NCAA Top 25 (Final Rankings)

1. Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1)
Behind a dominant defense and a solid running attack, the Alabama Crimson tide convincingly defeated LSU and earned their 2nd National Title win in 3 years. Alabama also looked more confident and ready to go then their SEC foe. Sure you can say that LSU already beat them, but the Crimson Tide lost that game 9-6 and controlled most of the game.

2. LSU Tigers (13-1)
What a tough break for LSU. The played one of the toughest schedules you could play. They beat the Big East (West Virginia) and Pac 12 (Oregon) Champs. Heck they even beat the National Champs (Alabama). But a rematch against Alabama was their downfall. That or the poor play calling, or the refusal to pull Jordan Jefferson. You have to wonder how LSU would have fared against Oklahoma State? Would LSU be the National Champions.

3. Oklahoma State Cowboys (12-1)
If it wasn't for an overtime loss against a 6-7 Iowa State team, the Cowboys would have been playing in the National Title game against LSU. And based on LSU's defensive performance, the Cowboys would have put up points. But they didn't beat Iowa State and had to settle for a Fiesta Bowl game against Stanford. Okie State didn't let that disappointment affect them and came ready to play. The Cowboys needed a FG to win, but they got their first BCS Bowl victory in their school's history. What a season to be a Cowboy fan!

4. Oregon Ducks (12-2)
For the third straight year the Ducks won the Pac 12 (10) and got back to the Rose Bowl for the 2nd time in three years. However the Ducks have lost the past two seasons. This year looked like it could be the same. Wisconsin brought in their powerful offense and a quality defense. However Oregon showed that they have learned from past seasons and were able to win. And even though LeMichael James is leaving, the offense should only get better.

5. USC Trojans (10-2)
If it wasn't for the NCAA sanctions the Trojans would have been in the Pac 12 Title game and could have made it to the Rose Bowl. Instead they finished with 10 wins knowing that they wouldn't have a chance for any post season play. That's one heck of a season if you ask me. And to top it off, they played like one of the best teams in the nation at the end of the year.

6. Arkansas Razorbacks (11-2)
Arkansas' only two losses this season were to LSU and Alabama. The two teams that played in the National Championship Game. Arkansas also rolled Big 12's 2nd best team Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl. But what is keeping Arkansas ranked higher here is their weak non conference schedule and the fact that the SEC (besides LSU, Alabama, and Arkansas) wasn't as good as previous years. But with a lot of talent returning, we could see the Razorbacks back in this territory.

7. Stanford Cardinal (11-2)
It was another impressive year for the Cardinal. Despite not having the physical talent and depth of most teams, the were still able to win 11 games and get back to a 2nd straight BCS Game. However the Stanford ride might be on it's last leg. Luck, Martin, DeCastro and company are all leaving for the NFL. Now Stanford's recruiting has continued to be strong since Jim Harbaugh left, but if Stanford wants to be a dominant player in the Pac 12, they'll have to find another impact QB to lead the way.

8. Boise State Broncos (12-1)
For the second straight season Boise ends the season with an in conference loss that ruins their chance at a BCS Bowl. This year it was their loss to TCU that did them in. So to reward the Broncos for their success they were got to go to Las Vegas and play a 6-6 Arizona State team that just fired their coach. How about that. Boise State made the best of it and did what they've done for years. Blow them out. Now Boise State will go into the Big East next year and have to do so without 4 year starter Kellen Moore leading the team. We might not see the same Boise State for a couple of years. But who knows?

9. Michigan Wolverines (11-2)
Even the most die hard Michigan fans couldn't have expected the season that the Wolverines had. The hiring of Brady Hoke wasn't thought to be a sexy hire. He didn't have the same high level name that Jim Harbaugh had, but he had success everywhere he went. But the most remarkable job was done by DC Greg Mattison. He turned a horrible Michigan defense into one of the best in the Big 10. And it was the defense that helped them win their 11 games this season. Including holding a talented Virginia Tech offense down in the Sugar Bowl.

10. Wisconsin Badgers (11-3)
Going into this year it was thought it could be a very special season for the Badgers. They returned a lot of pieces from their Rose Bowl appearance last year. Add in a dynamic QB in Russell Wilson and there was legit National Title talk. However Wisconsin was beat twice during the regular season by hail mary passes. One against Michigan State and another against Ohio State. If both of those don't happen we could have been hearing about Wisconsin against LSU for the National Championship. But the Badgers won the first ever Big 10 Title game and then faced off against Pac 12 Champions Oregon. In a great game it just wasn't Wisconsin's night and they had to end the season with a loss.

11. Michigan State Spartans (11-3)
Coming of a share of the Big 12 Title, the Spartans were looking to prove that they deserved to be one of the elite teams in the conference and make it to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1988. It looked like it was going to happen with their big win over Ohio State. But then they laid an egg against Nebraska and lost to in state rival Michigan. But they still made it to the first ever Big 10 Title game and had shot at the Rose Bowl. But a roughing the kicker penalty negated a long punt return and a likely game winning score. That forced Michigan State to go to the Outback Bowl instead of the Rose.

12. Baylor Bears (10-3)
The Bears Bears have been one of the worst teams in college football over the past ten years. However because of the play of QB Robert Griffin III they have made it to back to back bowl games and now are the home of a Heisman Trophy Winner. RG3 has done wonders for this program and with his excellent season they won 10 games for the first time in school history.

