ZN's College Football Top 25 :: Pre-Preseason 2008

Now that spring practice is long gone and signing day a distant memory, we’re finally getting our first good look at the teams going into 2008. Stocks have risen and fallen, some up like a rocket and some down with a thud. It pains me to say this, but on paper, the SEC should retain its top conference reputation. I’d follow that closely by the Big XII, and then the Big Ten. It’s not the usual landscape we’ve been used to, with teams like Kansas, Missouri up top, and Illinois and Pitt bringing back old memories. 2008 should be a very fun year for college football. At least, I think it will be.

Rank. Team (Last Week), [Record will go here during season] – Comment on each team.

1. Georgia (1) – I’m sticking to my guns. Georgia returns a great core of elite players like Stafford, Moreno and that top-notch defense.
2. Oklahoma (7) – I know the Sooners bombed in the bowl, but I think this year will be special in Norman. The Big XII Championship Game will be must-see TV.
3. Kansas (3) – Kansas’ defense was the real star in 2007, but even with some losses, the offense will be even better in 2008.
4. Florida (11) – The only reason I didn’t put Florida at No. 1 is because I think Georgia will win the conference and play in the title game. But if the Gators beat UGA, Florida fans can book tickets to Miami.
5. Missouri (4) – The Tigers were royally screwed out of a BCS bid (ala Wisconsin 2006), and could take home the North title again this year. But I’m giving the early edge to KU in 2008.
6. Ohio State (5) – Too low? Ok, Buckeyes prove me wrong. The only way the Big Ten champ plays in the title game is by going undefeated. I don’t see that happening in 2008.
7. USC (6) – Similar to the Big Ten, if the Pac-10 champ loses even one game, they’re out of the title hunt. But you can switch OSU/USC based on the winner of their September match up.
8. Auburn (16) – I’m riding the Tiger wave right now. Seeing Auburn’s new spread look, combined with Tommy Tuberville’s very underrated coaching, gives me reason to peg this team as the SEC West champ.
9. West Virginia (3) – The Mountaineers could win 11 games, and still end up this low. But I’m not going to count them out yet. This ranking will depend heavily on how tough the Big East is in 2008.
10. Penn State (10) – I told you I wasn’t moving the Lions from this spot. The No. 10 ranking in college football is sort of tricky, as that team will be assumed to be in the BCS picture. PSU will be the second-best Big Ten team, and land a second BCS bid for the conference.
11. BYU (15) – This team came within a hair of the BCS in 2007, and with so much returning, there’s no reason to think the Cougars can’t do much more in 2008.
12. LSU (12) – Talk about a big step back. I know, SEC fans will freak, but come on. Someone has to win the West, and it won’t be LSU.
13. Arizona State (18) – Arizona State only goes this high because Dennis Erickson is the coach. Pull off one huge upset, like USC, and this will be the darling team for 2008.
14. Texas Tech (19) – Some people actually have the Red Raiders going to the BCS. It’s not that they can’t, but the Oklahoma win last year was against a depleted Sooner team. Tech won’t do that again.
15. Wisconsin (17) – This team has the potential to win 10 regular-season games, but will most likely wind up losing one it’s not supposed to. This will look more like the Ron Dayne Badgers of old.
16. Virginia Tech (8) – I dropped the Hokies because they’ll need some consistency before moving back up in the rankings. I really like Sean Glennon, but the losses on defense will hurt.
17. Texas (9) – Everyone’s jumping off the Longhorns bandwagon, and I’m one of them. Colt McCoy will have a fantastic season, but the team as a whole doesn’t have what it needs to return to the elite in 2008.
18. Clemson (NR) – With the best running back tandem in football, and a killer (well, for the ACC) defense, the Tigers will turn some heads by November. This might not be the Tommy Bowden teams we’re used to.
19. Oregon State (21) – After listening to Oregon State fans bash me for the last month, I’m beginning to come around to the Beavers. They’ll still have to deal with a rough schedule from start to finish, but should win their bowl and reach eight victories.
20. Pittsburgh (23) – One big upset will get you far in college football, and the Panthers’ win over West Virginia did just that. If Pitt plays like it did in that game, look for a really big jump in the 2008 win column.
21. Illinois (25) – I’m not so sure I’m comfortable with this pick. The Illini lose a lot on both sides of the ball, and the recruiting classes haven’t yet added enough depth to sustain eight- or nine-win seasons.
22. Tennessee (14) – Playing in the SEC never hurts the media’s perception of a team, and the Vols will benefit from playing in the East. Don’t expect a huge year in 2008, but it won’t be like the meltdown of 2005.
23. Mississippi St. (24) – Sly Croom finally turned it around for the Bulldogs. There are some really good players coming back, and this program wants to prove 2007 wasn’t a fluke.
24. Boston College (13) – Some leave, some return for the Eagles. Although I don’t envision any No. 2 rankings for 2008, I do see this program sustaining its long run of winning seasons.
25. Michigan State (NR) – This is sort of my wildcard pick. Mark D’Antonio is a great motivator, and all his teams play like Rocky Balboa losing to Apollo Creed. I’m calling for one big upset in 2008 to launch the Spartans into a new era in East Lansing.

