Iowa Hawkeyes look to climb to 2-1, while Iowa State wins @ UConn to move to 3-0 in Week 3

It's a big weekend in College Football in Week 3. Alabama is our #1, but #2 Oklahoma travels to #4 Florida State for a showdown in Tallahassee on Saturday of Week 3. Last weekend, Iowa State took down in-state Iowa 44-41 in 3 OT. The Hawkeyes face another team that likes to spread it out. Plenty of talk about the Hawkeyes woes with spread opponents over the 13 years under Kirk Ferentz.
What will happen in Kinnick Stadium today, as Iowa (1-1) hosts the Pittsburgh Panthers (2-0), out of the Big East. In 2008, the game in Pittsburgh went down the the wire, with Pitt beating Iowa 21-20. The Panthers own the series at 3-1. Saturday will be a Be Bold, Wear Gold day at Kinnick Stadium, as the Panthers come to town.
With all the off the field discussions of the demise of the Big 12 Conference, Iowa may see a new Big East opponent every season, right? The Iowa State Cyclones could find a new home some day in the Big East? A topic for another day!

Pittsburgh (2-0) @ Iowa (1-1)
11:00 a.m. on ESPN2 (HD) / espn3

Prediction: Iowa over Pitt 24-21

Though, Iowa has had trouble in close games this season and last ...

Pittsburgh is lead on offense by the #1 rusher in College Football, with junior TB Ray Graham, a 5-9 195 back. Backing up Graham, is former Wisconsin RB, senior Zach Brown, 5-10 230, so Iowa's retooled defensive line for '11 will be tested on the ground. In game 3 in 2009, the Iowa Hawkeyes were a little concerned by the D-Line play entering a showdown at Kinnick vs. Arizona. Time for seniors Mike Daniels and Broderick Binns to step up, along with others in the Iowa defense.

If Pitt's junior QB Tino Sunseri beats Iowa with his feet and arm at Kinnick on Saturday, it could be a long season for the Hawkeyes. Sunseri has experience, but he has thrown more INTs than TDs thus far in '11 and Pitt is giving up sacks, after wins at home vs. Buffalo and FCS' Maine.

Pittsburgh needs to focus on Iowa. Next weekend at Heinz Field, the Panthers will host Notre Dame (0-2). The Panthers can't afford to look ahead?

Iowa's offense is lead by junior QB James Vandenberg, who is replacing three year starter Ricky Stanzi. Consistency for 60 minutes is needed from Vandenberg, as he has not accomplished that thus far in his career. Running the ball, Iowa turns to sophomore RB Marcus Coker, who looked better at Iowa State; but with three fumbles in two weeks, plenty of work for the young RB.

The tight end will be a focal point to watch for both teams. Former Illinois TE junior HB/TE Hubie Graham is a player to watch. Of course, new coach Todd Graham, former Tulsa coach, likes to run the spread, so the WRs for the Panthers, lead by junior Mikde Shanahan, a returning starter, and sophomore Devin Street, who started four games as a freshman.

Iowa's TEs go four deep, but consistency in the passing game, blocking and lining up at scrimmage, avoid the false start, has been a problem early in '11. Iowa senior TE Brad Herman has struggled a little, in his new role as #1 TE in Ken O'Keefe's Hawkeye offense. Improved play by Iowa's TEs should help Vandenberg's consistency and confidence, along will opening up the passing game for Iowa's WRs senior all-Big Ten performer Marvin McNutt, junior Kennan Davis and redshirt freshman Kevonte Martin-Manly, who all have scored in Iowa's passing game in '11.

Iowa needs special teams to be a difference in the game on Saturday. Sophomore placekicker Mike Meyers and newcomer at punter, senior Eric Guthrie, have both been pretty solid, thus far. Iowa has yet to return a punt this season and seeing junior FS Micah Hyde make some noise in the return game would be something to look for.

On Friday night, also on ESPN2, Iowa State won 24-20 @ UConn, after getting off to another 0-10 start, like their game vs. Iowa a week ago. The Cyclones are off to their first 3-0 start, since 2005. The Cyclones will be able to heal up with an upcoming bye week. They open Big 12 play at home in Week 5, as the Texas Longhorns come to Ames. Iowa State beat Texas for the first time in Austin last year.

Plenty of excitement in Week 3 on Saturday:

Saturday, September 17th (Printable Schedule w/ DirecTV channels)
Auburn at Clemson 11:00 a.m. ABC (HD)
Central Michigan at Western Michigan 11:00 a.m. MASN / ESPN-GP / ERTV (cable) / espn3 Eastern Michigan at Michigan 11:00 a.m. BTN (HD) / BTN2Go
Penn State at Temple 11:00 a.m. ESPN (HD) / espn3
Pittsburgh at Iowa 11:00 a.m. ESPN2 (HD) / espn3
Southeast Missouri State at Purdue 11:00 a.m. BTN (HD) / BTN2Go
West Virginia at Maryland 11:00 a.m. ESPNU (HD)
Wyoming at Bowling Green 11:00 a.m. (ESPN-GP / espn3) *2 / BCSN (cable)
Ole Miss at Vanderbilt 11:21 a.m. SEC Network / ESPN-GP / espn3
Duke at Boston College 11:30 a.m. (ESPN-GP / espn3) *2 / Raycom Cable *3 (HD)
Kansas at Georgia Tech 11:30 a.m. (FSN Affiliates (HD) / ESPN-GP / espn3) *2
Coastal Carolina at Georgia 12:00 p.m. (ESPN-GP / PPV (GA & SC) / espn3) *2
Colorado vs. Colorado State (Denver) 12:30 p.m. FSN Affiliates (HD)
Louisiana Monroe at TCU 1:00 p.m. MTN (HD)
Miami (Ohio) at Minnesota 2:30 p.m. BTN (HD) / BTN2Go
Michigan State at Notre Dame 2:30 p.m. NBC (HD)
Missouri State at Oregon(cancelled on ESPN-GP?) 2:30 p.m. (?ESPN-GP / espn3?) *2 / CSNNW (cable)
Northwestern at Army 2:30 p.m. CBSSN (HD)
South Carolina State at Indiana 2:30 p.m. BTN (HD) / BTN2Go
Tennessee at Florida 2:30 p.m. CBS (HD) / cbssports.com
Texas at UCLA 2:30 p.m. (ABC or ESPN / espn3) (HD) *7
Texas Tech at New Mexico 2:30 p.m. Versus (HD)
Virginia at North Carolina 2:30 p.m. ESPNU (HD)
Washington at Nebraska 2:30 p.m. (ABC or ESPN / espn3) (HD) *7
Arkansas State at Virginia Tech 3:00 p.m. (FSN Affiliates / ESPN-GP / espn3) *2
Nevada at San Jose State 3:00 p.m. ALT / CSCA / ESPN-GP / espn3 / WSN (cable)
Navy at South Carolina 5:00 p.m. ESPN2 (HD) / espn3
Washington State at San Diego State 5:30 p.m. MTN (HD)
Arizona State at Illinois 6:00 p.m. BTN (HD) / BTN2Go
Florida A&M at South Florida 6:00 p.m. ESPN-GP *2 / SNY / (BHSN/ERTV) (cable) / espn3
Idaho at Texas A&M 6:00 p.m. PPV
Louisville at Kentucky 6:00 p.m. ESPNU (HD)
Nicholls State at Louisiana Lafayette 6:00 p.m. ESPN-GP *2 / COX4 (cable)
Western Illinois at Missouri 6:00 p.m. PPV (updated)
North Texas at Alabama 6:30 p.m. (Fox Sports South / ESPN-GP / espn3) *2
Ohio State at Miami-FL 6:30 p.m. ESPN (HD) / espn3
Troy at Arkansas 6:30 p.m. ESPN-GP / (CSS / CST) (cable) / espn3
Oklahoma at Florida State 7:00 p.m. ABC (HD)
Syracuse at USC 7:00 p.m. FX (HD)
UTEP at New Mexico State 7:00 p.m. ALT (HD?) / ESPN-GP / espn3
Utah at BYU 8:15 p.m. ESPN2 (HD) / espn3
Hawaii at UNLV 9:00 p.m. MTN (HD)
Oklahoma State at Tulsa 9:00 p.m. FSN Affiliates (HD)
Stanford at Arizona 9:45 p.m. ESPN (HD) / espn3

