Week 3: It's time to mix it up in the Top 25 ... are we beginning to learn some things yet?

The national media doesn't think much of the Big Ten Conference either. Though, five Big Ten teams remain undefeated, after Week 3, with just less than 30 teams can say such in the FBS (28 of the 120 teams are without a loss).

The Big Ten is often competitive. Look at the following games, such as Iowa over Arizona, Michigan over Notre Dame, and Purdue @ Oregon; even Ohio State gave USC a strong game, until the Trojans final drive. USC got the nice win over a Top 10 team, but can't figure out lately how to beat the unranked opponents in their own conference.

Parity is here in College Football. FCS teams have already knocked off a couple ACC teams in '07. In conference play, anything can happen. When you think your program has arrived in the Top 10, home field advantage doesn't always guarantee success even, just ask BYU in Week 3 and Oklahoma State in Week 2.

So, it's time to revisit our Top 25, after Week 3 and position 1 through 25 ... Here are how teams finished ranked in the Top 25 in 2008 and 2007:

1. Florida (3-0, 1-0 SEC) LW 1 - The Gators are the defending BCS title holders and they took care of business vs. Tennessee (1-2, 0-1 SEC) 23-13 in Gainsville. The Gators hold the longest streak now in the FBS. Next up: @ Kentucky (2-0) for the first SEC road test of the year. Florida finished #1 in 2008 and clearly should be #1.
2. Texas (3-0, 1-0 Big 12) LW 2 - The Longhorns gained a little revenge from last year's last second loss to Texas Tech (33-39 in Lubbock), with a 34-24 win over Texas Tech (2-1, 0-1 Big 12) in Austin. Next up: vs. UTEP (1-2), who are coming off first victory over New Mexico State 38-12. Texas finished as high as #3 in 2008 and Top 10 in 2007.
3. Alabama (3-0) LW 4 - The Crimson Tide beat up on another Sun Belt team, North Texas (1-2), 53-7 to get ready for SEC play this week at home. Next up: vs. Arkansas (1-1, 0-1 SEC), who fell to #16 Georgia (2-1, 2-0 SEC) 41-52 at home in their SEC home opener.
4. LSU (3-0, 1-0 SEC) LW 6 - The Tigers beat Lousiana-Lafayette (2-1) 31-3 and their win @ Washington (2-1, 1-0 Pac 10) in Week 1 certainly has more meaning, after Washington (2-1) knocked off then #3 USC (2-1, 0-1 Pac 10) 16-13 in Week 3. Next up: @ Mississippi State (2-1, 1-1 SEC) in the Tigers' first SEC road test. Both teams have beat common SEC opponent Vanderbilt (1-2, 0-2 SEC) this season. The Tigers finished strong in '08, but unranked after a blow out win over Top 25 Georgia Tech (38-3 in Chick-fil-A). The Tigers finished #1 in 2007 in the BCS.
5. Cincinnati (3-0, 1-0 Big East) LW t25 - The Bearcats go out West and pick up a big win 28-18 @ then #22 Oregon State (2-1). The Bearcats entered '09 with a new DC, ex-Iowa player Bob Diaco, and ten new starters on that side of the football, after finishing 11-3 in '08 and #17 in the polls. Coach Brian Kelly has a solid QB in senior Tony Pike and a good start overall in '09. Next up: vs. Fresno State (1-2, 0-1 WAC) comes East, as the Bearcats face their first FBS school at home in '09.
6. Miami-FL (2-0, 2-0 ACC) LW 18 - The Hurricanes have beat two Top 25 opponents to start the '09 season. The latest, a 33-17 win over then #15 Georgia Tech (2-1, 1-1 ACC) to start 2-0 in the conference. Next up: @ #14 Virginia Tech (2-1), with an opportunity for the Hurricanes (#1 in Sagarin ratings) to start 3-0 in the conference before a tough OOC slate begins in Week 5.
7. Penn State (3-0) LW 7 - The Nittany Lions took care of business with the third straight home victory against OOC opponents, with a 31-6 win over Temple (0-2). We don't know much about the Nittany Lions after wins over Akron (1-2), Syracuse (1-2), and now Temple, with combined records of 2-6. Defense appears to be their strength again for Joe Pa. Next up: vs. Iowa (3-0) for the rematch from last year's Iowa win 24-23 that bounced the Nittany Lions out of the BCS title hunt in '08. ESPN Game Day will be on hand for this year's Big Ten opener in Happy Valley.