Dropped Out:

Michigan (20) – Poor, poor Michigan. This program has enjoyed continued success for 40 years. They knew it would come to an end sometime, and 2008 is it. They won’t implode like PSU in ’03 or Notre Dame in ’07, but a losing season is more than possible.

On the Cusp:

South Carolina (NR) – This is Steve Spurrier’s program finally, and he knows how to run a winner. If things fall right for the ‘Cocks, this could be the surprise team in the SEC East.
California (NR) – When Cal is ranked too low, they perform well. The Bears are better than a non-ranked team, but they’re also a team that can’t win when it has to. This is one of those “prove it” teams for 2008.
Rutgers (NR) – Even with Ray Rice gone, the offense will run on all cylinders in 2008. And with the elite recruits pouring into New Brunswick, the Knights are here to stay.
Utah (NR) – I don’t see the Utes beating BYU this year, and could very well drop one or two more. Unfortunately for a non-BCS team, three losses won’t get you ranked.
Oregon (NR) – The Ducks won’t be the killers they were last season, but there’s talent waiting in the wings to fill in for departed stars.

Previous Rankings:
Jan. 10, 2008

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ZN's Waaayyy too early 2008 Preseason Top 25

Is the Big XII North back? Will the SEC use one good team again as the basis for their “we’re the best” argument? Can the Big Ten rebound from its bad luck? And what will USC do in 2008?

Let’s assume the players who have a good chance at leaving for the NFL do just that. McFadden, Rice, Arrington, Smith and other are near locks. Also, with Ryan Mallet transferring, and Michigan not sure if it’ll get Pryor, that ranking isn’t very solid across the board. So take into account those different possibilities and things like them, when going down the top 25.

Rank. Team (ZN Final Top 25 Rank, ‘07), Record ’07 – Short comment on each team.

1. Georgia (4), 11-2 – There’s not a more talented team in 2008, with this many returning starters.
2. Kansas (3), 12-1 – Smart football should result in another run for the BCS, or at least the Big XII.
3. West Virgina, 11-2 (2) – This could be a bit high, considering a new coach and all, but I have a feeling there’ll be no drop off in ’08.
4. Missouri (5), 12-2 – With a strong returning core, the Tigers will be the team to beat in the Big XII North.
5. Ohio State (6), 11-2 – Remember, ’07 was supposed to be the reloading year; now, the Bucks are even more experienced.
6. USC, 11-2 (7) – The loss of Booty will hurt, but ’07 was supposed to be USC’s year until injuries struck.
7. Oklahoma (13), 11-3 – The Sooners were healthy for the bowl, so there was no excuse for losing, except experience, which they’ll have in ’08.
8. Virginia Tech (10), 11-3 – I don’t have a good feeling about this one; but you never know what Frank Beamer will pull from his hat.
9. Texas, 10-3 (8) – This year’s Red River Shootout will be the best since Vince Young and Adrian Peterson.
10. Penn State, 9-4 (17) – NO, I’m not being biased. If you do your research, this Lions team loses only three starters.
11. Florida, 9-4 (20) – It could be a huge rebound year for the Gators, if Tebow stays healthy.
12. LSU (1), 12-2 – This was the best team, when healthy, in ’07; but it loses so many key starters.
13. Boston College, 11-3 (9) – Losing Matt Ryan is never a sign of improvement.
14. Tennessee, 10-4 (11) – Imagine if Ryan Mallet goes to the Vols? Another, “pretty good” season in ’08.
15. BYU, 11-2 (12) – This team was very close to a BCS bid in ’07; look for another run in ’08.
16. Auburn, 9-4 (19) – The Tigers have a lot a great young stars waiting in the wings, and showed some of their stuff in the bowl win.
17. Wisconsin, 9-4 (23) – I don’t know if losing Tyler Donovan is a good or bad thing.
18. Arizona State, 10-3 (25) – Dennis Erickson is an absolute genius; Rudy Carpenter will be a senior in ’08, scary stuff.
19. Texas Tech, 9-4 (NR) – The Raiders are one of those teams that always comes up with a big win or two, but never enough; Graham Harrell boosts the ranking.
20. Michigan, 9-4 (14) – This may even be to high, considering Manningham, Arrington and Mallet are as good as gone.
21. Oregon State, 9-4 (22) – The loss of Bernard will hurt, but there are very good players to fill in on what will be an underrated Beavers team.
22. UConn, 9-4 (NR) – Big East, Shmig East; this Huskies team will have some bite in ’08 with so many returning stars.
23. Pittsburgh, 5-7 (NR) – This will be the only team that had a losing record in ’07, that has a legitimate chance of entering ’08 ranked.
24. Mississippi State, 8-5 (NR) – Croom’s boys finally turned the corner, and should contend for the top 25 right way in ’08.
25. Illinois (16), 9-4 – While the BCS will be out of the question in ’08, the talent is there for another nice bowl game.

