NCAA Football Rankings

I usually agree with the national rankings but you will see some differences.

1. Texas --- 7-0, 3-0 Big 12 -- #1 AP -- #1 BCS

Next week will be yet another test for the Texas defense. We all know how good the Texas offense is. Oklahoma St. will be tough to defend. Let's not forget, next week is Texas Tech. Get some rest Texas defense - you will need it.

2. Penn State --- 8-0, 4-0 Big Ten -- #3 AP -- #3 BCS

I differ with the polls and ESPN on this slot. Penn St. is averaging over 45 pts a game and only giving up 11 pts per game. In the past two games, the Lions put up 48 on Wisconsin and 46 on Michigan. While both teams are struggling, these are outstanding numbers to put up on a Big 10 team. Next week versus Ohio St. should determine who will win the Big 10 and possibly solidify a spot in the BCS Title game.

3. Oklahoma State --- 7-0, 3-0 Big 12 -- #7 AP -- #6 BCS

Ranking could be a little too high but I think they have earned it so far. Until now, the Cowboys have not been given the respect I think they deserve. The Cowboys have an explosive offense that is currently scoring over 46 points a game. The one area they really need to work on is their defense as they are giving up 20 points a game. The 2nd half of their season will be a true test. They have Texas and Texas Tech on the road and finish the regular season with Oklahoma. If their offense can carry them, I think they can beat the Longhorns this week. That win would give them the inside track to the Big 12 championship game.

4. Alabama --- 7-0, 4-0 SEC -- #2 AP -- #2 BCS

I think that success is going to the heads of the Crimson Tide players. The victory at Georgia was a big victory. However, they followed that win up with a 3-pt win at HOME against lowly Kentucky and escaped with a 4-pt win at HOME against Ole Miss. In both games, Alabama managed no more than 20 points. The next two weeks they have what should be easy games before travelling to LSU. They need to get their offense in gear if they want to compete with the Tigers - that won't be easy.

5. Texas Tech --- 7-0, 3-0 Big 12 -- #8 AP -- #8 BCS

The next few weeks will determine just how good this team is or if they've managed to get this far because of their schedule. The next month is going to be a lot tougher for the Raiders. BCS #23 Kansas, #1 Texas, #6 Oklahoma State and #4 Oklahoma is what in store for the Red Raiders. For them to win, they will need their defense to really improve.

6. Oklahoma --- 6-1, 2-1 Big 12 -- #4 AP -- #4 BCS

The Sooners right now I believe are the best 1-loss team out there. Last week, Texas' offense was just too much for the Sooners. Redemption starts this Saturday versus a fairly week Kansas State team. Oklahoma should win easy the next three weeks. Then they will face a tough Texas Tech team.

7. Florida --- 5-1, 3-1 SEC -- #5 AP -- #10 BCS

The Gators are definitely playing well right now. They avenged last year's loss to LSU by decimating the Tiger defense and running up 51 points on one of the best defenses in the nation. They should have no problem with Kentucky before taking on Georgia which could determine who wins the SEC Eastern Division as both teams have one loss in conference.

8. Georgia --- 6-1, 3-1 SEC -- #9 AP -- #7 BCS

The Bulldogs will have a stiff test this coming weekend as they travel to Baton Rouge to face LSU in a must win game for both teams. The winner will still have a chance to make it to the SEC Title game while the loser will have a very difficult time making it that far. This is will a tough stretch for Georgia as they follow the LSU game with a visit from the Florida Gators coming the next week.

9. Louisiana State --- 5-1, 3-1 SEC -- #11 AP -- #13 BCS

The Tigers redeemed themselves by defeating a stingy South Carolina team after the blowout loss to Florida the week before. The Tigers will face a stiff test this week as Georgia comes to town. The Tigers will need one of their two QBs to step up and take a definitive leadership position for this team to succeed. Also, they need Ricky Jean Francois back to lead the defensive unit. They also need him to keep his mouth shut!

10. Southern California --- 5-1, 3-1 PAC 10 --#6 AP -- #5 BCS

The corrupt BCS computer system is what is keeping USC high in the BCS rankings. It is definitely not their strength of schedule keeping them in the top 10. They have only played two weak ranked teams this season and they probably won't play any more until they play in the Rose Bowl or BCS Title Game. A high pre-season ranking yet again has saved USC from the weakness of the PAC-10. Yes, they beat Washington St. 69-0 last week, but let's not forget they are the worst team in the Bowl Subdivision - possibly even in all Division 1 football.

And the Rest....

11. Ohio St. 7-1 -- Ohio St. will be tested by Penn St. and Northwestern the next 2 weeks.
12. Boise St. 6-0 -- Boise St. is dominating the WAC again this year. Should finish at 12-0.
13. Utah 8-0 -- Another team that could upset the BCS world. Will face TCU in 2 weeks.
14. TCU 7-1 -- Killed BYU's chance at a BCS Bowl - Could Utah be their next victim?

15. Missouri 5-2 -- Can't afford another loss if they want to play in the Big 12 Title Game.
16. Pittsburgh 5-1 -- Finally playing like the team they were expected to be: Big East Favorite.
17. Northwestern 6-1 -- Have a shot at playing in Rose Bowl for first time since 1996.
18. South Florida 6-1 -- Will need a lot of help to win the Big East - Louisville could be tough.
19. Tulsa 7-0 -- Tulsa keeps putting up big numbers - 57 pts a game. Win out could mean BCS.
20. Ball St. 7-0 -- The tough part of their schedule starts in 2 weeks with No. Illinois.
21. BYU 6-1 -- TCU ruined the Cougars' chances at the BCS but now must get help to win the MWC.
22. Kansas 5-2 -- Can't afford anymore losses if they want to make the Big 12 Title Game.
23. Georgia Tech 6-1 -- Only ACC Team to be ranked - will get stiff test from surging Virginia.
24. Minnesota 6-1 -- Huge turnaround for the Gophers who were 0-8 in Big Ten in 2007.
25. Boston College 5-1 -- Surprising start for BC after losing Matt Ryan to the NFL.

Knocking on the door : Florida State, Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt, Maryland, Michigan State