only have one Big Ten team ranked, right?

Top 25 Rankings

Comments later. Maybe. Nate.

FBS:

1. Oklahoma (3-0)
2. USC (2-0)
3. Missouri (4-0)
4. Florida (4-0)
5. LSU (3-0)
6. Georgia (4-0)
7. Wisconsin (3-0)
8. Penn State (4-0)
9. Texas (3-0)
10. Texas Tech (4-0)
11. Alabama (4-0)
12. Auburn (3-1)
13. South Florida (4-0)
14. Kansas (3-1)
15. Wake Forest (3-0)
16. Vanderbilt (4-0)
17. BYU (4-0)
18. Utah (4-0)
19. Nebraska (3-0)
20. Tulsa (3-0)
21. Boise St. (3-1)
22. East Carolina (3-1)
23. Virginia Tech (3-1)
24. Oklahoma St. (3-0)
25. TCU (4-0)

FCS:
1. Montana (3-0)
2. Furman (3-1)
3. New Hampshire (3-0)
4. James Madison (3-1)
5. Northern Iowa (2-1)
6. McNeese State (1-1)
7. Richmond (3-1)
8. Appalachian State (1-2)
9. Cal Poly (2-1)
10. Elon (3-1)
11. Wofford (2-1)
12. South Dakota State (2-2)
13. Southern Illinois (1-1)
14. Eastern Washington (1-2)
15. Youngstown State (2-2)
16. Georgia Southern (2-2)
17. The Citadel (2-1)
18. Delaware (1-2)
19. Central Arkansas (3-0)
20. Hampton (3-1)
21. Masachusetts (2-2)
22. UC-Davis (1-3)
23. Western Illinois (2-2)
24. North Dakota State (2-2)
25. Northern Arizona (2-1)

Top 25 Rankings — Sept. 15; and a defense of the Big Ten

By Nate Sandstrom

So the conventional sports talk story that came out of the college football weekend was that the Big Ten doesn't have the athletes to compete with USC or any other big conference school.

Of course if you accept that as fact, how do you explain Michigan beating Florida in the Capital One Bowl last year? Or that Wisconsin has taken two of its last three against SEC teams? By the way, Penn State has won their past two bowl games vs. the SEC. Over the past three seasons, the Big Ten and SEC have split eight bowl games. Hardly a dominating SEC performance, even if they won the past two national title games.

As for USC, sure they have a good run of waxing Big Ten teams. But they have lit up pretty much everyone for the past six years, not just the Big Ten (remember when they beat Oklahoma 55-19 in the national title game?). The Trojans'run certainly doesn't make the Pac-10 necessarily better than the Big Ten. See: Penn State 45 Oregon State 14 a few weeks ago.

What I take from Saturday's USC laugher 35-3 route of OSU is that USC is very good and Ohio State may not be. I've dropped the Buckeyes completely from my Top 25. Is anyone certain they will beat Troy this week if Beanie Wells doesn't play? However, that shouldn't be an indictment on Wisconsin or Penn State or anyone else in the conference.

Here are my latest rankings:

Team (W-L, rank last week)

1. Oklahoma (3-0,1). Despite public perception, OU has probably played the better sked.
2. USC (2-0, 2). Defense was simply dominant. They're off again this week.
3. Missouri (3-0,3). Three straight with 50+.
4. Florida (2-0,4). Tennessee could provide Tebow his first breakout game this year.
5. Wisconsin (3-0, 10). Timely D + opponent's bad kicking = Best road win this season.
6. Auburn (3-0, 5). 3-2 baseball games are more exciting that last week was.
7. LSU (2-0, 6). Now head to Auburn for SEC West control in their conference opener.
8. Georgia (3-0, 7). Have to be underwhelmed by effort at SC.
9. Penn State (3-0, 9). Have played no one, but done so well.
10. Texas (2-0, 8). Low-profile for a Horns team off to fast start.
11. Texas Tech (3-0, 12). Should finally break 50 this weekend against UMass.
12. Alabama (3-0, 14). I can't believe Arkansas has gone so far w/o losing. Roll Tide.
13. South Florida (3-0, 17). Great comeback showed poise.
14. Kansas (2-1,18). I know they lost, but I feel better about them after USF game.
15. Oregon (3-0, 13). Purdue gives Duck early X-mas gift.
16. East Carolina (3-0, 15). Does Saturday's game mean Tulane is better than W. Va.?
17. Wake Forest (2-0, 21). Trip to Fla. St. this weekend for ACC Atlantic favorite.
18. Florida State (2-0, 22). Have yet to be a 1-A team.
19. Nebraska (3-0, 25). Now off to prep for Va. Tech's trip to Lincoln.
20. Vanderbilt (3-0, 23). Half-way to first bowl berth in 26 years.
21. BYU (3-0, NR). Imagine what they would do Tennessee.
22. Utah (3-0, NR). UNLV win looks better. Michigan win looks worse.
23. Oklahoma State (3-0, NR). 23rd in nation. 7th in Big 12.
24. Fresno State (1-1, NR). Tough loss. Lots of season left.
25. Northwestern (3-0, NR). Tyrell Sutton is back.

