1. LSU (9-0): beat Alabama, 9-6 in OT
Last weekend’s “Game of the Century” turned out to be a defensive dream. Neither LSU nor Alabama gained more than 300 yards of offense and both teams committed two turnovers. A big question remains for the Tigers, who benched starting quarterback Jarrett Lee in favor of Jordan Jefferson. The two-quarterback system will remain for now, but can they win a national championship without a dependable guy behind center? Eric Reid and the defense outplayed Alabama’s, including Reid’s play of the game. (Next: vs. Western Kentucky)
2. Stanford (9-0): beat Oregon St., 38-13
The actual BCS polls have the Cardinal at No. 4, behind Alabama. But the CUI poll is looking past Stanford’s weaker schedule and focusing on what they do have. With the best quarterback in the country, a offensive line with two All-Americans, and one of the better run defenses in the land, the Cardinals have a serious shot at a national championship. Injuries have mounted in recent weeks, however. Now is not a good time, considering their toughest game of the season is on Saturday. (Next: vs. No. 6 Oregon)
3. Oklahoma St. (9-0): beat Kansas St., 52-45
(CU Independent illustration/Kelly Kaoudis & Josh Shettler)
Coach Mike Gundy’s Cowboys are second in the newest BCS polls and hold their own fate for reaching the school’s first ever BCS title game. A gigantic obstacle still looms in a season-finale game against Oklahoma. OSU’s come back win in primetime against Kansas State may prove that they’re reading to play under the bright lights. Not a week goes by without the offensive trio of Brandon Weeden, Justin Blackmon, and Joseph Randle putting up gaudy numbers. (Next: @ Texas Tech)
4. Boise St. (8-0): beat UNLV, 48-21
Boise is still undefeated and if the two teams ahead of them lose, they deserve a shot for the BCS National Championship. Give Coach Chris Petersen and his Broncos time to prepare for anyone and they can win, just ask Oregon, Virginia Tech, and Georgia. The only true test that remains on the regular season agenda comes next week, as Boise hosts TCU in what will be the teams only meeting in the Mountain West Conference. If they win out, why shouldn’t they be in the title game? (Next: vs. TCU)
5. Alabama (8-1): lost to LSU, 6-9
It’s pretty clear the two best teams in the country played each other last Saturday night in Tuscaloosa. Though that makes Alabama the second-best team—please stop yelling for a title game rematch. Give someone else a chance to dethrone LSU. Coach Nick Saban and his defense proved what makes the unit so dominant and tailback Trent Richardson tallied 169 total yards. But it wasn’t enough and there’s no reason they deserve a second chance, especially if the teams ahead of them win out. (Next: @ Mississippi State)
6. Oregon (8-1): beat Washington, 34-17
The Quack Attack has its full arsenal back with quarterback Darron Thomas and tailback LaMichael James. Thomas passed 25 times and James had 25 rushing attempts in a balanced execution against the always-dangerous Huskies. Now the Ducks’ eight game-winning streak collides with Stanford’s FBS-best 16-game winning streak. Last year Oregon overcame a 21-3 deficit to win. The winner of this year’s match will be first in the Pac-12 North. If the Ducks can stop Andrew Luck and the Cardinals, they may have an outside shot at the BCS championship game. (Next @ No. 2 Stanford)
7. Oklahoma (8-1): beat Texas A&M, 41-25
The Sooners hold their fate in the Big-12. If they don’t overlook their remaining competition before renewing the state rivalry with Oklahoma State, they won’t lose. A 28-point third quarter against the Aggies showed how dangerous this offense can be. Bad news is All-American receiver Ryan Broyles left the game with a torn ACL and is out for the season. This offense has two other game-breaking receivers, but Broyles’ consistent output will be missed. (Next: @ Baylor)
8. Arkansas (8-1): beat South Carolina, 44-28
Coach Bobby Petrino and his Razorbacks are the Elmer Fudd of college football—like they’re telling the nation, “Be very, very quiet, I’m hunting wabbits.” Arkansas is hunting for an at-large BCS birth for the second consecutive season and no one is talking about them, as LSU and Alabama receive all the attention in the SEC. That’s just fine with Petrino, as his team keeps winning against quality competition and owns one of the best offenses in the FBS. (Next: vs. Tennessee)
9. Clemson (8-1): Idle
After having a week to rest from the disappointing loss to Georgia Tech, it’s clear that the Tigers are still the class of the ACC. With only two conference games remaining, Clemson is eyeing an appearance in the ACC title game it’s first ever BCS game. Coach Dabo Swinney has his young team believing. And why shouldn’t they with quarterback Tahj Boyd and freshman stud Sammy Watkins playing pitch and catch? (Next: vs. Wake Forest)
10. Houston (9-0): beat UAB, 56-13
Has anyone noticed that the Cougars are still undefeated? Maybe they haven’t played anyone, but they are the top-ranked team in the state of Texas. Plus Case Keenum, besides having an excellent football name, is breaking more records than an angry music storeowner. Though Keenum and company haven’t played a ranked team all season, they get the No. 10 spot by default. Could Houston sneak into a BCS bowl with an at-large birth? Probably not, but the controversy of an undefeated team being left out is always fun to hear about. (Next: @ Tulane)
Contact CU Independent Sports Editor Michael Krumholtz at Michael.krumholtz@colorado.edu.
