Week 7

Does Anyone Want It?

Almost every year in college football there's a clear cut "top team" and about 3-4 other serious contenders who vary from rank 2-10 throughout the season. I still think LSU is the top team in the country, but from there the field is about as flooded as UNCW during a thunderstorm.

1. Ohio State is now in the driver's seat
They started the year reeling from losing most of their key players from their 2006 squad, but this young team has gotten better each and every week. They still lack the star power (I invite you to try to name more than 3 players on their team unless you're a Buckeye fan) but they find themselves with the #1 ranking. They more fell into it than earned it...they haven't done anything special except not lose to inferior teams...but they're there nevertheless. I'd circle the Michigan game as a probably loss, but now that Mike Hart's future is uncertain Ohio State's road seems that much easier. If they go undefeated they'll be playing for the BCS title...but I think a one loss SEC or Pac-10 team, or an undefeated Big East (South Florida) or ACC (Boston College) team gets the nod over a one loss Ohio State.

2. Is the SEC West now in doubt?
No. Not really. But it's certainly a possibility for Auburn to knock off LSU next week and win out and take the crown. I think Les Miles will find and fix all of the holes that Kentucky exposed, making LSU that much of a stronger team next week. I don't think that this game will even be close; Les Miles' class and sportsmanship have always been a little suspect and he'll try to run up the score in a statement game in Death Valley.

3. Do South Florida or Boston College deserve a look at the #1 ranking?
They're not better than teams like LSU, Oklahoma, or Ohio State...but they're both undefeated and have several key victories. If USF beats Rutgers this Thursday night they'll greatly increase their chances of running the table and add another impressive win to their BCS resume. Ohio State would have to lose in order for this scenario to happen, but given the trend of this year's college football season that's more than likely. Seeing an 11-year-old, previously obscure program like USF ranked #1 will cause shockwaves through the NCAA...I don't know whether the cheer for or against it.

Heisman Watch
1. Graham Harrell, QB Texas Tech (3, 151 passing yards, 31 passing TD's)
2. Andre Woodson, QB Kentucky (1,786 passing yards, 24 total TD's)
3. Matt Ryan, QB Boston College (2,148 passing yards, 17 passing TD's)
4. Ray Rice, RB Rutgers (993 total yards, 14 total TD's)
5. Dennis Dixon, QB Oregon (1,849 total yards, 21 total TD's)

on the bubble: Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford, Mike Hart

Top 25
1. Ohio State

2. South Florida

3. Boston College

4. LSU

5. Oklahoma

6. Kentucky

7. Oregon

8. South Carolina

9. California

10. Arizona State

11. West Virginia

12. Virginia Tech

13. Florida

14. USC

15. Kansas

16. Missouri

17. Auburn

18. Hawaii

19. Tennessee

20. Texas Tech

21. Georgia

22. Texas

23. Cincinnati

24. Michigan

25. Virginia