CFBN Rankings

Final Poll

	Po.	Team	Votes
	1	Florida (2)	50
	2	Boise State	48
	3	Ohio State	45
	4	LSU	44
	5	Louisville	41
	6	USC	40
	7	Wisconsin	39
	8	Michigan	35
	9	Auburn	33
		Rutgers	33
	11	West Virginia	32
	12	Oklahoma	25
	13	California	24
	14	BYU	23
		Notre Dame	23
		Texas	23
	17	Wake Forest	19
	18	Arkansas	17
	19	Virginia Tech	13
	20	Georgia	11
	21	Hawai'i	9
	22	TCU	7
	23	Boston College	5
		Oregon State	5
	25	Penn State	4

Others receiving votes:
Tennessee, Texas A&M

Congrats JaMarcus

Congratulations to JaMarcus Russell, winner of the 2007 CFBN Heisman Trophy. For more coverage, see the "2006 Heisman Race" link on the right.

Florida Captures 261st Challenge Cup

With its thrilling 41-14 upset/pasting of the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Gators collected some serious hardware ... the BCS National Championship Trophy, and of course, the CFBN Challenge Cup.
Florida holds the prestigious title for the second time after also winning it in 1987. Ohio State's held the championship since defeating Texas at the beginning of the season in Austin, Tex.

CFBN Rankings

CFBN Week 13 Top 25
1. Ohio State (2) 50
2. Notre Dame 47
3. Michigan 46
4. Arkansas 43
4. USC 43
6. Florida 40
7. Boise State 37
8. Wisconsin 36
9. Louisville 33
10. Texas 32
11. West Virginia 31
12. LSU 29
13. Auburn 26
14. Oklahoma 23
15. Boston College 22
16. Georgia Tech 20
17. Rutgers 18
18. Virginia Tech 17
19. Wake Forest 15
20. Tennessee 10
21. BYU 8
21. Nebraska 8
23. California 7
24. Clemson 6
25. Hawaii 3

A Modest Proposal

So what about a rematch? Ohio State and Michigan in Glendale. Here is the best option: No overtime in Saturday's "Judgment Day." If the two teams get to the end of the game with a tie, we leave it a tie and settle the business in Arizona. I don't know how everyone else feels about it, but it's got an almost WWF style suspense to it.

That and Mark May eats babies.

Yours truly,

Jonathan Swift

Who Should Play for the Title?

Chris gave his take on this potential BCS mess. Now it's my turn. Let me start off by saying that Rutgers will not be undefeated at the end of the season. I predict they will lose to Cincinnati and West Virginia. Nevertheless, an undefeated Rutgers should not be given the opportunity to play for the national championship. Why? For the same reason that Louisville and West Virginia should not have been given the opportunity - it sets a bad precedent. The Big East got fat this year on playing a ridiculously weak non-conference schedule. If the Big East is rewarded with a shot at the national championship, then it will only further propagate this cowardly habit. Ohio State went down to Austin and played the defending national champions. Arkansas played the Trojans. What did Rutgers do besides play a couple of overrated in-conference foes? If Rutgers goes to the title game, then college football as we know it is dead.

So who should go? Well, that's a complicated issue. The Trojans have been unimpressive this year, with the exception of a big opening victory against Arkansas. They're ranked third in the BCS largely on reputation. However, if USC can beat Cal, Notre Dame, and UCLA in the next three weeks, they might have a legitimate case. With the way things have been going since the installation of Charlie Weis as head coach of Notre Dame, the Trojans better watch out next week, provided they handle the Golden Bears on Saturday. After all, Reggie Bush isn't available to push Booty into the end zone this time.

How about Florida? Well, they've been unimpressive, also. South Carolina nearly sunk the Gators, but thanks to poor special teams, Florida chomps on. If they win the SEC and USC loses one of the last three, these guys will get the nod, but they don't really deserve it. The SEC is usually college football's strongest conference, but it isn't this year.

What about Arkansas? The Razorbacks have been white hot since opening up by taking a 50-14 drubbing at the hands of the Trojans. If Arkansas wins out, they will have a legitimate claim to a spot in the title game.

