The REAL Coaches' Poll: Top 25 College Football Coaches Rankings (Week Seven)

Upset Saturday...part two!

For the second time in this season, three top five teams lost on Saturday—which gives this and every other poll imaginable another different look.

By now, most of you know what the poll is all about.  But for those of you who are new to the REAL Coaches' Poll "experience," this is how it works.

Much like the other college football polls, the coaches are ranked according to their performance for the current season.  No consideration is given to previous seasons. 

A coach moves up the poll by beating other ranked coaches or ranked opponents, and the strength of the win is considered.  A coach moves down in the poll by losing, and more consideration is given to a loss to another ranked coach or a ranked opponent.

Every week the reader comments left from the previous poll are also considered.  So tell me if you agree or disagree.  I listen!

There you have it.  Enjoy the new and improved REAL Coaches' Poll (Week Seven).

 

1. Nick Saban, Alabama: BYE (last week: 1)

The Crimson Tide have had an impressive run, but it will be the second half of the season that proves whether Nick Saban deserves this lofty ranking.

2. Mack Brown, Texas: beat No. 1 Oklahoma 45-35 (last week: 5)

Mack Brown and the Texas Longhorns came to the Cotton Bowl with all the swagger and toughness of a team that was ready to show the country they belonged in the national championship discussion.

3. Pete Carroll, USC: beat Arizona State 28-0 (last week: 3)

The Trojans made the Sun Devils look really bad, and Pete Carroll showed again why he is one of the best coaches in the country.

4. Jim Tressel, Ohio State: beat Purdue 16-3 (last week: 4)

The Buckeyes keep on rolling.  Jim Tressel may be the best game managing coach in the country, which is frustrating to fans who want huge scores and big numbers.

5. Joe Paterno, Penn State: beat Wisconsin 48-7 (last week: 8)

Joe Pa has his team playing with purpose, and the Lions look to be a tough out for anyone.  What will happen to this team when they are finally tested?

6. Bob Stoops, Oklahoma: lost to No. 5 Texas 45-35 (last week: 2)

Stoops lost another heartbreaker—this time at the hands of his Sooners' biggest rival.  Stoops has dropped three of the last four to Mack Brown and the Longhorns.

7. Mike Leach, Texas Tech: beat Nebraska 37-31 (last week: 10)

The Mad Genius needed overtime to knock off Nebraska, but the Huskers are an improved team and the Red Raiders may have folded in the past.

8. Urban Meyer, Florida: beat No. 4 LSU 51-21 (last week: 12)

The Gators finally look like the team they were supposed to be, and Urban Meyer finally loosened up his play calling.

9. Bronco Mendenhall, BYU: beat New Mexico 21-3 (last week: 9)

Mendenhall continues to keep his team on the edge of the BCS, but he needs to get his team back to playing with its foot on the pedal.  Style points will be important to keeping the Cougars in the hunt.

10. Mark Richt, Georgia: beat Tennessee 26-10 (last week: 13)

The Dawgs keep winning and Mark Richt is doing a fine job, but the Dawgs need to get their bite back.  This is a well coached and talented team, but they seem to lack the same fire that they played with at the end of last season.

11. Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State: beat No. 3 Missouri 28-23 (last week: unranked)

12. Chris Petersen, Boise State: beat Southern Miss 24-7 (last week: 14)

13. Brady Hoke, Ball State: beat Western Kentucky 24-7 (last week: 15)

14. Mark Dantonio, Michigan State: beat Northwestern 37-20 (last week: 17)

15. Kyle Whittingham, Utah: beat Wyoming 40-7 (last week: 19)

16. Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech: BYE (last week: 16)

17. Jim Grobe, Wake Forest: beat Clemson 12-7 (last week: 18)

18. Gary Pinkel, Missouri: lost to No. 17 Oklahoma State 28-23 (last week: 6)

19. Jeff Tedford, Cal: BYE (last week: 21)

20. Les Miles, LSU: lost to No. 11 Florida 51-21 (last week: 7)

21. Jim Leavitt, South Florida: BYE (last week: 22)

22. Mike Bellotti, Oregon: beat UCLA 31-24 (last week: 24)

23. Mark Mangino, Kansas: beat Colorado 30-14 (last week: unranked)

24. Todd Graham, Tulsa: beat Southern Methodist 37-31 (last week: 25)

25. Bobby Johnson, Vanderbilt: lost to Mississippi State 17-14 (last week: 11)

On the fence: Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech; Rich Brooks, Kentucky; David Cutcliffe, Duke; Butch Davis, North Carolina; Randy Edsall, Connecticut

Dropped out: Tommy Tuberville, Auburn; Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern