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| NCAA Football Power Rankings |
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Georgia Tech has fielded one of the nation's stingiest defenses the last few years. Last Saturday, Eagles QB Matt Ryan went on the road and threw for 435 yards on the Jackets. Wow. "We haven't seen a quarterback like that since Brady Quinn," Georgia Tech safety Pat Clark said afterward.
Last game: Beat Georgia Tech, 24-10.
Next game: Saturday vs. Army.
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Having cruised through the FIU-Notre Dame-Buffalo part of its schedule, Penn State now visits its traditional house of horrors, Michigan Stadium. The Wolverines' defense is obviously suspect. QB Anthony Morelli could quiet his critics with a big game; whether he's up to it is anyone's guess.
Last game: Beat Buffalo, 45-24.
Next game: Saturday at Michigan.
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When Ducks RB Jonathan Stewart is on (17 carries, 165 yards, two TDs against Fresno State), Oregon's offense becomes awfully tough to stop, because if you load up to stop Stewart, QB Dennis Dixon can kill you. The question is whether the inconsistent Stewart can keep it up.
Last game: Beat Fresno State, 52-21.
Next game: Saturday at Stanford.
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Did you see Nick Saban's reaction after the Tide's last-second TD against Arkansas? The same man who barely cracked a smile after winning the national title raised his arms excitedly and even broke out a toothy smile in his postgame interview with Holly Rowe. That's how big a win it was.
Last game: Beat Arkansas, 41-38
Next game: Saturday vs. Georgia.
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Remember that San Jose writer's AP ballot from before? Well, it also includes the Gamecocks at No. 4. That's right: No. 1 USC, No. 2 LSU, No. 3 Oklahoma, No. 4 ... South Carolina. I realize everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion ... but maybe there should be some exceptions.
Last game: Beat South Carolina State, 38-3.
Next game: Saturday at LSU.
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This is what the pollsters refer to as a "void" in their ballot. Was there any discernible reason to move Georgia up four spots this week? Not really. But five of the eight teams immediately above of them lost, three really badly, and the Dawgs just kind of slid up there. It's stupid, but it happens.
Last game: Beat Western Carolina, 45-16.
Next game: Saturday at Alabama.
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The Razorbacks had to drop at least one spot for their loss, but that's about the most I felt they deserved after staging a phenomenal comeback in a hostile atmosphere against a quality foe only to lose on a last-second touchdown pass. The Hogs' pass defense does need some work, though.
Last game: Lost to Alabama, 41-38.
Next game: Saturday vs. Kentucky.
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Perhaps Cards fans took it for granted that Bobby Petrino churned out some pretty decent defenders, too (Amobi Okoye, Kerry Rhodes, et al). This year's beleaguered D could wind up wasting the talents of the nation's No. 6 passer (Brian Brohm) and rusher (Anthony Allen).
Last game: Lost to Kentucky, 40-34.
Next game: Saturday vs. Syracuse.
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Here's another ballot dilemma. Yes, the Huskers got waxed Saturday night, but how much should a team drop when the foe they lost to is ranked No. 1 in the country? I decided on eight spots, same as Louisville, which lost on the road and in closer fashion but to an inferior opponent.
Last game: Lost to USC, 49-31.
Next game: Saturday vs. Ball State.
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Anyone left out there who didn't yet know about Kentucky QB Andre Woodson? They should now after his 30-for-44, 275-yard, four-touchdown performance against Louisville, which included the game-winner. He is also now just 14 interception-free attempts shy of the NCAA record (271).
Last game: Beat Louisville, 40-34.
Next game: Saturday at Arkansas.
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