The first set of BCS standings released this week shows that college football remains an aristocracy. If Florida, Alabama and Texas keep winning, no other team will crack the national title chase.
"We should just close down all the other football teams and just have six teams play for it," Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly said sarcastically this week. "And we'll all play for something else."
Kelly's team is one of the pleasant surprises of this season's first half. No Big East team appeared in the preseason Top 25 and, despite being the defending champion, the Bearcats weren't expected to win their own league.
And Iowa? A New Year's Day bowl looked like a reasonable goal. Just not the New Year's Day game called the Rose Bowl. Arizona and Boston College, meanwhile, were supposed to reside near the basement of their leagues, and both are in the hunt for a conference title at the midway point.
No. 7 Iowa (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten)
What's working: Second-half comebacks. The Hawkeyes have trailed by double-digits three times this year and rallied for wins. Despite eight interceptions, QB Ricky Stanzi has grown quite clutch.
Can it last? No. Two tough road games with Michigan State (Saturday) and Ohio State (Nov. 14) will prove too much.
No. 5 Cincinnati (6-0, 2-0 Big East)
What's working: A thriving front seven. New defensive coordinator Bob Diaco has mixed 4-3 and 3-4 looks and turned linebackers Alex Daniels and Walter Stewart into stars. "It looks like they've borrowed a lot of ideas from the Patriots," Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe said on a teleconference.
Can it last? Yes. If the Bearcats can slow WVU's Noel Devine and Pitt's Dion Lewis, they might play for a national championship.
Arizona (4-2, 2-1 Pac-10)
What's working: QB Nick Foles. Foles has averaged 351 passing yards in three starts and excels in offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes' four-WR sets. "The quick game is his forte," UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said on a teleconference. "He makes you kind of dance to his tune."
Can it last? No. The Cats will struggle late against the Cal, Oregon and USC defenses.
Boston College (5-2, 3-2 ACC)
What's working: Montel Harris and the run game. With inconsistency at quarterback and a young defense, Harris' 5.6 yards per rush makes him an All-ACC candidate.
Can it last? Yes. The Eagles' remaining leagues games (at Virginia, UNC, at Maryland) give them a chance to win the Atlantic Division.
Dave Curtis is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at dcurtis@sportingnews.com.
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