Power 22: Week Five

Sorry I missed a week, but things have been pretty crazy. So, based on two weeks worth of games, here are my new rankings. Just a reminder, my poll is based on how these teams are playing right now, so there are certainly going to be some variations between this poll and the Polls.

1. Ohio State - They are playing well enough to get the one spot. The defense still has question marks in my opinion, but the offense is that good.

2. LSU - I have no idea how Auburn beat LSU. Of course, LSU has looked fantastic against only inferior competition. Let's see what they do this weekend at Florida.

3. Michigan - Consistency is the reason they are here. Beating a too-highly-ranked ND is not as impressive as it was at the time. However, the Wolverines are playing well on both sides of the ball.

4. Auburn - There is a lack of explosiveness in this year's version, but they can still score. Auburn has been grinding out points this year. Though it hasn't been pretty, they have put together some very impressive drives. The defense is doing a lot of bending, but not too much breaking. There are certainly question marks, but no other team stood up this weekend.

5. Florida - They still look good, but not great. I, for one, am not a huge fan of the rotating quarterback thing, but whatever works, I guess. The Gators better bring their A game if they are gonna take out LSU. The three-week gauntlet of hell begins this weekend.

6. USC - Putting the Trojans any lower than this would be unfair when you consider all the of the personnel losses they've suffered through. Much like Auburn, this team is good enough to beat anybody, but it is clearly missing an explosive element. Furthermore, the defense looks good, but not great. There are some tough games coming up for USC, and unlike the last couple of years, both sides of the ball will have to play well for the Trojans to win.

7. Louisville - I am almost starting to believe in this team. I can't wait for the showdown with West Virginia. With injuries to their two best players at key positions, somehow Louisville continues to lay on the points. I'm impressed.

8. Cal - After getting embarrased by Tennessee, Cal is just plain demolishing its opposition. Should be a good game this weekend with Oregon.

9. West Virginia - Bye week. Weren't pretty last time out.

10. Texas - Since the loss to Ohio State, the Horns have slaughtered some horrible teams. They get Oklahoma this weekend and get to remind the rest of the college football world that they still exist.

11. Tennessee - I still like Ainge. He's looked great this year. Nothing much to report, though. This weekend's game with UGa should reaffirm how much better the Vols are this year than last.

12. Oregon - The Ducks aren't taking any prisoners. After the refing fiasco, Oregon needs this win against Cal to prove it's legit.

13. Georgia Tech - It's always up and down with this team, but right now, they are up.

14. Notre Dame - Dropping the Irish this low is going to get me yelled at by many, I'm sure. However, they just haven't played that well. There are more deserving teams ahead of them. And yes, I'm aware that ND beat GaTech. Reminder, this is how they are playing now.

15. Clemson - They keep on chuggin'. Both sides of the ball are playing well, so what more can you ask for? How about some legit competition? Well, at least Wake is undefeated. Close enough.

16. Georgia - The Dawgs are lucky they made the poll. This rotating QB/RB situation has gotten ridiculous. Pick one and go with it. And, if you don't mind, try and find the endzone.

17. Nebraska - Ugly game, but they won. I still like the Huskers this year. Solid team.

18. South Carolina - Somehow, Steve Spurrier has turned Syvelle Newton into a good-looking quarterback. What the hell? He made some good looking throws, didn't make too many mistakes, and single-handedly prevented Auburn from stopping S. Carolina on about five third downs. Not a bad night.

19. Oklahoma - The Sooners have kind of fallen off the face of the earth after the Oregon game, and let's be honest, I think everyone was happy about that. If they get past Texas this weekend, there will be even more (justified) whining to look forward to.

20. Missouri - And the Tigers continue to win sans Brad Smith. Nicely done. This weekend's game with Texas Tech will give us a nice indicator of how far along Missouri really is.

21. Boise State - Hell, somebody's gotta crash the party.

22. Rutgers - I think this may be their second appearance in my poll. Wow. As long as they keep winning with a run-only offense, they can keep the 22-spot.

On the Cusp: Texas Tech, TCU, Florida State, Wake Forest, Washington State, Penn State, VaTech, BC.