After a season full of uncertainty, we’ve finally gotten to the point of where there’s a semi-clear bowl picture. The Big Ten season has wrapped up and others are only a week or two away.
It appears the winner of the Boise State-Hawaii game will earn a trip to a BCS bowl if for no other reason than a lack of legitimate candidates from the other conferences. While a week ago it appeared that the Big Ten, ACC and Big East would only send one team to the BCS, but now it looks like the Pac 10 will only send one team while Illinois will pick up the slack.
This week’s Top 15 is brought to you by the number six. There are only six legitimate title contenders left in the field, so we’ll be focusing on them for this week’s power poll.
No. 1 – Kansas Jayhawks
(11-0, def. Iowa State 45-7) Last Week: 1
In their corner: With both a top five offense and a top five defense nationally, the last unbeaten major conference school has the goods to go the distance.
In their way: The Jayhawks have the toughest road ahead of them, with either Texas or Oklahoma looming after they take on Missouri in the Border War.
No. 2 – LSU Tigers
(10-1, def Ole Miss 41-24) Last Week: 2
In their corner: Les Miles’ team has balance on both sides of the ball and the athletes to play any style of game they want.
In their way: The Tigers have won a lot of close games, and eventually one of those big plays is going to go the other way.
No. 3 – Missouri Tigers
(10-1, def. Kansas State 49-32) Last Week: 5
In their corner: Heisman hopeful Chase Daniel has his team believing in him and why not? While other contenders have fallen to either poor performance (Matt Ryan) or poor ACLs (Dennis Dixon), Daniel keeps going strong.
In their way: See Jayhawks, Kansas.
No. 4 – Ohio State Buckeyes
(11-1, def. Michigan 14-3) Last Week: 6
In their corner: In a season full of upsets, the Buckeyes are immune now that their season is over. With two weeks remaining, anything can happen.
In their way: Having to depend on LSU and/or West Virginia losing can’t be encouraging.
No. 5 – West Virginia Mountaineers
(9-1, def. Cincinnati 28-23) Last Week: 7
In their corner: Pat White. The dual threat QB has taken this team and put them on his shoulders, running the ball well and throwing effectively when he has to.
In their way: Pat White. He’s also had a bit of a fumbling problem in the fourth quarter lately, and those are the types of mistakes that Connecticut will capitalize on.
No. 6 – Arizona State Sun Devils
(9-1, idle) Last Week: 9
In their corner: If you haven’t noticed, Dennis Erickson is a little bit good. While he’s likely planning his exit now, his teams always perform.
In their way: A Turkey Day showdown with USC and, oh yeah, pretty much everybody else has to lose.
No. 7 – Georgia Bulldogs
(9-2, def. Kentucky 24-13) Last Week: 8
I hate to break it to you SEC fan, but Georgia’s out of the National Championship picture. They still need help from Kentucky just to get into the SEC title game.
No. 8 – Oklahoma Sooners
(9-2, lost to Texas Tech 34-27) Last Week: 4
Call them America’s team, because fans in Tempe, Columbus and Morgantown all love the Sooners. They’ll need Sam Bradford back to seal the deal.
No. 9 – Oregon Ducks
(8-2, lost to Arizona 34-24) Last Week: 3
This is more out of respect, because with Brady Leaf, the Ducks are not a Top 15 team. That being said, I couldn’t drop them all the way out before they officially lose. Talk to me next week.
No. 10 – USC Trojans
(8-2, idle) Last Week: 10
After everything that’s happened, USC can start thinking rosy with a win in the desert. Not bad considering they lost to Stanford.
No. 11 – Virginia Cavaliers
(9-2, idle) Last Week: 11
The in-state rivalry between the Cavaliers and Virginia Tech has never been as important as it is this year. Winner gets Matt Ryan and Boston College in the ACC title game.
No. 12 – Virginia Tech Hokies
(9-2, def. Miami 44-14) Last Week: 12
Where did that offense come from? The Hokies are getting it together at the right time.
No. 13 – Hawaii Warriors
(10-0, def. 28-26) Last Week: 13
A challenging game? Hawaii is playing a challenging game? I’m confused. Take the over if you’re betting on this winner-take-all game between the Warriors and Broncos.
No. 14 – Texas Longhorns
(9-2, idle) Last Week: 15
With Sam Bradford in doubt in Norman, the Longhorns have a real shot at the Big XII title. First though, they have to take care of business against A&M.
No. 15 – Illinois Fighting Illini
(9-3, def. Northwestern 41-22) Last Week: NR
Welcome to the BCS party, boys. The Fightin Ron Zookers are going to be a scary team when all these underclassmen grow up.
Dropped from the top:
Michigan Wolverines
On the Fringe:
Boise State Broncos (10-1), Boston College Eagles (9-2), Connecticut Huskies (9-2), Florida Gators (8-3)
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Heisman Spotlight
An age old Heisman bias is going to fall if the season continues as it is. You know who I’m talking about...
1. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
The Sophomore set the SEC record for rushing touchdowns last week. Not rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, just rushing touchdowns.
2. Chase Daniel, QB, Missouri
The traditional contender is one of the last few players who stands in Tebow’s way. A win against Kansas will only help his cause.
3. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
LSU. Tomorrow. A big day could mean a big bronze statue.
4. Pat White, QB, West Virginia
His team is winning, so those fumbles are getting overlooked more than they should be.
5. Todd Reesing, QB, Kansas
Quarterbacking and undefeated team automatically puts you in the race.
Tags:
ncaa football,
ohio state football
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