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This season, it's become apparent that the top 25 is actually more like a top ten, followed by 15 teams that you could put in pretty much any random order and make a good argument for it. That was solidified this weekend, as six teams in the top 25, but outside the top 10, came away with losses. The one thing it doesn't do though, is change the national title picture.
Games of Note
(6) Oklahoma St. Cowboys @ (22) Texas Longhorns
Final Score: OSU 38 - UT 26
The Longhorns put forth a much better effort than last week against the Sooners, but in the end the big play killed Texas. The Pokes had two scores of over 74 yards (one kickoff return, one rushing) in the third quarter, effectively putting the game out of Texas' reach. A lot of people are referring to the Alabama/LSU game as a potential BCS semifinal game, but there's a decent chance that the winner of OU/OSU (if undefeated) will get the second spot in the title game.
(8) Clemson Tigers @ Maryland Terrapins
Final Score: CU 56 - UMD 45
Clemson was down 35-17 in the third quarter before storming back to beat the Derps. Freshman WR Sammy Watkins continues to be ridiculous, as he cashed in three touchdowns, including a beautiful 89 yard kick return in the 4th quarter that gave the Tigers a 49-45 lead. It was their first lead since going up 3-0 to begin the game. A win's a win, but that kind of defensive performance is troubling.
(18) Arizona St. Sun Devils @ (9) Oregon Ducks
Final Score: UO 41 - ASU 27
This game was neck and neck in the first half, but in typical Oregon fashion, the Ducks turned on the jets in the third quarter and pulled away. The surprising thing is that the Ducks were able to do it without LaMichael James and Darron Thomas, who hurt his leg early in the third quarter. Backup QB Bryan Bennett didn't exactly set the world on fire with his arm, but good lord can that boy run.
(15) South Carolina Gamecocks @ Mississippi St. Bulldogs
Final Score: USC 14 - MSU 12
This was an ugly game, but newsworthy due to the fact that South Carolina lost Marcus Lattimore for the season with a torn ACL. Lattimore got his legs rolled into while blocking for a teammate. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
(20) Baylor Bears @ (21) Texas A&M Aggies
Final Score: A&M 55 - BU 28
A&M piled up almost 700 yards of total offense against Baylor, who we all knew didn't have a good defense, but c'mon guys. In other absurd statistical news, Robert Griffin III went 28-40 for 430 yards, 3 TDs and a pick, and it was arguably his worst game of the season. Imagine what he could do if he had just a little help.
Upset City
(12) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets @ Virginia Cavaliers
Final Score: UVA 24 - GT 21
Did you know that UVA has outgained their opponents in every game this season? No one's saying the 'Hoos are a good team, but they're sneakily proficient. As for Tech, they've been witnessing diminishing returns over the past few weeks, and that game wasn't hard to see coming.
The Rest of the Top 25
(1) LSU Tigers 38 - Tennessee Volunteers 7
(2) Alabama Crimson Tide 52 - Mississippi Rebels 7
(3) Oklahoma Sooners 47 - Kansas Jayhawks 17
(5) Boise St. Broncos 63 - Colorado St. Rams 13
(7) Stanford Cardinal 44 - Washington St. Cougars 14
(17) Kansas St. Wildcats 41 - Texas Tech Red Raiders 34
(24) Auburn Tigers 17 - Florida Gators 6