13. South Carolina Gamecocks (11-2)
You would think that an 11 win team would be ranked much higher in this poll. But you would also think that if a team didn't have to play LSU and Alabama in a season that they'd have a much better record, or would have had a better bowl appearance. But that didn't happen this year. However when you consider that they kicked their QB off the team and their all world RB tears his ACL, it is understandable. None the less, the Gamecocks continue their rise up the SEC pecking order and with a roster always full of talent, they have a chance to continue their success.

14. Kansas State Wildcats (10-3)
The job that Bill Synder has done at Kansas State deserved to be coach of the year. This was the same year team that only won 7 games and didn't have too big of expectations. But behind the play of QB Colin Klein and LB Arther Brown, the Wildcats finished 2nd in the Big 12 and were robbed from a BCS Bowl. Even with a poor showing in the Cotton Bowl, Wildcat fans had to be excited.

15. West Virginia Mountaineers (10-3)
After the Mountaineers lost two out of three Big East games, expectations weren't too high. Especially with them backing their way into a BCS Bowl against the high powered Clemson Tigers. But West Virginia shocked everybody and hung 70 points on the ACC Champions. Mountaineer fans have got to love Dana Holgerson now and with a team full of players coming back they can hope next year will pick up where this year ended.


16. TCU Horned Frogs (11-2)
After their opening season loss to Baylor and another loss to SMU, it didn't look like TCU was going to keep their Rose Bowl momentum going. However they righted the ship and continued to quietly win games. That set them up with a game against Boise State where the winner would be Mountain West Champs. A gutsy 2 point conversation gave the Horned Frogs the win and allowed them to win the conference for a 3rd straight year. Now TCU enters the Big 12 and we'll see if they can continue their success.

17. Oklahoma Sooners (10-3)
The Sooners were the preseason #1 ranked team and looked to have the easiest road to an undefeated season. However Oklahoma then dropped an unthinkable game against Texas Tech. Then Ryan Broyles tore his ACL. Then Landry Jones couldn't get on track without Broyles. Then Baylor beat them. But with all of that they still had a shot at a BCS Bowl with a victory over in state rival Oklahoma State. However they were no match and Okie State blew them out of the water. The crazy thing is, Oklahoma sees this and a horrible year. Must be nice when you win 10 games and it's a bad year. They'll be fine and a contender for next year.

18. Virginia Tech Hokies (11-3)
With a new QB and RB the Hokies were thought to be good, but I don't think anybody thought they would be this good. But Logan Thomas really grew this year and the Hokies only loss to two teams (Clemson twice and Michigan). Add in that they were a FG away from a BCS Bowl win and Hokies fans had a lot to cheer for.

19. Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (12-2)
To this day I still don't know how Southern Miss lost to both UAB and Marshall, yet were able to control Houston pretty easily. The worst part was that Southern Miss went into that Conference USA Championship Game at Houston with supposedly "no shot to win." Yet their defense was able to slow down the record setting Houston Cougars and win the conference. But with that success the Golden Eagles lost HC Larry Fedora to North Carolina and hired South Carolina's DC Ellis Johnson. It will be interesting to see how they do next year.

20. Georgia Bulldogs (10-4)
Mark Richt's seat was a little warm to start the year, and then two straight losses to open the season really heated things up. But the Bulldogs won 10 straight games to get to the SEC Championship Game. Heck the Bulldogs were a Tyrann Mathieu punt return for TD from leading at half, then LSU took control. Georgia returns a big nucleus of their team and more importantly their starting QB Aaron Murray who should be one of the best in the SEC.

21. Houston Cougars (13-1)
Everything was set up for the Cougars to have the perfect season. They finished unbeaten and were hosting Southern Miss in the CUSA Championship Game at their stadium. A win there and they'd be playing in the BCS. But with all the talk of their HC leaving and BCS in their minds, they dropped the ball and lost to Southern Miss. And instead of the Sugar Bowl they had to face off against Penn State in the Ticket City Bowl. And now they go into the Big East without their HC, OC, and record setting QB. This could be the end of Houston's recent success.

22. Clemson Tigers (10-4)
Clemson came out of nowhere and started the season 9-1 and looked like the elite of the ACC and a sure bet BCS Bowl winner. However their youth caught up with them and Tajh Boyd really started to struggle. They dropped 3 out of their last 5 games and seemed to limp their way into the Orange Bowl. But things just got worse with in that game when West Virginia dropped 70 on them. That also cost them their DC Kevin Steele who was fired. Keep in mind that Steele is a heck of a recruiter. I'll be interested to see how Clemson responds to this.

23. Florida State Seminoles (9-4)
Florida State had a three game stretch early in the season where they lost three straight. It looked like the season was going to be a failure. Even more sense they had a big time overrated #5 ranking heading into the Oklahoma game. But people forget that FSU is very young and wasn't use to all this praise. FSU was able to weather the storm and win 5 straight. What made the season even better was that they knocked off Notre Dame in the Champs Sports Bowl. Now the 'Noles will be even more experienced and better come 2012.

