Power 12: The Final Edition... Ever

"What?? No more Power 12's?" That's right. This is the final one. The last one you'll ever see. Never again will you see a poll on this blog that ranks the 12 best teams. The Power 12 is OVER.

Because starting next season, this will become THE POWER 13. As I said in the original edition of the power 12, the number 12 came from the number of Alabama National Championships. That number is now 13. So next year that's what the number will be.

1.) Alabama
2.) Florida
3.) Texas
4.) Boise State
5.) Texas Christian
6.) Cincinnati
7.) Ohio State
8.) Iowa
9.) Oregon
10.) Georgia Tech
11.) Virginia Tech
12.) Penn State

Power 12: Midnight for Cinderella

I was 14 years old. Alabama was in the middle of its best run since "Bear" Bryant had retired.

I became a fan since attending the 1990 Sugar Bowl in person: a loss to Miami. Three years later, Alabama turned the tables by stunning the #1-ranked Hurricanes (and Heisman winner Geno Torretta) 34-13 in the 1993 Sugar Bowl. Alabama finished 13-0, and they became the 1992 National Champions. It was my first taste of a championship as a sports fan, and it was sweet.

The next season was one mired with controversy and injury. Quarterback Jay Barker was injured in the Iron Bowl and suffered his first loss. It was a disappointing season.

But the sting wore off in 1994 when Alabama won each of their regular season games. They held off a late drive by Peyton Manning, and edged Tennessee in a nail-biter. They topped undefeated Auburn in the Iron Bowl, handing Terry Bowden his first ever loss as Auburn's coach (it was his 2nd season). So it seemed inevitable that the Tide would roll through the 2-loss Gators in the SEC "Coronation" Game in Atlanta.

But more than my love for that team, I loved its quarterback. Jay Barker was 34-1-1 as a starter. And he didn't even get to finish the game in that one loss because of his injury in that '93 Iron Bowl. He seemed invincible. Even more than that, though, he was an impeccable role model. After throwing for 396 yards in a comeback victory over Georgia, someone shoved a microphone in Barker's face and asked him about the Heisman Trophy. Barker calmly quoted 1st Peter 5:6, and spoke about how he'd struggled with criticisms and trials, but that maybe this was "due time" for him. THAT was my hero! I wanted to be just like that guy. So that's why four days later, on a Wednesday night, I walked down the aisle & gave my life to Jesus.

But then, two months later, when a Jay Barker pass fell to the turf on a 4th down to end the '94 SEC Championship -- a 24-23 loss to the Gators -- I didn't know how to register that. Pure heartache. It is without question my most painful memory as a sports fan.

So I say all that to say this: I know EXACTLY how so many young Gator fans out there feel right now. For them I feel pity. It's tough to watch your hero fall.

BUT, for so many of those kids who came to faith because of Tebow's influence, maybe seeing that your "idol" actually ISN'T God is ultimately a good thing.

Now... for all the spoiled Gator fans my age and older? For them, I feel satisfaction. It's high time they felt what I felt 15 years ago. What I felt again last year, when the Gators ruined undefeated Alabama's championship hopes again. For that cocky group -- people who braggingly told me that their "Titletown" was the REAL T-Town, and proclaimed that McElroy wasn't half the QB Tebow was, and crowed to me how they would crush 'Bama after beating FSU (as if they'd actually done something by putting up 37 points on that Nole defense), and who generally walked around with an entitled swagger just because they root for a good football team -- at those people, I smile. Maybe they'll be less insufferable now. Enjoy your bittersweet Sugar Bowl.

As for Urban Meyer and teary-eyed Tim Tebow? I also smile. "That's so mean! How could you say that, Philip?" Well let me tell you a story that the media has failed to tell for four years now. Meyer has run up the score and called timeouts to rub in big victories. Tim Tebow has flailed his arms, motioned the Gator chomp, and has shown immunity to more unsportsmanlike penalty flags than can be counted. As much as Meyer and Tebow have done to further a cause higher than football, they had also tarnished that cause with their dishonorable antics. Oh yes. That pair has had it coming to them for a LONNNNG time.

