WGRF College Football Power Poll 2010 vol 1

The intent of a power poll is clear, rank the teams in terms of ability showcased on the field rather than including concerns such as schedule strength or conference reputation.  While seemingly more subjective, I find power polls to be more satisfying, more accurate in their ideas of who is better than whom.  So, with that rationale for their existence, here's the WGRF power poll after week 2.

1. Alabama

This is the best team in college football.  They beat a very good Penn State team (yes, at home) and beat them bad.  They lost the hesiman trophy winner from last year for the first two games of this season and now have one of the best problems to have, they now have too few carries to go around for two elite backs.  Julio Jones remains one of the best receivers in the college game and I'm always impressed with Mclheney's leadership.  Plus, the defense looks superb, so there's that.

2. Ohio State

Talk about a letdown for Miami.  They came up to Columbus looking to get respect, they played well enough (mostly) and came up short.  This Ohio State defense is vintage Jim Heacock.  They give up yards, especially in the short passing game and wait for an opportunity.  Four interceptions is very impressive and several of them were off of tips, showing that the defense is quick to the ball and always alert.  Other than a few spectacular plays, Terrelle Pryor did not impress as a passer; he should've had 2+ picks himself.  We'll learn more about this team when they play an offense that will control the ball and actually wear down that defense - like when they play in Madison.

3. Oklahoma

I'm jumping on this bandwagon pretty hard after that dismantling of Florida State.  The defense looks better than ever, and that's what's really important.  Plus, perhaps I will be wrong about Landry Jones, he really put it together for that game.

4. Boise State

Yes, the Virginia Tech loss to James Madison is damning.  Voters are going to lay off of Boise State in the last week of the season like they have leprosy - and it's really not Boise's fault.  That was still a quality win over the Hokies.  Virginia Tech (if they don't implode now that they started 0-2) is capable of winning the ACC.  This team looked impressive enough that I'm keeping them top 5.  I'm not ESPN, I don't forget teams during bye weeks.

5. (blank)

This could be TCU, but I only saw a bit of the Oregon State game, and I wasn't that impressed (although Dalton looked good from what I saw).
This could be Texas, but I've yet to see them play this year.
This could be Nebraska, but I'd like to see them in conference play, before I start commenting.
This could be Iowa, but I want to wait til after this weekend to comment on that squad.

I realize that this is a bare bones power poll, but I wrote it in the airport on Tuesday and don't have the energy to add to it now that I'm back in the world of technology.  And considering how little we've seen from any team thusfar, I don't see why it should be any longer than this.  I like South Carolina's win over Georgia, but I've seen them fade too many times to jump on that bandwagon.  I'm not sold on Florida yet.

Expect more next week, and also our first WGRF pro power poll.

-Jabari