First, I'll gladly accept congratulations for keeping USC out of the Top 10; I didn't watch the game, but I could still sense the beat down they received.
Next, there needs to be a rule change about the punishment a player receives for being thrown out of a game. Currently, that standard is set at half of the following game; this may have played into the decision making regarding the suspension of Brandon Spikes. If so, considering he wasn't even flagged for the play on the field, an argument can be made that the suspension is just; however, the replay of what happened calls out for at least a full game. Shame on Urban Meyer. Shame on Mike Slive for supporting the decision on behalf of the SEC. Shame on Tim Tebow for arguing that Georgia was doing just as much and that's how it goes; I expected Tebow to be better than that. Finally, Shame on Spikes for reacting like he did; apparently, his eye-gouging was due to a cheap shot he or teammate received on an earlier play.
Lastly, I'm pulling for BCS destruction (as long as Alabama still finishes on top). I'd love to see Texas, TCU, Iowa, Boise State, Cincinnati, and Penn State continue to win out; I'd like to see Florida win all their games up to the SEC Championship Game; I'd like to see Oregon take the Pac 10; I'd like to see Notre Dame win out, move up to the top 14 of the BCS and then get left out because there would be 13 better teams in front of them. Not that a scenario like that would change anything or even happen; if it did occur, maybe it would give us a nice slew of bowl games:
Sugar Bowl: Florida vs Penn State
Tostitos Bowl: TCU vs Boise State
Orange Bowl: Cincinnati vs Georgia Tech
Rose Bowl: Iowa vs Oregon
BCS Championship: Alabama vs Texas
If those bowl match-ups occurred, there would be a guarantee of three undefeated teams, with a possibility of four. I know, I know -- the tie-ins would fall in place like that...that would be much too fun and competitive, which is not what the BCS is about.
On to the rankings.
- Florida (8-0) Finally a signature win for the season, albeit against a horrendous Georgia team, who for some reason can't seem to understand that changing uniforms does not transform talent.
- Texas (8-0) Two strong performances in a row, on the road at that. They seem to be gearing up right in time for the stretch run.
- Alabama (8-0) The Tide have had an extra week to rest and prepare for a big showdown with the Bengal Tigers from the Bayou. If the past two years are any indication, this game will be fought and won deep into the fourth quarter. Look for Greg McElroy to return to form and for Julio Jones to catch at least two touchdown passes.
- TCU (8-0) I'm going to stick with the same rankings 4-7 that appeared in the last poll. I really should have more to say about the Horned Frogs at #4 than this, but I don't. Deal.
- Iowa (9-0) Cardiac Kids. Houdinis. Whatever you choose to call these escape artists, call them good. To keep pulling bunnies out of your hat (and butt) is impressive.
- Cincinnati (8-0) One more time in case you haven't read it: they lost 10 defensive starters from last year and they've been playing without their starting quarterback for a few weeks. Quite impressive.
- Boise State (8-0) Poor Boise. TCU scores a big win on the road to a ranked team later in the season than you; the team you drilled in the season opener defeats the glorious Trojans and builds its own credibility; and you get no love. I blame this on the Pac 10; they should add Boise and Utah to make it the Pac 12, have a conference championship, and join the rest of the gang.
- Oregon (7-1) Great win over USC. In the driver's seat to the Rose Bowl, with a slight chance to play in the big one if teams start dropping off.
- LSU (7-1) Tulane was a nice appetizer for what the Tigers hope is a grand feast on Saturday. They've got the talent. They've got the rhythm. They've got The Hat. Should be an enthralling throwdown.
- Georgia Tech (8-1) The ACC's only hope of respectability for this season. The SEC should bring them back by trading Vandy to the ACC. What a battle that would be: Vandy and Duke for bottom of the barrel bragging rights.
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