SBNation.com - College Football Saturday: Sparty Shocks Wisconsin, Texas Tech Knocks Out Oklahomahttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2011-10-23T10:12:40-04:00http://www.sbnation.com/rss/stream/22691342011-10-23T10:12:40-04:002011-10-23T10:12:40-04:00The Paul Rhoads Meltdown GIF That Never Really Ends
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<p>Upon first viewing of this stirring demonstration by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/iowa-st-cyclones">Iowa St. Cyclones</a> coach Paul Rhoads, you'll find yourself thinking it's already looped back around to the beginning. It hasn't. It never actually does. This is, in fact, live footage of Paul Rhoads still freaking out:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/841615/cyclone.gif"><img alt="Cyclone_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/841615/cyclone_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 16px;">via </span><a href="http://landthieves.com/board/">landthieves.com</a></p>
<p>Related, by <a href="http://twitter.com/cuppycup">@cuppycup</a>:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/841618/rhoads.gif"><img alt="Rhoads_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/841618/rhoads_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>via <a href="http://cuppygifs.com/wp-content/uploads/rhoads.gif">cuppygifs.com</a></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/23/2508119/the-paul-rhoads-meltdown-gif-that-never-really-endsJason Kirk2011-10-23T09:43:35-04:002011-10-23T09:43:35-04:00Turner Gill Hot Seat On Watch After Kansas State Loss, AD's Comments
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<p>Kansas football coach Turner Gill doesn't have much to show for two years in charge of the Jayhawks.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/kansas-jayhawks">Kansas Jayhawks</a> got spackled, 59-21, by rival Kansas State on Saturday, dropping them to 2-5 and 0-4 in the Big 12. Coach Turner Gill is now 5-14 (and 1-11 in conference) since coming over from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/buffalo-bulls">Buffalo Bulls</a>, and by any measure Kansas has been one of the country's worst teams over the last two years.</p>
<p>If he wasn't already on the hot seat, <a href="http://www2.kusports.com/news/2011/oct/22/ku-athletic-director-sheahon-zenger-football-progr/">athletic director Sheahon Zenger's comments</a> after the K-State loss squarely placed him on the burner. Zenger said, "We will get this thing fixed," and added:</p>
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<p>"We continue to evaluate the program on a week-by-week basis at the University of Kansas," Zenger continued. "We will never make a complete evaluation until the season is over and the body of work is in."</p>
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<p>For his part, <a href="http://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-jayhawks/2011/10/22/2507202/kansas-state-vs-kansas-turner-gill-says-hell-have-team-focused-and/in/2264285">Gill believes the Jayhawks can get this thing turned around</a>:</p>
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<p>We just tell them to keep on working. That's what I'm going to do. I'm going to keep on working and continue to improve as the football team and as a coach. We're going to continue to evaluate where we're at and our schemes offensively and defensively and also what the things we're doing personnel wise. Our guys gotta keep on battling and they will. We'll come back and get them back into focus and get them ready to play a good football game next week.</p>
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<p><b><i>For more on the Jayhawks, visit <a href="http://rockchalktalk.com">Kansas blog Rock Chalk Talk</a> and <a href="http://kansascity.sbnation.com">SB Nation Kansas City</a>.</i></b></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/23/2508087/turner-gill-hot-seat-kansas-football-coachJason Kirk2011-10-23T09:11:56-04:002011-10-23T09:11:56-04:00Nebraska Vs. Minnesota 2011: Sometimes, It Just Isn't Your Year
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/minnesota-golden-gophers">Minnesota Golden Gophers</a> are having a rough year, between head coach Jerry Kill's health problems and the fact that Minnesota just aren't a very good football team, things are going poorly. They now sit at 1-6 after their 41-14 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/nebraska-cornhuskers">Nebraska Cornhuskers</a>, and it's a wonder that they were even able to score two touchdowns. And that's against a bad Huskers defense, at home.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76896/taylor-martinez">Taylor Martinez</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76903/rex-burkhead">Rex Burkhead</a> ran the ball consistently throughout the game, while Kenny Bell ripped off an 82-yard home run. The Huskers ran for 346 yards and three touchdowns on the night as the Gophers appeared to have absolutely no answer for what Nebraska offered on the ground.</p>
