2. Ohio State Buckeyes, 3-0 (2) – The Buckeyes had no problem with their in-state game. This week’s opponent looks to be another easy victory for Ohio State. The Buckeyes kick off their Big 10 schedule the following week at Illinois. Last week: Defeated Ohio, 43-7. This week: vs. Eastern Michigan (0-3).
3. TCU Horned Frogs, 3-0 (3) – The Horned Frogs steamrolled Baylor, defeating another school from a BCS conference. Playing at SMU is a trap game, though. June Jones has a talented team. If TCU gets by them (and they likely will) the Horned Frogs have a legitimate chance of running the table. Last week: Defeated Baylor, 45-10. This week: at SMU (2-1).
4. Oklahoma Sooners, 3-0 (4) – The Sooners won a close one in Norman over a game Falcons squad. Stopping the triple option is never an easy task, but Oklahoma did it well enough to get the win. Next up is a trip to underachieving Cincinnati, followed by the Red River Shootout against Texas. Will the Sooners get caught looking ahead? Last week: Defeated Air Force, 27-24. This week: at Cincinnati (1-2).
5. Boise State Broncos, 2-0 (5) – Boise State dismantled Wyoming Saturday night. After Virginia Tech lost to James Madison, the Broncos need all the style points they can get. They have another opportunity to play on a national stage this week. ESPN College Game Day will be in Boise and the game against Oregon State is on ABC. If they hope to play for a national championship, the Broncos need to win going away. Last week: Defeated Wyoming, 51-6. This week: vs. Oregon State (1-1).
6. Florida Gators, 3-0 (6) – The Gators keep winning, this time they took down Tennessee in what used to be a big rivalry. Florida’s defense is fast, but the offense took a hit when it lost Chris Rainey. They get Kentucky this week, but a trip to Alabama the week after is looming. Last week: Defeated Tennessee, 31-17. This week: vs. Kentucky (3-0).
7. Nebraska Cornhuskers, 3-0 (7) – The Huskers throttled Washington in what was supposed to be a close game. It never was – Nebraska dominated from start to finish. Taylor Martinez looks like the real deal. The defense is solid, but they had some trouble stopping the run. They have an FCS opponent this week to iron out some wrinkles before traveling to Manhattan, Kansas to stop Daniel Thomas and the Wildcats. Last week: Defeated Washington, 56-21. This week: vs. South Dakota State (0-2).
8. Texas Longhorns, 3-0 (8) – Texas used a long, late drive to seal the deal against Texas Tech. The Longhorns’ defense played well, but Texas needs to take better care of the ball. They get a re-energized UCLA team this week, which is fresh off a big win over Houston. Look out for Akeem Ayers. Last week: Defeated Texas Tech, 24-14. This week: vs. UCLA (1-2).
9. Oregon Ducks, 3-0 (10) – Through three games, Oregon is averaging more than a point a minute. Granted, two wins are against New Mexico and Portland State, but that’s still an impressive statistic. The road gets quite a bit tougher now as the Ducks open Pac 10 play with a visit to Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils are coming off a crushing one point loss to Wisconsin. Last week: Defeated Portland State, 69-0. This week: at Arizona State (2-1).
10. Wisconsin Badgers, 3-0 (11) – The Badgers blocked a potential game-tying PAT to win a dogfight against ASU. Wisconsin has been uninspiring so far, but they’ve taken care of business, nonetheless. This week they play an FCS school before opening Big 10 play at Michigan State. Last week: Defeated Arizona State, 20-19. This week: vs. Austin Peay (2-1).
For expert point spread advice check out this weeks college football picks. Winning predictions from winning handicappers.
11. USC Trojans, 3-0 (12) – The Trojans are another team that has yet to inspire any confidence. They earned a road win at a Big 10 school, but they look nothing like USC teams of recent past, which would have smoked the Gophers. But like Wisconsin, USC is 3-0. And after the Washington State game, they’ll be 4-0. Last week: Defeated Minnesota, 32-21. This week: at Washington State (1-2).
12. LSU Tigers, 3-0 (13) – The Tigers keep rolling, this time over Mississippi State. Next up is a difficult non-conference clash with West Virginia. The Mountaineers have play-makers and a capable defense. This should be a measuring stick game for both teams. Last week: Defeated Mississippi State, 29-7. This week: vs. West Virginia (3-0).
13. South Carolina Gamecocks, 3-0 (14) – South Carolina did what it had to against Furman. Now the Gamecocks have a huge SEC cross-division battle with Auburn. The Tigers had an impressive come from behind win against Clemson in overtime. This is the weekend’s other big game in the SEC. Last week: Defeated Furman, 38-19. This week: at Auburn (3-0).
