ZN Top 25: Final

*God, I really hate the BCS.

1. LSU (9), 12-2 – This was the only team allowed to prove itself.
2. West Virgina, 11-2 (12) – Seniors Pat White and Steve Slaton could finally do it in 2008.
3. Kansas (3), 12-1 – Although the Jayhawks should have gotten a shot at the title, I don’t think they could have won it.
4. Georgia (4), 11-2 – Beating up on the weakling won’t prove anything.
5. Missouri (7), 12-2 – This is a much better team than its record indicates.
6. Ohio State (1), 11-2 – Boekman looked like the rookie starter he is.
7. USC, 11-2 (16) – We get it, you’re not that bad.
8. Texas, 10-3 (20) – “Sideline interference” ‘nuff said.
9. Boston College, 11-3 (11) – Longest bowl win streak remains intact, as ugly as this one was.
10. Virginia Tech (5), 11-3 – The initial shell shock effect put the Hokies in a hole that they couldn’t climb out of.
11. Tennessee, 10-4 (14) – The Vols thrive with veteran QBs; they lose a good one in Ainge.
12. BYU, 11-2 (15) – How many times does this team have to win 10 games for it to get BCS consideration?
13. Oklahoma (2), 11-3 – It doesn’t matter how much the offense can do, if the defense never gets off the bus.
14. Michigan, 9-4 (NR) – Personal feelings aside, it was a great showing by the Wolves.
15. Hawai’i (6), 12-1 – Maybe the mid-majors need to rethink their argument for entrance into the BCS.
16. Illinois (8), 9-4 – Talent can’t always make up for experience and composure under pressure.
17. Penn State, 9-4 (21) – Probably the best coaching job by Paterno in recent memory, adjusting to A&M.
18. Cincinnati, 10-3 (19) – Taking a chance on Brian Kelly is paying huge dividends for the program.
19. Auburn, 9-4 (NR) – The Tigers showed a bit of their future in the OT win.
20. Florida, 9-4 (10) – This was the most overrated “team” in the nation; you can’t win with one player.
21. Virginia, 9-4 (13) – A young team, the Cavs should be even better in 2008, even after the choke job in the bowl.
22. Oregon State, 9-4 (24) – The Beavers have emerged as consistent winners
23. Wisconsin, 9-4 (22) – The Badgers looked unprepared for the fierce Vol pass rush.
24. Clemson, 9-4 (17) – “Mediocre (mē'dē-ō'kər) - adj. Moderate to inferior in quality; ordinary; Clemson Tigers.”
25. Arizona State, 10-3 (18) – Way to show up on the big stage, Sun Devils; so much for proving you belonged in the BCS.

Dropped Out:
Boise State, 10-3 (23) – While still a great program, it may have peaked in 2006.
Connecticut, 9-4 (25) – 2007 will still go down as an impressive campaign for the Huskies.