<p>Minnesota scored a couple of consolation touchdowns late, but the game was almost over before it started. Nebraska went into halftime up 34-0, then didn't really put in the same level of effort in the second half. It's hard to blame them.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Huskers, head to SB Nation's <a href="http://cornnation.com/">Corn Nation</a>. For more on the Gophers, head to SB Nation's <a href="http://thedailygopher.com/">The Daily Gopher</a>. For more on all the Week 8 action, visit our comprehensive StoryStream for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/21/2505093/college-football-tv-schedule-week-8-2011">college football scores, news, and highlights</a>.</i></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/23/2508062/nebraska-minnesota-final-score-2011-game-resultsKim McCauley2011-10-23T09:00:55-04:002011-10-23T09:00:55-04:00Arkansas Vs. Ole Miss 2011: Razorbacks Barely Hold On After Poor First Half, Comeback
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<p>On a day where both the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/wisconsin-badgers">Wisconsin Badgers</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oklahoma-sooners">Oklahoma Sooners</a> were upset, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/arkansas-razorbacks">Arkansas Razorbacks</a> almost fell into that category themselves and missed an opportunity to climb the rankings. Things have not gone well in Oxford this season, where the Ole Miss Rebels entered their game against Arkansas sitting at 2-4, but they came incredibly close to spoiling Arkansas' season.</p>
<p>The Rebels jumped out to an improbable 17-0 lead with 6:20 remaining in the second quarter, and they did it without forcing any interceptions or fumbles. The SEC-watching world was baffled, but they wouldn't take that lead into halftime. Arkansas running back Dennis Johnson ripped off a 52-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to 17-7 at halftime, giving his team a bit of momentum going into the locker room. They would go on to score 29 unanswered points.</p>
<p>Ole Miss would produce some late drama, though, scoring a touchdown with 1:23 remaining, then recovering the ensuing onside kick. Despite all of their struggles this season and their collapse in the third quarter of this game, they had the ball with a chance to drive for a winning touchdown.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for the Rebels, it wasn't to be. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116042/randall-mackey">Randall Mackey</a> took a sack, then threw an interception, dashing their hopes. Arkansas still have a shot at qualifying for a BCS bowl, while Ole Miss have set a new record with 10 consecutive SEC losses.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Razorbacks, head to SB Nation's <a href="http://arkansasexpats.com/">Arkansas Expats</a>. For more on the Rebels, head to SB Nation's <a href="http://redcuprebellion.com/">Red Cup Rebellion</a>. For more on all the Week 8 action, visit our comprehensive StoryStream for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/21/2505093/college-football-tv-schedule-week-8-2011">college football scores, news, and highlights</a>.</i></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/23/2508030/arkansas-ole-miss-game-2011-final-score-resultsKim McCauley2011-10-23T08:24:39-04:002011-10-23T08:24:39-04:002011 BCS Rankings Projections, Week 9: Get Ready for LSU-Alabama II
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<img alt="BATON ROUGE, LA - OCTOBER 22: Barkevious Mingo #49 of the LSU Tigers sacks quarterback Clint Moseley #15 of the Auburn Tigers during the game at Tiger Stadium on October 22, 2011 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CctF45ZIkbK3mFOznnvEBI9DJEc=/0x8:1000x675/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/4503990/129955527.jpg" />
<figcaption>BATON ROUGE, LA - OCTOBER 22: Barkevious Mingo #49 of the LSU Tigers sacks quarterback Clint Moseley #15 of the Auburn Tigers during the game at Tiger Stadium on October 22, 2011 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Could LSU play Alabama in the BCS title game? While the season's second round of BCS standings won't be out until 8:15 pm ET, projections show the game's loser may be able to force a rematch.</p> <p>The biggest winner Saturday night after the miracle in Lansing and the debacle in Norman? The loser of the LSU-Alabama game in two weeks.</p>
<p>Losses by Oklahoma and Wisconsin reduced the ranks of the unbeatens to just eight, with only six having a realistic shot at the BCS title game (sorry K-State and Houston). An unimpressive victory by Boise State at home against Air Force could also potentially prove fatal for the Broncos' championship quest.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.bcsguru.com"><b>Projected BCS Standings</b></a>, to be unveiled Sunday night on ESPN at 8:15 p.m. ET:</p>
<p>1. LSU, 2. Alabama, 3. Oklahoma State, 4. Clemson, 5. Stanford, 6. Boise State, 7. Arkansas, 8. Kansas State, 9. Oregon, 10. Oklahoma, 11. Nebraska, 12. Michigan State, 13. Wisconsin, 14. South Carolina, 15. Virginia Tech.</p>
