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Villanova Defends FCS National Title

Photo – OT Ben Ijalana - Villanova

Defending national champion Villanova (14-1 in 2009) garnered 22 of the 28 first-place votes to hold the top spot. Montana (14-1), last year's national runner-up, sits second after earning two first-place votes.

Appalachian State (11-3) picked up four first-place votes and comes in at number three in the preseason rankings. William & Mary (11-3) and Southern Illinois (11-2) round out the top-five.

Richmond (11-2), Elon (9-3) sits sixth, just 10 points ahead of the Phoenix. Stephen F. Austin (10-3), New Hampshire (10-3) and South Dakota State (8-4) complete the top-10.

2010 FCS Coaches Preseason Poll (Aug. 23, 2010)
Team (No. 1 Votes / 2009 Record / Points / 2009 Final Ranking

1. Villanova (22) - 14-1 - 667 - 1
2. Montana (2) - 14-1 - 632 - 2
3. Appalachian State (4) - 11-3 - 622 - T3
4. William & Mary - 11-3 - 587 - T3
5. Southern Illinois - 11-2 - 551 - 6***
6. Richmond - 11-2 - 484 - 5
7. Elon - 9-3 - 474 - 10
8. Stephen F. Austin - 10-3 - 413 - 9
9. New Hampshire - 10-3 - 409 - 7
10. South Dakota State - 8-4 - 403 - 11***
11. McNeese State - 9-3 - 376 - 12
12. South Carolina State - 10-2 - 341 - 8
13. UNI - 7-4 - 333 - 18*
14. Eastern Washington - 8-4 - 327 - 13
15. James Madison - 6-5 - 290 - NR
16. Eastern Illinois - 8-4 - 236 - 15
17. Jacksonville State - 8-3 - 208 - 16
18. Weber State - 7-5 - 186 - 17
19. Delaware - 6-5 - 185 - NR
20. Liberty - 8-3 - 171 - 21
21. Prairie View A&M - 9-1 - 135 - 19
22. Colgate - 9-2 - 98 - 20
23. Northern Arizona - 5-6 - 87 - NR
24. Montana State - 7-4 - 85 - NR
T25. Cal-Poly - 4-7 - 66 - NR
T25. Holy Cross - 9-3 - 66 - 14

Other teams receiving votes (points in parentheses): /Penn (60), *Illinois State (54)*, Texas State (53), Florida A&M (44), Furman (36), Eastern Kentucky (35), Wofford (35), UC Davis (32), Massachusetts (24), Georgia Southern (23), Alabama A&M (22), Jackson State (19), Maine (19), Alcorn State (17), Southeastern Louisiana (16), Arkansas-Pine Bluff (16), Southern (15), Central Arkansas (14), Morgan State (14), Hampton (12), Bethune-Cookman (11), Harvard (10), *Missouri State (10)*, Nicholls State (10), Sam Houston State (9), Grambling (8), Alabama State (6), Lehigh (8), *Youngstown State (6)*, Texas Southern (5), Albany (4), Lafayette (4), Butler (3), Mississippi Valley State (3), Southern Utah (3), Central Connecticut State (2), Stony Brook (2), Chattanooga (1), Gardner-Webb (1)

OSU Ranked #1 by Draft Insiders

Draft Insiders' Frank Coyle Blog begins with the Top 25 College teams for the 2010 season. Frank Coyle will write a regular Blog beginning with the college and NFL season through the NFL Draft 2011.

This season Draft Insiders predicts Ohio St. will win the national title, not a popular choice by every major media outlet or publication. Nevertheless, I feel Ohio St. can get to the title game behind a top performance by talented junior QB Terrelle Pryor who is also be the leading Heisman Trophy candidate this fall. Pryor is our choice to win the Heisman Trophy with a strong 2010 performance

Alabama has been picked by virtually every other College poll off an undefeated 2009 season. They certainly have the talent to repeat and make a run at the national title again, though the tough SEC may be their stumbling block this fall. They have gone through the SEC undefeated the past two season and that is unlikely to three peat.

