[Tuck4Bama]

In college football, stepping on the back of the downfallen not only is an accepted practice, usually it's the only way to get ahead.


So, don't expect apologies this week from the teams now ranked second, third and fourth in the polls -- California, Ohio State and Boston College. Like top-ranked Louisiana State and fifth-ranked South Florida, they have persevered -- meaning, won -- while the teams ahead of them have lost.

Whether that's the way to run a national championship chase is cause for debate, but especially this season, it's the reality. With the first Bowl Championship Series standings to be released in six days, those teams are in the best position to make the national championship game. Preseason favorites such as Southern California, Texas and Michigan have fallen off.

Buckeyes stay clear of top 10 turmoil

[Lefty Noob]

Ohio State is a much better team than I've expected them to be.

I also think they have a very favorable schedule going forward, and a good chance to be playing for the BCS title again.