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<p>If Oklahoma State should stumble somewhere along the way, the possibility of a rematch between SEC West rivals LSU and Alabama in the BCS national championship game becomes very real. With games remaining against Baylor, Kansas State, Texas Tech and Oklahoma, the Cowboys are far from a lock to finish the regular season undefeated.</p>
<p>The other remaining unbeaten teams - Clemson, Stanford, Boise State - are all at risk of being stuck behind the LSU-Alabama loser after the Nov. 5 showdown, if the game is well played and close. And you know what? Having an all-SEC BCS title game wouldn't be that terrible of an outcome.</p>
<p>A little more than halfway through this season, these two SEC behemoths have proved to be light years ahead of everyone else in college football. Neither has come close to losing and both play such suffocating defense that even the best offenses would be incapable of jumping out to a big lead against them. And if you can cast aside Les Miles' eccentricities for a moment, LSU and Alabama also have two of the best coaches in the business.</p>
<p>Before you bring up <a href="http://thewizardofodds.blogspot.com/2006/12/bcs-guru-its-ohio-state-vs-florida.html">Ohio State-Michigan 2006</a> as a case against rematch, consider this also: The SEC today has far more credibility than the Big Ten did back then. The SEC has won the last five BCS championships in a row and is now generally accepted as the best conference in college football.</p>
<p>In the BCS universe, where two-thirds of the standings are determined by human impulses, perception <b>IS</b> reality. If the 59 coaches and 115 Harris voters decide they want to see LSU and Alabama go at it again in New Orleans (SEC country, coincidentally), they have the power to make it happen.</p>
<p>And they just might.</p>
<p>This Week's ...</p>
<p><b>Big Winners: </b></p>
<p>* Big Ten: Though Wisconsin lost on a Hail Mary pass and is out of the national championship discussion, the conference is now well-positioned to earn two BCS berths. Besides the Badgers, Michigan State, Nebraska and even Michigan are in the picture as potential BCS bowl candidates. Remember, the bowls love the big schools that can bring a crowd, and the Big Ten is full of those. A two-loss Big Ten team is just about a lock for a BCS bid.</p>
<p>* Clemson: Losses by Oklahoma and Wisconsin potentially opened a path for the surprising Tigers to the BCS title game. With three winnable ACC games and a Palmetto showdown against a Marcus Lattimore-less South Carolina, Clemson now must be viewed as a darkhorse to go unbeaten and spoil that SEC rematch, should Oklahoma State falter.</p>
<p>* Pac-12: The Sooners' loss reduced the likelihood of two Big 12 representatives in BCS bowls, and with two strong contenders in Oregon and Stanford, the Pac-12 would be next in line to grab a second at-large berth after the SEC and Big Ten. The pull of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37738/andrew-luck">Andrew Luck</a> - the Heisman frontrunner and presumptive No. 1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, should offset the fact that Stanford does not travel well.</p>
<p><b>Big Losers: </b></p>
<p>* Boise State: Losses by Wisconsin and Oklahoma won't help the Broncos all that much, thanks to a lackluster win at home over Air Force. Because it plays in the non-AQ Mountain West, Boise State has absolutely no margin for error when it comes to impressing the voters to keep its position high in the BCS standings. With no games against ranked teams remaining, it's doubtful now that the Broncos would even stay ahead of the LSU-Alabama loser in the BCS standings in two weeks.</p>
<p>* Notre Dame: The Irish's home loss to sanctions-handicapped USC effectively ended any talk of their participation in a BCS bowl this season. Even if Notre Dame runs the table - a longshot given its season finale at Stanford - a 9-3 record won't be good enough in a land full of potential 11-1 and 10-2 teams from BCS conferences. The Irish's BCS drought will be reaching six seasons.</p>
<p>* Big East: West Virginia's embarrassing loss at Syracuse robbed the disintegrating conference just about its last bit of credibility. Cincinnati, a team that got blown out by SEC also-ran Tennessee, is now in sole possession of first place. The conference should consider itself lucky that it's somehow guaranteed a spot in a BCS bowl through the 2013 season. After that, all bets are off, no matter how realignment shakes out.</p>
<p class="p1"><i>Samuel Chi is the proprietor of <a href="http://www.bcsguru.com">BCSGuru.com</a> and managing editor of <a href="http://www.realclearsports.com/"><span class="s1">RealClearSports</span></a>. Sam's college football and BCS analysis, exclusively for SB Nation, will appear on Sundays and Mondays throughout the season. Follow him on Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/bcsguru">BCSGuru</a>.</i></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/23/2507908/2011-bcs-rankings-projections-week-9-oklahoma-state-clemsonSamuel Chi2011-10-23T08:01:52-04:002011-10-23T08:01:52-04:00College Football Rankings Preview: Oklahoma, Wisconsin Upset To Cap Wild Saturday