Sure, maybe there's a lot of young Gator fans who love Jesus like Tebow. But there's also a lot of young fans who love the other teams that Tebow played, and who bitterly observed the hypocrisy of Tebow & Meyer supposedly living to a classier standard all while ignoring sportsmanship and rubbing losses in other teams' faces.

So it made me grin even wider when Alabama lined up in the victory formation (to kneel the ball) at the end, up 19 points and driving for more, near the goal-line. It was a statement: "Not only are we better than you, but we're also better than you." Unlike the crew on the other sideline, Alabama doesn't have to run up the score to feel good about themselves when the game is already decided.

And for this Alabama team? I can't say enough. I love this team. So many individuals, so many stories. Redemption, perseverance, overcoming adversity: all the elements of great stories are there. They've been a thrill to watch.

Well, enough pontificating. Here are the rankings:

1.) Alabama* : they made it just barely, but Alabama is still the only school to have won an SEC Championship in every decade of the conference's existence.
2.) Texas Christian : the most deserving of a title shot, IMO.
3.) Texas
4.) Florida
5.) Boise State : they beat the Pac-10 champ.
6.) Cincinnati
7.) Oregon*
8.) Georgia Tech*
9.) Ohio State
10.) Virginia Tech
11.) LSU
12.) Iowa

* I feel vindicated for consistently having ranked each of these teams higher than the conventional polls all season long.

Dropped Out: Pitt and Oregon State

Power 12: The Thanksgiving Leftovers Edition

1.) Alabama : poor ol' Alabama... just slogs through another victory... have to go up against the mighty Gators and the Author & Perfecter of the Gators' perfect season, Tim Tebow... I don't even know why they'll bother to show up next week (g)
2.) Florida
3.) Texas
4.) Texas Christian : The Nebraska bandwagon has a bunch of folks in purple on it
5.) Boise State
6.) Cincinnati
--
7.) Oregon
8.) Georgia Tech
9.) Ohio State
10.) Virginia Tech
11.) Pitt
12.) Oregon State

Dropped Out: Ole Miss

Power 12: Rivalry Week Edition

They say throw out the record books for these games. Instead, can we throw out the cliche's? The best teams usually win these games, right? I can name only three times in the last 20 years where the best team going into the Iron Bowl didn't win. It's probably about the same for Florida & Florida State.

Both are dangerous games this year. Both underdogs have just enough offense on their good days to scare you. Both teams will be loose & can throw the kitchen sink at their rival in terms of tricks. But also, both have a penchant for beating themselves. Should be good games.

1.) Alabama
2.) Florida
3.) Texas
4.) Texas Christian
5.) Georgia Tech
6.) Boise State
7.) Cincinnati
8.) Pittsburgh
--
9.) Oregon
10.) Ohio State
11.) Ole Miss
12.) Virginia Tech/Clemson : couldn't decide

Dropped Out: LSwho?

Power 12: The 'This is Getting Boring' Edition

Survive & advance. It's a 12- or 13-game playoff, and you just gotta keep showing up and winning every one of them.

Blah blah blah.

The top teams keep on grinding out victories: some of them tough & hard-earned, some of them comfortable. And of that top echelon, the NCAA appears very top-heavy this season. It's been a somewhat boring season this year (aside from the September upheval) because there aren't any earth-jarring upsets that shake-up the top of the rankings & foretell BCS doomsday scenarios. We've still got undefeated teams galore, and some very Championship-worthy one-loss teams.

1.) Alabama : defense dominated the Dan Mullen Spread. Hmmmm...
2.) Florida : the OBC made them sweat. But Florida's killer instinct is impressive.
3.) Texas
4.) Texas Christian
5.) Georgia Tech
6.) Boise State
7.) Cincinnati
8.) Pittsburgh
--
9.) LSU
10.) Stanford : 3 losses, but they rolled up 50+ points in back-to-back weeks against the Mighty Ducks & the Men of Troy. They're playing as well or better than any of the other also-rans.
11.) Oregon
12.) Ohio State

Dropped Out: Iowa and Miami

Power 12: The 'Welcome Back Julio' Edition

I almost called it the flip-flop edition, because we've got a shake-up at the top.

1.) Alabama
Here's the best way I can describe this team: they're the most complete football team that still has yet to play a complete football game. And yet, they keep winning. Woe unto the team that has to face Alabama when they put it all together.

