ESPN was calling this “Showdown Saturday”. I’m sure there will be more Saturdays like this…especially with Missouri-Texas looming next week and the gosh only knows how many more key games in the SEC. But this week shows why the games are played…and why we love college football so much.

-Texas stepped up big time with a HUGE win against Oklahoma. Colt McCoy steps up as my choice for the Heisman….for now.

-In the losses that make you go: hmmmmm.: Toledo over Michigan?? You are not misreading this! PSU has Michigan this week…and they still make me nervous!!. Michigan has never lost to a MAC team; Toledo was 1-4 going in. Also: Arkansas over Auburn?? What up with Auburn?? And not as surprising: Mississippi over Vanderbilt. Sure Vandy was going to suffer some letdown; but I didn’t expect a loss….

-Texas Tech struggled with Nebraska…but still won in OT.

-Minnesota: How about the Gophers?? one win last year…bowl eligible already this year. Kudos!!

-As mentioned in an earlier post: UNC wins a tight one with Notre dame. How on earth do the college football gods let this happen?

-Late night Saturday stuff:
Penn State was very impressive on the road against Wisconsin. Just don’t look past Michigan next week…

Okie State gets a HUGE win over Missouri, thusly ruining a potential #1 vs. #2 Missouri vs. Texas game. still a great matchup nontheless…

Florida pounds on LSU. I didn’t expect a blowout. Can Florida factor in the BCS race???

Now for my Top Ten. This is the time of year where life gets interesting.

1. Texas. When you beat #1,you should be #1. To be the man, you gotta beat the man. Woooooo!

2. Alabama. Sorry…logic dictates the #2 team moves up…BUT...see above

3. Penn State. Not this highly ranked in season since 1999. Don’t look past Michigan for Ohio State.

4. Oklahoma State. I realize this may be pushing it, but see my criteria for Texas; I at least should be consistent.
5. Texas Tech. When you struggle against a bad team like Nebraska, there may be warning signs ahead…

6. Utah. Maybe now they are the best team in Utah

7. BYU. The end of year showdown with Utah could be a classic
8. Ball State. Still chugging along. Could they beat Michigan??

9. Boise State. Bet you didn’t know they were still undefeated….

10. Tulsa. Bet you didn’t know they were undefeated at all.

**Notice how my Ten this week only has unbeaten teams. I will say, that Florida and USC plus possibly Missouri and Oklahoma still deserve to be among the nation’s elite. But in fairness to the teams who have not lost yet…weak conferences/schedules notwithstanding, I felt it best to celebrate schools who never see the spotlight. But it’s my Top Ten…not yours and you’re always welcome to comment on it….

Looking Ahead!!

Next week should be another crazy week in what has become a crazy year:

-The main event still is Texas vs. Missouri. Missouri’s loss should not take away in what should be another awesome Big 12 matchup.

-BYU vs. TCU. Yes…this is a key matchup if BYU wants to stay undefeated. TCU is a good team.

-Kansas vs. Oklahoma. No rest for the Sooners as the the Big 12 elimination games start up.

-Ohio State vs. Michigan State. A key Big Ten game that neither team can afford to lose.

-Penn State vs. Michigan. Michigan still scares me.

It’s been a great weekend; will look forward for more!!

JP