Meanwhile, in the FCS, that was a slight shake-up after North Dakota State squandered a 10-0 lead at Wyoming for a 13-10 loss. The big game that was to be McNeese St.-Cal Poly unfortunately was ppd. due to Ike. Here's the rest of the rankings.

1. Appalachian State
2. Montana
3. McNeese State
4. Wofford
5. New Hampshire
6. North Dakota State
7. Richmond
8. Delaware
9. Cal Poly
10. Northern Iowa
11. Georgia Southern
12. E. Washington
13. James Madison
14. Southern Illinois
15. Western Illinois
16. Massachusetts
17. Elon
18. The Citadel
19. Central Arkansas
20. South Dakota State
21. UC-Davis
22. Hampton
23. North Dakota
24. Villanova
25. Portland State

Nate's Top 25 polls FBS/FCS

By Nate Sandstrom

Added rankings for I-AA teams this week.

FBS Top 25 (W-L, Last week)
1. Oklahoma (2-0, 1). After Cincy win is West Coast trip to Seattle to face the Huskies.
2. USC (1-0, 3). One week prep time for Game of the Century vs. OSU can’t hurt.
3. Missouri (2-0, 5). Could close September with 200 points.
4. Florida (2-0, 6). Coach Meyer knows his spreads. Off week before visit to Rocky Top.
5. Auburn (2-0, 4). Will have revenge on mind after last year’s upset vs. Miss. State.
6. LSU (1-0, 7). Postponement could means no bye week later this year.
7. Georgia (1-0, 8). Now the meat of schedule with back-to-back trips to S.C. and Arizona St.
8. Texas (2-0, 11). I keep saying Arkansas will lose, but this week ‘Horns should do it.
9. Penn State (2-0, 16). Scoring like it’s 1994.
10. Wisconsin (2-0, 13). Can’t come out flat at giant-killing Fresno State.
11. Ohio State (2-0, 2). Let’s hope Saturday was a look-ahead situation.
12. Texas Tech (2-0, 10). Only 41.5 ppg? What’s happening in Lubbock?
13. Oregon (2-0, 15). No Stewart? No Dixon? No problem.
14. Alabama (2-0, 9). D looks strong and will want shut out v. W. Ky. this week.
15. East Carolina (2-0, 25). Probably the nation’s most impressive resume.
16. Cal (2-0, 24). Now an East Coast trip to Md. Call Middle Tennessee for advice.
17. South Florida (2-0, 12). Bulls survive. Big East looks waaaay down this year.
18. Kansas (2-0, 17). Flying under the radar before Friday showdown at Bulls.
19. Arizona (2-0, NR). Scored 34 or more in 5 of 6 going back to last year.
20. Virginia Tech (1-1, NR). Loss to ECU looks better. Will their offense?
21. Wake Forest (2-0, 20). Clutch wins like Saturday make for magic seasons.
22. Florida State (1-0, NR). UT-Chatt now last tune-up before Wake game.
23. Vanderbilt (2-0, NR). Yes, that Vanderbilt.
24. Arizona State (2-0, NR). Must avoid pre-Georgia trap vs. Stanford.
25. Nebraska (2-0, NR). Va. Tech 9/27, Mizzou 10/4. Then we’ll know if Huskers are really back.

