This past week in college football was a dandy. With another wave of upsets and two of the nation’s perennial powerhouses (Notre Dame and Michigan) losing for the second consecutive week, football fans around the country are gearing up for what is likely to be a very unpredictable season in college football. However, some things seem as if they will be very stable this year; namely the success of the USC Trojans and the LSU Tigers.

USC and LSU are ranked #1 and #2, respectively. Each has a perfect record and has completely routed the competition, leaving no doubt as to their supremacy on the college level. With two such teams clearly ahead of the rest of the field, we can start imagining how the championship game will play out. Will it be John David Booty marching his explosive teammates up and down the field? Or will the tenacious, relentless Tiger defense be too much for Pete Carroll’s players. Only time will tell. But, even though the eventual meeting between these two football giants is about 4 months away, the question as to who currently deserves the No. 1 ranking invariably arises.

Some say that until someone shows that they can beat USC, the Trojans deserve the top spot. However, I personally believe that LSU has the edge. Here’s why.

LSU has played 2 games. In both, the outcome of the game was decided in the early in the first half. In the season opener, LSU simply overwhelmed Mississippi State 45-0. Yes, Mississippi State is probably the worst team in the SEC, but to hold any team to 0 points is impressive. The Bulldogs couldn’t even muster up enough steam to get within field goal range. I don’t care who the opposition is, that’s pure domination. Then in their second game, LSU proved that not only can they put the smack down on mediocre teams, but they can also beat good teams. And when I say beat, I mean really beat. The Tigers absolutely wiped the floor with the Hokies, 48-7. And let’s not forget, Virginia Tech was ranked 9th in the nation at that point.

On the other side of the ball, USC is 1-0 after beating the Idaho Vandals 38-10. Beating a team by 4 touchdowns is always a good result, but the Idaho Vandals? Come on USC! The score should have been even more lopsided. If you compare a 38-10 USC victory over Idaho to LSU’s 45-0 massacre of Mississipi State, which victory seems more impressive? LSU’s!! Furthermore, USC has yet to be really challenged by a worthy opponent, something that LSU met with ease.

So, until USC shows that they too can dismantle ranked teams a la LSU, I have to give the edge to the Tiger’s in the national ranking. At this point in time, LSU’s resume is simplt more impressive. Does that mean USC is not a championship contender? No! In fact, I hope to the high heavens that both USC and LSU go the distance. That way, we will be able to see who really is the best team when they face off in the national championship. Though, if I were a betting man, my money would definitely be on the Tigers. But hey, a lot can change between now and then. I may be eating my words come January.