8. California (3-0) LW 8 - The Bears lead by star running back Jahvid Best's five touchdowns won 35-21 @ Minnesota (2-1) in their first road test. However, just how good are the Bears after facing Maryland (1-2), Eastern Washington (2-1 FCS) and now the Gophers? None of the three are Top 25 material, so Cal will need to earn the next ranking. Next up: @ Oregon (2-1), who ended Utah's (2-1) 16 game win streak, with a 31-24 home victory.
9. Boise State (3-0, 1-0 WAC) LW 9 - The Broncos took care of business @ Fresno State (1-2, 0-1 WAC) with a 54-31 win. The Broncos face an OOC road trip in Week 4. Next up: @ Bowling Green (1-2), which can't be taken lightly after a competitive game @ Missouri in Week 2.
10. Ohio State (2-1) LW 10 - The Buckeyes beat Toledo (1-2) in Cleveland 38-0 to rebound from a disappointing loss at home in Week 2 vs. USC 15-18. The Buckeyes are likely higher than appropriate, with the Trojans now out of the Top 10, but the Buckeyes are dangerous. QB Terrelle Pryor is good, solid defense and the loss is a good wake up call for the Buckeyes the rest of the way. Next up: vs. Illinois (1-1), who are coming off a bye week. The Fighting Illini are a mystery with key injuries, but they did beat the Buckeyes in '07 in Columbus.
11. Oklahoma (2-1) LW 11 - The Sooners pound Tulsa (2-1) 45-0 as new quarterback Landry Jones threw six touchdown passes, setting a Sooners record. Next up: a bye week to prepare for a road trip to #6 Miami-FL (2-0), who are off to an outstanding start in the ACC and overall.
12. Mississippi (2-0) LW 12 - The Rebels beat Southeastern Louisiana (2-1), a FCS opponent, 52-6, but far too early to reward the Rebels in our opinion. Next up: @ South Carolina (2-1, 0-1 SEC) for the SEC opener for '09 and important game for both teams.
13. USC (2-1, 0-1 Pac 10) LW 3 - The Trojans can't win on the road in the Pac Ten opener @ Washington (2-1, 1-0 Pac 10), falling 13-16. The real question for the Trojans right now is at QB, with inexperience and health a factor now. Next up: vs. Washington State (1-2, 0-1 Pac 10), who are clearly one of the weakest teams from a BCS conference.
14. Virginia Tech (2-1) LW 14 - The Hokies pick up the win it over then #21 Nebraska (2-1) Cornhuskers 16-15 when QB Tyrod Taylor connected with Dyrell Roberts on an 11-yard TD pass with 21 seconds left to play. Next up: vs. #6 Miami-FL (2-0, 2-0 ACC) in a huge opener for the Hokies in the ACC.
15. Florida State (2-1) LW NR - The Seminoles ran out of time vs. now #6 Miami-FL in Week 1 opener in the ACC, but the Seminoles won @ then #5 BYU (2-1) in Week 3 to rebound and get back on track. Next up: vs. South Florida (3-0), who have played two FCS programs and the newest full member from the FCS to open '09. The Seminoles need to be careful in this in-state game.
16. Georgia (2-1, 2-0 SEC) LW 16 - The Bulldogs won @ Arkansas (1-1) 52-41 to open 2-0 in the SEC after three weeks of football. Next up: vs. Arizona State (2-0), who Georgia beat 27-10 on the road in '08. How will a trip East go for the Sun Devils?
17. TCU (2-0) LW 17 - The Horned Frogs beat a FCS opponent, Texas State (1-1), 56-21 in their home opener of the season. Next up: @ Clemson (2-1, 1-1 ACC), who are coming off a win in the ACC vs. Boston College (2-1, 0-1 ACC) 25-7. Another non-BCS Top 25 team is in for a real test.
18. Georgia Tech (2-1, 1-1 ACC) LW 15 - The Yellow Jackets lost @ then #18 Miami-FL (2-0, 2-0 ACC) in an important early ACC battle. Next up: vs. North Carolina (3-0), who faces a tough ACC opener on the road vs. the Yellow Jackets, who UNC beat 28-7 last year.
