My Top 25: Postseason

This post will be the final one for this blog.  It has been a pleasure to write on here for the past 6 months and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.  And with the college football season wrapped up it seems to be a natural time to close the blog.  I want to thank everyone who read the blog for your support.  I couldn't have done it without you.


That being said, here is my final Top 25 for the season.  2010 was a great and unpredictable year of college football.  We have a deserving and worthy national champion in Auburn (even though it may get taken away in a couple of years) and there is lots of young talent that promises to make 2011 even better.


Thank you once again for reading the blog!


25. (Last Week: NR) North Carolina State (9-4)
24. (Last Week: NR) Maryland (9-4)
23. (Last Week: 19) South Carolina (9-5)
22. (Last Week: 21) Utah (10-3)
21. (Last Week: 17) Nebraska (10-4)
20. (Last Week: 16) Texas A&M (9-4)
19. (Last Week: 14) Missouri (10-3)
18. (Last Week: 24) Central Florida (11-3)
17. (Last Week: 7) Michigan State (11-2)
16. (Last Week: 22) Mississippi State (9-4)
15. (Last Week: 18) Florida State (10-4)
14. (Last Week: 11) Virginia Tech (11-3)
13. (Last Week: 20) Alabama (10-3)
12. (Last Week: 15) Oklahoma State (11-2)
11. (Last Week: 10) Arkansas (10-3)
10. (Last Week: 13) Oklahoma (12-2)
9. (Last Week: 5) Wisconsin (11-2)
8. (Last Week: 12) LSU (11-2)
7. (Last Week: 9) Boise State (12-1)
6. (Last Week: 8) Nevada (13-1)
5. (Last Week: 6) Ohio State (12-1)
4. (Last Week: 4) Stanford (12-1)
3. (Last Week: 3) Oregon (12-1)
2. (Last Week: 2) TCU (13-0)
1. (Last Week: 1) Auburn (14-0)



Dropped Out: Connecticut, Hawaii

My Top 25: Week 14

Here are my final rankings until the end of bowl season.  The Big East finally has a ranked team again, as UConn is now #25.

25. (Last Week: NR) Connecticut (8-4)
24. (Last Week: NR) Central Florida (10-3)
23. (Last Week: 23) Hawaii (10-3)
22. (Last Week: 22) Mississippi State (8-4)
21. (Last Week: 21) Utah (10-2)
20. (Last Week: 20) Alabama (9-3)
19. (Last Week: 18) South Carolina (9-4)
18. (Last Week: 17) Florida State (9-4)
17. (Last Week: 13) Nebraska (10-3)

16. (Last Week: 19) Texas A&M (9-3)
15. (Last Week: 16) Oklahoma State (10-2)
14. (Last Week: 14) Missouri (10-2)

13. (Last Week: 15) Oklahoma (11-2)
12. (Last Week: 12) LSU (10-2)
11. (Last Week: 11) Virginia Tech (11-2)
10. (Last Week: 10) Arkansas (10-2) 
9. (Last Week: 9) Boise State (11-1)
8. (Last Week:8) Nevada (12-1)
7. (Last Week: 7) Michigan State (11-1)

6. (Last Week: 6) Ohio State (11-1) 
5. (Last Week: 5) Wisconsin (11-1)
4. (Last Week: 4) Stanford (11-1) 
3. (Last Week: 3) Oregon (12-0)

2. (Last Week: 1) TCU (12-0)
1. (Last Week: 2) Auburn (13-0)

Dropped Out: Arizona, Northern Illinois

My Top 25: Week 13

What a week!  Auburn's rally against Alabama is the stuff champions are made of.  And Nevada's upset of Boise State was one of the most excruciating and exciting games I 've ever watched.  Due to this outcome, Nevada rises all the way to #9 and Boise State drops to #10.  It pains me to drop Boise so low because I still believe they would beat any team in the nation on a neutral field.  However, we can only judge football teams based on the results on the field, so for at least one week, they must be lower than Nevada.  On a related note, congratulations to the WAC for having two Top 10 teams.  I had an extremely hard time trying to decide who to rank #1, Auburn or TCU. The Horned Frogs have won every game this season in impressive fashion and look the part of a #1 team.  However, Auburn's comeback on the road against the defending national champions was extremely impressive.  Currently, TCU rises to #1 and Auburn to #2.  However, if the Tigers win the SEC next week in Atlanta, they will replace TCU at the top heading into bowl season.


Elsewhere in the rankings, rivalry week caused some movement.  Alabama dropped all the way to #20 after blowing their lead against Auburn.  Florida State jumped to #17 on the strength of their blowout of Florida.  LSU and Oklahoma State both dropped due to losses to other Top 25 teams.  And North Carolina State and Iowa both fell from the Top 25 after being upset.  Replacing them are Hawaii and Northern Illinois.  Hawaii is 9-3 and gave new Top 10 team Nevada their only loss.  Northern Illinois is 10-2 and is riding an 8 game winning streak.  Here is this week's Top 25 (Be sure to vote in this week's poll about upsets):


25. (Last Week: 23) Arizona (7-4)
24. (Last Week: NR) Northern Illinois (10-2)
23. (Last Week: NR) Hawaii (9-3)
22. (Last Week: 24) Mississippi State (8-4)
21. (Last Week: 21) Utah (10-2)
20. (Last Week: 11) Alabama (9-3)
19. (Last Week: 19) Texas A&M (9-3)
18. (Last Week: 18) South Carolina (9-3)
17. (Last Week: 20) Florida State (9-3)
16. (Last Week: 10) Oklahoma State (10-2)
15. (Last Week: 16) Oklahoma (10-2)
14. (Last Week: 15) Missouri (10-2)