Notre Dame is not on Draft Insiders Top 25 rankings. The Irish begin the Brian Kelly era that should produce fine clubs in time, but probably not initially in South Bend. He begins with a new starting QB and a new 3-4 defense after several seasons struggling on that side of the ball.

You can respond to the Frank Coyle Blog by emailing your comments to nfo@draftinsiders.com We will post your comments shortly.

Draft Insiders - Top 25 Teams
Ranking / Team / Last Seasons’ Record

1. Ohio St (11-2) – The Buckeyes and Terrelle Pryor are poised for a Heisman Trophy and national title run with the ability to win both this fall.

2. Alabama (14-0) – The Crimson Tide comes off their first national title since ’92 and have the talent to compete for the BCS and SEC titles again. They have swept the SEC the past two seasons.
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3. Texas Christian (12-1) – The Horned Frogs have the talent to compete for the national title with many key performers back from a 12-1 club. They are one of the nation’s elite programs this season.

4. Florida (13-1) - The Gators begin the post Tim Tebow era with a fine squad that will challenge for the SEC title and national title behind a savvy HC Urban Meyer.
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5. Iowa (11-2) – The Hawkeyes are a blue collar and well coached team that knows how to win close games. They have key leaders at important positions that give them an advantage in critical games.

6. Oklahoma (9-4) – Sooners are capable of sneaking up on teams this season and rank as the best club in the Big 12 here.

7. Boise St (14-0) - The Broncos are a gritty group who finished a perfect 2009 season and look to run the table again. They will need to win in big late season matchups to warrant national title consideration.

8. Nebraska (10-4) – Huskers return 17 starters after a tough Big 12 title loss vs Texas and solid win vs Arizona in Holiday Bowl. They are the strong favorite to win the Big 12 North division.

9. LSU (9-4) – Tigers have a deep and talented club but are not getting a lot of consideration off a subpar ’09 performance. They must get better play from QB Jordan Jefferson to warrant this top ten rankings.

10. Texas (13-1) – Longhorns are preparing for life without Colt McCoy. They usually reload the cannon but will face strong competition this fall from Oklahoma and A&M in the Big 12 South division.

11. Wisconsin (10-3) - Badgers are always a sound club and will push Ohio St for the Big Ten title.

12. Miami (9-4) - The Canes hope to return to former glory with huge early matchups with Ohio St. among others. The early contests will determine if they are a top ten club or an 8 win team.

13. Virginia Tech (10-3) – Va Tech has another strong club that will press for the ACC Coastal crown. They face a tough opener vs Boise St. that could dictate their overall direction this season.

14. Pittsburgh (10-3) - The Panthers are the class of the Big East and could threaten the top ten with early wins over Utah and Miami.

15. North Carolina (8-5) - The Tar Heels have one of the most talented clubs in the nation, but have yet to put it all together in critical big games.

16. Auburn (8-5) - The Tigers are the most underrated club in the nation and an early win over Clemson could have them undefeated into late season.

17. Georgia Tech (11-3) – The ACC champs are loaded again. How high they go in the polls will be decided on their ACC road games at NC, Clemson and Virginia Tech.

18. Oregon (10-3) - The Ducks must overcome loss of QB Jeremiah Masoli, but they have a talented club that will challenge for the Pac 19 title.

19. Arkansas (8-5) - The Hogs will light it up behind gifted passer Ryan Mallett, but the defense will determine if they can produce a 10 win season.

20. Penn St (11-2) – Nittany Lions retool their roster at several critical positions and face major challenges at both Alabama and Iowa in the early season with a first year starting QB.

21. USC (9-4) – Trojans begin the post Pete Carroll era behind developing QB Matt Barkley who flashed big time talent at times as a true freshman last season. .

22. Houston (10-4) – The Cougars return virtually their entire offense and QB Case Keenum should produce huge numbers and points in the defensively soft CUSA.

23. West Virginia (9-4) - WV returns 18 starters but their fortunes may depend on first year starting QB Geno Smith.

24. Florida State (7-6) - The Seminoles will find out what life is without Bobby Bowden is after the legendary HC retired after an amazing 34-year coaching career.

