AP Voter returns my email after voting LSU @ #4

First, thanks for writing. It's always great to get input, especially when
it is critical of what I'm doing.

Let me try to explain my reasoning for why I have LSU at No. 4. Actually,
I had them at No. 5 last week, but bumped them ahead of Boise State, which
wasn't impressive at home against Tulsa.

Tell me which team you move down from my top three. Oklahoma already has
wins against Florida State and Missouri, which I think are pretty good
teams. Both have been ranked this season. And the Sooners blew out Tulsa.

My No. 2, Alabama, has been overwhelming in its four wins. I would argue
the win against Arkansas ranks among the best victories by the Top 5.

And my No. 3, Wisconsin, has wiped out all four opponents. Of ocurse, the
competition isn't impressive, but that's not Wisconsin's fault. I look at
the team against the competition, not the competition alone. Wisconsin can
beat anybody in the country. I believe that. Wisconsin was going to be a
great team without Russell Wilson. With him, it's a national title
contender at least on the level of Oklahoma, Alabama and LSU.

The good part is that we've got a whole lot of the season left if
corrections in the ballot are needed. And the even better part is that my
ballot, in the grand scheme of things, is little more than a conversation
piece. Do I take it seriously? Absolutely. I spend plenty of time each
week. And I welcome suggested changes.

Finally, I've never heard "Twat waffle." Great expression, not that I can
use it in the newspaper. Is there some explanation for its existence.

Thanks again. Feel free to write any time.

Bob Asmussen
Champaign News-Gazette