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By Ralph D. Russo
The Associated Press
If there was still any doubt that being a so-called traditional power in college football isn't what it used to be, consider the AP top 25 halfway through the 2010 season.
Here's who is out: Notre Dame, Michigan, Texas, USC, Penn State and Miami - teams that have won a combined 23 AP national championships.
Here's who is in: Oregon, Boise State, TCU, South Carolina, Utah and Nevada - a group that has one AP title - by TCU in 1938.
Before we dive into the second half, a look back at the first half and a few predictions for what's to come.
MOST IMPORTANT GAME
Boise State 33, Virginia Tech 30: Tech had a four-point lead and needed one more first down to run out the clock. That would have been it for the Broncos. All the talk about a national championship run would have been over. Instead, the Broncos rallied, and now we're stuck analyzing how Utah State's big victory over BYU effects Boise State's strength of schedule.
Looking ahead: Most important game of the second half will be Nebraska vs. Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game. The winner will be undefeated and will leap over Boise State into the BCS title game.
HALFWAY HEISMAN
Sure, many of Denard Robinson's crazy stats were accumulated against so-so defenses . But Michigan needed just about all of Shoelace's joystick-style moves to start 5-0. That's why he gets the nod over two other multi talented quarterbacks who have emerged as stars: Nebraska's Taylor Martinez and Auburn's Cameron Newton.
Looking ahead: The Heisman goes to .... Martinez. His numbers are already comparable to Robinson's, and will become the first redshirt freshman to win the Heisman.
MOST SURPRISING TEAM
Oklahoma State (5-0). Returning only eight starters, the Cowboys were picked to finish fifth in the Big 12 South. Some even thought they'd let Baylor out of the basement.
A weak early season schedule has helped coach Mike Gundy's cause, but the offense led by quarterback Brandon Weeden and receiver Justin Blackmon looks good enough to get the Cowboys to eight wins.
Looking ahead: Brian Kelly and Notre Dame (3-3) might not lose again. Utah comes to South Bend, Ind., on Nov. 13 and the Fighting Irish finish the season at USC. Notre Dame wins at least one of those and goes bowling with eight victories.
- The Associated Press