24. Cincinnati Bearcats (10-3)
Coming off a 4 win season in 2010, there wasn't any real expectations for Cincinnati. So when they win 10 games it is quite remarkable. And out of their three losses only one of them was considered a bad loss. Now if they can build off this season success they should be able to win a watered down Big East.

25. Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-4)
What a year the Huskers have had. In their first year in the Big 10 they were thought to be the easy favorite to win the Legends Division and face off against Wisconsin in the championship game. However their defense took a huge step back and the offense stalled when they had to come from behind. They had a shot to save the season with a win over South Carolina in the Capital One Bowl, but they shot themselves in the foot and ended up losing their 4th straight. If Pelini can fix the defense again, they have a shot to have a good year because the offense returns practically everybody.

NCAA Top 25 (Week 11)

1. LSU Tigers (10-0) LW 1

This was perfect scheduling for LSU. After their huge victory over Alabama, they face off against Western Kentucky. Why not play a lowly Sun Belt team after an emotional victory over the Crimson Tide. Even if they would still be thinking of the Alabama game, they would still have an easy road to a win. So their 42-9 win wasn't a surprise. It also helps that they face Ole Miss this week before facing off against an Arkansas team that they can't take lightly.

2. Oklahoma State Cowboys (10-0) LW 2

What a blowout that was. The Cowboys were facing off against a Texas Tech team that upset Oklahoma at Oklahoma. But the Cowboys wasted little time and jumped out to an early 35-0 half time lead. Okie State looks for real and only Oklahoma stands in their way of a possible National Title Game appearance.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide (9-1) LW 4

After their tough loss to LSU, the Crimson Tide bounced back and took care of a Mississippi State team that is a lot better than their record indicates. Alabama was lead by RB Trent Richardson who had 127 yards rushing ad a TD. Just because Alabama lost to LSU doesn't mean that they are out of it. If they win out and LSU loses to Arkansas, it would be the Crimson Tide who hold the tie breaker and would represent the SEC West in the SEC Title Game and a win would sent them to the National Title.

4. Oregon Ducks (9-1) LW 7

For most of the season the Ducks have flown under the radar. Not anymore. With their 53-30 win over Stanford the Ducks are right back in forefront. They wins over USC and Oregon State would put them into the Pac 12 Championship Game and if a couple of teams ahead of them lose, we could see them back in the National Title Game again. It also helps that QB Darron Thomas and RB LeMichael James are getting healthy. Don't forget about these Ducks.

5. Oklahoma Sooners (8-1) LW 6

After their convincing win over SEC bound Texas A&M, the Sooners got a much needed weekend off. This comes at a good time because Oklahoma can figure out how they can replace WR Ryan Broyles who tore his ACL against A&M. Now the Sooners face off against a Baylor team that has lost a few games since their great start. But the Sooners cannot take QB Robert Griffin lightly and will need a good defensive effort to win.

6. Stanford Cardinal (9-1) LW 3 *

If you read my Week 11 Pick Em you would have seen that I didn't think that Stanford would be able to handle Oregon's speed and would lose the game. And sure enough LeMichael James ran rough shot over Stanford and the Ducks drilled the Cardinal 53-30. But the biggest story might have been the 7 turnovers they had. Hard to win games when you turn the ball over that much. This loss eliminates Stanford from the National Title race and from winning a Pac 12 Championship. Tough loss for the Cardinal.

7. Arkansas Razorbacks (9-1) LW 8

With their 49-7 win over Tennessee the Razorbacks improve their record to 9-1 with their only loss coming to Alabama. Taylor Wilson continues to shine throwing for 224 yards and 3 TDs. The offense continues to be explosive as the Razorbacks look to get back to their 2nd straight BCS game. The win also extends their winning streak to 6 games and with game against Mississippi State next week they should make it 7. However their big match up will be against LSU in the last week of the regular season. A win there would make it a three way tie between them, LSU, and Alabama. It could also allow them to sneak into the SEC Title Game.

8. Clemson Tigers (9-1) LW 9

It was a close one, but the Tigers clawed their way back and beat a tough Wake Forrest team 31-28. QB Tajh Boyd threw for 343 yards and 2 TDs, but also threw 2 INTs. With the win Clemson clinches the Atlantic Division and will likely play Virginia Tech in the ACC Title Game. Clemson has to figure out their slow starts are it is going to come back to haunt them later in the season.

9. Boise State Broncos (8-1) LW 5 *

For a second straight year the Broncos have lost a big time game at the end of the season because of a missed FG. Last year it was to Nevada and this year it was to TCU. This is a tough loss because it not only ends their perfect season and a shot at a BCS Bowl, but also gives TCU the conference championship. But all Boise State can do now is win out and hope that they can somehow sneak their way back into a BCS Game. But that doesn't seem likely.

10. Virginia Tech Hokies (9-1) LW 10

In a big game against a tough Georgia Tech team, the Hokies offense finally broke out of their slump and in a big way. QB Logan Thomas threw for 3 TDs while RB David Wilson ran for 175 yards. This is a great sight for Hokie fans who have been waiting for a game like this all season long. Now the Hokies hope that the triple option hang over goes away before a match up against a tough North Carolina team this weekend.

