1. USC Trojans (2-0) LW 1
Not even a lighting storm could stop the Trojans in their win over Syracuse at Met Life Stadium. Behind QB Matt Barkley's 6 TDs passes the Trojans cruised to an easy victory. This game also saw former Penn State RB Silas Redd surpass the 100 yard mark for the first time as a Trojan. The only cause for concern may be USC's defense. They gave up 29 points to Syracuse and even though the game was already decided it raises some red flags for bigger games. Either way the Trojans should get their first true test with Stanford next.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide (2-0) LW 2
In the week leading up to the game Alabama Head Coach took the local media to task about taking Western Kentucky too lightly. It was all a motivational ploy to make sure his players didn't let up after drilling Michigan the week before. Saban probably didn't need to do so, but none the less the Crimson Tide rolled Western Kentucky and even shut out the Hilltoppers. Next week Saban shouldn't have any trouble motivating his players as they travel to Arkansas. And even though Arkansas lost to Louisiana-Monroe, they are still a very dangerous team with the ability to upset the Tide.
3. LSU Tigers (2-0) LW 3
In what what was thought to be a be a good match up between up and coming Washington and the 3rd ranked Tigers turned out to be a blowout. Behind a strong running game, the LSU Tigers were able to manhandle the Huskies to the tune of 242 yards and 3 TDs. Alfred Blue lead the way with 102 yards and a score while Kenny Hilliard had two scores also. QB Zach Mettenburger also step up his game from week 1 and looked a lot more comfortable running the offense. Next week should be an easy one for the Tigers as they play host to Idaho. Which should serve as another warm up game to get ready for SEC play.
4. Oregon Ducks (2-0) LW 4
The running backs were main story in Oregon's 42-25 victory over Fresno State. Kenjon Balmer was the star of the game with his 201 yards rushing and 3 TDs. His running mate De'Anthony Thomas chimed in with 102 yards and 2 TDs also. Oregon was able to do what ever they wanted rushing the ball and it showed. The Ducks have one more tune up game (Tennessee Tech) left before they start the Pac 12 season. They'll use it to get even more experience for QB Marcus Mariota who they'll need to have a big year if they want to make it back to their 2nd National Championship game in three years.
5. Georgia Bulldogs (2-0) LW 5
After trailing for most of the game, Georgia had to rally late to get the win. Welcoming Missouri to the SEC. A huge reason for the comeback was the play of start OLB Jarvis Jones. Jones forced a fumble when he sacked Missouri QB James Franklin and then on the next series he picked off a Franklin pass which he nearly took back for a TD. Those two plays really jump started the Bulldogs and allowed them to cruise to a 41-20 win. This win had to be extra satisfying mainly because Georgia had to endure Missouri players running their mouth about the Bulldogs playing "Old Man Football." This weekend the Bulldogs should have an easier road against Florida Atlantic which should allow them to work out some cinks.
6. South Carolina Gamecocks (2-0) LW 6
When it was announced that QB Connor Shaw wasn't going to play, I didn't get all the concern people where having. Sure not having your starting QB is a big issue. But when your team is build around the running game and defense and your playing a average at best CUSA team it shouldn't be too big of a concern. That proved to be right when the Gamecocks roared out of the gates and won by 38 points and backup QB Dylan Thompson looked very good. 330 yards and 3 TDs good. Thompson played so good I would rest Shaw in their game against UAB to make sure that he is fully rested. UAB isn't very good and Thompson should be able to lead them to victory.
7. Oklahoma Sooners (2-0) LW 7
It was your typical top 10 team vs FCS type of game here. Oklahoma overwhelmed Florida A&M in route to a 69-13 victory. It's hard to gauge much from a game like this, but Sooner fans have to be excited about the play of junior RB Damein Williams. Williams stole the show with 156 yards and 4 TDs. The speedster had scores from 89 and 65 yards. The Sooners were also able to get Penn State transfer WR Justin Brown into the action and hopefully get him some chemistry with QB Landry Jones. Oklahoma has a week off before their big showdown with #15 Kansas State.
8. Clemson Tigers (2-0) LW 8
Clemson's offense is really starting to take off and they still haven't had stud WR Sammie Watkins who was still serving a suspension. QB Tajh Boyd has continued to improve his accuracy and running this team. His play in big games could be the difference between them going undefeated or losing a key game or two. But none the less this Clemson offense is going to be even more dangerous than last year. The biggest key will be their defense which didn't get tested against Ball State and probably won't against next week's opponent, Furman.
