What in the world was I thinking having South Carolina at #5?! And Florida at #7 probably wasn't the smartest thing in the world.
But worst of all, probably picking Virginia Tech to go to the National Title game was the worst.
Now what I got right...
I refused to put Florida State in my top 10. Three weeks later, they aren't even in the AP top 25 (thanks to three straight losses including to Wake last week!)
The Oregon Ducks were not in the top ten at the time of me adding them in.
And my forecast of Oklahoma State looks to be dead on as they continue to impress.
Now to the poll...
1. Alabama
-I have decided to drop LSU not because they aren't damn good, but because I think Bama is just a cut above. The eye test rates Bama above the tigers in my mind. Bama will get LSU at home which should be a titanic matchup with the winner taking home not just the SEC West but most likely a national championship game appearance.
2. LSU
- The tigers have beaten the most ranked teams of anyone else in the entire nation. However, I'm not ready to say they are better than the Tide. These two defenses are hands down the best in the country, and LSU even found some offensive consistency against a good Gators defense. I just don't see them better than Bama, in a year when three teams seem to be standing out.
3. Oklahoma
- Ho hum, just a 38 point whooping of Texas at the Cotton Bowl for the Sooners. They didn't look like it was much of a challenge either. Landry Jones looked unstoppable and the defense gave Texas' young QBs hell all day. The Sooners better be careful not to look too far ahead because they have a tough Big 12 schedule with Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Kansas State, and Baylor all on the horizon.
4. Oklahoma State
-Another saturday, another offensive explosion for the Cowboys. Their defense is actually playing quite solid as of late as well--which is scary. They still have to navigate the tough big 12, but it looks very likely that the Cowboys are going to make the first BCS appearance in their program's history. Some tough games are coming up, and it will be interesting to see how they play with the target on their back.
5. Wisconsin
-Hands down the best team in the Big Ten (or 12) is the Badgers. Russell Wilson has given them a dimension that has put them a cut above in the conference. The only game that looks challenging for them is a visit to East Lansing to battle the Spartans. Overall, you can argue they have been the best team in the country the last year and a half--all that is remaining is a BCS bowl win and possibly a national championship appearance if things work out in their favor.
6. Boise State
- I consistently hate on Boise State. I do it because they don't play the same kind of schedule as the big boys do. But after all these years, maybe it's time they get a chance. Kellen Moore is a surgeon throwing the ball, and while he may not look like he's going to be a star at the NFL level, he's about to pass Colt McCoy for most wins ever by an FBS Quarterback. If Oklahoma falls by the wayside, a part of me really hopes that just for fairness sakes, Boise gets a shot at one of the SEC schools.
7. Oregon
- Flying under the radar, Oregon is doing what they always do. LaMichael James is having an even better season than last year (but shhh no one knows). They will have a showdown down the line with Andrew Luck in the Cardinal in Palo Alto that will most likely decide the Pac 12. Oregon is likely looking at the Rose Bowl.
8. Stanford
- The Cardinal just keep pounding people. After their 48-7 pounding of Colorado they moved to 5-0. Keep an eye on their next contest against Washington State, the Cougars are having a solid start to their season and have an offense that can keep up with anyone. Plus, who wants to travel to Pullman, Washington to play a football game? I bet you the Cardinals don't.
9. Arkansas
-After the Hogs went down early to A&M two weeks ago their defense seems to have woken up and is at least playing consistently average now. If they get that the rest of the year they will sneak into a very nice bowl game around new years. Tyler Wilson continues to impress week after week and improving his stock to NFL scouts. Look out for Arkansas to give LSU all they can handle at the end of the season.
10. Clemson
- Clemson has won a couple very nice games this season, none more impressive than their domination of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. But I have a hard time trusting a Dabo Swinney coached team. I think this team is due for a let down, and a let down very soon. Tahj Boyd and Sammy Watkins have been an electric tandem for the Tigers and it appears that finally those great recruiting classes are starting to pay off and make them the ACC favorite as of right now.
Just Missed the Cut: Georgia Tech, South Carolina, Florida, Nebraska
Strike the Pose:
1. Kellen Moore QB Boise State
2. Andrew Luck QB Stanford
3. Landry Jones QB Oklahoma
4. Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State
5. Robert Griffin III QB Baylor