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<p>Oklahoma and Wisconsin fell on Saturday night and the latest college football rankings will have a different look come Sunday afternoon.</p> <p>Remember all the talk about all those undefeated teams and how there would be chaos when they made it through the season undefeated? It seems to happen every year. Six or seven weeks in, we think we know everything, yet in a moment it all goes down the drain. Saturday was one of those moments.</p>
<p>The chaos came late, with one big upset happening in an evening game and the other taking place after a lightning delay, pushing the conclusion deep into the night. Wisconsin was the first to drop, and did so in dramatic fashion as Michigan State converted a tip-drill Hail Mary for the win. Just a few hours later, it was No. 3 Oklahoma's turn, with Texas Tech hanging on for dear life in a three-point win. Just as we all predicted.</p>
<p>What's it all mean? Expect Oklahoma and Wisconsin to fall, obviously. But which teams will jump up in the standings? It seems likely Boise State will get the short end of the stick, with Stanford and Clemson taking advantage of the miscues atop the rankings.</p>
<p>Here's a look at the scores that mattered on Saturday.</p>
<p>No. 1 LSU 45, Auburn 10. Even without its suspended starters, LSU was flat dominant again. The Tigers continue to look every part of their No. 1 ranking.</p>
<p>No. 2 Alabama 37, Tennessee 6. Of course, Alabama is on a collision course with LSU, making for one hell of a game in two weeks. Two dominant defenses and teams full of talent in a battle for the No. 1 spot? Not going to find many people not looking forward to this.</p>
<p>Texas Tech 41, No. 3 Oklahoma 38. So much for that. Oklahoma shot itself in the foot, Texas Tech played out of its mind and the Sooners' BCS Championship went down the drain while half of America was sleeping. Good morning!</p>
<p>No. 4 Oklahoma State 45, Missouri 24. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37330/justin-blackmon" class="sbn-auto-link">Justin Blackmon</a> exited early for precautionary reasons (concussion, reportedly), but it didn't matter. Oklahoma State is still off to the races, but that fun Bedlam matchup we were all looking forward to looks a little less intriguing right now.</p>
<p>No. 5 Boise State 37, Air Force 26. Yes, Air Force is a difficult matchup to prepare for. And yes, Boise State did survive at home. But this one was far from convincing and didn't earn the Broncos any style points.</p>
<p>No. 16 Michigan State 37, No. 6 Wisconsin 31. Nothing needs to be said. Just <a href="http://t.co/hDoTX0CJ" target="_blank">watch this over and over</a>.</p>
<p>No. 7 Clemson 59, North Carolina 38. We're just going to have to confront the reality of Clemson being a top-five team.</p>
<p>No. 8 Stanford 65, Washington 21. At this point, it seems only Oregon will test Stanford in a huge Pac-12 North matchup. This was supposed to be the test for the Cardinal. Instead, it was a clinic as Stanford dismantled the Huskies.</p>
<p>No. 9 Arkansas 29, Ole Miss 24. Again, no style points here. Arkansas had to rally, but still came away the win. It wasn't pretty by any means, though.</p>
<p>No. 10 Oregon 45, Colorado 2. Oregon had this in the bag by halftime and let up. So close to a shutout!</p>
<p>No. 11 Kansas State 59, Kansas 21. And now we have to deal with Kansas State in the top-10. College football is a scary place.</p>
<p>No. 12 Virginia Tech 30, Boston College 14. This was a game at halftime and Boston College even led! So much for that.</p>
<p>No. 13 Nebraska 41, Minnesota 13. At least the game was entertaining. No, not because of superb play or execution; Minnesota is a ball of comical mistakes.</p>
<p>Syracuse 49, No. 14 West Virginia 23. Almost forgot about this one, but what in the world, Holgo? The Big East is on fire, you guys.</p>
<p>No. 17 Texas A&M 33, Iowa State 17. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36219/steele-jantz" class="sbn-auto-link">Steele Jantz</a> was benched, which is the biggest tragedy in all of this.</p>
<p>No. 19 Houston 63, Marshall 28. Would love to see <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/15573/case-keenum" class="sbn-auto-link">Case Keenum</a> and the Cougars in a BCS game just for the balls-to-the-wall, throw it all around offensive explosion.</p>
<p>No. 21 Penn State 34, Northwestern 24. Where in the hell did this Penn State offense come from? And where did the defense go? Whose team is this?</p>
<p>Miami 24, No. 22 Georgia Tech. It was fun while it lasted, Yellowjackets.</p>
<p>Purdue 21, No. 23 Illinois 14. It was fun while it lasted, Zook.</p>
<p>And here's a look at the polls. The BCS Standings preview will be along shortly. This is what the BCS looked like last week.</p>
<table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="3">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="left" title="Rank">RK</td>
<td align="left">TEAM</td>
<td align="center">RECORD</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>LSU</td>
<td align="center">7-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Alabama</td>