11. Wisconsin Badgers (8-2) LW 11

A game against Minnesota is always a good sign for teams looking to get back on track. Wisconsin coming off a couple of consecutive losses gets a game against a poor team to get their momentum going. Lost in the whole Wisconsin season is the play of RB Monte Ball. Russell Wilson gets all the talk, but it's Ball that is the driving force behind this offense. Against Minnesota, Ball ran for 166 yards and 2 TDs. The Badgers are going to need Ball to keep playing at a high level as they look to get back into the lead in the Leaders Division. But they'll have to win out against Illinois and Penn State to get there.

12. Michigan State Spartans (8-2) LW 12

Michigan State continues to control their own path to the Big 10 Title Game. Right now they have a lead on Nebraska and if they win out they'll be Legends Division Champions. Their win over Iowa was a big step in doing so. The Spartans got their first victory in 7 tries against Iowa and did it convincingly. The offense bounced back and led the way to a 37-21 win. Their next two games should be easier as they face off against Indiana and Northwestern.

13. Houston Cougars (10-0) LW 13

Houston has started 10-0 for the first time in school history. They did it with by both air and ground. Sure Case Keenum threw for 325 yards and 3 TDs, but they also got 207 yards rushing by Charles Sims. Now the Cougars play host to SMU who is off to a 6-3 record and looking like a team that will give Houston all they can handle. This could be a good tune up battle before the Cougars face off against Southern Miss in the Conference USA Title Game.

14. Georgia Bulldogs (8-2) LW 15

Georgia continues their now 8 game winning steak getting a big victory over Auburn 45-7. The Bulldogs look like a completely different team than the one that lost their first two games of the season. Against Auburn they were lead by QB Aaron Murray who threw for 4 TDs and 224 yards. However the Bulldogs need South Carolina to lose if they want to get to the SEC Title Game.

15. South Carolina Gamecocks (7-2) LW 16

It wasn't pretty, but the Gamecocks got a huge win over Florida. The win keeps the Gamecocks in the drivers seat in the SEC East and a chance at the SEC Title Game. QB Connor Shaw started off slow, but bounced back to rush for 88 yards and 2 TDs. Not what you'd expect out of their QB. But pair that up with a stingy defense and it is a recipe for a win over a struggling Florida team. All the Gamecocks have to do now is beat in state rival Clemson and their are in the SEC Title Game. But that's no easy task.

16. Nebraska Cornhuskers (8-2) LW 17

It took a couple of late 4th quarter defensive stops, but with their victory over Penn State the Huskers get their first win over a top 15 ranked team in over a decade. It wasn't pretty, but a win is a win. The win keeps the Huskers in the hunt for the Legends Division race, but they'll need Michigan State to lose to either Indiana or Northwestern.

17. Michigan Wolverines (8-2) LW 19

After a horrible loss to Iowa, the Wolverines bounced back and got a good win over Illinois. What is very impressive is that Michigan held Illinois offense to only 14 points. If Michigan wants to continue to improve they are going to need the defense to keep getting stops. Next week they host a Nebraska team that is coming off of a win over Penn State. If they are going to beat Nebraska they are going to have to slow down Nebraska's option attack.

18. USC Trojans (8-2) LW 20

USC made little work of Washington easily winning the game 40-17. The Trojans have gotten better each week and are playing some really good football. USC was carried by Curtis McNeal who rushed for 148 yards and a TD. USC now gets an opportunity to face off against an Oregon team that is coming off a huge win over Stanford. The Trojans have the athletes to match up with Oregon and with the way they are playing don't expect a blow out.

19. Kansas State Wildcats (8-2) LW 22

After going 0-2 against the state of Oklahoma, the Wildcats finally got back on the winning path. But it took them 4 OTs to beat Texas A&M. KState QB Colin Klein was all over the place. He threw for 281 yards and rushed for 103. Add in 6 total TDs and you understand how important he is to his team. KState doesn't have a shot to win the Big 12 this year, but if they can beat a struggling Texas team and take care of business they should find themselves in the Cotton Bowl. What a change this program has had in the past three years.

20. Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (9-1) LW 24

Central Florida was the favorite to win Conference USA before they just fell apart this year. Southern Miss found out that you can't take them for granted and barely got out of the game with a win. Southern Miss had to bat down a two point conversion attempt to get the win. The Golden Eagles can now breathe a little bit easier now with games against UAB and Memphis left on their schedule.

21. TCU Horned Frogs (8-2) LW NR

When TCU lost early games to Baylor and SMU you didn't think it was going to be a good season for the Horned Frogs. However they righted the ship and came into their match up with Boise State with something to prove. And they did what they came to do. Win. It took a ballsy 2 point conversion on their last score to take the lead and force Boise State to go the length of the field to win. And as long as TCU takes care of UNLV and Colorado State, they'll also win the Moutain West Conference Championship.

22. Penn State Nittany Lions (8-2) LW 18 *

It's hard to talk about Penn State with all that has gone on this week. It wasn't surprise that they came out a little sluggish, but they really stepped up their play in the 2nd half and gave themselves an opportunity to win the game at the end. It will be a tough remander of their schedule for Penn State. Not only do they have to deal with all the distractions, but they also have to face Ohio State and Wisconsin. Looks like a 3 game losing streak to me.

23. West Virginia Mountaineers (7-3) LW NR

After losing two games in the past three weeks, the Mountaineers bounced back and got a big win over Big East leader Cincinnati. However if they want to represent the Big East in the BCS, they are going to have to win out and hope that Cincinnati loses a game. Sounds unlikely, but crazier things have happened in the Big East.

24. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-3) LW NR

Take away their two early season losses where they turned the ball over religiously in the end zone, and we might have a 9-1 team here. This past week they just manhandled Maryland winning 45-21. RB Jonas Gary ran for 136 yards while WR Michael Floyd had 90 yards receiving. Look for the Irish to continue their winning ways as they face off against Boston College before their annual game against Stanford.

25. Cincinnati Bearcats (7-2) LW 21*

Now that Cincinnati is in the meat of the Big East schedule we are finally going to see who they really are. Against West Virginia they played strong, but couldn't pull out the victory when they needed to. West Virginia got a late FG to win the game and gives the Bearcats their first loss in conference play. Now Cincinnati faces a three game stretch against Rutgers, Syracuse, and UConn. All three are winnable games.

Dropped From Rankings: Georgia Tech, Texas, Auburn

NCAA Top 25 (Week 10)

1. LSU Tigers (9-0) LW 1

It wasn't quite "Game of the Century" nor was it pretty, but LSU was able to go into Tuscaloosa and come out with the victory. Now all the Tigers have to do is keep their focus and they'll end up in the National Title Game. Next week should be a cake walk when they host Western Kentucky. But the Arkansas game in the last week of the season should be a good one.

2. Oklahoma State Cowboys (9-0) LW 3

It wasn't the blowout we expected, but it doesn't matter much because they won the game. Brandon Weeden continues to play at a high level, throwing for a school record 502 yards. We know that the offense is going to put up numbers, but if they want to beat Oklahoma and make it to the National Title game, they are going to have to play much better defense than they did this Saturday. They can't take next week off because they'll be traveling to Texas Tech who knocked off Oklahoma a couple of weeks ago.

3. Stanford Cardinal (9-0) LW 4
Stanford did what they needed to do against Oregon State. Win easily. Now we have the game we've been waiting for all season long. Their game against Oregon doesn't have the same feel since Oregon has 1 loss already. But this game should decide who wins the Pac 12. If Stanford is able to win this game, they can hold out hope for a possible National Title Game appearance, but a loss would mean no Pac 12 Title.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide (8-1) LW 2
All Alabama needed was 1 TD and they would have probably won the game and be the #1 ranked team in the nation right now. Heck all they needed was their kicker to make 1 of his 3 missed FGs and they might have won it. Now they are sitting on the outside looking in and have to hope that LSU loses the SEC Title Game and Oklahoma State and Stanford to also lose games so they can sneak into the National Ttile.

5. Boise State Broncos (8-0) LW 5
After a week off, the Boise State Broncos made little work with UNLV and are now set up to face new conference rival TCU. This was once thought to be a chance for Boise State to win a huge game at the end of the season that would help vault them into possibly a National Championship Game. But even though they aren't the team we thought they'd be, it still is a recognizable name. Look for Boise State to be BCS bound, just not the big one.

6. Oklahoma Sooners (8-1) LW 6
Just think, if they didn't lose to Texas Tech it would be the Sooners sitting at #2 and not their in-state rival. However all Oklahoma can do now is keep winning and hope that teams ahead of them lose and they can slide back into contention. But they'll have to do that without their best offensive weapon Ryan Broyles, who tore his ACL in their win against Texas A&M. Luckily their deep at WR and have a couple of games to figure it out before they face off against Oklahoma State.

7. Oregon Ducks (8-1) LW 7

Oregon is just not the same team that we've seen the past couple of years. Injuries have taken a toll or maybe teams are starting to understand their offense better. But either way, they aren't putting those high numbers up like they did last year. But that can all be forgotten if Oregon can knock off Stanford this Saturday. A win will get everybody buzzing about the Ducks again and they could shoot up the boards as one of the best 1 loss teams.

8. Arkansas Razorbacks (8-1) LW 9

Don't know if you knew it, but besides the LSU/Alabama game there was another match up of two top 10 ranked teams. Arkansas hosted South Carolina. But lost in all the so called "Game of the Century" talk, Arkansas on the back of QB Taylor Wilson rolled to a 16 point victory. Arkansas continues to roll until they match up against #1 LSU the last weekend of the regular season. Even LSU's top ranked defense will have trouble with this passing attack.

9. Clemson Tigers (8-1) LW 11

After their disappointing loss to Georgia Tech, the Tigers had to sit through a bye week and think about it even more. However the week off also gave them the opprotunity to fix their slow starting offense that has caused them to have to play from behind multiple weeks. Luckily Clemson faces off against a Wake Forrest team that shouldn't pose too tough of a game.

10. Virginia Tech Hokies (8-1) LW 12

Virginia Tech might just be the most ignored 1 loss team in college football right now. Nobody is talking about them, but they just keep winning. This past week they had a bye and it couldn't have come at a better time. Because they have to face off against Georgia Tech and their triple option offense on a Thursday night. That extra time should allow DC Bud Foster ample time to game plan against Paul Johnson's offense and allow the Hokies to move to 9-1.

11. Wisconsin Badgers (7-2) LW 13
Coming off of two straight losses, a game against Purdue was exactly what the doctor ordered. Monte Ball ran like a beast gaining 223 yards and 3 TDs and just couldn't be stopped. Look for next week to be much the same as the Badgers face off against an improving Minnesota team, but who is still not at the same level as Wisconsin.