FCS Top 25:
1. North Dakota St. (2-0)
2. Appalachian State (1-1)
3. Montana (1-0)
4. McNeese St. (1-1)
5. Southern Illinois (1-0)
6. Wofford (2-0)
7. New Hampshire (1-0)
8. Massachusetts (2-0)
9. Cal Poly (1-1)
10. Richmond (1-1)
11. Delaware (0-1)
12. Eastern Washington (0-2)
13. Northern Iowa (1-1)
14. Georgia Southern (1-1)
15. Western Illinois (1-1)
16. James Madison (1-1)
17. Elon (1-1)
18. The Citadel (1-1)
19. Central Arkansas (2-0)
20. South Dakota St. (1-1)
21. UC-Davis (0-2)
22. Portland State (1-0)
23. Montana State (1-0)
24. Hampton (1-1)
25. South Dakota (1-1)

Top 25-End of the Regular Season

It's the only poll that really matters and I have to admit I had a tough time picking who I wanted to put at #2 this week.

I had little issue putting Ohio State at #1. Everyone can rip the Big 10 all they want, I think they will come out in bowl season and show some teams. I can tell you the Buckeyes won't look past their SEC opponent this year.

Which brings me to LSU, who I decided in the end to give a slight edge over USC and Oklahoma. USC, Oklahoma and West Virginia can all point to injuries for one of their two losses, but the team I feel really bad for is Oregon, who I think would be in the title game if Dixon was hurt.

I've had LSU lower than most all year because I've been annoyed by how close their winning games. But in the end they won them, and that their two L's are in 3OT I went with them.

I don't feel very bad for Georgia, who was blown out by Tennessee. Sorry Mark Richt, that and a home loss to South Carolina is what cost you, not some media decree. He better hope the rest of the Bulldogs don't sulk or they may get Boise Stated.

But probably not. Hawaii has drawn a lot of comparisons to last year's Boise State squad, but I don't think they come close talent-wise. Boise was a legitimate Top 5 team last year, Hawaii is borderline Top 20. But hey, they win close games.

By the way, for those who want a playoff, there's one solution: Stop watching. As long as you're tuning in and buying tickets, it ain't changing, no matter how many self-righteous rants the pundits spew.

Here's my final poll:
1. Ohio State (11-1). Remember when everyone said they were out of it?
2. LSU (11-2). Hoping OSU game doesn't go to triple overtime.
3. USC (10-2). Wish they had that Stanford game back.
4. Oklahoma (11-2). My pre-season pick to win it came oh so close.
5. Georgia (10-2). Consolation for not getting in BCS title game: $15 mill+ from Sugar Bowl.
6. Missouri (11-2). Need to get the Sooners off the schedule.
7. Virginia Tech (11-2). You lost to LSU by six TDs. Quit whining.
8. West Virginia (10-2). Steve Slaton had 11 yards against Pitt!
9. Florida (9-3). If BCS had passed on Illini, Florida fans would've seen Zook in bowl game.
10. Illinois (9-3). Hey Gators, you in the BCS?
11. Kansas (11-1). Mark Mangenius: Shows everyone should play #96 schedule.
12. Arizona St. (10-2). Hawaii's end zone interception costs Sun Devil a home BCS game.
13. Boston College (10-3). Matty Ice threw one of the worst passes I've seen at end of VT game.
14. Wisconsin (9-3). Win over Vols would give Wisky their third straight 10-win season.
15. Auburn (8-4). Tommy Tuberville should lose eight games more often, he might be in NFL.
16. Tennessee (9-4). Ainge is SEC Title Game MVP.
17. Arkansas (8-4). McFadden and Felix hope Missouri sulks about missing BCS.
18. Cincinnati (9-3). Bearcats get back-to-back bowls for first time since 2000-2002.
19. Clemson (9-3). Narrow wins against Cocks sets up Tigers vs. Tigers in Chick-Fil-A Bowl.
20. South Florida (9-3). It's not #2, but successful season.
21. Virginia (9-3). Texas Tech should present good match-up in Gator Bowl.
22. Hawaii (12-0). Will have a chance to prove me wrong against Georgia.
23. Texas Tech (8-4). Win over Oklahoma the feather in their cap.
24. Kentucky (7-5). It's a long fall since earlier this year, but they won me over in the end.
25. Texas (9-3). Almost put Southern Illinois here instead.

