NCAA Top 25 (Week 8)

1.  Alabama Crimson Tide (7-0) LW 1
The Crimson Tide kept their roll going against an reeling Tennessee team.  QB AJ McCarron lead the way with 306 yards passing and 4 TDs.  McCarron continues to improve and is no longer simply a game manager.  They'll need McCarron to be at his best when they play host to undefeated Mississippi State this weekend.  Should be a good test for Alabama who hasn't really been tested so far.


2.  Oregon Ducks (7-0) LW 2
If you happened to turn the channel to watch the NFL game or ran a quick errand, you probably came back to the game being practically over.  Oregon jumped out to a quick 43-7 lead at halftime and cruised their way to the victory.  Oregon continues to roll and should until they face USC in two weeks.  Until then, Colorado is just another speed bump.


3.  Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-0) LW 3
There are some people that are freaking out about Notre Dame only beating BYU by 3 and having to come back to do so.  However people need to relax.  Notre Dame did win and they were able to rush for 270 yards on at top 5 rushing defense.  That's pretty impressive for an offense that has had it's struggles.  Now Notre Dame moves onto their game at Oklahoma.  This will be Notre Dame's toughest test and a win would really set them up for a run at the National Title.


4.  Florida Gators (7-0) LW 4
Any questions on whether Florida is for real or not have been answered.  With a win over LSU already, the Gators destroyed a South Carolina team many thought would be the favorite to win the SEC West.  Their 44-11 was even more impressive considering Florida's offense isn't very explosive.  But the Gators can't get too confident because they have to travel to Georgia this weekend.  A win there would lock them into the SEC Title Game.


5.  Kansas State Wildcats (7-0) LW 5
It's safe to say that Kansas State's win over West Virginia was  statement game.  Not only did KState beat West Virginia to remain unbeaten, they steam rolled the Mountaineers and established themselves at the team to beat in the Big 12.  QB Collin Klein was amazing.  He had over 300 total yards of offense and 7 TDs.  Klein is now the front runner for the Heisman and the Wildcats are contenders for the National Title Game.  But Texas Tech looms this weekend.  The Red Raiders are better than most people think and have the ability to knock off KState.


6.  LSU Tigers (7-1) LW 6
For most of the first half it looked like the Tigers were going to suffer their second loss of the season.  But 14 quick points at the end of the 1st half gave LSU the lead and they never looked back.  RB Jeremy Hill lead the way with 127 yards rushing and a TD.  But QB Zach Mettenberger continues to struggle.  The Tigers have a week off, but they then have to face Alabama.  Their going to need Mettenberger to step up if they want to win there.


7.  USC Trojans (6-1) LW 8
It was against Colorado, but it was still nice to see USC's offense break out.  Especially QB Matt Barkley who has had a pretty underwhelming year so far.  But against the Buffaloes Barkley completed 19/20 passes and threw 6 TDs.  The Trojans have to hope that this game was a sign of things to come because USC has some big games on the horizon.


8.  Oklahoma Sooners (5-1) LW 10
RB Roy Finch made an impact on special teams returning two kick offs 100 yards to get the Sooners going from the start.  Add in another great game by QB Landry Jones and the Sooners are ready to go for their huge match up against Notre Dame.  The Sooners could really use the win to get them back into the National Title race.  But they'll need to do it against one of the best defenses in the nation.


9.  Oregon State Beavers (6-0) LW 15
It's still amazing the season that Oregon State is having.  After beating Utah 21-7 the Beavers improve their record to 6-0 and have moved into the top 10 in the rankings.  But they can't get too comfortable because they have to travel to Washington this weekend.  This is the same Washington team that knocked Stanford out of the top 10.


10.  Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0) LW 9
After surviving a scare with Braxton Miller and an near upset by Purdue, the Buckeyes are ready for their showdown with Penn State.  It's amazing that these two teams are probably the best in the Big 10 and neither team is eligible for the post season.  If not, this could be a game that would be for the Leaders Title.  Instead it will just be one heck of a game to watch.


