Terps take plunge

Previously winless Tulane’s shocking 42-32 win over McNeese State prompted another leadership change in the Bottom Ten, with Maryland taking over No. 1 from the Green Ripple.

The plodding Terrapins have one victory this year – over James Madison, most of whose players are built along the lines of the fourth President (he was 5-foot-4).

Of course, if the Twerps – whoops! the Terps – do capture the championship trophy, will they drop it? They rank 118th in the nation in the ability to hang on to the ball, having fumbled eight times.

Purdon’t retained No. 2 with a clutch loss to Notre Dame, and Bowling Green staggered into the No. 4 spot.

For Bowling Green, winning a game is about as easy as converting a 7-10 split.

1. Maryland (1-3); 2. Purdon’t (1-3); 3. Miami (Ohio) (0-4); 4. Bowling Green (1-3); 5. Ball State (0-4); 6. Virginia (0-3); 7. New Mexico (0-4); 8. Michigan State (1-3); 9. Arkansas (1-2); 10. Rice (0-4).

11. Texas at El Wobbly Paso (1-3); 12. Buffalo (1-3); 13. Memphis (1-3); 14. Alabama Birmingham (1-3); 15. Fresno State (1-3); 16. San Diego State (1-3); 17. Washington State (1-3); 18. Ill (1-2); 19. Censored; 20. Florida State (2-2).

Rout of the week: Cincinnati (4-0) at Miami (Ohio) (0-4).