How about Notre Dame? The Irish played most of their tough games to start the year. They struggled several times this year, and have not looked like a national championship contender. Nevertheless, a big win over a one-loss USC in the Coliseum could punch Notre Dame's ticket to Glendale, setting up either a rematch of the 2006 Fiesta Bowl or with Michigan. Notre Dame looked overmatched in both of those contests.

What about an all-Big Ten final? This is a terrible idea. Contrary to what the talking heads in Bristol are saying, no one outside of the Midwest is interested in seeing Ohio State and Michigan play twice. The very idea renders the first matchup meaningless. Playing in a conference means you have to win it to contend for the title. If you lose the de facto conference championship game, well then I guess that's just how it goes. Sorry.

Having considered these choices, it is apparent there is no good answer to this question. Whatever the answer winds up being, be sure that there will be plenty of grumbling.

The Only Fair Way

So, winner of Michigan-Ohio State against who in the title game? That is the debate of debates now-a-days on ESPN and all other college football headquarters. Let's analyze the possibilities very closely ...

The Loser of Ohio State-Michigan
Jim Tressel doesn't want it. Lloyd Carr doesn't want it. It would be a rematch with no games played inbetween. It doesn't make very much sense.

If this is the solution, they might as well bring the National Championship to Columbus to give after Saturday's game and call that the BCS National Championship game.

Florida
The Gators have been dangerous with the split quarterback situation, but in all honesty, this team has struggled in every game they have played. They have skidded their way to a 9-1 record and just have not been dominant enough to be considered the best in the land.

USC
A popular choice -- since they are used to being in the title game. If they win out, certainly USC gets the nod (quality wins over Arkansas, Oregon, California, Notre Dame and UCLA), but that is HIGHLY unlikely. Look for losses against Cal and ND.

Arkansas
An SEC championship would put them in a good spot, but they still would fall short if Notre Dame wins out. Strength of schedule would make this argument seem ridiculous, but if you look to the common opponent in that situation (USC), Notre Dame has to go in ahead of the Razorbacks.

Notre Dame
Another popular choice. Michigan loss looks bad and will have difficulty placing them in a rematch with the Wolverines or in ahead of the Wolverines should Ohio State win. They definitely get the nod over Arkansas in that circumstance and would eliminate USC for the discussion (Arkansas eliminates Florida from that discussion as well). This would create an interesting conundrum ...

Wisconsin, Wake Forest, Boise State
Yeah, the records look good, but there isn't all that much substance there. Wisconsin will get screwed because the Big Ten can only send two to the BCS.

Rutgers
The Knights in Scarlet Armor. This is the only clear choice. Situational analysis: Ohio State beats Michigan. Notre Dame wins out (beating Army and USC) -- USC is out of the picture. Arkansas wins out (beating LSU, Miss. State and Florida) -- Florida is out of the picture. Rutgers wins out (beating West Virginia). We have four teams vying for the spot. Michigan, Notre Dame, Arkansas, and Rutgers. Michigan claims they beat Notre Dame so they deserve the spot. Notre Dame claims that they beat USC who beat Arkansas so they deserve the spot. Ohio State claims they beat Michigan and don't need to prove themselves again against them.

An undefeated Rutgers is the only clear answer.

The arguments brought against them:

1. The game will be a blowout for Ohio State -- fine, it's a blowout and Ohio State is the best team in the country. At least it will be definitive.

2. Rutgers is unproven -- give them a chance to prove themselves. Here it is; you want your measuring stick its right there.

Any other combination gives a team a shot, leaving equivolant teams complaining through the rest of bowl season (a la Oregon last year). Rutgers is the way to go.

Let the Madness Begin

As we approach the hype bonanza that will be Michigan vs. Ohio State, the BCS title picture is no clearer than it was weeks ago. Entering Saturday, it appeared that the Longhorns would have the inside track to Glendale to face the winner of UM-OSU. Enter Kansas State. Exit Texas. Same fate for Auburn vs. Georgia. And California vs. Arizona. And Florida vs. South Carolina ... no wait the Gamecocks choked on that one.

So now, the list of possible opponents for the Big Ten champion has changed. Will it be the Southern California Trojans, the Fighting Irish, the Razorbacks, or the Gators? Well, as fate would have it, Florida will play Arkansas, and Notre Dame will play Southern California.