19. Oklahoma State (2-1) LW 19 - The Cowboys rebounded with a 41-24 win at home vs. Rice (0-3), also from the C-USA. Next up: vs. FCS opponent, Grambling State (2-1, 1-0 SWAC) for the Cowboys fourth straight home game in '09.
20. Iowa (3-0) LW 20 - The Hawkeyes have completed each game as they should to open the '09 season, with a win. This week's victory being a 27-17 win over the Pac 10's Arizona (2-1) to disappoint Wildcats' coach Mike Stoops homecoming game vs. his alma mater. Next up: @ #7 Penn State (3-0), who the Hawkeyes have beaten 6 out of last 7, including 3 out of 4 in Happy Valley.
21. BYU (2-1) LW 5 - The Cougars were dominated by Florida State (2-1, 0-1 ACC) 28-54 on their home field in Week 3. Next up: vs. Colorado State (3-0), who are off to a solid start in ' 09. This is the MWC opener for both teams
22. Oregon (2-1) LW NR - The Ducks beat then #13 Utah (2-1) 34-21 to pick up their second straight win at home, after a disappointing season opener @ now #9 Boise State (3-0, 2-1 WAC). Next up: vs. #8 California (3-0) in the Pac Ten opener for both schools.
23. Washington (2-1, 1-0 Pac 10) LW NR - The Huskies played #7 LSU strong in the season opener, but came up short. However, Week 3 was not to be denied as the Huskies beat then #3 USC (2-1, 0-1 Pac 10) 16-13 to rebound from last year's 0-12 record in style, as new coach Steve Sarkistan beats his mentor, Pete Carroll, in his first head to head. Next up: @ Stanford (2-1, 1-0 Pac 10), who beat Washington State (1-2, 0-1 Pac 10) in season opener on road.
24. Houston (2-0) LW 24 - The Cougars were idle this past week, after their upset win @ now #19 Oklahoma State in Week 2. The Cougars host Texas Tech (2-1, 0-1 Big 12), who are coming off disappointing 24-34 loss @ #2 Texas (3-0, 1-0 Big 12).
25. TIE: One of these Big 12 North teams, either Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri is worthy of #25. Since they haven't opened conference play yet in the Big 12 North, and with each having shown something worthy of recognition, it is only fair to place each of them at #25 this week.
    Kansas (3-0) LW t25 - The Jayhawks beat Duke (1-2) 44-16 at home. Next up: vs. Southern Miss (3-0, 1-0 C-USA), who beat Virginia (0-3) 37-34 to remain undefeated in '09, as the Golden Eagles hit the road for the first time @ KU.
    Nebraska (2-1) LW 21 - The Cornhuskers nearly pulled off a great road win in Bo Pelini's second year with a 15-16 loss @ #14 Virginia Tech (2-1). Next up: vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (2-1), who already are 1-0 vs. Big 12 North opponents, with a 17-15 win vs. K-State. Huskers must avoid a letdown in Week 4.
    Missouri (3-0) LW NR - The Tigers pound a FCS opponent, Furman (2-1) 52-12 in Week 3 to remain undefeated. Next up: @ Nevada (0-2), who lost 20-35 @ Colorado State (3-0) in Week 3, after losing opener @ Notre Dame (2-1) 0-35 in Week 1.

Teams to Watch in Week 4: Teams who are currently ranked in Top 25 AP and/or Coaches' Polls, but not ranked here:
North Carolina (3-0) - The Tar Heels remain undefeated in '09 with a 31-17 win at home vs. East Carolina (1-2). Next up: @ #18 Georgia Tech (2-1, 1-1 ACC) for the Tar Heels ACC opener.
Michigan (3-0) - The Wolverines beat Eastern Michigan 45-17 for their third staright win in Ann Arbor. Next up: vs. Indiana (3-0), who are off to a strong start in coach Bill Lynch's third season. IU won @ Akron (1-2) 38-21 to be among the five Big Ten teams that are currently undefeated after three weeks of football.

Exiting our Top 25 in Week 3: Utah (2-1) LW 13 (L 21-34 @ Oregon), Oregon State (2-1) LW 22 (L 18-28 vs. t#25 Cincinnati(3-0)). West Virginia (2-1) LW 23 (L 30-41 @ Auburn (3-0))

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