--Nate Sandstrom

Top 25 Rankings -- Nov. 12, 2007

Well, it's getting to that time of year where talk about college football needing a playoff cranks up, even though I'm betting the several of the eight teams still in it will take an L between know and the start of bowl season. I've always like college football for the way it is, when a few rivalry games are almost equivalent to championships (see the smile on my face for Wisconin's win over Michigan in this train wreck season.

I put a poll on the sidebar to see how you feel about it.

My ballot this week is definitely different from the AP, USA Today and BCS polls.

I put Oregon on top of LSU because I think LSU lets too many inferior teams hang around. I want to put Ohio State ahead of LSU (setting up what I think would be a match-up of the nation's best offense vs. best defense) but LSU has more quality wins than the Buckeyes.

Oh, that's right. They play in the "weak" Big Ten with 10 of 11 teams bowl eligible.

I am apparently the only one who puts any stock Ohio State. Both other polls have them at #7. I'm still looking for anyone to make a strong arguments about why they should be behind West Virginia.

I have the Big 12 teams at 4-5-6, but I'm not that worried about the order of those three that much because they will all go head-to-head-to-head the next few weeks. You want playoffs, it's about to start in the Big 12.

Not that any of these teams have a margin for error, but I feel like Kansas has the least with no quality wins. And even though they take on a 3-8 Iowa State team at home, this game has all the markings of a trap-door a la Rutgers fiasco vs. Cincy last year.

The Cyclones aren't scared. "They're beatable."

Arizona State and West Virginia are the two other teams with an outside shot at the title game, but both need help, in addition to running the table.

In honor of how ridiculous it was when writers were voting for App. State in the Top 25 earlier this year, I am considering doing so for the Northern Iowa Panthers. They are actually #35 in the Sagarin ratings, and if ISU (who UNI beat) were to top Kansas the Panthers would sail upward.

These were my thoughts about Randy Shannon too. How many people do you think stuck around to the end of the last Orange Bowl game with the Miami Hurricanes going down 48-0 to Virginia? Have a look. Pathetic. This year is shaping up to be worse than 1997.

Team (W-L, last week)
1. Oregon (8-1, 2). Can raise profile in Thursday game against Arizona, who hates them.
2. LSU (9-1, 3). Tops in the nation, but can they win me over. Not before SEC Title game.
3. Ohio State (10-1, 1). It's still Michigan week. And they own Carr.
4. Oklahoma (9-1, 6). No scoreboard watching here, Stoops says. Texas Tech looks to kill giant.
5. Missouri (9-1, 7). Next is reeling Kansas State. Pinkel won't run up score.
6. Kansas (10-0, 8). Dodd says Kansas is #1. I guess Hawaii is #2.
7. Arizona State (9-1, 4). Escaped a banged-up UCLA team.
8. West Virginia (8-1, 5). Louisville came way too close.
9. Georgia (8-2, 10). Have chance to lock up parity-plagued SEC East.
10. USC (8-2, 11). Could still wind up in the Rose Bowl, but hope for more.
11. Virginia Tech (8-2, 13). Miami gives them chance to pound Fla. team for 2nd straight week.
12. Florida (7-3, 17). Having a good season for what they lost.
13. Clemson (8-2, 15). Looking as good as anybody right now.
14. Boston College (8-2, 9). Finally, a Boston team is losing.
15. Auburn (7-4, 12). Look to take advantage of off week.
16. Michigan (8-3,16). Henne and Hart didn't play. Bad coaching or good excuse?
17. Illinois (8-3, 21). About three plays from playing for national championship.
18. Penn State (8-3, 18). Bowl picture murky, but shouldn't look past hot Spartans.
19. Cincinnati (8-2, NR). Hiccup against Pitt really costing them.
20. Virginia (8-2, NR). Embarrassed Miami, who should ask for 2nd last Orange Bowl game.
21. Tennessee (7-3, 22). Tough to beat at home.
22. Texas (9-2, 24). I'm looking for a way to drop them out, like winning via ref.
23. Hawaii (9-0, 25). Came out hot, but wound up with another mediocre, close win.
24. Wisconsin (8-3, NR). Where was that team all year. Will finish 5th in Big Ten w/o help.
25. California (6-4, 19). Should still finish 8-4.