13. (Last Week: 14) Nebraska (10-2)
12. (Last Week: 7) LSU (10-2)
11. (Last Week: 13) Virginia Tech (10-2)
10. (Last Week: 12) Arkansas (10-2) 
9. (Last Week: 1) Boise State (10-1)
8. (Last Week:17) Nevada (11-1)
7. (Last Week: 9) Michigan State (11-1)

6. (Last Week: 8) Ohio State (11-1) 
5. (Last Week: 6) Wisconsin (11-1)
4. (Last Week: 5) Stanford (11-1) 
3. (Last Week: 4) Oregon (11-0)

2. (Last Week: 3) Auburn (12-0)
1. (Last Week: 2) TCU (12-0)

Dropped Out: Iowa, North Carolina State

My Top 25: Week 12

Here is my Top 25 for week 12:


25. (Last Week: 25) Iowa (7-4)
24. (Last Week: 24) Mississippi State (7-4)
23. (Last Week: 23) Arizona (7-3)
22. (Last Week: NR) North Carolina State (8-3)
21. (Last Week: NR) Utah (9-2)
20. (Last Week: 20) Florida State (8-3)
19. (Last Week: 19) Texas A&M (8-3)
18. (Last Week: 18) South Carolina (8-3)
17. (Last Week: 17) Nevada (10-1)
16. (Last Week: 16) Oklahoma (9-2)
15. (Last Week: 15) Missouri (9-2)

14. (Last Week: 10) Nebraska (9-2) 
13. (Last Week: 14) Virginia Tech (9-2)
12. (Last Week: 13) Arkansas (9-2)
11. (Last Week: 12) Alabama (9-2)
10. (Last Week: 11) Oklahoma State (10-1)
9. (Last Week: 9) Michigan State (10-1)

8. (Last Week: 8) Ohio State (10-1)
7. (Last Week: 7) LSU (10-1) 
6. (Last Week: 6) Wisconsin (10-1)
5. (Last Week: 5) Stanford (10-1)
4. (Last Week: 4) Oregon (10-0)
3. (Last Week: 3) Auburn (11-0) 
2. (Last Week: 2) TCU (11-0) 
1. (Last Week: 1) Boise State (10-0)

Dropped Out: Northwestern, San Diego State

My Top 25: Week 11

Here is my Top 25 for Week 12:

25. (Last Week: 16) Iowa (7-3)
24. (Last Week: 18) Mississippi State (7-3)
23. (Last Week: 15) Arizona (7-3)
22. (Last Week: 24) San Diego State (7-3)
21. (Last Week: NR) Northwestern (7-3)
20. (Last Week: NR) Florida State (7-3)
19. (Last Week: NR) Texas A&M (7-3)
18. (Last Week: 22) South Carolina (7-3)
17. (Last Week: 21) Nevada (9-1)
16. (Last Week: 20) Oklahoma (8-2
15. (Last Week: 19) Missouri (8-2)
14. (Last Week: 17) Virginia Tech (8-2)
13. (Last Week: 14) Arkansas (8-2)
12. (Last Week: 13) Alabama (8-2)
11. (Last Week: 12) Oklahoma State (9-1)
10. (Last Week: 11) Nebraska (9-1) 
9. (Last Week: 9) Michigan State (9-1)

8. (Last Week: 8) Ohio State (9-1)
7. (Last Week: 7) LSU (9-1) 
6. (Last Week: 6) Wisconsin (9-1)
5. (Last Week: 5) Stanford (9-1)
4. (Last Week: 4) Oregon (10-0)
3. (Last Week: 3) Auburn (11-0) 
2. (Last Week: 2) TCU (11-0) 
1. (Last Week: 1) Boise State (9-0)

Dropped Out: Utah, Florida, Kansas State

My Top 25: Week 10

After 10 weeks, there a barely enough worthy teams to fill out a Top 25.  I almost left Florida State or North Carolina State ranked despite their losses because they both would beat Kansas State on a neutral field.  However, there is something fundamentally wrong about the #24 team losing to an unranked, undermanned squad and not dropping out of the Top 25.  San Diego State debuting in the rankings at #24 means that the Mountain West has three ranked teams, which is better than the ACC (which has one) or the Big East (which has none).  The WAC also has two ranked teams.  LSU jumped all the way to #7 because of their big win over Alabama.  LSU hasn't played like the #7 team for much of the season, but they have won all of their games but one in the toughest conference in America.  They will stay in the Top 10 until they lose.  Michigan State made a big jump, as promised, all the way to #9.  Like LSU, the Spartans don't also win pretty, but they do almost always win.  Here is this week's Top 25:


25. (Last Week: NR) Kansas State (6-3)
24. (Last Week: NR) San Diego State (7-2)
23. (Last Week: NR) Florida (6-3)
22. (Last Week: 14) South Carolina (6-3)
21. (Last Week: 25) Nevada (8-1)
20. (Last Week: 9) Oklahoma (7-2)
19. (Last Week: 13) Missouri (7-2)
18. (Last Week: 19) Mississippi State (7-2)
17. (Last Week: 18) Virginia Tech (7-2)
16. (Last Week: 17) Iowa (7-2)
15. (Last Week: 11) Arizona (7-2)
14. (Last Week: 15) Arkansas (7-2)
13. (Last Week: 8) Alabama (7-2)
12. (Last Week: 22) Oklahoma State (8-1)
11. (Last Week: 12) Nebraska (8-1) 
10. (Last Week: 5) Utah (8-1)
9. (Last Week: 21) Michigan State (9-1)

