At this point, heading into 2018, who are the top teams and who should we project for the College Football Playoff?

2018 Preseason AP Top 25 Poll vs. Cidsports

1. Alabama (13-1) (1) - the Crimson Tide have won two CFP in three seasons, so they are a natural pick. But, how often do teams win national titles in back to back years in college football? Open 2018: vs. Louisville in Orlando. 
2. Clemson (12-2) (4) - the Tigers have played in 3 straight CFP and have one title. This team has all the makings of the team to beat in 2018. Open 2018: vs. Furman, before a road trip @ Texas A&M in Week 2. 
3. Georgia (13-2) (2) - the Bulldogs won 4 of the last 5, losing to Alabama 26-23 in OT, in the National Title Game. Open 2018: vs. Austin Peay, then open SEC East @ South Carolina in Week 2.
4. Wisconsin (13-1) (6) - the Badgers are coming off a program first 12-0 regular season and a 34-24 win over Miami-FL in the Orange Bowl, as HC Paul Chryst enters Year 3. Open 2018: vs. Western Kentucky (6-7) on Friday night in Madison.
5. Ohio State (12-2) (5) - the Buckeyes enter 2018, with a huge off the field distraction, with the firing of an assistant coach and the 3 game suspension of HC Urban Meyer. Open 2018: vs. Oregon State (1-11), followed by the B1G home opener vs. Rutgers, then a neutral site game vs. TCU in Arlington, in Week 2 and 3.
6. Washington (10-3) (16) - the Huskies split 2 of the final 4 games of the season last year. The 3 losses were @ ASU, @ Stanford and vs. Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Auburn in Atlanta, which is very important for the Huskies, as they seek to get back into the CFP picture, after winning the Pac 12 in 2016 and making the playoff!
7. Oklahoma (12-2) (3) - the Sooners won 8 straight games, including Big 12 title game, before a 54-48 OT loss against Georgia in the Rose Bowl, in Lincoln Riley's first season as HC. Open 2018: vs. FAU, then host UCLA (6-7) in Week 2.
8. Miami-FL (10-3) (13) - the Hurricane enter 2018, coming off 3 straight losses @ Pittsburgh, vs. Clemson in the ACC title game, then vs. Wisconsin in the Orange Bowl. HC Mark Richt enters Year 3 at his alma mater returning 14 starters from last season. Open 2018: vs. LSU in Arlington on Sunday night. OVERRATED
9. Auburn (10-4) (10) - the Tigers are coming off the SEC division title last year, but lost games @ Clemson, @ LSU, against Georgia in the SEC title game, then vs. UCF in the Peach Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Washington in Atlanta.
10. Penn State (11-2) (8) - the Nittany Lions won 4 straight games to finish last season, including a 35-28 win over Washington in the Fiesta Bowl. HC James Franklin enters Year 5, but he will have a new OC, but senior QB TRace McSorley is back, who lead the team to the 2016 Big Ten title. Open 2018: vs. Appalachian State (9-4), followed by road trip to rival Pittsburgh (5-7) in Week 2, where Panthers beat Nittany Lions 42-39 in '16.
11. Michigan State (10-3) (15) - the Spartans return 19 starters from last year's team, which rebounded from a 3-9 season the previous season. HC Mark Dantonio enters his 12th season in East Lansing. Open 2018: vs. Utah State (6-7) on Friday night, then @ Arizona State (7-6) in Week 2, which could be a trap game for the Spartans in the desert night?
12. Notre Dame (10-3) (11) - the Fighting Irish lost vs. Georgia, @ Miami-FL and @ Stanford last season. HC Brian Kelly enters Year 9, with 15 starters back. Open 2018: vs. Michigan, who resume series (2002-2014) and test in a season opener for the Kelly era.
13. Stanford (9-5) (20) - the Cardinal lost 5 games last season @ USC, @ San Diego State, @ Washington State, vs. USC in the Pac 12 title game, then 39-37 loss to TCU in the Alamo Bowl. Open 2018: vs. San Diego State on Friday night, then open Pac 12 play vs. USC at home, as well.
14. Michigan (8-5) (NV) - the Wolverines lost to MSU, @ PSU, @ UW and OSU, before the bowl loss vs. South Carolina last season, including 3 straight to finish last year. HC Jim Harbaugh opens his 4th season 0-6 vs. OSU and MSU. Open 2018: @ Notre Dame, resuming the series, since 2014, when the Wolverines lost 31-0 in South Bend. 
15. USC (11-3) ( (12) - the Trojans @ Washington State, @ Notre Dame and 24-7 to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl last year. HC Clay Helton enters 4th Year, with true freshman QB J.T. Daniels listed as the starter. Open 2018: vs. UNLV, then back to back road games @ Stanford and @ Texas in Week 2 and 3.
16. TCU (11-3) (9) - the Horned Frogs rebounded in Gary Patterson's 17th season, after a 6-7 mark the previous year. Only losses were @ Iowa State and two games against OU. Open 2018: vs. Southern and only return 11 starters from last season.
17. West Virginia (7-6) (NV) - big jump coming off 3 straight losses to Texas, OU & Utah. Lost to VA Tech to open 2017, and @ TCU and Oklahoma State, so all good programs heading into 2018. Open 2018: vs. Tennessee in Charlotte - don't see the initial ranking. OVERRATED
18. Mississippi State (9-4) (19) - the Bulldogs open 2018, with a new HC in Joe Moorhead, former Penn State OC. The Bulldogs won 2 of the final 4 games last year. Open 2018: vs. S.F. Austin, before road trip @ Kansas State in Week 2.
19. Florida State (7-6) (NV) - enter season with a 4 game winning streak against one P5, rival Florida, to finish 2017; welcome new HC Willie Taggert back the the 'Sunshine' state. Open 2018: Labor Day ACC home showdown vs. Virginia Tech.
20. Virginia Tech (9-4) (24) - the Hokies lost to Clemson, @ Miami-FL, @ Georgia Tech and a 30-21 loss against Oklahoma State in the Gaming World Bowl to close out last season. Open 2018: @ Florida State on Monday night.
21. UCF (13-0) (6) - the Knights closed out last season with a strong finish and win in the Peach Bowl over Auburn, then HC Scott Frost and staff left for Nebraska. New HC. Josh Heupel has 6 starters back on both sides of ball, after completing two seasons as Missouri's OC. Open 2018: @ Connecticut on Thursday night to kickoff AAC play and the new season. Two games vs. P5 opponents come @ UNC Week 3 and vs. Pittsburgh in Week 5.
22. Boise State (10-3) (22) - the Broncos lost @ Washington State, against Virginia and @ Fresno State, before winning a MWC title game against Fresno State 17-14. Open 2018: @ Troy, in the home and home, where the Broncos opened last year with a 24-13 win.
23. Texas (7-6) (NV) - the Longhorns open Year 2 under HC Tom Herman, after losses against Maryland, in opener, @ USC, vs. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, @ TCU, Texas Tech. They pulled off a 33-16 win over Missouri in the Texas Bowl to close out last year. Open 2018: @ Maryland, who upset the Longhorns last year, in Austin, 51-41.
24. Oregon (7-6) (NV) - the Ducks opened the HC Mario Cristoral era, with a 38-28 loss against Boise State in the Las Vegas Bowl. The Ducks lost 5 Pac 12 games last year, @ ASU, Washington State, @ Stanford, @ UCLA and @ Washington. Open 2018: vs. Bowling Green (2-10), then Portland State (0-11 in FCS) and San Jose State (2-11) in Week 2-3. Maybe they shouldn't be considered for a Top 25 position, until they open Pac 12 play vs. Stanford in Week 4 at home? OVERRATED
25. LSU (9-4) (18) - the Tigers lost @ Mississippi State and vs. Troy, then won 6 of the last 8 games, with losses to Alabama and Notre Dame to close out 2017. Open 2018: vs. Miami-FL in Arlington.
26. South Carolina (9-4) (27) - the Gamecocks enter 2018 coming off a 26-19 win over Michigan in the Outback Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Coastal Carolina, before hosting defending SEC champion Georgia in the SEC East opener in Week 2.
27. Florida (4-7) (NV) - the Gators welcome back former OC Dan Mullen, who moves in as HC, after 9 seasons at Mississippi State. Open 2018: vs. Charleston Southern, then SEC East home opener against Kentucky in Week 2.
28. Utah (7-6) (NV) - the Utes enter Year 14 under HC Kyle Whittingham, with back to back wins last year, including a 30-14 win over West Virginia, in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Weber State on Thursday night, before a Week 2 game @ Northern Illinois.
29. Oklahoma State (10-3) (14) - the Cowboys lost to TCU, Oklahoma and Kansas State all at home last year, but finished strong with a 30-21 win over Virginia Tech in Camping World Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Missouri State, then South Alabama and Boise State at home in Week 2 and 3.
30. FAU (11-3) (30) - the Owls lost the opening two games last year against Navy and @ Wisconsin, then Game 4 @ Buffalo, but rolled through the C-USA undefeated, then beat Akron 50-3 in Boca Raton. Open 2018: @ Oklahoma, as HC Lane Kiffin enters Year 2 at the helm.
31. Arizona (7-6) (NV) - lost 4 of last 5 games to close out 2017; welcome new HC Kevin Sumlin. Open 2018: vs. BYU (4-9) - former staff lost in the 2016 opener against Cougars. OVERRATED
32. North Carolina State (9-4) (23) - the Wolfpack opened with a loss against South Carolina, then lost @ Notre Dame, Clemson and @ Wake Forest, then beat Arizona State 52-31 in the Sun Bowl. Open 2018: vs. James Madison, then Georgia Tech and West Virginia in Week 2 and 3 at home.
33. Texas A&M (NV) - the Aggies begin a new era under HC Jimbo Fisher, who moves over from Florida State. The Aggies lost back to back games to close out last year. Open 2018: vs. Northwestern State on Thursday night, then host Clemson in a SEC-ACC showdown in College Station in Week 2.
34. Boston College (7-6) (NV) - the Eagles have hit the 7-6 mark in 4 of 5 seasons under HC Steve Addazio, losing last year to Wake Forest, Notre Dame, @ Clemson, Virginia Tech, North Carolina State and vs. Iowa 27-20 in the Pinstripe Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Massachusetts, before Holy Cross, @ Wake Forest and @ Purdue, in Week 2-4.
35. Northwestern (10-3) (17) - the Wildcats are coming off back to back bowl wins in program history, as HC Pat Fitzgerald enters Year 13 in Evanston. Open 2018: @ Purdue (7-6) in a rare Big Ten opener for each team. The major question for the Wildcats is the health of senior QB Clayton Thorson, who is coming off surgery from a knee injury.
36. Kansas State (8-5) (NV) - have won 5 of the last 6 games w/ P5 opponents to finish 2017. Open 2018: vs. FCS, South Dakota, then a non-conference home showdown against Mississippi State.
37. Iowa State (8-5) (28) - the Cyclones has a breakout 2nd season under HC Matt Campbell, but lost vs. Iowa in OT, vs. Texas, @ West Virginia, vs. Oklahoma State and @ Kansas State. The Cyclones rebounded to beat Memphis 21-20 in the Liberty Bowl to close out the season last year.
38. Houston (7-5) (NV) - the Cougars lost @ UTSA, Texas State, @ Tulsa, Memphis and @ Tulane in the regular season, before losing 33-27 against Fresno State in the Hawaii Bowl. Open 2018: @ Rice, before vs. Arizona and @ Texas Tech in Week 2 and 3.
39. Memphis (10-3) (25) - the Tigers lost @ UCF twice, then lost 21-20 against Iowa State in the Liberty Bowl finish last season. Open 2018: vs. Mercer, then @ Navy in Week 2.
40. Troy (11-2) (31) - the Trojans lost @ Boise State and South Alabama last season, then beat North Texas 50-30 in the New Orleans Bowl to finish off the season. Open 2018: vs. Boise State, then Florida A&M and @ Nebraska in Week 2 and 3.
41. Iowa (8-5) (34) - the Hawkeyes are coming off their first bowl win, since 2010, with 27-20 victory over Boston College, in the Pinstripe Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Northern Illinois (8-5) at Kinnick Stadium. 
42. Kentucky (7-6) (NV) - the Wildcats finished last year on a 3 game losing streak, as HC Mark Stoops enters Year 6 at the helm. Open 2018: vs. Central Michigan (8-5) in the home opener, before the SEC road opener @ Florida in Week 2.
43. Arkansas State (7-5) (NV) - the Red Wolves lost @ Nebraska, @ SMU, @ South Alabama, vs. Troy, then lost 35-30 to Middle Tennessee in Camellia Bowl. Open 2018: vs. SE Missouri, then @ Alabama to square off with the defending national champs.
44. Fresno State (10-4) (32) - the Bulldogs lost @ Alabama, @ Washington, vs. UNLV and vs. Boise State in the MWC title game to kickoff HC Jeff Tedford's first season at the helm. The Bulldogs closed out the season with a 33-27 win over Houston. Open 2018: vs. Idaho, then @ Minnesota and @ UCLA in Week 2 and 3.