<td align="center">7-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Oklahoma</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Oklahoma State</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Boise State</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Wisconsin</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Clemson</td>
<td align="center">7-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Stanford</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Arkansas</td>
<td align="center">5-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Oregon</td>
<td align="center">5-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>Kansas State</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Virginia Tech</td>
<td align="center">6-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>Nebraska</td>
<td align="center">5-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>South Carolina</td>
<td align="center">6-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>West Virginia</td>
<td align="center">5-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>Michigan State</td>
<td align="center">5-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td>Texas A&M</td>
<td align="center">4-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18</td>
<td>Michigan</td>
<td align="center">6-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td>Houston</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20</td>
<td>Auburn</td>
<td align="center">5-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td>Penn State</td>
<td align="center">6-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22</td>
<td>Georgia Tech</td>
<td align="center">6-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td>Illinois</td>
<td align="center">6-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td>Texas</td>
<td align="center">4-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td>Washington</td>
<td align="center">5-1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><br>Here's a look at last week's AP Poll. The latest poll will be released around noon on Sunday.</p>
<table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="3">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="left" title="Rank">RK</td>
<td align="left">TEAM</td>
<td align="center">RECORD</td>
<td align="center" title="Points">PTS</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>LSU (41)</td>
<td align="center">7-0</td>
<td align="center">1452</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Alabama (11)</td>
<td align="center">7-0</td>
<td align="center">1411</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Oklahoma (6)</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
<td align="center">1372</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Wisconsin</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
<td align="center">1252</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Boise State (1)</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
<td align="center">1218</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Oklahoma State</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
<td align="center">1186</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Stanford</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
<td align="center">1164</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Clemson</td>
<td align="center">7-0</td>
<td align="center">1064</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Oregon</td>
<td align="center">5-1</td>
<td align="center">1020</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Arkansas</td>
<td align="center">5-1</td>
<td align="center">946</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>West Virginia</td>
<td align="center">5-1</td>
<td align="center">778</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Kansas State</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
<td align="center">762</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>Nebraska</td>
<td align="center">5-1</td>
<td align="center">748</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>South Carolina</td>
<td align="center">6-1</td>
<td align="center">690</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>Michigan State</td>
<td align="center">5-1</td>
<td align="center">610</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>Virginia Tech</td>
<td align="center">6-1</td>
<td align="center">597</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td>Texas A&M</td>
<td align="center">4-2</td>
<td align="center">467</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18</td>
<td>Michigan</td>
<td align="center">6-1</td>
<td align="center">442</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td>Auburn</td>
<td align="center">5-2</td>
<td align="center">374</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20</td>
<td>Georgia Tech</td>
<td align="center">6-1</td>
<td align="center">281</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td>Houston</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
<td align="center">238</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22</td>
