The top of the pile is unchanged this week but some new entries to the rankings could shake things up pretty soon. Al Dannity looks at how the College Football world stands at the half-way pole.
1. LSU (6-0, 3-0 SEC, 4-2 ATS) The Tigers mauled Florida to remain atop the power rankings. They also had the most controversial play of the weekend as Brad Wing had this touchdown called back for taunting. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT_TGuoLdmk[/youtube] Last week: W 41-11 vs. Florida. Next game: Saturday at Tennessee.
2. Alabama (6-0, 3-0 SEC, 5-1 ATS) We expected nothing less from the Tide as they rolled past Vanderbilt. At this stage November 5 (vs. LSU) can’t come soon enough. Last week: W 34-0 vs. Vanderbilt. Next game: Saturday at Mississippi.
3. Oklahoma (5-0, 2-0 Big 12, 4-1 ATS) The Sooners were expected to cover against Texas but nobody foresaw the master-class by the Oklahoma defense. With three defensive touchdowns, the Sooners made a statement in this blowout. Last week: W 55-17 vs. Texas. Next game: Saturday at Kansas.
4. Wisconsin (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten, 4-1 ATS) No game for the Badgers but their marquee win almost lost its sheen. Fortunately Nebraska came back for the win. That will help Wisconsin’s cause once the BCS computers come into play. Last week: Idle. Next game: Saturday vs. Indiana.
5. Clemson (6-0, 3-0 ACC, 5-1 ATS) The Tigers saw Tajh Boyd leave in the third quarter with an injured hip but the quarterback should be ready for Maryland this Saturday. Last week: W 36-14 vs. Boston College. Next game: Saturday at Maryland.
6. Oklahoma State (5-0, 2-0 Big 12, 4-1 ATS) The Cowboys put up Playstation numbers against the Jayhawks; it will mean a whole lot more if they do the same to Texas. Last week: W 70-28 vs. Kansas Next game: Saturday at Texas.
7. Boise State (5-0, 3-2 ATS) This was as dominant as display as we may see in 2011. The Broncos showed no mercy as they went on the road and crushed the Bulldogs. Last week: W 57-7 at Fresno State. Next game: Saturday at Colorado State.
8. Stanford (5-0, 3-0 Pac-12, 5-0 ATS) The Cardinal continue to stay low in the rankings through no fault of their own. The opposition will get stronger and that will result in a surge eventually, so long as they keep winning. Last week: W 48-7 vs. Colorado. Next game: Saturday at Washington State.
9. Georgia Tech (6-0, 3-0 ACC, 4-1-1 ATS) They were made to work much too hard for a home win over Maryland. Another poor showing and they could tumble a few spots. Last week: W 21-16 vs. Maryland. Next game: Saturday at Virginia.
10. Oregon (4-1, 2-0 Pac-12, 3-2 ATS) The Ducks recorded a big win over the Bears but LaMichael James’ injury is a worry. Last week: W 43-15 vs California. Next game: Saturday vs. Arizona State.
11. Illinois (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten, 3-3 ATS) The Illini managed to cover against Indiana and become bowl eligible yet still plant more seeds of doubt amongst their fans. Last week: W 41-20. Next game: Saturday vs. Ohio State.
12. Michigan (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten, 5-1 ATS) The Wolverines are going bowling. Now that’s been settled, let’s see how Denard Robinson manages against the Spartans’ ferocious defense on Saturday. Last week: W 42-24 at Northwestern. Next game: Saturday at Michigan State.
13. Kansas State (5-0, 2-0 Big 12, 4-1 ATS) Mr Snyder, I salute you. The ageless Wildcats’ coach has developed a defensive beast. Keep an eye on K-State, they could make substantial moves up the rankings in coming weeks. Last week: W 24-17 vs. Missouri. Next game: Saturday at Texas Tech.
14. Arkansas (5-1, 1-1 SEC, 4-2 ATS) It’s been quite a turnaround for the Hogs. Arkansas moved back into legitimate BCS contention with a rout of Auburn. Last week: W 38-14 vs. Auburn. Next game: October 22 at Mississippi.
15. South Carolina (5-1, 3-1 SEC, 3-3 ATS) Yes Connor Shaw had a great game but it was against Kentucky. I think my colleague Frank Doyle could hang 3 touchdowns on the Wildcats. Let’s give Shaw time before we anoint him. Last week: W 54-3 vs. Kentucky. Next game: Saturday at Mississippi State.
16. Arizona State (5-1, 3-0 Pac-12, 2-4 ATS) The Sun Devils covered for only the second time this season as they took control of the Pac-12 South. They will enter Eugene as two touchdown underdogs on Saturday night. Last week: W 35-14 at Utah. Next game: Saturday at Oregon.
17. Houston (6-0, 2-0 Conf. USA, 4-2 ATS) Case Keenum’s assault on every record in the book continued with a rout of the Pirates. Give the Cougars credit, they dismantled a team that gave Virginia Tech and South Carolina all they could handle. Last week: W 56-3 vs. East Carolina. Next game: October 22 vs Marshall.
18. Penn State (5-1, 2-0 Big Ten, 1-5 ATS) The offense is putrid and they almost never cover but this defense is amazing. They made an otherwise potent Iowa team look ordinary on Saturday and shoot into the rankings on the back of that showing. Last week: W 13-3 vs. Iowa. Next game: Saturday vs. Purdue.
19. West Virginia (5-1, 1-0 Big East, 3-3 ATS) A shaky start against UConn caused some scares but the Mountaineers kicked up a gear and the rest was history. Last week: W 43-16 vs. Connecticut. Next game: October 21 at Syracuse.
20. Michigan State (4-1, 1-0 Big Ten, 3-2 ATS) The Spartans’ season largely rests on what they do at home against the Wolverines. Victory would put them in pole position in the Legends division, defeat will end their BCS hopes. Last week: Idle. Next game: Saturday vs. Michigan.
21. Nebraska (5-1, 1-1 Big Ten, 1-5 ATS) Taylor Martinez started poorly but when the Huskers needed to mount a comeback to beat the Buckeyes, it was the quarterback who led the charge. Last week: W 34-27 vs. Ohio State. Next game: October 22 at Minnesota.
22. Baylor (4-1, 1-1 Big 12, 4-1 ATS) Robert Griffin III proved he could get the job done with his feet as well as his hands in a dominant display against the Cyclones. A good day at College Station this weekend would do his Heisman hopes a world of good. Last week: W 49-26 vs Iowa State. Next game: Saturday at Texas A&M.
23. Virginia Tech (5-1, 1-1 ACC, 1-5 ATS) Logan Thomas had a monster day as the Hokies re-entered the rankings with a dramatic win over Miami. They face a big road test this weekend. Last week: W 38-35 vs. Miami. Next game: Saturday at Wake Forest.
24. Wake Forest (4-1, 3-0 ACC, 4-1 ATS) The Demon Deacons announced their return to relevance in the ACC with an impressive victory over Florida State. Jim Grobe now gets a shot at ending his winless record against the Hokies. Last week: W 35-30 vs. Florida State. Next game: Saturday vs. Virginia Tech.
25. Washington (4-1, 2-0 Pac-12, 4-1 ATS) The Huskies were inactive last week but the failings of some early season overachievers created an opening for them to enter the rankings. Last week: Idle. Next game: Saturday vs. Colorado.
Last five out: Georgia, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Rutgers, USC.