Not Rated heading into 2018:

• South Florida (10-2) (21) - the Bulls lost two games in the regular season against Houston, then finished league play with a loss @ UCF, then finish with a 38-34 win over Texas Tech in the Birmingham Bowl to win second straight bowl game and finish on a high note. Open 2018: vs. Elon, followed by P5 match ups against Georgia Tech, then a road trip against 
• Washington State (9-4) (26) - the Cougars open Year 7 under HC Mike Leach and have lost back to back bowl games against Big Ten competition. After 3 non-winning seasons the first 3 seasons, the Cougars have won at least 8 wins the past 3 seasons. Open 2018: @ Wyoming (8-6 last year, 1-0, after opening 2018 @ New Mexico State), so this could be a tough start for the Cougars?
• Army (10-3) (29) - the Black Knights lost @ Ohio State and @ Tulane in back to back weeks, then @ North Texas, before beating Navy and San Diego State to close out the season last year. Open 2018: @ Duke to kick off the new college football season!
• San Diego State (10-3) (33) - the Aztecs lost back to back conference games against Boise State and Fresno State, failing to defend the back to back MWC titles. The Aztecs lost to Army 42-35 in the Armed Forces Bowl to close out the season. Open 2018: @ Stanford, before games vs. Sacramento State and Arizona State in Week 2 and 3.

How do the All-Time AP Top 25 Teams look heading into 2018?

The All-Time AP Top 25   

How are the top rated programs of all-time performing heading into 2018?

            AP All-Time Rank, Team Points Top 20 Top 10 Top 5 1st 2nd (2017 final rating)