25. Georgia (8-5) - The Bulldogs return most of their offense this fall, but only improvement from their battered defense will move them higher in the rankings.

Responses to this Blog - Email info@draftinsiders.com and it will be posted shortly.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards.

Bama Wins National Title
Tide Rolls to Championship

Team of the Week - Alabama
Player of the Week – Mark Ingram - Alabama

Photo – Mark Ingram - Alabama

Running back Mark Ingram of Alabama completed his outstanding sophomore season with a strong performance in the national championship game that helped the Tide win their first title since '92. Ingram completed the rare feat of winning both the national title and the Heisman Trophy in the same season. Southern Cal's QB Matt Leinart was the last player to accomplish both of those feats.

Ingram produced another strong performance in the title game that included 22 carries for 116 yards and 2 TDs that were instrumental in their 37-21 victory over Texas in the BCS national championship game. Ingram is only a sophomore and will be a part of the young core Alabama club that will be favored to repeat for both the SEC and natioanl honors entering the 2010 college football season.

Team / Ranking / Record

1. Alabama (14-0) – Tide wins their first national title since ’92 and have the leadership and talent level to compete for prominence annually.
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2. Texas (13-1) – Longhorns prepping for title clash with Alabama after completing perfect ’09 season.

3. Boise St (14-0) - Broncos are a gritty group who finished a perfect season and have every right to demand a playoff for the #1 position.

4. Florida (13-1)– Gators rebounded from their tough SEC title loss with another huge performance by Tim Tebow in his college finale.
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5. Cincinnati (12-1) - Bearcats’ perfect season went up in smoke when they were blitzed by the Gators after they lost HC Brian Kelly.

6. Texas Christian (12-1) – Horned Frogs perfect season ended with a tough loss to Boise St. They are still one of the great programs in the nation.

7. Ohio St (11-2) – Buckeyes won both the Big Ten and Rose Bowl after earlier key losses.

8. Iowa (11-2) – The Hawkeyes are a well coached and tough team that knows how to win close games.

9. Penn St (11-2) – Nittany Lions beat a talented and tough LSU club in New Years Day that earned them a top ten finish.

10. Georgia Tech (11-3) – The ACC champs were not able to get past a tough Iowa club in an old fashioned Orange bowl clash.

11. Virginia Tech (10-3) – Va Tech completed another fine season with a strong performance vs Tennessee on New Year’s eve.

12. Oregon (10-3) – The Ducks came up short vs a talented Ohio St in Rose Bowl classic.

13. BYU (11-2) – Cougars won their bowl game vs Oregon St and climbed up the charts over second half of the season.

14. Pittsburgh (10-3)- Panthers redeemed themselves in bowl game vs North Carolina after a few key late season losses.

15. Nebraska (10-4) – Huskers rebounded from a tough Big 12 title loss vs Texas and won handedly vs Arizona in Holiday Bowl.

16. LSU (9-4) – Tigers have a deep and talented club but must get better play from the QB position to get back into the top ten rankings.

17. USC (9-4) – Trojans went to a minor bowl and beat an average Boston College club in Emerald Bowl.

18. Wisconsin (10-3) - Badgers beat a young Miami club in Champs bowl matchup that earned them another 10 win season.

19. Utah (10-3) - Utes hammered an overrated Cal club to move into the top 20 rankings.

20. Mississippi (9-4) - Ole Miss won their bowl matchup vs Oklahoma St to complete their roller coaster season.

21. Miami (9-4) - The young Canes made too many mistakes vs a sound Wisconsin club to win their bowl matchup.

22. West Virginia (9-4) - WV lost their bowl matchup vs Florida St. in Bobby Bowden’s finale. It was a one of the poor performances of the postseason.

23. Oklahoma St (9-4) – Cowboys went to the Cotton Bowl and left their offense back in Stillwater in their loss to Ole Miss.

