Week 10 College Football Newsletter

Just to forewarn everyone, I'm adding another category, "Quote of the Week." I've read so many great (or ridiculous) quotes this year, I thought I may as well set aside a weekly category devoted to these words of wisdom. I thought about adding another one, Hot 'N' Not, but had second thoughts about it. Perhaps I'll change my mind again and add it to next week's. We shall see.

The Bonehead Call of the Week
This goes to the head referee at the Nebraska/Kansas game. In the first half of Kansas' homecoming shellacking of the Cornhuskers, the referee blurted out to the crowd, "Timeout - Kansas State." I kid thee not! What ensued was a loud chorus of boos from the fans. To the ref's credit, once he figured out he had made a mistake, stated, "Correction, timeout - Kansas," which was met with a sarcastic applause.

The Bonehead Play of the Week
I'm giving this to Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson for his fumble late in the Tide's bout with LSU on Saturday. Alabama had led going into the final quarter, but after the Tigers tied the game up at 34-34, Wilson tried doing too much on a third and long, and while he was being taken to the ground, lost control of the football well away from his body. The Tigers grabbed hold of the loose ball and scored a touchdown on the ensuing possession to go ahead and win by the final count of 41-34. Granted, the Tigers may have won anyway, but Wilson would've made it a much more difficult challenge for the Tigers to go 40-60 yards for a potential game-winning field goal than handing them the ball inside the red zone.

The Bonehead Remark of the Week
This goes to ESPN announcer, Todd Blackledge. He and Mike Patrick were the commentators during the Arizona State/Oregon game at Autzen Stadium on Saturday night and ignorantly, while the referee made known to the rest of the world what a thrown flag was all about, Blackledge said, "Are those pink whistles?"

To Patrick's credit, he tried saving his partner embarrassment by immediately following up on that ridiculous question with, "Well, I think the officials around the country are wearing the pink whistles in support of breast cancer awareness. If that's not the case, then they have some explaining to do."

Who outside of Blackledge wasn't aware of pink being the color to support the battle against breast cancer? Perhaps he was and right after making the statement, he thought to himself, "Man, I'm an idiot," but judging on Patrick's remarks and Blackledge's follow-up (there wasn't one), that wasn't the case.

Quote of the Week
This goes to South Carolina Gamecocks' head coach, Steve Spurrier, for his post-game remark following the onslaught his club suffered at the hands of Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, and the rest of the Arkansas Razorbacks after the 'Backs chalked up over 500 rushing yards against SC.

"Obviously it was a mismatch tonight," South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said. "Looked like a Division III team trying to play an SEC team. Or maybe a Division III team could have slowed them down a little bit better than we could."

Conference Breakdown
*indicates I-AA opponent

ACC
Virginia Tech 27 Georgia Tech 3 (1-1)
North Carolina 16 Maryland 13 (2-2)
North Carolina State 19 Miami (Florida) 16 OT (3-3)
Clemson 47 Duke 10 (4-4)
Virginia 17 Wake Forest 16 (5-5)
Florida State 27 Boston College 17 (6-6)

Big East
Pittsburgh 20 Syracuse 17 (1-1)
Connecticut 38 Rutgers 19 (2-2)
Cincinnati 38 South Florida 33 (3-3)

Big Ten
Michigan 28 Michigan State 24 (1-1)
Ohio State 38 Wisconsin 17 (2-2)
Iowa 28 Northwestern 17 (3-3)
Illinois 44 Minnesota 17 (4-4)
Penn State 26 Purdue 19 (5-5)
Indiana 38 Ball State 20 (6-5)

Big XII
Kansas 76 Nebraska 39 (1-1)
Iowa State 31 Kansas State 20 (2-2)
Oklahoma 42 Texas A&M 14 (3-3)
Texas Tech 38 Baylor 7 (4-4)
Texas 38 Oklahoma State 35 (5-5)
Missouri 55 Colorado 10 (6-6)

Pac-10
Arizona 34 UCLA 27 (1-1)
Oregon 35 Arizona State 23 (2-2)
USC 24 Oregon State 3 (3-3)
Washington 27 Stanford 9 (4-4)
California 20 Washington State 17 (5-5)

SECLSU 41 Alabama 34 (1-1)
Arkansas 48 South Carolina 36 (2-2)
Florida 49 Vanderbilt 22 (3-3)
Georgia 44 Troy 34 (4-3)
Mississippi 38 Northwestern State 31 (5-3)*
Auburn 35 Tennessee Tech 3 (6-3)*
Tennessee 59 Louisiana-Lafayette 7 (7-3)

A Tale of Two Weeks
Week 9: Wisconsin 33 Indiana 3 (+30)
Week 10: Ohio State 38 Wisconsin 17 (-21)
Margin Difference: 51 points

Week 9: Kansas State 51 Baylor 13 (+38)
Week 10: Iowa State 31 Kansas State 20 (-11)
Margin Difference: 49 points

Week 9: Wisconsin 33 Indiana 3 (-30)
Week 10: Indiana 38 Ball State 20 (+18)
Margin Difference: 48 points

Week 9: Central Florida 34 Southern Mississippi 17 (-17)
Week 10: Southern Mississippi 37 UAB 7 (+30)
Margin Difference: 47 points

Week 9: Marshall 34 Rice 21 (+13)
Week 10: Central Florida 47 Marshall 13 (-34)
Margin Difference: 47 points

The Conference Yo of the Week
ACC. This hasn't happened much this year, but I'm giving credit to the ACC conference for their quality in-conference games over the weekend. Sure, Clemson blew-out Duke, but who doesn't do that? The Virginia Tech romping of Georgia Tech was disappointing, but outside of those two games, the ACC was full of solid competitive football over the weekend. North Carolina played their typical pest role to perfection in their 16-13 win over Maryland. North Carolina State and Miami (Florida) were so evenly matched, that it took an extra session to decide their fate for the afternoon, as NC State won 19-16. Virginia did the impossible, yet again, by upending Wake Forest 17-16. Finally, Florida State upset then unbeaten and 2nd ranked Boston College in Massachusetts 27-17 and the game was closer than the final score would dictate. BC had an opportunity to garner a lead and possibly a victory on their second to last drive with the football, down 20-17. But, Matt Ryan's 3rd interception was the clincher. The Seminoles picked off the senior quarterback and ran it in for six, which sealed the game at 27-17.

The Conference Yo No of the Week
SEC. I had thought about splitting this "honor" between the SEC and Big XII, but upon further dissection, I'm handing it to the SEC by their lonesome. The LSU/Alabama game was another conference classic, but outside of that game, the conference didn't have much to brag about over the weekend. Arkansas rushed for over 500 yards in their 48-36 win against South Carolina. In the only other conference battle, Florida avenged their 42-30 loss to Georgia last weekend with a 49-22 blow-out win over Vanderbilt. Troy put up a valiant fight in their 44-34 loss to Georgia. Mississippi had trouble beating Northwestern State, edging the I-AA school 38-31. Tennessee had no problems with Louisiana-Lafayette, beating the 1-8 Rajun' Cajuns 59-7. Finally, Auburn beat up on Tennessee Tech 35-3. The SEC faced four non-conference opponents over the weekend, two from the Sun Belt and two I-AA schools. Not impressive. Not impressive in the least bit.

Game(s) of the Week
5. Virginia 17 Wake Forest 16: A Virginia one-point has become just about as commonplace as President Bush slipping up at the mic. But, regardless if that's the case or if the games don't showcase too many spectacular touchdown-related plays, if a game features the Cavs anymore, it's going to include a great deal of suspense, heart racing, pulse pounding, and nail biting.

4. Navy 46 Notre Dame 44 3OT: A game like this would win the top overall spot if the two teams were LSU and Oregon, but that's not the case. Navy came in at 4-4, coming off a 59-52 loss to I-AA Delaware, while the Irish came in with just one win under their belt. But, even though the most quality of teams didn't square off in this one, the quality of competition was tremendous, which featured a teaser in the third overtime as Navy was flagged on Notre Dame's first two-point conversion attempt, but ended with a quick-hitting climax, as the Irish's sloth-legged tailback was stopped in the backfield to ensure Navy their fifth win of the season and drop the Irish to 1-8.

3. Texas 38 Oklahoma State 35: Whenever these two teams get together, one can expect night and day between the two halves. The Cowboys tend to dominate through the first half and the Longhorns come out like a completely different club in the second half. Okie State led by 21 points in the second half of this one, but the Longhorns scored 21 consecutive points in the 4th quarter to tie the game at 35 a piece. The Cowboys drove it down UT's throats on the ensuing possession, but played it a bit too cautiously once they reached the red zone and shanked a short field goal that would've given the lead back to the Cowboys. That's all Texas needed, as on their next possession, they kicked the game-winning field goal with no time remaining on the clock.

2. LSU 41 Alabama 34: From a yardage standpoint, LSU dominated. The Tide couldn't run the football on the Tigers' defense all afternoon long and the passing game was inconsistent. But, the Tide stayed in the game and eventually went ahead with the big play. Punt returns, a long pass play here and there, an interception return brought the Tide back from a 17-3 deficit to a 4th quarter lead on the #3 Tigers. But a late fumble by the Crimson Tide quarterback, John Parker Wilson, ultimately cost 'Bama a chance at the upset. LSU scored one play later, which sealed the game at 41-34.

1. Michigan 28 Michigan State 24: Whenever these two clubs get together, the game seems to go down to the last second. Michigan trailed 24-14 in the 4th quarter before they struck quickly, led by quarterback Chad Henne, to close the gap to 24-21. As the Spartans know how to do all too well, they seemingly choked down the stretch, gave the ball back to Henne and the veteran quarterback came through in the clutch to give his Wolverines the 28-24 win, extending their win streak to 8 games heading into their battle in Madison this upcoming Saturday against the 7-3 BAH-gers.

Disappointment(s) of the Week
Virginia Tech 27 Georgia Tech 3: This was yet another big-time Thursday ACC battle. One week removed from Boston College's miraculous 14-10 win over the Hokies, Virginia Tech had to travel to Atlanta the following Thursday night to face the 5-3 Yellow Jackets, who were coming off a bye week. With Va Tech's freshman phenom quarterback Tyrod Taylor questionable for the game, it made me believe even further that it was going to be a tough game for the Hokies to win. Their heads would likely still be down because of THE game that slipped away from them the week prior and without their dual-threat quarterback on the move, they'd have to depend on the slow-footed Sean Glennon to guide them to a victory. To my and many others' surprise, Glennon stepped up for the Hokies, throwing for nearly 300 yards and totaling three touchdowns and no turnovers, as Virginia Tech beat on the Yellow Jackets like Auburn did to Tennessee Tech this past Saturday. Georgia Tech's typically sound defense gave up nearly 500 total yards of offense to the Hokies, who have been lucky to reach 400 yards in a game this season. From a competition standpoint, just as the game must've been extremely disappointing to Yellow Jacket players, fans, and coaches, it was very disappointing to me and others watching the game via the boobtube.

Missouri 55 Colorado 10: If there is another team more inconsistent than Colorado this season, I'd like for them to speak out now, or to forever hold their peace. The Buffaloes, before last week, appeared to be a much better home than away team over the course of the season. They won two games with last-second field goals in Boulder this year, beating inner-state rival Colorado State in overtime and then upsetting Oklahoma. They were pounded by Kansas State in Manhattan, played unbeaten Kansas tough at home, and then beat Texas Tech in Lubbock. So, their coming back home to face Missouri could spell problems for the Tigers, right? As usual, Colorado stayed close through about halftime, as they trailed 17-10, but why they bothered to even show up for the second half is beyond me. Up next for the Buffs is a road visit to Ames to take on the suddenly resurgent Iowa State Suckclones and they then close at home with Nebraska. How will those games unfold? Anyone's guess is as good as mine, but for how inconsistent they've been, I'll go out on a limb and say they win one of two and finish 6-6.

