NCAAF TITLE CHASERS
By Mr. East
Last week at this time there were 7 teams that had still not tasted defeat, but that number has lost a member, as the Iowa Hawkeyes, who nearly self-destructed vs Indiana 2 weks ago, were taken down at home by Northwestern. That leaves us with just 6 teams to remain unblemished heading towards mid November. That moves Iowa among the list of teams with 1 defeat, which lost 3 teams this week in Oregon, LSU, and Penn St. There remains 5 teams with a single loss. Let's take a peek at this week's action, and see if we have any upset potential.
TEXAS (8-0) @ BAYLOR (4-5)
The Longhorns have to be feeling pretty good about their position, as they have no real difficult games left, including the Big-12 Championship Game. This one should be relatively easy for the Horns, who will await the winner of the SEC Championship for all the marbles as it looks now. UPSET POTENTIAL: SMALL-
ALABAMA (9-0) @ MISSISSIPPI ST. (4-5)
Alabama secured their spot in the SEC Championship Game with their win over LSU. It sets up a showdown in the SEC Title game vs the Gators, which should be a war. Unless the Tide suffers a huge letdown, they should handle Mississippi St. here relatively easily. UPSET POTENTIAL: SMALL
UTAH (8-1) @ TCU (9-0)
This is the last remaining test for the Frogs, and a win vs Utah could propel them into a BCS Bowl. This one fortunately is at home, and the Frogs are playing very well, and improving every week, and with so much on the line, I expect them to win this one relatively easily. UPSET POTENTIAL: SMALL
FLORIDA (9-0) @ SOUTH CAROLINA (6-4)
The Gators aren't getting the style points they did a year ago, when they seemingly blew out everyone scoring 50 along the way. The offense may not be as potent but the defense is even better. South Carolina will be emotionally charged for this one. Gamecocks have won 7 straight at home, and although this one won't be a layup, I look for the Gators to come out clean. UPSET POTENTIAL: SMALL
W. VIRGINIA (7-2) @ CINCINNATI (9-0)
The Bearcats had their hands full vs the Huskies, and despite putting up over 700 yards of offense they escaped at home by just 2 points. Mounataineersused to the big stage, and this one might be the toughest for any of the unbeatens. UPSET POTENTIAL: MEDIUM
IDAHO (7-3) @ BOISE ST. (9-0)
The Idaho Vandals are a surprise this season, and vastly improved, but they won't be able to stop the Broncos here. Boise St. appears ready to run the table, and if they do a BCS Bowl bid awaits. UPSET POTENTIAL: 0
THE 1 LOSS TEAMS:
IOWA 9-1
PITT 8-1
G. TECH 9-1
UTAH 8-1
HOUSTON 8-1
OUTLOOK:
Georgia Tech at #7 in the latest BCS poll, has the best shot at moving up if those above them slip, and have a very remote chance of playing for a National Championship, but hold their own fate and destiny to get a BCS Bowl bid, by running the table. Iowa at number 10, could reposition themselves into the BCS picture with a win vs Ohio St. Pitt at #12 needs to run the table, and put it on the line vs Cincinnati, for what should be a BCS Bowl berth and Big East Title Game. Utah at 16, and Houston at 15, have no shot at a BCS Bowl as an at large, and Notre Dame blew any chance they had with their loss to Navy.
The picture looks to be shaping up, but as we have seen all season, there are surprises around every corner. Right now the winner of the Florida/Alabama SEC Title game appears destined to face Texas for the National Title. We'll see if that scenerio survives another week. Until then, may the hook be with you.