11.  Florida State Seminoles (7-1) LW 14
Looking to move their way back into the top 10, Florida State had to beat in state rival Miami.  The Seminoles started off slow and struggled throughout the first half, but were still able to take the lead and then took control in the second half.  Florida State better hope that they can get things figured out because they will face off against Duke this weekend and the Blue Devils are no longer a push over.



12.  Clemson Tigers (6-1) LW 11
Last year the Clemson Virginia Tech game would have been a must see game to help decided ACC supremacy.  Instead VaTech is struggling and the Tigers don't have a lot of hype around them.  But that didn't stop them from taking control in the second quarter and getting out with the victory.



13.  South Carolina Gamecocks (6-2) LW 7
After beating Georgia it looked like the Gamecocks were going to be the team to beat in the SEC East.  Instead they dropped two straight games and are in a free fall.  QB Connor Shaw has struggled and even got benched against Florida.  Luckily the Gamecocks get a break and face off against a Tennessee team is is on their own losing streak.  Which one will come to an end?

14.  Georgia Bulldogs (6-1) LW 13
Kentucky was suppose to be an easy bounce back win for the Bulldogs.  They won, but it was too close for comfort.  But as they say a win is a win.  That's especially true since South Carolina lost again and that puts the Bulldogs right back into the SEC East Title race.  If they can beat Florida this weekend they will be in the lead.  But Georgia will need their defense to step up and stop the run.  No easy task. 


15.  Louisville Cardinals (7-0) LW 16

It took a Tedd Bridgewater TD pass with 1:35 left in the game to take the lead and win the game.  In a case of looking ahead, the Cardinals looked past South Florida to their showdown with Cincinnati and were lucky to escape with the win.  But unlike Cincinnati, they got the win.  Louisville now can focus on the Bearcats and a win would give them one of the two wins they need to win the Big East.

16.  Mississippi State Bulldogs (7-0) LW 17
With their victory over Middle Tennessee State, the Bulldogs got their easy part of the schedule out of the way.  Now the Bulldogs move into the hearth of their SEC schedule and we'll get to see how good this team really is.  First up in Alabama. 

17.  Penn State Nittany Lions (5-2) LW 21
Penn State went into their game against Iowa looking to continue their hot streak.  Not only did they win, they took the Hawkeyes behind the shed and whooped them.  They lead Iowa by 31 at one point.  Now Penn State moves on to host Ohio State in what could have been a game that would decide the Leaders Division.  Instead with both teams ineligible, it's just a game between two very good teams. 

18.  Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-0) LW 19
Trailing 10-0 at halftime it looked like Temple was going to spoil Rutgers perfect season.  But QB Gary Nova lead the Scarlet Knights to 35 straight points and the defense held the Owls scoreless and we ended with a blowout.  Now Rutgers has to try not to look past MAC foe Kent State or they could suffer the same fate that Cincinnati did against Toledo.

19.  West Virginia Mountaineers (5-2) LW 12
Do you remember a couple of weeks ago when West Virginia had just out dueled Texas and moved up to top 5 territory.  Geno Smith was the front runner for the Heisman.  All was good in Morgantown.  Then two straight losses and the Mountaineers are reeling.  Was it just games against two tough teams or was most of the season a fluke?  But West Virginia couldn't have a bye week at a better time.  Rest up and fix what has been going wrong.

20.  Ohio Bobcats (7-0) LW 20
After cracking the Top 25 for the first time in school history the Bobcats enjoy a weekend off before their game at Miami of Ohio.  This bye week will allow the Bobcats a chance the heal up and prepare for a possible undefeated season.  This is especially true for QB Tyler Tettleton who is a little banged up.


21.  Stanford Cardinal (5-2) LW 22
There wasn't any bands on the field nor did this game come down to the wire.  It was basically a butt whooping.  Even though the score (21-3) didn't indicate it, Stanford manhandled Cal and did whatever they wanted to.  And when you do that it's easy to win games.  Stanford will look to do that again when they host Washington State this Saturday.