Kudos
I'm giving kudos to Indiana and also to Virginia Tech quarterback/back-up quarterback Sean Glennon.

First, Indiana. With their 38-20 victory over Ball State on Saturday, that improved the Hoosiers to 6-4 on the year and made them bowl eligible for the first time since 1994. This occurs after Indiana's emotional off-season, as then head coach, Terry Hoeppner, passed away of cancer.

Sean Glennon didn't know he was going to start against Georgia Tech this past Thursday until the last minute. But, he made it appear that he knew from the start he was going to be playing in Atlanta that night. Glennon completed 22 of 32 pass attempts (68.8%) for 296 yards (13.5 ypc and 9.3 ypa) and 2 touchdowns. He also added one score on the ground to aid his Virginia Tech Hokies' to a 27-3 win over the Yellow Jackets.

No Kudos
South Florida. They did everything in their possible power to lose the game this past Saturday to Cincinnati. While the trick play knocked them from the ranks of the unbeaten in their loss to Rutgers three games ago and Connecticut played their typical hard-nosed defense to send USF to their second straight loss two games ago, USF turned the ball over eight times against Cincinnati this past Saturday, allowing 31 first quarter (not first half) points to the Bearcats. From a yardage standpoint, USF dominated. When one thinks about it, for the Bulls turning the ball over eight times and only losing by the final tally of 38-33, with a chance to win it on the final two plays, is quite something. But, no team, not even Ohio State, LSU, or Oregon, would beat Cincinnati or a team of lesser quality if they turned the ball over eight times. Unbelievable!

Player of the Week
For a change, it's a fairly easy selection this week. Sure, Todd Reesing of Kansas had a great game, but what offensive stud hasn't had a great game against Nebraska of late? Percy Harvin was solid for the Gators against Vanderbilt. But one player stood out from the rest for me this week and that's Arkansas' stud do-it-everything back, Darren McFadden. What'd he do in the Razorbacks' 48-36 win over South Carolina on Saturday night? Oh, he just carried the ball 34 times for 321 yards (9.4 ypc) and a touchdown. The 321 yards tied a SEC record with Vanderbilt's Frank Mordica, who also ran for 321 yards in 1978.

Surprise(s) of the Week
The only true surprise, from my point of view, was Iowa State's 31-20 victory over Kansas State. Iowa State had played opponents tough of late, but they were still winless in conference play and their only victory came early in the season against Iowa. Kansas State, meanwhile, had clobbered Texas earlier in the year and appeared to be moving forth in the right direction under second year head coach, Ron Prince. To say I was surprised, not only with ISU's win, but the fact they pretty much dominated throughout, is an understatement if I ever heard (read) one.

Nebraska Game (from an unbiased perspective)
Every week Nebraska takes the field, a record is broken. An opponent may shatter a team record or an individual record and/or Nebraska sets a team record of some kind. Just five games ago, Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel set a career high for passing yards in a game against the Huskers with 401 in Missouri's 41-6 throttling of Nebraska. The next week, Oklahoma State's Dantrell Savage rushed for a career high 212 yards against the "Blackshirt" defense. In that game, NU allowed a team record 38 points in the first half and for the fourth time this season, NU allowed 40+ points to their opposition, the first time that's ever happened. It was OSU's first win at Memorial Stadium since 1960 and Nebraska's worst home loss since 1958, in Oklahoma State's 45-14 rout of NU. The week following, A&M beat-up on NU in the second half and won in Lincoln for the first time since 1955 in the Aggies' 36-14 win. Against Texas, Nebraska teased their fans through three quarters before allowing records to fall in the 4th quarter, as Longhorns' tailback Jamaal Charles rushed for 216 of his career-high 290 yards in the final quarter alone. The 290 yards amassed by Charles broke Billy Simms' record of 247 rushing yards against the Huskers set in 1979. The loss was NU's 4th consecutive, the first time that had occurred since 1961. Think the records were done falling that weekend in Austin? Not even close.

On this day, Nebraska gave up 48 points. No big deal for them this year, right? Let me clarify. Nebraska gave up 48 points in the first half alone! They had already set a club record for points allowed in a first half by giving up 38 to Oklahoma State earlier this year. That record fell and by 10 points on this afternoon. Kansas scored 69 points by the end of the third quarter and 76 on the afternoon. They missed one field goal, a PAT, and played it easy on the Huskers for the final 10 minutes of the game. Otherwise, KU could've scored 90+ points and no, I'm not exaggerating. Like records? Then you'll love the results of this game, if you're not a devout Husker fan, anyway...

Kansas quarterback, Todd Reesing, set a school record by tossing six touchdown passes in a single-game and also set the school single-season record by throwing 23 touchdown passes (and counting). As one can imagine, the 76 points scored by Kansas broke the record of 70 points allowed by Nebraska against Texas Tech on October 9th of 2004 in Lincoln. Oddly enough, that was Bill Callahan's 5th game as Husker head coach. The game against Kansas will be his third to last game as the leader in Lincoln. Also, by allowing 76 points on Saturday, Nebraska has now given up 359 on the season (35.9 ppg), breaking their all-time record of points allowed in a single season, which was 335 by the 2002 squad (23.9 ppg). Sadly, NU has at least two games remaining on their schedule (Kansas State and at Colorado). Todd Reesing will be/was most likely named Big XII Offensive Player of the Week. This will/would mark the fifth consecutive week that a player of a Nebraska opponent has won the honor. Kansas tailback, Brandon McAnderson, tied a school record by rushing for four touchdowns in the game on Saturday. Jayhawks' returnman, Marcus Herford, broke the Jayhawks' record for return yards in a single game, with 203. On a good note, Nebraska tailback Marlon Lucky broke the all-time Nebraska single-season record by nabbing his 61st reception.

Like more numbers, not necessarily records? I've got them. At one point in the game, Kansas scored touchdowns on 10 consecutive possessions. In the 1980s, Kansas scored a total of 67 points on Nebraska. Oddly enough, Kansas beat Nebraska in basketball both times they met up a year ago, winning the first game by the final score of 76-56 and winning the second game 92-39.

If one really must know the stats, here they are. Nebraska converted on 22 first downs, were 8-15 (53.3%) on third down, and 1-1 (100.0%) on 4th down conversions. The Husker offense totaled 484 yards, 405 passing and 79 rushing. The men in red and white were only penalized four times for 22 yards. While NU was productive offensively, in terms of yardage, they did turn the ball over five times, including four interceptions by Joe Ganz. They also only held onto the football for 24:39 and much of that was in the 4th quarter when KU played Mark Mangino clones at all 11 positions on the field.

Kansas set a school record for first downs in a game, by converting 34 of them. They were also an incredible 12-15 (80.0%) on third down conversions. Overall, KU tallied 572 yards of offense, 354 through the air and 218 on the ground. They were penalized just twice for a total of ten yards. One huge stat in the game was KU's +5 turnover margin for the game, as they didn't turn the ball over once, but took the ball away from Nebraska on five separate occasions. Their TOP for the game was 35:21 (90 plays from scrimmage).

Individually, it's kind of hard to assess Joe Ganz's performance for the Huskers. Ganz completed 25 of 50 passes (50.0%) for 405 yards (16.2 ypc and 8.1 ypa). NU was down by so much early in the contest, Ganz was forced to throw the ball early and often and that perhaps aided to his being picked off four times to go along with his four touchdown passes. Marlon Lucky was almost non-existent in the run game (most everyone was, I guess), as he carried the ball just 8 times for 15 yards (1.9 ypc), but did make 6 catches for 83 yards (13.8 ypr) and a touchdown. The man who made the biggest splash on offense was, without a doubt, wide receiver Maurice Purify. The man made seven catches for 158 yards (22.6 ypr) and three touchdowns, and two of those catches in the end zone were not easy, by any stretch of the imagination. To Ganz's credit, he spread the ball out nicely, as ten players caught at least one pass and he got his most lethal weapon involved, in Purify.

On the Kansas side, Todd Reesing was 30-41 (73.2%) for 354 yards (11.8 ypc and 8.6 ypa), 6 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. The big, bruising tailback, Brandon McAnderson, carried the ball 25 times for 119 yards (4.8 ypc) and four touchdowns. He also made one reception, which went for 36 yards (36.0 ypr). Wideout Marcus Henry led the team in receiving yards, as he caught 6 passes for 101 yards (16.8 ypr) and a score. For the Jayhawks, eight players caught at least one pass and four different players caught at least one touchdown pass. The Jayhawks also returned Ganz's four picks back for a total of 66 yards (16.5 ypr) on the day.

What's next for the 4-6 (1-5 in conference) Huskers? A home game against 5-4 Kansas State, followed by a bye week, and their regular season finale in Boulder against 5-5 Colorado. I see these two games being much more winnable than any of their previous five, but still wouldn't pick them to win either at this point. K-State is coming off an embarrassing 31-20 loss to Iowa State, the Cyclones' first conference win of the season, so the Wildcats are going to come to Lincoln a bit peeved and determined, I think. If Nebraska loses that one, expect Callahan to be fired not long after, but if NU does manage to win the game at home, which would improve them to 5-6 on the year, I wouldn't expect the firing of Callahan to occur until directly after the Colorado game, at the very earliest. But, many in the news' media haven't shied away from their thoughts and feelings about what interim A.D. Tom Osborne should do with the head coach and his staff, and Callahan didn't make too many friends locally by stating after the Kansas game, "It's a game..." Here are some of the better quotes of the week in regard to that:

The New York Daily News: "Puh-leeze, does Nebraska interim AD Tom Osborne need any more evidence that it's time to make a coaching change?"

The Denver Post: "There comes a point in time when a coaching staff throws away the respect and courtesy it's given, when it appears to be picking up only paychecks and not clues. That's why Tom Osborne, Nebraska's, ahem, interim athletic director, must fire head coach Bill Callahan and defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove, like, five minutes ago."

Dennis Dodd of CBS Sportsline: "In name of all things holy -- including recruiting -- please, Bill, resign, like, yesterday."

Peter Schrager of Fox Sports: "Blow it up now. When Pederson hired Callahan back in 2003, his vision was an NFL franchise playing in Lincoln. What the Huskers fans have now is a JV squad lucky to win another game. Tom Osborne's already hinted that a new coaching staff will be coming in next season. Nip that in the bud this week."

Terry Douglass of the Grand Island Independent: "In the past eight games, Cosgrove has demonstrated a complete inability to fix whatever is wrong with Nebraska's defense. In a relatively short period of time, he has presided over The Unit Formerly Known as the Blackshirts going from mediocre to arguably one of the worst performing defensive units ever put on the field by a BCS conference school this side of Northwestern."

Steve Sipple of the Lincoln Journal-Star: "Waiting until at least Nov. 23 - the merciful end to Nebraska's brutal season - is a respectful way for Osborne to handle it. He's a man of his word. But how much respect does this coaching staff deserve at this point?"

The Kansas City Star, "The Nebraska fans will rejoice if Osborne goes back on his word and dumps Callahan today or Monday."

