Rankings and second half season distractions..

Rankings after the games of the weekend of Oct 25th

1. Texas - another highly ranked opponent, another win, although this one much tougher than the previous week. How much is left in the big-game tank and will playing in front of a hostile crowd make any difference?
2. Penn State - not the sharpest looking win at Ohio State but effective and the Buckeyes were rolling on offense before only scoring 6 against Penn State.
3. Alabama - avoided the upset trap at Tennessee. Saban's return to LSU is preceded by a "why is this game on the schedule for November 1st?" matchup with Arkansas State.
4. Florida - rolling into the game formerly known as the "World's Largest Cocktail Party"
5. Oklahoma State - The Cowboys are getting a lot of credit for never leading Texas but they proved they belong with their play in Austin.
6. Oklahoma - movement in the rankings reflect the trend of the defense since the loss of Ryan Reynolds - slipping big time. Back to back weeks of getting lit up by QBs from the Sunflower State. Good thing Sam Bradford is the better QB and the running game is back on track.
7. Texas Tech - the consensus overrated top ten team just a week ago. Defense showed up at Kansas. They are going to need a repeat performance to slow down McCoy enough for what should be a shootout in West Texas.
8. Georgia - is the payback for the TD celebration of a year ago coming this Saturday?
9. USC - didn't improve their stock with the trip to Arizona. Defense continues to shine. Offense just isn't as good as expected.
10. TCU - at Utah on November 6th should warrant national interest.

Tis the season of distractions. Early entry and coaching questions will heat up as the temperatures fall. Sam Bradford is already being asked about the potential to leave - will he bolt after his redshirt sophomore year? (I say not this year) How many coaches are being linked to the Washington post now that Willingham is officially out after the season? Will there be strong interest about Texas DC Will Muschamp?