Alabama stays on top, but not by much

Each week we will bring you the College Football Oasis Top 25.  These rankings are our consensus rankings based on two staff members and two elite Oasis members.  I think you will find that our Top 25 differs from most others.  We do not pick like the coaches or writers and have no agendas.  Our staff and members are free to vote how they want, just so long as they can back up the ranking in an argument!

The voters in our consensus rankings are Myself, Rob Leath (Bluebandit24), Hskrpwr13, and Sean Tobe (Sstobe).  If you want background on Rob or myself you can check out our bios.

As you can likely guess, Hskr is a Nebraska fan and brings a wealth of knowledge from the midwest.  I have argued and debated with him for almost five years now and he is one of the best at defending his position with logic and well argued stats.  If you disagree, come ready with a good argument.

Sean Tobe and I have been friends for close to 5 years and agree on many things, but argue a lot on other college issues.  He is a wealth of college knowledge and can breakdown a game with the best of them.  He is from the south like myself, but also like me, has roots in Ohio.  He sticks to his homer picks sometimes; however, he has a good reason for it.

Follow us each week and I guarantee you will have some fun.  Also, please voice your disagreement or agreement with our rankings in our forums.  All will be ready to talk and debate why they came up with their rankings.  Our articles will only show the consensus rankings, but if you are interested in individual rankings please check out our forums right here: http://www.fantasyfootballoasis.com/college/forums/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=500.

With that said, the consensus week 1 College Football Oasis Top 25 Rankings are:

After seven months without any football that matters, the world will be made right again when college football kicks off Thursday evening.  There is no shortage of storylines in 2010: premier programs usher in a new era at quarterback after seeing legends depart for the NFL; the SEC makes a run at its fifth straight national title; and both Boise State and TCU attempt to run the table and sneak into the national championship picture.  Despite turning over a lot of talent – specifically on defense – the defending champions top the Oasis Preseason Top 25.

1 – ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE:  Alabama turns over eleven starters, including ten on defense, but that’s not a huge deal for a program that features elite talent across the depth chart.  Nick Saban has built a machine in Tuscaloosa and there’s no reason the Tide can’t once again run the table and appease a nearly implacable fanbase with a second straight national title.  Greg McElroy should improve during his second year as a starter and he will have plenty of help, including a backfield that includes two of the best runners in college football (Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson) and a redshirt freshman ready to make his mark (Eddie Lacy) as well as a monster target in Julio Jones.  The defense will once again be dominant despite losing stalwarts such as Terrence Cody and Rolando McClain; the Tide is too talented and well-coached on that side of the ball to fall back too much.  Repeating is tough – nobody refutes that – but the Tide have the makeup to be one of the special programs to notch back-to-back titles.

2 – BOISE STATE BRONCOS:  Boise State has finally earned the national respect it has been seeking for so long.  Many college football fans – myself included – always though that the Broncos were a nice story but weren’t quite built to compete with the elite.  After a couple of impressive BCS victories and non-conference wins over quality BCS schools, Boise State has proven it can play with anyone and deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the nation’s top programs.  Kellen Moore returns to guide an offense that will torch opponents on the blue turf, aided by possibly the nation’s best receiving duo in Austin Pettis and Titus Young.  If they can topple Virginia Tech in Maryland and take down Oregon State at home two weeks later, the Broncos will have earned their shot at a national championship in January.

3 – NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS:  Their last season in the Big Twelve could be a memorable one for Nebraska.  Despite losing the man who should have won the Heisman Trophy, Ndamukong Suh, the Huskers are loaded on defense with future first round picks Jared Crick and Prince Amukamara and should do just enough on offense – especially if Zac Lee is one hundred percent healthy after battling an elbow injury in 2009 – to compete for a conference title and flirt with an appearance in the national championship game.  Bo Pelini has quickly restored the dominance in Lincoln and they’re poised to take the next step up the ladder.

4 – OHIO STATE BUCKEYES:  Jim Tressel has taken command of the Big Ten, finishing at or near the top of conference every season he has been coach in Columbus and making the Buckeyes a fixture in the BCS.  With a great nucleus returning, there is no reason to expect a dip from the Big Ten’s premier program.  Terrelle Pryor proved that he can be a big-time passer in the Rose Bowl against Oregon, and while it is unrealistic to expect that type of performance on a week-to-week basis, it is also unlikely he reverts back to playing five hundred with his wide receivers.  With a solid set of weapons at his disposal, there is no excuse for Pryor to not become one of the conference’s most productive quarterbacks.  If the offense compliments what is once again going to be a stingy defense, the Buckeyes could very well run the table and earn a spot in the BCS Championship game.