Earlier this week, Callahan said the following, "I've got to count on the Lord in that respect. That's where I derive my strength from," Callahan said. "That's what any Christian does. You put your trust in the Lord and you go forward." I don't care how frequently or hard the guy prays, even God is looking down and shaking his head, saying, "Sorry buddy. You have about as great a chance maintaining your head coaching job at Nebraska as George W. Bush does at winning a National Spelling Bee." Spell it out Billy Boy... F-I-R-E-D.

Finally, here are Nebraska's statistics going into the game with Kansas State. (out of 119 teams - the first number recognizes their placement nationally amongst those 119 teams and the second their place in the Big XII conference)

Rushing offense: 142.40 (72nd and 7th)
Passing offense: 288.30 (15th and 3rd)
Pass efficiency: 135.33 (29th and 6th)
Total offense: 430.70 (28th and 7th)
Scoring offense: 27.70 (56th and 9th)
Rushing defense: 240.10 (118th and 12th)
Pass defense: 237.50 (74th and 5th)
Pass efficiency defense: 127.73 (71st and 8th)
Total defense: 477.60 (112th and 12th)
Scoring defense: 35.90 (106th and 12th)
Net punting: 37.60 (23rd and 4th)
Punt returns: 5.92 (101st and 11th)
Kickoff returns: 22.17 (52nd and 7th)
Turnover margin: -1.40 (115th and 11th)
Sacks: 0.90 (115th and 12th)
Tackles for loss: 5.20 (96th and 11th)
Sacks allowed: 1.40 (t-29th and t-5th)
Schedule strength: 0.64102564 (t-8th and t-1st)

Solich Update
Ohio beat Temple 23-7 on Friday night to improve to an even 3-3 in MAC play and 5-5 overall. Up next is a road game against 3-6 and slumping Akron (losers of three straight). With a win, Ohio will be above the .500 mark, become bowl eligible, and be guaranteed no worse than a .500 record overall and in conference, so long as they don't get a bowl bid at 6-6 and lose (which is highly unlikely).

Gill Update
Buffalo's MAC hot streak ended on Saturday with a heart-breaking 31-28 loss to Miami (Ohio). The loss drops them to 4-2 in MAC play and 4-6 overall. Buffalo has a bye week on the weekend of the 10th and will then come home to face 5-4 Bowling Green on the 17th, in what is actually a very important MAC game.

Harrell and Crabtree Watch
Perhaps I didn't jinx Graham Harrell after all, as the Texas Tech gunslinger got back on track this past Saturday, aiding the Red Raiders to their 38-7 romp over Baylor.

Graham Harrell: 37-46 (80.4%) for 433 yards (11.7 ypc and 9.4 ypa) and 3 TD's; 1 carry for 2 yards
Season: 385-524 (73.5%) for 4,412 yards (11.5 ypc and 8.4 ypa), 38 TD's and 11 INT's; 3 TD runs
Projected: 462-629 for 5,294 yards, 46 TD's and 13 INT's

With Harrell's 433 passing yards on Saturday, he became the 5th I-A quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards or more in multiple seasons. The others are: Ty Detmer of BYU, Timmy Chang of Hawaii, who each had three with their respective schools, Byron Leftwich at Marshall had two and senior Colt Brennan of Hawaii has two such years and has eclipsed the 2,800 yard mark this season with four regular season games left to play. As Harrell is just a junior, if he stays put in Lubbock, he has an opportunity to make it three consecutive years with 4,000+ yards passing.

Michael Crabtree: 4 catches for 61 yards (15.3 ypr) (worst game of the season)
Season: 104 catches for 1,512 yards (14.5 ypr), and 18 TD's
Projected: 125 catches for 1,814 yards and 22 TD's

Random Note of the Week
Following their 44-34 loss to Georgia on Saturday, Troy has gone 0-3 against the SEC this year (Arkansas and Florida were the other two opponents). The Trojans are 6-0 against everyone else, including a 41-23 victory over Oklahoma State.

Predictions
Tuesday
Central Michigan at Western Michigan: The Chippewas are rolling in the MAC (not out-of-conference) and should continue to do so against the struggling Broncos.
Central Michigan 27 Western Michigan 17

Wednesday
Ohio at Akron: Frankie Solich's bunch have won two straight to even their record at 5-5, while the Zips of Akron have lost three consecutive games to fall to 3-6 on the season. The Bobcats should have no problems sending the Zips to their fourth straight loss by winning their third in a row and fourth in five.
Ohio 31 Akron 20

Thursday
Louisville at West Virginia: Louisville has a definite shot of turning their season around with a big Thursday night road win in Morgantown, but unfortunately for them, I can't see it happening. With how porous their defense has been this season, I have a difficult time believing the Cardinals' front seven will be able to contain Pat White and limit Steve Slaton's production in the backfield.
West Virginia 52 Louisville 38

TCU at BYU: What got into those Horned Frogs last week? Then 4-4 TCU beat up on 6-2 New Mexico 37-0 in what was easily their most impressive victory of the season thus far. But even with that win, I'm still not convinced they're ready to turn the corner in the Mountain West Conference. With the game at home in Provo, I look for the Cougars to outscore the Horned Frogs in this one.
BYU 27 TCU 20

Friday
Bowling Green at Eastern Michigan: Bowling Green has been an off and on team this year and given the fact they beat up on Akron 44-20 last weekend, I should pick against them in this game, but I can't bring myself to do that. I'm going with the Falcons to improve to 6-4 on the year.
Bowling Green 24 Eastern Michigan 13

Rutgers at Army: This is the perfect opportunity for Greg Schiano's Rutgers' club to get back on track, following two consecutive losses to drop them to 5-4 on the season. With a road win on Friday night against the Black Knights, Schiano will have his club bowl-bound for the third straight year and I think they'll do just that.
Rutgers 31 Army 13

Saturday
Indiana at Northwestern: This is odd for me to say (write)... Indiana clinched bowl eligibility with a 38-20 win over Ball State last Saturday. With a win at home here by Northwestern, they will become bowl eligible. That's right, with a Wildcat win on Saturday, both Northwestern and Indiana will be bowl eligible. With the game at home, I actually think that's going to happen. Both clubs go to 6-5 into their regular season finale.
Northwestern 45 Indiana 38

North Carolina at North Carolina State: The inner-state rivals face off with one another following victories. Carolina improved to 3-6 with a 16-13 win over Maryland on Saturday and NC State, after starting the season 1-5, won their third straight this past weekend by defeating Miami (Florida) 19-16 in overtime. With the game in Raleigh and Tom O'Brien's kids playing great defense as of late, I look for them to actually even their record at 5-5 and start talking about the possibility of playing a thirteenth game this year.
North Carolina State 24 North Carolina 21

South Florida at Syracuse: After losing their third straight this past weekend, South Florida has a great opportunity to end their skid with a road game against Syracuse. So long as they hang onto the football, which they haven't done very well as of late, they should win this one easily.
South Florida 31 Syracuse 10

Penn State at Temple: JoPa's Nittany Lions should have no trouble in the city of brotherly love, as they will trounce the Owls and improve to 8-3 on the season.
Penn State 38 Temple 13

Wake Forest at Clemson: Wake will prove to be pesky to Tommy's Tigers, but with the game at home, I look for Clemson to sneak out of this one with a big win.
Clemson 34 Wake Forest 27

Michigan at Wisconsin: This is a very dangerous game for 8-2 Michigan, winners of eight straight and unbeaten in conference. I have a bad feeling that they're going to be a bit too psyched for the Ohio State game looming ahead to win in Madison on Saturday.
Wisconsin 27 Michigan 24

Minnesota at Iowa: So long as Iowa doesn't turn the ball over, they should move the ball with ease against the GO-phers defense. Minnesota is 1-9, having lost to such heavyweights as Florida Atlantic and North Dakota State. With the win, Iowa improves to 6-5 and earns bowl eligibility.
Iowa 31 Minnesota 14

Michigan State at Purdue: The Spartans have collapsed yet again. This seems to be an annual occurrence for the men in green and white. But, they haven't been blown out at all and have lost to some solid teams. MSU has fallen to Wisconsin by three, Ohio State by seven, and Michigan by four. Even though Purdon't has a better overall record than the Spartans, I have to say that I've been less impressed by the Boilers throughout the season and even though they're reeling, I'm going with Michigan State in this one.
Michigan State 31 Purdue 24

Colorado at Iowa State: The Buffs are one team I can't figure out. They beat 8-1 Oklahoma, get pummeled by 5-4 Kansas State, beat 7-3 Texas Tech in Lubbock, and were annihilated by 8-1 Missouri this past Saturday at home. Iowa State, meanwhile, has been playing better football of late. In their past three games, against the likes of: Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas State (combined record of 21-6, .778), they've been only outscored 79-66 (average of 26.3 - 22.0), going 1-2 in that span. With the game in Ames and ISU showing signs of improvement, I'm going with the guys in yellow and red.
Iowa State 24 Colorado 20

Texas A&M at Missouri: Coach Fran is on the outs and the result of this game will further illustrate why that's the case, as Mizzou sends TAMU back to College Station at 6-5.
Missouri 41 Texas A&M 20

Kansas State at Nebraska: There's hope in this game for Husker fans! Well, kind of. Let me put it this way, this upcoming Saturday in Lincoln, Nebraska has the best opportunity they've had in the past month and a half of winning. I'm not going to pick them in this one, but hey, at least they have a chance. Unfortunately for them, K-State will be waltzing into the game a bit ticked off, due to their 31-20 loss to Iowa State last Saturday.
Kansas State 31 Nebraska 24

Alabama at Mississippi State: Coming off a heart-breaking loss at home to LSU, 'Bama may be a bit down as they stroll into Starkville, where the well rested Bulldogs will be on the march for bowl eligibility. I think they'll attain that on Saturday with another upset victory over a SEC foe.
Mississippi State 27 Alabama 24

Arkansas at Tennessee: Did anyone see Darren McFadden last Saturday against South Carolina? Sadly, Tennessee's defense has been far more inconsistent than the Gamecocks' D this year. I look for McFadden and Felix Jones to have a field day against the Vols' to earn their fourth straight victory.
Arkansas 45 Tennessee 35

Georgia Tech at Duke: I have a rule when picking in-conference Duke games in football. I go with their opponent. Tech rebounds from their embarrassing loss at home against the Hokies to pound the Blue Devils.
Georgia Tech 31 Duke 10

Kentucky at Vanderbilt: Andre' Woodson and the Wildcats had a week to regroup following their 31-14 meltdown to Mississippi State a couple Saturdays ago. I look for them to rebound nicely with a solid road effort against the pesky Commodores, who still need one more win to become bowl eligible.
Kentucky 27 Vanderbilt 17

Air Force at Notre Dame: I picked Notre Dame for the first time of the season last week and what'd they do? Lost in triple overtime to Navy. I'm not doing that again this week. I'm going with the 7-3 Falcons of Air Force over the 1-8 Irish. Hey Lou, how 'bout them Irish?
Air Force 31 Notre Dame 24

Colorado State at New Mexico: Both clubs are in need of a victory. CSU needs one for the simple fact they're 1-8 on the season and the Lobos of New Mexico need one to avenge their embarrassing 37-0 shut-out loss to TCU this past weekend. With the game at home, I look for the Lobos to improve to 7-3 with a win against the now 1-9 Rams.
New Mexico 24 Colorado State 14

Houston at Tulsa: As is typical when Houston plays, the first one to 40 should win this one. Both Conference USA schools come into this game at 6-3, with the winner having a decided edge to play in the C-USA Title game at season's end. For how well Houston's been playing of late, it's hard for me to pick against them, even though the game is on the road. The Cougars win a thriller.
Houston 48 Tulsa 41