Even so, there could be controversy. Some experts are projecting a close decision between Michigan and Ohio State, leading to a rematch in Glendale for the BCS Championship. I don't see this as a likely scenario, as the coaches will not vote this way, and the computer advantage over the one-loss teams that the loser of that game has held will be nullified.

Even still, there could be controversy. Should two of the four once-beaten title contenders win out, which one gets to go to the title game? I don't know. You don't know. Mark May certainly doesn't know. Thank you once again, BCS, for turning college football into figure skating.

Gerry's BCS Projections
BCS National Championship Game
Glendale, AZ (Jan. 8, 2007)
Michigan (12-0) vs. Notre Dame (11-1)
Prediction: Michigan thumped the Fighting Irish in September, thanks to plenty of turnovers. This won't happen a second time. Brady Quinn and the Irish offense move the ball somewhat effectively against a stout Michigan defense. However, the Irish front seven let Mike Hart run all day, opening the passing game for Chad Henne. Michigan 27 - Notre Dame 17

Sugar Bowl
New Orleans, LA (Jan. 3, 2007)
Arkansas (11-2) vs. West Virginia (11-1)
Prediction: It's easy to sell the Big East short based on their lack of competition throughout the season. Just last year, the Mountaineers faced SEC champion Georgia as a hefty underdog and pounded the stuffing out of the Dawgs. Steve Slaton is explosive. However, West Virginia's defense is very ordinary, and Arkansas is a well-rounded football team. Arkansas 31 - West Virginia 20

Orange Bowl
Miami, FL (Jan. 2, 2007)
Wake Forest (11-2) vs. Florida (11-2)
Prediction: This game will be closer than one would expect based on looking at the matchup. Wake Forest is actually pretty good. Florida is overrated. That said, this is still a mismatch. Florida 28 - Wake Forest 13

Fiesta Bowl
Glendale, AZ (Jan. 1, 2007)
Nebraska (10-3) vs. Boise State (12-0)
Prediction: Texas' reeling down the stretch opened the door for Nebraska to make their first BCS appearance since an embarrassing loss to Miami in the national championship game in the 2001 season. Boise State makes its first-ever BCS appearance, which brings tears to the eyes of the Fiesta Bowl committee ... not ones of joy. Jared Zabransky and Ian Johnson cut loose on the Huskers, shocking the college football world. Boise State 34 - Nebraska 24

Rose Bowl
Pasadena, CA (Jan. 1, 2007)
Ohio State (11-1) vs. Southern California (10-2)
Prediction: This could well be the national championship matchup, rather than the Rose Bowl game. Southern California is strong on both sides of the ball, but are no match for Troy Smith, Tedd Ginn, and the rest of the Buckeye assassains. Ohio State 38 - Southern Cal 21

How I Came to this Conclusion:
1) Arkansas loses to LSU, defeats Mississippi State, and defeats Florida in SEC title game.
2) Florida runs regular-season table, but loses to Arkansas in SEC title game.
3) Notre Dame defeats Army and Southern California.
4) Michigan defeats Ohio State.
5) Ohio State loses to Michigan.
6) Southern California defeats Cal and UCLA, but loses to Notre Dame.
7) Boise State defeats Utah State and Nevada.
8) West Virginia defeats Rutgers and wins out. The Big East finishes in a three-way tie, but West Virginia gets the automatic bid by virtue of the highest BCS ranking.
9) Wake Forest loses to Virginia Tech, but defeats Maryland and Georgia Tech.
10) Nebraska defeats Colorado and Texas.

Selection Process
1) BCS title game selects #1 Michigan vs. #2 Notre Dame.
2) ACC champion Wake Forest to Orange Bowl
3) Pac-10 champion Southern California to Rose Bowl
4) SEC champion Arkansas to Sugar Bowl
5) Big XII champion Nebraska to Fiesta Bowl
6) Rose Bowl compensated for loss of Big Ten champion with first pick. They choose Ohio State to maintain the Big Ten-Pac-10 rivalry.
7) Sugar Bowl has second pick. They choose West Virginia over Florida and Boise State.
8) Orange Bowl has third pick. They choose Florida.
9) Fiesta Bowl has fourth pick. They must choose Boise State.