22.  Michigan Wolverines (5-2) LW 23
Michigan hasn't beaten Michigan State in four straight years.  Nobody on Michigan's team has beat the Spartans.  So it must have felt pretty good when Brendon Gibbons' FG made it's way through the uprights and gave the Wolverines the win.  This is also quite the turnaround for Michigan who looked dead in the water earlier in there year.  Now all they have to is beat Nebraska and they have the Legends Division and a possible Big 10 Title within their grasps.

23.  Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-1) LW NR
After Texas Tech lost big to Oklahoma many thought their early season success was nothing more than just feasting on inferior competition.  But wins against West Virginia and now TCU have people thinking that the Red Raiders are for real.  The biggest different in this years Red Raider teams is that they are playing defense.  That defense will be put to test this weekend as they travel to KState and face off against Collin Klein and the Wildcats.  A win there would really throw a monkey wrench into the Big 12 standings.


24.  Texas Longhorns (5-2) LW 25
Texas survived a shootout with Baylor to improve to 5-2 on the season.  The win was a good one in that it gets them back on track after their blowout loss to Oklahoma the week before.  Things only get better as the Longhorns get to travel to Lawrence to face the Jayhawks.  That should be an easy win.

25.  Texas A&M Aggies (5-2) LW 18
They have new coaches, new schemes and some new players, but the Aggies are suffering the same problems that they had last year.  Holding on to leads.  In both of the Aggies losses they had double digit leads only to let the game slip away.  Against LSU they were up 10 points but then gave up two quick TDs at the end of the second quarter and were never able to make up for it.  But they do catch a break this weekend as they face off against an Auburn team that might be one of the worst teams in a BCS conference.

Dropped From the Rankings: Cincinnati

College Football Top 25 (Week 3)

1.  USC Trojans (2-0) LW 1
Not even a lighting storm could stop the Trojans in their win over Syracuse at Met Life Stadium.  Behind QB Matt Barkley's 6 TDs passes the Trojans cruised to an easy victory.  This game also saw former Penn State RB Silas Redd surpass the 100 yard mark for the first time as a Trojan.  The only cause for concern may be USC's defense.  They gave up 29 points to Syracuse and even though the game was already decided it raises some red flags for bigger games.  Either way the Trojans should get their first true test with Stanford next.

2.  Alabama Crimson Tide (2-0) LW 2
In the week leading up to the game Alabama Head Coach took the local media to task about taking Western Kentucky too lightly.  It was all a motivational ploy to make sure his players didn't let up after drilling Michigan the week before.  Saban probably didn't need to do so, but none the less the Crimson Tide rolled Western Kentucky and even shut out the Hilltoppers.  Next week Saban shouldn't have any trouble motivating his players as they travel to Arkansas.  And even though Arkansas lost to Louisiana-Monroe, they are still a very dangerous team with the ability to upset the Tide.

3.  LSU Tigers (2-0) LW 3
In what what was thought to be a be a good match up between up and coming Washington and the 3rd ranked Tigers turned out to be a blowout.  Behind a strong running game, the LSU Tigers were able to manhandle the Huskies to the tune of 242 yards and 3 TDs.  Alfred Blue lead the way with 102 yards and a score while Kenny Hilliard had two scores also.  QB Zach Mettenburger also step up his game from week 1 and looked a lot more comfortable running the offense.  Next week should be an easy one for the Tigers as they play host to Idaho.  Which should serve as another warm up game to get ready for SEC play.

4.  Oregon Ducks (2-0) LW 4
The running backs were main story in Oregon's 42-25 victory over Fresno State.  Kenjon Balmer was the star of the game with his 201 yards rushing and 3 TDs.  His running mate De'Anthony Thomas chimed in with 102 yards and 2 TDs also.  Oregon was able to do what ever they wanted rushing the ball and it showed.  The Ducks have one more tune up game (Tennessee Tech) left before they start the Pac 12 season.  They'll use it to get even more experience for QB Marcus Mariota who they'll need to have a big year if they want to make it back to their 2nd National Championship game in three years.