Boise State at Utah State: 8-1 Boise State at 0-9 Utah State. Decisions...Decisions... Call me a rebel, but I'm going with the 8-1 Broncos.
Boise State 45 Utah State 17

Rice at SMU: SMU's dual-threat quarterback, Willis, will be playing all out for head coach Bill Bennett and will provide enough offense to upend the 2-7 Rice Owls.
SMU 38 Rice 31

Arizona State at UCLA: ASU is 8-1, so I should just go with the Bruins, right? UCLA loses to the clubs below .500 and beats those above the .500 mark. But, with the Bruins' injury problems, especially on the offensive side of the ball, I'm having a hard time picking them right now. I look for ASU to rebound from their tough loss at Autzen last Saturday to improve to 9-1 on the season.
Arizona State 27 UCLA 17

Auburn at Georgia: If there's one thing Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville knows, it's how to prep his team up for top ten opponents, as Tuberville is 9-2 in his past eleven games against top ten competition and that includes the 30-24 heart-breaker suffered at the hands of LSU earlier this year. With Georgia being #10 at this current juncture (and a bit too high in my opinion), I look for Auburn to win this one.
Auburn 20 Georgia 17

Illinois at Ohio State: If this were only a night game in Champaign. I'd contemplate picking against the Buckeyes, as I could see them looking ahead to their always huge match-up with Michigan. But, at home, at the Horseshoe? I just can't see it happening. Ohio State improves to 11-0 with just one game separating they and a berth in the National Championship game.
Ohio State 34 Illinois 20

Texas Tech at Texas: The Longhorns are a sad excuse for a top ten team. This year, they've beaten Arkansas State, Central Florida, Nebraska, and Oklahoma State by a combined 17 points. Those teams have gone a combined 19-18 on the season. As Texas gave up 32 points to Central Florida, 25 to Nebraska, and 35 to Oklahoma State, I have a hard time believing they'll contain Mike Leach's Red Raider offense, who finally clicked again this past Saturday, lighting up Baylor 38-7 to snap their two game slide. Texas Tech upsets the 'Horns in Austin.
Texas Tech 38 Texas 31

Wyoming at Utah: The two teams are heading in different directions and with the game in Salt Lake City, I'm going with the streaking hot Utes of Utah.
Utah 27 Wyoming 24

Florida State at Virginia Tech: Hokies' head coach, Frank Beamer, has always had a problem beating Bobby Bowden's 'Noles, but oddly enough, the big upset win by FSU over then unbeaten and second ranked Boston College on Saturday night, may aid Beamer's Hokies to win in Blacksburg on Saturday. FSU has been inconsistent all year and following a big-time win on Saturday, I see them having some problems in Blacksburg. Whether Sean Glennon or Tyrod Taylor starts for the Hokies, they should be able to generate JUST enough offense to outscore the 'Noles.
Virginia Tech 20 Florida State 13

Connecticut at Cincinnati: UConn's streak ends abruptly in Cincinnati, Ohio on Saturday. Cincy, coming off a well needed bye week, was able to outlast South Florida over the weekend and at 7-2 and back to their winning ways, I look for the Bearcats to defeat 8-1 UConn at home.
Cincinnati 24 Connecticut 17

Louisiana-Lafayette at Middle Tennessee: Since starting the season 0-4, Middle Tennessee has gone 5-1 en route to an even 5-5 record. Lafayette hasn't been near as successful, as they stroll into this game at 1-8. I look for the Blue Raiders to continue their winning ways and to make that six wins in seven games with a dominating victory over the Rajun' Cajuns at home.
Middle Tennessee 45 Louisiana-Lafayette 17

New Mexico State at San Jose State: Chase Holbrook will serve Hal Mumme of the Aggies well as they improve to 5-6 on the season with a big conference road win.
New Mexico State 31 San Jose State 24

Navy at North Texas: Navy could have a let-down, following their BIG (kind of) win over Notre Dame on Saturday, but even if that's the case, they should beat 1-7 North Texas. Although, I shouldn't jinx a team who has already lost to Delaware this season...
Navy 35 North Texas 13

Arkansas State at Florida Atlantic: A battle for the third and fourth spot in the Sun Belt conference. With Arkansas State having struggled in their past three to four games and Howard Schnellenberger's club coming off a bye week, I look for the Burrowing Owls to improve to 5-4 on the season with a Sun Belt victory at home.
Florida Atlantic 24 Arkansas State 20

Kent State at Northern Illinois: Regardless of how poorly the Golden Flashes have been playing as of late, I can't for the life of me pick the 1-8 Huskies of Northern Illinois.
Kent State 24 Northern Illinois 17

East Carolina at Marshall: Marshall may be able to score a few points at home against East Carolina, but not nearly enough to upset the 6-4 Pirates. ECU improves to 7-4 on the season.
East Carolina 45 Marshall 24

Memphis at Southern Mississippi: Southern Miss improves to 6-4 on the season with a comfortable conference victory over the now 4-6 Tigers.
Southern Mississippi 38 Memphis 20

Troy at Western Kentucky: While the Hilltoppers have been beating up on I-AA clubs of late, Troy was busy giving Georgia a run for their money in the Trojans' 44-34 loss on Saturday. Troy wins this one in a route.
Troy 45 Western Kentucky 17

Baylor at Oklahoma: Baylor is playing the worst of any team in the Big XII right now. With this game in Norman, that trend will continue.
Oklahoma 52 Baylor 6

Stanford at Washington State: The loser of this game will become the first Pac-10 team to be ousted from potential bowl eligibility at season's end. Sure, the big upset win by Jim Harbaugh's Cardinal against USC was a great story earlier this year, but with this game in Pullman, I have to go with the home team ending the Cardinal's dream of bowling at season's end.
Washington State 24 Stanford 13

UTEP at Tulane: Mike Price's Miners of UTEP have been struggling as of late, but a date on November 10th with Tulane should end their losing skid and improve them to an even 5-5 on the season.
UTEP 45 Tulane 31

Virginia at Miami (Florida): For how poorly Miami's played of late and for how UVA just seems to find ways to win every week, I'm going with the Cavs. I don't want to, but I'm going to.
Virginia 21 Miami (Florida) 20

Central Florida at UAB: George O'Leary's Golden Knights haven't performed nearly as well on the road this year as they have at home, but against the struggling Blazers of UAB, that shouldn't matter. UCF improves to 7-3 on the year.
Central Florida 31 UAB 17

Florida at South Carolina: I want to pick Spurrier against his old club, but if anyone has noticed this lately, the Gamecocks' have been struggling. Not long ago, many were staking claim that SC was going to play in the SEC title game with an opportunity of garnering a BCS berth by winning the SEC, but those same Gamecocks have fallen to 6-4 and I have trouble believing their struggles will magically disappear against the Gators. I'm taking Florida in this one.
Florida 31 South Carolina 24

USC at California: To say that Cal has been struggling would be quite the understatement. Before this past Saturday's win over Washington State, the Golden Bears had lost three straight conference games, to the likes of Oregon State, UCLA, and Arizona State. Even in their win against the Cougars on Saturday night, the game was tightly contested throughout, as Cal snuck away with a 20-17 victory. USC appeared to be more on track with John David Booty at quarterback and healthy in their 24-3 win over Oregon State Saturday. Keeping all that in mind, I like USC's staunch defense to counter Cal's speed on offense and for USC's offense to take care of the rest. The Trojans improve to 8-3 on the season while Cal drops to 6-4.
USC 31 California 21

Louisiana Tech at LSU: LSU finally has an opportunity to dominate a non-conference opponent. They've struggled in recent weeks with the likes of: Florida, Kentucky, Auburn, and Alabama. Compared to those clubs, Louisiana Tech is like a I-AA school. The Tigers cruise to their ninth win of the season.
LSU 45 Louisiana Tech 10

Boston College at Maryland: Commentators' Heisman front-runner, Matt Ryan, has thrown six picks in his past two games and if it wasn't for their solid run defense, BC would be sitting at 7-2 right now. With their heads hanging down a bit after their undefeated season came to a crashing halt against Florida State at home on Saturday night and with Ralph Friedgen's Terps in desperate need of a victory, I look for Maryland to win this one at home to even their record at 5-5 and send BC to 8-2 on the season.
Maryland 20 Boston College 17

Kansas at Oklahoma State: I want to take Oklahoma State. It's very tempting to pick the Cowboys in Stillwater, but I can't bring myself to do it. The strength of the Kansas defense is in their front seven, which counters Okie State's offensive strength of running the football. Given the fact that OSU's defense can't stop a mime from talking in a Chaplin film, I look for KU to expose that thoroughly en route to their tenth win of the season.
Kansas 45 Oklahoma State 24

Washington at Oregon State: John Locker is a very dangerous dual-threat QB for the Huskies and should provide enough to send his Huskies to 4-6 on the season with their second consecutive victory, while the Beavers fall to 5-5.
Washington 31 Oregon State 27

San Diego State at UNLV: Do I have to pick one? For how much UNLV has struggled of late, I guess I'll go with the Aztecs, but if I were a betting man, I wouldn't put any money down on this game, for either club, regardless of the spread.
San Diego State 27 UNLV 24

Fresno State at Hawaii: I'd go with Fresno if the game were at home, but with it being in Honolulu and the Warriors coming off a bye week, I'm unfortunately going with June Jones' club to improve to a perfect 9-0 on the season.
Hawaii 38 Fresno State 28

Ineligible Games
Grambling State at Louisiana-Monroe

Week 10 Record: 36-16 (.692)
Overall Record: 323-146 (.689)

Fact or Fiction
"Fact or Fiction: Ohio State is the clear-cut #1 team at this point in the season."

Fiction. I know, I'm crazy, right? Everywhere I listen, whether it's Kirk Herbstriet, Brent Musberger, Mark May, Lou Holtz, Chris Fowler, or elsewhere, all I'm hearing is that the 10-0 Buckeyes are the clear-cut #1 team in the country right now. I hate to say it (not really), but I tend to disagree.

Now, I will say that if Ohio State beats Illinois on Saturday and defeats Michigan in Ann Arbor to close the season at 12-0, they're as deserving as anyone else of going to the National Title game. But, at this current point in the season, I don't even believe the Buckeyes to be the 2nd best team in the country, let alone 1st. Let me break it down. In random order, I will make the claim that: Ohio State, Oregon, LSU, Kansas, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Arizona State, and Missouri are the top eight teams in the land. Boston College, Connecticut, Boise State, Hawaii, and even some current two loss teams could stake their claims here if they win out, but I won't go there just yet.

Let's start with Missouri. The Tigers are 8-1 this season, with that one loss being a 41-31 loss to Oklahoma in Norman. Mizzou led OU 24-23 going into the final quarter, but as the final score indicates, were dominated for the final fifteen minutes. Five of Missouri's wins have come against teams with below .500 records and one club is at .500. So, the Tigers only have two wins against teams with above .500 records at this point, those being Illinois (7-3) and Texas Tech (7-3). The Tigers' non-conference schedule was average if one doesn't include the I-AA opponent they played and a bit below average when taking Illinois State into account. They faced the before-mentioned Illinois, along with SEC doormat Mississippi, and Western Michigan from the MAC. Missouri's offense has been superb, as their low output of the season was in their loss to Oklahoma, when they scored 31 points. Their defense has been stagnant at times, giving up 34 points to Illinois, 25 to Mississippi, 24 to Western Michigan, 17 to Illinois State, 41 to Oklahoma, and 28 to Iowa State. It's shown up and been impressive in three games this season, allowing Nebraska, Texas Tech, and Colorado to score a combined 26 points against the Tigers. Overall, Missouri's opponents are a combined 39-49 (.443), which places the Tigers at 86th in the country on schedule strength. But, they are ranked 8th in the nation in average margin of victory, winning each game by an average of 20.3 points per contest. So, Missouri still has something to prove. Their overall schedule has been anything but rough and they have yet to garner that national champion-type win. But, as their only loss is a ten-point setback in Norman, Oklahoma, they haven't done much to deter their championship hopes either.