And the reason I decided to bump them up to #1 here is that, after giving this a lot of thought, I think that the Tide match-up well with the Gators. That, and the Tide have been looking forward to a re-match ever since the tussle in Atlanta last December. I think 'Bama will want it more. So I think Alabama is going to win that game. Thus the flip-flop: it wouldn't make sense for me to keep leaving the Tide below the Gators in these rankings when I actually think Alabama will win the game head-to-head.

2.) Florida : not only am I bumping them down, but I'm putting the Gators on upset alert. In their SIXTH straight SEC game, they have to go face the old ballcoach up in Columbia. Look out Gators.
3.) Texas : they have the easiest road to the BCS Championship Game.
4.) Texas Christian : crossing their fingers for a Longhorns loss.
5.) Boise State : their win at Oregon looks less impressive after the Ducks' 2nd loss.
6.) Georgia Tech : of all the potential BCS Championship Game match-ups, this one would scare me the most. I want no part with the Wramblin' Wreck. NONE.
7.) Cincinnati
8.) Pittsburgh
9.) LSU : they've only lost to the two best teams in the country.
10.) Oregon
--
11.) Iowa
12.) Miami

Dropped Out: Penn State

Power 12: The All Saints Day Edition

... because technically Halloween is over.

Not as much separation between those top 2 teams and the rest of the field now. I could see any of the top 10 teams playing for a National Championship. Those top 2 teams have been playing like they're feeling the pressure of an undefeated record. And the November slate looks tough for both of them.

1a.) Florida
1b.) Alabama : folks talk about how other teams' wins are more impressive or stylish. But there's a lot to be said for just winning. Especially in the SEC. Even with 4 BCS Champions this decade, Alabama did something last week that only one other team has done in the SEC this decade: win 5 conference games in a row. This is why the SEC gets the respect it does: because you take a physical pounding week in and week out, and it's most rare to come away with W's in all those games. You don't get to play cupcakes every other week like in the other conferences. So if you can survive the gauntlet & keep advancing, then frankly you're one of the nation's elite teams.

3.) Texas
4.) Boise State : they have the BEST win of anyone in the country. I wonder if anyone besides this silly little poll will give them any credit for it.
5.) Oregon : I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you that the Power 12 had Oregon ranked higher than USC ever since September 27th.
6.) Iowa
7.) Texas Christian : only because they play better defense than the #8 team.
8.) Georgia Tech : I do love watching that offense.
9.) Cincinnati
10.) LSU : as low-ranked as they are, it's incredible to think that they control their own destiny to make it to the National Championship game if they win out. Of course, that would mean beating Alabama, Ole Miss, Arkansas, and Florida. Tall task.
--
11.) Pittsburgh : best football team in Pennsylvania?
12.) Penn State

Dropped Out: Virginia Tech and USC

Power 12: The Birthday Heart Attack Edition

Written Saturday night: I still don't know how to process the 'Bama/Tennessee game. I feel like I just missed getting T-boned by a semi in an intersection. And I can't figure out how or why I'm still alive. I don't know. I don't know what you do after that.

Written Sunday morning: I guess you go live your life to the fullest, right? You go win a championship. Alabama is still alive. Something tells me that could be bad news for the rest of the teams left on the schedule.

1a.) Florida : must be nice having so many referee calls go your way
1b.) Alabama : if ever a football team needed a bye week
--
3.) Texas
4.) Boise State
--
5.) Iowa
6.) Oregon
7.) USC
8.) Georgia Tech
9.) Cincinnati
10.) TCU : Okay, Horned Frog fans. Here's your ranking.
--
11.) LSU
12.) Virginia Tech

Dropped Out: Miami

Power 12: The 'Just Win, Baby' Edition

You can't win pretty every week. Reality dictates this immutable truth every season in college football. What separates the good teams from the championship teams is the ability to grind out victories even when you don't have your "A" Game. The top 3 did just that this week:

1a.) Florida : they gave Arkansas plenty of chances to win that game. But when they got their one chance to go win it, they took it. Florida may not be as explosive as last season. But they're as tough as ever.

