The Mo Knows Mid-Major 10

This is a tough week to select the top 10 after every conference had a victory over a BCS opponent. Arkansas State's W over Texas A&M was probably the most surprising, followed closely by Louisiana Tech over Mississippi State. I think this weekend showed that Conference USA, at least at the top of the conference, is closing the gap with the WAC and the MWC as the top non-BCS league. The gap was pretty wide, though, to begin with and they have only started closing the gap.

1. Fresno State-I'm going to call their victory the best for the non-BCS this week. You could easily argue that ECU's win was bigger, better opponent, etc. However, this was a decisive victory, on the road, on the opposite coastline, on a holiday, against what most people consider a quality opponent. They stepped up in red zone D, the offense got going (in the second half), and the special teams were sound, though unspectacular. They may have a short stint at the top as Wisconsin rolls into town on the 13th.
2. BYU-they had a bad 3rd quarter but pulled it together in the 4th, which shows that they can overcome adversity. The defense was solid. The offense moved the ball with ease. The special teams needs some work, but it definitely has a feel of excitement they haven't had in Provo in a long time. With a win at Washington this weekend, they'll take back the top spot. A loss, however, and we'll have to see how far they get dropped.
3. Utah-they kind of backed into a victory in the Big House. However, it is still a victory in the Big House. Athletically, they are as good as any non-BCS team. Coaching continues to be a question mark after that second half. They'll probably get to 7-0 without too much of a problem, as most of the next 6 games are "payback" games, where they always perform well. It's CSU and New Mexico that will probably give the Utes their next real challenge.
4. East Carolina-I think they had a great day against a possibly/probably over-rated VTech team. The offense exceeded my expectations after the loss of their starting halfback in the preseason, using the running back by committee strategy. The defense did what it needed to do against an out-of-sorts-but-still-talented Hokey-Pokey offense. The kick block obviously was the difference in the game. I had them getting to 7 wins again this season, but with this victory, I see 8 as a good possibility with 9 being the limit. Before I really invite them into the BCS-Buster discussion, let's see how they perform against West Virginia (a team with a real offense) and on the road, with games against the likes of NC State, Virginia, Central Florida, and Southern Mississippi. I think they'll get blown out this week, but I have to give them props for taking down a big dawg from the top of the ACC.
5. Tulsa-just did what it does. Score points, play a LITTLE defense, and win games. They start the season at the top of the conference with a W on the road against UAB. With a win at an improved North Texas team (and an ECU loss), they'll probably move back to number 4.
6. Bowling Green-I wasn't ready to jump on the Pitt bandwagon and I'm not really jumping onto the Bowling Green one with their victory. It was impressive to go to Pitt, come back from down 14 and respond defensively like they did. Pitt only managed 3 points in the final 40 minutes of the game. However, Bowling Green only managed 254 yards and gave up nearly 400. That won't win games, even in the MAC.
7. Boise State-score points, play defense, and prove that you have fully made the transition from I-AA to I-A by trouncing someone you used to have competitive games against. Tough to tell much about the Broncos because of competition level, but they did thrash them soundly. They've got Bowling Green coming to town in two weeks, so that should establish a little bit of a pecking order in the top 10 (assuming BGSU can survive against Minnesota this week).
8. Louisiana Tech-they beat an SEC team. They did what Hawaii has had an opportunity (but not a chance) to do its last two games. It wasn't pretty, but you gotta give a little love to LA Tech. This will probably be their last showing in this poll.
9. Central Michigan-had a bit of a lackluster showing against Eastern Illinois but still got the job done. They've got Georgia this week. Good luck. Play a bit better if you don't want to get embarrassed.
10. Arkansas State-at Kyle Field, against the 12th man, just a few short hours after yell practice, without scoring a single touchdown. A thing of beauty. They've got one more win before the going gets tough. I still think they'll have a rough go to get bowl eligible and will have an even tougher time getting a bowl game to invite them.