The McTop 25: November 9, 2008

Thoughts:

1. I think it’s very possible we SHOULD end up with two Big XII teams in the BCS title game – if the powers that be let it happen. We’re headed in that direction. See below.
2. If Penn State runs the table, they’re going to feel like they did in 2005, too. That has to suck.
3. USC held another team scoreless in the second half. They have given up 60 points in nine games. Amazing. And they won’t sniff the BCS title game without a lot of luck. Just another reason why the BCS is a joke.
4. The ACC and the Big East really are afterthoughts this year, aren’t they?

Rankings:

1. Texas Tech (10-0): Believe it or not, they have played a tougher schedule than Alabama.
2. Alabama (10-0): Why couldn’t Alabama put up 50 on LSU, too? I don’t understand. Glass stilts here.
3. Utah (10-0): Very close to crashing the party. And heck, Utah beat Wyoming, 40-7. Wyoming beat Tennessee, 13-7. Florida beat Tennessee, 30-6. Utah is 15 points better than Florida. Urban Meyer must find that funny.
4. Boise State (9-0): If Utah loses to BYU, then Boise State is going back to the Fiesta Bowl.
5. Ball State (9-0): Undefeated is undefeated.
6. Texas (9-1): I think Texas will finish with the one loss. Even if they don’t get to the Big XII title game, it should be enough to get them into the title game. There is no way Florida should be ranked ahead of Texas, no matter which way you cut it. And if they are? We know the BCS is fixed.
7. Oklahoma (9-1): See above. If Texas or Texas Tech loses again, the Sooners move up.
8. USC (8-1): This may be one of the best college football defenses you’ve seen in recent years.
9. BYU (9-1): The Cougars beat Wyoming, 44-0. Wyoming beat Tennessee, 13-7. Florida beat Tennessee, 30-6. Do your own math.
10. Penn State (9-1): Whoops. Someone forgot to tell the Hawkeyes about Paterno’s Retirement-into-the-Sunset Plan.
11. Florida (8-1): How did they lose to Mississippi? That loss is absolutely inexcusable, especially when Texas lost to Texas Tech and Oklahoma lost to Texas. There is absolutely no logic for placing the Gators in front of Texas or Oklahoma. Or even USC, for that matter. When they win the SEC, and they will wipe the field with ‘Bama’s collective ass when the time comes, the corruption of the BCS will be complete.
12. Tulsa (8-1): Yes, sometimes I hate my own rules.
13. TCU (9-2): No shame in losing to only Oklahoma and Utah this year.
14. Georgia (8-2): That was an ugly win against Kentucky, but as usual, the SEC is overrated.
15. North Carolina (7-2): That was an impressive win for the ACC’s best team.
16. Ohio State (8-2): Oh, they’re bitter right now for letting that Penn State game get away from them, aren’t they? Not that it would mean the BCS title game, but it could have meant the Rose Bowl. And for all Tressel’s success, I don’t think he’s ever even gone to the Rose Bowl, has he?
17. Pittsburgh (7-2): Only because of their SOS are they here.
18. Missouri (8-2): No defense for these Tigers. Maybe that’s a pattern/theme this year.
19. Michigan State (9-2): I have no idea how this team is 9-2, but wins are wins.
20. Cincinnati (7-2): This is like Urban Meyer/Utah Lite.
21. Florida State (7-2): Nice to Bobby back.
22. Air Force (8-2): Weak schedule, but oh well. Air Force beat Wyoming, 23-3. Wyoming beat Tennessee, 13-7. Florida beat Tennessee, 30-6. But the Falcons have an extra loss, so I can’t put them ahead of Florida where they belong.
23. Western Michigan (8-2): Zook, indeed.
24. Oklahoma State (8-2): I really hate ranking any team which gave up 56 points, even when it’s to the No. 1 team in the country.
25. Wake Forest (6-3): Sagarin says they have played the 4th-toughest schedule in the country. Good enoughf for me, when it comes to picking a single, three-loss team for my Top 25.

Also-rans: Miami-FL, Virginia Tech, Oregon State, California, LSU, South Carolina, Connecticut, Oregon, Northwestern, Georgia Tech, Navy, West Virginia, Maryland, Minnesota, East Carolina, South Florida, Boston College, Arizona