NCAA Top 25 (Week 10)

1.  Alabama Crimson Tide (9-0) LW 1
There was a point in the 4th quarter where I was thinking that Oregon was going to move up to the #1 spot, but AJ McCarron lead the Crimson Tide to a come from behind win and keeps the Tide's undefeated record in tack.  There's no rest for Alabama as they must host a red hot Texas A&M team looking to prove themselves in their new conference.


2.  Oregon Ducks (9-0) LW 2
USC made it interesting towards the end, but Oregon was in control of this game from the start.  RB Kenjon Barner was the star with his 321 yard 5 TD night.  The defense wasn't great, but they did enough to slow down the high powered USC attack enough to ensure the win.  Now Oregon must avoid a trap game against Cal before facing off against Stanford.


3.  Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-0) LW 3
It took two OTs, but the Fighting Irish avoided a terrible loss to Pittsburgh and keep the undefeated mark intact.  But things had to be a little nerve racking when Notre Dame was down 20-3.  Luckily the defense regained their form and Golson got the offense back on track.  Now the Domers move on to face off against Boston College in the annual Catholic Bowl.


4.  Kansas State Wildcats (9-0) LW 4
Kansas State may have won the game against Oklahoma State, but they may have lost their Heisman front runner and heart and soul of the team.  QB Collin Klein left the game in the 3rd quarter and never came back.  He didn't look to bad on the sidelines during the game, but with KState not sharing any info about injuries and it will keep us wondering all week long.  Because without Klein, the Wildcats might be toast.


5.  Georgia Bulldogs (8-1) LW 6
After having a horrible game last week against Florida, QB Aaron Murray bounced back for the tune of 384 yards and 4 TDs to give the Bulldogs their 8th win of the season and put them one step away from getting to the SEC Championship Game.  All they have to do is not get upset by a very bad Auburn team.


6.  Florida Gators (8-1) LW 7
After getting beat by Georgia even though they picked off Aaron Murray 3 times, the Gators were looking to bounce back and get back to their dominating ways.  Instead they played another clunker and should have lost to Missouri.  Missouri QB James Franklin threw 4 INTs and they were all bad.  If he could have just taken care of the ball the Tigers would have escaped with the win.  Florida better figure things out because Florida State is just around the corner.

7.  Florida State Seminoles (8-1) LW 8
The Seminoles had the weekend off as they get ready to travel to Virginia Tech on Thursday.  Must be nice having a bye week before playing a short week.  But VaTech is struggling and the Seminoles should have an easy game.  But week day games have the tendency to get crazy and VaTech isn't without talent.  FSU better come ready to go, cause the Hokies would love to knock them off.


8.  Clemson Tigers (8-1) LW 9
I don't know why Clemson isn't getting very much attention.  They've only lost one game and it was a close one to Florida State and yet they get no talk in the media and it's taken them a while to get back into the top 10 in both the AP and Coaches Poll.  There tied with FSU for their Division and if the 'Noles lose another game, the Tigers will go to the ACC Championship game.  Don't get it.

9.  Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0) LW 10
Don't think that I'm not listing Ohio State higher because of their NCAA sanctions.  They may be undefeated, but they really haven't played a tough schedule and haven't really been winning to convincingly (expect Nebraska).  They should have lost to a bad Purdue team and almost got knocked off by Cal.  I don't see them beating any of the teams ahead of them in these rankings.  The biggest reason they are having such a great year is Braxton Miller.  Without him they could easily have 3 or 4 losses.

10.  LSU Tigers (7-2) LW 5
If I were to tell you that QB Zach Mettenberger played his best game of the year and the Tigers were winning in the final minutes of the 4th quarter you'd probably assume they'd win.  But the Tiger defense just couldn't get that one last stop and allowed Alabama to drive the field and score the winning touchdown.  Now the Tigers must bounce back against a Miss State team that just got embarrassed against A&M to avoid dropping their third game of the year.

11.  South Carolina Gamecocks (7-2) LW 11
The Gamecocks had a weekend off after narrowly beating Tennessee the week before.  This week they face off against a Arkansas team that has struggled all year.  This is a must win for South Carolina as they have to hope that Georgia and Florida lose so they can back their way into the SEC Title Game.  But that's a lot to ask.


12.  Oklahoma Sooners (6-2) LW 12
Even though the game was never really that close score wise, the Sooners had their hands full with the pesky Cyclones looking to knock off the Sooners.  But Landry Jones had another big game throwing for 405 yards and 4 TDs to lead the way.  Now the Sooners will move on to their game against  Baylor hoping they can do enough to get an at large BCS berth.

13.  Louisville Cardinals (9-0) LW 13

When Temple returned the opening kickoff and then added another score in the first quarter it looked like Louisville was going to be in for a tough game.  However the Cardinals quickly overcame that deficit and shut down the Owls to take a commanding lead.  QB Teddy Bridgewater was amazing again for the Cardinals as he threw for 324 yards and 5 TDs.  He may not make it as a finalist for the Heisman, but he's giving leading the Cardinals to an undefeated season and should be a favorite in next year's race.