8. (Last Week: 10) Ohio State (8-1)
7. (Last Week: 16) LSU (8-1) 
6. (Last Week: 6) Wisconsin (8-1)
5. (Last Week: 7) Stanford (8-1)
4. (Last Week: 4) Oregon (9-0)
3. (Last Week: 3) Auburn (10-0) 
2. (Last Week: 2) TCU (10-0) 
1. (Last Week: 1) Boise State (8-0)

Dropped Out: Florida State, North Carolina State, Baylor

My Top 25: Week 9

The National Title race is beginning to clear up after both Michigan State and Missouri lost this past weekend.  These losses dropped the Spartans to #6 and the Tigers to #13.  They also propelled Nebraska up to #12 and Iowa up to #17.  Michigan State fell so far for two reasons.  First, I don't believe there is a team in front of them they could consistently beat.  That includes Wisconsin, who they did in fact beat early this year.  Second, Michigan feels a lot like LSU in that a lot of their wins don't feel deserved.  If the Spartans win out, they should rise quickly in the rankings as other teams continue to lose.  Both East Carolina and Miami fell out of the Top 25 after losing in games they should have won.  Nevada and North Carolina State both returned to the rankings after big wins last week.  Here are the rankings for Week 9 (also vote in this week's poll):

25. (Last Week: NR) Nevada (7-1)
24. (Last Week: 12) Florida State (6-2)
23. (Last Week: NR) North Carolina State (6-2)
22. (Last Week: 25) Oklahoma State (7-1)
21. (Last Week: 6) Michigan State (8-1)
20. (Last Week: 21) Baylor (7-2)
19. (Last Week: 20) Mississippi State (7-2)
18. (Last Week: 19) Virginia Tech (6-2)
17. (Last Week: 24) Iowa (6-2)
16. (Last Week: 18) LSU (7-1) 
15. (Last Week: 17) Arkansas (6-2)
14. (Last Week: 16) South Carolina (6-2)
13. (Last Week: 7) Missouri (7-1)
12. (Last Week: 15) Nebraska (7-1) 
11. (Last Week: 14) Arizona (7-1)
10. (Last Week: 13) Ohio State (8-1)
9. (Last Week:11) Oklahoma (7-1)

8. (Last Week: 10) Alabama (7-1)
7. (Last Week: 9) Stanford (7-1)
6. (Last Week: 8) Wisconsin (7-1)
5. (Last Week: 5) Utah (8-0)
4. (Last Week: 4) Oregon (8-0)
3. (Last Week: 3) Auburn (9-0) 
2. (Last Week: 2) TCU (9-0) 
1. (Last Week: 1) Boise State (7-0)

Dropped Out: East Carolina, Miami

My Top 25: Week 8

Every week it seems that at least one Top 10 team loses.  Last week, both Oklahoma and LSU lost to tams that are now in the Top 10.  LSU fell much further than Oklahoma based on their total lack of an offense and the general lack of faith that I have in them.  Oklahoma only feel to #11 because they own an extremely impressive win over #12 Florida State and head-to-head results are very meaningful.  Missouri finally proved that they are for real and jumped eleven spots, all the way to #7.  This week provides another chance for the Tigers to prove their worth as they travel to Lincoln to face Nebraska. Wisconsin jumped to the front of the one-loss teams because they have the most impressive record, with wins versus Ohio State and at Iowa.  Their only loss also happens to be at #6 Michigan State.  Georgia Tech, Kansas State, and Texas all fell out of the Top 25 after losing.  They were replaced by Miami, East Carolina, and Baylor.  The Bears can solidify their Top 25 ranking if they can win this week at Texas.  Here are the rankings for this week:


25. (Last Week: 17) Oklahoma State (6-1)
24. (Last Week: 15) Iowa (5-2)
23. (Last Week: NR) Miami (5-2)
22. (Last Weel: NR) East Carolina (5-2)
21. (Last Week: NR) Baylor (6-2)
20. (Last Week: 22) Mississippi State (6-2)
19. (Last Week: 24) Virginia Tech (6-2)
18. (Last Week: 7) LSU (7-1) 
17. (Last Week: 20) Arkansas (5-2)
16. (Last Week: 19) South Carolina (5-2)
15. (Last Week: 16) Nebraska (6-1) 
14. (Last Week: 14) Arizona (6-1)
13. (Last Week: 13) Ohio State (7-1)
12. (Last Week: 12) Florida State (6-1)
11. (Last Week: 5) Oklahoma (6-1)
10. (Last Week: 10) Alabama (7-1)
9. (Last Week: 9) Stanford (6-1)

8. (Last Week: 11) Wisconsin (7-1)
7.  (Last Week: 18) Missouri (7-0)
6. (Last Week: 8) Michigan State (8-0)
5. (Last Week: 6) Utah (7-0)
4. (Last Week: 4) Oregon (7-0)
3. (Last Week: 3) Auburn (8-0) 
2. (Last Week: 2) TCU (8-0) 
1. (Last Week: 1) Boise State (6-0)

