Top 25 Week Nine: From an Oregon Perspective
October 27, 2009
1. Texas
The Longhorns take their turn at the top with an impressive win over Missouri. Texas' run game is struggling to do anything, but the defense and quarterback Colt McCoy are tough to stop.
2. Florida
The Gators ended a four-game road losing streak to Mississippi State, but the defense that returned everyone does not look impressive.
3. USC
USC jumps Alabama because most of the country thinks the Beavers aren't any good. How long will it take for the country to recognize this?
4. Alabama
The Crimson Tide barely beat the Volunteers at home, and unlike the Beavers, Tennessee is not a Top-15 football team.
5. TCU
The Horned Frogs got an impressive win against BYU in Provo, but they stay at No. 5.
6. Cincinnati
No Tony Pike, no problem.
7. Oregon
The Ducks dominated the Huskies, the same Husky team that beat USC. Interesting storyline for this weekend's matchup.
8. Boise State
The Broncos have dropped in the BCS from fourth to seventh. If Oregon beats USC, they might just drop below Boise State.
9. Louisiana State
The Tigers actually showed some signs of offense and will play Alabama before the end of the season. LSU is one of the only teams who could control their destiny.
10. Iowa
A two-point win at Michigan State is not impressive. Iowa moves up a couple spots, but still is not as good as the unbeatens and some of the one-loss teams.
11. Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets beat Virginia in a monsoon bowl. That triple option offense is tough to prepare for, and Georgia Tech controls their destiny in the ACC Coastal.
12. Virginia Tech
The Hokies remain a dangerous team but are stuck hoping someone can knock off the Yellow Jackets.
13. Oklahoma State
The Pokes could get a big boost if they can beat Texas this week.
14. Penn State
The Nittany Lions are in the same situation as Virginia Tech, left hoping Iowa will drop not one, but two games. Ohio State is one possibility, but the other one will be hard to find.
15. Utah
After looking mediocre early, the Utes have played well. Brigham Young and TCU remain on the schedule.
16. Houston
The Cougars should win Conference USA, and belong in the Top 20 after wins earlier in the year against Texas Tech and at Oklahoma State.
17. Pittsburgh
Don't look now, but the Big East isn't half bad this year. They are led by Pitt and quarterback Bill Stull. Boy that Sun Bowl game against Oregon State seems like forever ago.
18. Ohio State
Terrelle Pryor still doesn't look that great, but it seems Coach Jim Tressel tried to use Pryor in a more effective way, but hitting receivers with no one within 15 yards of them doesn't prove that much.
19. Arizona
How surprising are the Wildcats? Sophomore Nick Foles looks to be the real deal, but cooled off this week by throwing three picks. They look like the third best team in the conference.
20. Central Michigan
The Chippewas stay in the Top 25 after a 24-10 win over Bowling Green. They get Boston College next, and the possibility of a win over a decent ACC team.
21. West Virginia
The Mountaineers pulled out an impressive win in an emotional game against Connecticut.
22. Navy
The Midshipmen have looked good and have Notre Dame coming up on the schedule.
23. South Carolina
The Gamecocks have a stout defense and will be competitive in what might be Steve Spurrier's last season as coach.
24. Oklahoma
The Sooners re-enter the rankings with a big win over Kansas on the road.
25. California
The Cal Bears have recovered nicely and should have better talent than just about everyone else left on their schedule.