ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson

1. TCU: The Horned Frogs probably would not have jumped Boise State in this poll had they not been so dominant in a place where BYU has not lost a league game since 2005. In my opinion, I agree with coach Gary Patterson about both TCU and Boise State deserving of a spot and if I could make them 1A and 1B, I would. Still, the season’s not over for the Frogs. There are still a lot of obstacles ahead.

2. Boise State: Basically, I see Boise State as 1B. The Broncos are once again the victim of their conference, which is not their fault, but still part of the equation. As I said above, I believe Boise State is as deserving of a BCS bowl berth as TCU if both teams go undefeated. The only reason the Broncos are dropping here is because of the way TCU dominated BYU on the road. But Boise State still has the easiest road to stay undefeated.

3. Notre Dame: The Irish keeps fighting and that’s been one of the most impressive aspects of their season so far. Quarterback Jimmy Clausen continues to have stellar performances and continues to keep his team in games. Notre Dame might not have the schedule to make a BCS bowl this season, but the Irish are definitely one of the more improved and more entertaining teams to watch this season.

4. Utah: The Utes have been challenged the past couple weeks and come out ahead, but you have to think it might catch up with them as they continue through conference play, especially with TCU and BYU remaining on the schedule. This week, Utah hosts a Wyoming team that has had two weeks to prepare, and similar to Air Force, the Cowboys have a strong turnover margin.

5. Houston: The Cougars seem to be back to the team they were earlier in the season when they were rolling along. However, this week’s game at Southern Miss will be one of the tougher tests remaining on the schedule. With Tulsa losing, and Houston defeating SMU, the Cougars have an opportunity to put some pressure on UTEP and challenge for the C-USA West title.

6. Central Michigan: The Chippewas continue to make headlines during what is shaping up to be the best season in school history. CMU has not lost a game since the season opener against Arizona and are just a few votes from appearing in the AP poll. Central Michigan also has a three-game lead in the race for the MAC West title.

7. Navy: Navy’s win against Wake Forest was impressive on its own, but the fact that the Midshipmen did it with backups at key positions, including quarterback, is something special. The Mids have won five consecutive games and are now a win away from securing their spot in the Texas Bowl. But it won't be easy with tough games against Temple and Notre Dame in the coming weeks.

8. BYU: Most people thought BYU would put up a better fight against TCU, but for the second consecutive year, they were dominated by a team that looked more motivated and better prepared. If they don’t let this game affect them, the Cougars should win every game remaining on their schedule and head to the Poinsettia Bowl. But it’s a far cry from the season many expected after the season opening win over Oklahoma.

9. Fresno State: The Bulldogs have shaken off the tough first third of the season and rebounded to win their last three games in impressive fashion. Fresno State’s record is a little misleading. The Bulldogs stayed close with every opponent this year, but didn’t quite have the luck or the talent to pull out a win. Still, this is one of the best teams in the WAC and should be up near the top when the season ends.

10. Idaho: The Vandals defense was exposed this weekend against Nevada, but it’s offense also showed that it can keep up with even the most explosive offenses in the country. It’s going to be a grind for Idaho from here on out, but if the Vandals can get their defense shored up a little bit, their offense should be able to keep them competitive against the rest of the opponents on the schedule.