Dropped Out: Georgia Tech, Kansas State, Texas

My Top 25: Week 7

What a week!  Five teams dropped out of the Top 25 after losing this past weekend.  Florida, Michigan, Oregon State, Nevada, and Air Force all fell.  It was especially hard to see Oregon State go because I have been defending them all year.  However, there loss was very fluky and I think they will be back.  A couple teams also returned to the Top 25 after a couple weeks away.  Texas and Virginia Tech are both back in the rankings after being left for dead due to early season upsets.  Georgia Tech and Kansas State have also returned to the rankings.  And much maligned Mississippi State is premiering in the rankings due to their upset in the Swamp.  There was also some movement at the top of the rankings.  Ohio State and Nebraska both fell out of the Top 10 due to losses.  Wisconsin was the week's biggest climber, jumping ten spots after their big win over the Buckeyes.  The Badgers will continue to rise if they can beat Iowa in Iowa City this weekend.  Michigan State and LSU also made big jumps due to the fact that I am finally buying into these teams.  Michigan State may very well be the class of the Big 10.  They will be able to prove it over the next couple weeks.  And LSU's stay in the Top 10 may be only one week as they visit Cam Newton and the Auburn Tigers this weekend.  We will have to see what Les Miles has up his sleeve this time.  Here is this week's Top 25:

25. (Last Week: NR) Georgia Tech (5-2)
24. (Last Week: NR) Virginia Tech (4-2)
23. (Last Week: NR) Kansas State (5-1)
22. (Last Week: NR) Mississippi State (5-2)
21. (Last Week: NR) Texas (4-2)
20. (Last Week: 12) Arkansas (4-2)
19. (Last Week: 10) South Carolina (4-2)
18. (Last Week: 23) Missouri (6-0)
17. (Last Week: 22) Oklahoma State (6-0)
16. (Last Week: 4) Nebraska (5-1) 
15. (Last Week: 20) Iowa (5-1)
14. (Last Week: 19) Arizona (5-1)
13. (Last Week: 2) Ohio State (6-1)
12. (Last Week: 14) Florida State (6-1)
11. (Last Week: 21) Wisconsin (6-1)
10. (Last Week: 11) Alabama (6-1)
9. (Last Week: 9) Stanford (6-1)

8. (Last Week: 15) Michigan State (7-0)
7. (Last Week: 16) LSU (7-0) 
6. (Last Week: 8) Utah (6-0) 
5. (Last Week: 7) Oklahoma (6-0)
4. (Last Week: 5) Oregon (6-0)
3. (Last Week: 6) Auburn (7-0) 
2. (Last Week: 3) TCU (7-0) 
1. (Last Week: 1) Boise State (6-0)

Dropped Out: Florida, Michigan, Oregon State, Nevada, Air Force

My Top 25: Week 6

It has finally happened.  The Broncos of Boise State have ascended to their rightful place as the top team in the nation.  Unless something crazy happens, they will occupy this spot for the foreseeable future.  There were some other big moves in the Top 25 this week as well.  South Carolina's upset of Alabama caused a ripple effect that led to Carolina moving up three spots, Alabama dropping ten spots, and Arkansas, who was victorious this past weekend, dropping three spots.  This shuffle happened because a team shouldn't be ranked behind a team it has beaten head-to-head while the victorious team has a better record or the records of the two teams are the same.  There are a few times when common sense will override this rule, but for the most part I will follow it all season long.  This rule is the same reason Iowa dropped four spots when Arizona dropped nine due to their lost versus Oregon State.  LSU rose nine spots because of their victory at the Swamp.  An undefeated team with LSU's schedule has no business being outside the Top 10, but I cannot get over what I saw at the end of their game with Tennessee.  One more big time win and I will treat them with all the respect their record deserves.  As a final note, I would like to welcome Florida State back into the Top 15.  My Noles appear to have fully recovered from the debacle at Norman and now stand as the frontrunners for the ACC crown.  Here is the Top 25 for Week 6:

25. (Last Week: 21) Florida (4-2)
24. (Last Week: 15) Michigan (5-1)
23. (Last Week: NR) Missouri (6-0)
22. (Last Week: NR) Oklahoma State (5-0)
21. (Last Week: 24) Wisconsin (5-1)
20. (Last Week: 16) Iowa (4-1)
19. (Last Week: 10) Arizona (4-1)
18. (Last Week: 23) Air Force (5-1)
17. (Last Week: 20) Nevada (5-0)
16. (Last Week: 25) LSU (6-0)
15. (Last Week: 19) Michigan State (6-0)
14. (Last Week: 17) Florida State (5-1)
13. (Last Week: 14) Oregon State (3-2)
12. (Last Week: 9) Arkansas (4-1)
11. (Last Week: 1) Alabama (5-1)
10. (Last Week: 13) South Carolina (4-1)
9. (Last Week: 11) Stanford (5-1)
8. (Last Week: 12) Utah (5-0)
7. (Last Week: 8) Oklahoma (5-0)
6. (Last Week: 7) Auburn (6-0)
5. (Last Week: 6) Oregon (6-0)
4. (Last Week: 5) Nebraska (5-0)
3. (Last Week: 4) TCU (6-0)
2. (Last Week: 3) Ohio State (6-0)
1. (Last Week: 2) Boise State (5-0)

Dropped Out: Kansas State, Miami

My Top 25: Week 5

After 5 weeks of football, there is a huge bottleneck at the top of the rankings.  Alabama, Boise State, Ohio State, and TCU were thought to be contenders at the beginning of the year and have done nothing to prove otherwise.  However, Nebraska, Oregon, Auburn, and Oklahoma have also shown themselves to be contenders.  Luckily, most of these teams have grueling schedules coming up that should help sort out this quagmire out.

