As already noted by G, the BCS system remains an absolute joke. You can check out all of the national polls here. If not, here’s an un-computerized look at the top 10:
1. Ohio State (11-0)
Previous Rank: #1
Both the Buckeyes and Wolverines made it to the big dance and will compete for a chance at a national championship this Saturday in Columbus. Now, I know it’s not Big East football on Thursday night, but I’d tune in if I were you. With the Michigan defense set to plug Antonio Pittman, Heisman hopeful Troy Smith looks to be the x-factor in his biggest game to date. Can Malcolm Jenkins lock up with Mario Manningham? Can Leon Hall lock up with Ted Ginn Jr.? Will Lee Corso make it through the entire pregame show without saying something dumb? Maybe. Maybe. Without a doubt: no.
2. Michigan (11-0)
Previous Rank: #2
See above.
3. Florida (9-1)
Previous Rank: #6
The Gators were three blocked kicks away from joining Auburn, California, Louisville and Texas last weekend. Florida got the job done, however, and Urban Meyer continues to make great use of Tim Tebow. If they can win out, the Gators strength of schedule might propel Florida into the title game over a one-loss Michigan or Ohio State.
4. USC (8-1)
Previous Rank: #7
What a difference a couple of losses make. Two weeks ago USC was shoved to the back of the party with a loss to Oregon State. Now the Trojans find themselves back in front with a chick on each arm and a drink in hand. You get the same deal as Florida, USC – win out and knock on the door of a national championship.
5. Arkansas (9-1)
Previous Rank: #10
The No. 10 spot didn’t doom a team! The Razorbacks shot up five spots with a convincing win over Tennessee. The play of Darren McFadden isn’t being overlooked, but the outstanding year wide out Marcus Monk is having sure is. Monk has 41 receptions for 779 yards and eight touchdowns on the year and smoked the Vols secondary with eight catches for 137 yards and two scores.
6. Notre Dame (9-1)
Previous Rank: #8
All the jokes about the Irish playing the entire military class are funny and well deserved.
However, Brady Quinn gives Notre Dame a chance to beat anyone in the nation on any given day. After getting blown out by Michigan and almost losing in a debacle to Michigan State, Notre Dame dropped off everybody’s radar. Let me officially put them back on the map and warn USC (after ND gets done playing Army, the Marines and the Coast Guard of course).
7. Texas (9-2)
Previous Rank: #4
I know that the Long Horns just lost to Kansas State, but Colt McCoy only played one series before being knocked out of the contest. I’ll take nothing away from the Wildcats victory, but in his only possession of the game, McCoy drove Texas right down the field for a touchdown. A healthy McCoy and were still talking about Texas as a national championship candidate.
8. Auburn (9-2)
Previous Rank: #5
This team baffles me beyond believe. How do the Tigers beat a team of Florida’s caliber only to lose to a program like Georgia? I probably shouldn’t rank Auburn this high, but I just think that lack of concentration does this team in more than anything.
9. LSU (8-2)
Previous Rank: Unranked
Gasp! Are you putting LSU higher than an undefeated Rutgers and a one-loss West Virginia? How dare you? Look, the Tigers still have one of the best defenses in the nation and if JaMarcus Russell always played at the level he showed on Saturday, LSU might still be undefeated. Russell doesn’t always play at a high level, however, and that’s why LSU is stuck at two loses.
10. Rutgers (9-0)
Previous Rank: Unranked
I love the underdog story and think Ray Rice is a tremendous athlete. But I just can’t see the aforementioned teams letting Rice take over a game the way he did against Louisville. I’m even willing to bet that West Virginia knocks these guys off at the end of the year, but for now, lets give Rutgers its due.
