Back online...season's changed a bit....

As some readers know, I am the editor of the Elk Grove Citizen and my main responsibilities are on the news side of things. That means the election, and trust me, it keeps our news reporting staff very busy. Hence, I've not been able to update this as much as I'd liked; between work and personal life it's been busy.

Now that I'm back up and running a bit, things sure have changed on the college landscape. It's safe to say all the Buckeye Haters out there breathed a hugh sigh of relief when Penn State eeked out a 13-6 win in Columbus. No, Ohio State will not likely be in the title game again unless something major and drastic happens - like the entire top 10 losing twice each between now and December. Not really likely.
Texas is on a major roll, and a win at Texas Tech this week solidifies their No. 1 status. The SEC is beating itself up, with either Florida or Georgia being knocked out of the National Title hunt this weekend; and either LSU or Alabama taking a hit the following week. Don't forget the title game, too! BYU lost and lost a shot at a major bowl. TCU could squeak into the BCS. USC has lost some momentum, but has an easy schedule. So, in other words, there is still a lot of football to play.

TOP 10:
1. Texas - clear No. 1.
2. Penn State - I give them a slight nod over the Tide.
3. Alabama - Played lethargic in past few games.
4. Florida - Best 1-loss team by far.
5. Oklahoma State - Barely lost at No. 1, Very good team.
6. Texas Tech - We'll find out this weekend if they're for real.
7. Georgia - Impressive at LSU, not vs. Bama.
8. Oklahoma - Defense is weakness.
9. USC - Losing focus in weak conference.
10. Ohio State - Best two-loss team in nation.

Remember with the BCS bowls, the ACC champ and Big East champ get bids; and if Notre Dame can squeak into the Top 12 BCS rankings by season's end, they're in a BCS bowl. I see West Virginia coming out of the Big East and Florida State in the ACC. My guess is Penn State and OSU will win out; Texas will win out and destroy their opponent in the Big 12 title game; Florida will win the SEC with two losses, knocking it out of the title hunt; USC wins the Pac-10, but loses to Notre Dame. The Broncos of Boise State will go undefeated and play in a BCS bowl. If not the Broncos, then either TCU or Utah. I see the Irish winning out, but that's a huge leap. If ND doesn't get a BCS nod, look for a second SEC team in the mix. Okla. State will not lose the rest of the way, but miss out on the Big 12 title game.

Wild Cards: If Oregon State wins out, it is Pac-10 champ. The reality is, the Big East and ACC are a toss up. It could be Maryland and UConn, who knows? If both Boise State and Utah win out, they'd be undefeated and in the top 12 - guaranteeing BCS bowls. Would they play each other? Or, split off against teams with losses?

Bowl Predictions:
BCS Title Game
Texas v. Penn State
Rose Bowl;
Ohio State v. USC
Orange:
Florida State v. Notre Dame
Fiesta:
Oklahoma State v. Boise State
Sugar:
Florida v. West Virginia

JF