Nice win Texas over Baylor ... now, what about tonight Iowa vs. Michigan State for B1G Championship?

Indianapolis, IN -- How did the Iowa Hawkeyes ever get to here? 

The 2015 Big Ten Championship Game is tonight in Lucas Oil Stadium, from Indianapolis.

Big Ten Championship Game: Michigan State vs. Iowa

Michigan State wasn't supposed to be here either, but That's Football. The games have to be played. The Spartans were a unanimous #2 in the B1G East Division, but they took out the unanimous choice in 2015, the defending champion, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and won every game, except one played in Lincoln, to open the month of November.

Ohio State was supposed to be here. The Buckeyes were supposed to repeat. They have been playing with fire throughout the season, with wins over Northern Illinois, Indiana, before falling at home to Michigan State, 17-14. But, how good is Ohio State, on any given Saturday?

Last season's Final 4, after conference championship games were played.

After winning the 2015 College Football Playoff Championship Game, players moved on from Columbus, assistant coaches moved on and the 2015 College Football season begins as a new year, and as a new team. Look at the success of the Ohio State's former offensive coordinator today ...

Houston vs Temple

Final - Today, 11:00 AM

TDECU Stadium, Houston, Texas

20Temple Owls (10-3) 13 17Houston Cougars (12-1) 24 The Houston Cougars won today the AAC Championship Game There head coach is Tom Herman, former OSU OC in '14 They will be the non-Power 5 in the New Year's Day 6

Alabama and Michigan State are two Top 10 programs that
are in the College Football Playoff hunt. They also have one loss,
Bama at home against Ole Miss and MSU @ Nebraska.

Preseason rankings, eye tests and recruiting ratings make for smack talk, overvalued ratings and a need for some high waders, since games still need to be played on the field. The Blue Bloods don't always win. Players are aged 18-23 and there is plenty of noise throughout the season.

The 2015 season may be a great example, especially, if you are the non-Blue Bloods, like Iowa, that the games need to be played. Both Iowa, Clemson and Oklahoma were not Top 10 picks, in their conference or division.  

Interesting fact about today's game. Neither, Iowa nor Michigan State have played or been in the conversation for the College Football Playoff, until this year. Yes, Michigan State was in the ratings last year, but with two losses they were not in the 2014 conversation, like today.

In 2013, Michigan State won the Big Ten, with a win over Ohio State, to close out the Legends and Leaders era of Big Ten football. But, that was the final season of the BCS, so no College Football Playoff, but a great season. In 2014, Ohio State kicked off the College Football Playoff era with a journey from #16 to Last In, at #4, after smoking a Wisconsin team, whose coach was ready to get out of Madison.

Interesting, in 2012, Michigan State was, like Iowa coming off a 7-6 season. Unlike Iowa, Michigan State had finished with back to back 11 win seasons. Though, Iowa beat Michigan State two out of those three seasons.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is the dean of the Big Ten head coaches, with 17 years
at the helm. Overall, he has 26 years in the Big Ten, after serving as an OL
coach from 1981 to 1989, under Hayden Fry at Iowa.

Iowa, like Michigan State, has had two 11 win seasons under Kirk Ferentz. They are not back to back, but, both Iowa and Michigan State have finished 8-0 in the Big Ten under their current coach. Iowa has now done that twice, after finishing the 2015 regular season at 12-0.

Don't worry Becky, the Big Ten will be represented. Ohio State
was 6-7 in 2011 and has played in 2 of the 5 B1G Championship
Games, since 2011. The Big Ten is very healthy right now.

Iowa scheduled and played 10 Power Five schools in 2015, unlike most of the programs, not named Oklahoma, in the College Football Playoff discussion. Stanford is another one with 10 Power Five Games and with a win today and the right mix of upsets, could justify jumping Ohio State.

The Big Ten will have a representative for the second straight year, since the College Football Playoff began during the 2014 season. They have an outside chance of two, if things turn out right, in a couple of conference championship games.

#12 Baylor fell at home to unranked Texas today. Is Alabama really the best
1-loss team in the College Football Playoff? Ole Miss-Bama isn't the rivalry
game that the Red River Rivalry between Oklahoma and Texas.

The SEC and ACC championship games will determine whether anyone outside the Top 5 rejoins the conversations. Clemson, Alabama, Oklahoma, Iowa and Michigan State all controlled their own destiny and they have all month, since the first College Football Playoff rankings were released.

Yes, you only get once chance

In the second quarter, Florida is competing with Alabama, leading 7-5, but with under 3 minutes the Crimson Tide took the lead again. This is the same Florida team that was trailing Florida State, last Saturday, from the 12:11 mark of the first quarter. There is a reason, why the games must be played. After all, Alabama struggled in a loss at home vs. Ole Miss in 2015.

The Iowa Hawkeyes got to Indianapolis by taking care of business throughout the season. The Hawkeyes were behind a couple of games, where opponents lead in games,into the third quarter. But, Iowa owned every fourth quarter in 2015.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz addressing his team, after a 12-0 season. It is Iowa's
fifth unbeaten season ever, first since 1922 and most wins ever in program history.