Games not yet scheduled for nationally available networks

Akron at Cincinnati 2:30 p.m. espn3
Austin Peay at Memphis 6:00 p.m.
Buffalo at Ball State 6:00 p.m.
Central Florida at Florida International 5:00 p.m. espn3
Gardner Webb at Wake Forest 5:30 p.m. espn3
Houston at Louisiana Tech 6:00 p.m. espn3
Indiana State at Western Kentucky 6:00 p.m. espn3
Kent State at Kansas State 6:00 p.m. FCSC (cable)
Marshall at Ohio 6:00 p.m. espn3
North Dakota at Fresno State 9:00 p.m. espn3
Northern Illinois vs. Wisconsin (Soldier Field) 2:30 p.m. espn3
Northwestern State at SMU 7:00 p.m.
Presbyterian at California 4:30 p.m.
South Alabama at North Carolina State 5:00 p.m. espn3
Southeastern Louisiana at Southern Miss 6:00 p.m.
Stephen F. Austin at Baylor 6:00 p.m.
Tulane at UAB 3:00 p.m.

Boise State and Iowa State hit the East Coast for a Friday night game on ESPN and ESPN2

Friday, September 16Th
Boise State at Toledo 7:00 p.m. ESPN (HD) / espn3
Iowa State at Connecticut 7:00 p.m. ESPN2 (HD) / espn3

Other games this weekend: Week 3 of College Football

Iowa State is off to a 2-0 start after beating in-state programs, UNI and Iowa at home. Now, the Cyclones take to the road for a Big 12-Big East BCS match up with UConn. How will Paul Rhoads' team adjust to a road environment? A win would set up a nice 3-0 mark heading into Big 12 play.

Toledo played Ohio State strong in Week 2. Boise State is the strongest non-BCS program in the FBS this year. This could be an interesting game, if Toledo can keep there emotions in check and step up to another solid opponent. Will they close, unlike Week 2 in Columbus?

Tonight, the Washington Warriors host Dubuque Wahlert at Kingston Stadium on Homecoming weekend. The Warriors fell victims to Kennedy last weekend 28-41. So, will they rebound at home this week?

Good College Football Game on Thursday and Good Recruiting News in College Basketball

Thursday, September 15Th
#3 LSU at Mississippi State, 7:00 p.m. on ESPN (HD) (3D) / espn3

• It would be a big upset in the SEC West for the Tigers to fall to MSU ...


• Other upcoming College Football action

The University of Iowa basketball program on Wednesday received outstanding news, when all-state center Adam Woodbury of Sioux City North selected Fran McCaffery and Iowa over Roy Williams and North Carolina.

Preps C Adam Woodbury commits to Iowa, spurning Williams and North ...‎ - Washington Post
Sioux City East center Adam Woodbury says he'll play for Iowa next season instead of the Tar Heels. Woodbury, who's 7-foot-1, is widely considered one of ...
Highly Cited: Woodbury choice: Hawkeyes‎ - Sioux City Journal
Local: Woodbury plans to revive Iowa basketball‎ - SW Iowa News
Basketball recruit Adam Woodbury picks Iowa over North Carolina - USA Today

Cy-Hawk Game in Ames, as College Football Saturday hits Week 2 of the 2011 season

On the news of Brent Greenwood's collapse and apparent heart attack, the Cy-Hawk football game between #22 Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0) @ Iowa State Cyclones (1-0) has a little different meaning on Saturday in Ames. Further, on Sunday, we celebrate the tenth anniversary of 9/11, which postponed the Cy-Hawk game back in 2001, along with all of college football that historic week in our history.

So, what should we expect during the 59Th game of the Iowa-Iowa State series in Football?

• Both teams have new quarterbacks under center. Of course, ISU's JUCO transfer Steele Jantz is facing his first Cy-Hawk game. Iowa junior QB James Vandenberg is in his fourth season at Iowa and played briefly in Ames in '09 in a mop up role, after departed QB Ricky Stanzi lead Iowa over Iowa State 35-3. Look for more offense in '11 from the Cyclones.


• In the running game, Iowa is without '11 leading rusher true freshman Mika'll McCall (9 for 61 yards), who was lost for the season in Iowa's win over Tennessee Tech 35-7, due to a broken ankle. ISU's running game may be limited to a fleat footed QB, however, with Iowa's revamped defensive line, ISU coach Paul Rhoads will likely try to establish a running game, because Iowa's DC Norm Parker would love to see ISU become one demenional. Iowa's lead RB is sophomore Marcus Coker, who rolled Missouri for over 200 yards in the 2010 Insight Bowl, but looked rusty in the season opener.


• The passing game for Iowa looked very well with Vandenberg in Week 1. On the flip side, Jantz was only 18-40 for 187 yards in ISU's 20-19 late minute win over Northern Iowa last week. Jantz also threw three interceptions. Turnovers are typically huge in a rivalry game.