1b.) Alabama : 'Bama hasn't had their "A" game in a month. The reason? Quarterback Greg McElroy is in an October slump. From the 2nd half of the Virginia Tech game through the end of September, McElroy had completed 61 of 81 (75%) of his passes for a little over 900 yards. However, in three games in October, he's 40 of 80 (50%) for a little under 400 yards. Look for Alabama to scheme their way into helping their QB regain his confidence next week vs. Tennessee.

And let the record show that even though Alabama hasn't had their "A" game lately, and has been "winning ugly," that their average margin of victory this month is still 17 points. Just sayin'...

--
3.) Texas
4.) Boise State : if Texas drops one, and they win out, there will be much media wrangling for the Broncos.
--
5.) Miami
6.) Oregon
7.) Iowa
8.) USC
9.) Georgia Tech
10.) Cincinnati
--
11.) LSU
12.) Virginia Tech

Dropped Out: Ohio State

Sorry Bob.

Power 12: The SEC Judgment Day Edition

Coming into this season, there were generally four top 10 teams from the SEC: Florida, Alabama, Ole Miss, and LSU. Yesterday, 'Bama & Florida went on the road to take on the other two teams. And the cream rose to the top.

Florida or Alabama? Alabama or Florida? They are at the same time a mirror image & a contrast in styles.

Both have defenses that are veteran, unforgiving, supremely talented, and SALTY! (BTW, that's a word that's not used near enough. "That defense is SALTY!") Of the 22 starters from the two defenses on these teams last season, 21 returned for '09. Yesterday, both units walked into hostile SEC environments & held preseason top 10 teams to 3 points a piece and a little over 200 yards total offense.

SALTY!

And it's like an international arms race as far as who can stockpile more talent on that side of the ball. Both defenses are led by punishing middle linebackers (Florida's Brandon Spikes & Alabama's Rolando McClain) who may be the top two linebackers taken in the 2010 NFL Draft, and could very well be the best linebackers who have ever played at their respective schools. And that's high praise for McClain, who plays at a school that produced Lee Roy Jordan, Cornelius Bennett, Derrick Thomas, and DeMeco Ryans. Beyond the defenses, though, both teams are led by QBs who aren't used to losing. Everyone knows the legend of Tebow. And Bama's Greg McElroy has yet to lose a football game he's started. Ever. In his life.

There are differences in these two schools, though. McElroy isn't exactly in Tebow's league yet: that other guy may be the best college football player ever. But Alabama looks more battle-tested overall so far, boasting maybe the best win on any resume (Va. Tech) to this point. And then there are the contrasts. Alabama is the muscle school; Florida is the speed school. Alabama is the defense school; Florida is the offense school. Alabama wants to psychologically beat you down by physically hurting you on every down. Florida wants to psychologically beat you down by hurting you with numbers on the scoreboard. Nick Saban coaches the most exotic, complicated defense in college football. Urban Meyer coaches the most exotic, gimmicky offense in college football.

Saturday set the stage for what most folks saw coming ever since last December: another Alabama/Florida SEC Championship Game. Because one thing is clear after these teams manhandled their talented opponents on Saturday: the only way these teams can lose is if they beat themselves.

It's almost enough to make you feel sorry for the Rose Bowl. Because it looks like the National Championship game will be played in Atlanta again this year. And as a Tide fan, I've gotta say: I can't wait. Every 'Bama fan I know can't wait to get another shot at the anointed one. We want to be the bad guys that wreck the storyline. We want to have the front row seat when midnight strikes for Cinderella.

So stay unbeaten, Gators. And we'll do our best to do the same. It'll be epic!

Here's the 12...

1a.) Florida : okay, Gators. Impressive win. I'll put you back at the top. Sort of. But I'm getting sick of you guys. For one thing, what's up with this new trend of Urban Meyer & Tim Tebow showing public displays of affection?? It's just a little weird. Pre-game hugs. And in the 4th quarter yesterday, Meyer leaning in, face to facemask with #15, almost like he wanted to give him a kiss. It reminds me a lot of another Coach/Quarterback Love Affair. (That one's for you, Jordan. Incidentally, kudos to the OU fan who made that. Best rivalry YouTube video ever.)

