With the new AP and USA Today Top 25 polls posting over the weekend, it’s time to take a look at the top 10 in college football.
All I have to say on the national rankings is this: everybody told you so USA Today. How the hell could it have had USC ranked over Michigan for the past four weeks? Give me a break.
Here is how I see the Top 10:
1. Ohio State (9-0)
The national media continues not to disregard what a solid season running back Antonio Pittman (21 carries, 116 yards, two touchdowns, two receptions for 47 yards against the Minnesota) is having. I understand Troy Smith, the duo of Anthony Gonzalez and Ted Ginn Jr. and the rest of the Buckeyes’ passing attack open up lanes for Pittman – but that cat has been great for OSU.
2. Michigan (9-0)
The Wolverines continue to win games sort of unfashionably, but it doesn’t matter with the way Michigan’s defense has risen to the occasion this year. The Wolverine D completely dismantled Northwestern’s running attack on Saturday. It’s amazing how big of a game is shaping up in Columbus next month. Win and you’re in the National Championship – does it get any bigger than that?
3. Texas (8-1)
I think a lot can be said for how the Long Horns consistently get behind anywhere from one to three touchdowns and still find ways to win in the second half. Imagine what Colt McCoy and the rest of this Texas team could do if it actually played all four quarters.
4. West Virginia (7-0)
It’s finally go-time for the Mountaineers on Thursday when they travel to Louisville. Forget the home field advantage that the Cardinals will have, West Virginia is the better team and needs to play like it. With the loser of the Michigan-Ohio State game likely out of the National Championship contest, a win over Louisville could place the Mountaineers (albeit reluctantly by most NCAA fans) into the title game.
5. Auburn (8-1)
With a narrow win over Mississippi, Tigers fans have got to be sweating a little bit with another Arkansas team coming into Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. I know, I know, the Indians aren’t the Razorbacks, but something doesn’t sit right with me about this Auburn team.
6. Florida (7-1)
Georgia fans would be fooling themselves if they honestly felt like they hung with the Gators in Jacksonville on Saturday. Florida fell asleep after building a 21-0 lead and the Gators now have had back-to-back games where they suddenly can’t take care of the football. Trust me, the trip to Vanderbilt will be tougher than what most people are thinking.
7. USC (6-1)
Hear this: nobody was that surprised with what Oregon State did against the Trojans on Saturday. A USC loss was brewing for weeks and not that they’re the Yankees of the NCAA, but I get the feeling that college football fans everywhere rejoiced with the Trojans loss. John David Booty wasn’t the problem either – the defense was atrocious.
8. Tennessee (7-1)
South Carolina and Alabama (the past two Volunteer victories) are tough programs. But for this team to be taken seriously, Tennessee needs to come out this Saturday against LSU and put the hurt on a good team for once. Or else this squad has fraud written all over it.
9. Louisville (7-0)
I can’t believe the Cardinals are ranked over SEC teams like Auburn, Florida and Tennessee in the national polls. I’ll eat crow if Louisville comes out this Thursday and tops West Virginia at home, but come on – this isn’t a top five team.
10. Notre Dame (7-1)
Let me just say that I hate this #10 spot. I hate the #5 spot in the NFL Power Rankings and I absolutely at this #10 ranking for the NCAA. Clemson dropped the freaking ball in Virginia Tech and now the Irish somehow sneak right back into the top 10. But whom else are you going to go with? California? Arkansas? No, ND is ranked where it needs to be.