• As Paul Rhoads mentioned this week, the offensive line is often a key to victory in any football game. We can't forget the importance of the defensive line, as well. Iowa would appear to have a better O-Line, though ISU has some good parts, but will they have the chemistry needed? Is Iowa's O-Line ready for prime-time in Week 2? Iowa's 2002 O-Line is considered Iowa's best under coach Kirk Ferentz, but in Week 2 at Miami-OH in 2002, the Hawkeyes had to grind out a 29-24 win.


• Iowa senior DT Mike Daniels had his first sack of 2011, last week vs. FBS' Tennessee Tech. Senior DE Broderick Binns had a huge play at Arizona in 2010, but didn't start most of the season. Those two Hawkeyes must anchor a young group of players in new roles for Iowa. ISU has some experience in the D-Line, but the Cyclones finished 5-7 in 2010 and defense was not strong in last year's 7-35 loss to Iowa in Iowa City.


• Injuries have hit both Iowa and Iowa State in the linebacker corp over the past two seasons. Health could play a role in this year's game. The stronger unit on Saturday may be a huge part in determining the final outcome.


• Both Iowa and Iowa State have some new parts in the secondary. Iowa's ability to force turnovers has been a big part of the Hawkeyes' success, including a +4 in '10 and +3 in '09. Iowa beat ISU in 2003 in Ames and turnovers played a key role in Iowa's 40-21 win.


• In closing, another key area will be special teams. In Dan McCarney's first win over Iowa, in J. Hayden Fry's final season in 1998, a blocked punt fueled an Iowa State avalanche. Coaching should be solid on both sidelines. Kirk Ferentz and Paul Rhoades are fine representatives for both programs.

Our Prediction in the Cy-Hawk Game:

#22 Iowa 35, Iowa State 21
11:00 a.m. on FSN (HD) / Mediacom

A look around the rest of College Football for Week 2:

Central Michigan at Kentucky, 11:00 a.m. on ESPNU (HD)
Florida Atlantic at Michigan State, 11:00 a.m. on ESPN2 (HD) / espn3
#22Iowa at Iowa State, 11:00 a.m. on FSN (HD) / Mediacom
Oregon State at #8Wisconsin, 11:00 a.m. on ESPN (HD) / espn3
San Diego State at Army, 11:00 a.m. on CBSSN (HD)
South Dakota State at Illinois, 11:00 a.m. on BTN (HD)
Toledo at #15Ohio State, 11:00 a.m. on BTN (HD)
#16Mississippi State at #25 Auburn, 11:21 a.m. on SEC Network / ESPN-GP / espn3
Rutgers at North Carolina, 11:30 a.m. on SNY (HD) / ESPN-GP *2 / Raycom *3 (HD) / espn3
Norfolk State at #18West Virginia, 12:00 p.m. on RSPI (HD?) / MASN2 (HD?) / ESPN-GP / espn3
Northern Colorado at Colorado State, 1:00 p.m. on MTN (HD)
#1Alabama at Penn State, 2:30 p.m. on ABC (HD)
California at Colorado, 2:30 p.m. on CSCA / (FCSA / FCSP) (cable)
Cincinnati at Tennessee, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2 (HD) / espn3
Eastern Illinois at Northwestern, 2:30 p.m. on BTN (HD)
Hawaii at Washington, 2:30 p.m. on (RSMW / RSNW) (HD?) / Oceanic PPV
Nevada at #7Oregon 2:30 p.m. on FX (HD)
New Mexico State at Minnesota 2:30 p.m. on BTN (HD)
North Carolina State at Wake Forest 2:30 p.m. on (FSS / SUN / FSPT) *5 / ESPN-GP *2 / espn3
Purdue at Rice 2:30 p.m. on CBSSN (HD)
#11 Stanford at Duke 2:30 p.m. ESPNU (HD)
TCU at Air Force 2:30 p.m. on Versus (HD)
#6 Virginia Tech at East Carolina 2:30 p.m. on FSN (HD) / Free SS preview
Rhode Island at Syracuse 3:30 p.m. on SNY / ESPN-GP / espn3 / (TWC / Cox RI) (cable)
#14 South Carolina at Georgia 3:30 p.m. on ESPN (HD) / espn3
North Dakota at Idaho 4:00 p.m. on ESPN-GP / espn3 / (SWX / Midco) (cable)
Southern Illinois at Ole Miss 5:00 p.m. on ESPN-GP *2 / PPV (MS & Memphis) / espn3
Texas State at Wyoming 5:00 p.m. on MTN (HD)
Ball State at #25 South Florida 6:00 p.m. on ALT-HD / ESPN-GP / (BHSN/ERTV) (cable) / espn3
#19 BYU at Texas 6:00 p.m. on ESPN2 (HD) (3D) / espn3
Fresno State at #12 Nebraska 6:00 p.m. on BTN (HD)
New Mexico at #10 Arkansas 6:00 p.m. on ESPNU (HD)
Northern Illinois at Kansas 6:00 p.m. on DirecTV - 623 / FCSC (cable)
UAB at #17 Florida 6:00 p.m. on Fox Sports South / ESPN-GP *2 / espn3
UTEP at SMU 6:00 p.m. on FSN (HD)
Virginia at Indiana 6:00 p.m. on BTN (HD)
Connecticut at Vanderbilt 6:30 p.m. on SNY-HD / ESPN-GP / (CST / CSS) (cable) / espn3
Utah at #21 USC 6:30 p.m. on Versus (HD)
Boston College at #20 Central Florida 7:00 p.m. on CBSSN (HD)
Notre Dame at Michigan 7:00 p.m. on ESPN (HD) / espn3
Northwestern State at # 3 LSU 7:00 p.m. on ESPN-GP *2 / PPV (LA) / espn3
San Jose State at UCLA 9:00 p.m. on FSW (HD) / FCSP (cable)

Games not yet scheduled for nationally available networks.