24. Houston (10-4) - Cougars were bombed by a tough Air Force (8-5) team in Armed Forces Bowl contest.

25. Central Michigan (12-2) CM’s overtime bowl win over Troy gives the MAC much needed respectability after their recent poor postseason record.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards.

Top 25 Clubs Enter Bowl Season

Team of the Week - Rutgers
Player of the Week – WR Mohamed Sanu – Rutgers

Photo – Mark Ingram – Alabama (Heisman Trophy Winner)

Team / Ranking / Record

1. Alabama (13-0) – Tide beat their nemesis Florida in SEC title game and preps for Texas in BCS Championship matchup.
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2. Texas (13-0) – Longhorns prepping for title clash with Alabama after completing perfect ’09 season.

3. Cincinnati (12-0) - Bearcats finished a perfect regular season but lose their HC Brian Kelly for tough bowl matchup with Florida.

4. Florida (12-1)– Gators lost a tough SEC title contest with Alabama but look to fTim Tebow’s college finale vs Cincinnati to finish with big win.

5. Texas Christian (12-0) – Horned Frogs finish with a perfect regular season and face an undefeated Boise St club that will leave What If questions vwith Bama/ Texas winner.

6. Boise St (13-0) - Broncos look to TCU bowl matchup to continue to climb the charts.

7. Ohio St (10-2) – Buckeyes won the Big Ten and face a great foe in Oregon in the Rose Bowl.

8. Oregon (10-2) – Ducks win Pac 10 and may be the most exciting club in the nation to watch.

9. Georgia Tech (11-2) – Tech won the ACC title and look to tack momentum for their Orange Bowl matchup with Iowa.

10. Iowa (10-2) – The Hawkeyes face a tough matchup with Georgia Tech in one of the more interesting bowl games.

11. LSU (9-3) – Tigers hope for better than the Capital One game with Penn St but look to redeem themselves with an impressive victory.

12. Penn St (10-2) – Nittany Lions finished strong and hope to maintain that vs a tough LSU club in New Years Day matchup.

13. Virginia Tech (9-3) – Va Tech completed a fine season and get an improving Tennessee club on New Year’s eve.

14. Miami (9-3) - Canes earned Champs Sport bowl bid in Orlando vs a gritty Wisconsin club.

15. BYU (10-2) – Cougars won their finale vs Utah that earned them a bowl game with Oregon St. in one of the best matchups of the bowl season.

16. Oregon St (8-4) – Beavers lost a tough finale to Oregon and face another pass happy club in BYU in Las Vegas bowl.

17. West Virginia (9-3) - WV want bowl win to complete season with matchup vs Florida St. in Bobby Bowden’s finale as head coach.

18. Oklahoma St (9-3) – Cowboys go to Cotton Bowl in an expected shootout with Ole Miss.

19. Pittsburgh (9-3)- Panthers hope to redeem themselves in bowl game vs North Carolina after a few key late season losses.

20. Houston (10-3) - Cougars win CUSA West and face a savvy Air Force team in Armed Forces Bowl contest.

21. USC (8-4) – Trojans finish a disappointing season and go to minor bowl vs Boston College in Emerald Bowl.

22. Nebraska (9-4) – Huskers lost a tough Big 12 title game vs Texas, but look to redeem themselves vs Arizona in Holiday Bowl .

23. Stanford (8-4) –Cardinal completed a fine season and face an erratic Oklahoma club in Sun Bowl matchup.

24. Wisconsin (9-3) - Badgers face a young Miami club in Champs bowl matchup.

25. North Carolina (8-4) – Tar Heels are a talented young club who look to finish with big win vs Pittsburgh.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards.