Up next, we'll go with Arizona State. Like the Tigers, the Sundevils are 8-1 on the season and like the Tigers, ASU's only loss is on the road to an 8-1 opponent, this time, in Oregon. They fell to the Ducks at Autzen Stadium last Saturday by the final score of 35-23. Like Mizzou, I'd call ASU's non-conference schedule a bit below average. They faced San Jose State of the WAC (bowl-bound a year ago), Colorado of the Big XII, and San Diego State of the Mountain West Conference. Unlike Mizzou, Arizona State's defense has been rock solid this year, for the most part. They've only allowed more than 20 points on two occasions, in their previously-mentioned loss to Oregon and in their 44-32 come-from-behind win against Oregon State. When it comes to close games, the Sundevils have only participated in one game this season decided by ten points or less and that was in their 23-20 win at Pullman against Washington State. Offensively, they've been fairly consistent, as well, as ASU has scored 31 or more points in 8 of 10 games this year, only falling short of that in the Oregon and Washington State games. Overall, their schedule has been a bit stingier to this point than Missouri's, as ASU's opponents up until this point are a combined 39-42 (.481), which places them at 62nd in the country in schedule toughness. But, like Missouri, ASU doesn't have many victories against winning opponents to show for their efforts. They've beaten two teams with winning records and one with a .500 record. The Sundevils are ranked 13th in the country in average margin of victory, averaging to win each game by 17.6 points per. Like Missouri, ASU still has a great deal to prove, but with their sole loss coming at Autzen Stadium by twelve points, they still have to be regarded as one of the top tier teams in the country (for now). If I had to compare the two clubs on a whole, I'd give a very slight edge to Arizona State over Missouri at this point.

The West Virginia Mountaineers head into their Thursday night showdown against Louisville at 7-1 on the season. Oddly enough, the 'Neers' defense has played beyond expectations up until this point in the season, as the most points they've allowed all year was 24 in their initial game of the season. They've given up 14 points or less in five of their eight games. Like the two previous teams, West Virginia's sole loss was on the road, against 6-3 South Florida, by the final score of 21-13 on a Friday night game. The Bulls had been 6-0 and #2 in the country before their recent three game slide. Unlike the previous two teams, I'd probably label West Virginia's non-conference schedule as average. Marshall is awful this year and Western Michigan is having a down year for them, but Maryland is pesky and could potentially make a bowl game, East Carolina is already bowl eligible at 6-4 in Conference USA, and Mississippi State is 5-4 and one win away from becoming bowl eligible in the SEC. The Mountaineers won all of these non-conference games rather handily, with their closest battle being a 31-14 Thursday night win at Maryland. They've also dominated Big East opponents not named "South Florida," beating Syracuse 55-14 and Rutgers 31-3. West Virginia has beaten three teams with winning records thus far, although, their opponents' overall record, largely due to Marshall (1-8) and Syracuse (2-7) is an unimpressive 32-41 (.438), which ranks them 88th in the nation in schedule strength. They are ranked a bit higher in average margin of victory than the previous two teams, winning each game by an average of 25.9 per, and that ranks them 4th in the country. Like the previous two clubs, West Virginia has something to prove and may get a chance to do that, as they still have to face: Louisville (5-4), Cincinnati (7-2), Connecticut (8-1), and Pittsburgh (4-5). The four opponents carry with them a 24-12 (.667) record, which would improve the Mountaineers' opponents to an overall record of 56-53. That's not superb by any stretch of the imagination, but compared to some teams vying for a national championship invite, it's not bad, either. I'd probably rank West Virginia slightly ahead of Arizona State, based on all the factors I've typed. So, thus far, we have: 1. West Virginia, 2. Arizona State, and 3. Missouri.

Now we're on to Oklahoma, who would be unbeaten now, if they didn't sleepwalk in the 4th quarter in their 27-24 loss to Colorado in Boulder earlier this year. The Sooners have been steadily challenged in their Big XII games this year. After the loss to Colorado, which was their first conference game of the season, OU beat Texas in a back-and-forth battle by 7, stepped it up in the 4th quarter against Missouri to win by 10, and outlasted the Cyclones to beat ISU by 10, before dominating Texas A&M this past Saturday night. It was smooth sailing for Oklahoma in their non-conference affairs, as the closest of the four games was a 51-13 romp over Miami (Florida). Most years, I'd label Oklahoma's non-conference schedule as very average, perhaps even slightly above, but not this year. North Texas and Utah State have combined to go 1-16 on the year and while Tulsa sits at a healthy 6-3 in Conference USA, Miami is 5-4 and coming off a loss to North Carolina State. So, overall, I'd be nice in calling it average, but think it may be a bit tougher than Missouri's or Arizona State's. The defense has been steady for the most part this year, giving up 21 or more points on four occasions and 14 or less in their other five games. The offense has scored 41 or more in six of nine contests and 24 or more in eight of nine games. OU does have one stat playing more in their favor than the other three teams I've mentioned. Oklahoma has beaten five teams with winning records thus far, but unlike the other three clubs, OU's loss came against a .500 ball club. Oklahoma's schedule strength is ranked at 57th in the country, as their opponents have gone a combined 41-43 (.488). They're also ranked 3rd in average margin of victory, having won their games by an average of 27.9 points per. While the loss was perhaps against a worse opponent than the losses of Missouri, Arizona State, or West Virginia, at this point, I think the wins against winning teams and the dominance they've illustrated at times this year outweighs that one loss to such an extent, that I'm ranking OU 1st at this time. 1. Oklahoma, 2. West Virginia, 3. Arizona State, 4. Missouri.

Now off to a mystery team in Kansas. They're kind of like the Hawaii of major conference teams, as Kansas is one of just three unbeatens left in I-A football, but their non-conference schedule was so weak and they've yet to face Big XII big shots Oklahoma, Texas, or Missouri, that many are left to wonder just how good the Jayhawks are. Kansas' non-conference schedule included: Florida International (losers of 21 straight), I-AA Southeast Louisiana, 5-5 Toledo and 5-4 Central Michigan, both of the down Mid American Conference. It was easy going for Mark Mangino's troops in conference against both Baylor and Nebraska, but they had some rough goes of it against Kansas State (30-24), Colorado (19-14), and Texas A&M (19-11). The Jayhawks still have to face Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Missouri in Kansas City, and potentially Oklahoma in the Big XII title game, so they have an opportunity to truly prove themselves as worthy of consideration for a national title game appearance, but they'd definitely need to win out, I think, in order to attain that opportunity. One has to take Kansas' dominating overall numbers with a grain of salt, due to their very weak non-conference schedule, but KU has only allowed more than 20 points twice this season, only failing to do so in their victories against rival Kansas State and this past weekend against Nebraska. In seven of nine games, they've given up 14 or less. On offense, they've scored 30 or more in seven of nine games, only failing to do so in their wins against Colorado and Texas A&M. Incredibly (kind of), Kansas has scored 50 or more in five of their nine games and forty or more in six of nine games. Granted, these clubs have gone a combined 17-41 (.293), but it's still impressive (sort of) nonetheless. What many naysayers talk about in regard to Kansas is their schedule. The Jayhawks' opponents have gone a combined 33-54 (.379) at this point, which places KU 113th in the nation in schedule strength. They've beaten three teams with winning records and two with .500 records. Kansas is ranked 1st in all the land in average margin of victory, as they have averaged to win each game by 32.8 points per. While their overall resume' doesn't impress me quite as much as Oklahoma's, Kansas does have the opportunity to alter my views by winning out. At this point, though, I'd place them directly behind the Sooners. 1. Oklahoma, 2. Kansas, 3. West Virginia, 4. Arizona State, 5. Missouri.

Now we're up to the big three. I'll start with Ohio State and then work my way to LSU and Oregon. The Buckeyes are 10-0 on the year, one of only three unbeaten teams left (Kansas and Hawaii being the others). If anything has been impressive this year with the Buckeyes, it's been their defense. Ohio State has allowed a maximum of 17 points to an opponent this year. They've held opponents to single digits in six of their ten games. I don't care what one's schedule looks like, that's impressive! Offensively, OSU has been inconsistent, but has come on when they've needed to, as was shown in their comeback against Wisconsin this past Saturday or against Washington earlier in the year, as OSU trailed at the half. Ohio State has scored 30 or more points in seven of ten games, scoring 40 plus on two occasions (Northwestern and Kent State). What has been lacking from the Buckeyes' resume' is that BIG win. They've beaten three teams with winning records thus far (Purdue, Penn State, and Wisconsin) and all three of those opponents are Big Ten schools who haven't played the toughest schedules themselves. OSU has also beaten two .500 teams. But, their non-conference schedule was pitiful, as they faced I-AA Youngstown State, two down MAC schools in Akron and Kent State, and an up-and-coming Washington club that has yet to get over the hump. The four teams have a combined 9 division I-A wins. Overall, Ohio State's schedule is ranked 95th in the country, as their opponents have gone a combined 41-56 (.423). They're ranked 5th in the nation in average margin of victory, beating their opponents by 25.2 points per outing. Ohio State may show me otherwise in the weeks to come, but as of right now, I'd rank them directly behind Oklahoma due to their weak schedule. Many people get on the Jayhawks' case because of their non-conference schedule, but honestly, it's not that much worse than that of the Buckeyes. 1. Oklahoma, 2. Ohio State, 3. Kansas, 4. West Virginia, 5. Arizona State, 6. Missouri.

Now onto the 8-1 LSU Tigers, who've had a rough go of it lately. The staunch defense of the early part of the season has been anything but steady in the past four games. The offense, especially the passing game, has also been inconsistent at times this season. But, outside of their win over Tulane, LSU has faced a brutal schedule. Six of LSU's eight victories have come against teams with winning records and one win was against a school that is currently .500. Their loss was a 43-37 heart-breaking triple overtime loss to 6-3 Kentucky. Their non-conference schedule was average. They faced Virginia Tech early in the season at home and crushed the Hokies in Baton Rouge. They also squared off against 5-5 Middle Tennessee State of the Sun Belt Conference, will face 4-5 Louisiana Tech of the WAC this upcoming Saturday, and faced 2-7 Tulane of Conference USA earlier in the year. The margin of LSU's previous four games is at a +11, but then again, look at the quality of opponents: Florida, at Kentucky, Auburn, and at Alabama. I don't care who one is, that's a tough stretch. While LSU's defense gave up a total of 32 points in their first five games (6.4 ppg) of the season, they've allowed 125 in the last four (31.3 ppg). The offense has been very steady in their production, though. The team has scored at least 28 points in every game this year. On the year to this point, LSU's opponents are a combined 50-34 (.595), which ranks them 9th in the country in schedule strength. They also are tied for 10th in the country with an average margin of victory of +19.8 points per game. Combining their brutal schedule with their impressive victories and comparing that to the other teams I've noted thus far, I'd rank LSU ahead of Oklahoma and the other six teams I've mentioned. 1. LSU, 2. Oklahoma, 3. Ohio State, 4. Kansas, 5. West Virginia, 6. Arizona State, 7. Missouri.

