John April's Top 20 College Football Rankings

It's always good to have a different set of opinions. Here is Guest Blogger, John April's version of the NCAA Football Top 20 Rankings.

Have a comment or question? Join the Discussion in our Forums

1. LSU (6-0)

Well, after the slight win 28-24, over a tough Florida team, as well as USC’s 24-23 loss to a non-ranked Stanford (1-3), I HAVE to give, and I do mean give, LSU the top spot this week. It was ONLY in the last 2 minutes of the game that they actually squeaked by.

2. California (5-0)

Ok, you can disagree with me on this one, yes they had a bye this week, but don’t hold it against them. With the USC loss, lets give them the benefit of the doubt and kick um up a notch.

3. Ohio State (6-0)

Ohio State again, with a dominant (23-7) win over a confidant (5-0) # 23 ranked Purdue, continues to climb that ladder to the top. Although Purdue out-threw Ohio State 268-200 yards, Ohio States running game more than made up for that rushing for 181 yards vs. Purdue’s four.

4. USC (4-1)

I am at a loss for words here. USC has disappointed its fans and alumni with its last 2 games, the close win over the Washington Huskies, and this weeks loss to Stanford. Special teams, the missed PAT by Buehler, as well as the 4 interceptions by Booty, is what cost USC the win this week. Still, I believe that USC can make it to the Rose Bowl.

5. South Florida ( 5-0)

No hate mail on this, please. S. Fla., not as well known as LSU, USC, Ohio State, etc., has become the ONLY undefeated team in Florida. Williams, rushing for 186 yards, was followed close behind by fellow teammate Grothe, who ran for 120 yards and passed for another 122 yards, making this 35-23 win over Fla. Atlantic, fantastic.

6. Boston College (6-0)

Boston College, a mainstay in the top 20 for the last 3 years, dominated Bowling Green (3-1) this week in a stunning 55-24 victory. 6 thrown Bowling Green interceptions, 5 by QB Sheehan, and 1 by Glaud, aided in this loss. Boston College QB Ryan had a noteworthy week, passing for 24/32, 312 yds., and 4 TD’s.

7. Wisconsin (5-1)

Wisconsin’s 14-game winning streak was stopped by a 5-1 Illinois team. Beating Wisconsin in a 31-26 battle, and yes this one was a battle. Wisconsin TE Beckum, had 160 receiving yards on 11 carries. QB Donovan threw for 392 yards, and Wisconsin had 28 first downs compared to Illinois 18. None the less, Wisconsin did suffer defeat against this better than expected Illinois team.

8. Oklahoma ( 5-1)

One of the more enjoyable games available this week. Nothing really outstanding about either team for this game. It could have gone either way, but it seems that Oklahoma just wanted it more.

9. South Carolina ( 5-1)

Turnovers, turnovers. Kentucky surpassed S.C. in just about every category. first downs, total yards, time of possession and rushing. They also were ahead on turnovers 4-1, and that cost them the game.

10. Florida (4-2)

Yes, I believe that Florida should be in the top 10. After witnessing a game that I felt should have gone to Florida, with the poor officiating, there is no way that I feel comfortable putting them at less than 10th in the rankings. Florida played in what I consider the toughest stadium in the country, and actually won the game until the last 1:02 minutes.

11. Kentucky (5-1)

Now this is funny, AP has Kentucky ranked 17th in the nation. What are they thinking about. 4 turnovers are all that cost Kentucky the loss against S. Carolina. 384 total yards, 227 in the air and 157 rushing. But drop down to 17, I don’t buy it. Watch for Kentucky in the future.

12. West Virginia (5-1)

W.V. had 486 total yards this week against Syracuse. Some tough games ahead for the Mountaineers. Rutgers, Louisiville and Cincinnati, will all give W.V. a great game.

13. Oregon ( 4-1)

Oregon had a bye this week, and I hope that did some serious practicing. Arizona State 6-0, USC 4-1 and UCLA 4-2 are some tough competitors for this Oregon defense.

14. Virginia Tech (5-1)

I originally wanted to put V. Tech higher in the rankings this week, but considering the win over Clemson 41-23, did not properly disclose the true game itself, I am not truly sure V. Tech at this time, is a team to be reckoned with. Clemson totally outplayed V. Tech, in total yards, first downs and time of possession.

15. Hawaii (6-0)

At 6-0, Hawaii may look impressive, but take a look what class of teams they are beating. Utah St. 0-6, Northern Colorado 0-6, La. Tech 1-4 and Idaho 1-5. Come on give me a break. I only put them here because I do have respect for any team that goes 6-0, but I believe that Boise St. and Washington will give them a game.


16. Missouri (5-0)

Yes, they beat Illinois 5-1, and they also beat Nebraska 4-2, BUT they still have to get by Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas Tech, Texas A & M and Kansas, all tough teams. But 606 total yards against Nebraska 4-2 is very impressive. Junior QB Chase Daniel, threw for 401 yards and ran for 72. Missouri WR’s and TE’s all were instrumental in this weeks win.

17. Illinois (5-1)

# 5 RB Rashad Mendenhall, a Junior, rushed for 160 yards in this weeks exciting upset over Wisconsin 5-1. Watch for this player in the NFL Draft a couple of years from now. Despite the 519 total yards orchestrated by Wisconsin QB Donovan, Illinois was able to break Wisconsin’s winning streak of 14 games.

18. Kansas (5-0)

Lets keep our eyes on this team. I am not sure that they can hold onto a position in the top 20. The have some tough teams ahead on their schedule, a 5-1 Texas A & M and a 5-0 Missouri.

19. Arizona State ( 6-0)

Atop the PAC-10 standings sits Arizona State (3-0) along with UCLA, also 3-0.

20. Cincinnati (6-0)

The 20th spot in the ranking is very difficult to pick. There were a number of other teams I could have put here, but at 6-0 I believe they have earned it.