1. Oklahoma 890.5 55 41 32 6 4 (#3 in '17) - the Sooners (12-2) are coming off their second CFP appearance in four years of the CFP. HC Lincoln Riley will have a lot of work ahead, with #1 NFL draft choice QB Baker Mayfield absent. Riley and his coaching staff return 6 offensive starters, 6 defensive starters and senior PK/P Austin Seibert back in 2018. Stassen Composite has OU trending at #8 in the country and #1 in the Big 12 again. Last national title: 2000, under Bobby Stoops!
2. Alabama 888 55 43 26 12 3 (#1 in #17) - the Crimson Tide (13-1) are the defending national champion. HC Nick Saban has taken each team to the College Football Playoff, since its inception in 2014. The Tide return 7 starters on offense, including both QBs, but only 3 on defense and will have new kickers on special teams in 2018. A new year for  The schedule again is favorable for the defending champions, who have won 2 of  4. Stassen Composite has Bama trending as the #2 team, now. They did not win the SEC West in '17, but they are projected to win it back in '18. The past decade has been impressive with ten Top 10 finishes and five national championships for Coach Saban! 
3. Ohio State 881 56 37 26 5 7 (#5 in #17) - the Buckeyes (12-2) began August, with an announcement that HC Urban Meyer was placed on administrative leave, due to the circumstances surrounding the firing of assistant coach Zach Smith, and his domestic abuse allocations. The Buckeyes co-OC Ryan Day was named interim HC for camp. The coaching staff returns 7 offensive starters, but they will have to turn to sophomore QB Dwayne Haskins, 5 defensive starters and both their PK and punter. OSU have made two CFP appearance, winning the inaugural in 2014, but they were eliminated 31-0 in the 2016 semi-finals by Clemson. Stassen Composite  has the Buckeyes #3 heading into 2018 and the team to beat in the #1 in the Big Ten East, the #1 projected division in College Football. The Big Ten didn't send a team in 2017, after the Buckeyes lost another 31 point game, this time in the regular season 55-24 at Iowa!
4. Michigan 801 57 38 15 2 2 (not rated in '17) - Talk about a program under-performing, as hits Year 4 under HC Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines (8-5) were the only Big Ten team that failed to win their bowl game in 2017. Seven teams pulled out wins in Big Ten bowls, but South Carolina defeated Michigan 33-28, knocking them completing out of Top 25 consideration. Harbaugh needs to find a new QB again. Like his first year, he turns to an immediate transfer, as Ole Miss QB Shea Patterson arrives in Ann Arbor. The coaching staff is working with 8 starters back on offense, 9 defensive starters from a unit that should be very strong, plus both kickers. Despite the under performance in 2017, Stassen Composite has the Wolverines trending #9 nationally, and #2 in the B1G East. Last national title: 1997, under Lloyd Carr!
5. Notre Dame 783.5 53 36 23 8 5 (#11 in '17) - the Fighting Irish (10-3) took care of business 21-17 over LSU to close out 2017, but the past BCS participant hasn't made it into the College Football Playoff, like Michigan, who will open in South Bend to kickoff the 2018 season! HC Brian Kelly returns 6 offensive starters, including junior QB Brandon Wimbush, 9 defensive starters and both specialty players. Stassen Composite has the Irish trending at #13. Last national title: 1988, under Lou Holtz!
6. USC 672 52 28 19 5 5 (#12 in '17) - the Trojans (11-3) have never reached the CFP and lost the Cotton Bowl 24-7 to #3 Ohio State. HC Clay Helton must replace their QB, but do return 7 offensive starters, 6 defensive starters and both kickers. Without QB Sam Darnold back, the Trojans are trending #15 in the Stassen Composite nationally, but still #1 in the Pac 12 South!
7. Nebraska 638 43 30 13 4 2 (not rated in '17) - the Huskers (4-8) last major bowl game was the 2001 BCS title game in the Rose Bowl, where they lost 37-14 to Miami-FL. Excitement is soaring, with the hiring of HC Scott Frost, the former Huskers' QB of the program's last national title team. Frost and his entire staff are coming off a 13-0 season at UCF in 2017. Frost and his staff return 7 offensive starters, with true freshman QB Adrian Martinez leading as the opening day starter for 2018. The Blackshirts have been silent for years in Lincoln. DC Erik Chinander, a former Iowa walk-on lineman has 8 defensive starters back and the punter back. No immediate Top 25 bounce back is projected and the Huskers are trending #5 in the B1G West by Stassen Composite. Last national title: 1997, under Dr. Tom Osborne!
8. Texas 626 42 26 10 3 2 (not rated in '17) - the Longhorns (7-6) welcomed HC Tom Herman last year, but the season got off to a slow start. A 51-41 loss in the season opener to Maryland (4-8) at home didn't set the tone for an immediate jump start. But, by season's end, the Longhorns did pick up a 33-16 win over Missouri (7-6) in the Texas Bowl. The coaching staff have 7 starters on offense back, including sophomore QB Sam Ehlinger; also 7 starters are back on defense, but the kickers will be new and likely young. The Longhorns are trending in the Stassen Composite #17 nationally and #2 in the Big 12, behind rival OU. The last BCS game was 2009. Last national title: 2005, under Mack Brown!
9. Tennessee 560 40 23 13 2 4 (not rated in '17) - the Volunteers (4-8) turn to Alabama's DC Jeremy Pruitt, as the new HC, his first head coaching job. This is a program that recruits well, but haven't had a double digit win season, in over a decade. The new coaching staff return 6 starters on offense, with Stanford graduate transfer QB Keller Chryst projected #1 at position; 6 starters on defense, including their placekicker. The Vols are trending in the Stassen Composite at #40 nationally and #6 in the SEC East, so it may be a slow start in 2018? Last national title: 1998, under Phillip Fulmer!
10. Penn State 558 41 26 14 2 3 (#8 in '17) - the Nittany Lions (11-2) won the Big Ten in 2016, but fell short in '17, with back to back losses on the road against Ohio State and Michigan State. They are coming off a 35-28 win in the Fiesta Bowl over Washington, as HC James Franklin will have senior QB Trace McSorley back. The offense returns 7 starters, including McShorley, but only 3 starters are back on defense, plus their punter, so their will be some adjustments, with RB Saquon Barkley, top TE, and #1, #3 WRs gone. The roster is at full-strength again, after the demise due to the fallout of Joe Pa and the Sandusky scandal in 2011. Stassen Composite has the Nittany Lions trending #12 nationally and #4 in the strong B1G East division. Last national title: 1986, under Joe Paterno! 
11. Florida State 533.5 30 19 17 3 2 (not rated in '17) - the Seminoles (7-6) have gone three straight season, without a birth in the CFP, making it in the first year of the FBS playoff system! A new era begins with HC Willie Taggert returning to Florida, after one season at Oregon. The Seminoles return 8 starters on offense, with junior QB Deondre Francois back; only 4 defensive starters back, plus punter. FSU is coming off a 42-13 Independence Bowl win over Southern Miss, and a two game win streak over Group of 5 programs to build on! The Stassen Composite has the Seminoles trending #18 nationally and #2 in the ACC Atlantic. Last national title: 2013, in the final BCS season, under Jimbo Fisher!
12. LSU 528 40 21 9 2 3 (#18 in '17) - the Tigers (9-4) enter Year 3 under HC Ed Oregeron, with one of the losses, a 24-21 loss vs. Troy (11-2) last year. They also fell to Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl to close out  the season. The staff has a new OC and only 5 starters return on offense, 5 starters on defense, plus both kickers. QB has yet be decided, as junior Joe Burrow arrived this Summer from Ohio State and is in contention. Stassen Composite has the Tigers trending #20 nationally and #4 in the SEC West, so their is work ahead, if they wish to be in the mix nationally for the first time, since 2011. Last national title: 2007, under Les Miles!
13. Georgia 481.5 33 21 11 1 3 (#2 in '17) - the Bulldogs (13-2) are coming off the SEC title and runner-up in the College Football Playoff, with a 26-23 OT loss to fellow SEC brother, Alabama. HC Kirby Smart enters Year 3, with 8 starters back on offense, including sophomore QB Jake Fromm, but only 5 starters are back defensively, plus their PK junior Rodrigo Blankenship. The Tigers are trending #4 nationally and #1 in the SEC East in the Stassen Composite. Last national title: 1980, under Vince Dooley!
14. Auburn 467 35 19 9 2 2 (#10 in '17) - the Tigers (10-4) beat Alabama 26-14 to win the SEC West, but lost 28-7 in the SEC title game, then were upset 34-27 in the Peach Bowl to undefeated UCF (13-0). HC Gus Malzahn enters Year 6 and has not made the CFP, after their loss in the final BCS title game to FSU. The coaching staff returns 6 offensive starters, including junior QB Jarrett Stidham, 7 starters on defense, but will likely have new young kickers. The Tigers are trending #7 nationally #2 in the SEC West in the Stassen Composite. Last national title: 2010, under Gene Chizik!
15. Miami-FL 466 30 15 10 5 4 (#13 in '17) - the Hurricanes (10-3) enter the third season under Mark Richt, at his alma mater, coming off the first double digit season in over 10 seasons. Both coordinators return, with 7 starters back on offense, including senior QB Malik Rosier, and 7 starters on defense, plus punter. The Stassen Composite has the Hurricanes trending #10 nationally and #1 in the ACC Coastal division. Last national title: 2001.
16. Florida 449.5 28 17 11 3 1 (not rated in '17) - the Gators (4-7) welcome former OC Dan Mullen back to Gainsville, after nine seasons as HC at Mississippi State. The new HC has 10 starters back on offense, including sophomore QB Feleipe Franks; and 9 defensive starters, but new kickers and coordinator and staff. The Stassen Composite has the Gators trending #21 nationally and #2t in the SEC East division. Last national title: 2008, under Urban Meyer, while Mullen was OC!
17. Michigan State 389.5 27 17 9 1 4 (#15 in '17) - the Spartans (10-3) enter Year 12 under HC Mark Dantonio, who bounced back from a 3-9 season, coming off the Big Ten title and birth in the College Football Playoff in 2015. The Spartans beat Washington State 42-17 in the Holiday Bowl and return 16 Big Ten honorees, with 19 returning starters, with 10 on offense and 9 on defense. Junior QB Brain Lewerke returns along with both kickers. The Spartans are trending #11 nationally and #3 in the tough B1G East in the Stassen Composite. Last national title: 1966, under Duffy Daugherty!
18. UCLA 378 32 17 9 0 1 (not rated in '17) - the Bruins (6-7) dismissed Jim Mora and lost 35-17 to Kansas State (8-5) in the Cactus Bowl. New HC Chip Kelly returns the college game, after a 28-35 NFL record and previously four seasons in the Pac 12 at Oregon. The new coaching staff will need to groom a new QB, with 5 offensive starters back and 7 defensive starters, plus both kickers. The Stassen Composite has UCLA trending at #44t and #4 in the Pac 12 South. Last national title: 1954.
19. Clemson 348 27 11 5 2 2 (#4 in '17) - the Tigers (12-2) have either lost to Alabama or beat them in the College Football Playoff the past three seasons, going 1-2, with the title in 2016 in a 35-31 win over the Tide! HC Dabo Swinney enters his 11th season, with 7 offensive starters back, including senior QB Kelly Bryant, 8 defensive starters also return, plus both kickers. The Stassen Composite has the Tigers trending #1 nationally and #1 in the ACC Atlantic division, so another date with Alabama could occur again, if business is taken care of in 2018! Last national title: 2016, under Dabo!
20. Arkansas 328 28 14 4 0 1 (not rated in '17) - the Razorbacks (4-8) let coach Bret Bielema go after five seasons. HC Chad Morris arrives after leading SMU (7-6) to first bowl since 2012. The new staff will have to find a new QB, but they return 9 offensive starters, along with 8 defensive starters and both kickers. The Razorbacks haven't won double digit games, since back to back marks in 2010-11. Like the Cornhuskers in the Big Ten, the Razorbacks are not trending to open the season in the Top 25, and the Stassen Composite has them trending last in the SEC West division, after 1-7 last year. Last national title: 1964.
21. Wisconsin 313 21 14 3 0 1 (#7 in '17) - the Badgers (13-1) are entering Year 4 under HC Paul Chryst, who is 34-7 at Wisconsin, having won back to back B1G West divisions and leading his team to the first 12-0 regular season record in program history. The Badgers return 9 offensive starters, including junior QB Alex Hornibrook, and only 4 defensive starters to the #3 defense in the country from last season. Both kickers are back, but PK has been sidelined again. The Stassen Composite has the Badgers trending at #6 nationally and the consensus #1 in the B1G West division for 2018. Last national title: The highest team without a national title in the past!
22. Texas A&M 299.5 25 12 3 1 0 (not rated in '17) - the Aggies (7-6) let go of Kevin Sumlin, after six seasons, with only the first season with double digit wins at 11-2. HC Jimbo Fisher moves over from Florida State and inherits a Aggies team coming off a 55-52 loss to Wake Forest (8-5) in the Belk Bowl. The new staff return 8 offensive starters, including sophomore QB Nick Starkel, and 8 defensive starters, plus their PK. The Stassen Composite has the Aggies trending #30 nationally and #5 in the SEC West division. Last national title: 1939, under Homer H Norton!
23. Washington 293 22 11 6 0 2 (#16 in '17) - the Huskies (10-3) failed to repeat in 2017, after making their lone appearance in the College Football Playoff in 2016. The Huskies came up short against Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl, but they will look to rebound in HC Chris Petersen's fifth season at Washington. The coaching staff returns 8 offensive starters, including senior QB Jake Browning, entering his fourth season, as a starter. The defense returns 9 starters, plus their punter. The Stassen Composite is trending the Huskies #5 nationally and #1 in the Pac 12 North for 2018. Last national title: 1991, under Don James!
24. Ole Miss 282.5 23 12 4 0 2 (not rated in '17) - the Rebels (6-6) on the heals of scandal in 2017, leading to the dismissal of Hugh Freeze before the season, after five seasons at the helm. Interim coach Matt Luke was retained, after the season. He and his staff have 8 returning starters on offense, with part-time starting senior QB Jordan Ta'amu back; 7 starters back on defense. The Tigers are not getting any preseason love entering 2018. The Stassen Composite has Mississippi trending #6 in the SEC West division for 2018. The other all-time AP Top 25 program without a national title.
25. Iowa 276 22 14 3 0 1 (not rated in '17) - the Hawkeyes (8-5) won their first bowl game, since 2010, with a 27-20 win over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl. HC Kirk Ferentz enters his 20th season as dean of College Football again. His staff returns in tack and revamping the offensive staff before last season. The Hawkeyes return 7 offensive starters, including junior QB Nate Stanley, 5 defensive starters and both kickers. The Stassen Composite has the Hawkeyes trending #32t nationally and #2 in the B1G West division heading into 2018. Last national title: 1957, under Forest Evashevski!

Who were ranked to close out 2017, but not in the all-time AP Top 25?

• #6 UCF (13-0) - the Knights welcome HC Josh Heupel moving over from Missouri, where he was OC the past two seasons. In 2015, the program was 0-12, in George O'Leary's final season. Scott Frost took the program from 6-7 to 13-0 in his two seasons at the helm. The entire new staff return 6 starters on offense, including junior QB McKenzie Milton, and 6 defensive starters, plus both kickers. The Stassen Composite has the Knights trending #24t nationally and the consensus #1 in the AAC East division for 2018.
• #9 TCU (11-3) - the Horned Frogs enter Year 18 under HC Gary Patterson and a 39-37 win over Stanford in the Alamo Bowl. Only five starters are back offensive and they will need to find a new starter at QB. The defense returns 6 starters and their placekicker. The Stassen Composite has the Horned Frogs trending #19 nationally and #3 in the Big 12 for the 2018 season. Last national title: 1938, under Dutch Meyer!
• #13 Oklahoma State (10-3) - the Cowboys are entering their 14th season under HC Mike Gundy coming off a 30-21 win over Virginia Tech in the Camping World Bowl. QB Mason Rudolph and his top two receivers have departed, but 5 offensive starters and 7 defensive starters return, along with both kickers. The Stassen Composite has the Cowboys trending #26 and #4 in the Big 12 for 2018. 
• #17 Northwestern (10-3) - the Wildcats enter Year 13 under HC Pat Fitzgerald and have won back to back bowl games for the first time in program history, with a 24-23 win over Kentucky (7-6) in the Music City Bowl. The Wildcats have a question at QB, with senior Clayton Thorson coming off an ugly ACL injury in the bowl win last year. The Stassen Composite has the Wildcats trending #29 nationally and #3 in the B1G West heading into 2018.
• #19 Mississippi State (9-4) - the Bulldogs welcome former PSU OC Joe Moorhead, as their new head coach. MSU returns 9 starters on offesne, including senior QB Nick Fitzerald; 8 defensive starters and their sophomore PK. The Bulldogs are coming off a 31-27 win over Louisville in the Taxpayer Bowl. The Bulldogs are trending #16 in the Stassen Composite, #3 in the SEC West.
• #20 Stanford (9-5) - the Cardinal won the Pac 12 North division, losing the title game 31-28 to USC. Then, fell short in the Alamo Bowl to TCU 39-37. HC David Shaw enters Year 8, with 9 returning starters on offense, including sophomore QB KJ Costello; 6 starters on defense, including PK and punter. The Cardinal are trending #14 in the Stassen Composite and #2 in the Pac 12 North heading into 2018.
• #21 USF (10-2) - the Bulls are coming off a 38-34 win over Texas Tech in the Birmingham Bowl, their second straight over a P5 there. HC Charlie Strong enters Year 2, with 6 offensive starters returning and 5 defensive starters. Junior QB Blake Barnett arrives in Tampa, after stops at Bama and ASU. The Bulls are expected to fall back nationally outside the Stassen Composite heading into 2018, but #2 in the AAC East.
• #22 Boise State (11-3) - the Broncos are coming off a 38-28 win over Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl, as HC Bryan Harsin enters Year 5 at the helm. The Broncos return 6 offensive starters, including senior QB Brett Rypien; 10 defensive starters and both kickers. The Broncos are trending #22 in the Stassen Composite and the consensus #1 in the MWC Mountain division, after defeating Fresno State 17-14 in last season's MWC title game.
• #23 North Carolina State (9-4) - the Wolfpack are coming off a 52-31 Sun Bowl win over Arizona State, as HC Dave Doeren enters Year 8 at the helm. The Wolfpack return 6 offensive starters, including senior QB Ryan Finley; but only 3 defensive starters and their punter. NC State is trending #36 in the Stassen Composite and #3 in the ACC Atlantic division in 2018.
• #24 Virginia Tech (9-4) - the Hokies are coming off a 30-21 loss to Oklahoma State in the Camping World Bowl. HC Justin Fuente enters Year 3 with 7 offensive starters back, including sophomore QB Joshua Jackson; only 5 back on defensive and their punter. The Hokies are trending #23 in the Stassen Composite and #2 in the ACC Coastal division for 2018.
• #25 Memphis (10-3) - the Tigers are coming off a 21-20 loss at home in the Liberty Bowl against Iowa State (8-5) to close out last season. HC Mike Norvell enters Year 3 at the helm, with 7 offensive starters back; 8 defensive starters and their PK. Junior, grad transfer Brady White from ASU is an option at QB. The Tigers are trending #39 in the Stassen Composite and #1 in the AAC West division for 2018. 

