The Collegian ranks college football's Top 25

By Darrell Copeland III
The Collegian

1.Ohio State (7-0)
Next: vs. Indiana
Last week: Won 38-7 over Michigan State
Every game is a tune-up before the big match-up with the Wolverines. Hoosiers will not be tougher than expected.

2. USC (6-0)
Next: Oct. 28 at Oregon State
Last week: Won 28-21 over Arizona State
Trojans have won by no more than seven points in each of their last three games. The Beavers always play them tough.

3. Michigan (7-0)
Next: vs. Iowa
Last week: Won 17-10 over Penn State
Wolverines are in the same boat as the Buckeyes — except each game is a tune-up for Ohio State.

4. West Virginia (6-0)
Next: at Connecticut
Last week: Won 41-17 over Syracuse
Maybe they don’t need to pass after all. Quarterback Pat White may be stealing Heisman votes from teammate Steve Slaton.

5. Louisville (6-0)
Next: at Syracuse
Last week: Won 23-17 over Cincinnati
It’s come to the point where the Cardinals need QB Brian Brohm back, rather than a hope.

6. Auburn (6-1)
Next: vs. Tulane
Last week: Won 27-17 over No. 8 Florida
Win over Gators came as a bit of a surprise, but win puts them right back in the mix for one of the four big BCS bowl games. Tigers offense needs to stay on its game in order to win the big games.

7. Texas (6-1)
Next: at No. 17 Nebraska
Last week: Won 63-31 over Baylor
Longhorns slowly climbing back into top five.

8. Florida (6-1)
Next: Oct. 28 vs. Georgia
Last week: Lost 27-17 to No. 6 Auburn
Perhaps idea of rotating QB’s has reached its breaking point. Will it be Leak or Tebow?

9. Tennessee (5-1)
Next: vs. Alabama
Last week: Idle
Where are the Phi Fulmer opposers now? Volunteers have quited critics with big wins. Their only loss was by one point to Florida.

10. California (6-1)
Next: vs. Washington
Last week: Won 21-3 over Washington State
It’s getting to the point where game against Trojans will be a pick ’em game. Bears are getting really good.

11. Notre Dame (5-1)
Next: vs. UCLA
Last week: Idle
Irish opponents may be giving them a free ride to the top 10.

12. Clemson (5-1)
Next: vs. No. 15 Georgia Tech
Last Week: Won 63-9 over Temple
Clemson has failed to play up to opponents in games just like this.

13. LSU (5-2)
Next: vs. FRESNO STATE
Last week: Won 49-0 over Kentucky
Bulldogs will come through with a USC-like performance in Baton Rouge.

14. Boise State (6-0)
Next: at Idaho
Last week: Won 40-28 over New Mexico State
Broncos are a Fresno State clone that can actually execute.

15. Georgia Tech (5-1)
Next: at No. 12 Clemson
Last week: Idle
Game versus Clemson is probably game of the week.

16. Oregon (5-1)
Next: at Washington State
Last week: Won 30-20 over UCLA
Maybe win over Bruins will give Ducks the boost of confidence it needed after loss to Cal.

17. Nebraska (6-1)
Next: vs. No. 7 Texas
Last week: Won 21-3 over Kansas State
The do or die game for Huskers has finally arrived. A win gives them much respect.

18. Arkansas (5-1)
Next: vs. Ole Miss
Last week: Won 63-7 over Southeast Missouri State
Razorbacks may as well have had a bye week.

19. Wisconsin (6-1)
Next: at Purdue
Last week: Won 48-12 over Minnesota
Badger running game has proved too much for recent opponents. Defense has performed admirably as well.

20. Rutgers (6-0)
Next: at No. 25 Pittsburgh
Last week: Won 34-0 over Navy
Blowout, not win over Navy was a surprise. Despite the ranking, Panthers will be the favorite in this game.

21. Boston College (5-1)
Next: at Florida State
Last week: Won 22-3 over Virginia Tech
Seminoles have been out of the spotlight of late, and a win over B.C. will put them back in it.

22. Oklahoma (4-2)
Next: vs. Colorado
Last week: Won 34-9 over Iowa State
With RB Adrian Peterson out, it will be tough for Sooners to maintain winning momentum.

23. Texas A&M (6-1)
Next: at Oklahoma State
Last week: Won 25-19 over No. 24 Missouri
Aggies have been a very solid and consistent team this season, and win over Missouri came at right time.

24. Missouri (6-1)
Next: vs. Mississippi State
Last week: Lost 25-19 to No. 23 Texas A&M
Tigers lucky to still be in top 25 after loss. A loss this week may keep they out for the rest of the year.

25. Pittsburgh (5-1)
Next: vs. No. 20 Rutgers
Last week: Won 52-7 over UCF
Panthers offense finally has ball rolling in right direction.

Others receiving thought: Georgia, Iowa, Wake Forest, Florida State, Alabama, Virginia Tech, Hawaii

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