A few big upsets, highlighted by a thrashing in Columbus and a win for the Zooker managed to toss a monkey wrench into the gears this week. The Top 6 are solid, but who knows after that? I am just as shocked as all of you. With that in mind, on to the scores:
Week 10 #1 OU (11-0) Idle
This Week: v. Colorado in Big XII Championship
#2 USC (11-0) 41 Notre Dame (6-5) 10
The back and forth mambo between USC and Auburn for my number 2 spot continued this week, as a strong performance by the Trojans almost put them in my top spot. The men of Troy came out flat, and Notre Dame looked poised for the upset, taking a quick 10-3 lead, but the Trojans proved too athletic and too determined to let the Irish pull off an upset akin to last season's Big XII Championship game. Freshman Dwayne Jarret turned into Matt Leinart's favorite receiver and Steve Smith made his return from injury felt, as USC racked up 405 passing yards against a much-maligned Notre Dame secondary. This could have been the game that won the Heisman for Leinart, as he looked perfect after struggling in the first quarter completing 24 of 34 for 5 TDs. Notre Dame was exposed in this game, and Tyrone Willingham is unfortunately going to have to look in the classifieds for next year (3 years and no BCS at ND is unacceptable). USC faces only UCLA at home next week before a likely Orange Bowl bid.
This Week: v. UCLA
#3 Auburn (11-0) Idle
This Week: v. Tennessee in SEC Championship
#4 Cal (9-1) Idle
This Week: @ Southern Miss
#5 Texas (10-1) 26 Texas A&M (7-4) 13
What a great way for the Longhorns to end their regular season. This was a close game, mostly on the strength of Reggie McNeal's run/pass ability for the Aggies. Texas had to work for every point they got. Well, almost every point. After A&M blocked a Texas extra point attempt, they recovered in the end-zone for a ONE POINT SAFETY? Not sure what rulebook that goes in, but I haven't ever heard of it. It didn't end up mattering, as Texas was able to score enough after the fact to offset the awkwardness and avoid being the subject of Big XII officiating criticism, as they were in the Kansas win. Another big effort on the ground for Vince Young (93 yards and a TD) and Cedric Benson (163 yards and a TD) made the difference in this game for a Texas team that needs a miracle for a BCS bid.
This Week: Idle
#6 Utah (11-0) Idle
This Week: Idle
#7 Louisville (9-1) 70 Cincinnati (5-6) 27
The Cardinals sealed another C-USA championship with a bang, scoring the first 63 points in their win over interstate rival Cincy. Absolute domination on the ground and with special teams gave Louisville its third Conference USA championship since 2000. Nothing more to say, but wow. Good job.
This Week: @ Tulane
#8 Miami (8-2) Idle
This Week: v. Va Tech
#9 Boise State (11-0) 58 Nevada (5-7) 21
Ahem, Boise blew Nevada out of the water in Reno, and it comes as no big shock. What may be surprising is that Boise will not play in a BCS bowl this year (or probably any other). Dan Hawkins is probably upset that the Broncos are not in the BCS, but he shouldn't fret too much. This was all about money. There was no way the big boys would allow TWO non-conference schools into the big show. I personally think the best of the three is Louisville, but they won't even get a shot, because they lost at Miami. Go figure. Utah may get the chance to see if they are as good as Louisville this bowl season. Boise probably won't. I guess the real point to this is that the WAC is SO much worse than the Mountain West Conference when it comes to the vote. Eh.
This Week: Idle
#10 Tennessee (9-2) 37 Kentucky (2-9) 31
Anybody else think the Vols spent the past two weeks studying Auburn game film? I certainly do. This game, like the Vandy game, was a disgrace. The near-loss at home to Kentucky ranks up near the top of all-time bonehead debacles for Tennessee, but they still won. If it helps them secure an SEC Championship then more power to them. My personal opinion is that they should have put all of their effort into these last two games, because they don't stand much of a chance against the Tigers. Especially not with that pathetic D. They may have had an inspiring come from behind win, but the D looked like Thanksgiving dinner warmed over. They better hope they play a much better game against Auburn, or they will look like the latest Boise/Utah/Louisville opponent.
This Week: v. Auburn in SEC Championship
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