Non-BCS Top 10: TCU, Boise State pulling for Oklahoma
It goes without saying that things are working out pretty well for the non-BCS boys.
All we need is Oklahoma State to keep playing subpar football. That's it. The Pokes appear to be the only team keeping both TCU and Boise State from making it to much-deserved BCS bowl slots. Colorado nearly pulled off a stunning win in Stillwater on Thursday night, allowing OSU to escape 31-28. Don't worry, if Okie State plays like that again, Oklahoma will win this week.
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| Broncos coach Chris Petersen will be pulling for Oklahoma this week. (US Presswire) |
With that in mind, here is this week's rating of the best of the under-appreciated.
1. TCU, 11-0
Last week: 1
Result: Won 45-10 at Wyoming
Wyoming is the only team that can compare TCU and Texas. The Frogs held Wyoming to 178 yards. The 'Horns gave up 273. TCU held Wyoming to five first downs, while Texas gave up 18. TCU was 6 of 12 on third down, while UT was just 5 of 17 vs. the Cowboys. And Wyoming running back Brandon Stewart chimed in by saying, "In my opinion, both teams are really fast, but TCU hits harder." Add to that, TCU has played a much tougher schedule. You decide.
Next: vs. New Mexico, Saturday
2. Boise State, 11-0
Last week: 2
Result: Won 52-21 at Utah State
The Broncos rushed for a season-high 323 yards, led by Doug Martin (122 yards) and Jeremy Avery (116). But if they think that's impressive, wait until BSU gets a load of Nevada. The Broncos better strap in tight or their BSC hopes go the way of the buffalo.
Next: vs. Nevada, Friday
3. Temple, 9-2
Last week: 3
Result: Won 47-13 vs. Kent State
That's nine consecutive wins for the Owls. Wow. Hard to believe. I know Al Golden is holding out for the Penn State gig when JoePa moves on, but he is going to be a hot commodity in December when the coaching carousel heats up. Friday's game with Ohio will be for the MAC Eastern Division title.
This week: at Ohio, Friday
4. Brigham Young, 9-2
Last week: 4
Result: Won 38-21 vs. Air Force
The Cougars played their best half of the season, racing out to a 31-7 lead vs. Air Force. Max Hall went 33 for 45 with 377 yards in getting his school-record 30th win. The win was the sixth in a row for BYU over the Falcons and sets up a showdown for second place in the Mountain West with the Utes.
Next: vs. Utah, Saturday
5. Nevada, 8-3
Last week: 5
Result: Won 63-20 at New Mexico State
Shaking in their boots. That's the best way to describe Boise State as the Broncos witness what Nevada has done the past few weeks. This team has come a long way from their inexplicable losses to Notre Dame, Missouri and (egad!) Colorado State. Let's tee it up!
Next: at Boise State, Friday
6. Utah, 9-2
Last week: 6
Result: Won 38-7 vs. San Diego State
The Utes made a great rebound from the lashing TCU doled out to them, getting a breezy win against the Aztecs. Utah has won five of the past seven meetings with BYU, including last year's 48-24 rout that spring-boarded the Utes to the Sugar Bowl.
Next: vs. BYU, Saturday
7. Houston,
9-2
Last week: 7
Result: Won 55-14 vs. Memphis
The Cougars jumped on the Tigers early and often. Even though he has now thrown for 4,599 yards and has a 36-to-6 TD-to-INT ratio, Case Keenum's Heisman campaign is still soured by Houston's poor defensive performances vs. UTEP and Central Florida.
Next: vs. Rice, Saturday
8. Central Michigan, 9-2
Last week: 8
Result: Won 35-3 at Ball State
Dan LeFevour was spot-on ... again. He went 25 of 28 for 344 yards and four touchdowns vs. David Letterman U. He also passed Marshall's Byron Leftwich to become the all-time leading passer in MAC history with 12,000 yards over his four years.
Next: vs. Northern Illinois, Friday
9. Navy, 8-3
Last week: 9
Result: Idle
With the annual Army game now moved back to Dec. 12, the Middies play the longest regular-season slate in the country, covering 15 weeks. But this weekend was the first idle week of the season, breaking a string of 11 consecutive games without a break.
Next: at Hawaii, Saturday
The 10-spot: Coe (Iowa), 10-1
Last week: Unranked
Result: Won 34-27 over St. John's (Minn.)
The honorary 10-spot goes to the Cedar Rapids-based Kohawks after pulling a big first-round upset over the fourth-ranked Johnnies and advancing to the second round of the D-III playoffs for just the second time. Coach Steve Staker said, "This is the biggest win in Coe football history."
Staker can thank linebacker Calvin Thomas first and foremost. Thomas had 16 tackles and returned an interception 93 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter and then added to that by returning a fumble 76 yards for another score. And the Kohawks would need those because they were outgained by St. John's 418-235.
Next: at Univ. of St. Thomas, Saturday
