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.

Dave's Power 10

1. Oklahoma - Apparently this is the offense Auburn coaches wanted to emulate when they switched to the spread. Too bad you can't buy it for $3,000 out of a car trunk. That's the shopper's mentality in Auburn these days.

2. Missouri - Another spread offense that works. Who knew? Chase Daniel is playing lights out . . . so far. Against middling defenses, Mizzou merely out-scores their way to a win, but the next two opponents can light up the scoreboard AND play defense.

3. Alabama - Jury's still out on the Tide. Kentucky hung in to the end, but a defensive TD made the difference. Bama runs the ball effectively (14th nationally), but passing is still a struggle (104th nationally). Defense wins championships, but everyone plays defense in the SEC.

4. LSU - A 5-week gauntlet begins with Florida in Gainesville, and finishes with Bama in Baton Rouge. If the Bayou Bengals come out unscathed, they'll have earned it. They need to avoid costly TO's in order to do it, though.

5. Penn State - In old-school Nittany Lion fashion, they've manhandled opponents so far (#1 in the Big Ten in every major defensive category). The next three games will determine whether they're for real or not. PSU is the Big Ten's lone hope for a national title.

6. Texas - Have the Longhorns played anybody? No. Will they? Oh, yes. Five of the next six opponents are ranked in the top-17. Good luck with all that.

7. BYU - The Cougars control their own destiny in regards to the BCS. Not only do they score points (41.2 pts/game), but they keep QB Max Hall upright (5th nationally in Sacks Allowed).

8. USC - It's amazing how one brain fart can impact the entire season. The Trojans are still a jug-jug-juggernaut (#4-ranked defense), so they need to remain at 1-loss to return to the BCS title game.

9. Texas Tech - An absolute beast on offense (583 yds/game, #2 nationally) . . . against glorified high school teams. Still give up a ton of yards on defense (336 yds/game, #49 nationally). Live by the sword, die by the sword.

10. Florida - Should have won that Ole Miss game, but the Gators will be the Gators. Slight edge over Georgia due to the fact that the Bulldogs got pummeled by Bama in Athens. This week's LSU game is a must-win if UF has any shot at reaching Atlanta.