Finally, we come to Oregon, the men of green and yellow. Of all eight teams I've written about, Oregon played the toughest non-conference schedule. Their non-conference opponents have gone a combined 20-8 (.714), with the always dangerous (just ask Alabama) Houston Cougars, Michigan, and Pat Hill's Fresno State Bulldogs. Oregon's tightest match between those three was their 48-27 win over Houston in Week 1 of the season. Pac-10 teams (Oregon included) have never been known for their dominant defense and that holds true for this Ducks' club, but the defense isn't awful. I'd classify them as average, quick, and opportunistic. The Ducks have allowed 23 or less points in five of nine games this season and 27 or less in six of nine. Their offense has been nothing short of amazing, as they've scored 24+ in all nine games, 35+ in 7 of 9 games, 48+ in five of nine and 52+ in four of nine games. Their lone loss came to 6-3 California at home by the final score of 31-24. Oregon was inches away from tying the football game when a Duck stretched the ball out for the goalline, lost control, and fumbled the ball out of the back of the end zone for a touchback. Outside of that, the only game decided by one score or less was two weeks ago when Oregon beat USC 24-17. Much like LSU, Oregon has beaten some quality opponents, five which hold winning records. Overall, Oregon's opponents are 50-32 (.610), which places the Ducks 7th in the nation in schedule strength. They're also ranked 7th in the country in average margin of victory per game, winning each game by an average of 20.8 per. With both team's resume's being so strong and even in comparison to one another, I'd give Oregon a first place tie with LSU at this juncture. So, if I were to rank the teams today based on their overall resume's, here's how I'd rank the top eight teams in the country (that I mentioned):
1. (tie) LSU
1. (te) Oregon
3. Oklahoma
4. Ohio State
5. Kansas
6. West Virginia
7. Arizona State
8. Missouri

Fact or Fiction: Ohio State the clear-cut #1 team in the country. I don't think so. That's entirely fiction. In fact, right now, I'd rank them 4th.


Inside the Numbers
-Ohio State has now won 20 consecutive Big Ten games, which sets the all-time conference record. The previous record was held by Michigan, who won 19 consecutive Big Ten games in the 1990-1992 seasons.

-With Virginia's 17-16 win over Wake Forest on Saturday, it set a record for close victories in a season. Never before, until this year's Cavaliers strolled into town, had a team won five or more games by two points or less in a single season. UVA's past three wins have come by a combined three points and that doesn't even include two other two-point victories this year. These are not typos. This season, the Cavs have won the following games: 22-20 at North Carolina, 23-21 at Middle Tennessee State, 17-16 vs. Connecticut, 18-17 at Maryland, and 17-16 vs. Wake Forest. The previous record was set by Columbia in 1971, who had won four games by two points or less that season.

-Navy ended their 43-year drought of beating Notre Dame with a 46-44 triple overtime victory in South Bend. The Midshipmen's last win over the Irish was in 1963. The 43-game winning streak by one I-A team over another was the longest such streak in NCAA history. The next longest such streak was Nebraska's 36-year dominance over Kansas from 1969-2004.

-With UConn's 38-19 victory over Rutgers on Saturday night, it marked the first time in the school's history that they started a season at 8-1. Up next on their slate is a road game against 7-2 Cincinnati.

-The 21-point come-from-behind victory didn't mark the first time in their recent history that Texas broke Oklahoma State's heart with a grand comeback. In 2003, Okie State led 16-7 in the first quarter, before getting outscored 48-0 the rest of the way en route to a 55-16 loss to the Longhorns. In 2004, the Cowboys led 35-7 in Austin before giving up the final 49 points in their 56-35 loss to the 'Horns. In 2005, Texas trailed 28-9 at the half before scoring 38 unanswered against OSU in the second half en route to their 47-28 victory over the Cowboys.

Rant of the Week: The Squib Kick
In 97% of the cases where a head coach decides it's in his team's best interest to squib kick the ball following a score, I can't for the life of me understand why.

If a team just scored a touchdown to go up 14 points with 14 seconds left, then I don't mind the squib. Chances are that a tight end, fullback, or linebacker will catch/recover the ball and won't be able to do much with it. The opposing team will have to score two touchdowns in 10 seconds in order to tie. I like my chances there. Also, if a head coach wants to use a squib early in the game to catch the opposition off guard, almost like an onside kick, where his club has a legitimate shot at recovering the live ball, then again, I don't mind the squib. But, in just about every other situation, I'm far from a proponent of the squib.

Many times, I see the squib performed late in a contest, where a team just scored to go up by 7 or 10 points. There's also typically some time left on the clock, around 1-2 minutes worth, at least. My philosophy is, make the other team earn their points and victory. What does a squib kick do in that scenario? At worst, the opposing team will start with the football at their own 35-yard line and often times, they'll start from their own 40, 45, or even mid-field, due to the squib kick. In those circumstances, the field has been about cut in half for the opponent. No longer do they need to go 80 yards for a touchdown to either tie the game or trim the lead to three; they need to go fifty for the touchdown and twenty for a legitimate field goal attempt.

The kick is even more ridiculous when a team just grabbed a three or four point lead on their opponent. That opponent only needs either a field goal to tie and send the game to overtime or a touchdown for the victory. I don't care how dangerous the deep man is. The head coach is supposed to have his club ready in all phases of the game and that includes special team's coverage. If an opponent blocks to perfection on a return and the deep man has the speed and elusiveness to take a kick back 100 yards, then I have to tip my hat to the opponent and get my kids ready for their offensive drive. But, if I squib it and make it that much easier for my opponent to get into field goal range or score the game-winning touchdown and they do just that, there will be no tipping of that hat to them. There will just be a closing of the eyes on my part, staring at the ground, and wondering why in the name of all that is stupid I decided to squib kick the ball following my club's go-ahead score. At that point, the momentum has shifted. Your team is pumped, psyched, stoked, and ready to pound on the deep man once he catches the football. The kicker may feel that as well and may potentially kick the ball into the next county. The squib kick negates that momentum. It shows little faith in the special teams' unit. It also puts the defense in a tougher spot than they should be.

If there's little to no shot of a comeback, then it's alright, from my viewpoint, for the squib kick to be utilized. But, if it's a 10-point game or closer with some time still left on the clock, I find it utterly mentally handicapped (aka retarded) of a coach to go with the squib. The only thing that could worsen the situation, from my vantage point, would be if the defensive coordinator then decided to go into the prevent defense formation. Yeah, a squib and then the prevent. Are they trying to hand the game to their opponent or just trying to confirm what their wives constantly tell them, that they're retarded?

Top 120 Poll
1. Oregon (8-1): 290.0
2. Kansas (9-0): 289.7
3. Ohio State (10-0): 288.6
4. LSU (8-1): 286.8
5. Oklahoma (8-1): 278.9
6. Arizona State (8-1): 267.6
7. West Virginia (7-1): 266.6
8. Missouri (8-1): 264.6
9. Boise State (8-1): 262.0
10. Connecticut (8-1): 258.5
11. Boston College (8-1): 257.9
12. Hawaii (8-0): 257.1
13. Texas (8-2): 246.2
14. Florida (6-3): 245.9
15. Virginia Tech (7-2): 244.0
16. Georgia (7-2): 241.3
17. Cincinnati (7-2): 237.5
18. Penn State (7-3): 237.4
19. Clemson (7-2): 237.0
19. Michigan (8-2): 237.0
19. Virginia (8-2): 237.0
22. South Florida (6-3): 231.7
23. Auburn (7-3): 228.4
24. USC (7-2): 228.3
25. Alabama (6-3): 227.1
26. Purdue (7-3): 223.7
27. Illinois (7-3): 223.5
28. BYU (6-2): 223.4
29. Tennessee (6-3): 223.3
30. Kentucky (6-3): 222.6
31. Florida State (6-3): 220.0
32. California (6-3): 219.9
33. Wisconsin (7-3): 217.4
34. Texas Tech (7-3): 216.9
35. Wake Forest (6-3): 215.8
36. Arkansas (6-3): 215.4
37. Air Force (7-3): 212.2
37. Central Florida (6-3): 212.2
39. New Mexico (6-3): 207.0
40. Troy (6-3): 203.8
41. Texas A&M (6-4): 203.7
42. South Carolina (6-4): 202.8
43. Oklahoma State (5-4): 201.4
44. Fresno State (6-3): 201.2
45. East Carolina (6-4): 201.0
46. Utah (6-3): 200.9
47. Houston (6-3): 199.2
48. Rutgers (5-4): 198.2
49. Kansas State (5-4): 197.6
50. Georgia Tech (5-4): 197.4
51. Louisville (5-4): 196.7
52. Tulsa (6-3): 196.1
53. Oregon State (5-4): 195.7
54. Colorado (5-5): 193.5
55. Indiana (6-4): 191.6
56. Wyoming (5-4): 191.2
57. Michigan State (5-5): 189.4
58. TCU (5-4): 189.0
59. Mississippi State (5-4): 188.1
60. Vanderbilt (5-4): 186.5
61. Western Kentucky (6-3): 181.7
62. UCLA (5-4): 180.4
63. Ball State (5-5): 178.6
64. Bowling Green (5-4): 178.0
65. Miami (Florida) (5-4): 176.3
66. North Carolina State (4-5): 175.8
67. Central Michigan (5-4): 175.6
68. Iowa (5-5): 174.3
69. Middle Tennessee State (5-5): 174.2
70. Southern Mississippi (5-4): 170.9
71. Nebraska (4-6): 169.7
72. Navy (5-4): 166.4
73. Maryland (4-5): 164.3
73. Northwestern (5-5): 164.3
75. Nevada (5-4): 164.1
75. Pittsburgh (4-5): 164.1
77. Washington (3-6): 163.3
78. Ohio (5-5): 158.3
79. Miami (Ohio) (5-5): 158.2
79. Toledo (5-5): 158.2
81. UTEP (4-5): 157.6
82. Arizona (4-6): 154.0
83. Florida Atlantic (4-4): 151.8
84. Louisiana Tech (4-5): 149.2
85. Washington State (3-6): 147.6
86. North Carolina (3-6): 146.9
87. Arkansas State (4-5): 146.4
88. Stanford (3-6): 144.7
89. Buffalo (4-6): 143.9
90. San Diego State (3-5): 143.1
91. New Mexico State (4-6): 139.4
92. Mississippi (3-7): 138.3
93. Akron (3-6): 136.2
94. Memphis (4-5): 135.2
95. Kent State (3-6): 130.7
96. Louisiana-Monroe (3-6): 130.3
97. Western Michigan (3-6): 128.9
98. Army (3-6): 128.1
99. Temple (3-6): 127.0
100. Baylor (3-7): 123.3
101. San Jose State (3-6): 122.5
102. UNLV (2-7): 119.8
103. Eastern Michigan (3-7): 116.1
104. Iowa State (2-8): 110.0
105. Duke (1-8): 109.8
106. Syracuse (2-7): 108.6
107. Notre Dame (1-8): 105.1
108. UAB (2-7): 101.1
109. Colorado State (1-8): 98.7
109. Tulane (2-7): 98.7
111. Rice (2-7): 98.2
112. Minnesota (1-9): 96.8
113. Marshall (1-8): 85.3
114. SMU (1-8): 84.7
115. Louisiana-Lafayette (1-8): 74.1
116. Idaho (1-9): 74.0
117. Utah State (0-9): 73.7
118. North Texas (1-7): 70.1
119. Northern Illinois (1-8): 62.8
120. Florida International (0-9): 59.1