14.  Oregon State Beavers (7-1) LW 14
After losing their first game of the season against Washington, the Beavers bounced back and avoided a second straight loss.  Oregon State took control in the early parts of the 2nd quarter and didn't look back.  The win gives the Beavers their 7th win and puts them in contention of making their first BCS Bowl since 2000.  But they'll have to knock off Stanford this next weekend if they want to make it to the Rose Bowl.

15.  Stanford Cardinal (7-2) LW 18
It must be fun for Pac 12 schools when they see Colorado as their next opponent.  Colorado is terrible and Stanford wasted no time ending this game in a hurry.  Stanford used a 28 point 2nd quarter to blow the game up before ending with a 48-0 win.  But the big story was that Stanford made a QB move.  Kevin Hogan replaced the struggling Josh Nunes.  But it won't be till the Oregon State game before we see if he is any better.


16.  Texas A&M Aggies (7-2) LW 19
In a battle of SEC West teams the Aggies made little work of Miss State and cruised to a 38-13 win.  The game was not even as close to what the final score was.  QB Johnny Manziel was dynamic in this game and basically did whatever he wanted.  He threw for 311 yards and rushed for 129 yards.  A&M now moves on to face Alabama and will be Alabama's last hurdle for an undefeated regular season.


17.  Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-2) LW 20
Ever since the Huskers lost to Ohio State they have been a different team.  That was evident in their win over Michigan State.  Down 10 in the later stage of the 4th quarter the Huskers stepped up the defense and got two TDs that helped them pull out the victory.  If Nebraska can beat Penn State this Saturday they have a great shot at a 10 win season and should be the Big 10 Champions.  But they can't afford any slip ups.


18.  Texas Longhorns (7-2) LW 21
Going into their match up against Texas Tech there was a thought that the Longhorns weren't the best team on the field and that the Red Raiders would win.  Especially with the struggles Texas has had lately on both sides of the ball.  QB David Ash regained his earlier form throwing for 264 yards and 3 TDs.  Defensively the Longhorns held Tech to only 22 points which helped ensure the win.  If the Longhorns can keep playing good defense they should have a good end to their season.

19.  USC Trojans (6-3) LW 16
Well it wasn't the blow out that many people thought could happen, but the Trojans couldn't slow down the Ducks enough to get the win.  You would think that 51 points would win you most other games, but the lack of depth on defense really hurt the Trojans.  The loss is their 3rd on the season and with games against UCLA, Notre Dame, and possibly Oregon left, the Trojans can't afford any more losses.

20.  Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (8-1) LW 22
Their game against Texas San Antonia was a penalty fueled game that saw the Bulldogs pull away in the 4th quarter to get 9th consecutive WAC conference win.  LaTech was lead by QB Colby Cameron who had 348 yards passing and 3 TDs.  The Bulldogs now turn their attention to another FBS newcomer Texas State, which should be another easy win.

21.  UCLA Bruins (7-2) LW NR
The Bruins have kinda be a forgotten team lately after a couple of tough losses, but with their 66-10 win over Arizona it's clear that the Bruins have gotten the ship righted.  Also pair in USC losing to Oregon, the Bruins have a chance to make it back to the Pac 12 Title Game, but this time they won't be backing their way into it.  But to do so they'll need to beat USC and Stanford.


22.  Toledo Rockets (8-1) LW NR
Toledo makes their first appearance in the rankings and have done so with a great season under HC Matt Campbell.  Their only loss on the season is to Arizona to start the year, but they have a big win over Cincinnati on their record.  The Rockets are the favorites to in the MAC West Division and match up with either Ohio or Kent State in the conference championship game.  But to do so, they still have to beat Northern Illinois who has only 1 loss on the season also.

23.  Mississippi State Bulldogs (7-2) LW 15
It was interesting to see Miss State climb so high in the polls despite the fact that they really haven't played anybody that good.  Before the Alabama and Texas A&M games their toughest opponent was either Tennessee or Arkansas.  Not really juggernauts.  But they even climbed to the top 10.  But when the played teams like Alabama and A&M they got blown out.  Heck I almost dropped them out of the top 25 because of that.  But for another week they get to stay.

24.  Northwestern Wildcats (7-2) LW NR
I don't think that people truly appreciate the success that Northwestern is having this year.  They are 7-2 and the two teams they've lost to they had a chance to win the game.  Penn State and Nebraska scored in the final seconds to win those games.  That's pretty good for a private school that doesn't get very many top athletes.  But if the Wildcats want to earn some more respect they'll need to beat a Michigan team that wants to sneak into the Big 10 Title Game.  Should be a tough one.


25.  Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-1) LW 25
After dropping their last game to Kent State the Knights had an extra week to think about losing their undefeated season to a MAC school.  Now Rutgers has to face off against an Army team that is coming off a huge win against Air Force.  Rutgers can't find themselves looking past Army to their game against Cincinnati or they could drop a second game in a row.



Dropped From the Rankings:  Texas Tech, West Virginia

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