The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Monday - Texas v. Ohio State (at Glendale, Arizona). While everyone expects a whitewashing here, it should be noted that Ohio State has actually done pretty well recently when they've been playing in bowl games that don't decide the national title. Prior to their back-to-back BCS blowouts, they won four straight bowl games, three of which were, as this game, the Fiesta Bowl. That being said, this is also What Could Have Been, Part III, as Texas is going to do its best to show that they were snubbed and to get back some of the spotlight that Utah gained by winning the Sugar Bowl. So probably still a good beating for the Buckeyes. Score: Texas 57, Ohio State 28

Tuesday - Tulsa v. Ball State (at Mobile, Alabama). This has to be a little bit of a downer for Ball State, given that they went from a potential all-unbeated matchup with Boise State to the GMAC Bowl against Tulsa. Tulsa won last year's GMAC Bowl 63-7 over another MAC team, Bowling Green. Not a good sign. Score: Tulsa 49, Ball State 38

Thursday - Florida v. Oklahoma (at Miami, Florida). You've undoubtedly heard all the stories about how the BCS title game pits the unstoppable force of the Sooner offense versus the immovable object of the Gator defense. But I'd prefer to look ahead to next year, when Sam Bradford and Tim Tebow will match up as the starting QBs of the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs (I'll leave it to you to decide which QB ends up where). Regardless of the outcome, both will think back to better days, when they were winning Heismans and competing for national titles, rather than focus on the endless haze of sacks, pressures, and picking turf out of one's face mask. Savor the moment, gentlemen. Score: Oklahoma 31, Florida 27

Last Week: 5-5
Season: 75-51

The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Monday - Missouri v. Northwestern (at San Antonio, Texas). Missouri enters the Alamo Bowl a little down after a season which promised a title run and a Heisman shot for QB Chase Daniel ended in a blowout loss in the Big XII title game and no trip to New York for Daniel. Northwestern comes in from the other direction, as a national ranking and quality bowl match-up were wishful thinking back in August. And while a Wildcat win would be a good story, their 45-10 loss to Ohio State in the regular season suggests what they might get when facing the even more potent offense of a team that may feel like it has something to prove. Score: Missouri 55, Northwestern 21

Tuesday - Western Michigan v. Rice (at Houston, Texas). The Texas Bowl is probably the least interesting match-up of the day (though Maryland-Nevada in the Humanitarian Bowl isn't that far off), but I've chosen it as it's airing on the NFL network and not ESPN, which currently holds the rights to most of the minor bowls and, starting in 2011, will also have the BCS bowls. I don't know if a looming ESPN monopoly is enought to make you pick up whatever tier you need to get the NFL Network, but if you like offense, you may want to call your cable company now, as both of these teams were in the top 10 this year in passing offense and in the bottom quarter in passing defense (Rice was 10th worst). Score: Western Michigan 65, Rice 58

Wednesday (early) - Oregon State v. Pittsburgh (at El Paso, Texas). Our Bowl Week tour of Texas continues with the Sun Bowl. I've always liked the Sun Bowl, no idea why, really. It could be the history of the game (in its 75th year) or the close games that it's produced over the years (my favorite being Alabama's one point win over Army in 1988). I want to say that Oregon State will win pretty handily, but who am I to buck history? Score: Oregon State 24, Pittsburgh 21

Wednesday (late) - LSU v. Georgia Tech (at Atlanta, Georgia). Bad enough for LSU that they aren't playing in January, but add on that the Peach Bowl this year is basically a home game for Georgia Tech (who, unlike LSU, is nationally-ranked, a further indignity for the Tigers). Given their run over the past few years it's pretty reflexive to take LSU, even in a game like this, but there are two other items requiring consideration: the Yellow Jackets' triple option offense, which can scramble good defenses, and LSU's lack of a decent quarterback. Most years a LSU bowl loss would be a surprise, but not this year. Score: Georgia Tech 27, LSU 17

Thursday (morning) - South Carolina v. Iowa (at Tampa, Florida). The first college football game of 2009 is the Outback Bowl. It is not an auspicious way to start the new year, though both are theoretically big name teams who will travel. I mean, who the hell is going to choose to stay in Iowa over going to Tampa for a few days? Still, if you overdid it on Amateur Night, sleep in and catch the later games. Score: Alka Seltzer 45, South Carolina 13, Iowa 2

Thursday (afternoon) - USC v. Penn State (at Pasadena, California). The Rose Bowl, or as I like to call it, What Could Have Been, Part I. Both teams have one loss, just like Oklahoma and Florida, but if they played in different conferences or lost earlier in the season or whatever they could be playing for a national title. And, heck, perhaps if things break right the AP might throw us a bone. Score: USC 31, Penn State 21

Thursday (night) - Cincinnati v. Virginia Tech (at Miami, Florida). The Orange Bowl, or as I like to call it, the Quarrantine Bowl. I get the sense that the ACC and Big East champions are going to play each other pretty much forever unless one actually manages to go undefeated and be the only BCS team that's undefeated. Not necessarily a bad thing, but certainly an example of both leagues sowing what they've reaped (which I'm sure they'll reflect on as they cry into their huge piles of cash). Score: Virginia Tech 13, Cincinnati 3

Friday (early) - Texas Tech v. Mississippi (at Dallas, Texas). I also love the Cotton Bowl, for familial reasons. For 2009, I'm also looking forward to the bloodbath, as I expect Michael Crabtree to rack up more yards than Mississippi as a team (even though they'll probably do quite well given the Red Raiders' "defense"). Score: Texas Tech 71, Mississippi 30

Friday (late) - Utah v. Alabama (at New Orleans, Louisiana). The Sugar Bowl, or as I call it, What Might Have Been, Part II. The Utes are undefeated and even if they pull off the upset there's no guarantee that they'll get a share of the title. Alabama could win by 300 points and still not get a chance thanks to their loss to Florida in the SEC title game. Still, I hope this is a better game than last year's Sugar Bowl, which nearly set back the cause of non-BCS teams by a decade. Score: Utah 23, Alabama 21

Saturday - Buffalo v. Connecticut (at Toronto, Ontario). What is it with Buffalo teams playing in Toronto? Luckily for the Bulls, Turner Gill is a better coach than Dick Jauron (who has apparently survived today's bloodletting). So it'll be 1-1 for The City of Good Neighbors and 0-2 for us in New England (had the Bills gotten to play the Dolphins at home they'd have had a better chance of beating them, meaning that the Pats would have edged them out for the AFC East title by a game rather than losing it on divisional record. Thanks, Rog.). Score: Buffalo 24, UConn 12

Last Week: 3-2
Season: 70-46

The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Tuesday - Boise State v. TCU (at San Diego, California). When you look at the 300 or so bowl games now contested, it seems odd that the best match-up may be one taking place two weeks before the "national title" game, but you can argue that that's the case here as you have two teams in the top 11 nationally, one of which is undefeated. That you have these teams in the Poinsettia Bowl and Cincinnati-Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl is a better argument against the BCS than anything involving Texas or Oklahoma. Score: Boise State 28, TCU 20

Wednesday - Hawaii v. Notre Dame (at Honolulu, Hawaii). Teams with 6-6 records are 2-1 in bowl games so far this season, which is good news for the 6-6 Irish. The bad news comes if you believe in patterns, as the 6-6 teams have gone win, loss, win. I miss having the Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Day, as it gave me something to do when I got stick of dealing with family. Christmas Eve is probably too early to start ignoring people. Score: Notre Dame 7, Hawaii 2

Friday - Florida Atlantic v. Central Michigan (at Detroit, Michigan). I still don't understand how playing in the Motor City Bowl isn't some sort of punishment, like it'd be the one bowl game you can play in if you're on probation or something. I'm sure the FAU kids will be thrilled to leave the Sunshine State to hang out in Detroit. They better put extra long johns in their swag bags. Score: Central Michigan 37, FAU 21

Saturday - West Virginia v. North Carolina (at Charlotte, North Carolina). These teams are playing in the Meineke Car Care Bowl, ironic given how their states' collective view of car care stereotypically doesn't extend much past cinder blocks. Now excuse me while I go pick my banjo. Score: West Virigina 40, North Carolina 31

Sunday - Northern Illinois v. Louisiana Tech (at Shreveport, Louisiana). An open letter to the Independence Bowl Committee:

Dear Bowl Committee,

I have two questions:

1. Can you bring back Poulin-Weed Eater as a sponsor? That was a fun name to say.

2. Northern Illinois - Louisiana Tech. Why?

Score - Louisiana Tech 10, Northern Illinois 9

Last Week: 0-4
Season: 67-44

The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Before we get on to the games, I thought it worth noting that Northwest Missouri - whose best-known fan here is a member of the clergy - lost their fourth straight divison II title game, while one of the many heathens around here told the entirety of the evangelical Wheaton College (IL) to suck it, and they followed suit, losing to Mount Union. Pigskin is clearly not the reason for the season.

Saturday (morning) - Mount Union v. Wisconsin-Whitewater (at Salem, Virginia). This is the fourth consecutive year in which these teams will play for the Division III national title. And while that's pretty repetitive, the teams haven't played yet this season, which is more than you can say for the other Saturday morning game, the EagleBank Bowl, which kicks off bowl season with a Navy-Wake Forest rematch. So let's go with the relatively fresher option. Score: Wisconsin-Whitewater 37, Mount Union 35

Saturday (afternoon) - Colorado State v. Fresno State (at Albuquerque). It's the first New Mexico Bowl to not feature the University of New Mexico, thanks to the Lobos going 4-8 this season. Way to blow a sure thing! The Rams are just happy to be here, as they eked out a bid with a 6-6 record. Fresno, meanwhile, has to feel like this game will help right their 7-5 season, which ended by getting stomped by Boise State. As long as the hot air balloons make an appearance I'll be happy. Score: Fresno State 41, Colorado State 23

Saturday (night) - Richmond v. Montana (at Chattanooga, Tennessee). A tough call, as I always enjoy it when BYU winds up in the Las Vegas Bowl (I assume their fans spend the week shuttling between the Liberace Museum and their rooms), but as this is the closest we're going to get to an actual Divison I playoff championship, I'm going with it. Plus, we now get the age-old question answered: can a Spider beat a Grizzly? Score: Montana 37, Richmond 3

Sunday - Southern Mississippi v. Troy (at New Orleans, Louisiana). Try to catch some of this during the Giants-Panthers halftime, or at least arrange for something to get shipped on Friday to keep the R + L Carriers folks happy. Score: Troy 2, Southern Miss 0

Last week: 3-2
Season: 67-40

The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Friday - Montana at James Madison. The only time these teams have played each other was in 2004, when the Dukes took the 1-AA title 31-21. So there's not a lot of history to go on, and both teams have played very well over the course of the season, each taking only one loss (JMU to Duke, Montana to Weber State). I'll do the semi-homerish thing and go with the team that plays in the conference that BU would be playing in if they still had football. Makes about as much sense as anything else I'd do. Score: James Madison 31, Montana 27

Saturday (noon) - Wheaton (IL) at Mount Union. Mount Union won its first Div III national title in 1996, and have only not made the title game since then three times. A win here would set up the first half of a potential fourth title game against Wisconsin-Whitewater, which I have to assume is going to happen. Score: Mount Union 47, Wheaton 18

Saturday (1 PM) - Minnesota-Duluth v. Northwest Missouri State (at Florence, Alabama). More semi-homerism in favor of commenters. Bridesmaids no more! Score: Northwest Missouri 57, Minnesota-Duluth 34

Saturday (2 PM) - Jackson State at Grambling State. No matter how you slice it, the Tigers are going to take the SWAC title. Score: Tigers 31, Tigers 23

Saturday (4 PM) - Richmond at Northern Iowa. ESPN has apparently run out of poker to show, as this will be on the WWL. Maybe they can get Lon and Norm to call the game; I'm looking forward to Norm's jokes comparing his ex-wife to various offensive linemen. Score: Northern Iowa 27, Richmond 10

Last week: 5-1
Season: 64-38

The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Wednesday - Middle Tennessee State at Louisiana-Lafayette. The winner of this critical Sun Belt match-up goes to 6-6 and becomes bowl eligible. How the winner actually winds up in a bowl game is the question, though I think the answer involves a plague of locusts. Score: Louisiana-Lafayette 13, MTSU 10

Thursday - Louisville at Rutgers. Louisville, the coldest team in the Big East (riding a four game losing streak) gets to visit Rutgers to play a team that's on a five game winning-streak (I'd call them the hottest team in the league, but hotness is kind of a relative term where the Big East is concerned). This will not end well for the Cardinals. Score: Rutgers 37, Louisville 17

Friday - Ball State v. Buffalo (at Ford Field, Detroit). Ball State is looking to run the table, while Buffalo reaps the reward of their turn-around from being one of the worst teams in all of division I football. Either way, it's another win in Detroit for a team from outside of Michigan, and I expect someone will find a way to pin the loss on the Lions. Score: Ball State 41, Buffalo 7, Lions 2

Saturday (early) - Navy v. Army (at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia). A win by the Middies will give them their sixth straight Commander in Chief's trophy, tying the record for consecutive wins that Air Force set from 1997-2002. Expect the trophy to be back in its case in Bancroft Hall by noon on Sunday. Score: Navy 31, Army 3

Saturday (mid-afternoon) - North Alabama at Northwest Missouri State. Always willing to suck up to commenters, let's talk D2 football. Northwest Missouri has been to the title game in each of the last three seasons, and looks to make it four when they take on North Alabama. Of course, they've lost each of those title games, but they'll worry about that when the time comes, I'm sure. Score: Northwest Missouri 52, North Alabama 44

Saturday (night) - Missouri v. Oklahoma (at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City). With the loser to play the Chiefs to see if they get relegated. Score: Oklahoma 37, Missouri 31; Missouri 52, Chiefs 2

Last week: 5-2
Season: 59-37

The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Tuesday - Western Michigan at Ball State. Western Michigan is 9-2? Really? Too bad they're in the MAC division that doesn't suck, otherwise they'd have clinched their trip to the title game back in October. Score: Ball State 38, Western Michigan 17

Thursday - Texas A&M at Texas. A&M gets to go into Austin at a time where the Longhorns desperately need to prove themselves so they can top Oklahoma and Texas Tech in the BCS and earn a shot to play Missouri for the Big 12 title. And you thought that a Thanksgiving bloodbath only involves turkeys. Score: Texas 82, Texas A&M 9

Friday (early) - West Virginia at Pittsburgh. The Backyard Brawl may be my favorite name for a rivalry game, though this list has given me some new ones to consider. Clean, Old Fashioned Hate (Georgia-Georgia Tech) and Brawl of the Wild (Montana-Montana State) stand out. As far as the actual game goes, I expect both teams to play a hard-fought contest while trying to figure out how they hell they both lost to Cincinnati. Score: West Virginia 21, Pitt 17

Friday (late) - Fresno State at Boise State. I mentioned a few weeks ago the Fresno State was going to win this game and screw up our shot at a BCS-buster. Now I'm tacking the other way, as it'd be amusing to have Boise State and Ball State as undefeated conference champions who are ranked higher than the teams who win the Big East and ACC. More ammo for President Obama's playoffs!. Score: Boise State 37, Fresno State 20

Saturday (early) - Georgia Tech at Georgia. Speaking of Clean, Old Fashioned Hate, nothing would sum up the Bulldogs' season than dropping this game. It's almost quaint to think that they were such a big pre-season favorite. Thankfully for them, Tech is as consistent as any team in the ACC, which leaves the door pretty wide open. Score: Georgia 38, Georgia Tech 14

Saturday (mid-afternoon) - Florida State at Florida. So what is it with Florida and rivalry games? First there's the Georgia game, which lost its "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" name, and now there's the FSU game, which apparently has no nickname based on the game notes at the UF website. The list calls it the Sunshine Showdown, which makes me think that no name is the better choice. You'd think an educational institution as fine as the University of Florida would put its top thinkers to work on this. Score: Florida 57, Florida State 14

Saturday (night) - Notre Dame at USC. How big of a win does USC need to not actually lose ground in the BCS by beating the Irish? Triple digits? Done. Score: USC 147, Notre Dame 2

Last week: 5-4
Season: 54-35

The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Tuesday - Northern Illinois at Kent State. This game is not televised, but I assume is on Tuesday to set up next Tuesday's NIU-Navy broadcast. NIU will not play a weekend game this month, which I assume is a prelude to an all mid-week MAC schedule in 2009. I suppose I'm for it if it reduces the amount of World Series of Poker that's aired. Score: Northern Illinois 31, Kent State 10

Wednesday - Ball State at Central Michigan. Finally, the clash of the titans that's been anticpated for weeks, a gridiron slugfest to once and for all determine the champion of the MAC West. Be still my heart! Score: Ball State 23, Central Michigan 14

Thursday - Miami at Georgia Tech. While I'm sure it doesn't work out this way, if you look at the ACC standings it appears that only Duke has been eliminated from winning the Coastal division. I'm too lazy to go through the schedules to see who really has a shot; let's hope Miami can bail me out and clarify things. Score: Miami 28, Georgia Tech 20

Friday - Fresno State at San Jose State. You'd rather I talk about one of the two MAC games also on Friday? While I can't say this game really matters (outside of the loser getting knocked out of bowl contention), the real issue is that, somehow, Fresno is going to derail Boise State's BCS drive and screw the conference. But we'll save that for next week. Score: San Jose State 27, Fresno State 24

Saturday (early) - The Citadel at Florida. Giving Thanks for Cupcakes, Part I. The best part about this match-up is the Florida game notes, which leads off by noting that a majority of the current top 10 have played 1-AA teams this year, and that Texas Tech has played two. They then go on to note that after playing 1-AA Western Carolina in 2006, they actually went up in the rankings. Good that they got the propaganda out front. Score: Florida 77, The Citadel 3

Saturday (mid-afternoon) - Washington at Washington State. The football game that will set the sport back decades. The over/under on headlines that make a pun using the game's Apple Cup name and some form of rotting is 1.3 million. You should still take the over, and even then I don't think the astonishingly excremental nature of this game would be adequately captured. This is the sort of game someone should get Roger Ebert to review, if only to give North a break. I know ties are no longer possible in college football, but I can see this one ending that way out of sheer disinterest. And the best thing is that both teams have a game after this one, so they can spread their putridity into the holidays. Score: Washington 2, Washington State 2 (called after 137 OTs)

Saturday Mid-Afternoon Extra! Cal Poly at Wisconsin. Giving Thanks for Cupcakes, Part II. I didn't find the game notes for the Badgers (truth be told, I didn't look all that hard), but I'd love to have seen the section where they'd try to argue that winning this game would make them a better Motor City Bowl rep than the winner of Iowa/Minnesota. That may be putting the cart before the horse, as Cal Poly was the team that opened the season by beating San Diego State (who are, admittedly, a different brand of awful by an order of magnitude from Wisconsin). Score: Wisconsin 49, Cal Poly 14

Saturday (night) - Texas Tech at Oklahoma. Finally, decent football. I find it amusing that TCU is the only team to have held the Sooners under 45 points in a game this season (Sooners topped the Horned Frogs 35-10). The Sooners have also topped 60 points in their last two games, albeit against lesser opponents. I have to think this is when the Red Raiders finally fall, though I expect it to go much like the Texas game. Just with more points. Score: Oklahoma 69, Texas Tech 63

Sunday: Connecticut at South Florida. Do you think that Mark Mangino looks at the game tape from the South Florida game and wonders how he lost to them? Especially after the Bulls lost to Rutgers 46-19 this past week? UConn, meanwhile, just wants the win so they can get some sweet Meineke Car Care Bowl action, even if they do have to play Wake or UNC. Either way, this should be one useless game. Score: UConn 11, South Florida 10

Last week: 5-2
Season: 49-31

The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Tuesday - Ball State at Miami (Ohio). Second straight Tuesday night game for the RedHawks, third straight loss. Score: Ball State 37, Miami (Ohio) 3

Wednesday - Central Michigan at Northern Illinois. A match-up fraught with MAC division title implications, or at least as fraught as anything involving the MAC can be that didn't involve Randy Moss' tenure at Marshall (I know, they weren't in the MAC at the time, go with me here, I have nothing). A win here and the Chippewas play for the MAC West title against Ball State next Wednesday. Nothing like a relatively important college football game on a Wednesday. Score: Central Michigan 31, Northern Illinois 17

Thursday - Virginia Tech at Miami. The winner here keeps pace with North Carolina in the ACC Coastal division. That sentence tells you everything you need to know about the sort of year the ACC is having. Score: Virginia Tech 13, Miami 12

Friday - Cincinnati at Louisville. Speaking of conferences that no one wants to win, this match-up appears to have significant Big East implications, but the way everyone is playing you could have a five way tie at 4-3. The Orange Bowl must be looking forward to another ACC-Big East showdown. Score: Cincinnati 24, Louisville 20

Saturday (early) - Northwestern at Michigan. Northwestern doesn't fare well against Michigan. They've not beaten the Wovlerines since 2000, and haven't won in Ann Arbor since 1995 (and before that? 1959!). On the plus side, Michigan hasn't been this bad since LBJ was in office, so if there was a time to chalk up a win, it's now. Score: Northwestern 17, Michigan 13

Saturday (mid-afternoon) - Boise State at Idaho. It's games like this that'll keep the Broncos out of the BCS, which is unfortunate give that they're more fun to watch than any team in the ACC or Big East. And while she's not personally responsible for this one, Idaho alum Sarah Palin gets to be connected to her second blowout in ten days. Score: Boise State 61, Idaho 2

Saturday (night) - Tulsa at Houston. Without any Texas Tech to liven up our screens, Tulsa is your next best bet for offense, as they lead the nation with a 52 points per game average. It'll pay the Golden Hurricane to be wary, as the last time Houston played a team ranked 23rd in the nation they won, besting East Carolina 41-24. I don't expect a repeat. Score: Tulsa 47, Houston 30

Last week: 4-3
Season: 44-29

The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Tuesday - Miami (OH) at Buffalo. Expect this game to poll well with gamblers, drunk alumni, and people who need to replace the battery to the remote control and can't be bothered to get off the couch. Score: Democracy 538, Buffalo 27, Miami 6

Wednesday - Northern Illinois at Ball State. The weekly updates from here on out are going to be pretty MACtacular, as the league monopolizes Tuesday and Wednesday broadcasts from here on out. I'll try to pretend I care. This game apparently has divisional implications, and of course Ball State is trying to remain undefeated, all of which we'll hear about in spades as November rolls along. Score: Ball State 27, Northern Illinois 20

Thursday - TCU at Utah. The other game for Thursday is Maryland at Virginia Tech. If you'd been asked in August which would have the greater BCS implications, you'd have chosen the latter. It's OK to admit, everyone else would have said the same thing. TCU already beat BYU this season, so a win here would make the horned toad the least popular reptile in the Beehive State, assuming they keep track of reptile popularity. Score: TCU 31, Utah 30

Friday - Nevada at Fresno State. Speaking of teams poised to crash the BCS but won't, how about the Bulldogs? Losing to Wisconsin was understandable. Losing to Hawaii and Louisiana Tech not so much. This is the sort of game that defines the WAC, as it'll be high scoring yet pretty much meaningless. Score: Fresno State 42, Nevada 37

Saturday (early) - Wyoming at Tennessee. This could be the ugliest game of the year, sartorially speaking, what with Tennessee's bright orange and Wyoming sporting the brown and yellow that the Padres rocked back in the mid-80s. It'll also proabably be ugly on the field, too, as both teams sport 3-6 records. This will be the first game of Phil Fulmer's lame duck head coaching; I hope he puts in the wishbone for shits and giggles. What are they going to do, fire him? This is the third time these teams have played, with the Vols never making the trip out to Laramie. It can't be that much worse than Knoxville, can it? Score: Tennessee 41, Wyoming 2

Saturday (mid-afternoon) - Arizona at Washington State. How bad are the Cougars? They're so bad that I couldn't give them the safety that I traditionally give to an obvious loser, because it'd overestimate their likely scoring. Arizona's biggest challenge this week will be to hang at least 50 on Wizzou while pitching the shutout, just as USC and Stanford(!) have done the last two weeks. Score: Arizona 63, Washington State 0

Saturday (night) - Florida at Vanderbilt. Remember what a great story Vandy was shaping up towards? A 5-0 start and a national ranking, coach Bobby Johnson the hot pick to move into whatever coaching job opened up? Well, they've lost three in a row (most recently to Duke!) and are looking to follow last season's form by sliding out of the bowl picture after a good start. This is not the best time for them to face a Florida team that's thinking it has a clear road to the SEC title game. If nothing else, Vandy recruits won't have to worry about Johnson moving to a more prestigious job. Score: Florida 45, Vanderbilt 17

Last week: 2-4
Season: 40-26

The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Tuesday - Houston at Marshall. This sounds less like a football game and more like the name of a '50s TV western. "Tune in next week to find out if Marshall Houston can save Miss Lil from the clutches of the evil Benson gang!" God knows the western would be more interesting. Houston does pass a lot, so let's pretend that this will be some sort of shootout at the medicore at best corral. Score: Houston 31, Marshall 7

Thursday - South Florida at Cincinnati. I'm a little shocked that South Florida is still ranked after their loss last week to Louisville, but am even more shocked at how many Big East teams are on the cusp of bowl eligibility. Six of the conference's eight teams have at least five wins, which I'm sure is comforting to the folks at the International Bowl. Anyway, tonight's winner will be one step closer to not playing in Toronto in January, which seems like a good thing. Score: South Florida 31, Cincinnati 23

Saturday (early) - Northwestern at Minnesota. Pre-season consensus was that neither of these teams would finish in the top half of the Big 10. Sports Illustrated had the Wildcats as high as sixth, while no major publication put the Gophers higher than ninth. So, of course, the teams are a combined 13-3 this season (5-3 in conference). A win for Minnesota puts them at 8-1 and, with a favorable schedule, potentially into the Rose Bowl. I'd like to see that. Score: Minnesota 21, Northwestern 10

Saturday (mid-afternoon) - Arkansas State at Alabama. Even for a homecoming game, this is weak. The Tide could at least play a C-USA team. I hope this drops them in the BCS standings, if just for the week. Score: Alabama 93, Arkansas State 2

Saturday (night) - Texas at Texas Tech. Expect another tight defensive struggle from these two teams. Ha! We'll be lucky if neither team fires its defensive coordinator before halftime. If the Longhorns get through this they'll run the table (with Kansas as a minor bump), while the Red Raiders get Oklahoma and Oklahoma State to follow this up. Should they win all three, I'd be OK with letting them, Alabama and Penn State play a round robin to determine the national title. Score: Texas 52, Texas Tech 48

Sunday - Central Florida at East Carolina. Scheduling tip - the Golden Knights have demonstrated why two weeks off in the middle of the season may not be such a good idea. They lost back-to-back games, took the time off, and got whacked by Tulsa upon their return. If you can't put together a workable game plan in two weeks, what hope do you have for the rest of the season? Score: East Carolina 33, UCF 3

Last week: 4-3
Season: 38-22

The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Tuesday - Ohio at Temple. Ah, sweet, sweet Tuesday football. It's MACtacular! Or whatever you call a match-up between a pair of 2-5 teams who would probably lose to North Dakota State. Score: Ohio 3, Temple 2 (23 OT)

Thursday - Auburn at West Virginia. A decent Thursday night affair, though I think the ESPN folks were expecting at least one of the teams to be nationally-ranked coming into it. Auburn limps in after a home loss to Arkansas (who may not win another game in conference), and West Virginia literally limps in with an injury to Pat White (not literally limping, it's a head injury) derailing their offense. White will be back this week, so it looks like another backwoods thumping for the Tigers. Score: West Virginia 24, Auburn 14

Friday - Boise State at San Jose State. With BYU's BCS-buster bid gone blooey, the Broncos face their toughest test before the season-ending game with Fresno State. We have to have at least one team spoil the party, and I'd prefer it be a team that's done so before in notable fashion. Score: Boise State 31, San Jose State 20

Saturday (early) - Texas Tech at Kansas. I feel kind of bad for Texas Tech. They're undefeated, yet all the talk is about Texas, Oklahoma State and one-loss Oklahoma. I don't feel as bad when I look at their schedule, peppered as it is with easy wins (recall their game a few weeks ago against UMass). I go back to feeling bad when I see that the Red Raiders will play Texas, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma in consecutive weeks in November. But, oddly, I'll feel something like relief when they leave Lawrence with a shootout loss. Score: Kansas 45, Texas Tech 38

Saturday (mid-afternoon) - UCLA at California. UCLA scored a touchdown with 10 seconds left to pull out a win over Stanford last Saturday. This makes a Cal win doubly important, as it will help the Golden Bears their fifth win and one they can lord over the Cardinal during the Big Game. Score: Cal 31, UCLA 20

Saturday (night) - Middle Tennessee State at Mississippi State. While I've not done the research on it, I think this could be the longest combination of school names possible for division I football. Expect MTSU to win when they hit the triple word score. Score: MTSU 24, Mississippi State 22

Sunday - Central Florida at Tulsa. Take that, Hawaii! And this game's even on TV, which will be great comfort to the dozens of people who didn't want to watch Indy-Tennessee or game 4 of the World Series. Score: Tulsa 37, Central Florida 9

Last week: 5-1
Season: 34-19

The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Thursday - Florida State at North Carolina State. They say that no parent should outlive their child (so true), but I don't know if there's a similar sentiment for a parent's career outlasting that of their children. Probably not where the Bowdens are concerned. Maybe Bobby winning this week will help to open up the NC State job for one of the boys. Score: Florida State 24, NC State 10

Friday - Hawaii at Boise State. The (Rainbow) Warriors are on here a lot, aren't they? I suppose it helps to have a time zone to yourself. Plan ahead for their appearances here when they host Nevada and Idaho, which should be more competitive than this game. Score: Boise State 55, Hawaii 7

Saturday (early) - Vanderbilt at Georgia. I love the Vandy story so far, but I really can't see them going into Athens and winning, considering they've not done so since 1874. Actually, they won there in 2006, Georgia's "down" year when they went 9-4. Still, as long as the Bulldogs don't try another fan blackout they should be fine. Score: Georgia 37, Vandy 17

Saturday (mid-afternoon) - Toldeo at Northern Illinois. Even you don't consider their win over Michigan an upset given the way the Wolverines are playing this year, you know that there's going to be a let-down, right? Score: Northern Illinois 31, Toledo 2

Saturday (night) - Oregon State at Washington or Mississippi State at Tennessee. The Head Coach Death Watch focuses on Seattle and Knoxville, as Ty Willingham and Phil Fulmer coach for their jobs. Willingham at least has the excuse of Jake Locker still being out, not that it will keep the axe at bay for long. Score: Oregon State 31, Washington 7, Willingham 0; Mississippi State 12, Tennessee 6, Fulmer 0

Last week: 5-2
Season: 24-17

The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Tuesday - Troy at Florida Atlantic. More mid-week love for the Sun Belt Conference, who is to ESPN2 what the Big East is to the mothership. The Owls tripped me up last week, so this week I am obligated not to take them so they can screw things up for me again. Score: Troy 27, FAU 10

Thursday - Clemson at Wake Forest. Wait, there isn't some MAC-WAC paddywhack we can get for Wednesday? Or does paddywhack more describe what Notre Dame is in for this week against UNC? Either way, Clemson is marginally lucky to be playing the second-best college football team in North Carolina this week. They may still be in this game at halftime. Score: Wake Forest 27, Clemson 6

Friday - Louisville at Memphis. Dick Vitale is sitting by the phone wondering why he hasn't been called to cover this game. Score: Louisville 38, Memphis 9

Saturday (early) - Texas at Oklahoma. Well, not really at Oklahoma as the game's being played in Dallas, which I'd think is unfair to the Sooners if they weren't the best team in the country and if Texas wasn't overrated (their 5 wins: FAU, UTEP, Rice, Arkansas, Colorado). Oklahoma at least played one ranked team (TCU was #24 when they faced off). I look forward to a Big XII title game where the winner here and Missouri combine for 1400 yards. Score: Oklahoma 37, Texas 28

Saturday (mid-afternoon) - Michigan State at Northwestern. If the Wildcats are going to shore up their claim of being the Vanderbilt of the Big 10, it starts here. But I have a feeling it'll stop here, though as it's the Big 10 the Spartans could lose by 30 just as easily. Score: Michigan State 17, Northwestern 15

Saturday (night) - LSU at Florida. I really need the Gators to lose here, as (a) I'm sick of them skulking around the BCS picture, and (b) it'd he highly entertaining if they were ranked lower than Vandy (or not at all!) when they take on the Commodores in November. I am slightly less sick of LSU hanging around, if only because I take warped pleasure out of James Carville trying to talk football. Score: LSU 23, Florida 18

Sunday - Louisiana Tech at Hawaii. I was all set to talk smack about the (Rainbow) Warriors, except that they beat Fresno State last week. Still not going to stay up for this thing, which is good as there doesn't appear to be a local outlet showing the game. Score: Hawaii 20, Louisiana Tech 2

Last week: 4-3
Season: 19-15

The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Tuesday - Florida Atlantic at Middle Tennessee. I like football, obviously, or I wouldn't waste my time doing this sort of thing. But I can't think of what would lead me to watch this game, outside of a large cash payment or Erin Andrews playing real-time strip ratings. All I know of FAU is Howard Schnellenberger, which seems like enough. Score: FAU 33, MTSU 7

Wednesday - Louisiana Tech at Boise State. See above, replace "FAU" and "Howard Schnellenberger" with "BSU" and "Ian Johnson." Throw in a reference to Smurf Turf if you'd like. Score: Boise State 33, Louisiana Tech 7

Thursday - Oregon State at Utah. The letdown commences. Score: Utah 41, Oregon State 3

Friday - BYU at Utah State. There actually is a trophy given to the best team out of BYU, Utah, and Utah State, called the Beehive Boot. The Aggies will officialy be eliminated from contention after this game, as they've already been thrashed by Utah. Mark your calendars for November 22, when the Cougars and Utes will play for the book (and, most likely, the Mountain West title). Score: BYU85, Utah State 2

Saturday (early) - Alcorn State at New Mexico State. A couple of weeks ago I called UC0nn-Baylor the least essential game of the season. I stand corrected. This would make sense if this were the Aggies homecoming game, but it's not. For some reason they've scheduled Boise State for homecoming. Apparently they get more money from alumni who drink away the pain. Score: New Mexico State 23, Alcorn State 0

Saturday (mid-afternoon) - Florida State at Miami. This week's entry into the Remembrance of High-Quality Football Past, as this series that for years had national title implications now serves as the decided for who gets to play in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. On the other hand, you don't hear about as many players from either program going to prison as you did back in the day, so there's that. Score: Miami 17, Florida State 9, Florida Department of Corrections 0

Saturday (night) - Ohio State at Wisconsin. Please, Badgers, put an end to any possibility that we'll have to sit through another title game thrashing involving the Buckeyes. One loss may not do it this year, especially after USC tanked. A grateful nation thanks you in advance. Score: Wisconsin 20, Ohio State 18

Last week: 4-2
Season: 15-12

The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Thursday - USC at Oregon State. The Trojans open their Pac-10 campaign against a team that lost by double digits to Stanford and got whacked by Penn State (but beat Hawaii - woo!). The only hope for the Beavers is if USC is already looking forward to the BCS title game, which is possible given the "strength"of the conference this year. Possible, but unlikely. Score: USC 98, Oregon State 3

Friday - Connecticut at Louisville. UConn's second consecutive Friday night game. I assume their opponent next week is New Haven East High? I shouldn't mock the Huskies, considering Louisville won't play another Saturday game until mid-October. The Big East should just make ESPN a title sponsor already. Score: Louisville 10, UConn 8

Saturday (early) - Army at Texas A&M. This would have been a great game - in 1958. Today, Army loses to New Hampshire by three scores and the Aggies open the season with a loss to Arkansas State. Sad. Score: Texas A&M 35, Army 2

Saturday (mid-afternoon) - Marshall at West Virginia. You would think that a game between the state's only two Divison I teams would be more of a rivalry, but it's not. The Mountaineers have a series sweep going, and last year marked the first time in 92 years that the Thundering Herd hosted the game. It does have a snazzy name - the Friends of Coal Bowl - with the winning team taking home the Black Lung Trophy. But it won't really be a rivalry until Marshall wins one, which I don't think will be this year. Score: West Virginia 27, Marshall 10

Saturday (night) - Illinois at Penn State. If nothing else, this game will either prove that the Nittany Lions are (relatively) for real or that the power of ZOOK!!!!! hasn't dulled. The Illini are going to have to sweat intensity and crap passion to pull this one out. Score: Penn State 23, Illinois 20

Sunday - San Jose State at Hawaii. Thanks, time zones, for making me recognize this crap-ass game. Score: San Jose State 7, Hawaii 3 (14OT)

Last week: 5-1
Season: 11-10

The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Wednesday - Kansas State at Louisville. I don't think there was ever a time where this would be a good football game, and at this point it wouldn't even be a good basketball game. And isn't it a little early in the year to be starting in on the Wednesday games? Couldn't ESPN give us two baseball games with playoff implications? Score: Louisville 9, Kansas State 4

Thursday - West Virginia at Colorado. Both teams have had a week off - the Mountaineers to stew in their loss to East Carolina, Colorado after their win over Eastern Washington. I can't imagine either team is in a good mood (Colorado only won by 7), but I'll take the team that really has something to prove. Score: West Virginia 24, Colorado 6

Friday - Baylor at Connecticut. The least essential match-up of the year. I think Baylor is under the assumption that UConn is still 1-AA, and by the end of things they'll wish that assumption was true. And then they get to play Oklahoma! Also, I promise that this is the last time I feature Baylor, this is more pub than they deserve. Score: UConn 35, Baylor 0

Saturday (early) - Iowa at Pittsburgh. The Big 10 has six early games. This is the only one not on the Big 10 Network. FAU-Minnesota is, as is the looming bloodbath of Penn State-Temple. I assumed this was because ESPN would show it, but apparently not. More fun with programming from these folks. Anyway, I'm willing to bet that the loser of this game sacks their coach before the end of the season. Adios, Kirk. Score: Pitt 6, Iowa 4

Saturday (mid-afternoon) - Florida at Tennessee. When was the last time this game was played where one of the teams wasn't ranked? It was 2002, when the Gators went to Knoxville and won 30-13. That makes things easy. Score: Florida 30, Tennessee 13

Saturday (night) - Massachusetts at Texas Tech. I suppose it's games like this that helps Our State U offer hockey, so I'll give them my best on the way to the slaughter. You don't eke out a win over Holy Cross and then hope to keep up with the Big XII's resident offensive circus. Score: Texas Tech 66, UMass 3

Last week: 2-3
Season: 6-9

The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Thursday - North Carolina at Rutgers. I think the Scarlet Knights are happy this is North Carolina rather than East Carolina, though the ways things are going they may have preferred South Carolina. Western Carolina gets no consideration based on lack of directional conformity. Sadly, this digression will likely be more entertaining than this game, which at a different time of year would be known as the Armed Forces Bowl. Score: Rutgers 17, UNC 3

Friday - Kansas at South Florida. Could ESPN perhaps switch this game with Thursday's game? Because I won't be home Friday night and would much rather watch this, even though Kansas is likely to demonstrate to South Florida why people think the Big East is a joke. Score: Kansas 37, USF 10

Saturday (early) - Washington State at Baylor. If nothing else, this guarantees that one of these teams will have a win over a D1 opponent this season. Not so fast, Baylor. Score: Washington State 7, Baylor -2

Saturday (mid-afternoon) - Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech. Winner here takes on the winner of Cal Tech-MIT for the Golden Protractor. Score: Virginia Tech 32pi/7, Georgia Tech 3!

Saturday (night) - Oklahoma at Washington. Jake Locker leads the Huskies to a furious comeback, only to get called for two celebration penalties when he smiles and pats the back of his center after a touchdown. The 50 yard extra point hits both uprights and the crossbar - twice - before the ball falls into the end zone. Score: Oklahoma 31, Washington 30

Last week: 3-2
Season: 4-6

The Blogalicious College Football Games of the Week

Thursday - South Carolina at Vanderbilt. I was leaning towards the clash between Nicholls State and New Mexico State, but that got postponed what with the hurricane and all. I'm guessing because the Nicholls State folks didn't want to get stuck in Las Cruces. I think I'd rather take my chances with the storm surge, too.

As for the game being played, South Carolina is tuning up for Georgia next week, and might be looking past this game. Vandy is playing Rice next week, and maybe will be looking forward too much for next week, when everyone will get to play. Score: South Carolina 23, Vandy 15

Friday - Navy at Ball State. There may be more rushing touchdowns than passing attempts in this game. The Fightin' Lettermans are a perfect 2-0 against the Middies, but I don't think three will be the charm. Score: Navy 35, Ball St. 24

Saturday (early) - Southern Miss at Auburn. Maybe the Tigers/War Eagles will do us all a favor and have their crippling loss early this year. It's the football equivalent of doing your Christmas shopping in October. Both teams feasted on schools in the University of Louisiana system last week, so it's not like either team has actual data to look at for this season. I'm pretty sure Auburn used their swim team in the final quarter of their game. Score: Auburn 27, Southern Miss 17

Saturday (mid-afternoon) - San Diego State at Notre Dame. The Aztecs lost to Cal Poly last week. Should the Golden Domers somehow manage to lose this game they should drop football forever. I realize I've just made several new San Diego State fans with that suggestion. Score: Notre Dame 35, SDSU 3

Saturday (night) - Murray State at Indiana. The game the Big Ten Network was created to show. Seriously, this is their prime time game this week. I can't imagine why cable operators wouldn't want to add this to their roster of channels. Score: Indiana 9, Murray State 6

Last week: 1-4
Season: 1-4

So I'm scrapping the college football top 10 this year, never quite liked the way it worked out. Instead, you get:

BLOGALICIOUS' GAMES OF THE WEEK

Thursday - UTEP at Buffalo. I know almost nothing about this game, and if I were more of a wag I'd make a joke about the Miners defense's approach in containing Trent Edwards. But I do have a feeling that whoever wins this game will wind up playing in the New Mexico Bowl. Bank on it. Score: UTEP 9, Buffalo 5

Friday - SMU at Rice. Hey, it was this or Temple-Army, a game where it's quite possible that neither team will cross into opposition territory in the first half. Either way, it looks like a great night for baseball. Score: SMU 12, Rice 7

Saturday - James Madison at Duke. This game is second to App State-LSU as far as how happy a potential 1-AA win would make me. But as I don't see App State striking twice, I'll go with the Dukes beating Duke. See, there's more of them! Score: JMU 45, Duke 2

Sunday - Colorado State at Colorado. All the security in Denver this week will make its way to Boulder. Take the sharpshooters and the points. Score: Colorado State Police 42, Colorado 21, CSU 17

Monday - Tennessee at UCLA. Because opening the season in California worked out so well for the Vols last season. Score: Tennessee 21 UCLA 3

It says something about the proliferation of college football bowl games that tonight's first game of the bowl season - the Pointsettia Bowl, featuring Navy and Utah, a pair of 8-4 teams - is being pre-empted on ESPN so they can show the end of a regular season college basketball game. It should be noted that the basketball game features two top ten teams - Pitt and Duke - while the bowl game does not (neither Navy nor Utah are ranked).

There are 120 teams in whatever the NCAA is calling Division I now, and over half of them are going to bowl games. Now if only their fans would follow - plenty of good seats still available at Qualcomm Stadium.

I'm also not sure if having Reece Davis, Mark May and Lou Holtz call the game is a good or a bad thing. Davis is OK doing play by play, but I don't care for Mark May - too full of himself - and Lou should stick to the pep talks.

BLOGALICIOUS COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP TEN-PLUS

1. Missouri
2. West Virginia

As much as I dislike the BCS, I'll agree with their rating here and hope for the best.

3. Kansas
4. Ohio State

My theory: Kansas lost a virtual road game to the team that's now number 1. Ohio State lost at home to a team that has never been in the top 10. It's probably too much to ask that Kansas jump Ohio State should either of the top two teams lose this week.

5. Hawaii

They win this weekend, they should get to play in a BCS game. Going undefeated should mean something, even with all the strength of schedule talk.

6. Oklahoma
7. Georgia

I've not really seen Georgia play this season, and I have seen Oklahoma play, so I'm going with them here.

8. USC
9. LSU
10. Arizona State

Not much to say here, other than I'm duly unimpressed with the ACC and am giving up on putting either of their finalists in here.

109. The Mid-American Conference

Their championship game features teams that are 7-5 (Central Michigan) and 6-6 (Miami). Bowling Green, at 8-4, is not in the title game thanks to a loss to Miami, even though they apparently played an extra conference game. Remember when there was a little buzz about the MAC?

BLOGALICIOUS COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP TEN-PLUS

1. Kansas(def. Oklahoma State 43-28) - I'd call this week a trap game if it weren't the Cyclones. Still, you have to think that some minds are on Kansas City.

Next opponent: Iowa State

2. LSU (def. Louisiana Tech 58-10) - expect a similar score this week, even on the road.

Next opponent: at Mississippi

3. Oregon (Idle) - Dixon's out, the Ducks are down 20, and the Ducks' backup is Ryan Leaf's brother. On top of it all, Erin Andrews is wearing something frumpy. It's all going to hell.

Next opponent: at Arizona (11/15)

4.5. Missourahoma (def. Texas A&M 40-26 and Baylor 52-21) - no, it's not an AT&T ad, though I'd accept renumeration for furthering their ad concept. I know the Sooners beat the Tigers and thus should be billed ahead of them, but Missouri did beat Colorado, something Oklahoma couldn't do. So I'm calling it even for now, illogical or not. If nothing else, next week will break the tie.

Next opponents: at Kansas State [Missouri] and at Texas Tech [Oklahoma]

6. West Virginia (Idle) - still on track for a big conference title game against UConn, assuming they can do what the Huskies couldn't do and top the Bearcats on their field. UConn better not screw things up by losing to Syracuse.

Next opponent: at Cincinnati

7. Ohio State (lost to Illinois 21-28) - there are worse things than a loss to the Zookers. Losing this week at home, for example, and giving Lloyd Carr the retirement gift he'd most want.

Next opponent: Michigan

8. Arizona State (def. UCLA 24-20) - they get some time off to contemplate a game thick with Rose Bowl implications, should this Oregon-Arizona game keep going the way it is. This could be the only time all season that Sun Devils fans are rooting for the in-state rival.

Next opponent: Idle

9. Georgia (def. Auburn 45-20) - is there still a possibility that the SEC East could end in a four way tie? Because that would be awesome. Of course, things have to go south for the Bulldogs this week for that to happen, but Andre Woodson has a track record for that sort of thing.

Next opponent: Kentucky

10. Mississippi State (def. Alabama 17-12) - Sylvester Croom finally gets his team to break through, putting their second straight win over the Tide on the mantle with wins over Kentucky and Auburn. And they're bowl eligible, to boot. Congrats to one and all.

Next opponent: at Arkansas

109. Miami(lost to Virginia 0-48) - OK, you're 5-5, but you get blown out in the last game ever at the Orange Bowl? What the hell happened to you? I hated you at the height of your thuggery, but you guys are just sad now. Who'd have thought that the dud team in the ACC expansion would be you lot?

Next opponent: at Virginia Tech

BLOGALICIOUS COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP TEN-PLUS

1. Kansas(def. Nebraska 76-39) - You'd be excused if you thought this was an early season basketball score. I know Nebraska 2007 isn't like Nebraska 1997, but 76 is still a pretty impressive number to hang on the Cornhuskers. Giving up 39 is worrisome, though, especially in light of this week's opponent, who have proven that they can score.

Next opponent: at Oklahoma State

2. Ohio State (def. Wisconsin 38-17) - Kansas beat Toledo worse than Ohio State beat Akron, and Toldeo has one more win than Akron. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Not that it'll change the Buckeyes' death march to the BCS title game.

Next opponent: Illinois

3. LSU (def. Alabama 41-34) - nice road win, though the grumbles about all the close calls are starting to pick up. Expect that to be the cover when Ohio State and Kansas play for the national title while LSU guts some unlucky team in the Sugar Bowl.

Next opponent: Louisiana Tech

4. Oregon (def. Arizona State 35-23) - change of plans, Kansas plays Ohio State in the BCS title game while everyone gets the matchup they want when Oregon and LSU play in the Rose Bowl. Look for the Ducks to keep their end up this week.

Next opponent: at Arizona

5. Oklahoma (def. Texas A&M 42-14) - good win this week, now a bit of a breather against the Temple of the Big XII.

Next opponent: Baylor

6. West Virginia (Idle) - so much for a must-see match-up, though there's still ample room for the Mountaineers to slip up and miss their conference title game against UConn in a couple of weeks.

Next opponent: Louisville (10/8)

7. Missouri (def. Colorado 55-10) - Oklahoma loses to Colorado, Kansas squeaks by them, and Missouri blows them out. Remind me why I have them down here?

Next opponent: Texas A&M

8. Arizona State (lost to Oregon 35-23) - as predicted last week, UCLA lost to Arizona, so expect the Sun Devils to lose this game 55-12.

Next opponent: at UCLA

9. Navy (def. Notre Dame 46-44) - congrats on snapping the 43 game losing streak. If you didn't beat ND this year, you may never have beaten them again. Does this mean that Delaware could beat the Irish?

Next opponent: at North Texas

10. Florida State (def. Newton Klown Kollege 27-17) - Thank you.

Next opponent: at Virginia Tech

109. UTEP(lost to Rice 48-56) - I think the only way you give up 56 points to the Owls is to play defense with 9 guys. Awfully sporting of the Miners to do that, though it doesn't do much for your bowl eligibility.

Next opponent: at Tulane

BLOGALICIOUS COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP TEN-PLUS

1. Ohio State (def. Penn State 37-17) - I should just accept that they'll be undefeated going into the Michigan game.

Next opponent: Wisconsin

2. LSU (Idle) - a win this week pretty much puts them in the SEC title game.

Next opponent: at Alabama

3. Oregon (def. USC 24-17) - now if only Dennis Dixon could get some more national air time for his Heisman campaign.

Next opponent: Arizona State

4. West Virginia (def. Rutgers 31-3) - a week off to ponder what we thought would be the game for the Big East title.

Next opponent: Idle

5. Kansas (def. Colorado 19-14) - I tried to come up with a US history related joke for this week's game. Be happy I didn't.

Next opponent: Nebraska

6. Arizona State (def. Cal 31-20) - assuming ASU's QB can throw, this should be fun to watch. Unless you live outside of the Pacific time zone; then you won't be able to see the game at all.

Next opponent: at Oregon

7. Oklahoma (Idle) - Lots of deep reds in Norman this Saturday. That's all I've got.

Texas A&M

8. Trinity University (Texas) (def. Millsaps College 28-24) - if you've not seen the winning score, watch this.

Next opponent: Centre College

9. Missouri (def. Iowa State 48-28) - I should probably have them higher, but their win last week didn't involve 15 laterals.

Next opponent: at Colorado

10. Connecticut (def. South Florida 22-15) - I couldn't bring myself to go to the 2 loss teams just yet. Of course, these guys may be one after this week.

Next opponent: Rutgers

109. UCLA(lost to Washington State 7-27) - OK, you're 5-3, but your losses? Unexplainable. I fully expect you to lose this week and then beat ASU by 40.

Next opponent: at Arizona

BLOGALICIOUS COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP TEN-PLUS

1. Ohio State (def. Michigan State 24-17) - this still feels fraudulent to me, so I sought out some "objective" ranking information. A straight RPI has Ohio State at number one, while the Sagarin ranking has them third. Of course, they also have Kansas second. So I suppose I'll remain part of the charade, at least for another week.

Next opponent: at Penn State

2. LSU (def. Auburn 30-24) - the only member of the SEC circle of death to win last week, so they get a reward. I look forward to their stomping of the Buckeyes in the BCS title game.

Next opponent: Idle

3. Oregon (def. Washington 55-34) - the loss to Cal takes some of the sheen off of this week's game (though perhaps not as much as if they'd lost to, say, Stanford). As with any games that hype a top offense against a top defense, it'll be the other side of the coin - the Ducks' D against the Trojan offense - that'll decide things.

Next opponent: USC

4. West Virginia (def. Mississippi State 38-13) - it still feels odd to put "key conference matchup" and "Rutgers" in the same sentence. Then again, the other key conference matchup is UConn and South Florida. Madness!

Next opponent: at Rutgers

5. Kansas (def. Colorado 19-14) - good win on the road, but College Station just seems like that much more of a hostile environment that Boulder, even if it is much closer to sea level. I can't see the Jayhawks pulling this out, but A&M is inconsistent enough to keep the door open for a KU win.

Next opponent: at Texas A&M

6. Oklahoma (def. Iowa State 17-7) - be happy I didn't drop you completely after such a lackluster performance. Take your week off and think about what you did.

Next opponent: Idle

7. Arizona State (idle) - speaking of likely frauds, the Sun Devils start their two-part exam to prove themselves this week. Luckily for them, the first part is a take-home, albeit against a team that has to be looking to take last week out on someone.

Next opponent: Cal

8. Virginia Tech (idle) - you know what needs to be done. Now please do it.

Next opponent: Chestnut Hill Barber College (10/25)

9. Missouri (def. Texas Tech 41-10) - holding the Red Raiders to 10 points is an accomplishment, especially as the lowest point total for them prior to this was 35. They've still got a ways to go, but I like the odds of a rematch with Oklahoma in the Big XII title game. This week should get them on their way. Of course, you would have thought the same thing last week for the Sooners.

Next opponent: Iowa State

10. North Dakota State (def. Minnesota 27-21) - I know it's no great shakes to beat the Gophers this year, but for a program that's in the middle of a transition from Divison II, it's well worth celebrating. Shame they're ineligible for the 1AA playoffs this year (part of the transition process, apparently).

Next opponent: Southern Utah

109. Minnesota (lost to North Dakota State 21-27) - didn't you used to not suck?

Next opponent: at Michigan

THE BLOGALICIOUS COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP TEN-PLUS

1. South Florida (def. Central Florida 64-12) - out of the remaining undefeated teams, they've played the toughest schedule, which is kind of sad, when you consider that schedule includes Elon and Florida Atlantic (who are no Florida International, but still). They've got the biggest test for undefeated teams this week, too. Which is also kind of sad.

Next opponent: at Rutgers (10/18)

2. Ohio State (def. Kent State 48-3) - the Buckeyes now face Massilon High School for the Ohio state title. But first they have to play a Spartan team that's gone 5-2 against teams that look impressive - Pitt, Notre Dame - but really aren't this year.

Next opponent: Michigan State

3-5. LSU, South Carolina, and Kentucky (Kentucky def. LSU 43-37; South Carolina def. UNC 21-15) - Circle of Death, football version. Kentucky beat LSU who beat South Carolina who beat Kentucky. Going to point differential, LSU is third, South Carolina fourth, and Kentucky fifth. But feel free to mix and match any way you see fit.

Next opponents: Auburn (LSU), Vanderbilt (South Carolina), Florida (Kentucky)

6. Oklahoma (def. Missouri 41-31) - now they get a month off before having to go to Texas Tech for the right to play in the Big XII title game. That the opponent may well be decided by this weekend's Colorado-Kansas game. I can't believe I just typed that.

Next opponent: at Iowa State

7. West Virginia (idle) - Syracuse, a week off, and then a game against Mississippi State. That's a schedule Ohio State could love, but only if the schools moved to Solon and Shaker Heights.

Next opponent: Mississippi State

8. Arizona State (def. Washington 44-20) - they're the only undefeated team in the Pac-10, and if the league is supposed to be that good this year it makes sense to rank the Sun Devils. They do have the killer stretch of their schedule over the next four weeks, but at least they have a week to bask in their appearance here without fear.

Next opponent: Idle

9. Kansas (def. Baylor 58-10) - whipping Baylor is a good way to look like you belong in the top 10. Then again, any team that's bowl eligible should be able to whip Baylor. The Jayhawks can answer at least some of the questions about their legitimacy with a win this weekend.

Next opponent: at Colorado

10. Boise State (def. Nevada 69-67) - Ian Johnson drained a 12 foot jumper at the buzzer to give the Broncos the win.

Next opponent: at Louisiana Tech

109. Rice (lost to Houston 56-48) - the Owls certainly deserve to be here, with a 1-5 record most recently marred by blowing a 13 point lead to the Cougars. But my motives aren't exactly pure here. A couple of weeks ago I had Buffalo here and openly questioned their move to divison I. They've responded with wins over Ohio and Toledo. Admittedly, not the toughest competition, but they kind of are to Buffalo.

I have Rice in a college football fantasy league, and need them to start scoring some points. So I'm hoping the shame of being here will get them into the win column. It doesn't hurt that among their remaining opponents are Marshall, Tulane, SMU, and this week's foe.

Next opponent: Memphis

THE BLOGALICIOUS COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP TEN-PLUS

1. LSU (def. Florida 28-24) - a close call in Death Valley, and while the defense managed to contain Tim Tebow, the most telling stat to me was LSU converting on all five of their fourth down plays. Now they just have to see if they can contain Andre Woodson at home.

Next opponent: at Kentucky

2. California (idle) - is picking last week for an off week an example of intangibles? A good week to bask in their lofty perch before a couple of interesting weeks on the road, though they may not want to be too complacent. The Beavers have won in Berkeley on each of their last three trips to town.

Next opponent: Oregon State

3. Ohio State (def. Purdue 23-7) - a win over an undefeated team is nice, but Purdue's clean slate was built on a pretty shaky foundation. Not sure if it's good or bad that OSU's schedule is so back-loaded. Good for now, I guess, as this week should serve up another solidly-played, but not particularly telling, win.

Next opponent: Kent State

4. South Florida (def. Florida Atlantic 35-23) - OK, FAU isn't that bad this season, but that's still a bit too close for a team looking to be one of the elite. Especially now that marquee match-ups with Rutgers and Louisville have lost their luster with those teams dropping out of the national rankings. A good win over a team that gave Texas a scare would help.

Next opponent: Central Florida

5. South Carolina (def. Kentucky 38-23) - good win over a nationally-ranked opponent, the second one of the season for the Gamecocks. They actually get a couple of weeks where they don't have to play a nationally-ranked team, which will be a nice break.

Next opponent: at North Carolina

6. Oklahoma (def. Texas 28-21) - winning the Red River Shootout is always a feather in one's cap, and a nice way to bounce back from their surprising loss to Colorado. If they can get past this week they've got an excellent shot at running the table, though the game at Texas Tech will be interesting.

Next opponent: Missouri

7. Missouri (def. Nebraska 41-6) - a statement game for the Tigers, who needed some street cred given their other opponents. They haven't fared well against ranked teams, or Oklahoma in general (having only won once in their last 17 meetings), so a victory here would be an additional turning point.

Next opponent: at Oklahoma

8. West Virginia (def. Syracuse 55-14) - this just makes the Orangemen's win over Louisville look that much more bizarre. A costly win given Pat White's injury, though if you're going to get injured this is a good time to do it. He just needs to get healthy for the game at Rutgers at the end of the month.

Next opponent: Idle

9. Illinois (def. Wisconsin 31-26) - it's been a good three weeks for the Illini. They gave Indian their only loss to date, and then knocked off nationally-ranked Penn State and Wisconsin. Those of you who are not including Rashard Mendenall in Heisman consideration may want to start now. Or perhaps on Sunday, as he may put up some gaudy numbers on Saturday.

Next opponent: at Iowa

10. Chadron State (def. Western New Mexico 21-0) - not only did this win keep the Eagles perfect on the season, it saw Danny Woodhead become the NCAA all-divisions career rushing leader. He broke the mark of 7,353 yards set by R. J. Bowers of Grove City College over the 1997 to 2000 seasons. Woodhead's total now stands at 7,411, and with five games to play in the regular season he seems in good shape to top 8,000.

Next opponent: Fort Lewis

109. USC (lost to Stanford 24-23) - dude, you lost to Stanford. Stanford.

Next opponent: Arizona

THE BLOGALICIOUS COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP TEN-PLUS

1. LSU (def. Tulane 34-9) - a little sluggish in the first half, but I don't think the Tigers were used to starting a game at noon. They may have also been looking forward a bit to this week, ironic given that the bigger game may now be the tilt with Kentucky in two weeks' time.

Next opponent: Florida

2. California (def. Oregon 31-24) - that's two solid wins against top 25 opponents, which is one more than USC has. A visit to Tempe is the only thing standing in between the Golden Bears being undefeated going into their game with USC.

Next opponent: Oregon State

3. USC (def. Washington 27-24) - you get the sense that the Trojans are living on borrowed time, which is odd given all their talent. There are several teams on their schedule that would have benefitted more from all of the mistakes made by USC in this game. It's their luck that they were playing a team in Washington that's still rebuilding. This is probably a good week to work out the kinks.

Next opponent: Stanford

4. South Florida (def. West Virginia 21-13) - I know this reeks of bandwagoneering, but the Bulls did beat a top 5 team and, earlier in the season, a nationally-ranked Auburn team. That's more than the other undefeated teams below them have done, although this week tends back towards the cupcake.

Next opponent: at Florida Atlantic

5. Ohio State (def. Minnesota 30-7) - the Buckeyes had a decent win at Washington, otherwise the opposition has made it hard to tell just how good this team is. We'll get an idea this weekend, when they take on an undefeated conference foe whose schedule has been even weaker than their own.

Next opponent: at Purdue

6. Kentucky (def. Florida Atlantic 45-17) - that Louisville win doesn't look so good now, but they also have a road win at Arkansas, which again is more than some other teams have. That and the Wildcats have Andre Woodson, who is a pretty good equalizer. Not sure if he's good enough to get through a brutal three week stretch, or even the game tonight that kicks it off.

Next opponent: at South Carolina (10/4)

7. Wisconsin (def. Michigan State 37-34) - little known fact - Wisconsin now has the nation's longest winning streak at 14 games. Getting it to 15 is going to be difficult: a week after giving up more than 200 yards rushing, they get to visit the team that is sixth in the nation in rushing offense.

Next opponent: at Illinois

8. Florida (lost to Auburn 17-20) - tough week for the Gators. They have the close loss at home, one of their captains gets arrested for trying to take his girlfriend's car from a tow lot, and now they get to travel to Baton Rouge to face LSU, the first of three road games against nationally-ranked teams. It's possible the Gators will enter November at .500; I don't think it'll happen, but this week isn't going to help.

Next opponent: at LSU

9. South Carolina (def. Mississippi State 38-21) - I may be a week early with these guys, but I'll give them the spot based on a win at Georgia and a respectable loss at LSU.

Next opponent: Kentucky

10. Cincinnati (def. San Diego State 52-23) - they've played no one of note, but have at least won big en route to being undefeated and nationally ranked for the first time in over 30 years. So huzzah to the Bearcats, who get their first actual test this week.

Next opponent: at Rutgers

109. Buffalo (lost at Ball State 14-49) - well, you have your annual win against Temple. I suppose that's something. Why did you go divison I again?

Next opponent: Ohio

THE BLOGALICIOUS COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP TEN-PLUS

1. Florida (def. Mississippi 30-24) - if there were ever a game to make me want to change the rule about sitting national champs keeping the top spot, this would be it. Tebow looked impressive, but if he has to have an unreal game every week he's going to implode. Probably during the streak where they have to play at LSU, at Kentucky, or at Georgia. Probably not this week, given how the Tigers have been playing.

Next opponent: Auburn

2. LSU (def. South Carolina 28-16) - offense? Check. Defense? Check. Special teams? You can check that box now. As if opponents needed more to be concerned about when playing LSU.

Next opponent: at Tulane

3. Oklahoma (def. Tulsa 62-21) - the win over Tulsa marked the Sooners smallest margin of victory to date. I imagine they'll win by less than six touchdowns this weekend. Though a five TD and a field goal margin wouldn't be surprising.

Next opponent: at Colorado

4. USC (def. Washington State 47-14) - I should probably have the Trojans higher, but I figure it'll sort itself out over time. A win this weekend like last weekend's will help.

Next opponent: at Washington

5. West Virginia (def. East Carolina 48-7) - the Mountaineers are finally putting it all together. Unfortunately for them, it looks like the Bulls have done the same.

Next opponent: at South Florida (9/28)

6. California (def. Arizona 45-27) - a rather comfortable homestand comes to a sudden halt with a trip up the road to Eugene. This could look like that Bengals-Browns game from a couple of weeks ago, especially if the likes of Louisiana Tech haven't prepared the Golden Bears for Dennis Dixon.

Next opponent: at Oregon

7. Ohio State (def. Northwestern 58-7) - another toughie on the road before the season's first big test. In case you didn't catch it, I was being sarcastic about this week being tough. The Gophers defense is easier to score on than (insert name of starlet/celebutante here).

Next opponent: at Minnesota

8. Texas (def. Rice 58-14) - considering the number of high school teams in Texas that could likely hang a similar score on the Owls, I can't say this makes up for the close call against Central Florida. They do have a classic trap game this week, what with the annual tilt with Oklahoma on tap next week. Throw in the revenge motive for last year's loss, and you've got a very interesting ball game on tap. But one that the Longhorns should really still win.

Next opponent: Kansas State

9. Wofford (def. Appalachian State 42-31) - the Big House is apparently no preparation for the gridiron bedlam that is Gibbs Stadium. 13,000 seats of sheer mayhem, it is. All kidding aside, I have to give props to the only football team at the division I level (FBS or FCS) to bear the Terrier name.

Next opponent: at Furman

10. Oregon (def. Stanford 55-31) - OK, I have no idea how they let Stanford score 31, but the continued offensive onslaught is impressive. That and I'm pretty much bobbing for teams at this point. Thank God for the conference schedules starting up so we can get some separation.

Next opponent: Cal

109. Louisville (lost to Syracuse 35-38) - the loss to Kentucky is understandable. It's a rivalry game, and most of the state roots for the Wildcats. And really, it was a matter of time before they finally took one. But losing - at home, no less - to Syracuse? A team that hadn't lost a game by less than three touchdowns all season? That's inexcusable.

Next opponent: at North Carolina State

BLOGALICIOUS COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP TEN-PLUS

1. Florida (def. Tennessee 59-20) - clearly, offense isn't going to be a problem for the Gators. Defense, well, they have until October 6 to sort things out.

Next opponent: at Mississippi

2. LSU (def. Middle Tennessee 44-0) - no problems with offense or defense here, though this wasn't exactly a test of either. Certainly more of a test this week for both sides of the ball; maybe an opponent will actually crack double digits. Not that I'd bet on it.

Next opponent: South Carolina

3. USC (def. Nebraska 49-31) - that takes care of some of the concerns coming out of the Idaho game, but the first half was still a little sluggish, probably understandable given the week off. I think they'll work through things this week, too.

Next opponent: Washington State

4. West Virginia (def. Maryland 31-14) - speaking of sluggish, at some point a team is going to jump out to enough of a lead on the Mountaineers that they can't use the second half to grab the win. There are those back-to-back games against Rutgers and Louisville they may want to think about. Not to mention this week, which appears to be a game they should win easily, but the Pirates have been playing everyone close.

Next opponent: East Carolina

5. Oklahoma (def. Utah State 54-3) - I'd have put the Sooners ahead of West Virginia if they'd gotten to 70 points like I predicted. Thanks for nothing! I am fully expecting 50 points this week against a Golden Hurricane team that BYU lit up like a Christmas tree.

Next opponent: Tulsa (9/21)

6. Appalachian State (def. Northern Arizona 34-21) - what sort of weak-ass performance is this? Normally a 13 point win is fine, but this year? You'd better get north of 20, especially if you want to retain your plush ranking here.

Next opponent: Wofford

7. California (def. Louisiana Tech 42-12) - I didn't think that schedules were supposed to get easier as the season progressed, but that's clearly the case here considering that this week's opponent, Arizona, has only beaten Northern Arizona and lost a squeaker last week to New Mexico. Expect to see Pop Warner teams on the schedule by week 8.

Next opponent: Arizona

8. Ohio State (def. Washington 33-14) - I don't buy that Washington is all that good - yet - but it's still a good road win for the Buckeyes, especially in the wake of a sloppy game against Akron. More purple this week, though after losing to Duke the Wildcats may want to adopt a hue closer to blush.

Next opponent: Northwestern

9. Rutgers (def. Norfolk State 59-0) - with Texas, Wisconsin, and Penn State not playing up to par, the toss-up goes to the team that crushed someone, even if they are a 1-AA team. And as they have the week off, I expect someone will do something to bump the Scarlet Knights out next week.

Next opponent: Maryland (9/29)

10. New Hampshire (def. Marshall 48-35) and Portland State (def. Sacramento State 35-24) - I didn't know who to highlight here - the Wildcats for beating their third divison I opponent in four seasons, or the Vikings for getting their first win under head coach Jerry Glanville. Why not both?

Next opponents: Dartmouth (UNH), at San Diego State (Portland State)

109. Duke (def. Northwestern 20-14) - and here I thought we were going to get set up for Duke to snap its losing streak against Notre Dame. Now the Blue Devils go for two in a row, something they haven't done since the heady days of 2003, when they knocked off Western Carolina and Rice back-to-back en route to a 4-8 season.

Next opponent: at Navy

BLOGALICIOUS COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP TEN-PLUS

1. Florida (def. Troy 59-31) - I defy anyone to come to any conclusions about this year's Florida team based on its first two games. Other than that Troy can move the ball on their reserves.

Next opponent: Tennessee

2. LSU (def. Virginia Tech 48-7) - the average Thanksgiving turkey isn't decimated as fully as the Hokies were last weekend. So much for the year's top defensive struggle. It doesn't seem fair that all of LSU's future opponents who are currently ranked have to play in Baton Rouge.

Next opponent: Middle Tennessee State

3. Oklahoma (def. Miami 51-13) - you'd be excused if you thought the Sooners played Miami of Ohio. They didn't. This game could be a case of Oklahoma being that good and Miami being that bad. I'll be surprised if OU can't break 70 this week.

Next opponent: Utah State

4. USC (idle) - it's always a good idea to have a week off when other top contenders don't look so hot. Had USC played this week and won by anything less than 40, LSU would probably be the top team in the land. Heck, they may be this time next week.

Next opponent: at Nebraska

5. Appalachian State (def. Lenoir-Rhyne 48-7) - I'd have kept the Mountaineers at number two if they'd shut out L-R. Way to mess things up, third string!

Consider this: App State had more points this week in the AP poll than Florida State, Miami, Michigan, and Notre Dame combined. Then again, those teams are a combined 1-7.

Next opponent: Northern Arizona

6. Texas (def. TCU 34-13) - I think Texas-Arkansas State was a trap game - for TCU. Texas gets the nod here given how lackluster most of the top 10 teams played last week. They at least had the courtesy to play like crap in their opening week, which such things might be expected.

Next opponent: Central Florida

7. West Virginia (def. Marshall 48-23) - between this and the Louisville game, you'd think that the WAC had moved east. They might as well just make it official and become Arena Legaue teams.

This game was billed as the Friends of Coal Bowl. It will be followed up in three weeks when Acadaia takes on the University of New Brunswick in the Friends of Acid Rain Bowl.

Next opponent: at Maryland (9/13)

8. California (def. Colorado State 34-28) - one of the many lackluster wins of the week, but at least they have a reason for a week 2 letdown. Thankfully, they have some cushion if things last into week 3.

Next opponent: Louisiana Tech

9. UCLA (def. BYU 27-17) - there are about a dozen teams I could put here. Really, it's a crap shoot here. I'm going with the Bruins for now. It'll probably change next week.

Next opponent: at Utah

10. Western Kentucky (def. West Virginia Tech 87-0) - the Hilltoppers celebrate their first year as a division 1 team by setting a new NCAA divisional mark for points in a quarter with 49 in the first frame. Of course, they had to play a division II team to do it, so expect the asterisk brigade to be along soon.

Next opponent: Eastern Kentucky

109. Temple (lost to Buffalo 42-7) - the Owls were favored for the first time in three seasons. They lost by 35. Sadly, neither Duke nor FIU are on the schedule for this season. Expect the MAC to boot Temple for Western Kentucky by 2009.

Next opponent: at Connecticut

I was on the fence about bringing this back, but figured if nothing else, it'll irritate Greg.

THE BLOCALICIOUS COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 10-PLUS!

1. Florida (def. Western Kentucky 49-3) - same rule as last year, the defending national champ gets to be number 1 until they lose. Which I don't think will be this week.

Next opponent: Troy

2. Appalachian State (def. Michigan 34-32) - they are also a defending national champ, just at the next level down from Florida. Which makes me think I might keep them at number 2 until they lose.

Does anyone else think that App State could win the Sun Belt outright, and give most of the ACC and Big East a run for their money? Can we give them a battlefield promotion and make Duke play in the Southern Conference? Please?

Related kudos to Nicholls State for beating Rice, though that's not quite an upset.

Next opponent: Lenoir Rhyne - whoever he is

3. LSU (def. Mississippi State 45-0) - at least LSU started with a conference opponent and on the road. That's more than most top-level teams did in the first week. And while I think they'll win this week, playing a game of this magnitude early in the season can be asking for trouble. Ask Tennessee.

Next opponent: Virginia Tech

4. West Virginia (def. Western Michigan 62-24) - good solid opening thumping, though given the opening schedule I'd swear that the Mountaineers joined the MAC. And when was the last time two teams with the nickname Mountaineers were in a football poll together?

Next opponent: at Marshall

5. California (def. Tennessee 45-31) - they played a highly-ranked opponent and won, so they get extra points. Which, if they play defense the same way all season, they'll need desperately.

Next opponent: at Colorado State

6. USC (def. Idaho 38-10) - not that impressive an opening, even with the healthy point differential. They really need to find a way to play all nine of their top-flight tailbacks at once. Maybe they can sort this out on the off week.

Next opponent: at Nebraska (9/15)

7. Wisconsin (def. Washington State 42-21) - I have nothing to say about this game, though it's the best opponent the Badgers will face this month.

Next opponent: at UNLV

8. Louisville (def. Murray State 73-10). Insert ironic joke about a team nicknamed the Racers losing by 63.

Next opponent: Middle Tennessee State (9/6)

9. Virginia Tech (def. East Carolina 17-7) - I believe I am required by law to rank the Hokies this week.

Next opponent: at LSU

10. Mount Union (def. Averett 75-7) - the 24th consecutive win by the defending Divison III champs, they get ranked by setting a new NCAA record for points in a quarter, with 52. They were up 72-0 at halftime, so at least Averett can take solace in winning the second half.

Next opponent: Otterbein (9/15)

109. Notre Dame (lost to Georgia Tech 33-3) - it was not as close as the score indicated. Appalachian State would have won by 50. Charlie Weis would have been better off naming his starter in July. Start the Jimmy Claussen transfer rumors now, if you haven't already. They'll be luck to cross midfield this week.

Next opponent: at Penn State