And you know what else irks me about the Gators: what's with the receivers getting away with offensive holding? Riley Cooper got away with it yesterday at LSU. Louis Murphy totally got away with it in the Cocktail Party against Georgia last year. And that's just the two instances that the TV cameras caught. I guess it's easy for Tebow to set records when your receivers get to cheat all over the place. Sheesh! I hope this guy gets to call the SEC Championship. "Penalty on Florida... He was giving him the business!"

1b.) Alabama : one thing I am impressed with in every game -- and you have to actually watch the Tide play to appreciate this -- is how much Alabama hurts, grinds, and wears down an opponent. In every game I've seen players limp off the field after being blown up by one of our defenders. There have also been games where players limp off after being run over by a running back. It's become one of my favorite jokes to make with my family every Saturday: "Ooh, ouch! Those 'Bama boys hit too hawwd." When you play 'Bama, you get punished.

--

3.) Texas
4.) Virginia Tech
5.) Boise State
6.) Miami
7.) Oregon
8.) Ohio State : really impressive win against Wisconsin.
9.) Iowa
--
10.) USC
11.) LSU
12.) Oklahoma State

Dropped Out: Auburn

Power 12: The 'Thank God Its October' Edition

I love this month. It's my favorite month of the year. I wish this month were 3 months long. I can't ever get enough. The great border war rivalries are coming up this month, too: Florida/Georgia, Alabama/Tennessee, Oklahoma/Texas. And this coming week, it's Judgment Day in the SEC: Florida/LSU, Alabama/Mississippi, Auburn/Arkansas. Who would've realized Georgia/Tennessee would mean so little???

It starts getting good in October!

1.) Alabama
2.) Florida
3.) Texas
--
4.) Boise State
5.) Virginia Tech
6.) Miami : I kept them at #6 last week. They proved worthy against OU.
7.) Oklahoma State
8.) Oregon
9.) LSU
10.) USC
---
11.) Iowa
12.) Auburn : just for you, Faris. Y'all keep it up, and maybe our rivalry will mean something again.

Dropped Out: Georgia (again) and Houston

Power 12: The Concussed Edition

I know this is gonna sound insensitive at first, but I hope Tebow is never the same. I really do. Urban Meyer has been getting away with keeping his starters in too long for years now. He hasn't paid for it with a major injury before. But he looked like he was gonna break down in tears yesterday. And I'll say it because no one else is: it's not classy. It's not classy, Urban Meyer, when you continue to trash talk about a team you just beat -- and barely, even though they were woefully out-manned. It's not classy to keep the golden boy in when Kentucky is impotent to score even half of what you already have on the scoreboard. It should've been an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on every play that Tebow took a snap in the 2nd half. Because that's what this behavior is: unsportsmanlike.

So let's all dispense with the "Urban Meyer is classy" nonsense. Sure, maybe he doesn't grab his visor & squirm on every other play like the old Gator ballcoach. But if that's your standard of "classy," Gator fans, then I'm gonna say you guys have low standards.

I'm not even sure why we even feel the need to brag about how classy our football coaches are anyway. We pay these men to motivate & discipline teenagers to go out in front of tens of thousands and rip the other team's head off. What's classy about that? Heck, some say Gene Stallings was the classiest coach Alabama ever had. But that never stopped him from dog-cussing referee's whenever a call didn't go the Tide's way. And that's what he should've been doing; that's his job.

But running up the score? Psh. You get what you deserve, Meyer. And that's a Tebow who may never be the same bull of a quarterback. Your judgment cometh, and that right soon!

[/ diatribe]

I'm feeling fired up! I'm gonna be bold today...


1.) Alabama : All everyone said all week about 'Bama/Arky was that the Hogs were an unstoppable force of an offense that was led by the best offensive guru in football and a gigantic cannon-armed quarterback. Well, unstoppable force, meet the immovable object. Alabama's defense handled them to the tune of 7 points & 254 yards of total offense. They made Arkansas' special offense look short-bus special.

Plus, Alabama beat the Hokies, who have looked dang good since then. The more I watch the cream of the crop in the SEC (that'd be the state Universities of Alabama and Florida), the more this doesn't feel like 2008 anymore.