Top 25 Rankings, Post-Week 9

I'm going to brief here, because I'm so late on posting these.

1. Ohio State (9-0,1). Here's OSU's playoff: Wisc, Ill, and Michigan in final three.
2. Boston College (8-0,2). Didn't score for 58 minutes and still won.
3. LSU (7-1,3). 'Bama is last major test before SEC Championship.
4. Arizona State (8-0,6). Carpenter can't throw, but will play, says Erickson.
5. Oregon (7-1,4). Top 5 showdown puts Ducks in spotlight second straight week.
6. West Virginia (7-1,5). Blowout win at Rutgers getting 'Neers back in BCS talk.
7. Oklahoma (7-1,7). Need to find early season form.
8. Missouri (7-1,9). Maintaining low profile.
9. Kansas (8-0,15). Taking advantage of teams they should.
10. Georgia (6-2,17). What a difference a (bye week) year makes vs. Gators.
11. USC (6-2,12). Lost, but so did everyone else in this range.
12. Auburn (6-3,14). Early season woes a distant memory.
13. Virginia Tech (6-2,13). They got Flutied.
14. Michigan (7-2,18). App. State now has as many losses.
15. South Florida (6-2,10). Need to show they can respond to a loss.
16. South Carolina (6-3,16). Breakthrough year slipping away.
17. Florida (5-3,8). Not winning the close ones they did last year.
18. Penn State (6-3, 19). Ohio State blows out the white out.
19. Connecticut (7-1,NR). Who knew blown call against Temple could wind up mattering.
20. California (5-3, 20). Three weeks, three losses. Where is th D?
21. Hawaii (8-0,22). Waiting for Boise match-up to move this team up.
22. Wisconsin (7-2,22). This 16-point dog has won its last three in Columbus.
23. Alabama (6-2,25). Saban's first crack at old team.
24. Wake Forest (6-2,NR). That's six straight.
25. Clemson (6-2,NR). Davis, Spiller right ship in College Park.

Top 25 Rankings: Oct. 22, 2007

Oh, number two spot. I don't really want to put BC here; I think they will be the fourth straight #2 team to go down when they head to Blacksburg.

But I'll give it to the Eagles, as the computers point to them as #1.

I'm not one of those people who scoffs at the idea of computers evaluating teams. Unlike people, computers don't have biases that, say, excuse a loss by USC to Stanford but not by South Florida at Rutgers.

Don't worry, the computers are hating on USC. In the new BCS rankings, it looks like Oklahoma is also getting help from the polls. The computers have them 14. I dropped them three spots after their narrow win in Ames.

I've got four new teams in the rankings this week. UCLA is probably the most controversial because they can't win non-conference games, but they're in the Pac-10 driver's seat after holding on against Cal.

Here's my ballot:

1. Ohio State (8-0,1). Need to avoid turnovers at Penn St. Saturday night.
2. Boston College (7-0,3). Can a Boston team finally lose? Makes me puke.
3. LSU (7-1,5). Lucky as Sh*t University. That's how Les planned it.
4. Oregon (6-1,8). The nation's best offense? USC game is next bench mark.
5. West Virginia (6-1,10). Right back in the BCS hunt with blowout of MSU.
6. Arizona St.(7-0,13). Moves up as others fall. Cal is biggest test.
7. Oklahoma (7-1,4). Apparently the Sooners are not morning people.
8. Florida (5-2,11). Lots of credit from me for win at Kentucky.
9. Missouri (6-1,15). First team to shutdown Michael Crabtree.
10. South Florida (6-1,2). Need to move on, or UConn will make it two straight Ls.
11. Kentucky (6-2,9). Still in East's wild race.
12. USC (6-1,12). Win at Oregon will turn season around.
13. Virginia Tech (6-1,14). A loss to B.C. puts VT squarely as a pretender.
14. Auburn (5-3,19). Move up with close loss at LSU. Not far from 8-0, or 2-6.
15. Kansas (7-0,18). Did what Oklahoma couldn't, won at Colorado.
16. South Carolina (6-2,6). Were looking ahead to other team from Tennessee.
17. Georgia (5-2,17). Were lucky to beat Vandy themselves.
18. Michigan (6-2,20). Wish non-conference was the same as NFL preseason.
19. Penn State (6-2,21). Look to repeat 2005. Is OSU ready for white out?
20. California (5-2,7). So close to 7-0. Now just hope to play on New Year's.
21. Rutgers (5-2,NR). Looking to knock out Top 5 team for second straight week.
22. Hawaii (7-0,25). Where will they get a signature win?
23. Virginia (7-1,NR). How do they keep winning the close ones?
24. UCLA (5-2,NR). Best team that lost to Utah 44-6.
25. Alabama (6-2,NR). May be LSU's last road block in the regular season.

Top 25 rankings

I'm barely making the Monday deadline on this, but you have to forgive me I had a long day at work.

And so it was another weekend of mayhem in college football, and its starting to look like nobody will go undefeated. The Buckeyes move into the #1 spot, where I've been tempted to put them the last few weeks. However, I had to give the Tigers credit for that schedule.

Accordingly, they only drop to #5 in my poll with the loss. I have Boston College at #3, which I don't really like, but they will have a chance to earn during their last five games, starting with a trip to Virginia Tech on Oct. 25.

I may have Arizona State a bit low at #13, but like BC they get an off week and then a chance to prove their position the following week when Cal comes to town for homecoming.

Here's my rankings (record, previous).
1. Ohio State (7-0,2). Allowed 7 points or fewer in 6 of 7 games.
2. South Florida (6-0,7). Short time at top if press distracts them from Rutgers.
3. Boston College (7-0,8). They are bigger surprise than S. Florida.
4. Oklahoma (6-1,12). Proved Colorado was a hiccup, back in title contention.
5. LSU (6-1,1). Who'd have thought they couldn't convert on 4th & 2.
6. South Carolina (6-1,5). UNC almost pulled comeback.
7. California (5-1,3). Throw it away! Throw it away!
8. Oregon (5-1,4). Win by 46 and drop? They fall with Cal.
9. Kentucky (6-1,24). Storybook season continues.
10. West Virginia (5-1,9). Looks to right ship against upstart Miss State.
11. Florida (4-2,6). Look to stop Kentucky's magic this weekend.
12. USC (5-1,13). Trailed Arizona in second half.
13. Arizona St. (7-0,14). Rising fast, now comes meat of the schedule.
14. Virginia Tech (6-1,20). Offense is starting to come together.
15. Missouri (5-1,10). Valiant effort but Sooners put Tigers back in their place.
16. Tennessee (4-2,16). Will need a win at 'bama to stay in contention.
17. Georgia (5-2,19). Fifth in SEC East, 17th in nation.
18. Kansas (6-0,21). W at Colorado and Jayhawks may be thinking 11-0 into Mizzou.
19. Auburn (5-2,22). Defense has turned it up.
20. Michigan (5-2,25). Don't look now, but this team controls Rose Bowl destiny.
21. Penn State (5-2,NR). No one wants to play at Penn State.
22. Illinois (5-2,11). Could've won, shouldnt've been that close.
23. Kansas State (4-2,NR). So close to undefeated, yet so far.
24. Cincinnati (6-1,15). Caught a desperate Cardinals team in first loss.
25. Hawaii (7-0,17). Trip to San Jose was way too close.

--Nate Sandstrom

Top 25 rankings - Oct. 8

When I write my rankings, I first list teams by conference. Then I select a few and decide if I consider them roughly "top 10," "11-18" or "borderline."

Usually I list about 30 teams and then have to decide which to leave out, but this week I came up with exactly 25. Now that I'm reading this, it may not be as interesting to you as it was to me.

You can certainly accuse me of loving 2-loss SEC teams too much, but I just think its the best conference. It will be easier to tell in about two more weeks.

