The 11 Best 11s (Week Eight): Penn State Makes Its Case For No. 1

                                            The 11 Best 11s (Week Eight)

In the topsy-turvy world of this college football season, it only seems right that three storied, undefeated programs can make a legitimate case for being ranked No. 1 this week. A case may be made for several other teams as well.

1. Penn State Nittany Lions                                               Last Week – #2

In my view, this is the best team in the country. The Lions are rekindling the memories of yesteryear (see picture above) when Franco Harris and Lydell Mitchell ran roughshod over everyone they faced. I have seen Penn State in the BCS Title Game for a while now.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide                                                  Last Week – #4

This is a great team capable of winning the national championship. For some time now, I have suggested we could have a rematch of the 1978 season Title Game. We know Nick Saban is a master coach but, can even he defeat the living legend, Joe Paterno?

3. Texas Longhorns                                                            Last Week – #9

Big jump from last week, but they deserve it for taking advantage of injury-plagued No. 1 Oklahoma to outscore them 25-7 down the stretch. Texas appears to have an adequate  running attack and a solid defense. Remaining schedule is softer than once believed. 

4. Southern California Trojans                                         Last Week – #5

While they have the talent and coaching of the top three teams, the defense could be the best of all. Until one of the top three loses, I'll keep the Trojans in this position.

5. Florida Gators                                                              Last Week – #11

The big win in the big game of the day, no doubt the most impressive team of Saturday, the mighty Gators of Florida. We had wondered who would wake up first, Florida or Georgia? They both have. This is a team capable of winning the rest of their games.

6. Ohio State Buckeyes                                                   Last Week – #7

This is a different team than the one that lost to Southern Cal. Freshman QB Terrelle Pryor gives them the explosiveness and athletic ability to compete with anyone. Watch out for a run to the Roses from this formidable squad, and a possible rematch with USC.

7. Georgia Bulldogs                                                         Last Week – #11

This team muscled their way past Tennessee and have set their sights on the SEC East crown. While the rest of the country seems to have forgotten about them, this outstanding squad creates its own breaks on defense and is dangerous on offense.

8. Texas Tech Red Raiders                                                Last Week – #8

While they have the offense to play with anyone, the overtime win over Nebraska demonstrates the problem they will have when their concentration is lacking. The Red Raiders will have to shore up some of their defensive holes to get into the BCS.

9. Boise State Broncos                                                    Last Week – N/R

It's a great tribute to the folks of this Idaho power that no one looks twice when they move into the top of the rankings. We all know them, we know they can beat the big teams and the best teams. If they keep winning, they could end up in the BCS again.

10. Brigham Young Cougars                                          Last Week – #10

While the Cougars have the longest winning streak in America, they seem to be stagnant. The long streak may be weighing them down. Watch for the late season game with unbeaten Utah, that will be for the Mountain West Title and a possible BCS slot.

11.a) Oklahoma Sooners                                              Last Week – #1                      

11.b) Missouri Tigers                                                    Last Week – #3

11.c) LSU Tigers                                                           Last Week – #6

Misery loves company so, we'll have a three-way tie for 11th with the three big losers of Saturday. It helped Florida and Georgia snap back, maybe it will work for these three.

ON THE PORCH: OKLAHOMA STATE, MICHIGAN STATE, UTAH, TULSA, CALIFORNIA