Breaking Down the Top Stories From the AP Poll for Week 7

What state has two teams in the AP Top 10? That's right, it is Oregon. The Beavers have joined the Ducks in center stage. (Getty Images)

With six weeks of college football in the books, the first teams are becoming bowl eligible. This means it is definitely time to start talking about bowl games and top stories to follow. Three of the top five teams were upset on Saturday. Therefore, we knew that the new AP Poll would be full of intrigue. Below the rankings, I will look at what I believe to be the three stories to follow as a result.

2012 NCAA Football Rankings - AP Top 25 Week 7 (October 7) (Photo Credit: ESPN.com)

Oregon State Joining Oregon in the Top 10

The dominance of the Oregon Ducks doesn't really come as an surprise. Their spread offense is operating as a machine right now. Through six games, they have averaged 52.3 points per game and given up only 20.0. That means their winning by an average of 32.3 points per game. They have beaten two previously ranked teams (Arizona and Washington) by 49 and 31 points respectively. Best of luck to any one trying to slow the Ducks down right now.

Oregon State, on the other hand, has come out of nowhere to join the Top 10. The Beavers haven't blown anyone out yet this season, but they are a perfect 4-0. That includes 2-0 against ranked opponents (Wisconsin and UCLA) and 3-0 in conference play. Sophomore quarterback Sean Mannion is set out to prove that he is the best quarterback in the state. If Oregon and Oregon State are both able to keep this up, the Civil War might turn out to be one of the biggest games of the season.

Is Louisiana Tech a BCS Buster?

Yes, that is Louisiana Tech ranked #23 in the latest AP Poll. Check out their resume. The ranking is deserved. The Bulldogs have won on the road at Houston, at Illinois, and at Virginia. Quarterback Colby Cameron is a senior with all of the tools needed to lead his team to an undefeated season. His favorite target, Quinton Patton, already has three 100+ yard receiving games. Additionally, running backs Ray Holley and Kenneth Dixon are both coming off 100+ yard rushing games last week against UNLV.

The real test comes this coming Saturday when the Bulldogs play the team directly ahead of them in the polls, Texas A&M. The Aggies have been solid thus far in their first season in the SEC. However, they must be careful not to overlook Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs know just how important this game is to their season. If they upset the Aggies, all that stands between them and what is likely a BCS bowl is six WAC games.

Life Doesn't Get Any Easy for South Carolina

In a Top 10 matchup last week, South Carolina came out and throttled Georgia 35-7. The Gamecocks' strong play started from the very beginning, leading 21-0 after the first quarter. Junior quarterback Conner Shaw has been superb all season long. Last week against the Bulldogs, the duel-threat quarterback had 240 total yards and three touchdowns.

The win over Georgia was a total team effort with offensive explosiveness, a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown, and smothering defense. They will need that those types of performances the next two weeks as well. The Gamecocks play at a pair of Top 10 teams the next two weeks consecutively. This coming Saturday they must play at LSU. They week after they play at Florida. The Gamecocks will likely have to win both games to keep their national champion aspirations alive.