Conference Strength

Mean Power Number
1. SEC: 217.2
2. Big XII: 208.0
3. Big East: 207.7
4. Big Ten: 204.0
5. Pac-10: 199.2
6. ACC: 198.5
7. MWC: 176.1
8. WAC: 160.4
9. Independents: 145.3
10. C-USA: 145.0
11. MAC: 142.5
12. Sun Belt: 126.2

Mean Ranking
1. SEC: 35.8
2. Big East: 42.0
3. Big XII: 43.7
4. Big Ten: 44.6
5. ACC: 47.9
6. Pac-10: 51.0
7. MWC: 62.8
8. WAC: 72.1
9. MAC: 80.5
10. C-USA: 81.8
11. Independents: 84.5
12. Sun Belt: 91.0

Median Power Number
1. SEC: 223.0
2. Big Ten: 217.4
3. Big East: 215.0
4. ACC: 206.6
5. Big XII: 202.6
6. MWC: 191.2
7. Pac-10: 188.1
8. WAC: 149.2
9. Independents: 147.3
10. C-USA: 146.4
11. MAC: 143.9
12. Sun Belt: 138.4

Median Ranking
1. SEC: 29.5
2. Big Ten: 33.0
3. Big East: 35.0
4. Big XII: 42.0
5. ACC: 42.5
6. MWC: 56.0
7. Pac-10: 57.5
8. WAC: 84.0
9. Independents: 85.0
10. C-USA: 87.5
11. MAC: 89.0
12. Sun Belt: 91.5

ACC (12)
11. Boston College (8-1): 257.9
15. Virginia Tech (7-2): 244.0
19. Clemson (7-2): 237.0
19. Virginia (8-2): 237.0
31. Florida State (6-3): 220.0
35. Wake Forest (6-3): 215.8
50. Georgia Tech (5-4): 197.4
65. Miami (Florida) (5-4): 176.3
66. North Carolina State (4-5): 175.8
73. Maryland (4-5): 164.3
86. North Carolina (3-6): 146.9
105. Duke (1-8): 109.8

Mean Power Number: 198.5
Mean Ranking: 47.9
Median Power Number: 206.6
Median Ranking: 42.5

Big East (8)
7. West Virginia (7-1): 266.6
10. Connecticut (8-1): 258.5
17. Cincinnati (7-2): 237.5
22. South Florida (6-3): 231.7
48. Rutgers (5-4): 198.2
51. Louisville (5-4): 196.7
75. Pittsburgh (4-5): 164.1
106. Syracuse (2-7): 108.6

Mean Power Number: 207.7
Mean Ranking: 42.0
Median Power Number: 215.0
Median Ranking: 35.0

Big Ten (11)
3. Ohio State (10-0): 288.6
18. Penn State (7-3): 237.4
19. Michigan (8-2): 237.0
26. Purdue (7-3): 223.7
27. Illinois (7-3): 223.5
33. Wisconsin (7-3): 217.4
55. Indiana (6-4): 191.6
57. Michigan State (5-5): 189.4
68. Iowa (5-5): 174.3
73. Northwestern (5-5): 164.3
112. Minnesota (1-9): 96.8

Mean Power Number: 204.0
Mean Ranking: 44.6
Median Power Number: 217.4
Median Ranking: 33.0

Big XII (12)
2. Kansas (9-0): 289.7
5. Oklahoma (8-1): 278.9
8. Missouri (8-1): 264.6
13. Texas (8-2): 246.2
34. Texas Tech (7-3): 216.9
41. Texas A&M (6-4): 203.7
43. Oklahoma State (5-4): 201.4
49. Kansas State (5-4): 197.6
54. Colorado (5-5): 193.5
71. Nebraska (4-6): 169.7
100. Baylor (3-7): 123.3
104. Iowa State (2-8): 110.0

Mean Power Number: 208.0
Mean Ranking: 43.7
Median Power Number: 202.6
Median Ranking: 42.0

C-USA (12)
37. Central Florida (6-3): 212.2
45. East Carolina (6-4): 201.0
47. Houston (6-3): 199.2
52. Tulsa (6-3): 196.1
70. Southern Mississippi (5-4): 170.9
81. UTEP (4-5): 157.6
94. Memphis (4-5): 135.2
108. UAB (2-7): 101.1
109. Tulane (2-7): 98.7
111. Rice (2-7): 98.2
113. Marshall (1-8): 85.3
114. SMU (1-8): 84.7

Mean Power Number: 145.0
Mean Ranking: 81.8
Median Power Number: 146.4
Median Ranking: 87.5

Independents (4)
61. Western Kentucky (6-3): 181.7
72. Navy (5-4): 166.4
98. Army (3-6): 128.1
107. Notre Dame (1-8): 105.1

Mean Power Number: 145.3
Mean Ranking: 84.5
Median Power Number: 147.3
Median Ranking: 85.0

MAC (13)
63. Ball State (5-5): 178.6
64. Bowling Green (5-4): 178.0
67. Central Michigan (5-4): 175.6
78. Ohio (5-5): 158.3
79. Miami (Ohio) (5-5): 158.2
79. Toledo (5-5): 158.2
89. Buffalo (4-6): 143.9
93. Akron (3-6): 136.2
95. Kent State (3-6): 130.7
97. Western Michigan (3-6): 128.9
99. Temple (3-6): 127.0
103. Eastern Michigan (3-7): 116.1
119. Northern Illinois (1-8): 62.8

Mean Power Number: 142.5
Mean Ranking: 80.5
Median Power Number: 143.9
Median Ranking: 89.0

MWC (9)
28. BYU (6-2): 223.4
37. Air Force (7-3): 212.2
39. New Mexico (6-3): 207.0
46. Utah (6-3): 200.9
56. Wyoming (5-4): 191.2
58. TCU (5-4): 189.0
90. San Diego State (3-5): 143.1
102. UNLV (2-7): 119.8
109. Colorado State (1-8): 98.7

Mean Power Number: 176.1
Mean Ranking: 62.8
Median Power Number: 191.2
Median Ranking: 56.0

Pac-10 (10)
1. Oregon (8-1): 290.0
6. Arizona State (8-1): 267.6
24. USC (7-2): 228.3
32. California (6-3): 219.9
53. Oregon State (5-4): 195.7
62. UCLA (5-4): 180.4
77. Washington (3-6): 163.3
82. Arizona (4-6): 154.0
85. Washington State (3-6): 147.6
88. Stanford (3-6): 144.7

Mean Power Number: 199.2
Mean Ranking: 51.0
Median Power Number: 188.1
Median Ranking: 57.5

SEC (12)
4. LSU (8-1): 286.8
14. Florida (6-3): 245.9
16. Georgia (7-2): 241.3
23. Auburn (7-3): 228.4
25. Alabama (6-3): 227.1
29. Tennessee (6-3): 223.3
30. Kentucky (6-3): 222.6
36. Arkansas (6-3): 215.4
42. South Carolina (6-4): 202.8
59. Mississippi State (5-4): 188.1
60. Vanderbilt (5-4): 186.5
92. Mississippi (3-7): 138.3

Mean Power Number: 217.2
Mean Ranking: 35.8
Median Power Number: 223.0
Median Ranking: 29.5

Sun Belt (8)
40. Troy (6-3): 203.8
69. Middle Tennessee State (5-5): 174.2
83. Florida Atlantic (4-4): 151.8
87. Arkansas State (4-5): 146.4
96. Louisiana-Monroe (3-6): 130.3
115. Louisiana-Lafayette (1-8): 74.1
118. North Texas (1-7): 70.1
120. Florida International (0-9): 59.1

Mean Power Number: 126.2
Mean Ranking: 91.0
Median Power Number: 138.4
Median Ranking: 91.5

WAC (9)
9. Boise State (8-1): 262.0
12. Hawaii (8-0): 257.1
44. Fresno State (6-3): 201.2
75. Nevada (5-4): 164.1
84. Louisiana Tech (4-5): 149.2
91. New Mexico State (4-6): 139.4
101. San Jose State (3-6): 122.5
116. Idaho (1-9): 74.0
117. Utah State (0-9): 73.7

Mean Power Number: 160.4
Mean Ranking: 72.1
Median Power Number: 149.2
Median Ranking: 84.0

Win Percentage
1. Hawaii (8-0): 100.0%
1. Kansas (9-0): 100.0%
1. Ohio State (10-0): 100.0%
4. Arizona State (8-1): 88.9%
4. Boise State (8-1): 88.9%
4. Boston College (8-1): 88.9%
4. Connecticut (8-1): 88.9%
4. LSU (8-1): 88.9%
4. Missouri (8-1): 88.9%
4. Oklahoma (8-1): 88.9%
4. Oregon (8-1): 88.9%
12. West Virginia (7-1): 87.5%
13. Michigan (8-2): 80.0%
13. Texas (8-2): 80.0%
13. Virginia (8-2): 80.0%
16. Cincinnati (7-2): 77.8%
16. Clemson (7-2): 77.8%
16. Georgia (7-2): 77.8%
16. USC (7-2): 77.8%
16. Virginia Tech (7-2): 77.8%
21. BYU (6-2): 75.0%
22. Air Force (7-3): 70.0%
22. Auburn (7-3): 70.0%
22. Illinois (7-3): 70.0%
22. Penn State (7-3): 70.0%
22. Purdue (7-3): 70.0%
22. Texas Tech (7-3): 70.0%
22. Wisconsin (7-3): 70.0%
29. Alabama (6-3): 66.7%
29. Arkansas (6-3): 66.7%
29. California (6-3): 66.7%
29. Central Florida (6-3): 66.7%
29. Florida (6-3): 66.7%
29. Florida State (6-3): 66.7%
29. Fresno State (6-3): 66.7%
29. Houston (6-3): 66.7%
29. Kentucky (6-3): 66.7%
29. New Mexico (6-3): 66.7%
29. South Florida (6-3): 66.7%
29. Tennessee (6-3): 66.7%
29. Troy (6-3): 66.7%
29. Tulsa (6-3): 66.7%
29. Utah (6-3): 66.7%
29. Wake Forest (6-3): 66.7%
29. Western Kentucky (6-3): 66.7%
46. East Carolina (6-4): 60.0%
46. Indiana (6-4): 60.0%
46. South Carolina (6-4): 60.0%
46. Texas A&M (6-4): 60.0%
50. Bowling Green (5-4): 55.6%
50. Central Michigan (5-4): 55.6%
50. Georgia Tech (5-4): 55.6%
50. Kansas State (5-4): 55.6%
50. Louisville (5-4): 55.6%
50. Miami (Florida) (5-4): 55.6%
50. Mississippi State (5-4): 55.6%
50. Navy (5-4): 55.6%
50. Nevada (5-4): 55.6%
50. Oklahoma State (5-4): 55.6%
50. Oregon State (5-4): 55.6%
50. Rutgers (5-4): 55.6%
50. Southern Mississippi (5-4): 55.6%
50. TCU (5-4): 55.6%
50. UCLA (5-4): 55.6%
50. Vanderbilt (5-4): 55.6%
50. Wyoming (5-4): 55.6%
67. Ball State (5-5): 50.0%
67. Colorado (5-5): 50.0%
67. Florida Atlantic (4-4): 50.0%
67. Iowa (5-5): 50.0%
67. Miami (Ohio) (5-5): 50.0%
67. Michigan State (5-5): 50.0%
67. Middle Tennessee State (5-5): 50.0%
67. Northwestern (5-5): 50.0%
67. Ohio (5-5): 50.0%
67. Toledo (5-5): 50.0%
77. Arkansas State (4-5): 44.4%
77. Louisiana Tech (4-5): 44.4%
77. Maryland (4-5): 44.4%
77. Memphis (4-5): 44.4%
77. North Carolina State (4-5): 44.4%
77. Pittsburgh (4-5): 44.4%
77. UTEP (4-5): 44.4%
84. Arizona (4-6): 40.0%
84. Buffalo (4-6): 40.0%
84. Nebraska (4-6): 40.0%
84. New Mexico State (4-6): 40.0%
88. San Diego State (3-5): 37.5%
89. Akron (3-6): 33.3%
89. Army (3-6): 33.3%
89. Kent State (3-6): 33.3%
89. Louisiana-Monroe (3-6): 33.3%
89. North Carolina (3-6): 33.3%
89. San Jose State (3-6): 33.3%
89. Stanford (3-6): 33.3%
89. Temple (3-6): 33.3%
89. Wasington (3-6): 33.3%
89. Washington State (3-6): 33.3%
89. Western Michigan (3-6): 33.3%
100. Baylor (3-7): 30.0%
100. Eastern Michigan (3-7): 30.0%
100. Mississippi (3-7): 30.0%
103. Rice (2-7): 22.2%
103. Syracuse (2-7): 22.2%
103. Tulane (2-7): 22.2%
103. UAB (2-7): 22.2%
103. UNLV (2-7): 22.2%
108. Iowa State (2-8): 20.0%
109. North Texas (1-7): 12.5%
110. Colorado State (1-8): 11.1%
110. Duke (1-8): 11.1%
110. Louisiana-Lafayette (1-8): 11.1%
110. Marshall (1-8): 11.1%
110. Northern Illinois (1-8): 11.1%
110. Notre Dame (1-8): 11.1%
110. SMU (1-8): 11.1%
117. Idaho (1-9): 10.0%
117. Minnesota (1-9): 10.0%
119. Florida International (0-9): 0.0%
119. Utah State (0-9): 0.0%

