Oregon turns it on in the second half, once again, and I want to be impressed. But why do they continue to struggle in the first half of games?
Auburn rolls an overmatched Ole Miss team.
Michigan State and Missouri fall.
TCU v Utah this week - we're set up for a heck of a finish. Will be only 4 undefeated teams after next weekend.
1. Boise - What we think: A lot of people are considering Tuesday nights game as signs of Boise's imperfection. While it is true that Boise is not a perfect football team, they still won their "scare of a game" by 29 points. Oh, and that's including a TD by their opponent in the final minute. Boise is fine. They could still lose to Nevada, but unless they do, they're the best team in the country.
What pollsters will think: #3. (I was wrong about this last week). Oregon and Auburn are on a collision course. Boise is a spectator.
2. Oregon - What we think: I don't understand this team (see above). But I am still impressed by a big win on the road. I think the hinges could fall off - there are only so many times you can speed past your opponent in the second half, but Oregon looks scary when they turn it on.
What pollsters will think: #1. Look at that offense!
3. Alabama - What we think: Just lying in wait here, Alabama may need only to win out and they're in over Boise/TCU.
What pollsters will think: #5. Sometimes not playing is the best thing you can do for your ranking.
4. Auburn - What we think: Another great performance by Cam Newton. Ole Miss is awful, so it was to be expected. I just wish this team could play defense - I don't like the prospects of a 100+ pt Auburn/Oregon NC.
What pollsters will think: #2. Can you imagine an Auburn/Oregon NC??? They'd probably score 100!
5. TCU/Utah - What we think: I realize my back-and-forth on TCU/Utah is getting old, so this week I'll throw them both at #5 in preparation for their showdown. I still have the feeling that Utah will win, but Baylor's win over Texas and 7-2 record certainly make TCU (45-10 winners over the Bears) look good.
What pollsters will think: TCU #4, Utah #6. It's possible that Oklahoma passes Utah, but I can't fathom why that would happen. The ceiling for the MWC champ is #4 imho, so long as Oregon/Boise don't lose and Alabama/Auburn winner takes the SEC crown.
7. Wisconsin - What we think: Another case of a bye week at the right time. Wisconsin is fresh off of wins over Ohio State and Iowa (both of whom will join them in the top 15 this week), after resting up, they should go unbeaten the rest of the way - let's see if that holds up.
What pollsters will think: #8. Though Stanford and Ohio State looked very impressive, a team is not hurt in its bye week and Wisconsin has two of the best wins in the country right now.
8. Ohio State - What we think: It's not like Minnesota is a good football team, so while the final margin is very impressive, giving up big passing yards in the first half is not. Ohio State looks like one of the top 10 teams, but the defense is banged up, and what's up with the Pryor interception, 1st and goal at the 2?
What pollsters will think: #9. Missouri and Michigan State were considered frauds and after being exposed will drop out of the top 10, letting Ohio State rise into it again. LSU could pass them (though for no real reason), setting up a big game with Alabama this week.
9. Oklahoma - What we think: Much like Ohio State above. I'm not impressed with a big win over Colorado, and with each week that passes, Oklahoma's schedule is looking weaker and weaker. Texas has 4 losses, FSU fell to NC State, Missouri got crushed by Nebraska. Air Force might be Oklahoma's best win so far, and that teams has 4 losses.
What pollsters will think: #7. Oklahoma will continue to rise in the rankings with other team's losses and could be back in it before even playing the Big 12 championship game.
10. Stanford - What we think: I'm having a hard time figuring out the Pac 10, but one thing seems clear. Stanford is better than every team but Oregon, and is a legitimate force that (should they make one) can beat any team in a BCS bowl.
What pollsters will think: #11. (Maybe even #12 if Nebraska jumps them). Stanford has looked very good, but they don't play in the SEC and they aren't playing big names every week (which in pollsters mind is the same thing), so their upward mobility is limited and only based on other teams losses.
Next six: Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan State, LSU, Arizona, Missouri
Not considered: Oklahoma State and the three stooges of the SEC, that are only ranked because of conference affiliation - Arkansas, South Carolina, Mississippi State
-Jabari
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