By The Lion
This week, we were treated to some pretty bad football from the top tier teams, and the ramifications for such horrible play are going to be reflected in this poll.
1. Boise State – While everyone else was tap dancing around their competition this week, Boise went in and smashed Idaho just like they should. While Idaho is not a very good team, which was noted, Boise did what they were supposed to against sub par competition while other teams at the top of this poll were jacking around playing down to the level of competition, almost like they were taking their poll ranking for granted. For that, Boise should be rewarded. When Oregon gets it together and doesn’t almost get beat by the likes of a .500 Cal program, maybe we’ll discuss them jumping Boise. For now, the Broncos ascend to the top of the mountain.
2. Oregon – As mentioned before, Oregon needed a false start by a Kicker, which is something I’ve never seen before, to erase a chip shot FG off the board that would’ve won the game. The next play, he misfired from five yards farther out and Oregon hung on. Ultimately, the Offense didn’t show up, scoring just 7 points all game, which they basically erased by turning the ball over with a fumble that was run back for a TD. Special teams decided this one and Oregon really deserved to lose. The bottom line is that good teams find ways to win these kind of games, even if finding a way means rubbing a genie bottle on the sideline. With Boise rolling and Oregon nearly choking, the penalty is a drop to #2 in the polls.
3. Wisconsin – Let the controversy begin. The Badgers exploded this week, smashing Indiana and scoring a record setting 83 points against the Hoosiers in one of the largest Big Ten blowouts I’ve ever seen. For a team known for pounding the ball down your throat, this win was impressive at a whole new level. To think that Wisconsin, who only lost to a one loss Michigan State team, could be passed on a National Title shot for a team like TCU is a joke to me. Especially after TCU’s performance this week. Wisconsin is heating up down the stretch and if they can survive an upset bid by, I would have no trouble putting these guys in the top 2 or 3 in the nation at season’s end.
4. LSU – The controversy continues. TCU and Auburn both drop, not only past Wisconsin, but also past LSU. LSU played a second rate opponent, but they dispatched them in impressive fashion, winning with a 51 point victory that was also a dominating shutout. LSU is another team that has really heated up down the stretch. The unfortunate thing for them is that Auburn was able to beat them and holds a two game lead in the West, meaning Auburn is going to the SEC Title game to take on South Carolina. For LSU, regardless of this top 5 ranking, if they can finish unblemished from here on out, they should easily lock up the other BCS slot from the SEC, probably replacing Auburn in the Sugar Bowl should Auburn win out. (more…)
The Tribunal Bar 