Alabama State at Eastern Michigan 12:00 p.m.
Central Arkansas at Louisiana Tech 6:00 p.m. on espn3
Charleston Southern at #4 Florida State on 5:00 p.m. espn3
Gardner Webb at Ohio 6:00 p.m.
Georgia Tech at Middle Tennessee 6:00 p.m. on espn3
Grambling at Louisiana Monroe 6:00 p.m. on espn3
Houston at North Texas 6:00 p.m. on espn3
Louisiana Lafayette at Kent State 6:00 p.m.
Maine at Pittsburgh 12:00 p.m. on espn3
Memphis at Arkansas State 6:00 p.m. on espn3
Morgan State at Bowling Green 6:00 p.m. on BCSN / espn3
Navy at Western Kentucky 6:00 p.m. on espn3
Nicholls State at Western Michigan 6:00 p.m.
Southern Miss at Marshall 2:30 p.m. on CSS (cable)
Stony Brook at Buffalo 5:00 p.m. on espn3 / TWCS (cable)
Temple at Akron 5:00 p.m. on espn3
Tulsa at Tulane 2:30 p.m. on CST (cable)
UNLV at Washington State 4:00 p.m.
Weber State at Utah State 7:00 p.m. on espn3
Wofford at Clemson 2:30 p.m. espn3

Quick Notes for Saturday of Week 2:

• Alabama is 9-5 vs. Penn State and have won 4 of last 5 meetings! This would be a huge win for Joe Paterno's program, if the Nittany Lions can knock off Nick Saban's Crimson Tide!


• South Carolina is only 5-11 in road openers and lost 37-41 the last time they played in Athens. Can Georgia's Mark Richt get it turned abound, after opening week loss vs. #5 Boise State?


• Is Auburn a Top 25 team without QB Cam Newton? Mississippi State won in 2007 @ Auburn.


• Does Michigan coach Brady Hoke get first win over Notre Dame as head coach. Many are predicting Notre Dame, but the Fighting Irish are not the same Irish of old. Neither is Michgian yet, but coaching change was a good start!


• Colorado and Utah open play in the Pac 12 in Week 2.

Friday Night College Football: Though we may love the game; we must remember it's only a game!

Football is clearly a game. After attending a disappointing prep football game at Kingston Stadium in Cedar Rapids, we noticed a shocking story. News of a fallen 23 year-old, who collapsed during a workout at his high school football field and track.

If anything would bring about pause, that football is just a game. Our thoughts and prayers go out to former Iowa safety Brent Greenwood, his family and the extended Hawkeye family near and far.

You don't expect to see a young man in headlines, like this.

Brett Greenwood in intensive care - ESPN
Ex-Hawkeye, PV star Greenwood collapses - Quad City Times
Former Steeler UDFA Brett Greenwood Collapses After Workout - Behind the Steel Curtain -
Former Steelers undrafted free agent S Brett Greenwood was hospitalized Friday in Iowa City, Iowa, ...

In College Football on Friday night, there were two games on ESPN and both them certainly ended with some excitement.

• In Louisville on Friday night, a non-BCS conference school upset a BCS conference school, when FIU (2-0, 1-0 Sun Belt) held on to beat Louisville (1-1) by a score of 24-17. Florida International coach Mario Cristobal is in his fifth season, as head coach. This victory is the Panthers first win over a BCS program, since starting football in 2002. Cristobal played his college football at Miami-FL.



• Friday night closed out, with a Top 25 battle in the desert in Tempe, as #23 Arizona State (2-0) beat #24 Missouri (1-1) in OT 37-30. Coach Dennis Erickson, in his fifth season at ASU, works his way off a warm seat, with a solid win over the Tigers. Missouri closed the 2010 season in the Desert, with a bowl loss in the Insight to Iowa 24-27. Erickson coached at Miami-FL, while Cristobal was four year letterwinner at the U.

As we head into the weekend of the 10Th anniversary of 9/11, our thoughts and prayers are with many. Whether it be a 23 year-old fallen athlete, those who lost loved ones ten years ago or those impacted by the challenges of today's world.

peace

Packers vs. Saints: NFL 2011 kickoffsas the 2011 and 2010 Super Bowl Champs square off from Lambeau Field

We enjoyed a Labor Day weekend and the kickoff of College Football recently. Now, it's time for the NFL, with kickoff tonight of the 2011 NFL Season! From Obama to 9/11-10 years later to the NFL to College Football... plenty of action ahead over the next five days.

Will it be a rematch in Super Bowl 46 from Lucas Field in Indianapolis on February 5, 2012 be a rematch of last year? We wouldn't complain, since we have always enjoyed both NFL programs.

Lucas Field will be an exciting place this football season, with the first Big Ten Championship Game on December 3, 2011, then the Super Bowl.

Should the Big Ten Schedule Early Season Conference Games?

Discussed on the Big Ten Network on Wednesday night. Our answer is "NO" since the conference schedule is better for October and November, with the new Big Ten Championship Game in December. Play the out of conference games first, then open the Big Ten and work to avoid any out of conference once the Big Ten season begins. It can occur now, with an equal number of teams again.

In other conference races, we saw a couple of conference games in Week 1. There was an ACC conference opener, along with an conference opener in the Sun Belt in Week 1.

• Miami-FL @ Maryland was a great game, with the Terps winning 32-24 over the Hurricane, in the first games for new head coaches at both schools. Maryland's Randy Edsall beat Miami-FL's Al Golden in College Park, as both coaches began their respective eras as head coaches.


• North Texas @ FIU was a blowout. FIU beat North Texas and coach Dan McCarney's debut, with a 41-16 win in Miami. McCarney's first game in Denton will be in Week 2, as Houston (1-0) comes to town on the heals of a 38-34 home win over UCLA (0-1)

In Week 2 - There are some monster in-conference openers:

• In the ACC, North Carolina State (1-0) @ Wake Forest (0-1)


• In the C-USA, Southern Miss (1-0) @ Marshall (0-1); Tulsa (0-1) @ Tulane (1-0); and UTEP (1-0) @ SMU (0-1)


• In the MAC, Temple (1-0) @ Akron (0-1)


• In the MWC, TCU (0-1) @ Air Force (1-0)


• In the Pac 12, California (1-0) @ Colorado; Utah (1-0) @ #21 USC, as both newcomers of the new Pac 12 open conference play for the first time in their new conferences.


• In the SEC, #16 Mississippi State @ #25 Auburn; #14 South Carolina @ Georgia

Again, we are thankful, the Big Ten remains in the out of conference heading into Week 2. It should be an interesting Week 2.

Thursday, September 8Th

Arizona at #9 Oklahoma State, 7:00 p.m. on ESPN (HD) (3D) / espn3

• Do we really expect coach Mike Stoops and the Arizona Wildcats to upset the #9 team on their home field in Stillwater? Not really, but we sure hope the former Hawkeye football player can lead his Wildcats to victory.

Week 1 is about in the books: Here's our Top 25 Rankings for Week 1

Plenty of thunder and lightning this past weekend, with games interrupted at Iowa, Notre Dame, Michigan, Tennessee and West Virginia. Only Notre Dame (0-1) lost at home, among those schools, with a 20-23 loss vs. South Florida (1-0).

There are some questions heading into Week 2. In the next two weeks, we will see a shake up in the polls. Week 1 provided some opportunity to shake things up, as well.