They made the inaugural College Football Playoff; but not Top 25 all-time!

• Oregon (7-6) - the Ducks were 13-2 in 2014 and played in the College Football title game, but they have fallen to a low of 4-8 in 2016. Last season, under HC Willie Taggert, they finished 7-5 in the regular season, only to lose Taggert to Florida State. Co-OC Mario Cristobal was named HC and DC Jim Leavitt was retained, but their debut was a 38-28 loss to Boise State in the Las Vegas Bowl. The new coaching staff will return 7 starters on offense, including junior QB Justin Herbert; 7 starters on defense, plus their punter. Stassen Composite has Oregon trending #24t nationally and #3 in the Pac 12 North. The Ducks were 3-2 in BCS era bowl games, but the program is seeking their first national title, after losing the first CFP title game in 2014!

Don't forget about our conference or our team in 2018!

• West Virginia (7-6) - the Mountaineers lost to Utah 30-14 in the Heart of Dallas Bowl to close out last season. HC Dana Holgorsen enters Year 8, with 7 offensive starters back, including senior QB Will Grier; 5 starters back on defense, along with both kickers. WVU is trending #27 in the Stassen Composite and #5 in the Big 12 for 2018.
• South Carolina (9-4) - the Gamecocks are coming off a 26-19 win over Michigan in the Outback Bowl. HC Will Muschamp returns 8 starters on offense, including junior QB Jake Bentley; 6 back on defense and both kickers. The Gamecocks are trending #28 in the Stassen Composite and #2t in the SEC East division for 2018.
• Missouri (7-6) - the Tigers are coming off a 33-16 loss to Texas in the Texas Bowl last year. HC Barry Odom is entering Year 3, with 9 starters back on offense, including senior QB Drew Lock; 7 starters back on defense and both kickers. The Tigers are trending #31 in the Stassen Composite and #4 in the SEC East division for 2018.
• Arizona (7-6) - the Wildcats are coming off a 38-35 loss against Purdue (7-6) in the Foster Farms Bowl. New HC Kevin Sumlin will have 7 starters back on offense for the Wildcats, including junior QB Khalil Tate; 9 starters back on defense and both kickers. The Wildcats are trending #32t in the Stassen Composite and #2 in the Pac 12 South division for 2018.
• Utah (7-6) - the Utes are coming off a 30-14 win in the Heart of Dallas Bowl over West Virginia last year. HC Kyle Whittingham is entering his 14th Year at the helm, with 8 starters back on offense, including junior QB Tyler Huntley; 6 starters back on defense and both kickers, who are among the best in the nation. The Utes are trending #34 in the Stassen Composite and #3 in the Pac 12 South division for 2018.
• Florida Atlantic (11-3) - the Owls are coming off a 50-3 win over Akron (7-7) in the Boca Raton Bowl last season. HC Lane Kiffin enters Year 2, with 5 starters back on offense and 10 defensive starters back. Kiffin hasn't determine his #1 QB yet heading into game against OU. FAU are trending #35 in the Stassen Composite and #1 in the C-USA East division for 2018.
• Georgia Tech (5-6) - the Yellow Jackets are coming off a losing season for the second time in three years, under HC Paul Johnson entering his 11th season. The Jackets return 8 starters on offense, including senior QB TeQuon Marshall; 5 starters back on defense and both kickers. GT is trending #37 in the Stassen Composite and #4 in the ACC Coastal division for 2018.
• Kansas State (8-5) - the Wildcats are coming off a 35-17 win over UCLA in the Cotton Bowl last season. HC Bill Snyder signed a five year extension this summer, as he enters the 10th straight season and 27th overall at the helm in Manhattan. The Wildcats return 8 starters on offense, including junior QB Alex Delton; 5 defensive starters are back. K-State is trending #38 in the Stassen Composite and #7 in the Big 12 for 2018.
• Duke (7-6) - the Blue Devils are coming off a 36-14 win over Northern Illinois (8-5) in the Quick Lane Bowl last season. HC David Cutcliffe enters Year 11, with 7 offensive starters back, including junior QB Daniel Jones; 8 starters back on defense and both kickers. The Blue Devils are trending #41 in the Stassen Composite and #3 in the ACC Coastal division for 2018.
• Louisville (8-5) - the Cardinals are coming off a 31-27 loss to Mississippi State in the Taxslayer Bowl last year. HC Bobby Petrino enters Year 9 at the helm, with 7 starters back on offense, both kickers, but only 4 starters back on defense. The Cardinals are trending #42 in the Stassen Composite and #4 in the ACC Atlantic division for 2018.
• Boston College (7-6) - the Eagles are coming off a 27-20 loss against Iowa in the Pinstripe Bowl last season. HC Steve Addazio enters Year 6, with 10 starters back, including sophomore QB Anthony Brown; 6 defensive starters back and their PK. The Eagles are trending #43 in the Stassen Composite and #5 in the ACC Atlantic division for 2018.
• Arkansas State (7-5) - the Red Wolves are coming off a 35-30 loss against Middle Tennessee (8-5) in the Camellia Bowl last season. HC Black Anderson enters Year 5, with 7 starters back on offense, including senior QB Justice Hansen; 5 back on defense and both kickers. The Red Wolves are trending #44t in the Stassen Composite and #1 in the Sun Belt West division for 2018.
• Texas Tech (6-7) - the Red Raiders are coming off a 38-34 loss to USF in the Birmingham Bowl last year. HC Kliff Kingsbury enters Year 6, with 6 starters back on offense, 10 starters back on defense and both kickers. The Red Raiders are trending #44t in the Stassen Composite and #8 in the Big 12 for 2018.
• Wake Forest (8-5) - the Demon Deacons are coming off a 55-52 win against Texas A&M in the Belk Bowl last season. HC Dave Clawson enters Year 5 at the helm, with 8 starters back on offense, 6 starters back on defense and their punter. The Demon Deacons are trending #47t in the Stassen Composite and #6 in the ACC Atlantic division for 2018.
• The top picks in the MAC in 2018 - Ohio U (9-4) in the East and Northern Illinois (8-5) in the West. HC Frank Solich is heading into his 14th season at Ohio, while HC Rod Carey is heading into Year 6 for NIU.

Nope, Iowa State is not trending in any preseason Top 25 ratings

• Iowa State (8-5) - the Cyclones are coming off a 21-20 win against Memphis in the Liberty Bowl last year. HC Matt Campbell enters Year 3, with 6 starters back on offense, including senior QB Kyle Kempt; 6 starters back on defense and their PK. The Cyclones are trending #6 in the Big 12 in 2018.

Recap Week 6 and new CIDSports Top 25 Poll: College Football was slightly turned upside as October kicks off in College Football

The Iowa Hawkeyes (3-2, 1-0 Big Ten Legends) opened October with a bye week, after Big Ten opener to end September.  They will travel to East Lansing in Week 7 for a game @ # 24 Michigan State.  The Hawkeyes will have some questions at some key positions heading into the Big Ten road opener in Week 7.  Recap of offense (by Greg Davis) and defense (by Phil Parker) by Iowa coordinators, during bye week.

While Iowa was idle in Week 6, there were outstanding games to open the first weekend in October and shake up the Top 25 in College Football, as SEC, Big Ten, Pac 12 and Big 12 all had top 25 showdowns!

• Moving up: Oregon, South Carolina, West Virginia, Florida, Notre Dame and Ohio State
• Going down: LSU, Florida State, Georgia, Texas and others
• Bowl eligible: Ohio U., Oregon and South Carolina
• Ineligible for post-season play: North Carolina, Ohio State and Penn State

CIDSports Top 25 after Week 6 as we open October in College Football!

1. Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0, 2-0 SEC West) 1 - Through 6 weeks, the defending BCS champions are undefeated and appear to be playing at a high level.  The Crimson Tide opened October with a bye week!  Week 7: @ Missouri (3-3, 0-3 SEC East), who fell at home 19-15 to Vanderbilt (2-3, 1-2 SEC East), as the road in the SEC hasn't been kind on the Tigers.

2. Oregon Ducks (6-0, 3-0 Pac 12 North) 3 - The Ducks have won three straight Pac 12 titles and they continue the road to get back to the BCS Title game, last in '10, with a 52-21 win over former #22 Washington.  Week 7: Bye week, ahead of Thursday night game @ Arizona State (4-1, 2-0 Pac 12 South) in Week 8.

3. South Carolina Gamecocks (6-0, 4-0 SEC East) 5 -  The Gamecocks dominated former # 6 Georgia in a 35-7 win at home to move to 4-0 in the SEC East, tied for first place.  Week 7: @ #9 LSU, who are coming off their first loss in 18 regular season games, due to the 14-6 defeat @ Florida.

4. West Virginia Mountaineers (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) 8 - The Mountaineers brought some defense to complement the high octane offense in a 48-45 win @ former #10 Texas to remain undefeated.  Week 7: @ Texas Tech (4-1, 1-1 Big 12), in back to back road trips to the State of Texas for the Mountaineers.

5.  Florida Gators (5-0, 4-0 SEC East) 9 - The Gators 14-6 win vs. then #2 LSU in the Swamp at the half-way point for Florida in the SEC.  Week 7: vs. Vanderbilt (2-3, 1-2 SEC East), who are coming off the Commodores first win in SEC in '12 with a 19-15 win @ Missouri.

6. Kansas State Wildcats (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) 7 - The Wildcats take care of business in the third quarter in 56-16 blowout over Kansas (1-4, 0-2 Big 12) to remain undefeated in the Sunflower State.  Week 7: @ Iowa State (4-1, 1-1 Big 12), as the Wildcats head North to face the Cyclones seeking fifth straight in the series.

