In accordance with the new policy implemented after the BlogPoll became affiliated with CBS Sports, I cast my ballot, solicited and received feedback, and considered changes to my top 25.
After giving due consideration to the views expressed by fellow bloggers and Dawg Sports commenters, I made two changes, which I will endeavor to explain.
First of all, because it was odd that I had B.Y.U. ranked after the Cougars lost (which I freely admitted was the case), I dropped Brigham Young from my ballot and, at the suggestion of Tomahawk Nation’s FSUncensored, substituted Virginia Tech instead.
Secondly, I paid heed to insightful observations made by two respected voices in the blogosphere. Dr. Saturday started the wheels turning by writing this about Texas Tech:
[T]he Raiders were sixth and seventh, respectively, in the human polls (and eighth in the AP), ahead of Georgia, Ohio State, LSU and, depending on the poll, Florida and fellow Big 12 South unbeaten Oklahoma State, but only 11th according to the computers. What are the algorithms picking up that we aren't? . . .
[N]o team in the top ten has proven less almost two-thirds of the way through the season.
LD, on the other hand, was much more pointed in his criticism of the Red Raiders:
Which team is better?
Team A:
7-0
2 wins vs. 1-AA/FBS opponents
45.9 points per game on offense (5th)
557 yards per game on offense (2nd)
21.1 points allowed per game on defense (43rd)
24.8 scoring margin
126th toughest schedule according to Colley Rankings
116th toughest schedule according to GBE
Against toughest opponent: home vs. 4-3 team, in overtime, by 6 points
Team B:
7-0
1 win vs. 1-AA/FBS opponent
56.6 points per game on offense (1st)
624 yards per game on offense (1st)
27.1 points allowed per game on defense (80th)
29.5 scoring margin
129th toughest schedule according to Colley Rankings.
120th toughest schedule according to GBE
Against toughest opponent: home vs. 4-3 team, by 35 points
Both teams have played against atrocious schedules. One has played slightly worse opponents, but the other has played 2 lower division opponents. Neither has played a ranked opponent.
One has a higher powered offense, while the other has a slightly better defense. Both teams have one close win (6 points), but all of their other games were blowouts. . . .
What is it about Texas Tech (Team A) that is that much more impressive than Tulsa (Team B)?
As I was unable to answer adequately LD’s perfectly valid question, I dropped the Red Raiders a few spots on my ballot. I probably ought to have dropped them more, but this discrepancy will begin taking care of itself soon enough: Texas Tech’s next four games are at Kansas, against Texas, against Oklahoma State, and at Oklahoma.
Here, then, is my revised ballot:
 | ||
| Rank | Team | Delta |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas |  1 |
| 2 | Alabama |  1 |
| 3 | Penn State | 1 |
| 4 | Oklahoma State | 1 |
| 5 | Southern Cal | 2 |
| 6 | Oklahoma | 2 |
| 7 | Ohio State | 5 |
| 8 | Georgia | 7 |
| 9 | Florida | 2 |
| 10 | Utah | 12 |
| 11 | Pittsburgh | 5 |
| 12 | TCU | 12 |
| 13 | Texas Tech | 7 |
| 14 | Georgia Tech | 12 |
| 15 | Boston College | 11 |
| 16 | South Florida | 1 |
| 17 | LSU | 9 |
| 18 | Boise State | 13 |
| 19 | Ball State | 2 |
| 20 | Minnesota | 5 |
| 21 | Florida State | 5 |
| 22 | Northwestern | 4 |
| 23 | Cincinnati | 3 |
| 24 | Tulsa | 2 |
| 25 | Virginia Tech | 12 |
As always, your feedback is appreciated.
Go ‘Dawgs!