NCAA FOOTBALL TOP 25 - Week 1

Okay, friends of the Cheese. With our first weekend of college football under our belts (and our belts a little tighter because of the food that came with this weekend), we can more accurately see the landscape. So here you go, my weekly top 25:



1. Notre Dame (1-0) – So Notre Dame is not invincible, but they are still very good. The defense looked really solid, too. Still, a tough schedule may be their undoing.

2. Texas (1-0) – The Texas scout defense is a better opponent than North Texas for Colt McCoy, but he still looked very capable. Of course with that much talent around you, who wouldn’t? This week’s matchup with Ohio State is likely for a trip to the national championship game.

3. West Virginia (1-0) – WV looks like they will be just fine this year on both sides of the ball after thrashing an admittedly down Marshall squad. Slaton looks like he may try for the single season TD record. Not having to face Lousiville’s Bush makes them an even stronger choice to play in the title game.

4. Ohio State (1-0) – The offense was great, but the defense softened a little too early and Wolfe gave them too much trouble at RB last week against NIU. Still, this team will only get better as the year goes on. If they can upset Texas this weekend, they could be a mainstay at the top this year.

5. USC (1-0) – Yes, they won 50-14, but this game was 16-7 at the end of the first half. That means that they are deeper than Arkansas (scoring their last 28 in the waning minutes of the third and in the fourth quarter), but where was the punch in the mouth offense that put up 28 on eight plays. They are solid, but they are beatable, especially without their top DB.

6. Florida State (1-0) – FSU brought a dominant defense into the Orange Bowl and absolutely put Miami in lockdown in the second half. Team speed is unbelievable, and Drew Weatherford looked like he found himself in this game. The Seminoles are for real this year, but still need to find a solid running game.

7. Iowa (1-0) – QB Tate looked good as Iowa proved they have the weapons to hang with anybody. Still, a tough schedule, but at least they play OSU at home.

8. Florida (1-0) – The Gators looked strong, but did they look as strong as Tennessee? Only one of their RBs reached more than 50 yards (Harvin had 58). Not good enough for better opponents.

9. Auburn (1-0) – Kenny Irons is a man. Men want to be him, women want to be with him. This team is a contender in the SEC.

10. Louisville (1-0) – Losing Bush for the year hurts, but as long as Brohm is healthy this team has a real shot. I still put them second in this conference behind WVU though.

11. Clemson (1-0) – This game was over before it started, and perhaps the only newsworthy item is that Whitehurst’s replacement (Will Proctor is his name) threw well for 3 TDs and only 1 INT.

12. Miami (0-1) – Late mistakes and a lack of care for the football cost the Canes a close one against their rival FSU. The defense is so fast that they will hang with anyone. As I said “the Canes are certainly a top 25 team, but not necessarily a top 10 team.”

13. Oregon (1-0) – Nothing like opening up in conference play…especially when you get 535 yards of offense. Defense looked sketchy, but a win is a win, unless you are Oklahoma, in which case this win was a loss.

14. Arkansas (0-1) – You would think that a 17-50 loss would drop this team from ranked, but not when most of it came late against super-deep USC. This defense plays with heart and skill, in spite of six turnovers by the offense. If this team can hold onto the ball, this team can compete in the SEC west.

15. LSU (1-0) – JaMarcus Russell looked solid throwing for 3 TDs and 300+ yards. Of course, most of us could do that against he Ragin’ Cajuns. Still, a good showing.

16. Tennessee (1-0) – UT really surprised me as they were able to return to the vertical passing/hard running combo of old. So why couldn’t David Cutcliffe win at Ole Miss? Anyways…Okay, I’ll say it…Ainge looked good at QB. Solid Upset.

17. Oklahoma (1-0) – Oklahoma is beatable—apparently even by mediocre teams like UAB. Peterson looked pretty good, but Thompson at QB does not make this team great (although it is not his fault).

18. Michigan (1-0) – This game was very close until the third. Not good enough Michigan. Not good enough.

19. Nebraska (1-0) – Nebraska won their opener and can be proud. They can also rest easy knowing that apparently a peewee league squad could roadhouse Colorado.

20. Georgia (1-0) – The D looked good holding the Hilltoppers (WKU) to less than 2 yards per carry. There is a QB debate, but this team is still pretty good.

21. California (0-1) – One word: Tackling. They should try it. Tennessee absolutely embarrassed them. It also didn’t help that their already tentative QB (broken leg ended last season in his first game) had to play in rocky top for his first full game. It apparently affected his vision mistaking Vol orange for Cal white.

22. Alabama (1-0) – Despite having two TDs overturned (one sketchy, one not), the Tide and their suspect secondary shut held down the run ‘n’ shoot offense of Hawaii long enough to post a win.

23. TCU (1-0) – TCU keeps winning. Of course, TCU keeps playing Baylor.

24. Virginia Tech (1-0) – Glennon looked stellar at QB and Tech rolls over a cupcake.

25. Penn State (1-0) – Morelli looks strong at QB and Penn State looks strong all over. They have a brutal first five weeks, but this team is really good.

Notable mention: Gerogia Tech, Arizona State

Hall of shame: Duke lost to Richmond, Colorado lost to Montana St.


Well, that should do it. Stay happy, people.

God save the Cheese.