Final Week of Season & Conference Title Games

Team of the Week - Florida
Player of the Week – Tony Pike

Photo – QB Tony Pike - Cincinnati

Senior QB Tony Pike returned from a major injury to his non-throwing arm and had a record day Friday, passing for 6 TDs in a 49-36 victory over Illinois that kept 4th ranked-ranked Cincinnati unbeaten. Cincinnati ranks 5th in the BCS standings entering the final week of the season.
Cincinnati (11-0) remained one of six unbeaten Bowl Subdivision teams. The Bearcats finish their regular season next weekend in Pittsburgh, playing for their second straight Big East championship.
Pike had the biggest hand in the latest Bearcat victory. He hadn't played since Oct. 15, when he damaged a protective plate in his left arm. He needed surgery to replace the plate, and didn't start any of the last four games. He played in a 24-21 win over West Virginia for four snaps, and threw for a pair of TDs in his very limited role.
In the Illinois win, Pike threw a career-high four TDs in the first half alone while leading the Bearcats to a 35-20 lead. He was knocked to the ground twice by the Illini (3-8), the second time when he stayed in the pocket long enough to get off an 11-yard touchdown pass to Gilyard.
Pike finished 32 of 46 for 399 yards. On the season, he has thrown 23 touchdowns with only three interceptions.

Team / Ranking / Record

1. Florida (12-0) – Gators own the Seminoles with blowout win and prep for SEC title clash with Bama.

2. Alabama (12-0) – Tide just got by a stubborn Auburn team in season’s finale prior to SEC showdown with Florida.

3. Texas (12-0) – Longhorns offense behind Colt McCoy can light up any defense.

4. Cincinnati (11-0) - Bearcats are hoping for top BCS matchup with only Big East finale vs Pittsburgh on the schedule.

5. Texas Christian (12-0) – Horned Frogs finish with a perfect regular season and had a dominate performance over final two months.

6. Boise St (12-0) - Broncos face only WAC foe New Mexico St to complete undefeated season and BCS berth.

7. Ohio St (10-2) – Buckeyes finished their season and move into top ten after a few top clubs stumble.

8. Oregon (9-2) – Ducks face Oregon St in bitter rivalry this Thursday in the Civil War rivalry.

9. Iowa (10-2) – The Hawkeyes are hoping to sneak into the BCS equation if clubs above them lose key finales.

10. Penn St (10-2) – Nittany Lions finished strong and look for major bowl berth on their performance, reputation and traveling fans.

11. Oregon St (8-3) – Beavers looking to move into top ten with win over Oregon in what could be one of the great matchups of the season.

12. LSU (9-3) – Tigers got by a stubborn Arkansas team and look to receive a second tier bowl berth.

13. Virginia Tech (9-3) – Va Tech beat a disappointing Virginia team and wait for bowl invitation.

14. Georgia Tech (11-2) – Tech lost to instate rival Georgia in a game that cost them a top ten spot with ACC title game with Clemson on deck.

15. Miami (9-3) - Canes win their finale vs USF that probably earns them a good bowl bid most likely in Florida.

16. BYU (10-2) – Cougars won their finale vs Utah that moves them up the charts significantly and gains them a quality bowl invite next week.

17. Houston (10-2) - Cougars win CUSA West with another incredible offensive performance that makes them attractive to several major bowls.

18. USC (7-3) – Trojans are rested for final two games with UCLA and Arizona and a chance to move up the charts further.

19. Cal (9-3) – Bears look to complete season with winning trip to Washington that moves them in the top 15 teams.

20. Nebraska (9-3) – Huskers win Big 12 North division for conference title clash with undefeated Texas.

21. West Virginia (8-3) - WV win the Backyard Brawl that puts them in the top 25 again with Cincinnati in the finale. .

22. Pittsburgh (9-2)- Panthers lost a tough game vs rival West Virginia and must recover for finale with Cincinnati next up.

23. Oklahoma St (9-3) – Cowboys got trashed by Oklahoma for their 7th straight loss to their instate rival.

24. Stanford (8-4) –Cardinal won a thriller over Notre Dame and wait for a bowl matchup in their most impressive season in years.

25. Clemson (8-4) – Tigers have been hot and cold all season with loss in their SC finale with ACC title game up next week.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards.