Here is our Week 1: CIDSports Top 25 Poll:

1. Alabama (1-0) 1 - The Crimson Tide beat Kent (0-1) 48-7 in Tuscaloosa to open the 2011 season. The two major polls stuck with Oklahoma, but we will stay with the Crimson Tide. After all, defense wins championships! Week 2: @ Penn State (1-0), which will pit two programs playing two QBs right now. Will one earn the spot in the game at Happy Valley? Penn State is coming off a 41-7 win over FCS' Indiana State (0-1)


2. Oklahoma (1-0) 2 - The Sooners open 2011 with an emotional 47-14 win over Tulsa (0-1) in Norman. This off season, Sooners' LB Austin Box passed away suddenly, so plenty of emotion for the Sooners in the season opener. Week 2: the Sooners will enjoy a bye week in preparation for the Week 3 showdown @ #4 Florida State (1-0), which favored the Seminoles in 2010.


3. LSU (1-0) 7 - The Tigers rocked in Arlington, TX over former #3 rated Oregon (0-1) with a solid 40-27 win fueled by excellent defense and a steady performance by elevated QB Jarrett Lee for LSU. Quick Stat: "LSU has won 34 consecutive non-conference games games, the longest such streak in the nation, including all 23 in the regular season under seventh-year coach Les Miles." The last OOC loss came in the 2005 Capital One Bowl on the final play of the game vs. Iowa. Week 2: vs. FCS' Northwestern State (1-0) in home opener.


4. Florida State (1-0) 4 - The Seminoles took care of business in season opener in Tallahassee with a 34-0 win over Louisiana-Monroe (0-1). Week 2: The Seminoles will warm up for the Week 3 showdown with #2 Oklahoma, with a game vs. FCS' Charleston Southern (0-1).


5. Boise State (1-0) 5 - The Broncos traveled to Atlanta and took care of business over an overrated Georgia (0-1) 35-21. Both major polls felt the Bulldogs deserved a preseason ranking. Clearly Boise State becomes the nation's top non-BCS team, with TCU's opening weekend loss @ Baylor, and the win over the Bulldogs. Georgia head coach Mark Richt falls on the hot seat. Week 2: the Broncos enjoy a bye week, before traveling back East in Week 3 for a Friday night ESPN game @ Toledo (1-0), who will be coming off a short week, after a tough game @ Ohio State in Week 2.


6. Virginia Tech (1-0) 6 - The Hokies extended Frank Beamer's contract, as well as took down FCS' Appalachian State 66-13 in Blacksburg to open the 2011 season. Beamer is in his 25Th season as head coach for the Hokies. Week 2: the Hokies travel to Greenville for a game @ East Carolina (0-1).


7. Oregon (0-1) 3 - The Ducks fall in the season opener in Arlington, TX to former #7 LSU (1-0) 27-40. Is flip-flopping each team the appropriate move, after Week 1? The Ducks are still the team to beat in the new Pac 12, since LSU has a better defense, than anything you will find in the Pac 12. Week 2: the Ducks' home opener vs. Nevada (0-0), who must rebuild, after last year's amazing 13-1 season and #11 finish in the AP Poll.


8. Wisconsin (1-0) 12 - The Badgers finished #7 in the final 2010 AP Poll last season. With NC State transfer QB Russell Wilson moving into Scott Tolzien's position, the Badgers took down UNLV (0-1) in Madison 51-17 to open the 2011 season. Week 2: vs. Oregon State (0-1) in Madison. The Beavers lost the home opener in OT to FCS' Sacramento State (0-1) 28-29.


9. Oklahoma State (1-0) 9 - The Cowboys opened 2011 with a 61-34 win in Stillwater over Louisiana-Lafayette (0-1). Week 2: vs. Arizona (1-0) on a Thursday night ESPN home game that will be a good test, against a team rebuilding. The Wildcats won their home opener against FCS' Northern Arizona (0-1) 41-10.


10. Arkansas (1-0) 10 - The Razorbacks opened the season with a 51-7 win over FCS' Missouri State (0-1) in Fayetteville.. Week 2: vs. New Mexico (0-1) in Little Rock, against a team that lost the home opener vs. Colorado State (0-1) 10-14.


11. Stanford (1-0) 13 - The Cardinal opened 2011 with a home win over San Jose State 57-3. Week 2: The Cardinal travel across the country to Durham, NC for a game @ Duke (0-1). The Blue Devils fell 21-23 in the home opener to FCS' Richmond (1-0).


12. Nebraska (1-0) 12 - The Cornhuskers have joined the Big Ten and they kicked off the 2011 season with a 40-7 win over FCS' Chattanooga (0-1) in Lincoln. Week 2: vs. Fresno State (0-1), who are coming off a 21-36 loss to California (1-0) in San Francisco.


13. Texas A&M (1-0) 14 - The Aggies opened 2011 at home in College Station with a 46-14 win over SMU (0-1). Week 2: the Aggies can focus on the SEC and leaving the Big 12, while they enjoy a bye week, before hosting Idaho (0-1) in Week 3. The Vandals lost home opener vs. Bowling Green (1-0) 15-32 and will face FCS' North Dakota (1-0), before trip to College Station.


14. South Carolina (1-0) 16 - The Gamecocks opened 2011 in Charlotte, NC with a 56-37 win over East Carolina (0-1). Week 2: the Gamecocks open the SEC East on the road @ Georgia (0-1), who will attempt to rebound from a disappointing 21-35 loss in Atlanta vs. #5 Boise State (1-0). "Seven of the last 10 meetings between these schools have been decided by seven points or less."
    


15. Ohio State (1-0) 15 - The Buckeyes had a tough off season with the suspensions, resignation of Jim Tresell and NCAA investigation. Interim coach Luke Fickel lead the Buckeyes in the season opener to a 42-0 win over Akron (1-0). Week 2: vs. Toledo (1-0), who won 58-22 in the home opener vs. FCS' New Hampshire (0-1).


16. Mississippi State (1-0) 18 - The Bulldogs opened 2011 on the road @ Memphis (0-1) with a 59-14 win. Week 2: @ Auburn (1-0) for the SEC West opener. The Tigers are coming off a near upset loss vs. Utah State (0-1) in the home opener. Auburn is 59-23-2, but last year's game in Starksville, MS ended with a 17-14 win, the ninth in 10 years for the Tigers.


17. Florida (1-0) 19 - The Gators opened a new era under first-year coach Will Muschamp with a 41-3 win over Florida Atlantic in Gainsville. Week 2: vs. UAB (0-0) has their season opener in Gainsville, as the Gators work to fully implement new OC Charlie Weis' system.


