Week 14 #1 OU (12-0) 42 Colorado (7-5) 3
There is no other way to term this game than total domination. Sounds like a broken record with regard to the top 3 teams, doesn't it? Although OU was the only team that dominated like this in their showcase game this weekend, all three of the top teams are equally deservant of the top spot. All have played well in the big games, all have had close calls, all have had blowouts. In fact, all of them are virtually the same in nearly every way. They have tough defenses and can beat you running and passing. OU is my top team, because they have not had a let down game all season. Other teams have played up to them, but OU has never played down to a team. They treated Colorado as if they would USC. They played hard every play with a ton of emotion, and never let down. White and Peterson both played exceptionally well, although White will likely lose the Heisman because of the two interceptions that he threw in this game (even though the receivers slipped on both interceptions). The OU defense came on huge in this game, dominating run and pass and holding the Buffs to under 100 yards of total O. Without a doubt, OU looked like the best team in the country in this game, and won their their second Big XII Championship in three years.
Next: v. USC in the Orange Bowl
#2 USC (12-0) 29 UCLA (6-5) 24
USC came out of the gates looking a little sloppy. A week after their blowout of ND, they nearly collapsed to crosstown rival UCLA. The only guy that gave them any hope at all was Reggie Bush, who countered nearly every big UCLA play with a big play of his own. He had nearly 300 yards of total O, and some say that he catapulted himself into the Heisman race. I was certainly convinced, even if I was not convinced that USC is the best team in the nation. This was the big rivalry that last week was supposed to be, and leaves me scratching my head. Funny how nobody questions USC after this game like they questioned Oklahoma after the O-State game.
Next: v. OU in the Orange Bowl
#3 Auburn (12-0) 38 Tennessee (9-3) 28
Tennessee proved that they were a better football team than they were the past two weeks against Kentucky and Vandy, but they did not prove strong enough to win the SEC. The Auburn Tigers looked like they were going to cruise to an SEC Championship, but Tennessee woke up and gave the Tigers a game before they gave up the final TD that put the game out of reach. Auburn proved that they could get it done through the air if their run game is stopped, and were able to come away with a school record 12-win season and an SEC title. Unfortunately for Auburn, it was not enough to propel them to the Orange Bowl, as they will have to settle for ACC Champ Va Tech in the Sugar.
Next: v. Va Tech in the Sugar Bowl
#4 Cal (10-1) 26 Southern Miss (6-5) 16
I kind of expected this. Cal had not been tested by a decent defense with the exception of USC. Hattiesville is a hard place to play, and the Bears were lucky to pull out of their alive. Receiver Geoff McArthur was knocked out of the game in the third quarter with a broken leg, and it could have been worse. JJ Arrington had a big game on the ground with 261 yards on 31 carries and Marshawn Lynch had a TD. In the end, the performance was not enough to keep them in the BCS.
Next: v. Texas Tech in the Holiday Bowl
#5 Texas (10-1) Idle
Hmmm...first BCS bid for Texas is the Rose. Lots of Pac/Big 10ers will be upset about this...
Next: v. Michigan in the Rose Bowl
#6 Utah (11-0) Idle
Put those sombreros back on, Utes, you are going to Tempe.
Next: v. Pitt in the Fiesta Bowl
#7 Louisville (10-1) 55 Tulane (5-6) 7
This was another victim in UL's quest for the BCS. They blasted Tulane early and often, and it didn't look like the Green Wave would even score. Period. They did, long after it was decided, but this is certainly an exclamation point for the Cardinals' season. They set the NCAA record with their 5th straight game scoring 55 or more points, and they did it as they have all season: on the ground and through the air. With over 500 yards of total O, yet again, Louisville will certainly be recognized as one of the best offenses in NCAA history. The Liberty Bowl is right.
Next: v. Boise State in the Liberty Bowl
#8 Va Tech (10-2) 16 Miami (8-3) 10
This was a defensive battle through and through. The Hokies proved to have the mettle to play in the ACC, netted a 10th win, and did it with substance over style in the Orange Bowl. Miami proved that it still has some growing pains after losing almost the entire team to the NFL last year. In the end, this came down to some good old fashioned Beamer ball, and Va Tech won the ACC Championship in its first year in the league.
Next: v. Auburn in the Sugar Bowl
#9 Boise State (11-0) Idle
Liberty Bowl...vs. Louisville...good matchup.
Next: v. Louisville in the Liberty Bowl
#10 Michigan (9-2) Idle
Michigan lost to Ohio State, but they are here anyway. Why? Simply because I see them as better than some of the other 9 win teams out there like LSU and Georgia. Besides, the Big 10 deserves to have somebody in the top 10, right? Why not the champ?
Next: v. Texas in the Rose Bowl
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