7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-0) 13 - The Fighting Irish hosted Miami-FL (4-2, 3-0 ACC Coastal) in Chicago at Soldiers Field to the tune of a 41-3 win over the Hurricane.  Week 7: vs. #13 Stanford, who needed OT to defeat Arizona 54-48 at home in Week 6.

8. Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten Leaders) 16 - The Buckeyes defeated former #21 Nebraska 63-38 to remain undefeated in the Big Ten and overall in '12.  Week 7: @ Indiana (2-3, 0-2 Big Ten Leaders), who gave MSU a game, but fell short 31-27 at home.

9. LSU Tigers (5-1, 1-1 SEC West) 2 - The Tigers hadn't lost in the regular season in the past 18 games, dating back to '10 in a game in the SEC, but they fell 14-6 @ Florida in the Swamp.  Week 7: vs. #3 South Carolina, who dominated Georgia at home in a 35-7 win.

10. Oregon State Beavers (4-0, 3-0 Pac 12 North) 19 - The Beavers open Pac 12 play at home with a 19-6 win over Washington State (2-4, 0-3 Pac 12 North).  Week 7: @ Brigham Young (4-2), as the Beavers go outside the Pac 12 in October, with a trip to Provo.

11. Oklahoma Sooners (3-1, 1-1 Big 12) 15 - The Sooners come off bye week with a 41-20 win @ Texas Tech (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) to get to .500 in the conference with a nice win at Lubbock.  Week 7: vs. #16 Texas in the Red River Shootout in Dallas and looking to make it three straight over the Longhorns.

12. Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-0, 2-0 SEC West) 18 - The Bulldogs stay unbeaten with a 27-14 road win  @ Kentucky (1-5, 0-3 SEC East).  Week 7: vs. Tennessee (3-2, 0-2 SEC East), who are coming off bye week, after 51-44 loss @ Georgia in Week 5.

13. Stanford Cardinal (4-1, 2-1 Pac 12) 11 - The Cardinal have to go to OT to pull out a 54-48 win at home over Arizona (3-3, 0-3 Pac 12) to avoid back to back losses in the Pac 12.  Week 7: @ Notre Dame, where the Cardinal have won three straight, but the visitor is 4-12 of late.

14. USC Trojans (4-1, 2-1 Pac 12 South) 12 - The Trojans took care of business 38-28 @ Utah (2-3, 0-2 Pac 12) to remain in the hunt for the '12 Pac 12 title game in the South.  Week 7: @ Washington, where Trojans have won 8 of last 10, but lost 32-31 in '10 on road.

15. Florida State Seminoles (5-1, 2-1 ACC Atlantic) 4 -  The Seminoles lost for the fifth time in the last eight trips @ North Carolina State, as the Seminoles gave up 17 unanswered points in the second half to lose 17-16.  Week 7: vs. Boston College (1-4, 0-2 ACC Coastal), who are coming in after a 34-31 lost @ Army.

16. Texas Longhorns (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) 10 - The Longhorns fall in Austin vs. then #8 West Virginia 48-45 to tumble out of the Top 10.  Week 7: vs. #11 Oklahoma, in the Red River Rivalry in Dallas.

17. Clemson Tigers (5-1, 2-1 ACC Atlantic) 17 - The Tigers broke the game open in the fourth quarter 47-31 to defeat. Georgia Tech (2-4, 1-3 ACC Coastal) at home.  Week 7: vs. Virginia Tech (3-3, 1-1 ACC Coastal), with the Hokies coming of two straight losses, including a 48-34 loss @ UNC in Week 6.

18. Georgia Bulldogs (5-1, 3-1 SEC East) 6 - The Bulldogs were dominated most of the game @ then #5 South Carolina in a 35-7 lost to fall for the first time in '12.  Week 7: Bye week to lick wounds and prepare for next SEC game @ Kentucky in Week 8.

19. Louisville Cardinals (5-0) 20 -  The Cardinals enjoyed the first weekend in October with a bye week ahead of opening Big East for '12.  Week 7: @ Pittsburgh (2-3, 0-2 Big East), who lost Week 2 @ Cincinnati 34-10 and this past Friday @ Syracuse 14-13.

20. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-0, 2-0 Big East) nr - The Scarlet Knights remain undefeated to lead Big East Conference early, with a 19-3 win over UConn (3-3, 0-1 Big East) in Week 6.  Week 7: vs. Syracuse (2-3, 1-0 Big East), as two teams seek to remain undefeated in Big East play.

21. Cincinnati Bearcats (4-0, 1-0 Big East) nr - The Bearcats finished '11 in the final Top 25 national polls and jump into the Top 25 in '12, after a 52-14 home win over Miami-OH (3-3, 2-0 MAC West).  Week 7: vs. Fordham (4-2 in '12, FCS), as the Bearcats enjoy a series of OOC games in October.

22. Texas A&M Aggies (4-1, 2-1 SEC West) nr - The Aggies won @ Ole Miss 30-27 to jump into the Top 25, after Week 6.  Week 7: vs. Louisiana Tech (5-0) @ Shreveport, in what could make for a short stay in the Top 25 for the Aggies and an opportunity for the Bulldogs?

23. Boise State Broncos (4-1, 1-0 MWC) 24 -  The Broncos opened October with a strong road win 40-14 @ Southern Miss, as young Broncos win fourth in a row.  Week 7: vs. Fresno State (4-2, 2-0 MWC), who won 28-7 @ Colorado State (1-5, 0-2 MWC) to take early lead in MWC, with Nevada.

24. Michigan State Spartans (4-2, 1-1 Big Ten Legends) nr - The Spartans bounce back in the second half to win 31-27 @ Indiana (2-3, 0-2 in Big Ten Leaders) to bounce back from B1G home opener vs. OSU.  Week 7: vs. Iowa (3-2, 1-0), who are coming off a bye week and 31-13 win over Minnesota in Week 5 at home.

25. Michigan Wolverines (3-2, 1-0 Big Ten Legends) nr - The Wolverines bounced back into the Top 25, with a 44-13 win @ Purdue (3-2, 0-1 Big Ten Leaders), coming off bye week.  Week 7: vs. Illinois (2-4, 0-2 Big Ten Leaders), who fell 31-14 @ Wisconsin (4-2, 1-1 Big Ten Leaders).

Out of Top 25 after Week 6:

• Former # 14 TCU (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) - The Horned Frogs without senior starting QB, out due to suspended for an arrest, lost 37-23 at home to Iowa State  (4-1, 1-1 Big 12).  Next up: @ Baylor (3-1, 0-1 Big 12), who enjoyed a bye week.
• Former #21 Nebraska (4-2, 1-1 Big Ten Legends) - The Cornhuskers fall 63-38 @ then # 16 Ohio State to continue road woes for '12.  Next up: Bye week, ahead of another road trip @ Northwestern (5-1, 1-1 Big Ten Leaders).
• Former #22 Washington (3-2, 1-1 Pac 12 North) - The Huskies fall @ then #3 Oregon 52-21 to fall out of the Top 25.  Next up: vs. #14 USC, who beat the Huskies last year, but fell short @ Washington in '10.
• Former #23 UCLA (4-2, 1-2 Pac 12 South) - The Bruins were defeated 43-17 @ Cal (2-4, 1-2 Pac 12 North).  Next up: vs. Utah (2-3, 0-2 Pac 12 South), to kick off the second half of the season for the Bruins.
• Former #25 Northwestern (5-1, 1-1 Big Ten Legends) fell 39-28 @ Penn State (4-2, 2-0 Big Ten Leaders), as Wildcats miss on quest to get to 6-0 for the first time, since '62.  Next up: @ Minnesota (4-1, 0-1 Big Ten Legends), who enjoyed a bye week.

Unranked undefeated teams after Week 6:

• Louisiana Tech (5-0) - Season opener vs. now #22 Texas A&M was postponed, but the game will be played this week, so the Bulldogs may punch Top 25 ticket with a win on 10/13.
• Ohio U. (6-0, 2-0 MAC East) - The Bobcats opened '12 with a 24-14 win over Penn State.  Next up: vs. Akron (1-5, 0-2 MAC East).
• UTSA (5-0, 1-0 WAC) - The Roadrunners have moved up from FCS to fill voids in WAC, with three wins vs. non-FBS programs, as well as win over South Alabama from Sun Belt.  Next up: Bye week, then @ San Jose State (4-1).

FCS upsets for Week 6:

No upsets in Week 6.

Breakdown of OOC records in Week 6 by conference and Notes:

SEC -  Six conference games this week, as South Carolina and Florida remain undefeated in both the SEC East at 4-0 and undefeated overall.  In the SEC West, Alabama and Mississippi State lead at 2-0 and undefeated overall.

Big Ten - Five conference games this week, as Iowa and Minnesota were idle.  The Legends division is lead by Iowa and Michigan at 1-0, while Ohio State and Penn State are 2-0 to lead the Leaders division in the B1G.

Big 12 -  Four conference games this week, as Kansas State and West Virginia move to 2-0 to remain the only undefeated teams, both in conference play and overall.  Five teams are 1-1 in early October.

Pac 12 - Five games this week in the conference, as Arizona State and Colorado were idle.  Oregon and Oregon State lead in the North at 2-0, while Arizona is 2-0 in the South, followed by USC at 2-1.

ACC - 0-2 vs. OOC opponents, with losses @ two Independents.  Five conference games this week, as Maryland is 1-0 in the ACC Atlantic, followed by Clemson and Florida State at 2-1.  In the Coastal division, Miami-FL is 3-0, with Duke 2-0.

Big East - 1-0 vs. OOC opponent, with win vs. MAC.  This week there were three conference game played.   The Big East has four undefeated teams in conference play with Rutgers leading at 2-0, followed by Cincinnati, Temple and Syracuse at 1-0.

MWC - 2-2 vs. OOC opponents, with wins vs. C-USA and WAC, while losses vs. Independent and @ WAC.  Three conference games this week, as Nevada and Fresno State lead conference at 2-0, with Boise State and UNLV at 1-0.

C-USA - 1-3 vs. OOC opponents, with win vs. FCS, but losses @ Sun Belt, vs. Sun Belt and MWC.  In C-USA, UCF and Memphis are 1-0, with East Carolina 2-1 in the East; while Tulsa leads the West at 3-0, with Houston and SMU at 1-0.

Independents - 4-0 vs. OOC opponents, with wins WAC, @ MWC and vs. ACC (2).  Only head to head game between Independents was Notre Dame's win in Dublin over Navy.

WAC - 1-2 vs. OOC opponents, with win vs. MWC, while losses @ Independent and vs. MWC.  In the WAC, UTSA and Idaho lead with a 1-0 record in conference play.

MAC - 0-1 vs. OOC opponent, with a loss @ Big East.  The MAC race for '12 has begun with Kent State 3-0 to lead MAC East, with Miami-OH and Ohio U. at 2-0; while in the MAC West, Toledo is 3-0, followed by Northern Illinois at 2-0.