18. West Virginia (1-0) 18 - The Mountianeers won a lightning/rain shortened game in Morgantown, new coach Dan Holgorsen's opener, with a 34-13 win over in-state Marshall. Week 2: vs. FCS' Norfolk State (1-0), a good tune up, before a tougher OOC road game @ Maryland (1-0) in Week 3.


19. Brigham Young (1-0) 23 - The Cougars began a new season as an Independent with a road test in Oxford, MS, with a 14-13 win over Mississippi (0-1). Week 2: the Cougars hit the road again with a trip to Austin and a meeting @ Texas (1-0), with their Top 25 ranking on the line. The Longhorns opened 2011 with a 34-9 home win vs. Rice (0-1). The Cougars are 2-0 all-time vs. the Longhorns.


20. Central Florida (1-0) nr - The Golden Knights finished 11-3 in 2010 and #21 in the final AP Poll. Central Florida beat Charleston Southern 62-0 in Orlando to open the 2011 season. Week 2: the Golden Knights vs. Boston College (0-1) in a prime time game in Orlando. The Eagles lost at home 17-24 to Northwestern (1-0) in the season opener.


21. USC (1-0) 21 - The Trojans opened 2011 with a 19-17 win in Los Angeles over Minnesota (0-1). Week 2: the Trojans open the Pac 12 season with Pac 12 newcomer Utah (1-0), who opened 2011 with a 27-10 home opener vs. FCS' Montana State (0-1). Another Top 25 game, where the winner will likely be ranked.
    


22. Iowa (1-0) 22 - The Hawkeyes were able to finish the home opener of 2011, despite a 1-1/2 hour lightning delay, with a 37-7 win over FCS' Tennessee Tech (0-1). Week 2: the Hawkeyes head to Ames for the Cy-Hawk Trophy Game @ Iowa State (1-0), who won a last minute game vs. Northern Iowa (0-1) 20-19. A new trophy will be on the line in this year's battle.


23. Arizona State (1-0) 24 - The Sun Devils opened 2011 in Tempe with a 48-14 win over UC Davis (0-1). Week 2: vs. #24 Missouri (1-0) on Friday night on ESPN in a key Top 25 showdown of Week 2.


24. Missouri (1-0) nr - The Tigers with new QB James Franklin under center opened 2011 with a 17-6 win in Columbia over Miami-OH (0-1). Week 2: @ # 23 Arizona State (1-0), as the Tigers travel back to Tempe, home of their last lost, in the Insight Bowl to Iowa, 24-27, to close out 2010.


25. (tied) Auburn (1-0) 25 - the Tigers, the defending BCS titleholders, nearly lost the season opener vs. Utah State (0-1) with a 42-38 win, fueled by a onside kick and TD return in the final minute. Yes, we thought of throwing them out of the Top 25, but they won, plus Week 2 vs. #16 Mississippi State (1-0), in the SEC West opener of the season should determine whether they stay or not. The SEC West figures to be the toughest division in college football again this season.
    (tied) South Florida (1-0) nr - The Bulls held on to win a lightning delayed road game 23-20 @ former #8 Notre Dame (0-1) to open the 2011 season. Week 2: vs. Ball State (1-0), who beat Indiana (0-1) 27-20 in the season opener in Indianapolis.
    

Out of the Top 25: former #8 Notre Dame (0-1) - lost 20-23 in South Bend to South Florida (1-0); former #17 TCU (0-1) - lost 48-50 @ Baylor in Waco. Notre Dame didn't deserve the Top 25 ranking. Coach Gary Patterson at TCU wins with defense, so 50 points given up is a clear indication that there is plenty of rebuilding ahead for the Horned Frogs.

Last five out of the Top 25: Michigan State (1-0), Penn State (1-0), Southern Miss (1-0), Utah (1-0), Texas (1-0)

Program on the Hot Seat: Georgia (0-1), after the disappointing performance in Atlanta vs. #5 Boise State (1-0).

Happy Labor Day: Wrapping up the First Weekend of the 2011 College Football Season

We hope everyone is enjoying their Labor Day weekend. It certainly was an interesting first week of the College Football season. The final game of the holiday weekend is the first ACC conference game of the season:

Monday, September 5Th
Miami-FL at Maryland, 7:00 p.m. on ESPN (HD) (3D) / espn3

• Plenty of challenges ahead for Al Golden and the Hurricanes woes with NCAA violations


• One of these teams will earn a 1-0 start in the ACC race fro 2011

The ACC was 7-3 in Week 1, however, they were 0-2 vs. BCS opponents, 2-0 vs. non-BCS opponents, 5-1 vs. FCS opponents.

BCS losses: Wake 29, @ Syracuse 36, while @ Boston College 17, Northwestern 24

FBS loss: @ Duke 21, Richmond 23

Best games: Top 25 rated Florida State beat Louisiana-Monroe 34-0, while Top 25 Virginia Tech beat Appalachian State 66-13

Plenty of games played on Saturday, now 3 games on Labor Day Sunday in College Football!

Three games impacted by lightning on Saturday across the Midwest. What a storm!

• Iowa wins 34-7, though an 1-1/2 hour interruption, delayed the expected outcome vs. Tennessee Tech


• South Florida overcomes weather delay and Notre Dame comeback to win 23-20 in South Bend


• Michigan-Western Michigan game was suspended in Ann Arbor, official score will be Michigan 34, Western Michigan 10

There are three games up for Sunday, September 4Th in College Football!

• Howard at Eastern Michigan 11:00 a.m.


• Marshall at West Virginia 2:30 p.m. ESPN (HD) / espn3


• SMU at Texas A&M 6:30 p.m. FSN (HD) / (Click for DirecTV channels)

Plenty of College Football to talk about, but that will have to come later. It should be an interesting year in 2011. Plenty of thunder and lightning, indeed!

College Game Day for the Hawkeyes, Cornhuskers, Cyclones, Panthers and plenty of other teams kicking off the 2011 season!

Are you ready for some Football? The 2011 College Football season kicks off on Saturday all around the country this Labor Day weekend!

What a start to the 2011 season on Friday night with TCU @ Baylor! After catching some local high school football in Cedar Rapids, we got the final minutes of Baylor's upset win over the defending Rose Bowl champion, the TCU Horned Frogs. Baylor takes down TCU 50-48 with a late minute FG.

In the Big Ten, two games are in the books, with Wisconsin's high scoring win over UNLV on Thursday night in Madison, with QB Russell Wilson now under center for the Badgers, while Michigan State beats Youngtowns State on Friday night on the Big Ten Network!