5 – OKLAHOMA SOONERS:  The Sooners are a somewhat forgotten bunch in 2010.  No team was hit harder by injury than Oklahoma in 2009; the Sooners were without Sam Bradford and Jermaine Gresham for a large portion of the season and saw several other key contributors miss good chunks of the 2009 season.  Sam Bradford’s injury killed the Sooners’ 2009 title hopes, but his ailment may prove to be a blessing for the 2010 outfit.  Landry Jones took his lumps as a redshirt freshman, but he also gained valuable experience and proved that he has the tools to keep this offense operating at a high level.  Assuming this team avoids the injuries that plagued its previous campaign, they should return to their perch atop the Big Twelve South.

6 – FLORIDA GATORS:  Much like the Tide, the Gators lose a lot of key talent.  Much like the Tide, Florida will simply reload with elite recruits who have had a couple of years to grow within their system.  The offense is going to look a lot different with John Brantley under center.  Where Tim Tebow was basically unconventional in everything he did, Brantley should be a traditional drop-back passer who attacks the defense with his arm.  The secondary is stacked with talent; the Gators rotate several safeties who would be linchpins on many defenses.  If the front seven can adequately replace departed stars, the Gators will once again rule the SEC East and stamp their ticket to the Georgia Dome.

7 – TCU HORNED FROGS:  Had the Horned Frogs edged Boise State in last year’s Fiesta Bowl, they may have very well swapped places with the Broncos in many preseason polls.  However, Boise State had an excellent gameplan and ruined the Frogs’ hopes of an undefeated season.  Gary Patterson is one of the nation’s best and most innovative coaches and he’ll be able to develop talent to replace the departed Jerry Hughes and Daryl Washington on defense, a unit that should once again give TCU a shot at an unbeaten regular season.  Of course, we’ve seen that they’ll need help as well if they’re to become the first non-BCS program to play for a BCS National Title.

8 – OREGON DUCKS:  Jeremiah Masoli’s off-season crime spree was a blow to Oregon, but fortunately they’re deep at quarterback and can turn to the fairly experienced Nate Costa to take over an offense that is as deep as it is explosive.  Costa’s surrounded by elite weapons; from LaMichael James to Jeff Maehl, this team is stacked at the skill positions.  Chip Kelly turned this team around after a disastrous opener in Boise last year and the Ducks are good bets to return to the Rose Bowl in 2010.

9 – TEXAS LONGHORNS:  Longhorn fans will always dwell on what could have been had Colt McCoy not gone down with an injury early in the national championship game against Alabama.  McCoy’s absence in January did give us a look at Garrett Gilbert, the true sophomore who will take over for college football’s biggest winner of all-time.  Gilbert’s maturation will be a key for a team that loses McCoy along with the uber-productive Jordan Shipley.  The guess here is that Gilbert is good, just not good enough to make the Longhorns Big Twelve South champions and national title contenders in 2010.

10 – WISCONSIN BADGERS:  A young Badger squad burst onto the scene in 2009, marching to a 10-3 record thanks to surprisingly efficient play from quarterback Scott Tolzien and the punishing legs of John Clay.  Most everyone who played a critical role in 2009 is back this year, and that makes Wisconsin a legitimate contender in the Big Ten.

• 11 – Virginia Tech
• 12 – Iowa
• 13 – Pittsburgh
• 14 – North Carolina
• 15 – USC
• 16 – Oregon State
• 17 – Florida State
• 18 – Stanford
• 19 – Miami
• 20 – Georgia
• 21 – Utah
• 22 – Auburn
• 23 – LSU
• 24 – Arkansas
• 25 – Georgia Tech

Tim Tebow will play his final game in the Swamp on Saturday.

1. Florida (11-0) THIS WEEK: Florida State
What may be forgotten in the Gators quest for another national title is just how good its seniors have been during their four years at Florida. Last week the seniors broke an SEC record when they won their 46 game in four years. Saturday is senior day for the Gators, and as we saw with Urban Meyer’s press conference early this week, it will be a very emotional day. Saturday will be the day that the Gator Nation will have to say goodbye to Tim Tebow playing at the Swamp, and for some reason the experts see an upset. I see a huge Florida win.