Dropped out from the final 2007 rankings:

Clemson, 9-4 (24) – Losses in the running game, and a penchant for being good but not great will hurt the Tigers again in ’08.
Virginia, 9-4 (21) – The Cavs will flirt with the top 25 all season in ’08.
Cincinnati, 10-3 (18) – Great story in ’07, but won’t have the same type of dream season in ’08.
Hawai’i (15), 12-1 – Watch for the Warriors to fall of the planet after the loss of Brennan and Jones.

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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.

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On the ZN docket

What's coming to Zombie Nation the next two weeks:

-A preview of the OSU/LSU game.
-Top Heisman contenders for 2008.
-Waayyy too early top 25.
-Evaluation of PSU's football recruiting class.
-"Swingin' for the bleachers" predictions for 2008.

And with timeout, we'll take one, too. Don't go anywhere, there's still a lot of football left, here in Zombie Nation.

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ZN Top 25: Week 14 (End of Regular Season)

I still don't believe LSU is worthy of the title game. I'd rather see OU vs. OSU.

1. Ohio State (LW: 2), 11-1 - Look, the Big Ten is only "down" because the media and the other conferences say it is; if "every week of the regular season is a playoff," then OSU would be the No. 1 seed.
2. Oklahoma (9), 11-2 - Sorry, but this is the best, most talented team in the nation right now; when QB Bradford and the RBs are rolling, there's nothing that can stop the Sooners.
3. Kansas (4), 11-1 - Again, if the season is the playoff, this team would get a high seed with only one loss.
4. Georgia (6), 10-2 - Yes, this is the "hot" team, but I don't like that excuse for rankings.
5. Virginia Tech (5), 11-2 - This is a different team than the one that got blown out by LSU in September; killing a BC team that barely won earlier is good redemption.
6. Hawai'i (7), 12-0 - If this were the pre-BCS days, the Warriors could actually have a shot at being voted National Champion if they beat UGA.
7. Missouri (1), 11-2 - I know, this is a far drop, considering how good Oklahoma really is, but they should have put up more of a fight.
8. Illinois (8), 9-3 - So the Ilini had one bad loss to Iowa; but USC lost to Stanford and Oklahoma lost to Colorado.
9. LSU (12), 11-2 - This team is NOT THAT GREAT; if losing Glenn Dorsey caused the Tiger defense to give up a ton of points, then they're not as good as we thought.
10. Florida, 9-3 (10) - Tim Tebow is this whole team, so as long as he's not hurt, the Gators can beat almost anyone.
11. Boston College, 10-3 (11) - Did anyone really think BC would go the distance? OK, I did; still a great year for the Eagles.
12. West Virgina, 10-2 (3) - Wow, way to choke away a national championship berth; that was one of the worst late losses of all time.
13. Virginia, 9-3 (13) - Even with the losses on defense, this team has a scary number of returning starters in 2008.
14. Tennessee, 9-4 (16) - If only Eric Ainge could have that pick-6 back.
15. BYU, 10-2 (15) - Beat UCLA and every forgets about the loss earlier.
16. USC, 10-2 (14) - Stanford, plain and simple.
17. Clemson, 9-3 (17) - Another above average season for the Tigers.
18. Arizona State, 10-2 (18) - This team had BCS written all over it, but then it fell asleep against USC; is the Holiday Bowl really that bad?
19. Cincinnati, 9-3 (19) - Great season for Brian Kelly & Co.; now it's really showtime, with a 10-win season within reach.
20. Texas, 9-3 (21) - That was a pretty poor showing against A&M; but I guess 'Horns fans can feel comfy again in San Diego.
21. Penn State, 8-4 (22) - Injuries have decimated this team, but they still beat...
22. Wisconsin, 9-3 (23) - ...the Badgers by 31; can Wisky make it three in a row against the SEC on New Years Day?
23. Boise State, 10-2 (24) - So the loss to Washington was bad, but 10 wins is always good.
24. Oregon State, 8-4 (NR) - While not that impressive, considering Dennis Dixon was out, the win at Autzen Stadium will boost this team through the post season.
25. Connecticut, 9-3 (25) - Fighting for a BCS bowl late is enough for the Huskies to thump their chests.