12. Michigan State Spartans (7-2) LW 14
A week after dropping a game to Nebraska, the Spartans were in a dog fight with the most unlikely of opponents. Minnesota. The Spartans had to get a defensive stop on their own half of the field to avoid getting upset by a team that many considered to be the worst BCS team in college football. However a win is a win and that is what the Spartans got. They also were able to get a leg back up in the Legends Divison with Nebraska's loss to Northwestern. Now all the Spartans have to do is win out and they will be in Indianapolis for the Big 10 Title Game.

13. Houston Cougars (9-0) LW 16
Case Keenum didn't break anymore NCAA records, but the Cougars continued their dominance of Conference USA with a 56-13 blowout of UAB. Keenum continues to have this offense rolling and is on pace to have the Cougars undefeated and playing for a CUSA Title. This next week they face off against a Tulane team that has an interim HC and shouldn't provide much of a challenge. But their game against SMU should be a good indicator of how good they really are.

14. Auburn Tigers (6-3) LW 18

The Tigers enjoyed a nice week off before their big game against Georgia this weekend. Auburn have exceeded my expectations this year and have won games that I thought they'd wouldn't have won. Now Auburn doesn't have a shot at the SEC Title Game, but they have a chance to really finish the season with games against Georgia and Alabama left. This week they face off against a hot Georgia team.

15. Georgia Bulldogs (7-2) LW 19
Georgia took a week off from the rugged SEC and gave a beat down to New Mexico State, winning 63-16. What a turnaround we have seen with Georgia. They went from 0-2 and Mark Richt's job on the line, to 7 straight wins and a possible berth in the SEC Title Game. This weekend the Bulldogs face off against an Auburn team that is very dangerous.

16. South Carolina Gamecocks (7-2) LW 10

It was only a matter of time before the loss of Marcus Lattimore caught up with South Carolina. Without their star RB the Gamecocks were one dimensional on offense and just couldn't keep up with Arkansas' high powered offense. South Carolina gets a break this weekend when they face off against a struggling Florida team. But they are going to have to figure out their new plan of attack if they still want to stay alive in the race for the SEC East Title.

17. Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-2) LW 8

Fresh off their big win against Michigan State, the Huskers dropped the ball and lost to a Northwestern team that they should have beaten easily. I don't believe Nebraska is a bad team but they can't afford to take teams lightly. This weekend they face off against a Penn State team that has to be distracted with all that is going on. But Nebraska should be focused as they look to get back on track and stay in the Legends Race.

18. Penn State Nittany Lions (8-1) LW 21

Besides the victims and their families, the people that I feel the worst for is the current Penn State players who did nothing wrong and have to deal with the fallout of this. They were in the mist of a good season and have a tough three teams to end the season. It was going to be tough to win out, but I don't see it happening this week. This whole situation is just flat out awful.

19. Michigan Wolverines (7-2) LW 15

Sitting with only 1 loss in the conference, the Wolverines needed to win out and hope that Michigan State would lose and they could represent the Legends Division in the Big 10 Title Game. However that doesn't seem to likely after they lost to an Iowa team that just lost to Minnesota. Now Michigan is going to need a lot of help if they want to make it. But their defense is really going to need to step up against an Illinois offense that can be very explosive.

20. USC Trojans (7-2) LW 23

USC bounced back after their 3 OT loss to Stanford with a beat down of Pac 12 newbie Colorado 42-17. USC continues to get better as the season goes forward and its too bad that they can't play in the conference championship game because they might have a shot at winning it. This week they face off against a Washington team that hasn't had a big win this season but is much improved.

21. Cincinnati Bearcats (7-1) LW 24

Who would have thought that it would be Cincinnati leading the Big East race and undefeated in the conference. The same team that only won 4 games last year. But Cincinnati's winning streak is a little flawed. They still haven't played the elite (lol...sorry) Big East schools and might not make it through unscathed. But for now they are the leaders of the pack.

22. Kansas State Wildcats (7-2) LW 20

I didn't drop KState too far because I never really ranked them that high to begin with. Even after racing off to a 7-0 record. But those wins were all against the bottom of the Big 12. Against Oklahoma they got drilled, and against Oklahoma State they showed that they might not be at the same level as Okie State, but they are still a quality team. However they still have games against Texas A&M and Texas left. Both teams aren't having great seasons but are very dangerous and are looking to turn their seasons around.

23. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (7-2) LW 25

After scoring a huge upset over previously undefeated Clemson the Yellow Jackets enjoyed a week off before they face off against Coastal Division foe Virginia Tech. If Georgia Tech is able to beat VaTech they would be in the drivers seat to make it to the ACC Title Game. That would be a great deal after they dropped two straight games to Virginia and Miami.

24. Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (8-1) LW NR

Southern Miss makes their first appearance in the rankings in the middle of a 7 game winning streak. This weekend the Golden Eagles face off against a Central Florida team that was once thought to make a run at an undefeated season. So Southern Miss can't take them lightly, but it looks like they'll go into the CUSA Title Game against Houston with a 11-1 record.