2. Alabama (11-0) THIS WEEK: @ Auburn
Auburn’s Ben Tate can make good on his statement that he is the best running back in the SEC if he can lead Auburn to win in the Iron Bowl. Auburn had won six straight prior to last years beat down by Auburn. This year is different though and the Tigers can score with anyone. I expect Alabama to win this game, but if they overlook Auburn for some reason it could result in an upset.

3. Texas (11-0) THIS WEEK: @ Texas A&M
Texas has the easiest road to the National Title game of the top three teams, and looks to be a sure bet as one of the two teams in the last game; however, they better not look past arch rival Texas A&M. Colt McCoy is the winningest college quarterback in football history, but he has struggled against TAMU. In three starts he only has one win and was terrible in his two losses. Texas is a different team then it was in his first two starts against TAMU, but anything is possible in a rivalry game.

4. TCU (11-0) THIS WEEK: New Mexico
TCU only has lowly New Mexico remaining on their schedule and should end the season undefeated, but they need help from two of the top three teams to have a chance to play for the National Championship. TCU has shown the nation that they are more than just a BCS buster and will be a formidable opponent for anyone if given the chance. This team is good and it would be interesting to see what they could do against the big boys in one game.

5. Cincinnati (10-0) THIS WEEK: Illinois
Tony Pike returns this week to lead the undefeated Bearcats against the fighting Zookers. However, this is really a warm up game for Tony Pike to get him back in rhythm for the huge Big East showdown with Pittsburgh next week. Cincinnati will roll this week and set up a good game with Pitt, but unless three of the four teams in front lose, they won’t be in the National Title hunt.

6. Boise State (11-0) THIS WEEK: Nevada
Boise has been the media darling BCS buster for years, but their soft scheduling has caught up to them this year. They are undefeated, but have struggled against weaker opponents and only have one good win, Oregon in week one of the season. Boise will end up making a BCS game, but they are not the best non-BCS school this year.

7. Georgia Tech (10-1) THIS WEEK: Georgia
Paul Johnson has done what everyone said he could not do; he brought the triple option to a major conference and won. Johnson is 19-5 in two seasons with the Yellow Jackets and has a shot at an ACC title and BCS game this year. The only blemish on the Jackets’ schedule is an early loss at Miami. Tech gets a down Georgia team this week without its best offensive weapon, AJ Green, and a struggling defense. Tech should win the game and set up a big time match up with Clemson next week.

8. Oregon (9-2) THIS WEEK: BYE
The loss to Stanford may have ended any chance the Ducks had to sneak into the National Title discussion, but a big win over Arizona last week kept them in the race for the Rose Bowl. The Ducks are off this week, but have Oregon State next week in the Civil War. Oregon beat OSU last year to spoil their hopes of a Rose Bowl bid, and OSU will be looking to return the favor this year.

9. Pittsburgh (8-1) THIS WEEK: @ West Virginia
The backyard brawl between Pittsburgh and West Virginia maybe one of the most underrated rivalries in the country. I married into a family that lives this rivalry and I can tell you they hate each other. West Virginia may be out of the Big East title hunt, but that doesn’t matter to them. The Mountaineers would love to ruin Pittsburgh season and repay them for losses in the last two years, including the 2007 game that cost them a shot at the National Title.

10. Ohio State (10-2) THIS WEEK: BYE
Ohio State once again dispatched of their arch rival Michigan in a game that can no longer be called a rivalry. Jim Tressel is 8-1 against Michigan since coming to Ohio State and the games haven’t been close recently. Last weeks game ended the Buckeyes season and clinched sole possession of the Big 10 title. Tressel will once again lead them to a BCS bowl game where a tough game against a good Pac 10 team awaits.

11. Oklahoma State
12. Ole Miss
13. Clemson
14. Virginia Tech
15. LSU
16. Oregon State
17. North Carolina
18. Iowa
19. USC
20. Stanford
21. California
22. Nebraska
23. Miami
24. Penn State
25. Houston

TCU in a big showdown with Utah this week

1. Florida (9-0) THIS WEEK: @ South Carolina
So much has been made of Florida’s offense not being the same as last season that people fail to see how good the defense is. The Florida defense is the best in the country and will help them achieve their goal. The showdown in Atlanta looks to be for the right to go to the national championship.

2. Alabama (9-0) THIS WEEK: @ Mississippi State
Another close game for Alabama last week against LSU. The Tide scored two TD’s, but neither was in the red zone as their struggles their continued. The Tide have not been overly impressive recently, but they remind me a bit of the 2006 Gator Championship team, doing just enough each week.