Post WVU-UL Rankings

1. Ohio State
2. Michigan
3. Louisville
4. Notre Dame
5. Texas
6. USC
7. Arkansas
8. Auburn
9. Florida
10. Tennessee
11. California
12. West Virginia
13. Boston College
14. Boise State
15. Rutgers
16. LSU
17. Texas A&M
18. Clemson
19. Wisconsin
20. Oklahoma
21. Georgia Tech
22. Wake Forest
23. Oregon
24. BYU
25. Tulsa

Week 9 Games of Note

Top Three of the Week:
Miami at No. 20 Georgia Tech
Chris' Take: Miami 28, Georgia Tech 14
Gerry's Take: Georgia Tech 28, Miami 20

No. 21 Oklahoma at No. 22 Missouri
Chris' Take: Oklahoma 17, Missouri 10
Gerry's Take: Oklahoma 24, Missouri 19

GotW: Georgia at No. 8 Florida
Chris' Take: Florida 21, Georgia 10
Gerry's Take: Florida 30, Georgia 13

Calling the Upset:
No. 9 Tennessee at South Carolina
Chris' Take: Tennessee 27, South Carolina 17 Gerry's Take: Tennessee 23, South Carolina 21

Mismatch of the Week:
Northwestern at No. 2 Michigan
Chris' Take: Michigan 42, Northwestern 3
Gerry's Take: Michigan 35, Northwestern 10

Chris' Season Record: 27-13
Gerry's Season Record: 29-11

2006 CFBN Poll

P 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Week 8

	Po.	Team	Votes
	1	Michigan (1)	49
		Ohio State(1)	49
	3	USC	46
	4	West Virginia	44
	5	Notre Dame	40
	6	Louisville	39
	7	California	36
	8	Auburn	35
		Texas	35
	10	Tennessee	34
	11	Florida	33
	12	Arkansas	26
		Boston College	26
	14	Clemson	24
	15	Boise State	23
	16	LSU	21
	17	Rutgers	18
	18	Wisconsin	16
	19	Texas A&M	14
	20	Georgia Tech	10
		Missouri	10
	22	Nebraska	8
		Oklahoma	8
	24	Wake Forest	4
	25	BYU	1
		Tulsa	1

Others receiving votes:
none

Dropped from the rankings:
No. 17 Oregon, No. 22 Pittsburgh

Congratulations Miami

That's right. Miami, my hat is off to you. You established yourself as the most thug school in the country, displacing reigning champ USC. In fact, college football has enough thuggery to put together a "Thug Rankings." ESPN has their Power 16 and their Bottom 10, so we over at CFBN figured "Why the hell not a Thug 8?" Here is a top 8 list that would make 50 Cent squeamish:

1. Miami
Brawling, shooting and group sex -- the U has some issues to address immediately. The Hurricanes have established carte blanche with the administration and can seemingly get away with whatever they want. If the players are angry on the field, they will pick a fight. If the players are out on the street, they will carry guns and knives. If the players are horny, they will rap about it. Larry Coker, you old fool, do something. And to the university administration, shame on you.

2. USC
Matt Leinart impregnates some chick from the women's basketball team and is then sighted wooing Paris Hilton and Jessica Simpson (no worries, I'm sure he'll be a devote parent). Reggie Bush steals money from a marketing agency and violates NCAA regulations while retaining his Heisman. LenDale White instigates a brawl in his first NFL practice, continuing his days as a spark in the powderkeg of the Trojan lockerroom. The alumns of USC are just adding to their storied program a la O.J. Simpson. I don't understand why this is happening. Haven't the teachings of Pete Carroll guests like Snoop Dawg sunk in yet?

3. Ohio State
I don't know who is worse -- the players or the fans. I could ramble on about Maurice and Co., but that's been played out. Let's talk about the fans. They are drunk, they are obnoxious, and they are violent. When they lose football games, they burn stuff. When they win football games, they burn stuff. If they don't like you, they will crap in your cooler (if you are lucky). Bowl games do not want them because they do travel in droves, are a public disturbance and are extremely cheap. They embody everything that is wrong with college football. I'm going to open up a shop in Columbus called "Flammable Furniture" and retire in style -- somewhere other than Ohio that is.