Sun Belt - 1-1 games vs. OOC opponents, with win over vs. C-USA and loss @ C-USA.  After Week 6 games in the Sun Belt.  Louisiana-Lafayette is 2-0 to lead the conference, followed by Western Kentucky and ULM at 1-0, with Troy 2-1.

Week 5 Recap and CIDSports Top 25, as we close out September in College Football

 College Football closed out September with some surprises and another week of interesting games ...

• Former #4 Stanford falls on Thursday night @ Washington 17-13!
• Friday night football was a yawn, as BYU blanks Hawaii 47-0!
• The Big Ten opened play with five games from the battle for Floyd of Rosedale to Wisconsin @ Nebraska on ABC in prime time on Saturday night!
• West Virginia 70, Baylor 63 as Mountaineers welcome the Big 12 era!
• Another FCS win as Stony Brook beats Army 23-3!
• Iowa State falls for the first time, as Texas Tech come into Ames and beat the Cyclones 24-13!
• Texas @ Oklahoma State wins 41-36 to open Big 12 play!
• #3 Oregon beats Washington State 51-26 in Pac 12 play!

CIDSports Top 25 after Week 5 and the close of September play:

1. Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0, 2-0 SEC West) 1 - The defending BCS champions closed out September undefeated with a 33-14 win over Ole Miss.  Week 6: Bye week, as Crimson Tide head to the Show Me State in Week 7 @ Missouri.

2. LSU Tigers (5-0, 1-0 SEC West) 2 - The defending SEC champions closed out September undefeated with a lackluster win over FCS Towson 38-22.  Week 6: @ Florida, as the meat of the schedule begins for the Tigers.

3. Oregon Ducks (5-0, 2-0 Pac 12 North) 3 - The defending Pac 12 champions closed out September undefeated with a 51-26 win @ Washington State.  Week 6: vs. #22 Washington, as Ducks attempt to stay on top in the Pac 12, in search of fourth straight Pac 12 title.

4. Florida State Seminoles (5-0, 2-0 ACC Atlantic) 5 - The Seminoles hit the road and took care of a Big East opponent in an OOC game @ South Florida 30-17.  Week 6: @ North Carolina State (3-2, 0-1 ACC Atlantic), as the Seminoles return to conference play on the road.

5. South Carolina Gamecocks (5-0, 3-0 SEC East) 6 - The Gamecocks continue winning ways with a 38-17 road win @ Kentucky.  Week 6: vs. # 6 Georgia, as the 3-0 Gamecocks and Bulldogs look to move to 4-0 and top position in the SEC East.

6. Georgia Bulldogs (5-0, 3-0 SEC East) 9 -  The Bulldogs beat Tennessee 51-44 in an important SEC East game.  Week 6: @ #5 South Carolina, as Bulldogs look to get back a victory in this series, after losing two straight!

7. Kansas State Wildcats (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) 7 - The Wildcats enjoyed a bye week, after picking up a conference road win @ Oklahoma the previous week. Week 6: vs. Kansas (1-3, 0-1 Big 12), as Kansas schools square off in little Manhattan.

8. West Virginia Mountaineers (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) 8 - The Mountaineers rolled to victory in a 70-63 shootout with former #19 Baylor in the Big 12 debut.  Week 6: @ #10 Texas, which should provide more of contrast between offense and defense.

9.  Florida Gators (4-0, 3-0 SEC East) 10 - The Gators enjoyed a bye week to close out September, as second year under coach Will Muschamp is off to a good start.  Week 4: vs. #2 LSU, in a key SEC East vs. West match up for the Gators.

10. Texas Longhorns (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) 15 - The Longhorns win @ then #21 Oklahoma State 41-36 to open Big 12 play.  Week 6: vs. #8 West Virginia, which will clearly be the biggest test to date for the Longhorns, who continue the third year of a rebuilding project, after participating in the BCS title game at the end of the '09 season.

11. Stanford Cardinal (3-1, 1-1 Pac 12) 4 - The Cardinal dropped a Thursday night Pac 12 showdown @ Washington 17-13 to fall for the first time in '12.  Week 6: vs. Arizona (3-2, 0-2 Pac 12), as the Cardinal work to get back to winning in the Pac 12.

12. USC Trojans (3-1, 1-1 Pac 12) 11 - The Trojans enjoyed a bye week to end September.  Week 6: @ Utah (2-2, 0-1 Pac 12), in an important road test in the Pac 12 South.

13. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-0) 13 - The Fighting Irish closed out September with a bye week.  Week 6: vs. Miami-FL (4-1, 3-0 ACC Coastal) - the game will be in Chicago at Soldiers Field, with both looking to get a nice win in the ND-ACC match up.  The Irish beat the Hurricane 33-17 in the 2010 Sun Bowl.

14. TCU Horned Frogs (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) 12 - The Horned Frogs concluded September undefeated with a bye week ahead of continuing Big 12 play in October.  Week 6: vs. Iowa State (3-1, 0-1 Big 12), as the Cyclones dropped the Big 12 opener 24-13 at home vs. Texas Tech.

15. Oklahoma Sooners (2-1, 0-1 Big 12) 14 - The Sooners have only played three games to open September, with two bye weeks, including one to close the month.  Week 6: @ Texas Tech (4-0, 1-0 Big 12), in a key match up in Lubbock for both teams.

16. Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten Leaders) 16 - The Urban Meyer era enjoys Juice @ Michigan State, with a 17-16 win to open Big Ten play for '12.  Week 6: vs. #21 Nebraska, as the Buckeyes look to continue on the plus side in the Leaders, as the Cornhuskers want the same in the Legends division.

17. Clemson Tigers (4-1, 1-1 ACC Atlantic) 17 - The Tigers rebounded in conference play with a 45-31 win @ Boston College.  Week 6: vs. Georgia Tech (2-3, 1-2 ACC Coastal), who are coming off a 49-28 loss at home vs. Middle Tennessee.

18. Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-0, 1-0 SEC West) 22 - The Bulldogs closed out September undefeated with a bye week.  Week 6: @ Kentucky (1-4, 0-2 SEC East), as the Bulldogs look to have strong October in coach Dan Mullen's fourth season.

19. Oregon State Beavers (3-0, 2-0 Pac 12) 23 - The Beavers have won back to back Pac 12 road games to open the season, with the most recent a 38-35 win @ Arizona.  Week 6: vs. Washington State (2-3, 0-2 Pac 12), as the Beavers get to open conference play at home vs. Cougars.

20. Louisville Cardinals (5-0) 20 - The Cardinals survive a rain storm and 21-17 win @ Southern Miss.  Week 6: Bye week, as they prepare for Big East opener @ Pitt in Week 7.

21. Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-1, 1-0 Big Ten Legends) 25 - The Cornhuskers opened their second year in the Big Ten with a comeback win over Wisconsin 30-27.  Week 6: @ Ohio State, in a key road test for coach Bo Pelini, as he enjoys an opportunity to get another notch against his alma mater.

22. Washington Huskies (3-1, 1-0 Pac 12 North) nr - The Huskies beat then #4 Stanford 17-13 to notch another big win in the fourth year of the Steve Sarkisian era.  Week 6: @ #3 Oregon, in a huge Pac 12 North game, after beating the other giant in the North to close September.

23. UCLA Bruins (4-1, 1-1 Pac 12 South) nr - The young Bruins appear to like playing on the road, with a 42-14 win @ Colorado, after losing Pac 12 home opener a week before.  Week 6: @ California (1-4, 0-2 Pac 12 North).

24. Boise State Broncos (3-1, 1-0 MWC) 24 - The Broncos closed September with a road win to open MWC play, with a 32-29 win over New Mexico.  Week 6: @ Southern Miss (1-3), as the C-USA host the MWC Broncos in an OOC showdown.

25. Northwestern Wildcats (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten Legends) nr - The Wildcats opened B1G play with a 44-29 home win vs. Indiana 44-29 to stay undefeated and earn a slot in the Top 25.  Week 6: @ Penn State (3-2, 1-0 Big Ten Leaders), as the Wildcats hit the road in Happy Valley to face the Nittany Lions pulled off the win in Evanston last season.

Out of Top 25 after Week 5:

Former #18 Michigan State (3-2, 0-1 Big Ten Legends) - the Spartans lost at home 17-16 in Big Ten opener to #16 Ohio State.  Next up: @ Indiana (2-3, 0-1 Big Ten Leaders), as they work to get back up into the Big Ten title race and Top 25.  Former #19 Baylor (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) - the Bears lose shoot out @ #8 West Virginia 70-63 to fall for first time in '12.  Next up: Bye Week!  Former #21 Oklahoma State (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) - the Cowboys lost at home in the Big 12 opener to then #15 Texas 41-36.  Next up: Bye week!

FCS upsets for Week 5:

Independent Army (0-4) falls to an FCS program, as Stony Point beats the Cadets 23-3 to continue the woes at Army.

Breakdown of OOC records in Week 5 by conference and Notes:

SEC - 2-0 vs. OOC opponents, with a FCS win and a C-USA win.  The SEC East is lead by 3-0 Georgia, South Carolina and Florida.  The SEC West is lead by Alabama at 2-0, with LSU and Mississippi State at 1-0.

Big Ten - 1-0 vs. OOC opponents, with win over C-USA.  Northwestern, Nebraska and Iowa open 1-0 in the Legends division, while Ohio State and Penn State open 1-0 in the Leaders division in '12.

Big 12 - 1-0 vs. OOC opponent, with win @ C-USA.  Big 12 has five teams at 1-0, with Kansas State, TCU, Texas, Texas Tech and West Virginia, so very early race, like most conferences.

Pac 12 - Strictly Pac 12 play as Oregon and Oregon State lead the North at 2-0, while Arizona State is 2-0 to lead South heading into October.

ACC - 2-3 vs. OOC opponents, with wins over WAC and Big East wins, but losses vs. Sun Belt, WAC and Big East.  The Atlantic division is lead by Florida State at 2-0, while the Coastal division is lead by Miami-FL at 3-0, with Duke and Virginia Tech at 1-0.

Big East - 3-1 vs. OOC opponents, with wins over MAC, ACC and @ C-USA, with lone loss vs. ACC.  No conference games in Week 5, as Rutgers and Cincinnati take 1-0 lead in Big East to close out September.

MWC - 1-2 vs. OOC opponents, with win @ WAC, but losses @ Independent and @ WAC.  Nevada, Boise State, Fresno State and UNLV are all 1-0 as the MWC closes out September play.

C-USA - 0-5 vs. OOC opponents, with losses @ SEC, @ Big Ten, vs. Sun Belt, vs. Big 12 and vs. Big East.  To end September in C-USA, UCF and Marshall are 1-0 in the East, while Tulsa is 2-0 and Houston 1-0 in the West.

Independents - 1-2 vs. OOC opponents, with win over MWC, while losses at home vs. FCS and vs. WAC.  Only one game has been played in September between fellow Independents, with Notre Dame's win over Navy.

