AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 02
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Tough road ahead for Top Five
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here is our new top five, and why it is going to be difficult for any of them (with the possible exception of South Florida) to go undefeated.
1. LSU (5-0): The Tigers are clearly the best team in the SEC but that doesn’t mean they can’t get beat. Last year they were the MOST TALENTED team in the SEC and lost to Auburn and Florida. They may have to play Florida twice (Saturday in Baton Rouge and in the SEC championship game). They have to go to Kentucky and Alabama. And when LSU plays Arkansas something dramatic seems to happen.
2. Southern Cal (4-0): The Trojans got out of Washington with a 27-24 win and still have some big-time road trips left at Oregon (Oct. 20), California (Nov. 10) and Arizona State (Nov. 22).
3. California (5-0): The Bears scored a huge win at Oregon but have three tough games at Arizona State (Oct. 27), Southern Cal at home (Nov. 10), and at Washington (Nov. 17).
4. Ohio State (5-0): The Buckeyes have quietly played their way into the No. 4 slot but the road is not going to be easy as Ohio State goes to Purdue (Saturday), Penn State (Oct. 27), and Michigan (Nov. 17). What if that date with Michigan turns out to be Lloyd Carr’s last home game? How geeked up will the Wolverines be?
5. South Florida (4-0): The Bulls have beaten Auburn on the road and West Virginia at home. In my book that puts them ahead of a team like Wisconsin. They may have the best chance to go undefeated. As you look down the Big East schedule, I can’t believe they’ll be scared of Rutgers or Louisville. Their toughest remaining game might be a non-conference match-up with Central Florida on Oct. 13. Are you telling me that just 11 years after they started the program, South Florida could be playing for a national championship?
Others to watch:
Boston College (5-0): The Eagles will be 7-0 when they go to Virginia Tech on Oct. 25. They finish with Florida State, Maryland, Clemson, and Miami.
Florida (4-1): The Gators have to beat LSU on Saturday and then run the table to the SEC championship to have a chance.
Kentucky (5-0): If the Wildcats can win at South Carolina Thursday night, they have LSU, Florida, and Tennessee coming to Commonwealth Stadium.
Wisconsin (5-0): The Badgers have to travel to Illinois (this Saturday), Penn State, and Ohio State. They will lose at least two of those games.