14. Arkansas Razorbacks, 3-0 (15) – Ryan Mallett tossed a late touchdown to give the Razorbacks an important road win at Georgia. The Hogs have momentum for their home game against the defending national champs. But momentum only goes so far when playing a team like Alabama. This is the weekend’s best and biggest game. Last week: Defeated Georgia, 31-24. This week: at Alabama (3-0).
15. Stanford Cardinal, 3-0 (16) – Stanford scored revenge against Wake Forest in a blowout. The Cardinal is a dangerous team out West. With all the talk surrounding Oregon and Arizona, Stanford gets forgotten. But if they keep winning, more people will start talking. After playing the Irish, Stanford travels to Oregon for a Pac 10 showdown. Last year the Cardinal beat the Irish in a shootout, 45-38. Last week: Defeated Wake Forest, 68-24. This week: at Notre Dame (1-2).
16. Auburn Tigers, 3-0 (17) – After getting dominated in the first half, Auburn stormed back in the second to send the game to overtime, eventually prevailing. They can’t enjoy the win for too long; South Carolina comes calling this weekend. Do the Tigers have enough in the tank to beat another quality opponent? Last week: Defeated Clemson, 27-24 (OT). This week: vs. South Carolina (3-0).
17. Arizona Wildcats, 3-0 (NR) – The Wildcats held on for a thrilling victory over Iowa. But Arizona doesn’t have much time to celebrate with California coming to Tucson. Although the Golden Bears are coming off a disappointing game against Nevada, they are still a talented team. Cal won last year’s match-up, 24-16. Last week: Defeated Iowa, 34-27. This week: vs. California (2-1).
18. Iowa Hawkeyes, 2-1 (9) – Iowa fell behind early, eventually caught up, only to lose the game on an impressive fourth quarter drive by Arizona. The Hawks take a tumble in the rankings, but still have a fine team. This week they can unload their frustrations on an outmatched Ball State team in Kinnick Stadium. Last week: Lost at Arizona, 27-34. This week: vs. Ball State (1-2).
19. Utah Utes, 3-0 (19) – The Utes destroyed New Mexico on the road, easily covering the spread. Jordan Wynn should be available for this week’s game against San Jose State. Utah is balanced and tough. If they can get by TCU and Notre Dame in November, this team has a shot at an undefeated season. Last week: Defeated New Mexico, 56-14. This week: vs. San Jose State (1-2).
20. Michigan Wolverines, 3-0 (18) – Wolverine fans had to be seeing visions of Appalachian State. Michigan found a way to beat this FCS school, though. But how did they give up 37 points to UMASS in the Big House? Michigan gets another easy opponent before opening Big 10 play at Indiana. Last week: Defeated Massachusetts, 42-37. This week: vs. Bowling Green (1-2).
21. Miami Hurricanes, 1-1 (20) – Miami had a week off to lick its wounds after losing to the Buckeyes. Now Miami has to travel to another quality opponent, this time the Pittsburgh Panthers. Pitt is one of the best teams in the Big East, so this is by no means an easy game for the Hurricanes. Miami opened as a field goal favorite and has been bumped up to 3 ½ points. Last week: Bye. This week: at Pittsburgh (1-1).
22. West Virginia Mountaineers, 3-0 (21) – West Virginia looked tough against Maryland. Maybe the Mountaineers are hitting their stride. They have a difficult road test this week at LSU. This is one of several big games this weekend. The Mountaineers are 6 ½ point underdogs. Last week: Defeated Maryland, 31-17. This week: at LSU (3-0).
23. Penn State Nittany Lions, 2-1 (23) – The Nittany Lions avoided a post-Alabama hangover, beating the Golden Flashes handily. They get Temple this week, and then open Big 10 play at Iowa the week after. But if Penn State overlooks the Owls, don’t be surprised to see an upset. Temple has a lot of experience and is coming off an upset win over Connecticut. Last week: Defeated Kent State, 24-0. This week: vs. Temple (3-0).
24. Oregon State Beavers, 1-1 (24) – The Beavers had a tough time with Louisville. Perhaps they had Boise State on their minds. The Rodgers brothers have a lot of work to do this Saturday night. If they play well, Oregon State has a chance. If they can’t find the endzone, this will be a blowout. The Beavers are 16 ½ point underdogs. Last week: Defeated Louisville, 35-28. This week: at Boise State (2-0).
25. Florida State Seminoles, 2-1 (25) – After getting thumped in Norman, FSU bounced back with a sound beating of BYU. The Seminoles gear up for ACC play this week. Wake Forest has some offensive weapons, but not much of a defense. The early total for the game is 63 points. Florida State won last year, 41-28. Last week: Defeated BYU, 34-10. This week: vs. Wake Forest (2-1).
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