ESPN.com - NCF - Gilmore: Is USC really No. 1?

ESPN.com - NCF - Gilmore: Is USC really No. 1?: "At the midpoint of the college football season, it's always a good idea to step back and re-examine our perspective on things. For me, one of the top topics is USC. Has USC established itself as the best team during the first half of the season? I don't think so. In my opinion, Virginia Tech and Texas have outplayed USC in the first half.

USC certainly deserved to start the season as the No. 1 team after routing Oklahoma 55-19 in last season's BCS championship game to win its second consecutive title. The Trojans have a win streak of 27 games, which includes season opening blowouts over Hawaii and Arkansas. Immediately, the comparisons started: is USC the greatest team ever, with the greatest player ever (Matt Leinart)? However, USC has struggled in conference play the last three weeks while Virginia Tech and Texas have recorded impressive wins on their way to undefeated records. Are we blinded by the bling-bling of Reggie Bush, Matt Leinert, LenDale White and the Trojans pursuit of a third straight title?

If you simply look at performance during the first half of the season, Texas and Virginia Tech have had more impressive first halves than USC. Texas had a big road win against a top 10 Ohio State team and dominant wins over Missouri (on the road) and nemesis Oklahoma. Virginia Tech had impressive road wins over solid NC State and West Virginia teams and also blew out everyone else (including a good Georgia Tech team). In short, Texas and Virginia Tech have met the bar set for them as title contenders."