The AJ College Football Poll

Because I always seem to find places where I disagree with the AP Poll, I’ve decided to start my own poll. Each week, I will put my top 10, and why each team is in the top 10. I will also include the three teams just out of the top 10.

Looking at Week 1, the key was for the big guys to get through weaker competition. After the chaos of last season, the BCS teams were very aware of their opponents, and most teams blew out their opponents. Looking at the field, I really like the top 8 teams as the best in the country. Looking at it right now, 2 of the current top 8 teams will end up in the BCS Championship game. Teams 9 and 10 are not solidly in this poll, and there are teams on the outside could easily jump into the mix, especially this early in the season.

Week 1

1. Georgia- Georgia beat a solid Georgia Southern team pretty handily. The margin is a little deceptive because Ga. Southern didn’t score until late in the 3^rd quarter, already down 38-0. Stafford and Moreno both looked good. The loss of starting defensive tackle Jeff Owens for the season will hurt. We’ll see if they can navigate a treacherous SEC schedule. Next up, the two-time defending MAC champions Central Michigan.  

2. USC- The Trojans made Virginialook like a high school team. There were times where it looked like a bunch of older kids picking on their little brothers on the playground the way USC toyed with Virginia. Now, I know USC was moved up in the AP poll for beating a BCS school. I just don’t know how legitimate Virginiais. Is beating a bad ACC team still considered that much better than beating a top flight Non-BCS or I-AA team? USC takes a week off before the big showdown with Ohio St.

3. Oklahoma- Absolutely destroyed Chattanooga. Chattanoogaended up with 36 yards of offense, and 2 points. OU was up 50-0 at halftime. They would have done better to have an intra-squad scrimmage. OU is very talented and will be a force in the Big XII, the second best conference in the country.

4. LSU- The defending champs were able to dispatch of the other defending champs pretty handily. LSU is 3 deep at running back, and I don’t expect Harvard transfer Andrew Hatch to make many mistakes. The defense held down Armanti Edwards and the spread that ran away from Michigan. LSU, like all SEC contenders, have to deal with a difficult conference schedule, so getting through App St. was a good first step. Next, LSU gets Troy, which always has talent, and is always tough.

5. Florida- It took a quarter, but Floridaflexed its muscle against last year’s BCS darling Hawaii. The Warriors were seriously overmatched after losing June Jones and Colt Brennan. The big question with Floridais whether someone can take some of the running pressure off of Tim Tebow. Tebow had only 9 carries, while 4 other players scored rushing touchdowns. If that keeps up, Tebow will more than likely remain healthy enough to drive that Gator offense. Next, Florida gets a tough test from The U.

6. Missouri- Won a tough shoot-out with another potent offense from Illinois. My big question is to see whether last season was a fluke, and if Mizzou’s defense can keep people from going shot-for-shot with that spread offense. Jeremy Maclin threw his hat into the Heisman ring with 234 all purpose yards. However, his injury will be a major one to watch. Maclin may be able to take a week off as Southeastern Missouri is up next for the Tigers.

7. West Virginia- As long as Pat White is on the field, West Virginiacan play with anyone in the nation. Noel Devine will be a very capable replacement for Steve Slaton. White showed that he can do it all by throwing 5 touchdown passes, more than doubling his previous career high. White also led the team in rushing. The big questions with the Mountaineers are whether the defense will be able to stand up against quality opponents, and whether Pat White can stay healthy. The defense allowed Villanova to outgain West Virginia, so that question is still very valid. As for White’s health, only time will tell. Next week will be a tough test against the upset kings from Week 1, East Carolina.

8. Ohio St.- Other than somehow getting beat by Youngstown St., the injury to Beanie Wells is the worse thing that could have happened to the Buckeyes. Reports are still inconclusive as to the extent of Wells’ injury, but it’s not good that he had to be helped off of the field and wear a boot on the sideline. The passing offense was solid, and Terrelle Pryor provided some excitement by scoring on an 18-yard run. We’ll have to keep an eye on Wells, but this defense and a veteran quarterback will keep this team at the top of the Big 10. Ohio St. has to make sure not to overlook Ohio next week, and make it out healthy.

9. Texas Tech- Is this the year for the Red Raiders? That offense is loaded with Harrell and Crabtree, and put up over 600 yards in Week 1. However, the defense gave up over 300 yards of offense, and Eastern Washington hung in the game until the fourth quarter. The offense will put pressure on every team the Raiders play, but they have to avoid the inconsistency that has plagued them under Mike Leach. They also have to clean up the 18 penalties from Week 1. Next week will be a tough game against Nevada, and the Big XII will be brutal, so Tech may not be here long.

10. Alabama-‘Bama made a mockery of a highly ranked Clemson team. J.P. Wilson was efficient, going 22-30 with 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Outrushing Clemson 239-0 and winning the turnover battle helped Alabama to its comfortable margin. The front seven looked good against Clemson, but has to prove itself over time against the SEC. Wilson also has to show consistency this season. Alabama next will host Tulane.

Knocking on the door:

Wisconsin, BYU, and Texas

I try to be as objective as possible, but in order to be fair to my readers, I want to make sure they know I am an LSU graduate.