Non-BCS Top 10: Horned Frogs play leapfrog
Make way for the Frogs. They took their shot in the limelight and ran wild with it, crushing fellow top 10 team BYU by a resounding 38-7 count. Now, do we think TCU is worthy of a BCS slot? Or better yet, are the Frogs worthy of a BCS title game slot? Well look, the way the rest of the top teams in the country are looking this season, that should be a no-brainer. TCU is one of the few that have impressed each and every weekend. Can I get an "amen!"?
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| Tough luck. Boise State beats down Hawaii yet drops in Sorenson's poll. (AP) |
1. TCU , 7-0
Last Week: 2
Result: Won 38-7 at BYU
You think the Frogs were ready to show the world what they were made of? This was a main-stage beatdown of the supreme variety. I just couldn't help but have them jump Boise here after that high-profile win in front of the ESPN Gameday crew and everything. Way to step up, boys.
Next: vs. UNLV this Saturday
2. Boise State , 7-0
Last Week: 1
Result: Won 54-9 at Hawaii
Well everybody said it would happen and sure enough, it did. Boise beat the bejesus out of Hawaii, yet still dropped from No. 4 to No. 7 in the BCS standings. But if Oregon can beat USC this Saturday (and BSU still keeps winning as expected), that will give the Broncos a solid shot in the arm.
Next: vs. San Jose State this Saturday
3. Houston , 6-1
Last Week: 5
Result: won 38-15 vs. SMU
The computers are doing the Coogs no favors, as they are No. 16 in both the Harris and coaches polls, but way down at No. 22 in the computer rankings. Not the sharpest game against the Mustangs as it seems obvious that Houston relaxed after jumping out to a 24-3 halftime lead.
Next: vs. Southern Miss this Saturday
4. Utah , 6-1
Last Week: 4
Result: won 23-16 (OT) vs. Air Force
So much for that "easy row to hoe" comment I made for the Utes last week. Whew! They nearly jumped the shark vs. the Falcons as Air Force out-yarded the Utes 300 to 242 in regulation and held Terrance Cain to a season low 167 yards through the air and just eight first downs.
Next: vs. Wyoming this Saturday
5. Central Michigan , 7-1
Last Week: 7
Result: won 24-10 at Bowling Green
So you probably thought the stat sheet was horribly, horribly wrong ... how could Dan LeFevour throw for only 147 yards, but run for 128? Strange game this was for the Chips. This week's game in Boston will be a huge litmus test. LeFevour better be back on his passing game.
Next: at Boston College this Saturday
6. Brigham Young , 6-2
Last Week: 3
Result: Lost 38-7 vs. TCU
Ouch!
Next: at Wyoming on Nov. 7th
7. Navy , 6-2
Last Week: 8
Result: won 13-10 vs. Wake Forest
Ho hum, another BCS team loses to a team that's one of our "mid-majors." Yeah, I'm not shocked one bit either. Gotta love the Middies, man. They had 338 yards on the ground and not a single yard through the air. Yet, the Navy still went 9 for 16 on third-down conversions. Sweet.
Next: vs. Temple this Saturday
8. Temple , 5-2
Last Week: 10
Result: Won 40-24 at Toledo
Guess what? The best freshman running back in the country not named Dion Lewis is Temple frosh Bernard Pierce, who ran for 212 yards and three TDs to help the Owls to their first five-game win streak since 1979. Temple is now one win away from their first bowl bid since that same year.
Next: at Navy this Saturday
9. Troy , 5-2
Last Week: Unranked
Result: won 50-26 vs. North Texas
The Trojans make their triumphant debut here after winning their fifth straight and now sit atop the Sun Belt standings at 4-0. Things get serious this coming Saturday, when the unbeaten Trojans face the unbeaten War Hawks of ULM to decide the conference big kahuna.
Next: vs. Louisiana-Monroe this Saturday
The 10-spot: North Alabama, 8-0
Last Week: Unranked
Result: Beat Valdosta State 62-27
Nebraska/North Carolina State transfer Harrison Beck was 25 of 39 for 350 yards and four touchdowns as head coach Terry Bowden kept his team at the top spot of D-II for the second straight week. Can you say "springboard to a big money gig"? In all, the Lions have 24 transfers from FBS schools on the roster.
Next: at Arkansas-Monticello this Saturday
Dropped Out: Idaho (6-2), lost to Nevada, 70-45. Ohio (6-2) to Kent State, 20-11.