Top Six Undefeated Clubs Via for BCS Berths

Team of the Week - Oregon
Player of Week - QB Jeremiah Masoli - Oregon

Photo – QB Tim Tebow - Florida

Team / Ranking

1. Florida (11-0) – Gators ready for FSU finale as prep for SEC title game.

2. Alabama (11-0) – Tide faces in state rival Auburn in season’s finale prior to SEC showdown with Florida.

3. Texas (11-0) – Longhorns are coasting into Turkey Day battle with A&M.

4. Cincinnati (10-0) - Bearcats are well rested with only Illinois and Pittsburgh on the schedule.

5. Texas Christian (11-0) – Horned Frogs are just a win over a poor 1-10 New Mexico to finish with a perfect season.

6. Boise St (11-0) - Broncos face WAC foes Nevada and New Mexico St to complete undefeated season.

7. Georgia Tech (11-1) – Tech look to win instate rivalry with Georgia prior to ACC title game with Clemson.

8. Pittsburgh (9-1)- Panthers have difficult finish to retain their top ten ranking twith their two top rivals West Virginia and Cincinnati next up.

9. Ohio St (10-2) – Buckeyes complete their season by thrashing Michigan and prep for Rose Bowl classic.

10. Oregon (9-2) – Ducks won a dramatic victory over Arizona with finale vs Oregon St in bitter rivalry this weekend.

11. Oklahoma St (9-2) – Cowboys have a chance to win instate battle with Oklahoma on Saturday.

12. Iowa (10-2) – The Hawkeyes won season finale with shutout victory over Minnesota.

13. Penn St (10-2) – Nittany Lions finished strong with win over Michigan St to complete another fine campaign.

14. Ole Miss (8-3) – Ole Miss won a thriller over LSU in their most impressive victory in years.

15. Oregon St (8-3) – Beavers looking to move up further with Oregon rivalry contest in two weeks with winner take all in Rose Bowl bid.

16. LSU (8-3) – Tigers are still a very good club despite losing to their toughest three SEC opponents.

17. Virginia Tech (8-3) – Va Tech wins the games they are suppose to win annually.

18. Clemson (8-3) – Tigers are on a six game winning streak and peaking at the right time.

19. North Carolina (8-3) – Tar Heels are a hot club and dangerous to play in the postseason.

20. USC (7-3) – Trojans are rested for final two games and hope to salvage a rocky season.

21. Miami (8-3) - Canes looking to win finale vs USF to gain a good bowl bid.

22. BYU (9-2) – Cougars face tough finale vs Utah that could move them up the charts significantly with win next week.

23. Houston (9-2) - Cougars have put up incredible offensive numbers this season in CUSA.

24. Utah (9-2) - Utes can move up the charts with win in key MWC finale.

25. Cal (9-3) – Bears won huge matchup with Stanford that moves them back in the top 25 team.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards.

Florida & ‘Bama Headed for Clash
Team of the Week - Ohio St.

Player of Week - Dexter McCluster
Ole Miss senior running back Dexter McCluster set a school record with 282 rushing yards and scored four touchdowns as the Rebels defeated Tennessee, 42-17. McCluster, who had 324 all-purpose yards, scored on runs of 15, 23, 32 and 71 yards as Ole Miss earned its first win against Tennessee since 1983 and off to their best start since 2003.

Photo – RB Dexter McCluster - Ole Miss

Team / Ranking

1. Florida (10-0) – Gators roll over SC and prep for SEC title game.

2. Alabama (10-0) – Tide won the SEC West with win over MSU and get ready for showdown with Auburn prior to Florida game in SEC title clash.

3. Texas (10-0) – Longhorns are rolling through the Big 12 each week and headed for BCS title game.

4. Cincinnati (10-0) - Bearcats are looking to go unblemished with only Illinois and Pittsburgh on the schedule.

5. Texas Christian (10-0) – Frogs hoping to get into the top four by season’s end.

6. Boise St (10-0) - Broncos keep winning and looking to earn one of the premier matchups.

7. Georgia Tech (10-1) – Tech clinched ACC division and looking to advance higher when top clubs fall.

8. Pittsburgh (9-1)- Panthers are starting to believe in themselves with their two top rivals West Virginia and Cincinnati remaining.

