College Football Rankings: How the Polls Should Look
The bias in polls always leads to a much heated debate.
As we head into Week 6, certain teams have taken the spotlight, while others' lights have burnt out. From who SHOULD be in the Top 10 to who IS in the Top 10, nobody will ever agree.
Let the debate begin as we hit the halfway point of the season.
No. 10: Oklahoma Sooners
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It’s a tough decision for the 10th spot.
Yes, there are many teams that are currently undefeated. Yes, Oklahoma is ranked No. 6 in the AP poll and No. 7 in the USA Today poll.
However, Oklahoma took a bullet after the game against Texas. The Sooners would be ranked higher if they had beaten Texas by a lot more—which they should have, considering the way the Longhorns played in the Cotton Bowl.
The Sooners definitely lack consistency, but are one of the few strong teams in the Big 12 this year. Despite the fact that they won’t have as difficult of a schedule as other ranked teams, they should blow other teams out of the water, remaining undefeated and subsequently ranked.
No. 9: Arizona Wildcats
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They have attempted last minute drives and succeeded with victories.
Although some people are calling it luck, they have an eerie calm when it comes to pressure, and that might make all the difference.
No. 8: Auburn Tigers
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I’m one for admitting that one person cannot carry a team forever, but quarterback Cameron Newton is sure putting in a lot of effort and getting a lot out of it.
Newton has been extraordinary, as he has helped Auburn to the Top 10. Newton was 14-of-19 for 245 yards passing and three touchdowns in the Tigers' destruction of Louisiana-Monroe.
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No. 7: Utah Utes
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They haven't made a big splash, but this team has yet to play someone worth talking about. However, that can all change within the next few weeks as they face TCU and others.
No. 6: Nebraska Cornhuskers
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With a killer offense, it’s no surprise that they are the highest-ranked Big 12 team.
Quarterback Taylor Martinez is 37-of-57 passing with 532 yards and two TDs, along with 53 rushes for 496 yards and eight touchdowns. The offense has produced 1,885 yards total (471 yards per game).
The numbers they are producing are ridiculous, and their success will continue. Unfortunately, I doubt it will be enough to make it into the Top Five.
No. 5: Ohio State Buckeyes
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They have obliterated the competition on the field.
With a 73-20 win against Eastern Michigan (yes, it is Eastern Michigan...nonetheless, to rack up that many points against any team is impressive and embarrassing—for Eastern Michigan, at least), their offense has proven time and time again that they are there to score and win big.
No. 4: TCU Horned Frogs
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TCU has been nothing but impressive in 2009 and 2010. It’s no surprise that they are so high in the ranks.
Although they aren’t as well-rounded as Boise State, they have been consistent and have more than dominated on the field.
No. 3: Boise State Broncos
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It’s sad to think that they can’t make it as far as the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a shot to compete.
Granted, their schedule is a lot less compelling than, let’s say, LSU's. It doesn’t mean they aren’t a threatening team. Their overall FBS rankings are some of the highest amongst the ranked teams.
No. 2: Oregon Ducks
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Their offense has definitely stepped up and gained them all the glory and position.
Ducks' running back LaMichael James was a huge asset in the victory against Stanford. James had 31 carries for 257 yards and three touchdowns against a Stanford defense that was ranked as one of the top 10 in the nation.
No. 1: Alabama Crimson Tide
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The key to this team has been obvious all year: defense. Alabama's defense has dominated the game.
I’m not sure how long they can hold on to this top position though. With their quarterback and top receiver banged up from the Florida game, they might slip, and the inevitable will happen—both for their chances at a championship and in the ranking system.
The Ranks Should Lack a Big 12 Team
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It’s been pretty obvious from the beginning—this is a Pac-10 and SEC year.
Although we do have two Big 12 teams in the ranks as of right now, it fails me as to how they could stay in there much longer, and with much doubt of either Big 12 team breaking the Top Five from this point on.
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