College Football Top Eight Rankings for October 8, 2007

It’s October 8. A week later and a week stronger for schools like LSU and Stanford. Yes, Stanford. The Cardinal were nearly six-touchdown underdogs entering Saturday night’s contest with USC and somehow defeated the hapless Trojans on their home field. Further, most people in the know probably felt that the Cardinal could not have beaten Troy, let alone the men of Troy. That’s why you play the game. Or, is this why?

Our view on pre-season rankings
Everything you saw back in August and September were simply suggestions by individuals who are supposed to be more knowledgeable than you or me. These “suggestions” serve as a reference point that allow for pundits without this season’s game tape to go off of.

How this ranking works?
This ranking will not be like a poll, which often drops a school’s ranking by a minimum of four spots for any loss regardless of circumstance. We will do our best to look at the full body of work. If you consistently win in unimpressive fashion, then I’ll note it. If you demolish teams and then produce a 60-minute brain fart on the gridiron, then I might forgive it to a degree.

Why only rank the top eight teams?
In a fantasy world, these top eight teams would participate in a playoff system, which would be played at seven current Bowl sites. If only the university presidents bought into this just and highly lucrative manner in which to crown a national champion.

RANKING FOR OCTOBER 8, 2007
1. LSU: The Tigers pulled one out of their … hats. Jacob Hester should get some award for being amazing and unheralded.
2. California: They were idle, so my question from last week remains. Can the defense sustain a poor game from the offense?
3. Ohio State: As under the radar as a gigantic program can be. Defense comparable to that of LSU. Another OSU team went under the radar and won a national title.
4. Florida: Their performance on Saturday would have defeated all but one team in D-1A at all but one setting. Gators remain in top tier but another loss will knock them down to the third tier.
5. Boston College: They move up for consistent performances from the offense and defense. Real competition starts soon.
6. Oklahoma: Took a good shot from Texas and prevailed. Strong demonstration of character following blunders in Boulder. Say hello to Sam Bradford. He’s back on planet Earth.
7. USC: Loss to Stanford was tragic. Prior destroying of Nebraska looks average after Huskers troubles. Loss of CJ Gable hurts despite never-ending RB depth.
8. South Florida: Beating Florida Atlantic in a weak effort doesn’t impress me. Edges Gamecocks for eighth and final spot this week.