Much has been made of the “disaster scenario” that involves Kansas and West Virginia both losing and Georgia moving into the title game despite not winning their division. Allow to me dispel that notion.
There are human voters here, and the voters use different logic to make their final ballots than they do for all of the others. Normally, probably for the sake of simplicity, the only way for a team to go ahead of another team is for that team to lose. However, on the final ballot, the entire season is taken into account.
More importantly, scenarios like that are accounted for and dealt with. Remember how Florida moved ahead of Michigan in last season’s final poll? That wasn’t because a bunch of voters suddenly decided the Gators were better, it’s because they didn’t want a rematch.
Taking that into account, I would say the next four teams in are USC, Oklahoma, LSU and Virginia Tech, in that order. Voters love the Trojans, and LSU has been No. 1 twice this season, losing both times. Meanwhile, Oklahoma is playing the No. 1 team in the country on a neutral field. The Tigers do get the nod over Virginia Tech due to that beatdown back in September.
This week’s Top 15 is brought to by the number three. That’s how much Oklahoma is favored over No. 1 Missouri this weekend on a neutral site. At least Gary Pinkel doesn’t have to search too hard to find motivation for his boys.
No. 1 – Missouri Tigers
(11-1, def. Kansas 34-26) Last Week: 3
With a performance today like the one he had Saturday, Chase Daniel can make the Heisman a race. First though, he has to solve the team that beat his tigers 41-31 way back when.
No. 2 – Ohio State Buckeyes
(11-1, idle) Last Week: 4
Why do I have Ohio State above West Virginia? Pretty simple really. I trust the Buckeyes defense and coaching. A lot.
No. 3 – West Virginia Mountaineers
(10-1, def. Connecticut 66-21) Last Week: 5
It’s a good thing Pat White is so difficult to tackle. If he goes down, think Dennis Dixon.
No. 4 – Georgia Bulldogs
(11-1, def. Georgia Tech 31-17) Last Week: 7
The Dogs would be feeling great if there were a playoff since they’re playing the best football of anybody right now. Unfortunately for them, in college football it matters when you get blown out in early October.
No. 5 – Oklahoma Sooners
(10-2, def. Oklahoma State 49-17) Last Week: 8
By the way, Sam Bradford (4 TDs) is back. Something tells me he’s going to have some say in who gets that bronze trophy a couple years down the line.
No. 6 – LSU Tigers
(11-1, lost to Arkansas 50-48) Last Week: 2
Some say that losing twice in triple overtime mean LSU should be ranked higher. I say that great teams don’t let inferior opponents hang with them so frequently that every game is decided in the last few minutes.
No. 7 – Kansas Jayhawks
(11-1, lost to Missouri 34-26) Last Week: 1
I hype you up a month before anybody else, and this is how you repay me? The score was much closer than it should have been. Still, what a season
No. 8 – USC Trojans
(9-2, de. Arizona State 44-24) Last Week: 10
I wish I could rank them lower, I really do. I mean, this team lost to Stanford.
No. 9 – Virginia Tech Hokies
(10-2, def. Virginia 33-21) Last Week: 12
Kudos to the Hokies. They beat a good team Saturday, and they did it soundly too. Maybe I was wrong about them.
No. 10 – Boston College Eagles
(10-2, def. Miami 28-14) Last Week: NR
Welcome back to the club boys. Drinks are in the back.
No. 11 – Arizona State Sun Devils
(9-2, lost to USC 44-24) Last Week: 6
A few breaks and they could be playing in the Fiesta Bowl. I’d hate to be on the other side for that game.
No. 12 – Hawaii Warriors
(11-0, def. Boise State 39-27) Last Week: 13
Their amazing season has one last stop before BCS glory awaits them. Washington just lost to their rivals and are looking to bounce back. This will be closer than people think.
No. 13 – Illinois Fighting Illini
(9-3, idle) Last Week: 15
There may be no bigger Oklahoma fans than the folks in Champaign, who likely need an upset to earn themselves an at large bid.
No. 14 – Tennessee Volunteers
(10-2, def. Kentucky 52-50) Last Week: NR
Anybody complaining about the highest rated team in the SEC not being in the conference title game, blame Tennessee. If they’d rolled over against Kentucky like we all thought they would, none of this would be an issue.
No. 15 – Florida Gators
(9-3, def. Florida State 45-12) Last Week: NR
Their defense has gotten all the blame for their losses, but superhuman quarterback Tim Tebow and the gang have produced under 24 points per game in those contests.
Dropped from the top:
Oregon Ducks, Texas Longhorns, Virginia Cavaliers
On the Fringe:
Nobody. This is the final Top 15.
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Heisman Spotlight
The Heisman is down to three choices. And they are…
1. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
This is his award to lose, and since he’s not playing anymore, that’s going to be a tough thing to do. That is unless…
2. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
…The voters decide a sophomore simply can’t win the award. In that case, McFadden’s dismantling of LSU should give him the award. Or…
3. Chase Daniel, QB, Missouri
…Daniel manages to take unheraded Missouri to the National Championship Game and obliterates the Sooner Defense in the process.