It's Saturday, with plenty of games kicking off. Some highlights:

• The University of Iowa opens the season at Kinnick, with Tennessee Tech out of the Ohio Valley ...


• The University of Nebraska opens the season in Lincoln, as the Cornhuskers officially kick off their new membership in the Big Ten


• This evening, the UNI Panthers will take the field in Ames vs. the Iowa State Cyclones in semi-annual in-state affair between the Missouri Valley and the Big 12 teams


• Four interesting national matchups: South Florida/Notre Dame, BYU/Ole Miss, Boise State/Georgia and LSU/Oregon

As we kickoff the first Weekend of College Football on Saturday, September 3Rd:

• Akron at Ohio State 11:00 a.m. ESPN (HD) / espn3


• Indiana State at Penn State 11:00 a.m. BTN (HD)


• Miami (Ohio) at Missouri 11:00 a.m. FSN (HD)


• Middle Tennessee at Purdue 11:00 a.m. BTN (HD)


• Northwestern at Boston College 11:00 a.m. ESPNU (HD): Wildcats will be without QB Dan Persa for the opener, as he works his way back from season ending injury in '10.


• Tennessee Tech at Iowa 11:00 a.m. BTN (HD) Prediction: Hawkeyes 37, Tech 17


• Utah State at Auburn 11:00 a.m. ESPN2 (HD) / espn3


• Kent State at Alabama 11:21 a.m. SEC Network / ESPN-GP / espn3


• Appalachian State at Virginia Tech 11:30 a.m. ESPN-GP *2 / Raycom Cable *3 (HD) / espn3


• South Dakota at Air Force 1:00 p.m. MTN (HD)


• Arkansas State at Illinois 2:30 p.m. BTN (HD)


• Delaware at Navy 2:30 p.m. CBSSN (HD) / Live video


• James Madison at North Carolina 2:30 p.m. FSN (HD) / ESPN-GP / espn3


• Louisiana Monroe at Florida State 2:30 p.m. ESPNU (HD)


• Minnesota at USC 2:30 p.m. (ABC or ESPN2 / espn3) (HD) *7


• South Florida at Notre Dame 2:30 p.m. NBC (HD)


• UCLA at Houston 2:30 p.m. FSN (HD)


• UT Chattanooga at Nebraska 2:30 p.m. BTN (HD) (Nebraska info / BTN 101)


• Western Michigan at Michigan 2:30 p.m. (ABC or ESPN2 / espn3) (HD) *7


• BYU at Ole Miss 3:45 p.m. ESPN (HD) / espn3


• San Jose State at Stanford 4:00 p.m. CSBA (HD)


• Colorado State at New Mexico 5:00 p.m. MTN (HD)


• Montana at Tennessee 5:00 p.m. ESPN-GP *2 / PPV (TN) / espn3


• Austin Peay at Cincinnati 6:00 p.m. FSOH / ESPN-GP / espn3


• East Carolina vs. South Carolina (Charlotte) 6:00 p.m. FSN (HD) / ESPN-GP / espn3


• Eastern Washington at Washington 6:00 p.m. RSNW / FCSP (cable)


• Florida Atlantic at Florida 6:00 p.m. ESPNU (HD)


• Fresno State at California 6:00 p.m. CSCA (HD)


• Missouri State at Arkansas 6:00 p.m. ESPN-GP *2 / PPV (AR) / espn3


• Elon at Vanderbilt 6:30 p.m. ESPN-GP / (CST / CSS) (cable) / espn3


• Boise State vs. Georgia (Atlanta) 7:00 p.m. ESPN (HD) / espn3


• LSU vs. Oregon (Arlington, TX) 7:00 p.m. ABC (HD)


• Ohio at New Mexico State 7:00 p.m. ALT / ESPN-GP / espn3


• Tulsa at Oklahoma 7:00 p.m. FX (HD)


• Cal Poly at San Diego State 9:00 p.m. MTN (HD)


• Louisiana Tech at Southern Miss 9:00 p.m. FSN (HD)


• Northern Arizona at Arizona 9:00 p.m. FSAZ / (FCSA / KWBA) (cable)


• Colorado at Hawaii 9:15 p.m. ESPN2 (HD) / espn3

Games not yet scheduled for nationally available networks

Army at Northern Illinois 6:00 p.m. espn3

Ball State vs. Indiana (Indianapolis, IN) 6:00 p.m. espn3

Buffalo at Pittsburgh 5:00 p.m. espn3

Charleston Southern at Central Florida 6:00 p.m. BHSN (cable)

Eastern Kentucky at Kansas State 6:00 p.m.

Fordham at Connecticut 11:00 a.m. espn3 (Moved from Thursday)

Howard at Eastern Michigan 6:00 p.m.

Idaho State at Washington State 4:00 p.m.

Liberty at North Carolina State 5:00 p.m. espn3

Louisiana Lafayette at Oklahoma State 6:00 p.m. FCSC (cable)

McNeese State at Kansas 6:00 p.m.

Northern Iowa at Iowa State 6:00 p.m.

Rice at Texas 7:00 p.m. LHN (HD)

Richmond at Duke 6:00 p.m. espn3

Sacramento State at Oregon State 3:00 p.m.

Southeastern Louisiana at Tulane 12:30 p.m.

Stony Brook at UTEP 8:00 p.m. TW El Paso (cable)

Texas State at Texas Tech 6:00 p.m.

Troy at Clemson 2:30 p.m. espn3

Weber State at Wyoming 8:00 p.m.

William & Mary at Virginia 5:00 p.m. espn3

Congratulations to EPSN Game Day personality Lee Corso on his 25Th anniversary on the Game Day set in 2011. Our thoughts and prayers go out to LeRoy Selmon, the former Oklahoma standout and USF athletic director on news of his stroke overnight.
Here's to an outstanding 2011 College Football season!

It's the Friday of Labor Day Weekend: More College Football

The 2011 College Football season kicked off Thursday, September 1St with very few surprises. Results from Week 1 of the 2011 CFB season.

• Wisconsin rolled on UNLV - debut of QB Russell Wilson for Badgers a success!


• Mississippi State beat Memphis: Bulldogs get out of the blocks


• Arizona State won vs. UC Davis, a FBS school: Sun Devils look to have better year!
  

Friday, September 2Nd
Youngstown State at Michigan State 6:30 p.m. BTN (HD)
TCU at Baylor 7:00 p.m. ESPN (HD) / espn3

On the local front, plenty of high school football throughout the State of Iowa, including the annual Jefferson vs. Washington game at Kingston Stadium in Cedar Rapids. The Warriors look to be the J-Hawks and move to 2-0 on this young season!