3. Texas (9-0) THIS WEEK: @ Baylor
Texas beat a UCF team that played its second and third string players most, if not the whole game. Only teams left on the schedule should be easy victories for the longhorns. Barring a slip up they will be in the National Title game.

4. Cincinnati (9-0) THIS WEEK: West Virginia
Doesn’t matter who is at the healm for the Bearcats as the offense just continues to roll. The defense has been suspect, but good enough. They still have games with WVU and Pitt ahead, but they have a good chance of going undefeated. They will need two of the top three to lose to get into the National Championship.

5. TCU (9-0) THIS WEEK: Utah
TCU with another dominating victory. The Horned Frogs are solid on both sides of the ball and are definitely the most impressive non-BCS school. A big showdown with Utah this week looks to be all that stands in their way of a BCS berth.

6. Boise State (9-0) THIS WEEK: Idaho
Boise struggles again to beat a team they should dominate. TCU has overtaken them because of the overall body of work of both teams. Boise has the impressive win over Oregon, but that is it. Struggles against Tulsa and Louisiana Tech do not look good.

7. Georgia Tech (9-1) THIS WEEK: @ Duke
An early season loss to Miami is the only blemish on the schedule. Tech has been impressive on offense, but the defense has struggled against athletic passing teams. A rematch against Clemson in the title game could result in a loss for the Jackets.

8. LSU (7-2) THIS WEEK: Louisiana Tech
Another tough loss for LSU last week against Alabama. You have to wonder if the result would be the same if Jefferson didn’t get injured, or the refs didn’t make yet another questionable call. Only losses on the year are to the number 1 and 2 teams in the country.

9. Oregon (7-2) THIS WEEK: Arizona State
A crushing blow to any hopes Oregon had to jumping into the national title contention last week at Stanford. Last week was a tough spot for the Ducks coming off an emotional game against USC and playing a good Stanford team. Civil war could decide the Pac 10 though.

10. Pittsburgh (8-1) THIS WEEK: Notre Dame
Bill Stull is finally putting up numbers and leading his team to victories. A touch loss to NC State in week 4 is the only blemish on their schedule. Pitt still has to play Cincinnati and West Virginia, but they are in good shape to win the Big East.

11. Miami
12. USC
13. Ohio State
14. Utah
15. Iowa
16. Arizona
17. Oklahoma State
18. Houston
19. Clemson
20. Virginia Tech
21. Auburn
22. Stanford
23. Wisconsin
24. Penn State
25. Oregon State

The Oregon Ducks continue to climb

1. Alabama (8-0) THIS WEEK: LSU
- The Tide were punished for their bye week as the Longhorns jumped them in the AP poll. Regardless, Alabama controls its own destiny and can all but wrap up an SEC West crown this Saturday with a win over LSU; the Tigers are the only team within shouting distance of the Tide.

2. Florida (8-0) THIS WEEK: Vanderbilt
- The Gators cruised to a win over arch-rival Georgia and got their offense on track in the process. A 41-point outburst matched the Gators SEC schedule high and gave a shot in the arm to an offense that had been struggling as of late. A date with South Carolina in two weeks appears to be the only thing that can stop the Gators from an undefeated regular season.

3. Texas (8-0) THIS WEEK: Central Florida
- The dismantling of Oklahoma State in Stillwater has put Texas in an ideal position for a BCS championship berth. They aced their toughest three game stretch of the season – Oklahoma, @ Missouri, @ Oklahoma State – and now return home to face overmatched Central Florida in what should be the start of an easy slate of games. Assuming there are no letdowns in Austin, the Longhorns are going to be playing for a national championship.

4. Boise State (8-0) THIS WEEK: @ Louisiana Tech
- A ho-hum 45-7 win over San Jose State keeps Boise undefeated and in-line for a potential BCS at-large bid. Unfortunately for them, beating up on a Charmin-soft schedule is doing them no favors, as they continue to lose ground to BCS schools who are handling a tougher slate. Still, the Broncos are putting themselves in position to give the major bowls something to think about.

5. Cincinnati (8-0) THIS WEEK: Connecticut
- The Bearcats continue to dominate their schedule and are looking for their second straight BCS appearance. The final two games in Big East play – WVU and Pitt – should decide the Bearcats fate.

6. Oregon (7-1) THIS WEEK: @ Stanford
- The Ducks routed USC in the marquee game of the week, setting themselves up for a Pac 10 championship. Given the key losses on both sides of the ball, what the Ducks are doing is simply remarkable. The remaining conference schedule offers plenty of tests, but the Ducks have passed every one so far and appear headed for the BCS.