Here they are:

1. LSU. Beats ranked team after ranked team. At Kentucky this weekend.
2. Ohio State. This defense is on a mission to prove Florida was a fluke.
3. California. Berkeley has never been so high. Oh, wait.
4. Oregon. Benefit from an off week in which other teams underwhelm me.
5. South Carolina. Only loss at LSU. Control their destiny in the East.
6. Florida. Move up, even with choke job at LSU.
7. South Florida. Top D get nation's leading rusher this week.
8. Boston College. No one's risen so quickly beating Army, UMass & Bowling Green.
9. West Virginia. Off this week before Miss. St. comes for homecoming.
10. Missouri. Will need to win in Norman to keep this spot.
11. Illinois. Shouldn't look past wounded Hawks.
12. Oklahoma. Less than impressive against Texas.
13. USC. Stanford? Really?
14. Arizona State. Survived trap game at WSU. Cal is homecoming game Oct. 27.
15. Cincinnati. Ben Mauck-ed Rutgers fans. No, seriously, the chopping thing.
16. Tennessee. The second-best two-loss SEC team.
17. Hawaii. Could sneak into BCS game.
18. Wisconsin. Loss at Penn State could drop Badgers out of rankings, ruin season.
19. Georgia. Forgot they had to play the Tennessee game.
20. Virginia Tech. Team impresses me for the first time with win at Clemson.
21. Kansas. How did this happen?
22. Auburn. Fourth-best two-loss SEC team.
23. Florida State. Have revenge shot at Wake on national TV Thursday.
24. Kentucky. Played better than score against SC.
25. Michigan. Four-game win streak.
--Nate Sandstrom

Other rankings posted under comments. Does anyone really think Boston College is the nation's fourth-best team? I don't really worry about the polls until November but Texas should not be ranked and how is USC still #7 in the coaches poll?

Top 25 -- Post-week Five

Per my post yesterday, I want to put Ohio State at #1, and a win over Purdue could help cause. But LSU clearly has the upper hand if they can get revenge against the Gators.

Kentucky's #8 ranking may make them the most overrated team in history. Their wins include E. Kentucky, Kent St., at Florida Atlantic and at Lousiville on a lucky play. At Arkansas is legit, but I say this team gets smacked with a reality check in Columbia this weekend.

Texas at #16 in the coaches poll is also crazy. Between struggles to beat bad teams and getting slaughtered by good ones, that is a name-only ranking.

I had called for Oklahoma to be this year's only undefeated team, although I'm starting to think Nevada might not have the shot against Hawaii I once did. In the end, I say they wind up this year's only undefeated team, which will make for more whining about the need for a playoff this year.

1. LSU. Tim Tebow burned them last year.
2. Ohio State. I know common opponent is an NFL tiebreaker, but the Bucks killed UW.
3. USC. Played bad and still won.
4. Wisconsin. Need to avoid falling behind early against Illinois this year.
5. California. New defense is doing enough.
6. South Florida. I thought I was the only one who knew the Bulls.
7. South Carolina. GAME! COCKS! What will they come up with next?
8. West Virginia. Still in it if they run the table.
9. Oregon. Who do they think they are Leon Lett?
10. Georgia. Getting things together.
11. Florida. More losses could be on the way.
12. Arizona State. Could be 7-0 when Cal comes to town.
13. Boston College. 10-point win over UMass was not that close.
14. Oklahoma. So I said it didn't matter if they looked past Colorado. WRONG.
15. Missouri. Can Chase Daniel mount a Heisman campaign?
16. Illinois. Don't celebrate too much. You still have to show up next week.
17. Kansas State. Want to see someone run down Texas?
18. Clemson. Three points against Georgia Tech? Who are these guys Notre Dame?
19. Florida State. Could be righting the ship.
20. Kentucky. Louisville doesn't count as a good win.
21. Purdue. Win over the Buckeyes would start title talk.
22. Rutgers. I'm surprised Norfolk State didn't have the Knights prepared for Terps.
23. Cincinnati. See Kentucky re: weak schedule. At least Cincy's blowing teams out.
24. UCLA. How do you explain the Utah game?
25. Hawaii. Stats galore.