There was only one big mover this past week.  Oregon moved into the Top 10 after a very convincing win over Stanford.  The Ducks got down early in the game and then stormed back to win 52-31.  I don't think Oregon will go undefeated over the grueling Pac-10 season, but they looked unstoppable last weekend.  Other big movers up the rankings include Michigan State and Florida State.  Air Force and Kansas State entered the Top 25 based on the strong starts to their seasons.  Kansas State hosts Nebraska this Thursday in a game that will reveal if they are contenders or pretenders.

Both Stanford and Florida dropped a few spots in the poll each based on their losses to Oregon and Alabama, respectively.  Neither team dropped very far because a team shouldn't be punished for losing to a Top 10 team, especially on the road.  Penn State and North Carolina State both dropped from the rankings after poor showings in their losses.  Wisconsin almost fell from the Top 25 after their loss against Michigan State.  The Badgers have done very little to deserve their high ranking and didn't do well in their first game against a strong opponent.  This next week's game versus Ohio State will show if the Badgers deserve to be ranked.  LSU is clinging to their Top 25 rankings because they are undefeated and have beaten 5 FBS teams.  However, I watched the end of the Tennessee-LSU game and the Tigers deserved to lose.  Their offense is embarrassingly bad and they are one of the most poorly coached teams in the nation.  Luckily, they are reaching the meat of their SEC schedule and will play much better teams over the next 2 months.  Unless they suddenly fix their offensive woes and Les Miles spontaneously learns how to coach, LSU will not end the year in the Top 25.  Here in the Top 25 for week 5 (remember to vote in this week's poll):

25. (Last Week: 22) LSU (5-0)
24. (Last Week: 14) Wisconsin (4-1)
23. (Last Week: NR) Air Force (4-1)
22. (Last Week: NR) Kansas State (4-0)
21. (Last Week: 16) Florida (4-1)
20. (Last Week: 21) Nevada (4-0)
19. (Last Week: 25) Michigan State (5-0)
18. (Last Week: 20) Miami (3-1)
17. (Last Week: 22) Florida State (4-1)
16. (Last Week: 18) Iowa (4-1)
15. (Last Week: 17) Michigan (5-0)
14. (Last Week: 15) Oregon State (2-2)
13. (Last Week: 13) South Carolina (3-1)
12. (Last Week: 12) Utah (4-0)
11. (Last Week: 8) Stanford (4-1)
10. (Last Week: 10) Arizona (4-0)
9. (Last Week: 9) Arkansas (3-1)
8. (Last Week: 7) Oklahoma (5-0)
7. (Last Week: 6) Auburn (5-0)
6. (Last Week: 11) Oregon (5-0)
5. (Last Week: 5) Nebraska (4-0)
4. (Last Week: 4) TCU (5-0)
3. (Last Week: 3) Ohio State (5-0)
2. (Last Week: 2) Boise State (4-0)
1. (Last Week: 1) Alabama (5-0)

Dropped Out: Penn State, North Carolina State

My Top 25: Week 4

Saturday started with a lot of promise, but in the end very few upsets actually happened.  The one notable exception is Texas.  Even before this week, Texas had done nothing to deserve their Top 10 ranking.  After an awful home loss versus a below average Pac-10 team in UCLA, the Longhorns have no business being in the Top 25.  With their next two games being against Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout and then at Nebraska, things could get very ugly for the Longhorns.  The only other Top 25 to drop out of the rankings was West Virginia, which lost 20-14 at LSU.  The Mountaineers' loss leaves the Big East without a Top 25 team (the WAC and MWC each have 2). Michigan State and North Carolina State both entered the Top 25 after impressive wins.  Stanford rose 5 spots into the Top 10 after a dominate win at Notre Dame.  Their showdown versus Oregon in Corvallis will reveal a lot about this year's Pac-10 race.  Auburn jumped 4 spots to #6 after rallying to beat a very strong South Carolina team.  Arkansas, Oregon State, and South Carolina all remained ranked after losing because they all lost to Top 10 teams.  Here is the Top 25 for week 4 (also vote in this week's poll):

25. (Last Week: NR) Michigan State (4-0)
24. (Last Week: NR) North Carolina State (4-0)
23. (Last Week: 21) Penn State (3-1)
22. (Last Week: 25) Florida State (3-1)
21. (Last Week: 23) Nevada (4-0)
20. (Last Week: 20) Miami (2-1)
19. (Last Week: 22) LSU (4-0)
18. (Last Week: 19) Iowa (3-1)
17. (Last Week: 18) Michigan (4-0)
16. (Last Week: 17) Florida (4-0)
15. (Last Week: 11) Oregon State (1-2)
14. (Last Week: 16) Wisconsin (4-0)
13. (Last Week: 9) South Carolina (3-1)
12. (Last Week: 15) Utah (4-0)
11. (Last Week: 14) Oregon (4-0)
10. (Last Week: 12) Arizona (4-0)
9. (Last Week: 6) Arkansas(3-1)
8. (Last Week: 13) Stanford (4-0) 
7. (Last Week: 7) Oklahoma (4-0)
6. (Last Week: 10) Auburn (4-0)
5. (Last Week: 5) Nebraska (4-0)
4. (Last Week: 4) TCU (4-0)
3. (Last Week: 3) Ohio State (4-0)
2. (Last Week: 2) Boise State (3-0)
1. (Last Week: 1) Alabama (4-0)