4. Colorado
Two words -- Katie Hnida. For those that are unfamiliar, Katie Hnida was a female walk-on kicker at Colorado (yes, just like in Necessary Roughness). Alright, she wasn't that good. She missed virtually every kick she took, but still she did not deserve what the Buffaloes did to her. After one practice, the Colorado football team group raped her. She transferred to New Mexico and then told her story. In response to this, Head Coach Gary Barnett simply replied, "She was a **nt. She wasn't a good football player anyway." Meanwhile, their student section is among the worst in the country (see Ohio State). They might suck this year, but Dan Hawkins is at least cleaning the program up.

5. Michigan State
The Spartans play with some sort of tribal pride that allows their emotions to get them into sticky situations. They planted their flag at the Notre Dame 35-yard line (the Irish did not respond back). However, they brought the house on Illinois for doing the same on the "S" at Spartan Stadium. I believe this raw emotion comes directly from their fearless leader, John L. Smith. He acts like a child on the sidelines, and in the pressroom, and probably in practice. The Spartans will have a revamping like Colorado when they finally can Smith this year.

6. Virginia Tech
Vick unto Vick. Virginia Tech has a reputation among college students as a rowdy, overly playful, alcoholic Disney. But thuggery? Come on, you boys are better than that. With the departure of Marcus Vick, the Hokies fall considerably on this list, but Marcus was enough to push Virginia Tech onto the thug list. Vick is documented as having numerous felonies brought against him (I believe rape and possession of a firearm top the list), but his actions in the bowl game have left a sour taste in this writer's mouth. Give it time and Tech might move off the thug list.

7. Florida International
We placed a lot of blame on Miami, as did everyone else in the media. I want to make something clear though: Miami did not instigate that fight. Florida International started that brawl. We expect more of Miami; they are an experienced program that should have not let that escalate. However, the blame for the brawl belongs to FIU.

8. South Carolina
The Gamecocks have their history of thuggish behavior. The most recent case came in Lou Holtz's last year as the head coach, when they instigated a bench-clearing brawl with instate-rival Clemson.

I'm not sure how long this installment will last, but I will take some feedback from our readers on their experiences with thuggish behavior. You have a story -- chime in on the comments board.

Week 8 Games of Note

Top Three of the Week:
No. 21 Rutgers at No. 22 Pittsburgh
Chris' Take: Pittsburgh 31, Rutgers 27
Gerry's Take: Pittsburgh over Rutgers

No. 5 Texas at No. 19 Nebraska
Chris' Take: Texas 35, Nebraska 14
Gerry's Take: Texas over Nebraska

GotW: No. 12 Georgia Tech at No. 13 Clemson
Chris' Take: Clemson 27, Georgia Tech 24
Gerry's Take: Georgia Tech over Clemson

Calling the Upset:
No. 18 Boston College at Florida State
Chris' Take: BC 35, Florida State 14
Gerry's Take: BC over Florida State

Mismatch of the Week:
Indiana at No. 1 Ohio State
Chris' Take: Ohio State 49, Indiana 10
Gerry's Take: Ohio State over Indiana

Chris' Season Record: 23-12
Gerry's Season Record: 26-9

CFBN Week 7 Poll

P 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Week 7

	Po.	Team	Votes
	1	Michigan (1)	49
		Ohio State(1)	49
	3	Louisville	44
	4	USC	43
	5	Texas	41
	6	West Virginia	40
	7	Notre Dame	39
	8	California	36
	9	Auburn	33
		Tennessee	33
	11	Florida	31
	12	Georgia Tech	29
	13	Clemson	26
	14	LSU	23
	15	Boise State	21
	16	Arkansas	19
	17	Oregon	16
	18	Boston College	15
	19	Nebraska	14
		Oklahoma	14
	21	Rutgers	13
	22	Pittsburgh	7
	23	Texas A&M	5
	24	Wake Forest	4
	25	Wisconsin	3

Others receiving votes:
Penn State 2, BYU 1

Dropped from the rankings:
No. 16 Missouri, No. 17 Virginia Tech, No. 18 Georgia, No. 23 Iowa, No. 25 Penn State

BCS Predictions

With the release of the first BCS Standings, here is my prediction for the BCS games this year:

BCS National Championship:
Ohio State (12-0) vs. West Virginia (12-0)
The rules state that the championship game will be between No. 1 and No. 2. This season, it will come down to the only two unbeatens in major conferences -- Ohio State and West Virginia. Ohio State will have taken down Michigan while West Virginia eliminated Louisville.
Prediction: Ohio State wins the national championship.