Top 25 Rankings, Post-Week 4

LSU's is in my top spot for the first time this year. Not that it really mattes in September. Two wins over teams in my Top 25 give the Tigers the edge. A trio of 4-0 teams also appear in this poll for the first time this year — Cincinnati, Arizona State and Kentucky. Michigan is also getting closer to a return to the poll after beating Penn State who falls out of the Top 25.

1. LSU (4-0). Trying to schedule Atlanta Falcons.
2. Oklahoma (4-0). Will Sooners look past Colorado to Texas? Does it matter?
3. USC (3-0). Ball St. undermines Trojan performance at Lincoln.
4. West Virginia (4-0). Looks for revenge against South Florida on Friday.
5. Florida (4-0). Auburn gave Gators their only loss last year. No repeat this week.
6. Ohio State (4-0). Defense continues to dominate.
7. Oregon (4-0). Broke 50 for the second straight week. Cal is next.
8. Wisconsin (4-0). Keep winning, even if it's ugly.
9. South Carolina (3-1). Must try to avoid hangover versus upstart Miss. St.
10. Texas (4-0). Rice gives Horns the blowout they've been looking for.
11. Rutgers (3-0). Maryland provides first real test this weekend.
12. Georgia (3-1). Big road win at 'Bama.
13. California (4-0). Ready for shootout with Ducks.
14. Clemson (4-0). Davis/Spiller continue to dominate.
15. South Florida (3-0). Will try to prove their D is faster than W.Va's O.
16. Boston College (4-0). Takes on I-AA's top team, UMass, for homecoming this week.
17. Missouri (4-0). Off this week before showdown with Huskers.
18. Alabama(3-1). Needs to refocus as they head to Tallahassee.
19. Miami (3-1). The swagger was back in blowout over A&M.
20. Cincinnati (4-0). Blowouts keep coming for Bearcats.
21. Virginia Tech (3-1). Hokies finally dominate a team, even if it was William&Mary.
22. Arizona State (4-0). Football is back in Tempe.
23. Purdue (4-0). Offense keeps piling up the points.
24. Tennessee (2-2). Needs win vs. Georgia to get back in BCS picture.
25. Kentucky (4-0). # 7 SEC team is #25 in nation.

AP and USA Today posted under comments.
--Nate Sandstrom

Top 25 rankings - Week 3

1. Oklahoma (3-0). Who says you can't win with a freshman QB?
2. USC (2-0). Reggie who? Dwayne what? They just reload.
3. LSU (3-0). Just keeps dominating. Big game against the other SC this weekend.
4. West Virginia (3-0). Speed kills.
5. Florida (3-0). At what point do you stop worrying about them losing 9 starters on D.
6. Penn State (3-0). Have lost eight straight to Michigan. Is this their year?
7. Wisconsin (3-0). Can not afford slow starts in Big 10 play.
8. Ohio State (3-0). Laurinaitis leads one of nation's top Ds.
9. S. Carolina (3-0). Mitchell can not turn ball over at LSU.
10. Oregon (3-0). Dominated a strong schedule.
11. Texas (3-0). Regardless of score, they keep winning.
12. Texas A&M (3-0). First road trip of year is at Miami on Thursday.
13. Rutgers (3-0). Dominating bad teams.
14. Georgia (2-1). Good team in better conference.
15. Alabama (3-0). Gritty performance against Arkansas, but lucky to escape.
16. South Florida (2-0). Must avoid looking past UNC to W. Va.
17. Arkansas (1-1). Tough loss for hogs, but they rebounded from early setback last year.
18. Cal (3-0). Most dangerous special teams in the country.
19. Missouri (3-0). How long will Tigers remain under the radar?
20. Clemson (3-0). Still riding FSU win.
21. Boston College (3-0). That's 3-0 in the ACC.
22. Purdue (3-0). Haven't looked this good since 2004. No matter how that ended.
23. Hawaii (3-0). Keep piling on the points.
24. Virginia Tech (3-0). Need a signature win. And offensive line.
25. Air Force (3-0). Wins over Utah and TCU put Falcons in MWC driver's seat.

AP And USA Today polls posted under comments.

--Nate Sandstrom