Top 10 Tumbling: LSU Tigers Ripe for Upset Against Georgia Bulldogs

Trey Bradley

Senior Writer Written on September 30, 2009

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EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 26: LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks eludes the tackle of Devin Bishop #10 of the California Bears on his way to a touchdown in the second quarter of the game at Autzen Stadium on September 26, 2009 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo

Steve Dykes/Getty Images

Who's failing more frequently: The AP pollsters or the coaching staffs at top-ranked programs?

A top-five team has fallen each-and-every week of this 2009 college football season: Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, USC, and Ole Miss/Penn State.

Last Thursday through Saturday may have been the most stunning, as four of the top 10 took headers. First, Ole Miss was upset in Columbia. Then Miami got washed out in Blacksburg, while Cal absolutely quacked... I mean, cracked in Eugene. And of course Happy Valley is forced to "White Out" the memory of yet another humiliation at the hands of the Hawkeyes.

It seems the question we should be asking in anticipation of Week Five is not, "Can this trend continue?" but "What ranked teams will continue this trend?," especially since seven of the eight active teams hit the road.

To provide some answers, here's a look at the top 10 schedule, along with analysis of which teams are going to tumble.

No. 10 Cincinnati at Miami (OH)

PISCATAWAY, NJ - SEPTEMBER 07: Tony Pike #15 of the Cincinnati Bearcats throws a pass against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Rutgers Stadium on September 7, 2009 in Piscataway, New Jersey. by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Image

Why they'll survive: The Redhawks are 0-4 and have been outscored 167-45 this season. Yager Stadium in Oxford is also just 40 miles from Cincinnati, so this can hardly be considered a road game or a hostile environment.

Why they'll stumble: Cincinnati is unbeaten and ranked in the top 10 for the first time in school history. They're just not used to the exposure of a game carried nationally on... ESPN360?!?

Tumble rating: Think Bob Huggins' field sobriety test.

No. 9 Ohio State at Indiana

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 26: Jermale Hines #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes intercepts a pass by quarterback Eddie McGee #10 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the fourth quarter at Ohio Stadium on September 26, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated I

Why they'll survive: The Buckeyes have won 14 straight against the Hoosiers by an average of 23 points. Indiana hasn't prevailed in this matchup since 1988. And for those pointing to Indiana's near-upset of Michigan in the Big House, note that Ohio State's defense doesn't allow 33 points to anyone and has pitched back-to-back shutouts.

Why they'll stumble: Ohio State captain and strong safety Kurt Coleman has been suspended for Saturday's game because of a helmet-to-helmet hit against Illinois. Big Ten officials also owe Indiana's Bill Lynch a few.

Tumble rating: Banana peels (are they really even slippery?)

No. 8 Oklahoma at No. 17 Miami

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 05: Quarterback Sam Bradford #14 of the Oklahoma Sooners on the sidelines after suffering an injury against the Brigham Young Cougars at Cowboys Stadium on September 5, 2009 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty

Why they'll survive: Miami clearly couldn't handle VaTech's defensive pressure, and OU will provide plenty more. The Sooners rank fourth nationally, averaging four sacks per game. Only Florida's defensive front can rival that of Oklahoma. Could be another rough weekend for Hurricanes QB Jacory Harris.

Why they'll stumble: The Sooners' offensive line hasn't faced BCS-caliber defensive pressure since opening weekend against BYU. Ask Sam Bradford how that worked out. If all the attention his return is receiving distracts the team from the task at hand, Miami is certainly tested and talented enough to capitalize.

Tumble rating: More dangerous than BYU's Coleby Clawson

No. 7 USC at No. 24 California

SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 19: Kicker Erik Folk #17 of the Washington Huskies kicks a field goal during the game against the USC Trojans on September 19, 2009 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Huskies defeated the Trojans 16-13. (Photo by Otto Greul

Why they'll survive: See that picture? USC lets it happen once per season, emphasis on ONCE. Erik Folk's right leg owns the honor for 2009. It's also worth noting that Cal's best offensive threat, Jahvid Best, managed just 30 rushing yards against the Trojans defense in their last meeting.

Why they'll stumble: If you believe that the Pete Carroll dynasty is over, a freak weight-lifting accident injuring Stafon Johnson is yet another sign that this just isn't USC's year.

Tumble rating: High heels on ice.

No. 6 Virginia Tech at Duke

ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 05: Quarterback Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Georgia Dome on September 5, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Why they'll survive: Lots of reasons. The Hokies are 18-0 under Frank Beamer in conference road openers. Duke has been outscored 101-7 in their last two home games against top 10 opponents, including a 45-0 loss to VaTech in 2005.

Why they'll stumble: The Blue Devils just found a legitimate offensive weapon in freshman running back Desmond Scott, who rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown in last week's debut against... let's see here... Oh. North Carolina Central. Nevermind.

Tumble rating: Green shell in Mario Kart (never could aim those things)

No. 5 Boise State vs UC Davis

BOISE, ID - SEPTEMBER 3: Head coach Chris Petersen of the Boise State Broncos paces the sidelines in the third quarter of the game against the Oregon Ducks on September 3, 2009 at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game 19-8. (Photo by S

Why they'll survive: Seriously?

Why they'll stumble: If Chris Petersen is ever going to throw one, it would be to his alma matter. The last time these two teams met, the year was 1985 and Petersen was quarterbacking the Aggies.

Tumble rating: Cement foundation

No. 4 LSU at No. 18 Georgia

BATON ROUGE, LA - SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Jordan Jefferson #9 of the Louisiana State University Tigers looks to throw a pass against the University of Louisiana-Lafatette Ragin' Cajuns at Tiger Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Why they'll survive: The Bayou Bengals have bullet-dodging experience. A one-possession win at Washington. Another against Mississippi State last weekend.

Why they'll stumble: Georgia has owned the SEC West of late and throughout the Mark Richt era. LSU has yet to hit on all cylinders offensively and cannot seem to find a running game. The Bulldogs are actually a field goal favorite.

Tumble rating: Wile E. Coyote

No. 3 Alabama at Kentucky

NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to make a move on Sean Smith #4 of the Utah Utes after making a catch in the second quarter during the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January

Why they'll survive: Kentucky's offense doesn't threaten the nation's second-ranked defense. The Wildcats were a meager 3-16 on third down against Florida and managed just seven points.

Why they'll stumble: As dominant as they've been on defense, the Crimson Tide will have to go the rest of the way without linebacker Dont'a Hightower, who tore an knee ligament last week against Arkansas.

Tumble rating: Trust fall at a work retreat.

No. 2 Texas - IDLE

AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Colt McCoy #12 of the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 26, 2009 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

We could talk about the danger of looking past next week's game versus Colorado, with the Red River Rivalry looming. But the way the Buffs are playing, it might as well be another bye week.

Tumble rating: Treasury bill.

No. 1 Florida - IDLE

LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Florida Gators is tended to by head coach Urban Meyer (R) and staff after Tebow was sacked by Taylor Wyndham #94 of the Kentucky Wildcats during the third quarter of the game at Commonwealth S

The off week comes at a perfect time for Tim Tebow and the Gators. While the rest of the Top 10 is getting concussed, Florida's quarterback can nurse his, hoping to be cleared for LSU in two weeks.

Tumble rating: Tucked in to a king-sized bed.

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written on September 30, 2009 Opinion

Bleacher Report has a featured columnist opening for LSU Football.

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