Top 10, Week 4

1. Alabama (4-0) The young defense grew up during the second half of the Arkansas game. The coaches were slightly hesitant to make complex, attacking defensive calls in the beginning, worrying that their trouble with the more simple ones indicated they'd have much more trouble. It turned out the defensive unit was much more comfortable attacking and mixing up the looks, only allowing Arkansas three points in the second half. The offensive line, Mark Ingram, and Greg McElroy took care of the rest to close things out.
2. Ohio State (4-0) The Buckeyes finished up their non-conference schedule with a thumping of Eastern Michigan. Terrel Prior and his troops leave the Horseshoe for the first time this season next week when they travel to Illinois for the start of their Big Ten slate. Illini, beware: Ohio State is playing with confidence and having a lot of fun. 
3. Oregon (4-0) The Ducks picked off three interceptions in the fourth quarter to secure their first Pac-10 win of the season. While they gained over 400 yards on the road, they gave up 597 and had the ball almost 10 minutes less than Arizona State, which could be worrying signs for their upcoming showdown with Stanford on Saturday night in primetime.
4. Boise State (3-0) Boise is a scary match-up because I think they can beat anyone on any given Saturday. Their offense is explosive, they've got a great home field advantage, and they are experienced on defense. They took care of the two BCS-conference teams on their schedule and are in great shape right now.
5. TCU (4-0) The Horned Frogs took care of SMU on Friday night and are poised to make another run this season. They are flying under the radar, even with a Top 5 ranking. 
6. Auburn (4-0) I wrote last week that they would move up to this spot if they took care of South Carolina, which they did with another strong second half. Cameron Newton looks like an unstoppable force as each game draws to a close; these come-from-behind wins will give him a lot of confidence going forward. Their front line on defense is tough and their linebackers are smart. Here's hoping for an undefeated match-up in the Iron Bowl.
7. Florida (4-0) Where has Meyer been hiding Trey Burton? Florida decided it was about time to start finding some type of rhythm with a visit to Tuscaloosa looming. Great job in not overlooking a solid Kentucky team, though they'll face a much more difficult defense next week. And I can't help but think that the Bryant-Denny faithful will be ready with a kind greeting for the visiting Gators.
8. Nebraska (4-0) Eeking out a win (17-3) at home against South Dakota State drops you one spot in this poll. Though with the way Texas and Oklahoma have been playing, the Huskers shouldn't worry too much about being challenged by either one of them in the championship game.
9. Wisconsin (4-0) Their final tune-up before Big Ten play was very similar to Ohio State's; their first game is going to be more difficult. The Badgers head east to Michigan State for a Top 25 match-up with the Spartans.
10. Arkansas (3-1) Losing at home to the No. 1 team in the country shouldn't drop you too far in the poll. Though Mallet pressed a few too many times, it was the team's lack of a running game that really doomed the Hogs. I think the crowd took their defense to another plane, but the Razorbacks will be a tough game for their remaining challengers.

Honorable Mention:
Stanford (4-0) Nice win on the road at Notre Dame, although that's not as meaningful as it used to be. Their game against Oregon this weekend will be a much tougher test.
UCLA (2-2) Surely some Bruin mentioned to a Longhorn or two something along the lines of "Too bad you won't be joining us in the Pac-10 for regular beatings like this."

Moving on:
South Carolina (3-1) They played three great quarters on the road, but fumbled and threw it away in the fourth. I don't think Spurrier helped his team with the way he handled Garcia; some of the play calls were just as much to blame for his fumbles, in my opinion. Garcia took a big hit, too, which should have sent him to the bench before his second fumble. They get a couple of weeks now to prepare for the Tide.
Texas (3-1) I should have gone with my instinct last week and dropped Texas from the Top 10 then. Embarrassing loss at home to a Bruin team that hadn't shown much so far this season.

Overused word(s) of the week:
Tough/tougher