5.  Georgia Bulldogs (2-0) LW 5
After trailing for most of the game, Georgia had to rally late to get the win.  Welcoming Missouri to the SEC.  A huge reason for the comeback was the play of start OLB Jarvis Jones.  Jones  forced a fumble when he sacked Missouri QB James Franklin and then on the next series he picked off a Franklin pass which he nearly took back for a TD.  Those two plays really jump started the Bulldogs and allowed them to cruise to a 41-20 win.  This win had to be extra satisfying mainly because Georgia had to endure Missouri players running their mouth about the Bulldogs playing "Old Man Football."  This weekend the Bulldogs should have an easier road against Florida Atlantic which should allow them to work out some cinks.

6.  South Carolina Gamecocks (2-0) LW 6
When it was announced that QB Connor Shaw wasn't going to play, I didn't get all the concern people where having.  Sure not having your starting QB is a big issue.  But when your team is build around the running game and defense and your playing a average at best CUSA team it shouldn't be too big of a concern.  That proved to be right when the Gamecocks roared out of the gates and won by 38 points and backup QB Dylan Thompson looked very good.  330 yards and 3 TDs good.  Thompson played so good I would rest Shaw in their game against UAB to make sure that he is fully rested.  UAB isn't very good and Thompson should be able to lead them to victory.

7.  Oklahoma Sooners (2-0) LW 7
It was your typical top 10 team vs FCS type of game here.  Oklahoma overwhelmed Florida A&M in route to a 69-13 victory.  It's hard to gauge much from a game like this, but Sooner fans have to be excited about the play of junior RB Damein Williams.  Williams stole the show with 156 yards and 4 TDs.  The speedster had scores from 89 and 65 yards.  The Sooners were also able to get Penn State transfer WR Justin Brown into the action and hopefully get him some chemistry with QB Landry Jones.  Oklahoma has a week off before their big showdown with #15 Kansas State. 

8.  Clemson Tigers (2-0) LW 8
Clemson's offense is really starting to take off and they still haven't had stud WR Sammie Watkins who was still serving a suspension.  QB Tajh Boyd has continued to improve his accuracy and running this team.  His play in big games could be the difference between them going undefeated or losing a key game or two.  But none the less this Clemson offense is going to be even more dangerous than last year.  The biggest key will be their defense which didn't get tested against Ball State and probably won't against next week's opponent, Furman. 

9.  Michigan State Spartans (2-0) LW 10
After their big victory over Boise State in week 1, the Spartans had an easier road against in state Central Michigan.  RB Le'Veon Bell didn't have a huge game, but Michigan State didn't need him to do so.  Instead they used this opportunity to get QB Andrew Maxwell's confidence going.  And they definitely did that here.  Maxwell passed for 275 yards 2 TDs and 0 INTs.  Right now Michigan State looks like the cream of the crop of the Big 10 and they're going to need a big season out of Maxwell if they want to continue this positive momentum.  They get a big opportunity this weekend when they host Notre Dame.  Notre Dame has played well so far, so a win by the Spartans could jump them past a few teams here in the rankings.

10.  Virginia Tech Hokies (2-0) LW 12
It's always nice to have a cupcake game right after a hard fought contest to start the year.  After beating Georgia Tech and their triple option offense the Hokies got a break facing off against FCS foe Austin Peay.  In their win it was vintage Beamer Ball.  VaTech had a blocked punt and a near punt return for a TD to help get things going before they open things up offensively in route to a 42-7 victory.  You have to wonder if slow starts like they've had both games could come back to hurt them once they get to ACC play.  We'll find out this week as they face off against Pittsburgh who is struggling now, but still has a ton of talent.

11.  Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0) LW 13
Braxton Miller continues to shine in Urban Meyer's spread offense.  This week he did it mainly with his legs.  Miller rushed for 141 yards and 3 TDs and is putting fear into defensive coordinator minds.  However he did struggle passing the ball which could hurt him come conference season.  But with a strong defense the Buckeyes are going to be one heck of a team to beat.  This upcoming weekend they'll face off against California who got back on track after losing to Nevada to start the season.