It's September 1: Time for the Kickoff of the 2011 College Football season!

It should be another interesting year in College Football. Will a program emerge like Auburn last year or will we see a dominate program, like Alabama in 2009, run away with the BCS Title, as the 2011 College Football season kicks off?

• The defending Big Ten co-champion, Wisconsin Badgers, kick off the 2011 season in Madtown! Welcome, former NC State QB Russell Wilson, new #1 at UW!


• Former Iowa assistant and ISU head coach Dan McCarney kicks off his era at North Texas with a conference road game in FL!


• Will Arizona State contend for a division title in the new Pac 12?


• How strong will Mississippi State be in the top flight SEC West in 2011?


• Utah is now in the Pac 12 ... that is something to get used to!

Thursday, September 1st

National Line up tonight!

Murray State at Louisville, 5:00 p.m. on ESPNU (HD)

Drake at North Dakota, 7:00 p.m. DirecTV - 623 / FCSC (cable) - The Bulldogs are a huge underdog, but here's to them any way!

Mississippi State at Memphis, 7:00 p.m. on FSN (HD) (Click for DirecTV channels)

UNLV at Wisconsin, 7:00 p.m. on ESPN (HD) (3D) / espn3

Bowling Green at Idaho, 8:00 p.m. on ALT

Kentucky vs. Western Kentucky (Nashville), 8:15 p.m. on ESPNU (HD)

UC Davis at Arizona State, 9:00 p.m. on FSAZ (HD) / FCSP (cable)

Games not scheduled for nationally available networks

• Montana State at Utah, 7:00 p.m. on (KJZZ / Max Media) (cable) / Live Video


• New Hampshire at Toledo, 6:00 p.m. on espn3


• North Carolina Central at Rutgers, 6:30 p.m. on espn3


• North Texas at Florida International, 6:00 p.m. on espn3


• South Carolina State at Central Michigan, 6:00 p.m.


• Villanova at Temple, 6:00 p.m. on espn3


• Wake Forest at Syracuse, 7:00 p.m. on espn3


• Western Carolina at Georgia Tech, 6:30 p.m. on espn3

The first weekend will have some very good games. Tonight's top game should be Wake Forest at Syracuse, two BCS programs, but it doesn't even garner a major network broadcast. What does that say about the ACC and Big East?

Here's our CidSports PreSeason Top 25 teams for 2011

We kickoff the 2011 College Football season and after taking much of the Summer off from blogging, we thought it was time to finally get our Top 25 Preseason Poll out for 2011!

AP Preseason Poll

1. Alabama - the Crimson Tide seek their second BCS title in three seasons. Defense could even be better than the '09 BCS champs! The offense has some retooling at QB!


2. Oklahoma - the SEC has won five straight titles, so while the major polls may like the Sooners... we say wait until we see them @ Florida State and in the new Big 12!


3. Oregon - runner-ups in '10, the Ducks may be a team to watch, but do they have the quality defense that typically goes hand in hand with National Title?


4. Florida State - could the Seminoles finally be back? Stoops (OU) and Chizik (Auburn) won titles in year 2, while Kelly (Oregon) was a runner-up!


5. Boise State - the way non-BCS teams have played over the past decade... it is only appropriate to rank the Top non-BCS team in the preseason Top 5, right?


6. Virginia Tech - the Hokies have some retooling to do, but Frank Beamer is one of the best in College Football. Special teams, defense plus offense makes a good formula!


7. LSU - We have knocked them down a little, due to questions over the past month... this program has a tough schedule in 2011, but can't be overlooked!


8. Notre Dame - are the Fighting Irish back in the BCS mix? Wait, they have really never been in the BCS mix, though they have played in BCS bowl games.


9. Oklahoma State - they have a Man of a Coach and the new Big 12 minus Colorado and Nebraska will have an interesting nine game format, like the old Pac 10.


10. Arkansas - the SEC West is the best division in College Football. We lost two divisions (Big 12) and gained four more (Big Ten and Pac 12)... someone needs to be #10!


11. Nebraksa - they join the Big Ten and they are at the top of the ladder in the preseason Top 25? Something just doesn't seem right, but we shall see how it all plays out!


12. Wisconsin - the defending Rose Bowl representative for the Big Ten begins division play hosting Nebraska... will NC State transfer, QB Russell Wilson, shine in the Big Ten?


13. Stanford - Yes, they have QB Andrew Luck, but they will be absent the head coach that lead them to a Top 5 finish in '10 and there is an offensive line that must gel!


14. Texas A&M - Many have the Aggies higher in the preseason polls, but the new conference talk has to be a distraction in College Station, so we are lower expectations for '11.


15. Ohio State - This team has won a share of the Big Ten title for six straight seasons, though sanctions tossed out the '10 season. What's up for 2011 in Columbus?


16. South Carolina - I love their RB, who may be worthy of Heisman talk by mid-season, but QB is always a question mark for the 'ole ball coach in Columbia!


17. TCU - a little high maybe for all the players departed, but coach Gary Patterson showed in the Rose Bowl win last season that he is among the best in college football...


18. Mississippi State - Not a lot of choice again, there are a number of question marks with talent that has moved onto the NFL with a lot of programs. So, Bulldogs are #18...


19. Florida - defense wins championships, so will a new head coach with a defensive flair help retool at program that has won two titles under their departed coach in '06 and '08?


20. West Virginia - a Big East team certainly deserves to be in the preseason Top 25? But, will the Mountaineers get it done, under a new coach?


21. USC - should they be in the Top 25, since they are on probation? They certainly could be a spoiler in the Pac 12 South division race in '11.


22. Iowa - The Hawkeyes have lost some games over the past three seasons, but none by more than 7 points. Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes have a favorable schedule in '11.


23. Brigham Young - the Cougars move from the MWC to becoming an Independent in Football in '11. There are a lot of questions in 2011 from top to bottom, so #23...


24. Arizona State - the Sun Devils haven't won a lot of games of late and didn't even make a bowl game at 6-6 in '10... but, they have a lot of starters returning and could suprise!


25. Auburn - they are the defending BCS title winners, but in 2009 they were not a Top 25 program, so why should they be with the absence of Heisman Trophy QB Cam Newton?

Last Five Out for 2011: Michigan State (lost to Iowa and Alabama badly in '10), Missouri (lost to Iowa in the Insight), Penn State (lost 8 of the last 10 vs. Hawkeyes), Southern Miss (lost trademark case with the Hawkeyes over Summer), Utah (moves from the MWC to the Pac 12 in '11).

Teams that need to win before being ranked in 2011: Georgia (6-7 in '10) and Texas (5-7)...

It should be a great College Football season in 2011.