Dave's Power 10

1. Texas Tech (10-0) - I expected a mental letdown following the victory over Texas, but the Red Raiders came to play. In fact, they scored TDs on seven consecutive drives to secure a 56-20 thumping of a very good Oklahoma State team. Tech QB Graham Harrell played a tremendous game (40-50, 456 yds, 6 TDs) while controlling the run of play (34:57 TOP, 7-9 on 3rd downs). He's the Heisman front-runner going into the match-up with Oklahoma in two weeks.

2. Alabama (10-0) - LSU gave Bama a tough game for 4 quarters, but blew it in overtime. Jarrett Lee deserves just as much credit for the win as any Crimson Tide player. Lee threw four INTs, including another pick-six before halftime that wiped out a 14-7 lead. Despite three Bama turnovers and 201 yards rushing from Keiland Williams and Charles Scott, LSU could never take control of the game. Saban has never coached an undefeated season, and has some tough challenges ahead in order to accomplish that feat (Miss. St, Auburn, Florida).

3. Florida (8-1) - The Gators remain on a mission, although not the type of mission that the Tebows embark upon to convert non-Christians. This mission has laid waste to SEC opponents and propelled the Gators into the SEC Championship game against Alabama. The Florida defense dominated Vandy, and only allowed two mop-up TD's while playing back-ups. As long as no injuries occur to key players, the Gators have a great chance to win the SEC, and possibly the BCS Title.

4. Southern California (8-1) - The Trojan defense limited a good Cal offense to 165 total yards (27 rushing), and scored enough points to pull away 17-3. If USC doesn't beat themselves - as they are prone to do - they will make a strong statement for inclusion in the BCS Title game. It would be great to see this defense go against one of the offensive juggernauts from the Big XII or even Florida. However, if Oregon State (6-3, 5-1) wins out (Cal, @ Arizona, Oregon), the Beavers go to Pasadena.

5. Texas (9-1) - Colt McCoy bounced back from the Texas Tech game and had his way (again) with Baylor (300 yds, 5 TDs). With an easy schedule to finish the season against defensive doormats Kansas (#92 Total defense) and Texas A&M (#109), the Longhorns merely need to wait for Texas Tech to slip up. If Oklahoma can win that game, the polls will determine who gets to Kansas City.

6. Oklahoma (9-1) - The video game continues as the Sooners put up 21 points in the first quarter, bringing their two week total to 56-0. Any team that establishes that kind of lead early is difficult to beat, especially with efficient QB Sam Bradford (320 yds, 4 TDs, 67% comp.) leading the offense. Both Texas Tech and Oklahoma get a bye week before their November 22nd match-up in Norman.

7. Boise State (9-0) - The Broncos bullied yet another WAC opponent on the blue turf as they spanked Utah State 49-14. The combined record for their remaining opponents is a putrid 12-16, but includes a road game against Nevada (#1 Rushing Offense; #2 Rushing Defense). If Boise gets through that challenge, it sets up some potentially interesting problems for the BCS: who gets the automatic bid - Boise or Utah; do you take an undefeated BSU or undefeated Utah as an at-large, too; or do you cop-out and take a 2-loss Ohio State team?

8. Utah (10-0) - Despite being outgained 416-275 at home, the Utes escaped with a last-minute TD to win after TCU missed two field goals in the 4th quarter. Utah managed just 45 rushing yards, while TCU RB Aaron Brown rushed for 106 yards. Home field seems crucial in the Mountain West as TCU beat BYU in Ft. Worth, and Utah beats TCU in Salt Lake. FYI: The upcoming Holy War with BYU (9-1) will take place in Salt Lake City.

9. Penn State (9-1) - Tragic finish to the Iowa game, if you're a Nittany Lions fan. After three quarters, the Lions led by 9 points, but managed only 33 yards of offense in the final quarter. PSU had an 11:44 advantage in TOP, but a late interception gave Iowa an opportunity to drive for the winning field goal. After four Hawkeye losses by a combined 12 points, Iowa finally had fortune on their side. This loss virtually eliminates Penn State from the BCS title game, but Pasadena is still within their control.

10. Ball State (9-0) - Welcome to the Power 10, Cardinals. As the fifth undefeated team, the Fightin' Dave Lettermans have had an easy time so far against a less-than-difficult schedule (previous opponents combined record of 29-56). Junior QB Nate Davis is an NFL prospect who ranks in the top-ten in QB efficiency, and Junior RB MiQuale Lewis averages 123 rushing yds/game. Combine the two, and Ball State features the #11 offense in the country. However, the real test will come in the last two games of the season against Central Michigan and Western Michigan (combined 15-4 record). Ball State needs help to reach the BCS. They would likely need both Utah and Boise State to lose in order for the Cards to receive an automatic BCS bid. It is unlikely a BCS bowl would consider them for an at-large invitation.