Top 25: Week 10

1. Oklahoma (8-1) – Against A & M, The Sooners scored over 40 points for the sixth time in nine games this season. Oklahoma is the best team top to bottom in the country, and even with a loss, their ranking should reflect that.

2. Oregon (8-1) – Oregon comes off a convincing win against one of the top teams in the country to jump to #2. The Ducks are riding the Heisman talents of Denis Dixon and “The Daily Show” Jonathan Stewart all the way to the Sugar Bowl.

3. Ohio State (10-0) – I like Ohio State, I really do. QB Todd Boeckman and WR Brian Robiskie have been outstanding this year, and their defense is one of the best in the land. But I just can’t see the Buckeyes holding up against either of the top two. Not at a neutral site. If the title were decided by a playoff, I would leave the Buckeyes at #1, and let them show me otherwise on the field, but as that is not the case, I simply don’t think they’re the best team.

4. Kansas (9-0) – I hope Bill Callahan has his resume ready. The Jayhawks went out to make a statement against Nebraska on Saturday, and did so by hanging 76 on the defense formerly known as the Black Shirts. As surprising as that was, it was the actually the fifth time this year that the Kansas offense has scored more than 50 points. They have also obliterated all standards of decorum when it comes to dropping teams after wins or byes. I can’t wait for their 11/24 match-up against Mizzou. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

5. West Virginia (7-1) – The Mountaineers are the victims of a bye week as Kansas jumps them. They probably wont lose again, but that may not be enough to climb back into the NC picture. That’s too bad, ‘cause they are as good as anyone else in the country.

6. LSU (8-1) – The Tigers continue to prove that they are beatable for every other team in the SEC. They deserve credit for winning close games (and yes, being ranked sixth is plenty of credit), but they don’t dominate anyone and still make a lot of mistakes.

7. Missouri (8-1) – The problems at A & M are about to get a whole lot worse when the Chase Daniels show roles through College Station this Saturday. The Big 12 has risen to prominence with three teams in the top seven.

8. Boston College (8-1) – The glass slipper finally shattered for BC against Florida State. Matt Ryan couldn’t will the Eagles to victory, and in the current flawed system, it will cost them an opportunity to play for a title.

9. Arizona St (8-1) – Another undefeated to go down last week, Arizona state now must hope for help to win the Pac 10. The next chance to prove themselves will be in two weeks against USC.

10. Hawaii (8-0) – The Warriors won’t drop until they lose. That could happen in two weeks at Nevada, or later when they host Boise.

11. Michigan (8-2) – The Wolverines narrowly avoided a major setback in their quest for the Big 10 title. If they can stay unbeaten going into Ohio St, they may save Lloyd Carr’s job.

12. UConn (8-1) – The Huskies are rolling through the Big East, with a tough game at Cincy this week. A season ending meeting with West Virginia may be the only thing standing between UConn and a BCS appearance.

13. Boise State (8-1) – The Broncos continue to win and continue to look forward to their season ender at Hawaii

14. V Tech (7-2) – A convincing road win against Georgia Tech keeps the Hokies in the divers seat in the ACC

15. Georgia (8-2) – Georgia did nothing to impress while giving up 34 points to Troy. A brutal two week home stand against Auburn and Kentucky will severely test the Bulldogs.

16. Virginia (8-2) – A narrow victory over Wake Forrest keeps the Cavaliers even with rival Virginia Tech down the stretch in the ACC

17. Alabama (6-3) – The Crimson Tide almost pulled the upset against LSU. This is higher than a three-loss team should normally be ranked, but once again, no one is stepping up to take the spot.

18. USC (7-2) – The Trojans Looked better with John Davis Booty back under center. Their next two games at Cal and at Arizona State will determine whether or not this team is Las Vegas Bowl bound.

19. Texas (8-2) – It’s not often that a team should feel embarrassed after a win, but the Longhorns should feel embarrassed after that win. What are they doing trailing that much to OSU? Come on Texas, you’re the fourth best team in the Big 12. Show me something.

20. Florida (6-3) – The Gators gave it to Vanderbilt on Saturday, but that should be expected. The Old Ball Coach will be waiting up in South Carolina to avenge last year’s loss in Gainesville.

21. Tennessee (6-3) – UT handled LA Laffayette in what was apparently the SEC’s non-conference week off. With Georgia’s tough schedule to finish the season, Tennessee may have a shot to play their way into the SEC championship.

22. Clemson (7-2) – Give credit to Clemson for not folding after back-to-back mid-season losses. We usually expect the Tigers to struggle in the second half, but they have run off three in a row, with their next two at home.

23. Wake Forrest (6-3) – The Demon Deacon’s loss a heartbreaker by a point at Virginia, and must now travel to Clemson. Repeating as ACC champs may be unrealistic at this point.

24. BYU (6-2) – Another convincing win against Colorado State set’s the stage for a tough MWC run against TCU, at Wyoming, and home against rival Utah. The young Cougar offense will be in for a test when the Horned Frogs come to Provo.

T- 25. Wisconsin (7-3)/Penn St (7-3) – PSU has lost at Illinois, at Michigan, and to Ohio St. UW has lost at Illinois, at Penn St, and at Ohio St. Not a great deal separates these two teams, not until the Badgers host Michigan this week.

Conference Breakdown: Pac 10 – 3 teams, Big 12 – 4 teams, Big 10 – 4 teams, Big East – 2 teams, ACC – 5 teams, SEC – 5 teams, Non-BCS – 3.