Alabama's Argument Hurt by Struggles of Vanquished

A college football team's fate is partly determined by the strength of its competition. Thus, even though the Crimson Tide didn't play, Alabama still had a very bad weekend.

Ever since coach Nick Saban's team beat Virginia Tech to start the season, 'Bama has occupied the top spot in Homerism's weekly power poll. After the Hokies suffered their third loss of the year last week, the Tide's top win no longer appears quite as impressive. Likewise, Ole Miss' continuing fade has weekend Alabama's case.

Meanwhile, Boise State's stature definitely improved this weekend after Oregon crushed USC. Sure, the haters could argue that playing the Ducks in week one is an entirely different proposition from playing Nike's favorite sons right now. The Broncos still remain the only team to beat Oregon this season, and the Ducks may be the hottest team in the country right now.

Of course, BCS-wise, I'd be very surprised if the national championship game was anything other than the SEC winner against Texas.

Blatant Homerism Weekly Power Poll: Week Nine

1. Iowa
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. Boise State
5. 'Bama
6. TCU
7. Cincinnati
8. Oregon
9. Georgia Tech
10. LSU