Dropped Out:
Oregon (20), 8-4 - I don't care who you are, if you play in Autzen Stadium, the home team should win--that would be you, Ducks!

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ZN Top 25: Week 13

This is it, the final weekend of regular-season college football.

1. Missouri (LW: 3) Would you want your team to face the Tigers?
2. Ohio State (4) The Buckeyes' loss to Illinois is better than...
3. West Virgina (5) The Mountaineers' loss to South Florida.
4. Kansas (1) This is still a great team that will, unfortunately, win nothing more than a bowl game this season.
5. Virginia Tech (6) Frank Beamer's finally got an offense to go along with his special teams and defense.
6. Georgia (8) The best team in a "down" year for the SEC. Yes, I said it.
7. Hawai'i (13) Week after week, still undefeated.
8. Illinois (12) If the Illini defeated any team ranked above them, would it really be an upset?
9. Oklahoma (11) This team is amazing when healthy, but take away their skill players and they're doomed.
10. Florida (14) Then you wonder how this team lost three games.
11. Boston College (15) Isn't it great that two former Big East teams will play for the ACC title?
12. LSU (2) Over-rated! (clap1 clap! clap clap clap!) A team should never be ranked No. 1 just because they're in the SEC.
13. Virginia (9) Still a great turnaround season for the Cavaliers, and 10 wins are certainly possible.
14. USC (17) OK, so you beat up on a good Sun Devils team. You want a freaking medal?
15. BYU (20) The Cougars are sliding up the rankings, completely under the radar... again.
16. Tennessee (NR) The win over UK might have just allowed Phil Fulmer to save his job in the SEC title game.
17. Clemson (23) Good game, but the Tigers, again, fell short of their potential.
18. Arizona State (7) No one in Tempe should be upset, this was a great resurgent year under Erickson.
19. Cincinnati (22) The Bearcats' three losses were by a combined 16 points this season.
20. Oregon (10) This team was toast after Dixon went down, good luck in the bowl game.
21. Texas (16) You never want to be the last team a coach beats, especially when that coach is alread fired when he beats you.
22. Penn State (24) I have nothing to base this ranking on other than that I still believe PSU is one of the 25 best teams in the nation.
23. Wisconsin (25) No way do I rank the Badgers ahead of PSU, after getting smashed 38-7.
24. Boise State (19) Don't feel bad Broncoes, no other team beat Hawai'i either.
25. Connecticut (18) A nice bowl win will make everyone forget about getting pantsed by WVU.

Dropped Out:
Texas Tech (21) Winning seasons are about all you can expect from a program like this, so with that: another good job by Mike Leach.

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ZN Top 25: Week 11

What a great weekend for PSU fans. Sure, while it would have been nice for OSU to go and win a National Championship, I couldn’t help but revel in the fact that both OSU and Michigan lost on the same day. Too bad they can’t do that again when they face off in Ann Arbor this weekend.