<td>Washington</td>
<td align="center">5-1</td>
<td align="center">221</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td>Illinois</td>
<td align="center">6-1</td>
<td align="center">207</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td>Georgia</td>
<td align="center">5-2</td>
<td align="center">144</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td>Arizona State</td>
<td align="center">5-2</td>
<td align="center">144</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><br>Here is last week's USA Today Coaches' Poll.</p>
<table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="3">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="left" title="Rank">RK</td>
<td align="left">TEAM</td>
<td align="center">RECORD</td>
<td align="center" title="Points">PTS</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Oklahoma (31)</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
<td align="center">1426</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>LSU (15)</td>
<td align="center">7-0</td>
<td align="center">1410</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Alabama (12)</td>
<td align="center">7-0</td>
<td align="center">1403</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Wisconsin (1)</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
<td align="center">1262</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Stanford</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
<td align="center">1222</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Oklahoma State</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
<td align="center">1173</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Boise State</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
<td align="center">1172</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Clemson</td>
<td align="center">7-0</td>
<td align="center">1028</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Oregon</td>
<td align="center">5-1</td>
<td align="center">1028</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Arkansas</td>
<td align="center">5-1</td>
<td align="center">931</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>Nebraska</td>
<td align="center">5-1</td>
<td align="center">775</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>South Carolina</td>
<td align="center">6-1</td>
<td align="center">765</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>Michigan State</td>
<td align="center">5-1</td>
<td align="center">690</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>West Virginia</td>
<td align="center">5-1</td>
<td align="center">688</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>Virginia Tech</td>
<td align="center">6-1</td>
<td align="center">688</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>Kansas State</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
<td align="center">678</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td>Michigan</td>
<td align="center">6-1</td>
<td align="center">458</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18</td>
<td>Texas A&M</td>
<td align="center">4-2</td>
<td align="center">415</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td>Georgia Tech</td>
<td align="center">6-1</td>
<td align="center">396</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20</td>
<td>Houston</td>
<td align="center">6-0</td>
<td align="center">359</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td>Illinois</td>
<td align="center">6-1</td>
<td align="center">260</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22</td>
<td>Penn State</td>
<td align="center">6-1</td>
<td align="center">253</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td>Auburn</td>
<td align="center">5-2</td>
<td align="center">202</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td>Washington</td>
<td align="center">5-1</td>
<td align="center">174</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td>Arizona State</td>
<td align="center">5-2</td>
<td align="center">86</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/23/2507926/college-football-rankings-preview-oklahoma-wisconsin-upsets-ap-coaches-bcs-standingsBrian Floyd2011-10-23T08:01:47-04:002011-10-23T08:01:47-04:00USC Vs. Notre Dame 2011: Trojans Continue Winning Ways In South Bend
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZVeAriPWccCRFErxceBxV0sPWY=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828145/large_sb_nation_final.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Matt Barkley was one of four quarterbacks to see the field on Saturday night as the USC Trojans battled the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and he was the only one to perform at a relatively competent level. As the Irish trotted out three different quarterbacks -- the third, admittedly, only threw one pass -- USC stuck with its experience starter and it paid off as the Trojans rolled to a 31-17 win.</p>
<p>Under the lights in South Bend, it was all USC early, with the Trojans scoring the first 17 points of the game. Notre Dame did battle back, scoring 10 points to close the first half, but it was as close as the Irish would get.</p>