2.) Florida : Get well soon, Timmy. Wouldn't want you to miss our date in December.
3.) Texas : if they win out, they're in the Championship Game no questions asked. They may even could drop one between now & the Big XII Championship game and still get the sympathy vote. The Longhorns look like they have a date with an SEC Champion in their future.
--
4.) Boise State
5.) Virginia Tech
6.) Miami : Blame it on the rain.
7.) Houston : The latest non-BCS darling.
8.) Oklahoma State
9.) Oregon
10.) LSU
11.) USC
12.) Georgia : The cardiac kids of 2009.

Dropped Out: Penn State, Cal, and Ole Miss

I'm embarrassed that I caved & ranked Ole Miss in the top 10 last week. I knew I should've trusted my instincts. PSU & Cal are sure to be back up in the Power 12 before long, especially if those Cal Bears knock off those Trojans in 6 days.

Power 12: The Not-Quite-Revenge Edition

Even though they won, it was a bitter-sweet Saturday for the top two. I left UF at #1 even though they lost to Tennessee 13-23. ;) I feel bad for my Gator-loving friends that they weren't able to truly fulfill their blood-lust for Lane Kiffin. Same deal for Texas against the Red Raiders: seems like they're mildly disappointed that Tech kept it tight.

Here's my 12

1.) Florida
2.) Texas
3.) Alabama
--
4.) Boise State
5.) Miami
6.) Penn State
7.) Cal
--
8.) LSU
9.) Ole Miss : first appearance in the 12. I'm much more down on them than just about everybody else. They won't challenge for the SEC West. But they may just give 'Bama their hardest game of the regular season.
10.) Virginia Tech
11.) USC : that was SO predictable that it wasn't even close to shocking. It's like USC scripts this every year: win big in non-conference, then lose a game to a team you're supposed to wallop. Trojan fans must feel like it's Groundhog Day.
12.) Oklahoma State

Dropped Out: BYU, Georgia Tech, and Georgia

Apologies to Mormons & the Peach State

Power 12: Reunion Weekend Edition

It's not often you get to see two totally different sets of people that you haven't seen in a decade. Friday night, it was the first event of a weekend-long High School Reunion. Everyone bowled. I "bowled." (Note the appropriate use of quotation marks... unlike all of the examples of the inappropriate use of quotation marks posted at this site) I think we all had a merry time together that night.

And then I drove down to Gainesville (my old campus ministry friends call it Titletown) to spend the day with a bunch of cocky Gators. They made fun of my crimson shirt. I just kept muttering to myself, "Enjoy it while you can..."

On to my 12

1.) Florida
2.) Texas
3.) USC : never (EVER!) bet against Pete Carroll in big games.
4.) Alabama : can I say that I like this quarterback? McElroy can sling it!
--
5.) Boise State
6.) BYU
--
7.) Georgia Tech
8.) Penn State
9.) LSU
10.) Virginia Tech
11.) Oklahoma State
12.) Georgia

Dropped Out: Ohio State

Sounds like it was a heart-breaker, Bob.

---

So here's what it looks like to me right now. You've got the top 4: they're the elite. They each have elite talent. And though each will be tested along the way, it looks like none of them should lose unless they beat themselves.

Then you've got the two non-BCS conference schools up to no good. They actually both look pretty good.

And then there's the rest of the field. We'll learn a little more about the Wramblin' Wreck when they travel down to Miami this week. Penn State we probably won't learn anything about until October. Same with LSU.

Power 12: Executive Suite Edition

It was an unprecedented vacation. I played 90 holes of golf in 4 days. And I finished that little run in style, with the final 18 coming at the #1 ranked public course in Alabama. And if that wasn't enough, I got to witness my Tide beat up the Hokies in person. And I did that in style, too: my Uncle got me into an executive suite luxury box in the Georgia Dome. It was entirely as cool as it sounds. On to the 12...

1.) Florida : Sorry Matt. You don't get free Chick-Fil-a for beating Charleston Southern.
2.) Texas
3.) USC
4.) Alabama : "You were beautiful, Atlanta. See you again in 3 months."
5.) Oklahoma State : Looked impressive against my lousy-looking sleeper pick
6.) Boise State : nice win. But Oregon didn't look the same offensively without Bellotti.
7.) Georgia Tech : my bias is showing here. I just love watching Paul Johnson's offense do their thing.
8.) BYU
9.) Penn State
10.) LSU
11.) Ohio State
12.) Georgia

Dropped Out: Oklahoma and Virginia Tech

Sorry Sooners. Call back when you have a QB.