1. Oklahoma (3) - There’s no way anyone can say which team is definitely No. 1. So, I’m just going with OU this week.
2. Oregon (2) - Didn’t play, but can make one last statement against OSU. For UO’s sake, it better be a blowout.
3. LSU (4) - Like OU, there’s not much more to prove until the conference championship games.
4. Kansas (6) - Even though this is probably the best run team in the nation, I’m not yet ready to put them up there. KU vs. Mizzou will mean more than ever.
5. Ohio State (1) - OK, so one loss by 7 points; not bad, except for the fact that it was at the ‘Shoe, on senior day. Pathetic.
6. Missouri (8) - Watch this match up with KU, with two of the best QBs in the nation in Chase Daniel and Todd Reesing.
7. West Virgina (5) - A big sluggish, which will hurt the ‘Neers when it comes to the bowl picture. UConn could be tricky, but WVU will pull another win.
8. Arizona State (9) - This is a fun team to watch, and if it can win out should lock up a BCS berth.
9. Virginia Tech (11) - Wow, where did that VT offense come from? I mean, really, 40 points against FSU? Nice job.
10. Georgia (12) - I don’t know, but don’t you think UGA would love to have that Tennessee loss back right about now?
11. Virginia (18) - Talk about taking UM to the woodshed, the VT/UVA rivalry just got A LOT more interesting.
12. Florida (16) - I just don’t understand why UF is still so high in the polls. Beating SC four weeks ago would have been impressive, but you don’t get credit for beating “used to be” teams.
13. Hawai'i (14) - Again, undefeated.
14. Illinois (NR) - I don’t feel so bad now knowing PSU lost to Illinois, but it just thrust Ron Zook back into the national spotlight, this time, in a positive way.
15. Penn State (20) - OK, yeah and? PSU should have beaten Temple that way, nothing super here.
16. Texas (17) - That was a lot of points to give up, even against TT.
17. USC (19) - Like UF’s win over SC, the Trojans’ win over a shell of a Cal team doesn’t carry as much weight now.
18. Boston College (7) - It must be “East Coast Choke” year in college football.
19. Clemson (24) - Creepin’ and crawlin’ towards the ACC championship game.
20. Cincinnati (25) - I know I’m to blame also, but why isn’t this team getting more respect nationally?
21. Kentucky (21) - That win wasn’t too impressive; after all, this is the only team to beat LSU.
22. Tennessee (NR) - Shutting down Darren McFadden warrants praise, regardless of how up and down this team is.
23. Wisconsin (NR) - Without its best players, UW still gave it to UM.
24. Connecticut (10) - It can redeem itself against WVU, but I just don’t see that happening.
25. Michigan (13) - I don’t care how many players are out; the defense was intact and still sucked. Don’t count on UM pulling an upset this week, because this defense isn’t nearly as good as Illinois’ was against OSU.

Dropped Out:
Alabama (22) - I realize the game was away, and no one expected a miracle ASAP from Nick Saban, but come on. Playing that flat will always lose games.
Auburn (23) - I really thought this team could bounce back and make some New Years noise. Guess not.

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ZN Top 25: Week 9

For what seems like the first time ever, I'm actually more upset with the PSU defense than the PSU offense. So, in the spirit of this week's loss, at home, in front of a jacked up crowd, on a national telecast, I'm going to put forth a lackluster effort in this week's ZN Top 25 Rankings. I'm going to give it a half-assed job this week, just like Tom Bradley's defensive playcalling. I ranked PSU lower than Wisconsin, more out of spite than team talent. Obviously, PSU waxed the Badgers, so I think PSU should be around 24-25 in the AP and Coaches polls. This just shows how flawed the poll system is in college football.

1. Ohio State (LW: 1) - PSU might be a bit overrated, but that's what OSU should have done if it's really the No. 1 team.
2. Boston College (2) - Great "Flutie" moment; a bad win, though.
3. Oklahoma (3) - OU will have plenty of chances to prove its BCS worth in coming weeks.
4. LSU (4) - I really think this team is overrated; many disagree, but it did lose, and how many more were too close for comfort. I'm just saying that this team isn't the world-beater it was made out to be.
5. West Virgina (5) - Watch out fellow BCS conferences, WVU could land itself in the title game.
6. Oregon (7) - When was the last time a Pac-10 team was this hot?
7. Arizona State (6) - Oh yeah, never.
8. Kansas (10) - I really like this team to win out, but then get crushed by OU in the Big XII title game.
9. Missouri (9) - This program has been known for its late-season breakdowns; but that may not happen this season.
10. Georgia (23) - This team is really scary; if it only played like that from day one, it'd be on a collision course with the championship game.
11. Michigan (16) - UM is only this high because so many other teams suck so bad.
12. Florida (8) - Do you think UF fans are getting antsy?
13. Hawai'i (15) - Another team that moved up by default.
14. Connecticut (NR) - UConn won't win the Big East, but it will scare a lot of people right up until the end.
15. Boise State (NR) - It was only a matter of time before I came around and ranked the Broncos up here.
16. Virginia Tech (13) - How could the Hokies prevent Matt Ryan's destiny? They couldn't, that's why it's called destiny.
17. USF (11) - Wow, what a turn for the worse; three weeks ago, everyone had this as the darkhorse national title team, now, they may not even win the conference.
18. Alabama (18) - This week against LSU will be the same as PSU vs. OSU; Bama has its entire season on the line right now.
19. Texas (NR) - I still don't like how this team is performing; I thought Colt McCoy was supposed to make people forget about Vince Young.
20. Kentucky (12) - Talk about falling flat on your face; if Rich Brooks doesn't get his team out of bed right now, they better start packing for the Music City Bowl.
21. Wake Forest (NR) - Very quietly, the Demon Deacons have crept back into the conference race; will anyone else notice before it's too late?
22. Wisconsin (22) - I don't like ranking the Badgers here, but you'll find out why in a minute.
23. USC (17) - I am so tempted to completely rid my Top-25 of the Trojans; but a loss to a great team is not as bad as losing to Stanford in LA.
24. Auburn (24) - That USF loss isn't so excusable now; a nice rest this week should help the Tiger's team health.
25. Tennessee (NR) - OK, so the Vols beat USC; just remember how close they were to giving a major choke job.

Dropped Out:
Virginia (14) - That loss to NCSU is inexcusable; if this team is truly a championship caliber squad, it would have won, hands down.
California (19) - The bears are falling faster than George Bush's approval rating.
Penn State (20) - This is really more out of spite than anything; PSU looked pathetic at home.
South Carolina (21) - This team got just a bit too hyped; but it's still a growing program.
Cincinnati (25) - Nice story for a while; getting to a bowl is a great accomplishment and a testament to Brian Kelly's abilities.

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ZN Top 25: Week 8

For us Penn State fans, this week will mean the entire season. Let's do it fellas!

1. Ohio State (LW: 1) - The Buckeyes have beaten up on posers; OSU hasn't lost a regular-season game since it lost at PSU in 2005.
2. Boston College (3) - This team has been on the edge all year; if BC and QB Ryan can beat VT, he could punch his ticket to NYC.
3. Oklahoma (4) - Is anyone else thinking this team could end up in New Orleans? Even though it almost crapped out at ISU.
4. LSU (5) - Funny how things work: LSU beat AU, who beat UF, who beat UK, who beat LSU. Weird.
5. West Virgina (9) - Talk about a back-in conference title; not yet though, as RU has it out for last year's WVU win.
6. Arizona State (6) - This team will probably lose to USC, just to piss everyone off.
7. Oregon (11) - If UO beats USC, people will be singing in the streets.
8. Florida (12) - This team did lose two games; but they're still pretty darn good.
9. Missouri (13) - That was a win to propel Mizzou to the conference championship; got to get by KU first.
10. Kansas (15) No one thought KU would be undefeated at this point; the CU win was good enough to jump into the top-10.
11. USF (2) - Is the Cinderella ride over? Not quite.
12. Kentucky (8) - UK could end up being last year's Wisconsin.
13. Virginia Tech (14) - Still... not... sold; beat BC and this is a top-10 team.
14. Virginia (20) - UVA barely lost its first game; and barely won the rest.
15. Hawai'i (17) - Way too one-dimensional.
16. Michigan (22) - I hate ranking UM at all; but, sort of have to at this point.
17. USC (NR) - They're down here because, frankly, losing to Stanford is worse than losing to UO and App. St.
18. Alabama (NR) - This looks like a great 8-win team.
19. California (10) - Losing to the team that lost to ND is baaad.
20. Penn State (21) - If anyone didn't watch this game, you missed a doosie.
21. South Carolina (7) - We shouldn't be too surprised; Vandy almost beat UGA.
22. Wisconsin (24) - Ooo, big man beating up on the little runt; so you think you're tough now UW?
23. Georgia (23) - This team is so blah; sorry, nothing better to say this week about the Dawgs.
24. Auburn (18) - So... freaking... close; but no cigar.
25. Cincinnati (19) - Getting to a bowl is something to be proud of; doing it the way Cincy has is even better.

Dropped Out:
Texas Tech (16) - See? Running the ball, and playing a little defense can actually help you win.
Illinois (25) - This team couldn't handle the spotlight; had UM on the ropes, but failed to go for the kill.

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