Dropped Out: Texas, West Virginia

My Top 25: Week 3

There wasn't too much movement in the Top 25 this week because there were just a couple match-ups between top teams.  However, there were a few big risers in the poll this week.  This biggest jump belonged to Arizona who pulled off a huge win over Iowa.  The Wildcats seem to be very real contenders for the Pac-10 title.  Bunched between 11 and 14 are the Wildcats and their fellow Pac-10 contenders: Oregon State, Stanford, and Oregon.  Houston and California fell out of the Top 25 based on their losses.  Nevada entered the poll at #23 with their dominate win over California.  And Florida State jumped back in to the rankings because of their strong victory over BYU.  The 'Noles should be able to prove that their loss at Oklahoma was a one week apparition.  Their wasn't much movement in the Top 10 because everyone but Iowa had a strong win.  Without further ado, here is the Top 25 for Week 3:

25. (Last Week: NR) Florida State (2-1)
24. (Last Week: 24) West Virginia (3-0)
23. (Last Week: NR) Nevada (3-0)
22. (Last Week: 22) LSU (3-0)
21. (Last Week: 20) Penn State (2-1)
20. (Last Week: 19) Miami (1-1)
19. (Last Week: 9) Iowa (2-1)
18. (Last Week: 18) Michigan (3-0)
17. (Last Week: 16) Florida (3-0)
16. (Last Week: 13) Wisconsin (3-0)
15. (Last Week: 14) Utah (3-0)
14. (Last Week: 15) Oregon (3-0)
13. (Last Week: 17) Stanford (3-0) 
12. (Last Week: 23) Arizona (3-0)
11. (Last Week: 11) Oregon State (1-1)
10. (Last Week: 10) Auburn (3-0)
9. (Last Week: 12) South Carolina (3-0)
8. (Last Week: 5) Texas (3-0)
7. (Last Week: 8) Oklahoma (3-0)
6. (Last Week: 7) Arkansas(3-0)
5. (Last Week: 5) Nebraska (3-0)
4. (Last Week: 4) TCU (3-0)
3. (Last Week: 3) Ohio State (3-0)
2. (Last Week: 2) Boise State (2-0)
1. (Last Week: 1) Alabama (3-0)

Dropped Out: Houston, California

My Top 25: Week 2

Rather than write about each individual team, I am going to move to a system where I talk about the big movers of the week, both up and down.

Four teams dropped out of the poll this week, three with embarrassing losses and the fourth (BYU) because #25 teams don't stay ranked when they lose.  Florida State didn't look like anything close to a top team this past weekend against Oklahoma and doesn't deserve to be ranked.  The Noles will inevitably be back because they didn't play near their potential and are still the class of the ACC, but right now they must be unranked.  The story is basically the same for Georgia Tech, who suffered a close loss to a bad Kansas team.  Virginia Tech looked awful against James Madison, but I attribute their miserable play to a lack of recovery from the Boise State loss.  The Hokies will probably be back as well.  The lone ranked ACC team is Miami, who suffered their own defeat against Ohio State this weekend.  However, there is no shame in losing to the #2 team in the nation.

There were also four teams to enter the poll this week.  California, Arizona, and LSU are all ranked based on their 2-0 records and wins against quality opponents.  All 3 teams have upcoming games against ranked competition that will reveal if their spots in the Top 25 are deserved.  I didn't want to rank Michigan after another quick start, but it is hard to ignore Denard Robinson's play.  If the Wolverines keep playing the way they have, the Big Ten may have another title contender.

Finally, there were a couple big risers this week.  Stanford jumped 5 spots on the strength of their dominating victory over UCLA in Los Angeles.  Oregon jumped 7 spots by scoring 45 unanswered points on Tennessee in Neyland Stadium.  And Oklahoma jumped 4 spots because of their annihilation of the Seminoles.

Here is this week's Top 25:

25.(Last Week: NR) California (2-0)
24. (Last Week: 21) West Virginia (2-0)
23. (Last Week: NR) Arizona (2-0)
22. (Last Week: NR) LSU (2-0)
21. (Last Week: 25) Houston (2-0)
20. (Last Week: 18) Penn State (1-1)
19. (Last Week: 15) Miami (1-1)
18. (Last Week: NR) Michigan (2-0)
17. (Last Week: 22) Stanford (2-0)
16. (Last Week: 14) Florida (2-0)
15. (Last Week: 24) Oregon (2-0)
14. (Last Week: 20) Utah (2-0)
13. (Last Week: 17) Wisconsin (2-0)
12. (Last Week: 19) South Carolina (2-0)
11. (Last Week: 14) Oregon State (0-1)
10. (Last Week: 11) Auburn (2-0)
9. (Last Week: 10) Iowa (2-0)
8. (Last Week: 12) Oklahoma (2-0)
7. (Last Week: 7) Arkansas(2-0)
6. (Last Week: 5) Texas (2-0)
5. (Last Week: 9) Nebraska (2-0)
4. (Last Week: 5) TCU (2-0)
3. (Last Week: 3) Ohio State (2-0)
2. (Last Week: 2) Boise State (1-0)
1. (Last Week: 1) Alabama (2-0)

Dropped Out: Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, BYU

My Top 25: Week 1

They did it.  The Boise State Broncos have completed the first leg of their march to the National Title.  I initially was going to rank Boise ahead of Alabama in honor of their victory and because I truly believe they are the best team in the nation.  However, the Crimson Tide have done nothing to show they aren't the best team in the nation and until they do I will leave them at the top. That being said, here is my Top 25 for Week 1: 

