Dave's Power 10

1. Texas - I agree with the pollsters on this one. UT beat the previously-thought superior Sooners by simply outscoring them, and Muchamp's defense thwarted Sam Bradford just enough to win. BTW, I don't miss Will Muchamp at all, thanks to Paul Rhoads. Despite the loss, he's managed to keep the Auburn defense respectable.

2. Penn State - The Nittany Lions deserve this ranking. They've not only won games, they've dominated their opponents. PSU ranks first in the Big Ten in rushing yards (235 yds/game) and total defense (259 yds/game). It's amazing what good coaching will allow. After hosting Michigan, they travel to the Horseshoe to face Ohio State to possibly determine the Big Ten championship.

3. Alabama - After an off-week, the Tide returns to face a familiar foe: Houston Nutt. I hope he frustrates the living hell out of Bama and orchestrates another huge SEC road upset. Did anyone imagine that Bama would be the last remaining undefeated SEC team?

4. Texas Tech - The Red Raiders get a yawner vs. Texas A&M this week, but then the waters get REALLY rough (@ Kansas, Texas, Okla. St., @ Oklahoma). With an average defense (#64 nationally), it'll be tough to simply outscore everyone.

5. Oklahoma State - Great win at Mizzou last week. Zac Robinson is 3rd nationally in passing efficiency, and RB Kendall Hunter averages 143 yds/game, also 3rd nationally. In the Cowboys first true hostile environment (Wash St. was at neutral Qwest Field), they looked impressive.

6. USC - Despite the hiccup in Corvallis, the Trojans are still a dominant team. Against Arizona State the defense picked off 3 passes (neutralizing 3 Sanchez INTs) and smothered a second straight conference opponent. If they continue this type of performance, USC will be in line again for the BCS title game. Stop me if you've heard THAT before.

7. Florida - In a 3-Act performance, the Gators dominated, allowed LSU to creep back, then slammed their foot on the Tigers' throats with 51 points. I can't remember a non-DiNardo-led LSU team allowing that many points. Of course when has Urban Meyer ever let up? There was definitely a car wreck on Gainesville, but it's LSU who's looking for a rental.

8. Oklahoma - It might be unfair to drop them this far, but there are other undefeated teams playing good football right now. Besides, as the Big-12 lays waste to itself, the Sooners have a chance to move right back up. The OU defense will need some work in order to withstand all those high-octane offenses, though.

9. Brigham Young - If BYU plays a conference game and noone's there to watch, does it make a sound? Another ho-hum game against New Mexico nets a victory. But keep an eye out for this Thursday night's game versus TCU. If the Cougars hold true to form (no turnovers, no sacks allowed), they should handle the Horned Frogs.

10. Utah - Nothing really pops out about this team, other than a better-than-average defense (#7 scoring, #8 rushing). Given their favorable schedule, it appears that the season finale against BYU in Salt Lake City will determine who goes to the Fiesta Bowl.