Dave's Power 10

1. Texas (8-0) – Colt McCoy was out of his mind against Oklahoma State (84% completion, 391 yds), but the Cowboys still had a chance to win that game. The key was a good running game (229 yds) that kept the ball away from McCoy long enough to keep the score close. Next up for the Longhorns is yet another top-10 match-up of undefeated teams when they visit Texas Tech.

2. Penn State (9-0) – Gutsy win in the Horseshoe last week. With only three games remaining, the Nittany Lions will be favored in all of them. Despite their offensive struggles in Columbus, the Penn State attack still features balance (226 rushing yds/game; 233 passing yds/game). Combine that with marquee DE Aaron Maybin (11 sacks), and Joe Pa can almost taste Miami.

3. Alabama (8-0) – Tennessee once again displayed no offense (something we see a great deal of at Auburn), and the Tide slowly buried the Volunteers in Knoxville. John Wilson continues to limit his errors (3 INTs in 176 attempts) enough to allow the defense and running game to control the game.

4. Southern California (6-1) – One way to contain the Trojans is to force turnovers and protect the ball. Arizona almost stole a win in Tucson with this strategy, but the superior USC defense clamped down and denied any Wildcat comeback. Once again, the remaining schedule looks extremely favorable for another BCS trip.

5. Texas Tech (8-0) – It was a video game in Lawrence last Saturday, but that's par for the course in the Big XII these days. The Red Raiders sit atop the offensive rankings (#1 Passing; #2 Total; #3 Scoring), but now must face their biggest challenge . . . so far. Expect a shootout in Lubbock. Tech is 20-60-1 overall versus the Longhorns, and haven't won at home in the series since 2002.

6. Florida (6-1) – The Gators absolutely pasted a decent Kentucky squad, and now demonstrate a fierce defense (top-15 in all major categories) to compliment their special teams. All eyes will be on Jacksonville this weekend to see how many times CBS shows last year's footage of Georgia's team rushing the field after that touchdown. Revenge should be sweet.

7. Oklahoma (7-1) – Speaking of video games, the Sooners scored 28 points during the last 6:30 of the 1st half to take a 55-28 lead into halftime. Oddly, only 10 total points were scored in the 2nd half of that game. No Big XII team has a top-40 defense, so any evidence of defensive competence merits attention.

8. Georgia (7-1) – LSU continues to underachieve, and Georgia jumped out early on the Bayou Bengals to win in Baton Rouge. Three INTs (two returned for TDs) put the Bulldogs too far ahead in a game resembling a Big XII contest. It will be a game of stars in Jacksonville to determine the SEC East.

9. Boise State (7-0) – Only two more home games on the blue turf remain for the Broncos, but one is the finale against Fresno State. The "Fly in the Ointment" lives on after surviving in San Jose.

10. Utah (8-0) – After an off-week, the Utes travel to New Mexico before coming back home for TCU. Given Utah's mediocre offensive numbers, the Horned Frogs' defense (#1 Rushing; #2 Total and Scoring) will be ready. Texas Christian DE Jerry Hughes (12 sacks) should make things difficult for Brian Johnson & Co.