Rose Bowl:
Michigan (11-1) vs. USC (11-1)
The Rose Bowl is traditionally between the Big Ten champ and the Pac-10 champ. The Big Ten champ -- Ohio State -- will be playing in the title game, so the Rose Bowl is compensated with the first pick; they use this to take Michigan who will face off against the Pac-10 championship USC Trojans. Michigan will have one loss coming against the Buckeyes; USC will be perfect in conference, but will have a loss to Notre Dame.
Prediction: Michigan wins the Rose Bowl.

Sugar Bowl:
Florida (12-1) vs. Notre Dame (11-1)
The Sugar Bowl is hosted by the SEC conference. Therefore, Florida would represent the conference, and the Sugar Bowl committee would have the first pick among the at large teams; they will select Notre Dame. Florida will win out and beat Auburn in the SEC championship game; Notre Dame will win the rest of its schedule, including the final game against USC.
Prediction: Florida wins the Sugar Bowl.

Orange Bowl:
Clemson (11-2) vs. Auburn (11-2)
The Orange Bowl is hosted by the ACC conference. Therefore, Clemson would represent the conference, and the Orange Bowl committee would have the second pick among the at large teams; they will select Auburn. Clemson will have one more loss coming against Virginia Tech, but will win the ACC championship game. Auburn will win until the SEC championship game against Florida.
Prediction: Clemson wins the Orange Bowl.

Fiesta Bowl:
Texas (12-1) vs. Boise State (12-0)
The Fiesta Bowl is hosted by the Big XII conference. Therefore, Texas would represent the conference, and the Fiesta Bowl committee would be stuck with an automatic mid-major bid; they will have to select Boise State. Texas wins out, as does Boise State.
Prediction: Boise State wins the Fiesta Bowl.

Peterson, Wolfe Exit Heisman Race

Saturday was a bad day for halfback Heisman hopefuls.

Adrian Peterson of Oklahoma and Garrett Wolfe of Northern Illinois performed poorly yesterday, leaving a clear two-man race for the Heisman -- Ohio State's Troy Smith and Notre Dame's Brady Quinn.

Peterson rushed for 179 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but broke his collarbone and will miss the rest of the season. Peterson is no stranger to the disabled list, with season-ending injuries both of his previous years with the Sooners. Without Peterson, Oklahoma will have difficulty advancing through its Big XII South schedule unscathed.

Wolfe exited the race due to inefficiency. Overhyped by ESPN, Wolfe carried for only 42 yards against conference foe Western Michigan. In order to stay a contender, Wolfe would have needed to step up every single weekend. A performance this poor by a player in a mid-major conference is the kiss of death to Heisman voters.

This exodus of running back talent leaves Steve Slaton (West Virginia), Mike Hart (Michigan), and Ian Johnson (Boise State) as the top backs in the country. But in all fairness, 2006 is now officially the year of the quarterback. Good luck to Troy and Brady on their campaigns.

Week 7 Games of Note

Top Three of the Week:
No. 24 Rutgers at Navy
Chris' Take: Rutgers 35, Navy 17
Gerry's Take: Navy over Rutgers

No. 1 Michigan at No. 25 Penn State
Chris' Take: Michigan 42, Penn State 24
Gerry's Take: Michigan over Penn State

GotW: No. 3 Florida at No. 11 Auburn
Chris' Take: Florida 27, Auburn 21
Gerry's Take: Florida over Auburn

Calling the Upset:
Wake Forest at N.C. State
Chris' Take: N.C. State 24, Wake Forest 14
Gerry's Take: Wake Forest over N.C. State

Mismatch of the Week:
Florida International at Miami
Chris' Take: Miami 55, FIU 14
Gerry's Take: Miami over FIU

Chris' Season Record: 20-10
Gerry's Season Record: 23-7

The Football Gods Conspire

I am not here to say that I believe this is going to happen ... simply that it is an awkward link of coincidences ...

