The Collegian ranks college football’s Top 25

By Darrell Copeland III
The Collegian

1.Ohio State (6-0)
Next: at Michigan State
Last week: Won 35-7 over Bowling Green
Can’t wait until Buckeyes host Michigan, who is climbing the polls quickly. Title game trip will be on the line for OSU.

2. USC (5-0)
Next: vs. Arizona State
Last week: Won 26-20 over Washington
Trojans will be happy to get away from the Northwest unscathed after Huskies had a chance to win on the game’s final play.

3. Florida (6-0)
Next: at No. 11 Auburn
Last week: Won 23-10 over No. 14 LSU
Gators backup QB Tim Tebow has Florida fans thinking national title for the next three games. The Gators have a good shot at one this year, too.

4. Michigan (6-0)
Next: at Penn State
Last week: Won 31-13 over Michigan State
Chad Henne is finally playing well, but if star receiver Mario Manningham is out Saturday, an upset is possible.

5. Louisville (5-0)
Next: vs. Cincinnati
Last week: Won 44-17 over Middle Tennessee State
Cardinals aren’t the same team without QB Brian Brohm. Luckily for them, he is expected to return for some action this week.
6. West Virginia (5-0)
Next: vs. Syracuse
Last week: Won 42-14 over Mississippi State
It’s hard to imagine the Mountaineer running attack being able to hold up against better defenses. They’ll need to start passing sooner or later to contend.

7. Texas (5-1)
Next: vs. Baylor
Last week: Won 28-10 over Oklahoma
This is an example of how a defense can carry a team. Offense is coming around, though.

8. Tennessee (5-1)
Next: vs. Alabama
Last week: Won 51-33 over No. 17 Georgia
Vols look like they’ll be in the BCS hunt after all.

9. California (5-1)
Next: at Washington State
Last week: Won 45-24 over No. 18 Oregon
I told you if QB Longshore plays good, then Cal would be good. Now, they’re really good.

10. Notre Dame (5-1)
Next: Oct. 21 vs. UCLA
Last week: Won 31-10 over Stanford
Irish don’t seem as dominant anymore. Regardless, a win is a win.

11. Auburn (5-1)
Next: vs. No. 3 Florida
Last week: Lost 27-10 to No. 22 Arkansas
Tigers just couldn’t stop the big-play makers from the Razorbacks. The offense didn’t perform very well either.

12. Clemson (5-1)
Next: vs. Temple (Thursday)
Last Week: Won 27-17 over Wake Forest
WF quarterback Riley Skinner has a bright future ahead of him. He’s a future star in the making.

13. Iowa (5-1)
Next: at Indiana
Last week: Won 47-17 over Purdue
Only loss came to No. 1 Ohio State. Hawkeyes are still a very good football team.

14. LSU (4-2)
Next: vs. Kentucky
Last week: Lost 23-10 to No. 3 Florida
This team should be embarrassed with its offensive performance.

15. Boise State (6-0)
Next: at New Mexico State
Last week: Won 55-14 over Louisiana Tech
Broncos have the nack for making big plays. What a difference that makes.

16. Virginia Tech (4-1)
Next: at No. 25 Boston College
Last week: Idle
As mentioned previously, Hokies were indeed prime for the upset.

17. Georgia (5-1)
Next: vs. Vanderbilt
Last week: Lost 51-33 to No. 8 Tennessee
Offensive success was a surprise, and so was the defensive letdown.

18. Georgia Tech (5-1)
Next: at No. 12 Clemson
Last week: Won 27-23 over Maryland
Jackets almost looked right past Terps.

19. Oregon (4-1)
Next: vs. UCLA
Last week: Lost 45-24 to No. 9 California
Ducks are still really good, but Bears proved they were just better.

20. Nebraska (5-1)
Next: at Kansas State
Last week: Won 28-14 over Iowa State
Game in Manhattan won’t be a cake walk for Huskers.

21. Arkansas (4-1)
Next: vs. Southeast Missouri State
Last week: Won 41-34 over Hawaii
Finally looking like the surprise team I picked them to be.

22. Missouri (6-0)
Next: at Texas A&M
Last week: Won 38-21 over Texas Tech
Tigers finally beat a real opponent. One more and people will believe.

23. Rutgers (5-0)
Next: at Navy
Last week: Idle
Scarlet Knights will need to be on top of their game.

24. Wisconsin (5-1)
Next: vs. Minnesota
Last week: Won 41-9 over Northwestern
RB P.J. Hill is in the mold of former RB Ron Dayne.

25. Boston College (4-1)
Next: vs. No. 16 Virginia Tech
Last week: Idle
Eagles play well at home, and Hokies are coming off a loss.

Others receiving thought: Washington, Florida State, UCLA, Penn State, Wake Forest, BYU

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