I told you so.

While everyone else saw Ohio State as the team to beat, I continuously held my ground that the Buckeyes weren't. 

When analysts proclaimed the Big 10 the sixth strongest conference in the nation a few games into the year, only to recant that comment as Ohio State went further along unbeaten, I stayed true.

Now, the truth has set us all free.

All year long I have been saying Ohio State is not as good as everyone believes.  The defense was excellent, but the offense left something

A few weeks back I wrote in my 7 in '07 column how the BCS had taken the little man out of the equation.  Well, this past week, the underdog fought back.

Six out of the Top 11 went down.  Except for West Virginia and Oregon, all went down to unranked opponents.  Of course, none came against non-BCS opponents but it is a step in the right direction.  Many will say, "see the BCS conferences are strong." 

I see that many of htese same schools who beat the powerhouses are the same schools who lost to lesser conferences in non-conference games.&

Before we get to this week's Contenders and Pretenders, I felt it necessary to comment on Mike Gundy's rebuttal to The Daily Oklahoman's Jenni Carlson column.

If you are reading this, you've seen, read or heard the tirade. In fact, you probably have heard numerous people comment on the explosion in question. Look no further than Accuscore's Zach Rosenfield.

I have been on the receiving end, not directly, as a college football beat reporter. Most of the time, the thing that ticks of coaches more than anything is when "journalists

It's time this week's contenders and pretenders, and in lieu of my new memo, a certain maize and blue will not be mentioned.

 Contenders:

Cal stays on here after another win, and another brilliant performance by Desean Jackson.  

South Carolina/Florida both get on here after winning big games for different reasons.  The Gamecocks solidified their place on the SEC's upper-echelon with a big win against Georgia.   The Bulls get on here for knocking off another SEC team, Auburn.  The Bulls however have plenty more to be excited about

Only the first week of the season is in the books and I already have my fatal attraction back for college football.

Yes Michigan and Applachian State dominated the headlines, but there are several other schools who should be brought up on charges of contenders or pretenders.

 Contenders:

Cal showed against Tennessee that for the first game of the year they are the best team in the Pac-10.  Cal dominated on offense, defense and special teams and have the one item USC lacks, a playmaker.  See DeSean Jackson.  Last year he returned 20% of his returns for touchdowns

The College football season is just about to begin, and you're in three camps.  One, you're in the group that can't wait for it to begin.  The pagentry, the tradition, the college football atmosphere, etc. 

In the second group lies the NFL fans, who could care less about the beginning of NCAA football. 

Finally in the third group stands I.

I used to be in the first group. I couldn't wait for college football season to come around.  I loved the game, the energy, enthusiasm, everything about it.  There wasn't another sport