WAC - 3-2 vs. OOC opponents, with wins over @ ACC, @ Independent and vs. MWC, while losses @ MWC and @ ACC.  UTSA is 1-0 to open WAC play in September with the lead.

MAC - 1-1 vs. OOC opponents, with win over FCS, while lost @ Big East.  MAC leaders to end September were Kent State and Miami-OH at 2-0, with Ohio U. at 1-0 in the MAC East; while Toledo at 2-0 and Northern Illinois at 1-0 to lead MAC West.

Sun Belt - 2-0 vs. OOC opponents with wins @ ACC and @ C-USA to close out September.  At the end of September, Louisiana-Lafayette leads the conference race at 2-0, with Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee at 1-0.  Troy is 2-1., with Arkansas State and North Texas 1-1.

Week 3 Recap: CIDSports Top 25

Three weeks of College Football are in the book for 2012.  The FCS programs have pulled out some outstanding wins over BCS and non-BCS teams.  Non-BCS teams have picked up some wins and some scares.  The Top 3 has stayed strong, but some other Top 10 teams have fallen hard.  The SEC continues the #1 banner, while the Big Ten appears to lack a national powerhouse in '12.

Here's our CIDSports Top 25 after Week 3:

1. Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0, 1-0 SEC West) 1 - The Tide Roll in Week 3 as they open the SEC in '12 with a 52-0 white wash of QB depleted Arkansas.  The Crimson Tide have given up 14 points in the opener to Michigan, then back to back shutouts.  Week 4: vs. Florida Atlantic (1-2, 0-1 Sun Belt), a team that opened with only a 7-3 win over FCS Wagner.  

2. LSU Tigers (3-0) 2 - The first three OOC games are in the books as conference play begins in Week 4.  LSU warm up in Week 3 was 63-14 win over Idaho.  Week 4: @ Auburn (1-2, 0-1 SEC West), as LSU opens the SEC West in a important game, while Auburn faces a critical test, after near loss at home vs. ULM (31-28).

3. Oregon Ducks (3-0) 3 - The OOC segment rolls to an end in Week 3 as Oregon take out FCS Tennessee Tech 63-14.  Now, conference play enters the Ducks '12 path.  Week 4: vs. Arizona (3-0), in what could be a scoring fireworks display as both teams open Pac 12 play in '12.

4. Stanford Cardinal (3-0, 1-0 Pac 12 North) 7 - We have had the Cardinal a Top 10 program heading into '12.  We saw the 21-14 home win over former #4 USC likely, as both teams opened Pac 12 play.  Week 4: bye week, as the Cardinal play next, Thursday, September 27TH, @ Washington (2-1) for the first conference road trip.

5. Oklahoma Sooners (2-0) 5 - The Sooners enjoyed a bye in Week 3 ahead of '12 conference opener in Week 4.  Week 4: vs. Kansas State (3-0), where the Sooners have a five straight win streak in the series.

6. South Carolina Gamecocks (3-0, 1-0 SEC East) 6 - The Gamecocks have weathered the storm through three weeks with QB Conner Shaw injured.  Gamecocks beat UAB 49-6 in Week 3.  Week 4 - vs. Missouri (2-1, 0-1 SEC East), in a key SEC East match up, with both teams with QB woes.

7. West Virginia Mountaineers (2-0) 8 - The Mountaineers hammered James Madison 42-12 in Week 3.  Week 4: vs. Maryland (2-1), as Mountaineers wrap up OOC play ahead of making debut in the new Big 12.

8. Georgia Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0 SEC East) 10 - The Bulldogs beat Florida Atlantic 56-20 to keep rolling in '12. Week 4: vs. Vanderbilt (1-2, 0-1 SEC East), as the Bulldogs return to SEC play.

9. Clemson Tigers (3-0) 11 - The Tigers roll into ACC play with a 41-0 win over FCS Furman.  Week 4: @ #10 Florida State (3-0, 1-0 ACC Atlantic), in the biggest game of Week 4 in the ACC and in the nation!

10. Florida State Seminoles (3-0, 1-0 ACC Atlantic) 12 - The Seminoles opened ACC play in Week 3 with a 52-0 waxing of Wake Forest at home.  Week 4: vs. #9 Clemson (3-0), as the Seminoles open ACC play with back to back home games, after opening the season with back to back FCS wins!

11. USC Trojans (2-1, 0-1 Pac 12 South) 4 - The Trojans fall @ former #7 Stanford 21-14, which shouldn't have been a complete surprise, because the Cardinal are a very good program right now.  Next up: vs. California (1-2), against a Cal Bears team that nearly out played Ohio State in Columbus, but not on the score board.

12. TCU Horned Frogs (2-0, 1-0 Big 12) 13 - The Horned Frogs came off a bye week to win first Big 12 game on the road @ Kansas 20-6.  Week 4: vs. Virginia (2-1), in a non-conference game.

13. Kansas State Wildcats (3-0) 15 - The Wildcats finished OOC play with a win over North Texas 35-21 at home.  Week 4: @ #5 Oklahoma (2-0), in the Big 12 opener on the road in Norman.

14. Michigan Wolverines - (2-1) 16 - The Wolverines pounded UMass 63-13 in the Big House in preparation for a big road trip and rivalry game in Week 4.  Week 4: vs. @ #18 Notre Dame (3-0), in series that has witnessed 7 of 8 games ending in upset.

15. Texas Longhorns (3-0) 17 - The Longhorns took to the road to SEC Country to defeat Ole Miss 66-31 ahead of conference play in the Big 12.  Week 4: bye week before traveling to #21 Oklahoma State (2-1) in Week 5 for the Big 12 opener.

16. Florida Gators (3-0, 2-0 SEC East) 18 - Early games in the SEC as the Gators win back to back road games in conference play, with the latest a 37-20 win @ Tennessee.  Week 4: vs. Kentucky (1-2) in the conference home opener of '12.

17. Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0) 19 - It wasn't pretty, but Buckeyes win 35-28 in Columbus over California to remain unblemished in the Urban Meyer era.  Week 4: vs. UAB (0-2), as the Buckeyes wrap up non-conference ahead of Big Ten play.

18. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-0) 20 - The Fighting Irish's road trip to East Lansing ended in a 20-3 win @ Michigan State.  Week 4: vs. #14 Michigan, as the Fighting Irish complete the third game in three against Big Ten opponents.

19. UCLA Bruins (3-0) 22 - The Jim Mora, Jr. era is off to a fast start in Southern California as Bruins beat Houston 37-6 to end non-conference play.  Week 4: vs. Oregon State (1-0), as both teams open Pac 12 play in '12.

20. Arizona Wildcats (3-0) nr - The Rich Rodriguez era is off to a great start, as well, as the Wildcats beat FCS South Carolina State 56-0 to close out non-conference play.  Week 4: @ #3 Oregon (3-0), in what will be a huge test for the Wildcats in the Pac 12 opener.

21. Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-1) 21 - The Cowboys rebounded at home with a 65-24 win over Louisiana-Lafayette.  Week 4: bye week ahead of hosting #15 Texas (3-0) in the Big 12 opener for '12.

22. Michigan State Spartans (2-1) 9 - The Spartans fall at home vs. former #20 Notre Dame 20-3 to drop out the Top 10 in '12.  Week 4: vs. Eastern Michigan (0-3) in the final non-conference tune up before opening Big Ten play.

23. Baylor Bears (2-0) 23 - The Bears took care of business against FCS Sam Houston State 48-23 in Week 2.  Week 4: vs. Louisiana-Monroe (1-1), in a dangerous non-conference game before conference play begins.

24. Louisville Cardinals (3-0) 24 - The Cardinals remain undefeated after beating North Carolina at home 39-34.  Week 4: vs. Florida International (1-2), as the Cardinals continue non-conference play in '12.

25. Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-1) nr - The Cornhuskers rebounded from Week 2 loss @ UCLA, with a 42-13 win over Arkansas State at home.  Week 4: vs. Idaho State (1-1), in an easy tune up before hitting the second season in the Big Ten for the Cornhuskers.

Out of Top 25 after Week 3:

Virginia Tech (2-1, 1-0 ACC Coastal) - the former #14 Hokies fell in Week 3 @ Pittsburgh 35-17 to fall out of the Top 25.  Week 4: vs. Bowling Green (1-2, 0-1 MAC East), in an opportunity to get things cleaned up before returning to ACC play.

Tennessee (2-1, 0-1 SEC East) - the former #25 Volunteers fell in Week 3 vs. former 18 Florida 37-20 defeat to fall out of the Top 25.  Week 4: vs. Akron (1-2), as the Volunteers look to get back in the win column, after a disappointing SEC opener.

FCS upsets for Week 3:

Cal Poly defeats Wyoming 24-22 as MWC takes hit against FCS opponent.

Breakdown of OOC records in Week 3 by conference and Notes:

SEC - 8-2 vs. OCC opponents, which included wins vs. FCS, Sun Belt (3), C-USA (2), Pac 12 and WAC.  Losses vs. Sun Belt and Big 12.  Florida leads SEC East at 2-0 ahead of Georgia and South Carolina, while Alabama and Mississippi State are 1-0 to lead the SEC West, after Week 3.

Big Ten - 10-2 vs. OCC opponents, which included wins vs. FCS (2), Sun Belt, MAC (3), Pac 12, ACC, Independent and WAC.  Losses vs. Independent and MAC.

Big 12 - vs. 7-0 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins vs. FCS (3), Sun Belt (2) and @ SEC.  TCU debuts in the new Big 12, with a 1-0 conference mark for the early lead.

Pac 12 - 6-3 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins vs. FCS (3), @ MWC, Independent and C-USA.  Losses @ Big Ten, @ SEC and @ MWC.  Pac 12 North is lead early by Stanford at 1-0, while only USC at 0-1 has played in the South.

ACC - 4-4 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins vs. four FCS opponents.  Losses vs. Big East (3) w/ two on road, and @ Big Ten

Big East - 5-0 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins vs. FCS (2) and ACC (3).  Rutgers won season opener to join Cincinnati with an early 1-0 lead in the Big East, after Week 3.

Conference USA - 3-6 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins over FCS, Sun Belt and WAC.  Losses vs. SEC (2), MAC, Sun Belt, WAC and Pac 12.  East Carolina beat Southern Miss to open 1-0 lead in the C-USA East.

Independents - 1-3 vs. OOC opponents, which included win over Big Ten, but losses vs. MAC, Big Ten and Pac 12.

MWC - 5-4 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins over FCS (3), Pac 12 and MAC, while losses vs. FCS, Pac 12, Big 12 and WAC.

WAC - 3-3 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins over FCS, C-USA and MWC, while losses vs. SEC, Big 12 and C-USA.

MAC - 4-4 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins over FCS, Independent, C-USA and Big Ten, while losses vs. Big Ten (3) and MWC.  Toledo opened MAC play with a 27-15 win over Bowling Green to take 1-0 lead in MAC East with Ball State.