<p>Matt Barkley threw for 224 yards and threw touchdowns on the night. Tommy Rees completed 23 of 37 passes for 190 yards, but threw no touchdowns and an interception. Dayne Crist completed four of his five attempts for 36 yards, but also fumbled the ball away at the one, allowing USC to scoop it up and take it back for the touchdown. If you haven't seen the fumble, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/22/2507649/dayne-crist-and-the-art-of-the-long-distance-fumble/in/2269134">it's highly-recommended</a>.</p>
<p>Heading into the game, Notre Dame looked to snap a lengthy streak of USC wins in South Bend. But it was clear early-on that USC wasn't quite ready to give up its streak. Thanks to a strong performance from Barkley and timely plays from the defense led to a 31-17 win in South Bend.</p>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,'Liberation Sans',FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b style="outline-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><i style="outline-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit Notre Dame blog </i><a style="outline-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #c52126; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" target="_blank" href="http://www.onefootdown.com/">One Foot Down</a></b><b style="outline-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><i style="outline-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> and USC blog </i><a style="outline-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #c52126; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" target="_blank" href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/">Conquest Chronicles</a></b><b style="outline-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><i style="outline-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">. Here’s this week’s <a style="outline-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #c52126; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" href="../../ncaa-football/2011/10/21/2505093/sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/17/2496240/tv-schedule-wisconsin-stanford-lsu-odds">college football TV schedule</a>, and stay tuned to SB Nation’s <a style="outline-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #c52126; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" href="../../ncaa-football/2011/10/21/2505093/sbnation.com/ncaa-football">college football news hub</a> for more.</i></b></span></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/23/2507833/usc-notre-dame-final-score-2011-game-resultsBrian Floyd2011-10-23T08:01:46-04:002011-10-23T08:01:46-04:00Stanford Vs. Washington 2011: Cardinal Punish Huskies With Strong Run Game
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZVeAriPWccCRFErxceBxV0sPWY=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828145/large_sb_nation_final.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Stanford Cardinal were supposed to receiver their first test of the year on Saturday, but instead steamrolled the Washington Huskies in a 65-21 win. After a close first quarter -- Stanford led 10-0 -- the Cardinals stepped on the gas and never looked back, piling up the points while clamping down on the Huskies.</p>
<p>Stanford rushed for a jaw-dropping 446 yards on the night, with Andrew Luck having to do little in the passing game as the Cardinal rolled. Stepfan Taylor and Taylor Gaffney each scored a touchdown and were over 100 yards on the night, with both averaging over 13 yards per carry. Anthony Wilkerson rushed for 93 yards, just missing the century mark, as well.</p>
<p>Andrew Luck was efficient, as usual, completing 16 of 21 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns, both of which came in short yardage situations. With the running game clicking, Luck was able to simply turn and hand the ball off, letting the Cardinal's power formations do much of the work against a Washington defense that couldn't match up to the physicality.</p>
<p>Chris Polk was a bright spot for the Huskies, however. Polk carried the ball 15 times for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Both of his touchdowns came on long runs -- a 61-yarder and a 46-yarder.</p>
<p>But it wasn't enough as Stanford came out and dominated again. At this point, the Cardinal and Oregon Ducks look to be on a collision course in a huge game for the Pac-12 North crown.</p>
<p><b><i>For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit <a href="http://ruleoftree.com/">Stanford blog Rule Of Tree</a> and <a href="http://uwdawgpound.com/">Washington blog UW Dawg Pound</a>. Here’s this week’s <a href="../../ncaa-football/2011/ncaa-football/2011/10/21/2505093/sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/17/2496240/tv-schedule-wisconsin-stanford-lsu-odds">college football TV schedule</a>, and stay tuned to SB Nation’s <a href="../../ncaa-football/2011/ncaa-football/2011/10/21/2505093/sbnation.com/ncaa-football">college football news hub</a> for more.</i></b></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/23/2507832/stanford-washington-final-score-2011-game-resultsBrian Floyd