25. (Last Week: NR) BYU (1-0)- I didn't take BYU seriously coming into the season and I still don't think they will remain in the Top 25.  However, the beat a good Washington team with one of the best players in the country so they deserve their moment among the ranked.
24. (Last Week: NR) Oregon (1-0)- I didn't want to rank the Ducks, but its impossible to ignore 72-0 without either Jeremiah Masoli or LeMichael James.
23. (Last Week: 25) Houston (1-0)- Houston showed once again they can outscore any team in the nation.  I believe they will trip up at least once, but an undefeated Cougars team could make the BCS debate even more interesting.
22. (Last Week: 23) Stanford (1-0)- Andrew Luck was just as good as advertised in the Cardinal's first game post-Toby Gerhardt.  They have a brutal schedule over the next five games (at UCLA, vs. Wake Forest, at Notre Dame, at Oregon, and vs. USC) that will go a long way to showing what kind of team this is.
21. (Last Week: 21) West Virginia (1-0)- The Mountaineers looked strong across the board against Coastal Carolina.  With Connecticut, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh all losing, they are now the front runners in a wide open Big East.
20. (Last Week: NR) Utah (1-0)- The Utes showed Thursday that TCU and Boise State aren't the only BCS Busters in the nation.  With a few more wins, they could seriously enter the conversation.
19. (Last Week: 20) South Carolina (1-0)- The Gamecocks look fantastic in their win last Thursday and can announce themselves as contenders with a win against Georgia this weekend.
18. (Last Week: 19) Penn State (1-0)- The Nittany Lions got by last week with their first freshman quarterback in the JoePa era.  This week's visit to Tusculoosa should reveal a lot more about Penn State's prospects for the season.
17. (Last Week: 15) Wisconsin (1-0)- The Badgers looked solid in their opener, but they didn't prove themselves like some of the teams in front of them.  The Badgers have a light schedule until games at Iowa and versus Ohio State in October.
16. (Last Week: 14) Florida (1-0)- The Gators drop a couple spots because of their extreme offensive struggles against Miami of Ohio.  They better be careful this week because South Florida has the talent to pull off the upset.
15. (Last Week: 17) Miami (1-0)- I don't like the Hurricanes this year and hate to rate them this high.  Jacory Harris should come down to Earth this weekend in the Horseshoe.
14. (Last Week: 12) Oregon State (0-1)- The Beavers only drop two spots because teams shouldn't be punished for losing tightly to a superior team.  They looked strong against TCU and have a great shot at winning the Pac-10. 
13. (Last Week: 13) Virginia Tech (0-1)- Like Oregon State, the Hokies shouldn't be punished for losing to a superior team.  Tyrod Taylor had the best game of his career, but Boise State is simply the team of destiny.  Still, the season looks very bright for Virginia Tech.
12. (Last Week: 11) Oklahoma (1-0)- The Sooners got pushed to the limit by Utah State.  Yes, by Utah State!  They better get their act together before the Seminoles come to Norman this weekend. 
11. (Last Week: 18) Auburn (1-0)- Auburn jumps because Cameron Newton looked FANTASTIC.  I am very excited to see what he will do against an SEC defense.
10. (Last Week: 10) Iowa (1-0)- The Hawkeyes took care of Eastern Illinois easily.  Their next two games should reveal a lot about this team before they begin their Big 10 schedule.  They host in-state rival Iowa State at home and then go on the road at Arizona.
9. (Last Week: 9) Nebraska (1-0)-The Cornhuskers' freshman quarterback Taylor Martinez looked explosive against Western Kentucky.  If he can give them an offense to match their defense, there are few teams in the nation that can hang with the Huskers.
8. (Last Week: 8) Georgia Tech (1-0)-The triple option looked good against South Carolina State but this offense has a long way to go before it hits full strength.  Josh Nesbitt's passing looked awful to say the least.
7. (Last Week: 7) Arkansas(1-0)-The Razorback offense was as good as advertised against Tennessee Tech.  And even though it should be taken with a couple grains of salt, the defense looked pretty good as well.
6. (Last Week: 5) Texas (1-0)-The Longhorns looked solid but not great against Rice.  They need to get things fixed before the meat of the Big 12 schedule starts.
5. (Last Week: 6) TCU (1-0)-The Horned Frogs fulfilled all expectations in Jerryworld.  They beat an excellent Beavers' squad and have a good shot at going undefeated.
4. (Last Week: 4) Florida State (1-0)-Jimbo Fisher's debut couldn't have gone better and the Noles offense looked as strong as expected against Samford.  Their improved defense will get a much bigger test in Norman against the Sooners this weekend.
3. (Last Week: 3) Ohio State (1-0)-The Buckeyes continued their wide-open play against Marshall.  This week's game versus the Hurricanes will go a long way to showing what kind of season they will have in Columbus. 
2. (Last Week: 2) Boise State (1-0)-Last night, Boise showed they are a complete team.  They jumped out to a huge lead in a hostile environment, blew that lead, and then went blow for blow with the Hokies.  Kellen Moore was unflappable on their fourth quarter drive and the Broncos looked strong in all facets of the game.  To quote a sign at the game last night, "The road to AZ [began] in DC."
1. (Last Week: 1) Alabama (1-0)- The Tide rolled without Mark Ingram.  They look great right now and should be able to handle Penn State this week.

Dropped Out: Cincinnati, Mississippi, Pitt

My Top 25: Preseason

A college football top 25 is a very strange thing to compile.  Different people think a top 25 should be different things.  Some people see it as a collection of the 25 best teams.  Others see it as the 25 most deserving teams. Rather than go with one school of thought or the other, my top 25 will be a combination of both theories. 

25. Houston- Behind Casey Keenum, the Cougars have a chance to beat any team in the country.  Their two biggest tests are winnable games against UCLA and Texas Tech.

24. Cincinnati- If Zach Collaros can maintain his play from last year, the Bearcats could avoid a drop-off this year.  Their biggest challenge is a home game versus the Sooners of Oklahoma.