Sun Belt - 2-8 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins over C-USA and SEC, with losses vs. Big Ten, Big 12 (2), SEC (3), C-USA and ACC

Week 3 is in the books as we get ready for Week 4 and some outstanding games!

CIDSports Top 25 Ratings after Week 2 of the College Football Season

Week 1 and Week 2 are now in the books.  A tough Week 2 for the Big Ten and some big upsets around the BCS, including a huge one involving a SEC West team!

CIDSports Top 25

1. Alabama (2-0) - the Crimson Tide are a clear #1 after last year's BCS title and the wins over Michigan (41-14) in Arlington and Western Kentucky (35-0) to kick off '12.  Week 3: @ Arkansas (1-1) in the SEC West opener for '12.

2. LSU (2-0) 1 - the defending SEC champions and BCS runner-up is off to a solid start in '12 with wins over North Texas (41-14) and Washington (41-3).  Week 3: vs. Idaho (0-2) in a clear mismatch that the Tigers can enjoy before the SEC opener in Week 4.

3. Oregon (2-0) 2 - the Ducks have enjoyed two high scoring games to kick off '12 with wins over Arkansas State (57-34) and Fresno State (42-25).  Week 3: vs. Tennessee Tech (2-0), a FCS that were co-champs of the Ohio Valley in '11.  Tech is 0-27 vs. FBS programs, ouch!

4. USC (2-0) 3 - the Trojans are off to a good start, but Week 2 was tougher than Week 1.  Trojans opened with Hawaii (49-10), then East Coast trip to East Rutherford vs. Syracuse (42-29).  Week 3: @ #_ Stanford (2-0) to open Pac 12 play.  Last year, the Cardinal won 56-48 in 3 OT on the road vs. the Trojans.

5. Oklahoma (2-0) 7 - the Sooners move up, after two Top 10 teams fall in Week 2.  The Sooners have wins over UTEP (24-7) and Florida A&M (69-13) and will enjoy a bye, Week 3.  Next up: vs. #_ Kansas State (2-0) to open Big 12 play in Week 4.

6.  South Carolina (2-0, 1-0 SEC East) 8 - the Gamecocks opened '12 with a SEC East road win @ Vanderbilt (17-13), followed by a win vs. East Carolina (48-10).  Week 3: vs. UAB (0-1), where coach Steve Spurrier takes a 45-0 record vs. non-BCS opponents as a head coach.

7. Stanford (2-0) 9 - the Cardinal have had two straight solid years and open '12 with two wins over San Jose State (20-17) and vs. Duke (50-13).  Week 3: vs. #4 USC (2-0) in the Pac 12 opener.

8. West Virginia (1-0) 10 - the Mountaineers beat Marshall (69-34) in Week 1, then enjoyed a bye week.  Week 3: vs. James Madison (2-0) in Landover, MD.

9. Michigan State (2-0) 12 - the Spartans are the top Big Ten team, after an ugly Week 2 for the Conference going 6-6.  The Spartans opened '12 with wins over Boise State (17-13) and @ Central Michigan (41-7).  Week 3: vs. #20 Notre Dame (2-0) in a series where nine of the last 12 games have been decided by single points, including 34-31 in OT last time in East Lansing in '10.  Fighting Irish crushed the Spartans last year, so payback alert?

10. Georgia (2-0, 1-0 SEC East) 13 - the Bulldogs opened SEC East play in Week 2 with a win @ Missouri (41-20), after an opening season win vs. Buffalo (45-23).  Week 3: vs. Florida Atlantic (1-1, 0-1 Sun Belt), who lost conference opener last week under new coach Carl Pelini.

11. Clemson (2-0) 14 - the Tigers opens '12 with wins over Auburn (26-19) in Atlanta and vs. Ball State (52-27).  Week 3: vs. Furman (0-2) as Tigers enjoy tune up before ACC opener in Week 4 @ #12 Florida State.

12. Florida State (2-0) 15 - the Seminoles opened vs. two-FCS opponents to kick off '12 with wins over Murray State (69-3) and Savannah State (55-0).  Week 3: vs. Wake Forest (2-0) in the ACC Atlantic opener in a series Wake has won 4 of last 6, including last season.

13. TCU (1-0) 16 - the Horned Frogs open '12 in Week 2 with a win over Grambling (56-0).  Week 3: @ Kansas (1-1) for the Big 12 opener, after moving over from the MWC, where they were undefeated the final three seasons.

14. Virginia Tech (2-0, 1-0 ACC Coastal) 18 - the Hokies open '12 with a Labor Day win vs. Georgia Tech (20-17) in OT and vs. Austin Peay (42-7).  Week 3: @ Pittsburgh (0-2, 0-1 Big East) against their former Big East rivals, the Panthers, who will be joining the ACC next year.

15. Kansas State (2-0) 23 - the Wildcats picked up a solid win in Week 2 vs. Miami-FL (52-13), after opening '12 vs. Missouri State (51-9).  Week 3: vs. North Texas (1-1) in what could be a trap game before Big 12 opener in Week 4 @ OU?

16. Michigan (2-0) 17 - the Wolverines got rocked in the Week 1 opener vs. #1 Alabama (41-13) in Arlington, then held on at home vs. Air Force (31-25).  Week 3: vs. UMass (0-2) before heading to South Bend to face Notre Dame in Week 4.

17.  Texas (2-0) 19 - the Longhorns opened with back to back MWC wins vs. Wyoming (37-17) and New Mexico (45-0) to open '12.  Week 3: @ Ole Miss (2-0) in a dangerous Big 12-SEC road game.

18. Florida (2-0, 1-0 SEC East) 21 - the Gators win SEC opener @ Texas A&M (20-17) in Week 2, after opening season with win over Bowling Green (27-13).  Week 3: @ #25 Tennessee (2-0) for the first SEC East showdown and the first Top 25 showdown vs. Volunteers, since '07.

19. Ohio State (2-0) nr - the Buckeyes struggled in '11 finishing 6-7, after 24-17 Gator Bowl loss to Florida, the first losing season since '88.  The Buckeyes opened '12 with wins over Miami-OH (54-10) and vs. Central Florida (31-16).  Week 3: vs. California (1-1), who the Buckeyes own a 5-1 record over the Golden Bears, but haven't played since '72.

20. Notre Dame (2-0) nr - the Fighting Irish opened the season in Dublin with a win over Navy (50-10), then the first of three with the Big Ten, with a win in home opener vs. Purdue (20-17).  Week 3: @ #9 Michigan State (2-0), as the Fighting Irish announced this week that they are joining the ACC in all sports other than football.

21. Oklahoma State (1-1) 6 - the Cowboys won the Big 12 last year, but unlike '11, fell in Week 2 @ Arizona (59-38), after opening the season with win vs. Savannah State (84-0).  Week 3: vs. Lousiana-Lafayette (2-0, 1-0 Sun Belt), who beat Lamar (40-0) to open season, then @ Troy (37-24) in Sun Belt opener.

22. UCLA (2-0) nr - the Bruins have kicked off the Jim Mora, Jr. era with two wins @ Rice (49-24) and vs. Nebraska (36-30) to jump into the Top 25 early in '12.  Week 3: vs. Houston (0-2), who were upset in opener to Texas State (30-13), then lost to Lousiana Tech (56-49) to open '12.

23. Baylor (1-0) 24 - the Bears opened season in Week 1 over SMU (59-24), then enjoyed a bye week.  Week 3: vs. Louisiana-Monroe (1-0), who is coming off upset win @ Arkansas (34-31).

24. Louisville (2-0) 25 - the Cardinals opened Week 1 with a win over Kentucky (34-14), then followed it up with a win vs. Missouri State (35-7) to open '12.  Week 3: vs. UNC (1-1) in an important Big East-ACC match up at home, which the Tar Heels won 14-7 last year.

25. Tennessee (2-0) nr - the Volunteers enter the Top 25 after wins over North Carolina State (35-21) in Atlanta, then at home vs. Georgia State (51-13).  Next up: vs. #18 Florida (2-0, 1-0 SEC East) in the Volunteers SEC opener of  '12.

Out of Top 25 after Week 2:

Ranked # 5 heading into '12, but Arkansas (1-1) fell at home to Louisina-Monroe (1-0) 34-31 to fall out of the Top 25, after QB Tyler Wilson suffers head injury.  Former #11 Wisconsin (1-1) lost @ Oregon State (1-0) 10-7, after a sluggish opening win vs. Northern Iowa (26-21).  Former #20 Nebraska (1-1) lost @ UCLA (36-30) to fall out of the Top 25.  Former #22 Missouri (1-1, 0-1 SEC East) lost in Week 2 to then #13 Georgia (41-20) at home.

FCS upsets for Week 2:

Sacramento State beat Colorado (30-28), as Pac 12 takes hit vs. FCS.

Northern Arizona beat UNLV (17-10) and North Dakota State beat Colorado State (22-7), as MWC takes two hits vs. FCS.

Illinois State beat Eastern Michigan (31-14), as MAC takes hit vs. FCS.

Breakdown of OOC records in Week 2 by conference and Notes:


SEC - 6-2 vs. OOC opponents, with losses to Sun Belt and Big Ten.  One win over FCS and the Pac 12.

Big Ten - 6-6 vs. OOC opponents, with losses to Pac 12 (3 on road), ACC, Big 12 and vs. Notre Dame.  Win over SEC, one FCS program.
Big 12 - 7-1 vs. OOC opponents, with loss to C-USA.  Two FCS wins and one over ACC, Big Ten and Pac 12.

Pac 12 - 9-3 vs. OOC opponents, with one FCS loss, SEC and WAC.  Two FCS wins, as well as three wins over Big Ten at home, one vs. Big East, ACC and Big 12.

ACC - 8-2 vs. OOC opponents, with Pac 12 and Big 12 loss.  Four wins over FCS, along with wins over Big 12 and Big East (2).

Big East - 3-3 vs. OOC oppoents, with two ACC losses and Pac 12.  Two FCS win and WAC win.

MWC - 1-7 vs. OOC opponents, with two FCS losses, Big Ten, C-USA, MAC, Pac 12 and Big 12.  Lone win over Army.

C-USA - 3-5 vs. OOC opponents, with losses to Big Ten, SEC (2), Sun Belt and WAC. Two wins over FCS and Big Ten.

Independents - 1-2 vs. OOC opponents, with loss to MWC.  One FCS win and Big Ten win.
WAC - 4-3 vs. OOC opponents, with losses to MAC(2) and Big 12.  Two FCS wins, Pac 12 and C-USA.

MAC - 7-6 vs. OOC opponents with losses vs. FCS, SEC, Sun Belt, Big Ten (2), ACC.  Wins vs. four FCS teams, WAC (2) and MWC.

Sun Belt - 5-1 vs. OOC opponents, with loss to SEC.  Wins vs. two FCS programs, SEC, MAC and C-USA.

Cy-Hawk Game: Iowa State 9, Iowa 6 in Iowa City

The Cyclones win second straight over Iowa, as they beat Iowa by 3 again.