The last 7 weeks of college football have been anything but vanilla, with monumental upsets and shake-ups across the top 25. While the AP and Coaches polls have reflected team success so far, the only poll that matters now throws a computer into the mix. The first BCS standings of the 2012 season were released Sunday, creating a mix of anger and elation among college football fanatics. This article will break down this week’s BCS top 5, giving insight and opinions on the elite of college football.
1. Alabama (6-0, 3-0 SEC)
No surprise here. The reigning national champions continue to dominate the college football world under tenured head coach Nick Saban. Led by Junior Quarterback A.J. McCarron, the Crimson Tide have yet to battle with a team currently ranked in the top 25. The Alabama defense has been truly dominant, ranking 1st in the country in points allowed per game (7.5). Despite a relatively easy ride through 6 weeks, the Tide will face 3 ranked SEC squads in the next 4 weeks: #12 Mississippi State, #6 LSU, and #18 Texas A&M.
2. Florida (6-0, 5-0 SEC)
This ranking was no doubt the surprise of the weekend. After squeaking by #6 LSU in week 6, the Gators have proven that they belong among college football’s best. However, quarterback struggles and margin-of-victory issues are bedeviling in the bayou. Whether or not the Gators can keep their streak alive is in question, facing #7 South Carolina and #11 Georgia in the next 2 weeks. A loss in either week will no doubt send Florida plummeting down the BCS Standings, but two victories? Watch out ‘Bama.
3. Oregon (6-0, 3-0 PAC-12)
After dropping from 2 to 3 in the standings, the Ducks look to send out a mighty quack towards the BCS with a victory over ASU on Thursday. At 5-1, the Sun Devils provide a formidable opponent on the road for Oregon. Chip Kelly’s offense has been far from unimpressive, ranking 2nd in points per game (52.3) and 4th in rushing yards (302.3). Heisman hopeful De’Anthony Thomas and freshman QB Marcus Mariota lead the high-powered offense, but the Duck defense has been surprising, displaying it’s potential in a 49-0 rout of Arizona in week 4.
4. Kansas State (6-0, 3-0 Big 12)
Other than an impressive victory over #9 Oklahoma, the high-powered Wildcats have endured a relatively easy schedule to this point. Kansas State has outscored their opponents 245-99 in 6 victories this season, with an average margin of victory standing at 24.3 PPG. Compared to the likes of Oregon (32.3) and Alabama (33.5), this statistic displays a chink in the armor for the Wildcats. Competition has been relatively nonexistent with the exception of Oklahoma, creating a cause for concern in the coming weeks. Kansas State is scheduled to play Geno Smith and #13 West Virginia this week, followed by a rejuvenated Texas Tech squad fresh off an upset victory over the aforementioned Mountaineers.
5. Notre Dame (6-0, Independent)
The dark-horse team in college football hails from South Bend. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have returned to their former glory, living up to enormous expectations set mainly by the media. After a quarterback controversy earlier in the season, the Irish have succeeded with a stellar defense led by Senior linebacker Manti Te’o. Notre Dame has allowed an astonishing 8.7 PPG under head coach Brian Kelly. If they can run the table and beat the likes of Oklahoma and USC, the Irish may be fighting for a national championship.