7. TCU (8-0) THIS WEEK: @ San Diego State
- The Horned Frogs have seen little resistance in the Mountain West and are battling Boise State for the title of “best non-BCS team”. A date with Utah in two weekends will decide the Mountain West winner.

8. Iowa (9-0) THIS WEEK: Northwestern
- The Hawkeyes continue to live dangerously; a ferocious fourth quarter comeback, aided by some good bounces and help from the officiating crew, helped the Hawkeyes stay unbeaten and in control of the Big 10. A trip to Columbus could decide their BCS fate.

9. Georgia Tech (8-1) THIS WEEK: Wake Forest
- The Yellow Jackets used a late surge to defeat the Commodores, and now find themselves a full game ahead of Duke (of all teams) in the ACC Coastal. A Yellow Jackets-Blue Devils (really?) clash in two weeks may decide the divisional winner.

10. LSU (7-1) THIS WEEK: @ Alabama
- It is pretty simple for the Tigers: win this week at Alabama and they’re in the drivers seat for the SEC West and could even sneak back into the national title picture. Lose, and they’re looking at the Capital One Bowl.

11. Penn State
12. USC
13. Pittsburgh
14. Houston
15. Miami
16. Utah
17. Oklahoma
18. Ohio State
19. Oklahoma State
20. Arizona
21. Virginia Tech
22. Auburn
23. California
24. Notre Dame
25. Wisconsin

The Hawkeyes got a late TD catch from Marvin McNutt to stay unbeaten

1. Alabama (8-0) THIS WEEK: Off
- The Tide were able to stave off a feisty Tennessee squad thanks to the huge mitts of Terrence Cody, who blocked a field goal as time expired. Alabama gets the week off before facing LSU in a game that could decide the winner of the SEC West. A week off could bode well for quarterback Greg McElroy, who’s really struggled after a solid start to the season. Finding offense outside of Mark Ingram is a huge priority for Nick Saban’s squad.

2. Florida (7-0) THIS WEEK: vs. Georgia
- The Gators survived another sloppy offensive performance to stay unbeaten. The passing game has virtually disappeared for the Gators and Tim Tebow’s hopes of a second Heisman Trophy diminish with each passing week. Still, the Gators are in command of the SEC East and control their own destiny, largely in part to a defense that’s playing at an elite level. The World’s Largest Cocktail Party should bring out the best in Florida.

3. Texas (7-0) THIS WEEK: @ Oklahoma State
- The Longhorns finally got a complete performance against Missouri and can put a stranglehold on the Big 12 South with a win in Stillwater. With the Big 12 North looking like an amalgamation of mediocrity, a Big 12 South title could all but wrap up the Longhorns place in the BCS National Championship game.

4. USC (6-1) THIS WEEK: @ Oregon
- The Trojans have rebounded from their Pac 10 opening loss to Washington and find themselves back in the national title picture. They’ll need some help, but a win against the red-hot Ducks will help and give the Trojans a great shot at yet another Pac 10 title.

5. Boise State (7-0) THIS WEEK: San Jose State
- The Broncos continue to cruise through their WAC schedule and appear poised to complete another unbeaten regular season.; Nevada’s the only opponent left that looks as though they can even test Boise, and the Broncos get them at home. TCU may throw a wrench into Boise State’s BCS plans, but they’re setting themselves up for a potential at-large bid.

6. TCU (7-0) THIS WEEK: UNLV
- The Horned Frogs made an emphatic statement by dominating Mountain West contender BYU in Provo. TCU has one of the better defenses in the nation and are firing on all cylinders at this point. Assuming they avoid a huge upset, their November 14th game against Utah should be for the conference crown, and for TCU, potentially for a BCS bid.

7. Iowa (8-0) THIS WEEK: Indiana
- The Hawkeyes survived yet another thriller thanks to a touchdown pass as time expired, knocking off the Spartans 15-13 in East Lansing. With a game in Columbus looming as the last real test on the slate, the Hawkeyes are looking poised for at the very least a Rose Bowl berth, and still loom in the national title picture.

8. Cincinnati (7-0) THIS WEEK: @ Syracuse
- The Bearcats continue to roll, even without the services of starting quarterback Tony Pike who remains out with a left arm injury. The conference schedule gets more difficult down the stretch: Connecticut, West Virginia, and Pittsburgh loom after Saturday’s tilt with the Orange.

