Power Polling: What's a Ute?
Lighten up, coach – your team is No. 1. (Image: desertnews.com)
Not surprisingly, Ole Miss lost its grip on No. 1 in my ballot for this week's edition of The Student Section Top 25.
Blatant Homerism Top 25: Week 4
1. Utah
2. Northwestern
3. Florida
4. Clemson
5. Texas A&M
6. Oklahoma
7. LSU
8. Iowa
9. Toledo
10. TCU
11. Oklahoma State
12. Michigan State
13. Ohio State
14. Florida State
15. California
16. Baylor
17. Temple
18. Houston
19. Memphis
20. Navy
21. Ole Miss
22. Stanford
23. Alabama
24. Notre Dame
25. Michigan
Just missed the cut: UCLA
Notes:
*Utah takes hold of No. 1 by virtue of not playing this week. Highly ranked teams fell all around the Utes as they kicked back all weekend.
ESPN will be in Salt Lake City this weekend for the Utes' visit from what looks like an overrated California team.
*You read that right: Northwestern is my No. 2 team in the country.
The Wildcats took Minnesota to the woodshed on Saturday, retaining their spotless record and recording another solid win over a Power 5 opponent. NU will eventually meet its match, but for now, the Wildcats have to be enjoying a season in which they're not just a Big Ten slump-buster.
*Florida definitely deserves such a lofty spot after demolishing Ole Miss on Saturday night. Given the Gators' dwindling health situation, they may fall off spectacularly in the second half of the year. For now, though, tough to arguewith what they've accomplished.
*I've definitely put a "sell" call on Sparty and Ohio St. The B1G powers haven't looked the part of national championship contenders yet.
That's not to say the potential isn't there. Rather, both have screwed around enough this season to raise reasonable concerns about the quality of the teams.
*Baylor makes its first appearance in the top 25 after whooping Texas Tech. Go on with your bad selves, Bears.