25. Texas Longhorns (6-2) LW NR

We are really going to see what type of team Texas is with their remaining four games. They have to still play Kansas State, Baylor, Texas A&M, and Missouri. All teams that they should be able to beat, but they could lose to each team too. But the Longhorns are bowl eligible which is an improvement over last year.

Dropped From Rankings: Arizona State, West Virginia

NCAA Top 25 (Week 9)

1. LSU Tigers (8-0) LW 1

It's only fitting that both LSU and Alabama have byes the week before they meet. This is practically the defacto National Championship Game. The key to LSU winning the game will be on QB Jarrett Lee. If he plays well and doesn't turn the ball over the Tigers have a great shot at winning. Their defense is going to give Alabama fits because they are so fast and juts fly to the ball. Let's see if CB Tyronn Mathieu can continue to make plays in big games.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide (8-0) LW 2

Alabama's key to winning against LSU will be making QB Jarrett Lee beat them. The Crimson Tide defense is very talented and going to give Lee a lot of different looks. Look for the offense to rely on Trent Richardson even more than normal here. A win here and a big game from Richardson might jolt him on top of the Heisman Race.

3. Oklahoma State Cowboys (8-0) LW 4

I don't think anybody was surprised that Oklahoma State beat Baylor, but you'd be a liar if you thought they'd blow out the Bears. Their 59-24 point victory was pretty impressive mainly because their defense was able to keep the dangerous Robert Griffin III under wraps. The Cowboys cannot afford to get ahead of themselves because they have to face off against Kansas State, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma to end out the season.

4. Stanford Cardinal (8-0) LW 3

What a game against USC on Saturday Night. It took 3 OTs, but the Cardinal were able to get out of Los Angeles with a victory. The legend of Andrew Luck continues to grow as he lead the Cardinal to the victory with 330 yards and 2 TDs. But what is even more important is that Stanford is still unbeaten. They get a little breather this upcoming week against Oregon State, before facing off against Oregon in two weeks.

5. Boise State Broncos (7-0) LW 5

Boise State enjoys a nice week off before they finish up their first season in the Mountain West. Well you could almost say that they have two weeks off when they travel to UNLV which Boise State should dominate. But after their game with UNLV they have to play an improving TCU team and a still tough San Diego State. But the Broncos should continue to win games and hope that others keep losing around them.

6. Oklahoma Sooners (7-1) LW 8

After losing to Texas Tech the week before, Oklahoma was looking to make a statement against undefeated Kansas State in Manhattan. They sure did that, beating KState 58-17. Landry Jones shredded the Wildcats for 505 yards and 5 TDs. Now the Sooners host a Texas A&M team that is coming off a loss to Missouri, but still able to beat them. But it looks like the Sooners are refocused.

7. Oregon Ducks (7-1) LW 7

I don't know if it is the injuries they've had this year, but the Ducks do not look like the same team that we saw last year in the National Title game. They did win big, 43-28, but Washington State hung around a lot longer than they should have. But we'll see how good they are the next three weeks when they face off against Washington, Stanford, and USC. They are good, but they might just be the 2nd best team in their conference this year.

8. Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-1) LW 14

The famed "Blackshirt" defense had been pretty non-existent so far this season. However against Michigan State the defense's play was the biggest reason Nebraska won the game. The young secondary really stepped up and shut down the Spartan passing attack. On offense Rex Burkhead carried the load with over 100 yards rushing and 3 total touchdowns. With the win Nebraska finds themselves in the drivers seat in the Leaders Division.

9. Arkansas Razorbacks (7-1) LW 11

For a while it looked like the Razorbacks were going to get upset by Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt missed a FG in the closing seconds that would have sent the game into overtime. Taylor Wilson paced the Razorbacks with 316 yards and a TD. Arkansas cannot afford to start off slow next week when they face off against South Carolina.

10. South Carolina Gamecocks (7-1) LW 12

In their first game without RB Marcus Lattimore, the Gamecock offense was trying to figure out what they wanted to do. But luckily they were doing that against Tennessee and not somebody tougher. QB Connor Shaw continues to improve as the season goes forward. How he plays will determine if they make it back to the SEC Title game for 2nd straight year. But things don't get easy when they travel to a very talented Arkansas team.

11. Clemson Tigers (8-1) LW 6

You can't be surprised that Clemson's winning streak ended. Especially since they've been a slow starting team lately. That came back to bit them in the butt this week. Georgia Tech is a good team and with their running attack it's almost impossible to come back from double digits. Now the Tigers season isn't' over. They'll still have their opportunity to win the ACC and make it to a BCS Bowl, but they have to figure out how to start games the right way.

12. Virginia Tech Hokies (8-1) LW 13

VaTech was on upset watch for most of their game against Duke. Now that's not something that you really want, but what matters the most is that Virginia Tech still won the game. RB David Wilson continues to play well, but they need more consistent play out of QB Logan Thomas if they want to continue to win games. But they have to be glad that they have a good defense, or this game could have been bad.

13. Wisconsin Badgers (6-2) LW 10

The story of Wisconsin this year should be a warning to top teams to not schedule such a weak non conference slate. In their first six games they looked to be the real deal. The addition of Russell Wilson looked to be the move that put them over the top. However in their last two games their weaknesses on defense have been exposed. Michigan State and Ohio State (heck even Nebraska in the 1st half) took advantage of their slow defense to win the games. Now Wisconsin finds themselves in a position where they have to fight back to get their place to get to the Big 10 Championship Game.