Opponents' Win Percentage
1. Duke (57-26): 68.7%
2. Notre Dame (57-28): 67.1%
3. Washington (55-28): 66.3%
4. Nebraska (62-33): 65.3%
5. Florida (54-29): 65.1%
6. Colorado (60-33): 64.5%
7. Oregon (50-32): 61.0%
8. North Carolina State (51-33): 60.7%
9. LSU (50-34): 59.5%
10. Florida International (49-34): 59.0%
10. Washington State (49-34): 59.0%
12. Minnesota (57-40): 58.8%
12. Utah State (47-33): 58.8%
14. Stanford (48-34): 58.5%
15. South Florida (47-34): 58.0%
16. Mississippi (53-39): 57.6%
17. Colorado State (46-35): 56.8%
18. Alabama (47-36): 56.6%
19. North Carolina (48-37): 56.5%
20. Penn State (55-43): 56.1%
20. Tennessee (46-36): 56.1%
22. UNLV (45-36): 55.6%
23. Oregon State (46-37): 55.4%
24. Oklahoma State (47-38): 55.3%
25. Iowa State (53-43): 55.2%
25. Michigan State (53-43): 55.2%
27. East Carolina (48-41): 53.9%
28. California (44-38): 53.7%
28. Florida State (44-38): 53.7%
30. Akron (45-39): 53.6%
30. Syracuse (45-39): 53.6%
32. Texas A&M (50-44): 53.2%
33. Baylor (51-45): 53.1%
34. Mississippi State (44-39): 53.0%
34. Wyoming (44-39): 53.0%
36. Kentucky (45-40): 52.9%
37. Rutgers (43-39): 52.4%
38. Marshall (42-39): 51.9%
39. Georgia Tech (43-40): 51.8%
40. Auburn (48-45): 51.6%
40. South Carolina (47-44): 51.6%
42. Georgia (43-41): 51.2%
42. Virginia Tech (43-41): 51.2%
44. Louisville (42-41): 50.6%
44. Pittsburgh (43-42): 50.6%
44. Wake Forest (42-41): 50.6%
47. Ball State (48-48): 50.0%
47. Illinois (49-49): 50.0%
47. Maryland (41-41): 50.0%
47. San Diego State (37-37): 50.0%
51. Iowa (49-50): 49.5%
51. Virginia (45-46): 49.5%
53. SMU (40-41): 49.4%
53. Vanderbilt (43-44): 49.4%
55. Arizona (44-46): 48.9%
55. Texas (44-46): 48.9%
57. Oklahoma (41-43): 48.8%
57. UAB (41-43): 48.8%
59. Kansas State (42-45): 48.3%
59. Middle Tennessee State (43-46): 48.3%
61. Central Florida (40-43): 48.2%
62. Arizona State (39-42): 48.1%
62. Louisiana-Monroe (39-42): 48.1%
64. Purdue (47-51): 48.0%
65. Kent State (41-45): 47.7%
66. San Jose State (39-43): 47.6%
66. TCU (40-44): 47.6%
68. Wisconsin (46-51): 47.4%
69. North Texas (34-38): 47.2%
70. Central Michigan (40-45): 47.1%
71. Army (39-44): 47.0%
72. Temple (39-45): 46.4%
73. Louisiana-Lafayette (38-44): 46.3%
74. New Mexico State (43-50): 46.2%
75. Bowling Green (39-46): 45.9%
75. Northwestern (45-53): 45.9%
77. New Mexico (38-45): 45.8%
78. UCLA (37-44): 45.7%
79. Boston College (37-45): 45.1%
79. Idaho (41-50): 45.1%
81. Michigan (44-54): 44.9%
82. Buffalo (43-53): 44.8%
83. Rice (38-47): 44.7%
83. UTEP (38-47): 44.7%
83. Western Michigan (38-47): 44.7%
86. Missouri (39-49): 44.3%
87. Indiana (43-55): 43.9%
88. West Virginia (32-41): 43.8%
89. Air Force (39-51): 43.3%
90. Louisiana Tech (36-48): 42.9%
91. Clemson (35-47): 42.7%
91. Eastern Michigan (41-55); 42.7%
91. Tulane (35-47): 42.7%
94. Miami (Ohio) (40-54): 42.6%
95. Ohio State (41-56): 42.3%
96. Boise State (35-48): 42.2%
96. Connecticut (35-48): 42.2%
98. Arkansas (35-49): 41.7%
98. Fresno State (35-49): 41.7%
100. Cincinnati (34-48): 41.5%
100. Miami (Florida) (34-48): 41.5%
102. BYU (31-44): 41.3%
102. Troy (33-47): 41.3%
102. Tulsa (33-47): 41.3%
105. Arkansas State (34-49): 41.0%
106. Utah (33-48): 40.7%
107. Toledo (39-57): 40.6%
108. Houston (32-50): 39.0%
109. Florida Atlantic (28-45): 38.4%
110. Ohio (36-58): 38.3%
111. Navy (32-52): 38.1%
111. USC (32-52): 38.1%
113. Kansas (33-54): 37.9%
113. Texas Tech (36-59): 37.9%
115. Southern Mississippi (31-51): 37.8%
116. Northern Illinois (32-55): 36.8%
117. Nevada (30-56): 34.9%
118. Memphis (29-56): 34.1%
119. Western Kentucky (21-67): 23.9%
120. Hawaii (14-62): 18.4%

Average Margin of Victory
1. Kansas: +32.8
2. Hawaii: +29.5
3. Oklahoma: +27.9
4. West Virginia: +25.9
5. Ohio State: +25.2
6. Boise State: +21.0
7. Oregon: +20.8
8. Missouri: +20.3
9. Texas Tech: +20.1
10. Cincinnati: +19.8
10. LSU: +19.8
12. Arkansas: +19.6
13. Arizona State: +17.6
14. Clemson: +17.4
14. Connecticut: +17.4
16. USC: +15.6
17. Florida: +15.0
18. Kansas State: +14.1
19. Penn State: +13.2
20. Texas: +12.9
21. Western Kentucky: +12.6
22. Boston College: +12.4
23. Purdue: +11.8
24. Virginia Tech: +11.7
25. BYU: +11.4
26. South Florida: +11.3
27. Auburn: +11.0
28. Kentucky: +9.9
29. Louisville: +9.7
29. Michigan: +9.7
31. Georgia: +9.0
32. Alabama: +8.8
33. Georgia Tech: +8.6
33. Troy: +8.6
35. Illinois: +8.5
36. Rutgers: +8.4
37. Houston: +7.3
37. Oklahoma State: +7.3
39. Air Force: +7.2
40. Central Florida: +6.6
40. Michigan State: +6.6
40. Wake Forest: +6.6
43. TCU: +6.4
43. Utah: +6.4
45. Wisconsin: +6.3
46. Florida State: +6.2
47. California: +6.1
48. Indiana: +5.8
48. Tennessee: +5.8
50. Fresno State: +5.3
50. South Carolina: +5.3
52. New Mexico: +5.0
53. Texas A&M: +3.9
54. Ball State: +3.6
55. Southern Mississippi: +3.1
56. Miami (Florida): +3.0
57. Virginia: +2.8
58. Middle Tennessee State: +1.7
58. UTEP: +1.7
60. Oregon State: +1.4
61. Vanderbilt: +1.2
62. Ohio: +0.9
62. Tulsa: +0.9
64. UCLA: +0.8
65. Arizona: +0.7
65. Nevada: +0.7
67. Wyoming: +0.6
68. Maryland: +0.4
69. East Carolina: +0.1
69. Iowa: +0.1
71. Pittsburgh: -0.7
72. Bowling Green: -1.9
72. Navy: -1.9
74. Mississippi State: -2.6
75. Toledo: -2.7
76. Washington: -2.8
77. Buffalo: -3.3
77. Colorado: -3.3
79. Arkansas State: -3.9
80. Louisiana Tech: -4.0
81. North Carolina State: -4.1
82. North Carolina: -4.4
83. Northwestern: -4.6
84. Western Michigan: -4.8
85. Memphis: -4.9
86. Miami (Ohio): -5.6
87. Florida Atlantic: -5.8
88. Central Michigan: -6.1
89. San Diego State: -6.9
90. Kent State: -7.4
91. Washington State: -7.7
92. Eastern Michigan: -8.0
92. UNLV: -8.0
94. Mississippi: -8.1
95. Nebraska: -8.2
96. Louisiana-Monroe: -8.6
97. Colorado State: -8.7
98. Army: -9.0
99. Temple: -9.3
100. Stanford: -9.8
100. Tulane: -9.8
102. New Mexico State: -10.0
103. Akron: -10.8
104. Minnesota: -11.3
105. SMU: -11.6
106. Iowa State: -12.8
107. Rice: -13.3
108. Idaho: -13.6
109. Utah State: -14.4
110. Northern Illinois: -14.6
111. Marshall: -14.7
112. Duke: -15.4
113. San Jose State: -15.6
114. Syracuse: -16.2
115. Baylor: -16.4
116. UAB: -16.6
117. Louisiana-Lafayette: -17.7
117. Notre Dame: -17.7
119. North Texas: -25.8
120. Florida International: -29.4

Sources
http://www.billmustgo.com/default1.asp
http://www.espn.com
http://firebillcallahan.blogspot.com/
http://www.huskerpedia.com