LSU-Alabama lived up to the hype (if you like defense), Boise State overcame a slow start and Oregon dispatched Washington on the road. Here’s the Week 10 Recap, my Heisman Top 5 and my The Upset Top 20 ballot.

#21 USC 42, Colorado 17

Colorado scored on the opening drive of the game taking a 7-0 lead but it was all USC after that. The Trojans answered with 28 straight points taking a 28-10 halftime lead. I thought they might start slow after the triple-OT loss to Stanford but that wasn’t the case – give credit to Lane Kiffin. Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley threw for 318 yards and a school record 6 touchdowns on Friday night. After the shaky start this year, USC looks like they should be a real threat in the Pac-12 South next year.

#1 LSU 9, #2 Alabama 6 (Overtime)

Alabama RB Trent Richardson

Photo via zimbio.com

With so much hype surrounding this game for the last several weeks, fortunately it didn’t disappoint. Both defenses were physical and dominant throughout the game with each unit recorded two interceptions. Alabama made too many takes to win the game despite (Trent Richardson) moving the ball well in the first half – they missed four field goals (Foster 3 & Shelly 1) and had some inexplicable penalties at terrible times. Ultimately, LSU took advantage of the opportunities – Drew Alleman was 3 for 3 on field goals – and their defense was able to slow down Richardson enough and keep him out of the endzone. Tigers’ sophomore safety Eric Reid was outstanding last night finishing with six tackles and a game changing interception. As good as the defensive slugfest was – I’m not in favor of a rematch in the BCS National Championship Game. Let’s see the mighty SEC play someone with a real offense – perhaps Oklahoma State, Stanford or even Boise State.

#8 Oregon 34, Washington 17

I didn’t watch this too closely (it was on the smaller TV with the sound down) but it didn’t turnout to be the shootout I expected. I thought the Huskies would be able to score on Oregon’s defense but instead they turned the ball over three times killing their chances of pulling the upset. LaMichael James rushed for 156 yards and 1 touchdown and Darron Thomas managed to complete 52% of his passes for 169 yards and 1 touchdown. I can’t wait to see if Stanford can stop the run and force Thomas to pass because the Ducks could be in real trouble.

#5 Boise State 48, UNLV 21

Boise State QB Kellen Moore

Photo via idahostatesman.com

It shouldn’t have been surprising but the Broncos looked a little rusty to start the game coming off a bye week. The defense gave up 14 first half points, the offense had to punt three times and Boise State only had a 21-14 halftime lead. I don’t know what Coach Petersen said to the team at halftime but it worked – the Broncos looked much better in the second half outscoring the Rebels 27-7. Kellen Moore quietly threw for 219 yards and 5 touchdowns and became the all-time leader in wins among college football quarterbacks. D.J. Harper carried the load for the Broncos with 13 carries for 109 yards and 1 touchdown – Doug Martin left the game injured but looked ok on the sideline. UNLV quarterback Caleb Herring played well and his elusiveness gave the Bronco defense trouble in first half but they straightened things out after halftime. Boise State better not start like that against TCU on Saturday or they could find themselves in some trouble – I’m actually pretty excited for the game this week!

Other thoughts:

- I saw a few UCLA over Arizona State upset picks but didn’t think Slick Rick could pull off the upset against a talented Sun Devils team. I guess I forgot Dennis Erickson is always loses games he shouldn’t and he did it again. UCLA has won two in a row and could potentially save Neuheisel’s job if they can win out.
- Kansas State gave Oklahoma State all they could handle but the Cowboys hung on for a 52-45 win. Give Mike Gundy’s team some credit for finding a way to win despite four turnovers.
- I didn’t really watch the Arkansas-South Carolina game but the Hogs cruised to 44-28 victory. Unfortunately for the Gamecocks, they aren’t nearly the same team without Marcus Lattimore.
- There was a TON of hype surrounding the LSU-Bama game (deservedly so) but there should be a couple good games this weekend including – #7 Oregon at #4 Stanford and TCU at #5 Boise State.

Heisman Top 5:

1. Boise State QB Kellen Moore – 74.1%, 2,229 yds, 29 TDs, 5 Ints
2. Stanford QB Andrew Luck – 71.4%, 2,424 yds, 26 TDs, 4 Ints, 147 yds rushing, 2 TDs
3. Houston QB Case Keenum – 74.1 %, 3,626 yds, 34 TDs, 3 Ints, 27 yds rushing, 2 TDs
4. Alabama RB Trent Richardson – 172 carries, 1,078 yds, 17 TDs, 23 rec, 292 yds, 1 TD
5. Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden – 72.1 %, 3,212 yds, 26 TDs, 9 Ints

Others considered: USC QB Matt Barkley, Oregon RB LaMichael James & Oklahoma QB Landry Jones.

The Upset Top 20 Ballot:

1. LSU (9-0)
2. Boise State (8-0)
3. Oklahoma State (9-0)
4. Stanford (9-0)
5. Alabama (8-1)
6. Oregon (8-1)
7. Oklahoma(8-1)
8. Arkansas (8-1)
9. Clemson (8-1)
10. Virginia Tech (8-1)
11. Georgia (7-2)
12. USC (7-2)
13. Houston (9-0)
14. Penn State (8-1)
15. Texas (6-2)
16. Michigan State (7-2)
17. South Carolina (7-2)
18. Wisconsin (7-2)
19. Nebraska (7-2)
20. Southern Miss (8-1)

Any thoughts on the the games this weekend, my Heisman Top 5 or my Upset Top 20 Ballot?