---

Florida & Texas are the top dogs. Those two are entrenched until they do something to prove they don't belong.

USC and Alabama are the 2nd tier elite. Boy, how embarrassing would it be for the Big 10 if the Trojans waltz into the Horseshoe this weekend with a TRUE freshman quarterback and just have their way with the Buckeyes? That might happen. If it does, USC will get the bump back up to the top tier. Alabama will have to prove they can play in the other 3 quarters of a game before they make the leap up.

Power 12: Kickoff Week Edition

1.) Florida
2.) Texas
3.) Oklahoma
4.) USC

That's the elite. Big drop-off from those teams to the next tier. At least until we see one of the following teams take it to the next level on the field...

5.) Boise State
6.) Georgia (wayyy under-rated by the experts. I expect a post-hype bumper year for the Bulldogs)
7.) Alabama
8.) Virginia Tech
9.) Ohio State
10.) LSU
11.) Oklahoma State
12.) Georgia Tech

Power 12: The Heartbreaker Edition

1.) Florida
No doubt in my mind who is the best team in football. Nor is there any doubt who is the best player in college football HISTORY. If he wins 2 Heisman's & 2 National Championships, he has to go pro doesn't he? If it isn't a rule, it should be. (g)

2.) Alabama
I'm extremely proud of the Tide. As tough as the loss is, it's even more fun just to be in a position again where your heart IS on the line & can be broken. It's no fun being irrelevant.

Also, no other coach squeezed as much out of what he had in the cupboard than Nick Saban this year. 12-0 in the regular season in the SEC, including road wins at Athens, Knoxville, and Red Stick, was quite a feat.

3.) Oklahoma
Going out on a limb because the game isn't over yet, but I'm not staying up for the ending.

Even though I have them ranked #3, I'm not arguing for an Alabama/Florida re-match in Miami. OU deserves the title shot. It's just that I don't believe that they, or anyone else, can play UF as tough as Alabama did tonight, so you'll forgive me if I play the homer & keep my Tide at #2.

4.) Texas
5.) Texas Tech
6.) Southern California
7.) Utah
8.) Penn State
9.) Ohio State
10.) Oklahoma State
11.) Georgia Tech
12.) Boise State

Power 12: Rivalry Day Edition

1.) Alabama
The last time 'Bama shut out Auburn, they won a National Championship. Just sayin'

2.) Florida
The stage is set. Gary Brando of CBS aptly said that this will be the biggest SEC Championship since 1992 -- the very first, where the Tide edged the Gators 28-21. And then, uhhhh, went on to win a National Championship. (g)

3.) Oklahoma
4.) Texas
5.) Texas Tech
6.) Southern California
7.) Utah
8.) Penn State
9.) Ohio State
10.) Oklahoma State
11.) Georgia Tech
The best team in the ACC, and they won't get to play for their conference championship. I just love watching the Yellow Jackets offense play ball.

12.) Boise State

Power 12: The BCS Chaos Edition

1.) Alabama
2.) Florida
3.) Oklahoma
4.) Texas
5.) Texas Tech

Calling teams 3 through 5 is just a crap shoot. But that's how I'm calling it.

6.) Southern California
7.) Utah
8.) Penn State
9.) Georgia
10.) Missouri
11.) Ohio State
12.) Oklahoma State

Power 12: The "Gary Danielson Must Go" Edition

1.) Alabama
The off-week couldn't have come at a better time. 'Bama will get a chance to heal up & rest up before facing Auburn and Florida.
2.) Texas Tech
3.) Florida
They looked really, really good today. Although Carolina also looked really, really bad. When they face the Tide, it will be total contrast in styles: the speed spread vs. big brawny strength. But I think I'll watch it with the CBS announcers on mute.
4.) Texas
5.) Oklahoma
6.) Southern California
7.) Utah
8.) Penn State
9.) Georgia
10.) Missouri
11.) Ohio State
12.) Oklahoma State