By Anthony Voelpel
Note to reader: before you start thinking this a college hoops column, it’s not. Just because you’re going to notice perineal powerhouse basketball schools such as Uconn and Kansas in the top 10 of this weeks power rankings, the focus is still on the gridiron (I swear).
Perhaps that’s the most ludicrous thing about this season. Forget about how No. 1 and 2 keep faltering ever week and how every time a Heisman hopeful is hyped up (please see Tim Tebow and Andre Woodson) they fall faster than a forgetful skydiver. No, this seasons been about the Cinderella, hard wood schools that have jumped on the radar, and stayed there. Parity in college football is becoming as common as iPod earbuds in the ears of a tween.
All this college talk is getting me too excited, so let’s get on with the rankings:
1. Ohio State (9-0)- Leave it to the sweatervest to take care of business in Happy Valley. Everyone’s been talking about their defense, but you better not forget about Boeckman and their offense. I know it’s Halloween, and the Bucks are the scariest team in the country.
2. Boston College (8-0) – BC has moxie. A lot of moxie. And Matt Ryan? Two touchdowns (including the game winner with :11 seconds left) in the final two minutes to shock an electrified Blacksburg crowd. Can you say, Heisman.
3. Arizona State (8-0) – No team plays better from behind than the Sun Devils. They showed their heart again after they got down 10-0 early against Cal, then destroying them in the second half. At Oregon next week will be complete insanity, do not miss it.
4. Oregon (7-1) – Who’s USC and why are they in Dennis Dixon’s world? Again, want to talk about their offense, well you better not forget about their defense.
5. LSU (7-1) – A bye was just what the Tigers needed to rest up for the final leg of their schedule. Their trip to Alabama against former coach Nick Saban will be their toughest (and only real) task left.
6. West Virginia (7-1) – Boy, that rout of Rutgers sure looked easy for Pat White and company. Next up, a Louisville team that’s more vulnerable than a deer in headlights.
7. Kansas (8-0) – I warned you about these rankings. QB Todd Reesing has quietly thrown for 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. KU football is for real. Rock chalk Jayhawk!
8. Oklahoma (7-1) – They may be a bit high on my list but If it weren’t for a blown Missouri handoff, the Sooners would have 2 losses. Cupcakes are on the schedule from here till the Big 12 Championship game.
9. Missouri (7-1)- The Tigers average victory has come by 17 points or more and Chase Daniel is having a Heisman type of year. Anything less than a BCS bowl and it would be a disappointing year for Mizzou.
10. Connecticut (7-1)- Has Jim Calhoun been recruiting the football players too? Quietly, the Huskies are undefeated in the Big East and control their own destiny.
11. Virginia Tech (6-2) – Their heartbreaking/disgusting collapse against BC is going to be hard to get over. A six hour travel to Georgia Tech isn’t going to make the Hokies feel any better either.
12. Georgia (6-2) – Two words, Knoshon Moreno. He’s the guy who single handedly ruined the Gators BCS dreams with a buck 88 on the ground. Now it’s the Bulldogs who are running the show in the SEC East.
13. Michigan (7-2)-. Imagine if Michigan and Ohio State win out until their showdown on Nov. 17? Is it possible for it to be a bigger game than last years? Oh my the possibilities!
14. Hawaii (8-0)- I don’t care who they’ve played, there’s still undefeated. Their Nov. 22 showdown against Boise State will make or break their season. P.S., Colt Brennan’s thrown an incredible 26 touchdown passes this season.
15. Alabama (6-2)- Bama had two weeks to prepare for a visit from the Tigers. And I’m not sure two weeks is enough.
16. Florida (6-3) – I don’t care how many games the Gators lose. Between the player talent and coaching, they’re still a top 16 team, no question. I feel bad for Vandy next week.
Must see games this weekend:
No. 11 Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech- Tremendous ACC implications in this Thursday night showdown.
No. 21 Wisconsin at No. 1 Ohio State- Letdown game for the Bucks… Don’t count on it.
No. 4 ASU at No. 5 Oregon- Autzen Stadium will be buzzing yet again for yet another huge game.
No. 3 LSU at No. 17 Alabama- The last hurdle for Matt Flynn and the Tigers. But don’t be fooled, it’s a BIG hurdle.
No. 13 Michigan at Michigan State- Pray that Michigan wins. The more they win, the bigger “the Biggest, big game” will be.