Penn State in the Polls; Shedding Monkeys

Everyone's rankings are out. While many still peg Penn State as the No. 3 team in college football, the gap is closing between Penn State and Alabama for the No. 2 spot in the BCS–a mere 0.024 points separates the Lions and the Tide.

BCS Poll - PSU No. 3 (NC)

USA Today/Coaches Poll - PSU No. 3 (No. 1 votes: 3/61) (NC)

Associated Press (via ESPN) - PSU No. 3 (No. 1 votes: 0/65) (NC)

The Sporting News - PSU No. 3 (NC)

CBS Sportsline - PSU No. 3 (NC)

College Football Poll - PSU No. 2 (NC)

Jeff Sagarin's Rankings - PSU No. 2 (+1)/No. 3 (+5)-"ELO Chess," used in BCS formula

College Football News -

5. Penn State (9-0) (Last Week: 3)
W, at Ohio State 13-6
next game: at Iowa (Nov. 8)
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … the team came up with its best win of the year and falls down two spots?! No matter how it happened, beating Ohio State in Columbus is impressive. The defense was way too quick for the extremely athletic Buckeyes, however ...
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... the offense struggled way too much, and we still don't know if Daryll Clark can play late in tight games. In a one game shot, could the Nittany Lions beat anyone in America? Absolutely. However, the offense needs to prove it can blow up against a good defense.