12.  Michigan Wolverines (1-1) LW 14
After being embarrassed at the hands of Alabama, the Wolverines were anxious to get back on the field and show everybody that they are a much better team that what they showed in that game.  Against Air Force their offense showed that they are still very dangerous.  QB Dennard Robinson bounced back and had a combined 426 yards and 3 TDs.  However there are still some concerns since they only beat an average Air Force team by 6 and gave up 25 points.  What will happen when they play Michigan State, Ohio State, or Nebraska whose offenses are far superior than them.

13.  West Virginia Mountaineers (1-0) LW 15
After a big blowout of Marshall, West Virginia enjoyed an off week.  I'm not a big fan of off weeks this early in the season, but at least it five st eh Mountaineers to fine some mistakes they saw in the opener.  If there were any.  This weeks match up against James Madison should be interesting.  Meaning how many points is Dana Holgerson and QB Geno Smith going to put up on the FCS school.  Will they approach the 84 that Oklahoma State put up on Savannah State or will they call of the dogs early?

14.  Florida State Seminoles (2-0) LW 17
Just think what could have been.  FSU was scheduled to play West Virginia this game, but because the Mountaineers went to the Big 12 they had to opt out of this game.  FSU then was forced to schedule Savannah State because they had no other option.  Instead of a top 15 match up we got to see FSU just steam roll a team that might be lucky to win 2 games against FCS competition.  Luckily the game was called in the 3rd quarter due to lightning and we didn't have to endure too much more of it.  As of right now we still don't know how good of a team FSU is, but we'll get a better look this weekend as they face off against a much improved Wake Forrest team.  This could be a trap game with a trip to Clemson on the horizon.

15.  Kansas State Wildcats (2-0) LW 19
With Miami coming to town everybody was primed for hard fought game between two good teams.  Well KState quickly showed that they were the better team and asserted their dominance winning 52-13 over the Hurricanes.  The Wildcats jumped on Miami right out the gate and never stood a chance.  With 281 yards and 4 TDs total, Klein has shown everybody that he is a real contender for the Heisman Trophy.  Look for more the same with the Wildcats when they face off against North Texas this weekend.  But a big time showdown with Oklahoma is right around the corner.

16.  Florida Gators (2-0) LW 21
Along with Georgia, the Florida Gators had the luxury of welcoming a newcomer to the SEC.  Here it was Florida traveling to College Station to face off against the Aggies.  It didn't start out very good for Florida who gave up 17 points in the first half and trailed 17-10 at halftime.  But the Gator defense stepped up and shut the Aggies down in the 2nd half to get their first win for HC Will Muschamp when trailing at halftime.  Along with a stellar defensive performance, the Gators were able to make the comeback largely due to their running game.  RB Mike Gillislee had another strong showing rushing for 83 yards and both Florida TDs.  But Florida won't be able to start off slow against their next opponent, because the Tennessee Volunteers offense is one of the best in this young season.  Their game should be a must watch and will really tell us where both of these teams stand.

17.  Texas Longhorns (1-0) LW 18
It was a dominant performance on both sides of the ball for the Texas Longhorns.  Defensively they did give up 241 yards to the Lobos, but they were able to shut them out and force two turnovers.  But the big story was the play of QB David Ash.  Ash threw for 221 yards and 2 TDs and even had a nice 49 yard run for a TD.  If Texas wants to get back to the top of the Big 12 they are going to need David Ash to become a big time player.  Otherwise they'll get lost in the schuffle like they have for the past couple of years.  Their game against Ole Miss should be an interesting gauge.  Ole Miss comes into this game 2-0 and a win over UTEP.  This was the same UTEP team that gave Oklahoma fits. 