9. Oregon (6-1) THIS WEEK: USC
- The Ducks continue to tear through their schedule after the opening night debacle in Boise. LaMichael James has emerged as a star in their backfield and the defense has shut down any and all comers. A win over USC on Saturday night puts them in great position for a Rose Bowl appearance.

10. LSU (6-1) THIS WEEK: Tulane
- LSU has been the least impressive Top 10 team, but they still have only one loss and right in the thick of the SEC West chase. They get a tune-up game with Tulane before heading to Tuscaloosa on November 6th.

11. Georgia Tech (7-1)
12. Oklahoma State (6-1)
13. Virginia Tech (5-2)
14. Pittsburgh (7-1)
15. Penn State (7-1)
16. Miami (5-2)
17. South Carolina (6-2)
18. Houston (6-1)
19. West Virginia (6-1)
20. Oklahoma (4-3)
21. Utah (6-1)
22. Ohio State (6-2)
23. Arizona (5-2)
24. California (5-2)
25. BYU (6-2)

Alabama regains top spot

1 Alabama
2 Florida
3 Texas
4 USC
5 Cincinnati
6 Boise State
7 Miami
8 Iowa
9 Oregon
10 LSU
11 TCU
12 Georgia Tech
13 Oklahoma State
14 Virginia Tech
15 BYU
16 Penn State
17 Texas Tech
18 South Carolina
19 Houston
20 Utah
21 Ohio State
22 Pittsburgh
23 Oklahoma
24 Nebraska
25 West Virginia

Come see the voters full rankings and discuss our top 25 in the Oasis College Forums!

Florida back on top

1 Florida
2 Alabama
3 Texas
4 Virginia Tech
5 Cincinnati
6 Boise State
7 Miami
8 USC
9 LSU
10 Ohio State
11 Oregon
12 Iowa
13 Nebraska
14 TCU
15 Georgia Tech
16 Kansas
17 South Florida
18 Oklahoma
19 South Carolina
20 Oklahoma State
21 BYU
22 Houston
23 Auburn
24 Penn State
25 Missouri

Alabama takes over the top spot

1 Alabama
2 Florida
3 Texas
4 LSU
5 Boise State
6 Cincinnati
7 Virginia Tech
8 TCU
9 Miami
10 USC
11 Ohio State
12 Kansas
13 Iowa
14 Auburn
15 Oklahoma State
16 Nebraska
17 Oregon
18 Missouri
19 South Carolina
20 South Florida
21 Mississippi
22 Oklahoma
23 Georgia
24 Wisconsin
25 Penn State

Come discuss the rankings here!

1) I think Oregon just scored again on Cal. Wow, what happened to Cal? Oregon is a tough place to play, but that team should not have been beaten down like that.

2) Jevan Snead choked in front of 22 NFL scouts on Thursday night and looked like the second best quarterback in that game.

3) Tim Tebow apparently is not invincible, but will the media please lay off this crap that he has been hit too many times. That was a nasty hit that was extremely rare and had nothing to do with prior hits. Had he not hit his head on Gilbert’s knee he would have been fine.

4) As a Gator fan I am scared of Alabama. They are a solid football team and are the only real threat I see to the Gators this year.

5) The U is not back. They had a nice win over an inconsistent FSU team, and out athleted Georgia Tech after having a full week to prepare and Tech having played its third game in 12 games.

6) Tyrod Taylor must have read what I said about him because the guy used his feet last week. Virginia Tech is dangerous if he makes plays.

7) Tony Pike is a heck of a quarterback and will be a solid pro player.

LSU is still overrated right now. The defense is not as good as it should be, and the offense is not as good as advertised.

9) Mississippi State is in very good hands with Dan Mullen at the helm. They are playing tough, and would have won a few more games if they had talented players.

10) Arkansas is still a year away on offense and maybe two on defense from competing in the SEC.

11) Baylor suffered a tough break after losing Griffin for the season. Their season is officially over just like Griffin’s. I had high hopes, but without Griffin, Baylor is through.

Oasis Consensus Top 25

1 Florida
2 Alabama
3 Texas
4 Boise State
5 LSU
6 Cincinnati
7 Houston
8 TCU
9 Oklahoma
10 Virginia Tech
11 USC
12 Oklahoma State
13 Kansas
14 Iowa
15 Missouri
16 Ohio State
17 Nebraska
18 Georgia
19 Michigan
20 Miami
21 Auburn
22 Oregon
23 South Carolina
24 Mississippi
25 South Florida

Come Talk about our thoughts or rankings in the oasis forums.