Second BCS Rankings Are In...

After another intense weekend of football, which started off with a South Florida loss to Rutgers and Ohio State struggled late in their game against Michigan State, the second BCS Rankings are in for the 2007 season. Boston College moved into the #2 spot in a similar way to how Cal moved into the #2 spot the previous week-by not playing a game. LSU moved up a spot in the BCS rankings to take over the third spot and Arizona State and Oregon moved up to round out the top 5 from being ranked 8^th and 10^th, respectively, last week. Looking at the latest BCS scores, however, it is fairly evident that while Arizona State and Oregon are in the Top 5, they are clearly on the outside looking in, as Ohio State, Boston College and LSU are showing BCS dominance thus far. A look at the new Top 5 in the BCS:

1: Ohio State, 8-0, BCS score of .976
Ohio State went out this past week against Michigan State in the first half and showed just why they are the number 1 ranked team in the nation. In the second half, the offense went out and showed why people across the nation have been doubting if Ohio State is worthy of the top spot. The Ohio State defense gave up 3 points in the 24-17 win over Michigan State, while the Ohio State offense gave up 14 points in turnovers that were returned for touchdowns. This game, however, was against a legitimate team and the Buckeyes defense showed just how dominant they are. The Buckeyes now face a schedule that is stocked with solid Big Ten opponents, and wins against teams such as Michigan and Penn State will only help extend their lead in the BCS.

This past week: Ohio State beat Michigan State 24-17, after a late scare in the second half due to Ohio State turnovers.
Next week: Ohio State travels to the 'White Out' in Penn State for a night game, which has been a lethal combination in the past for Ohio State.

2: Boston College, 7-0, BCS Score of .950
There isn't much more to say about Boston College at this time. After debuting in third in the initial BCS rankings, Boston College had a bye week this week and moved up to second in the BCS due to a South Florida loss. Boston College takes their high-powered offense to Virginia Tech for a Thursday game this week, featuring Matt Ryan who has thrown from over 2000 yards in an Eagles offense that has outscored its opposition by nearly 17 points per game.

This past week: The Eagles were idle
Next week: A night game at Virginia Tech could mean another top rated team is about to fall.

3: LSU, 7-1, BCS Score of .911
LSU redeemed themselves after their loss to Kentucky by hosting Auburn in what I had said last week would be the Week 8 Game to Watch. LSU pulled out a 30-24 win in the 4^th quarter over Auburn, to maintain a share of the lead in the SEC West and to move up a spot in the BCS to third. LSU now has a week off to prepare for what will be one of the biggest games of their season, against Alabama on November 3^rd. LSU does not have to worry about falling in the BCS this week, as they have a substantial lead over Arizona State, who are currently in fourth, and depending on what Boston College does, LSU could be back up in a spot vying for a bid to the National Championship.

This past week: LSU defeated rival Auburn down in Louisiana, 30-24
Next week: Idle, LSU resumes play on November 3^rd

4: Arizona State, 7-0, BCS Score of .763
The Sun Devils bring their high-scoring offense from eighth in the initial BCS standings to fourth this week. Having scored over 30 points in 6 of their 7 games so far, it is safe to say that that will not change when the Golden Bears of California come to Arizona for an offensive showdown in Arizona. In a conference that has typically been dominated by USC in past years, the Sun Devils currently are tied for the lead in the Pac-10 with UCLA. Led by junior quarterback Rudy Carpenter, the Sun Devils should be expected to face some challenges this week, but look for a Sun Devils win. How long Arizona State stays in the Top 5, however, is a mystery, as future opponents include Oregon and USC, both of which have the capabilities to knock Arizona State back down in the polls. For now, however Sun Devil fans, enjoy your moment in the spotlight.

This past week: Arizona State dominated Washington 44-20 in Arizona, pushing the Sun Devils up 4 spots in the BCS.
Next week: Cal travels to take on Arizona State in the desert, in hopes to climb back up in the polls and become Bowl-eligible.

5: Oregon, 6-1, BCS Score of .762
Oregon rounds out the Top 5 in the BCS rankings this week, with an offense that averages over 550 yards per game. While they have scored over 50 points in 4 of their 7 games, the Ducks are facing a tough schedule from here on out, including USC, Arizona State and UCLA. If the Ducks want to wind up travelling to the National Championship, the only way of doing that will to be by winning out the rest of the season. Jonathan Stewart, one of their feature backs, already has almost as many rushing yards he had last season, and should surpass the 1000 yard mark for the season this week when USC heads up to Oregon. Starting quarterback Dennis Dixon has shown great mobility for a quarterback, rushing for 7 touchdowns on 423 yards, to compliment his 1721 yards through the air and 16 passing touchdowns. Look for this tandem to work well together against USC, providing Dixon with the ability to set up play action passes, as well as make runs on his own if he needs to.

This past week: Oregon gave up 34 points to Washington, but won by scoring 55 points themselves.
Next week: USC travels to Oregon in hopes to not only move up in the BCS, but to stay in a tight race in the Pac-10.

Week 9 Game to Watch: #1 Ohio State at #25 Penn State, Saturday October 27^th at 8pm on ESPN
Ohio State has suffered recently at Penn State and night games have not always been a favorite for the Buckeyes. This will be another good test for the Ohio State offense. It is fair to say that Ohio State has one of, if not the most, dominant defenses in the nation, with the questions lying on the offensive side of the ball. Look for Todd Boeckman to play the entire game again, from here on out, as the Buckeyes now have entered the meat of their schedule, so to speak. Boeckman should be expected to have a solid performance against the Nittany Lions, though an interception should not come as a surprise from the Penn State defense. Also, if Maurice Wells continues to have rough outings, look for a healthy Brandon Saine to play behind feature back Chris Wells.
On the Penn State side of the ball, look for Anthony Morelli to have early success spreading the ball around to his receivers, but once the Ohio State defense picks up on their routes, expect to see some close plays and hard hits on the Penn State receivers. Penn State should also look to try to do short screen passes to halfback Rodney Kinlaw on Ohio State blitzes, in an attempt to catch a tough Ohio State defense off guard. Also, expect the crowd to play a large role in this game-crowd noise has been quite an advantage to Ohio State at home so far this year, and don't think that Penn State will not benefit from a loud Penn State 'White Out' crowd.