18.  Lousiville Cardinals (2-0) LW 20
Sophomore QB Teddy Bridgewater used a career day to help the Cardinals soar past FCS Missouri State.  Bridgewater threw for 344 yards and 2 TDs, but what has been the most remarkable stat for Bridgewater has been his accuracy.  Against Missouri State he completed 77% of his passes.  No matter who you play that is pretty damn good.  Add in that the Cardinals defense held the Bears to only one TD and it was a pretty successful day. 
19.  Tennessee Volunteers (2-0) LW NR
One of the biggest stories to this young college football season has been the Tennessee Volunteers.  Picked by many to finish as one of the worst teams in the SEC might have a legit shot to winning the SEC West.  The biggest reason has been the play of their offense.  QB Tyler Bray is a potential top 10 pick and he has a couple very talented WRs that he can get th ball to.  In their game against Georgia State WR Justin Hunter was unstoppable grabbing 8 balls for 146 yards and 3 TDs.  But we'll really see if this Tennessee team is for real when they face off against lon time rival Florida this weekend.  A win there would really give the Vols a ton of momentum to carry themselves through the season.

20.  TCU Horned Frogs (1-0) LW 22
With their win over Grambling State, TCU head coach Gary Patterson has become TCU's all time winningest coach.  The Horned Frogs definitely decided to get him his win in easy fasion.  What's most impressive in this game is that QB Casey Pachall threw for 201 yards completing all 9 of his passes. Pretty fantastic.  But this year will be a true test of how good of a program Patterson has built.  Coming from the Mountain West to the Big 12 (Which was rated as the #2 conference last year) it's going to be a step up week in and week out.  But at least the Big 12 did them a favor by scheduling their first conference game with Kansas.  Which should be an easy win.

21.  Stanford Cardinal (2-0) LW 24
In what could have easily been a trap game, the Caridnal were able to quickly dispose of Duke without the fear of an upset.  Drew Terrell was the star of the game with a punt return for a TD and a TD reception.  So far this season the Cardinal have aired it out a lot more.  And why not, they know what they have in Stepfan Taylor and they might as well work on the pass game before their big game against USC this weekend.  This game will really show what this team will be like without Andrew Luck and company.

22.  Baylor Bears (1-0) LW 25
It was an off week for the Bears before they play host to Sam Houston State.  If Baylor can play at the same high level they did in their opener against SMU they should be able to win convinclingly against the FCS school.  However don't sleep on Sam Houston State.  It was Sam Houston State that made it to the FCS National Championship game and lost in a close game.  So they won't be a push over.  However Baylor just has too much fire power for the Bearkats to handle.  This should be an easy one.

23.  UCLA Bruins (2-0) LW NR
This doesn't look like your UCLA teams of the past 10 years.  New head coach Jim Mora Jr. has really done wonders with this roster.  The biggest difference has been the intensity.  In their win against Nebraska their defense was all over the field and laying the lumber to the Husker players.  Offensively offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone has the offense running at an extremely high level.  QB Brett Hundley is a threat both on the ground and through the air.  But the true star is RB Jonathan Franklin.  Against Nebraska he ran for 217 yards while scoring on the game clinching TD reception.  Watch out for this team, because they have a ton of talent and schedule that should allow them to get off to a great start.

24.  Arkansas Razorbacks (1-1) LW 9
It was a very bad day for the Razorbacks.  Not only did they lose a bad game to a Lousiana-Monroe team that they should have never lost to.  But starting QB Tyler Wilson suffered a concussion and may be out of action for a while.  Not what you want when you have to face off against Alabama this next week.  But if Arkansas can't fix their issues on defense it won't matter who is playing QB for them. 

25.  Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-1) LW 16
Nebraska let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers.  UCLA is a much better team than they have been in the past, but the Huskers were a better team and still should have won.  Their defense was the huge issue giving up 653 total yards.  UCLA spread them out and beat them in one on one situations.  Offensively they had things rolling in the first half, but stalled in the 2nd.  And once they got behind they became very predictable.  The sky isn't falling, but the Huskers now have to fix some major holes on defense if they want to challenge Michigan and Michigan State for the division crown.

Dropped From Rankings:  Wisconsin Badgers, Oklahoma State Cowboys