AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2007 > November > 06
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Can LSU handle being No. 2?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For the fourth time this season No. 2 got beat again last week, when Boston College fell to Florida State. So now it’s LSU’s turn to snuggle up to No. 1 Ohio State. Can LSU handle it? Are we FINALLY done with the drama for this season? Has all the cream risen to the top?
Not a chance.
Here is this week’s Tony B. Top Five.
1. Ohio State (10-0): I know. I know. After watching Florida beat down the Buckeyes in Arizona last year, you think this team is a fraud. If that’s true, we’ll find out. Ohio State gets Illinois at home this week where the Bucks are a double-digit favorite. I’ve always said that the best time to play Ohio State is the week before Michigan. Don’t be surprised if Ohio State gets a scare from the Zooker.
2. LSU (8-1): What is so amazing about the Tigers is that if the ball had bounced (or been dropped) another way, LSU could be on a four-game losing streak right now. But Les Miles and the gang found a way to win three of four close games. Anyone who looks at this team up close and personal is amazed at the talent level. Having survived last Saturday’s trip to Tuscaloosa, it’s tough to see LSU losing to Ole Miss or Arkansas. Now if the Tigers get Florida or Georgia in Atlanta (SEC championship game), it might be interesting.
3. Oregon (8-1): I have friends around the country who are convinced that the Ducks are the best team in the country. And when you look at the way QB Dennis Dixon and RB Jonathon Stewart run up and down the field, they just may have a point. The question is: How would this team match up against LSU’s defense? If Ohio State stumbles in the next two weeks, we just might find that out.
4. Oklahoma (8-1): The way the Sooners played against Texas A&M (42-14) it’s hard to see anyone stopping them. But they have a couple of interesting games coming up. On Nov. 17 they go to Texas Tech, which is always an adventure. Then they play at home game against an Oklahoma State team that is getting healthy again. Then the Sooners will face either Kansas (9-0) or Missouri (8-1) in the Big 12 championship game.
5. West Virginia (7-1): When QB Pat White and RB Steve Slaton are healthy, this is easily one of the top five teams in America, if not the top three. And right now they are very healthy. The Mountaineers are entering a tough stretch: Louisville on Thursday, at Cincinnati on Nov. 17, and at home against No. 13 Connecticut (8-1) on Nov. 24. Do not forget about this team.
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