9. Michigan State Spartans (2-0) LW 10
After their big victory over Boise State in week 1, the Spartans had an easier road against in state Central Michigan. RB Le'Veon Bell didn't have a huge game, but Michigan State didn't need him to do so. Instead they used this opportunity to get QB Andrew Maxwell's confidence going. And they definitely did that here. Maxwell passed for 275 yards 2 TDs and 0 INTs. Right now Michigan State looks like the cream of the crop of the Big 10 and they're going to need a big season out of Maxwell if they want to continue this positive momentum. They get a big opportunity this weekend when they host Notre Dame. Notre Dame has played well so far, so a win by the Spartans could jump them past a few teams here in the rankings.
10. Virginia Tech Hokies (2-0) LW 12
It's always nice to have a cupcake game right after a hard fought contest to start the year. After beating Georgia Tech and their triple option offense the Hokies got a break facing off against FCS foe Austin Peay. In their win it was vintage Beamer Ball. VaTech had a blocked punt and a near punt return for a TD to help get things going before they open things up offensively in route to a 42-7 victory. You have to wonder if slow starts like they've had both games could come back to hurt them once they get to ACC play. We'll find out this week as they face off against Pittsburgh who is struggling now, but still has a ton of talent.
11. Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0) LW 13
Braxton Miller continues to shine in Urban Meyer's spread offense. This week he did it mainly with his legs. Miller rushed for 141 yards and 3 TDs and is putting fear into defensive coordinator minds. However he did struggle passing the ball which could hurt him come conference season. But with a strong defense the Buckeyes are going to be one heck of a team to beat. This upcoming weekend they'll face off against California who got back on track after losing to Nevada to start the season.
12. Michigan Wolverines (1-1) LW 14
After being embarrassed at the hands of Alabama, the Wolverines were anxious to get back on the field and show everybody that they are a much better team that what they showed in that game. Against Air Force their offense showed that they are still very dangerous. QB Dennard Robinson bounced back and had a combined 426 yards and 3 TDs. However there are still some concerns since they only beat an average Air Force team by 6 and gave up 25 points. What will happen when they play Michigan State, Ohio State, or Nebraska whose offenses are far superior than them.
13. West Virginia Mountaineers (1-0) LW 15
After a big blowout of Marshall, West Virginia enjoyed an off week. I'm not a big fan of off weeks this early in the season, but at least it five st eh Mountaineers to fine some mistakes they saw in the opener. If there were any. This weeks match up against James Madison should be interesting. Meaning how many points is Dana Holgerson and QB Geno Smith going to put up on the FCS school. Will they approach the 84 that Oklahoma State put up on Savannah State or will they call of the dogs early?
14. Florida State Seminoles (2-0) LW 17
Just think what could have been. FSU was scheduled to play West Virginia this game, but because the Mountaineers went to the Big 12 they had to opt out of this game. FSU then was forced to schedule Savannah State because they had no other option. Instead of a top 15 match up we got to see FSU just steam roll a team that might be lucky to win 2 games against FCS competition. Luckily the game was called in the 3rd quarter due to lightning and we didn't have to endure too much more of it. As of right now we still don't know how good of a team FSU is, but we'll get a better look this weekend as they face off against a much improved Wake Forrest team. This could be a trap game with a trip to Clemson on the horizon.
15. Kansas State Wildcats (2-0) LW 19
With Miami coming to town everybody was primed for hard fought game between two good teams. Well KState quickly showed that they were the better team and asserted their dominance winning 52-13 over the Hurricanes. The Wildcats jumped on Miami right out the gate and never stood a chance. With 281 yards and 4 TDs total, Klein has shown everybody that he is a real contender for the Heisman Trophy. Look for more the same with the Wildcats when they face off against North Texas this weekend. But a big time showdown with Oklahoma is right around the corner.
16. Florida Gators (2-0) LW 21
Along with Georgia, the Florida Gators had the luxury of welcoming a newcomer to the SEC. Here it was Florida traveling to College Station to face off against the Aggies. It didn't start out very good for Florida who gave up 17 points in the first half and trailed 17-10 at halftime. But the Gator defense stepped up and shut the Aggies down in the 2nd half to get their first win for HC Will Muschamp when trailing at halftime. Along with a stellar defensive performance, the Gators were able to make the comeback largely due to their running game. RB Mike Gillislee had another strong showing rushing for 83 yards and both Florida TDs. But Florida won't be able to start off slow against their next opponent, because the Tennessee Volunteers offense is one of the best in this young season. Their game should be a must watch and will really tell us where both of these teams stand.
17. Texas Longhorns (1-0) LW 18
It was a dominant performance on both sides of the ball for the Texas Longhorns. Defensively they did give up 241 yards to the Lobos, but they were able to shut them out and force two turnovers. But the big story was the play of QB David Ash. Ash threw for 221 yards and 2 TDs and even had a nice 49 yard run for a TD. If Texas wants to get back to the top of the Big 12 they are going to need David Ash to become a big time player. Otherwise they'll get lost in the schuffle like they have for the past couple of years. Their game against Ole Miss should be an interesting gauge. Ole Miss comes into this game 2-0 and a win over UTEP. This was the same UTEP team that gave Oklahoma fits.
18. Lousiville Cardinals (2-0) LW 20
Sophomore QB Teddy Bridgewater used a career day to help the Cardinals soar past FCS Missouri State. Bridgewater threw for 344 yards and 2 TDs, but what has been the most remarkable stat for Bridgewater has been his accuracy. Against Missouri State he completed 77% of his passes. No matter who you play that is pretty damn good. Add in that the Cardinals defense held the Bears to only one TD and it was a pretty successful day.
19. Tennessee Volunteers (2-0) LW NR
One of the biggest stories to this young college football season has been the Tennessee Volunteers. Picked by many to finish as one of the worst teams in the SEC might have a legit shot to winning the SEC West. The biggest reason has been the play of their offense. QB Tyler Bray is a potential top 10 pick and he has a couple very talented WRs that he can get th ball to. In their game against Georgia State WR Justin Hunter was unstoppable grabbing 8 balls for 146 yards and 3 TDs. But we'll really see if this Tennessee team is for real when they face off against lon time rival Florida this weekend. A win there would really give the Vols a ton of momentum to carry themselves through the season.
20. TCU Horned Frogs (1-0) LW 22
With their win over Grambling State, TCU head coach Gary Patterson has become TCU's all time winningest coach. The Horned Frogs definitely decided to get him his win in easy fasion. What's most impressive in this game is that QB Casey Pachall threw for 201 yards completing all 9 of his passes. Pretty fantastic. But this year will be a true test of how good of a program Patterson has built. Coming from the Mountain West to the Big 12 (Which was rated as the #2 conference last year) it's going to be a step up week in and week out. But at least the Big 12 did them a favor by scheduling their first conference game with Kansas. Which should be an easy win.
21. Stanford Cardinal (2-0) LW 24
In what could have easily been a trap game, the Caridnal were able to quickly dispose of Duke without the fear of an upset. Drew Terrell was the star of the game with a punt return for a TD and a TD reception. So far this season the Cardinal have aired it out a lot more. And why not, they know what they have in Stepfan Taylor and they might as well work on the pass game before their big game against USC this weekend. This game will really show what this team will be like without Andrew Luck and company.
22. Baylor Bears (1-0) LW 25
It was an off week for the Bears before they play host to Sam Houston State. If Baylor can play at the same high level they did in their opener against SMU they should be able to win convinclingly against the FCS school. However don't sleep on Sam Houston State. It was Sam Houston State that made it to the FCS National Championship game and lost in a close game. So they won't be a push over. However Baylor just has too much fire power for the Bearkats to handle. This should be an easy one.
23. UCLA Bruins (2-0) LW NR
This doesn't look like your UCLA teams of the past 10 years. New head coach Jim Mora Jr. has really done wonders with this roster. The biggest difference has been the intensity. In their win against Nebraska their defense was all over the field and laying the lumber to the Husker players. Offensively offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone has the offense running at an extremely high level. QB Brett Hundley is a threat both on the ground and through the air. But the true star is RB Jonathan Franklin. Against Nebraska he ran for 217 yards while scoring on the game clinching TD reception. Watch out for this team, because they have a ton of talent and schedule that should allow them to get off to a great start.
24. Arkansas Razorbacks (1-1) LW 9
It was a very bad day for the Razorbacks. Not only did they lose a bad game to a Lousiana-Monroe team that they should have never lost to. But starting QB Tyler Wilson suffered a concussion and may be out of action for a while. Not what you want when you have to face off against Alabama this next week. But if Arkansas can't fix their issues on defense it won't matter who is playing QB for them.
25. Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-1) LW 16
Nebraska let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers. UCLA is a much better team than they have been in the past, but the Huskers were a better team and still should have won. Their defense was the huge issue giving up 653 total yards. UCLA spread them out and beat them in one on one situations. Offensively they had things rolling in the first half, but stalled in the 2nd. And once they got behind they became very predictable. The sky isn't falling, but the Huskers now have to fix some major holes on defense if they want to challenge Michigan and Michigan State for the division crown.
Dropped From Rankings: Wisconsin Badgers, Oklahoma State Cowboys
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