9. LSU (8-2) – Tigers are still a very good club despite a struggling offense.

10. Ohio St (9-2) – Buckeyes took care of Iowa and Penn St that earns them a return to the top ten rankings.

11. Oregon (8-2) – Ducks jumped on Arizona St last weekend.

12. Oklahoma St (8-2) – Cowboys may have the best offense in the nation when right.

13. Stanford (7-3) – Cardinal shocked Southern Cal and Oregon in back to back victories.

14. Wisconsin (8-2) - Badgers won a key game with win over Michigan St.

15. Iowa (9-2) – The Hawkeyes have dropped two in a row with OT loss to Ohio St.

16. Penn St (9-2) – Nittany Lions clean up on soft Indiana matchup.

17. Virginia Tech (7-3) – Tech routed Maryland.

18. Clemson (7-3) – Tigers are peaking at the right time.

19. North Carolina (7-3) – Tar Heels have won three straight over Va Tech, Duke and Miami.

20. USC (7-3) – Trojans got ambushed by Stanford on Saturday.

21. Oregon St (7-3) – Beavers jumped on Washington with a bowl bye resting on the results.

22. Miami (7-3) - Canes came up short in Chapel Hill vs NC.

23. BYU (8-2) – Cougars just got by New Mexico last week.

24. Houston (8-2) - Cougars ran out of time vs Central Florida.

25. Ole Miss (7-3) – Ole Miss earned its first win against Tennessee since 1983 and clinched bowl eligibility for the second straight year.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards.

Florida Retains #1 Ranking

Team of the Week – Stanford

Player of the Week –
Toby Gerhart - Stanford
Stanford running back Toby Gerhart set a school single-game record with 223 rushing yards (on 38 carries) as the Cardinal defeated 7th-ranked Oregon, 51-42. During the game, Gerhart scored three TDs as Stanford, 6-3 (5-2 in Pac 10) became bowl eligible for the first time since 2001.

Photo – Running back Toby Gerhart – Stanford

Team / Ranking

1. Florida (9-0) – Gators rolling to the SEC title game.

2. Alabama (9-0) – Tide won a tough battle with LSU that probably leads to showdown with Florida in SEC clash.

3. Texas (9-0) – Longhorns are getting better each week.

4. Cincinnati (9-0) - Bearcats can play with anyone in the nation.

5. Texas Christian (9-0) – TCU continue to pound opponents weekly.

6. Boise St (9-0) - Broncos keep winning, though not as impressive as expected.

7. Georgia Tech (9-1) – Georgia Tech got past a scappy Wake Forest team.

8. LSU (7-2) – Tigers lost a tough matchup with Bama due to struggling offense.

9. Pittsburgh (8-1)- Panthers are in the Top ten for the first time since 1982.

10. Houston (8-1) - Cougars are bombing teams weekly behind a high powered passing game directed by QB Case Keenum.

11. Ohio St (8-2) – Buckeyes took care of Penn St and hope to ride that momentum back into the top ten rankings.

12. Oregon (7-2) – Ducks got blindsided by Stanford last week.

13. Iowa (9-1) – The breaks caught up to the Hawkeyes last week.

14. USC (7-2) – Trojans back on beam with win over Arizona St.

15. Miami (7-2) - Canes are looking to finish strong to land in the top ten.

16. Utah (8-1) - Utes continue to win and head for key MWC games this month.

17. Oklahoma St (7-2) – Cowboys potent offense can play with anyone in the nation.

18. Arizona (6-2) - Wildcats have turned the corner.

19. Wisconsin (7-2) - Badgers know how to win close games.

20. Penn St (8-2) – Overrated Nittany Lions came up flat in Ohio St matchup.

21. Virginia Tech (6-3) – Tech coming off a Thursday night win over East Carolina.

22. BYU (7-2) – Cougars are hoping to run the table from here.

23. South Florida (6-2) – Bulls are in good position to gain a major bowl invite.

24. Clemson (6-3) – Tigers won a huge game with Florida St that puts them back in Top 25.

25. West Virginia (7-2) - WV are hoping their late season Big East matchups with Cincinnati and Pittsburgh moves them higher.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards.