*** Alabama's game against Duke, as expected, was over at halftime thanks in no small part to the return of last year's Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram. Expect the top-ranked Crimson Tide to be tested next week when they visit Ryan Mallett and the Arkansas Razorbacks [AP #10, USA Today #11] in what could be a preview of the SEC championship game in December.
*** Surprising no one, Ohio State won decisively and will not be tested again until mid-October.
*** Boise State also won big. The Broncos' home opener will come this Saturday against #25 Oregon State in a statement game BSU needs to win by a considerable margin in order to retain their #3 ranking, as weak scheduling will prevent the Broncos from rising any higher unless either Alabama or Ohio State are shocked by an unexpected loss.
*** Texas Christian were also victorious and remains the most likely team to finish undefeated. But similar to Boise State, a less challenging schedule could keep the Frogs from challenging the BCS elite at season's end.
*** TCU's cross-state rivals in Austin have looked less than inspired. The Longhorns' next three opponents stand more than a puncher's chance to win.
*** Oregon has possibly the most explosive offense in the country. The difficult schedule that lay ahead for the Ducks will determine their worthiness in the hunt for the national title.
*** Nebraska converted a lot of doubters with a convincing win over Washington. Make no mistake: the Huskers are back.
*** Florida, on the other hand, was less than dominant, but the Gators found a way to beat Tennessee (again, damn it).
*** Also looking less impressive than they did the week before, Oklahoma enters TEC's top 10 nevertheless to replace Iowa, who were shocked by Arizona.
*** Wisconsin looks more anemic by the week. Another substandard game could see them replaced in the rankings.
Rankings as of September 20, 2010
#1 Alabama (3-0), 725 pts.
#2 Ohio State (3-0), 630 pts.
#3 Boise State (2-0), 610 pts.
#4 Texas Christian (3-0), 555 pts.
#5 Oregon (3-0), 535 pts.
#6 Texas (3-0), 470 pts.
#7 Nebraska (3-0), 455 pts.
#8 Florida (3-0), 375 pts.
#9 Oklahoma (3-0) 345
#10 Wisconsin (3-0), 300 pts.
#2 Ohio State (3-0), 630 pts.
#3 Boise State (2-0), 610 pts.
#4 Texas Christian (3-0), 555 pts.
#5 Oregon (3-0), 535 pts.
#6 Texas (3-0), 470 pts.
#7 Nebraska (3-0), 455 pts.
#8 Florida (3-0), 375 pts.
#9 Oklahoma (3-0) 345
#10 Wisconsin (3-0), 300 pts.
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| (click to enlarge) |
Orange-clad fans of the Tennessee Volunteers sing "Rocky Top" during last Saturday's game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. The wretched Gators won, 31-17. Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images
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