Week 6 #1 OU (5-0) 12 #9 Texas (4-1) 0
Oklahoma remained #1 by showing it still has a great defense. Texas' first shutout in 24 years was marked by stellar defense for both teams, and the steady play of their marquee running backs. Both premier running backs, Adrian Peterson for Oklahoma and Cedric Benson for Texas, performed well, with big runs and steady production. The difference maker in this game, though, was freshman Adrian Peterson. His outstanding performance, including a career-high 225 yards, gave Oklahoma the edge. The steady rain in Dallas and the outstanding play of the defenses kept it close, and Texas was in this game to the end. Both teams were turnover prone, but both defenses stepped up to prevent scores on the turnovers, allowing the Red River Rivalry to live up to its billing. All the same, Oklahoma claimed the border war for the fifth straight time, catapulting them into the Big XII driver's seat once again.
This Week: @ K-State
#2 Auburn (6-0) 52 Louisiana Tech (3-3) 7
The Tigers of Auburn are the #2 team in my poll for the second straight week. Certainly nothing they did against the Bulldogs would change that. There was no let down for the Tigers as they readied themselves for this week's matchup with Arkansas in Jordan-Hare.
This Week: v. Arkansas
#3 USC (5-0) 23 #8 Cal (3-1) 17
This USC Trojans team proved its mettle on Saturday, avenging the only defeat suffered in the last 26 games, by pulling out a last second defensive stop of the smoking Cal offense in Los Angeles. Golden Bear quarterback Aaron Rogers was on fire for most of the afternoon, hitting on 29 of 34 passes for 267 yards and a touchdown. Running back JJ Arrington rushed for 112 yards on 21 carries, while Cal outdistanced the vaunted USC attack 424-205. In the end, though, it was defense that again carried the day for the men of Troy. Rogers, who had hit 29 of 31 before the last series, missed on all three passing attempts toward the end zone
This Week: v. Arizona State
#4 Virginia (5-0) 30 Clemson (1-4) 10
It was a contest early, but the Cavs dominated in the second half, particularly on the ground, where Alvin Pearman, replacing Wali Lundy, rushed for 104 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns. Quarterback Marques Hagans got it done through the air, as well, connecting on 14 of 26 for 225 yards. It was defense that got it done for the Cavaliers, as well, shutting down Charlie Whitehurst and the Clemson Tigers in the final three quarters. Virginia will need every ounce of its defensive and offensive prowess this week for its showdown against the Seminoles in Tallahassee.
This Week: @ Florida State
#5 Purdue (5-0) 20 Penn State (2-4) 13
In a game that turned out much closer than anticipated, Purdue Wide Receiver Taylor Stubblefield set the Big 10 career receptions mark with 271. Purdue didn't do enough wrong to drop lower than 5 this wek in the top 10, but they certainly will need to improve soon or they will see the Big 10 Championship slip through their fingers. Kyle Orton was slightly off-form in this game, completing 24 of his 35 passes for 275 yards and a touchdown, but also throwing 2 picks. Those were his first two interceptions of the season. The ship will need to be tight this week as they host the only other Big 10 unbeaten: Wisconsin.
This Week: v. #7 Wisconsin
#6 Miami (5-0) Idle
This Week: v. #8 Louisville
#7 Wisconsin (6-0) 24 Ohio State (3-2) 13
Wisconsin has a history now of handing the Buckeyes home losses. This is three straight victories in Columbus for the Badgers, and leaves Buckeye Coach Jim Tressel with his first back to back losses since coming to Columbus nearly four years ago. This was a case of near total domination. Sophomore QB John Stocco hit on 15 of 24 passes for 169 yards and 2 touchdowns, one an unbelievable diving catch by Jonathan Orr that made virtually every highlight reel. Anthony Davis shredded the vaunted Ohio State Defense for 168 yards on 39 carries and a touchdown. The Badger D stomped a mudhole in the Buckeyes, holding them to 224 total yards on the day. Overall, this was a great performance for Wisconsin, leading to a big showdown against undefeated Purdue next week.
This Week: @ #5 Purdue
#8 Louisville (4-0) Idle
This Week: @ #6 Miami
#9 Texas (4-1) 0 #1 OU (5-0) 12
This Week: v. Mizzou
#10 Cal (3-1) 17 #3 USC (5-0) 23
This Week: v. UCLA
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