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.
Both the AP and USA Today polls dropped Notre Dame out of the top 10 with its 47-21 loss to Michigan – while both rankings also featured Florida in the top five with the Gators beating SEC rival Tennessee 21-20 in Knoxville.
Here is how I see the Top 10:
1. Ohio State (3-0)
The Buckeyes offense is scary good heading into their Big Ten opener against #24 Penn State this weekend. QB Troy Smith has already thrown for 769 yards and seven touchdowns – five of them to receiver Ted Ginn Jr.
2. Auburn (3-0)
I’ve got to agree with the AP Top 25 over USA Today on this one. Auburn’s defense is ranked fourth in the nation in points allowed and that stat got a huge boost after holding LSU to only a field goal last Saturday (after blanking Mississippi State a week before). This team will rely on its defense all year and let Kenny Irons kill the clock late in games.
3. USC (2-0)
That was an impressive victory against Nebraska last weekend, but they’ve only played two games. I’m not quite sure where this team is defensively right now and I probably won’t get a better feel with the Trojans playing Arizona this weekend. Offensively however, USC is a powerhouse and junior QB John David Booty is really starting to hit a groove.
4. Florida (3-0)
Chris Leak is the most efficient quarterback right in the NCAA. He put the team on his shoulders against Tennessee and finally got Florida over the hump on the road. The defense is playing really well right now too and can stuff the run.
5. Michigan (3-0)
This is dangerous ranking the Wolverines this high, because this is a team that has so many ups and downs playing in the Big Ten. Wisconsin, Michigan State and Iowa can all trip up Michigan before its big tilt in Columbus on November 18th. For now, however, that win over Notre Dame was a statement that this team wants to be recognized as one of the best in all of college football.
6. West Virginia (3-0)
Obviously the problem that I have (and many people have for that matter) is that the Mountaineers won’t be able to test their mettle against top opponents until the play Louisville. RB Steve Slaton is explosive, however, and leads a WV rushing attack that’s number one in the nation.
7. Texas (2-1)
The Long Horns recovered from their big loss to Ohio State last week by roughing up Rice 52-7. Watch in the next couple of weeks though, because Texas has some teams that can catch them looking ahead on its schedule. They play Iowa State two weeks before Oklahoma, and Baylor a week before Nebraska. With the Long Horns playing so well defensively against the run, I won’t call for an upset quite yet, but just keep it in mind.
8. Louisville (3-0)
Does any team have more resolve than Louisville right now? First they lose RB Michael Bush to a broken leg against Kentucky. Then the Cardinals lose QB Brian Brohm to a thumb injury last week and still lead the nation in total offense. See West Virginia as far as playing tough competition, however.
9. Georgia (3-0)
The Bulldogs have quietly shut out two opponents in back to back games. While the offense is nothing special right now, the run defense has Georgia playing at a top level.
10. LSU (2-1)
Some people may disagree with this after only posting three points against SEC rival Auburn last weekend, but the Tigers will do that to teams. LSU actually has the best defense in all of college football statistically, but they must get something out of its running game to take pressure off of QB JaMarcus Russell or else this team is doomed.