14. Michigan State Spartans (6-2) LW 9

After their huge win over Wisconsin, the Spartans laid an egg against Nebraska. It was a complete mess for Sparty. Offensively they just couldn't do anything. They got impatient with their running game and that put them in an early hole. On defense their normally stout run defense gave up big yards to the Huskers. What was even worse was that they kept shooting themselves in the foot with dumb penalties. If the Spartans want to get things going again they have to avoid committing penalties and play a smarter game plan on offense.

15. Michigan Wolverines (7-1) LW 16

You can really tell that things are changing in Ann Arbor. In previous years this would be the time that the Wolverines would start their decline. Instead they look like they are getting better. What is even better is that they enjoyed a career day from RB Fitzgerald Toussaint who ran for 170 yards and 2 TDs against Purdue. Now if Toussaint can continue to get yards on the ground, that could take some of the workload off of Denard Robinson which will only make him better.

16. Houston Cougars (8-0) LW 17

It wasn't even a contest against Rice on Thursday night. QB Case Keenum did whatever he wanted in route to throwing for 534 yards and 9 TDs. But what surprises me is that HC Kevin Sumlin decided to leave Keenum in the game late throwing the ball when they had the game won. I know he wants Keenum to break records, but for a guy that has a history of injuries, it could have came back to bite them. I mean have we not seen how bad this team is without him?

17. Arizona State Sun Devils (6-2) LW 19

What is the best remidy after getting blown out by Oregon? How about a game against Colorado? Arizona State got back on track and rolled the Buffaloes 48-14. Brock Oseweiler threw for 307 and 2 TDs while Cameron Marshall ran for 114 and 3 TDs. The Sun Devils remaining schedule sets up pretty good for them with UCLA, Arizona, Washington State, and Cal. All four of those should be wins and should get ASU in the first ever Pac 12 Title Game.

18. Auburn Tigers (6-3) LW 20

Auburn made little work with lowly Ole Miss beating them 41-23. QB Clint Moseley only threw for 160 yards, but he did throw 4 TDs. Auburn may have 3 losses, but they are continuing to exceed expectations. With only three games left, the Tigers have a chance to make some noise. Georgia and Alabama are still on tap and if the Tigers could get some consistent QB play, they could pull off an upset.

19. Georgia Bulldogs (6-2) LW 22

After losing their first team games of the season, he Bulldogs have ripped off 6 straight and are putting themselves in a position to make it to the SEC Title Game. This past weekend they were able to beat rival Florida in the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" 24-20 in a game where they had to overcome a lot of self inflected mistakes. But luckily the Bulldogs get to face off against New Mexico State this next week before a tough match up against Auburn in two weeks.

20. Kansas State Wildcats (7-1) LW 15

Kansas State might have been undefeated going into this past weekend, but nobody really considered them to be one of the best teams in the Nation. And their 58-17 loss to Oklahoma they were exposed for who they really are. What makes matters worse is that they have to continue their tour of Oklahoma and now face off against #3 ranked Oklahoma State. I guess when it rains, it pours.

21. Penn State Nittany Lions (8-1) LW 21

They have only one loss on the season and that was to the #2 ranked team in Alabama. But if you've seen Penn State play you know that their next losses will probably be coming soon. The Nittany Lions have a very good defense, but their offense is flat out awful. They get no consistent QB play and the running game isn't very good either. Joe Paterno got his record setting 409th career win in the game, but needed a missed Illinois FG as time ended to win the game. They need to use the bye week to figure out the offense before a surging Nebraska team comes to town.

22. West Virginia Mountaineers (6-2) LW 23

In a snowy game at Rutgers the Mountaineers prevented a two game losing streak. West Virginia needed to come back from behind and did so relying on QB Geno Smith. Smith threw for 218 yards and 2 TDs, but it was his rushing TD in the 4th quarter which was the biggest. Now the Mountaineers must beat a Louisville team that just beat Syracuse who blew out West Virginia two weeks ago.

23. USC Trojans (6-2) LW NR

You don't usually see teams move up in the rankings after a loss, but when you take the #4 ranked team to the limits in triple OT you start to turn some heads. Despite all the drama that has happened at USC, they are quietly having a good season with only two losses (Stanford and Arizona State) and a remaining schedule that is winnable. The only tough game they have left is against Oregon who they should be able to hang with. For a team that doesn't have a whole lot to play for (can't play in the conference championship or a bowl game) but is still playing very hard.

24. Cincinnati Bearcats (6-1) LW NR

Not too many people have expected much from Cincinnati, especially since they struggled mightily last year after former HC Brian Kelly left. But quietly the Bearcats have gotten off to a 6-1 record and have a chance to win their 2nd Big East Title in three years. But they'll have to do it against the best the Big East has to offer.

25. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (7-2) LW NR

Take away the Virginia and Miami games and the Yellow Jackets have played some of the best football in the ACC. That was shown in their huge victory over previously unbeaten Clemson. They got off to a great start against Clemson and because of their running game, they were able to play keep away and hold the explosive Clemson team to only 17 points. But the schedule doesn't get easier with #12 VaTech and #19 Georgia left on the schedule.

Almost Made It: Southern Miss

Dropped From Rankings: Texas A&M, Texas