Last year, Michigan and Penn State faced off in the Big House. Penn State was undefeated, with rumors that Joe Paterno should leave the program starting to finally subside. After all, Paterno's Nittany Lions had a stretch of substandard years as of late. Nonetheless, Penn State was back on top of college football with talk of a national championship floating from every corner of Happy Valley.

In Ann Arbor, that all changed. It was one of the most dramatic games in the 2005 college football season; Penn State was up late in the fourth quarter. This would be the last barrier between the Nittany Lions and a title game. Enter Mario Manningham -- a relatively unknown receiver for the Wolverines, who scored with seconds remaining on the clock to beat Penn State and salvage Michigan.

Now we turn to 2006. Michigan is undefeated, with rumors that Lloyd Carr should leave the program starting to finally subside. After all, Carr's Wolverines had a stretch of substandard years as of late. Nonetheless, Michigan is back on top of college football with talk of a national championship floating from every corner of Ann Arbor. However, Michigan will have to face Penn State without last year's difference maker -- Mario Manningham. Perhaps, this will be the game that changes the landscape of the 2006 season.

Michigan and Penn State will play on Saturday at 8 p.m. on ABC. Will history repeat itself?

Midseason Evaluations: The Top Talent

We have reached midseason, and with that, it's time for some midseason evaluations. We will begin by looking at the top talent in college football thus far, assessing the pro prospects from the chumps. Here are the top 10 at the big three offensive positions thus far:

Quarterbacks
1. Troy Smith, Ohio State
2. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
3. Erik Ainge, Tennessee
4. Chris Leak, Florida
5. John David Booty, USC
6. Tyler Palko, Pittsburgh
7. Kevin Kolb, Houston
8. Colt McCoy, Texas
9. John Beck, BYU
10. Chad Henne, Michigan

Others to watch: Colt Brennan (Hawaii), Chase Daniel (Missouri), Nate Longshore (California), JeMarcus Russell (LSU), Drew Tate (Iowa), Zac Taylor (Nebraska), Andre' Woodson (Kentucky)

Running Backs
1. Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
2. Mike Hart, Michigan
3. Steve Slaton, West Virginia
4. Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois
5. Ian Johnson, Boise State
6. Marshawn Lynch, California
7. James Davis, Clemson
8. Kenny Irons, Auburn
9. Antonio Pittman, Ohio State
10. Darren McFadden, Arkansas

Others to watch: Tashard Choice (Georgia Tech), Arian Foster (Tennessee), Jovorskie Lane (Texas A&M), Ray Rice (Rutgers), Jonathan Stewart (Oregon), George Stripling (Louisville), Darius Walker (Notre Dame)

Wide Receivers
1. Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
2. Ted Ginn, Ohio State
3. Mario Manningham, Michigan
4. Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame
5. Dwayne Jarrett, USC
6. Limas Sweed, Texas
7. Sidney Rice, South Carolina
8. Robert Meacham, Tennessee
9. Steve Smith, USC
10. Rhema McKnight, Notre Dame

Others to Watch: Dorien Bryant (Purdue), Anthony Gonzalez (Ohio State), Jason Hill (Washington State), DeSean Jackson (California), Derek Kinder (Pittsburgh), Jayson Swain (Tennessee), Derrick Williams (Penn State)

CFBN Week 6 Poll

P 1 2 3 4 5 6

Week 6

	Po.	Team	Votes
	1	Michigan (1)	49
		Ohio State(1)	49
	3	Florida	45
	4	Louisville	43
	5	USC	42
	6	Texas	39
		West Virginia	39
	8	Notre Dame	36
	9	California	34
	10	Tennessee	33
	11	Auburn	30
	12	Georgia Tech	28
	13	Clemson	26
	14	Boise State	23
		LSU	23
	16	Missouri	19
	17	Virginia Tech	16
	18	Georgia	15
	19	Oregon	13
	20	Oklahoma	12
	21	Arkansas	11
	22	Nebraska	10
	23	Iowa	8
	24	Rutgers	5
	25	Penn State	2

Others receiving votes:
none

Dropped from the rankings:
No. 23 Florida State, No. 25 Texas Tech