Week 5 Top 25

Leon WynnSep 24, 2007

Icon #1 LSU

Last Week:
LSU 28, South Carolina 16

LSU faired well against South Carolina, despite playing an injured QB and missing a star receiver. The rain also proved to dampen the passing game for both teams. The final score is a direct result of both teams' defensive performances. In a defensive match-up, we know who will win every time—LSU. The Tigers look to tear apart Tulsa this Saturday.

This Week:
LSU @ Tulane

#2 USC

Last Week:
USC 47, Washington St. 14

Despite an excellent game against the Cougars, USC remains at #2 in my book. The Trojan QB, John David Booty, passed for 279 yards and 4 touchdowns after Pete Carroll demanded more out of his passing game prior to the match-up. The Trojan Defense also stepped up; Washington St. didn’t have a single first down for the six possessions after their opening drive. If the Trojan D can develop a little more, they might take the #1 slot in my top 25.

This Week:
USC @ Washington

#3 Oklahoma

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Last Week:
Oklahoma 62, Tulsa 21

This Big XII powerhouse defeated Tulsa. Oklahoma continues to be the only team to score 50 points every game this season. Last week I said they would put up more than 50 against Tulsa and they did. This week, I will say the same thing about their upcoming opponent, Colorado.

This Week:
Oklahoma @ Colorado

#4 West Virginia

Last Week:
West Virginia 48, East Carolina 7

The Mountaineers smashed through East Carolina. QB Pat White came off a bad performance to stun the crowd by completing two TD passes and rushing for two more. Steve Slaton ran for 110 yards and his 42nd career rushing touchdown, tying the current school record. Analysts are beginning to use the phrase “Big 5” instead of “Big 4” when discussing the championship game hopefuls. West Virginia’s QB is rising to the level of their excellent RB. Everything is going well—which is why I am predicting a South Florida upset this Friday. The Bulls have been performing well and if anyone can pull the upset on West Virginia, it will be South Florida.

This Week:
West Virginia @ South Florida

Icon #5 Florida

Last Week:
Florida 30, Ole Miss 24

After a less-than-spectacular win on the road against the Rebels, the young Gators will have to bite down on the Tigers this week. Tebow carried his team by passing for 261 yards and rushing for two touchdowns. Superman also set a school record for QB rushing yards with 166 yards on the ground. It was a fourth-quarter fight, and Tebow is the only Gator that didn’t seem to lose any spirit. An amazing performance from Tebow, but the rest of the team will need to catch up before I bump them back up in my top 25.

This Week:
Auburn @ Florida

#6 Cal

Last Week:
Cal 45, Arizona 27

During the fourth quarter, Justin Forsett returned to the field after limping off during the third quarter. As Arizona began to rally and come within 11 points of Cal, Forsett was called to return to the field despite his bruised thigh. Forsett was determined to stop another loss at the hands of the Wildcats, remembering last year’s defeat that shattered the Bears' Rose Bowl aspirations, and scored another touchdown to solidify a Cal victory. Cal’s true test comes this week with a face-off against Oregon.

This Week:
Cal @ Oregon

#7 Oregon

Last Week:
Oregon 55, Stanford 31

Some were worried about receiver Brian Paysinger’s leg injury, and the gap to be filled in Oregon’s offense. Cameron Colvin stepped in to fill the void and had a career day, with 8 passes for 136 yards. A brief slack-off in the second quarter by Oregon’s defense brought some worries to Ducks fans, who saw a 7 point deficit at halftime. After a pep talk from head coach Mike Bellotti, the Ducks took control of the game, scoring 31 points for a come-from-behind victory.

This Week:
Cal @ Oregon

Icon #8 Ohio State

Last Week:
Ohio State 58, Northwestern 7

After three touchdown passes in the first half, OSU QB Todd Boeckman was seen grinning on his way to the locker room. The Buckeyes used the second half for developmental purposes and still only allowed one meaningless TD to Northwestern. OSU will glide through their relatively easy schedule until they are paid a visit from Wisconsin.

This Week:
Ohio State @ Minnesota

#9 Clemson

Last Week:
Clemson 42, NC St. 20

The Tigers backfield duo remains one of the best in the nation. James Davis and C.J. Spiller accounted for 280 yards and 2 touchdowns. Coach Tommy Bowden is already looking toward this week’s game against Georgia Tech. A win against GT will solidify Clemson’s top 10 position, and force AP voters to recognize their talent.

This Week:
Clemson @ Georgia Tech

#10 Boston College

Last Week:
Boston College 37, Army 17

After a lackluster performance in the first half, BC QB Matt Ryan rallied his troops against Army. Ryan accounted for 356 passing yards and four touchdowns. Despite some inconsistencies, the Eagles played an impressive game and promise to continue to perform.

This Week:
Massachusetts @ Boston College

#11 Texas

Last Week:
Texas 58, Rice 14

This Week:
Kansas St. @ Texas

#12 Kentucky

Last Week:
Kentucky 42, Arkansas 29

This Week:
Florida Atlantic @ Kentucky

#13 South Florida