23. Stanford- Andrew Luck had a very strong freshman year and should prevent the Cardinals from missing Heisman runner-up Toby Gerhart too much.  Their biggest games are on the road at Oregon and at home versus USC and Oregon State.

22. Mississippi- Jeremiah Massoli instantly makes the Rebels a contender in the exceptionally difficult SEC West.  The Rebels toughest games are on the road versus Alabama, Arkansas, and LSU.

21. West Virginia- Heisman contender Noel Devine should keep the Mountaineers competitive in a wide-open Big East.  Their toughest tests are at LSU and at Pitt.

20. South Carolina- Every year the Gamecocks seem to be on the verge of contending.  This year, Stephen Garcia and the Ole Ball Coach should put all the pieces together and make a run at an SEC East title.  Their hardest games are at home versus Alabama and Arkansas and on the road versus Florida.

19. Penn State- JoPa must replace his starting QB, but the rest of his offense is quite experienced.  Penn State is not an elite Big 10 team, but they should win enough to stay ranked.  The Nittany Lions' most difficult tests are at Alabama, Ohio State, and Iowa.

18. Auburn- Cameron Newton should excel in Gus Mazhalan's offense and between the two of them, Auburn should be back this year.  The Tigers' hardest challenges are at home versus Arkansas and LSU and on the road at Ole Miss and Alabama.

17. Miami- Lots of pollsters have the Hurricanes higher than this, but Jacory Harris can't light up the skies behind a leaky offensive line.  Still, the U should have a strong season and weather a brutal schedule.  The Hurricanes' toughest games are at Ohio State, Pitt, and Georgia and at home against Florida State and Virginia Tech.

16. Pittsburgh- Pitt has a very gifted offense behind super-sophomore Dion Lewis and they should be able to play with any team they face.  The Panthers' biggest games are at home against Miami and West Virginia.

15. Wisconsin- The Badgers have a powerful running game and a massive offensive line.  This team isn't great, but those two things and an easy schedule should keep them in the Top 25.  The Badgers' most difficult challenges are on the road at Iowa and at home against Ohio State.

14. Florida- The post-Tebow era will not be terrible, but Florida needs to get used to a lower standard than they have seen the past few years.  John Brantley is talented, but he is no football Jesus.  The Gators' hardest tests are at home against LSU and on the road against Alabama and Florida State.

13. Virginia Tech- VT has a strong running game and a Bud Foster defense can always expected to produce.  The Hokies' hardest games are at home against Georgia Tech, on the road against Miami, and, of course, against Boise State in Washington DC.

12. Oregon State- This is the year that Quizz Rodgers leads the Beavers to a Pac-10 title.  They play an extremely tough schedule, but this team is talented enough to survive it.  The Beavers' biggest tests are at home versus Boise State, USC, and Oregon and against TCU in Jerryworld.

11. Oklahoma- If Landry Jones plays to his potential, this year could be very special in Norman.  The Big 12 South should be a 2-team battle between Oklahoma and Texas.  The Sooners' toughest tests are at home against Florida State and versus Texas in the Red River Shootout.

10. Iowa- The Hawkeyes return almost everyone from a team that played out of its mind last year.  With a healthy Ricky Stanzi, the sky is the limit for Iowa.  The Hawkeyes most difficult games are at home versus Penn State, Wisconsin, and Ohio State.

9. Nebraska- Nebraska came within 1 second of beating Texas last year and that was without any semblance of an offense.  This year's team should have a much better offense and the defense should is rumored to be better, even without Suh.  The Cornhuskers' toughest challenge is at home versus Texas.

8. Georgia Tech- The triple option will reign supreme once again behind the experienced hand of three-year starter Josh Nesbitt and soon-to-be superstar Anthony Allen.  I predict that Allen will end up being a better running back the Jonathon Dwyer.  The Yellow Jackets' most difficult tests are at home versus Miami and on the road at Virginia Tech.

7. Arkansas- Behind the huge arm of Ryan Mallett, the Razorbacks have an excellent shot to win the incredibly deep SEC West.  Their toughest games are at home versus Ole Miss and Alabama and the road at Auburn.

6. TCU- If not for the Broncos of Boise, TCU would be the story of this football season.  Still, the Horned Frogs are one of the best and most balanced teams in the nation and they have an excellent shot at qualifying for the BCS for a second straight year.  Their most difficult games are at Utah and versus Oregon State in Jerryworld.

5. Texas- Garret Gilbert showed in the National Championship that he is a big time player and he should star for the Longhorns in the post-Colt McCoy era.  The Longhorns' hardest games are at Nebraska and versus Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout.

4. Florida State- This pick is by far my biggest reach, but I really do believe this year is the year the Noles return to glory.  Their toughest challenges are at home versus Florida and on the road at Oklahoma and Miami.

3. Ohio State- Behind Terrell Pryor, the Buckeyes have the talent to beat anyone in the country.  Unfortunately for them, they will fall in Glendale against Boise State.  The Buckeyes' biggest tests are at Iowa and Penn State and at home versus Miami and Wisconsin.

2. Boise State- The Broncos will conclude this season undefeated and National Champs.  However, until the Tide lose, they are stuck at #2.  Their toughest games are at home versus Oregon State and in Washington DC versus Virginia Tech.

1. Alabama- I do not think the Tide will win the National Title this year, but until they lose, they deserve to be ranked #1.  Bama's toughest games are on the road at LSU and at home versus Ole Miss, Penn State, Florida, and Auburn.