The Hawkeyes have outscored their opponents 71-23 in the first quarter, and 44-6 in the final two minutes of the first half. Iowa has trailed just five times this season, never by more than seven points. The Hawkeyes trailed by seven at Iowa State on two occasions, 10-3, 17-10. Iowa trailed 3-0 at Wisconsin, 7-6 against Illinois, and 17-14 at Indiana. The Hawkeyes have not trailed since the 3-minute mark in the second quarter against Indiana (14 quarters ago). In 720 minutes played, Iowa has trailed for 55:15.

Yes, they started in the off season, with a lot of noise against the program. The coaching staff was getting negative votes of confidence by the fans, the media and those outside the program. Inside the program, 

• Ferentz moved C.J. Beathard to #1 signal caller, in January
• Iowa went out to Oregon and visited with the Ducks about morning practices and put the program under the microscope
• Iowa moved into a state of the air Football facility for 2015
• Iowa moved to morning practices; moved non-practice day to Thursday, from Monday
• The Hawkeyes went from 0-4 in trophy games in 2014 to 4-0 this season

Junior C.J. Beathard is one of only three Power 5 Conference quarterbacks to win each of their first 13 career starts since 2010. The others include Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, who led Auburn to the BCS National Championship in 2011 and Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston, who led Florida State to the 2014 BCS National Championship. Beathard's record in 13 career starts includes a 6-0 mark on the road, a 7-0 mark at home, and an 8-0 mark in the Big Ten.

Former #1 Jake Rudock transferred to Michigan. Michigan defeated two B1G West opponents, Minnesota and Northwestern, which was good for Iowa, since Iowa faced each of those opponents immediately after the B1G West opponent faced Michigan.

Iowa has greatly improved in 2015, much like 2013 at Michigan State.

Iowa's offensive line has been named a finalist for the Joe Moore Award, which honors offensive line units that display a high level of toughness, effort, teamwork, physicality, tone setting and finishing. The Joe Moore Award winner will be announced Friday, Dec. 11. Other finalists include Alabama, Arkansas, Michigan State, Notre Dame, and Stanford. The Hawkeyes earned a "Game Ball" from the Joe Moore Award following wins at Iowa State and against Pitt. At Iowa State, Iowa's offense rushed for 260 yards, averaging 5.8 yards per rushing attempt. Iowa controlled the fourth quarter with 10:55 in possession time, scoring two touchdowns in the final 2:14 to earn the road win. 

Iowa junior QB #16 C.J. Beathard is 13-0 as a starter at Iowa. He has been
called a difference maker, game manager and #1 reason Iowa is unbeaten.

Against Pitt, the Hawkeyes owned more than a five minute advantage in time of possession and allowed just one sack, allowing QB C.J. Beathard to throw for then-career bests in completions (27), attempts (40), and yards (258). Iowa has rushed for over 200 yards in seven games. The Hawkeye offense has six touchdown drives over 90 yards and 18 touchdowns drives over 75 yards. Iowa scored over 30 points in five straight games for the first time ever. Iowa's offensive line includes center Austin Blythe, tackles Cole Croston, Boone Myers and Ike Boettger, and guards Sean Welsh and Jordan Walsh. Blythe and Walsh are seniors, while Myers, Boettger and Welsh are sophomores. True freshman James Daniels has rotated in at the guard positions, and filled in at right tackle vs. Illinois. The Joe Moore Award is named after Joe Moore, widely regarded as one of the best offensive line coaches in college football history, and is the only major college football award to honor a unit.

Iowa junior Desmond King has lead the Hawkeyes' secondary with eight
interceptions and on special teams in 2015.

Iowa improved greatly on defense in 2015, reducing explosive plays and against the run compared to 2014. Further, special teams played a positive role, lead by two senior specialists and the insertion of junior CB Desmond King as a kick and punt returner. 

The majority are picking Michigan State to win its second Big Ten Conference Championship Game, but the Hawkeyes have a good history in B1G games over the years against the Spartans. Thirty years ago, Iowa won its last outright Big Ten title. The game against Michigan State went down to the wire that game. 

Iowa DC Phil Parker, who came in Kirk Ferentz's first season in Iowa City.
OC Greg Davis has experience leading championship football at Texas.

Iowa's defensive coordinator Phil Parker was an all-Big Ten safety at Michigan State back in 1985. The last time Iowa went 8-0 in the Big Ten was in 2002, the fourth season, under new offensive and defensive coordinators. Parker is in his fourth season as DC for Kirk Ferentz. In many ways, the stars have aligned for Iowa, with history, development, momentum, schedule and emotion, as 2015 unfolded.

Who's In?                                            Iowa or Michigan State?

We shall soon know, as the winner from the Big Ten Championship Game will be in ...

BCS Revisited: #1 LSU vs. #2 Alabama for the 2012 BCS Title Game

They played once in the regular season. The highly anticipated game was short on scoring, but long on defense, poor special teams and physical play.

Unlike the Game of the Century played 40+ years ago in the Orange Bowl, this rematch has the BCS title on the line.

For many, the 2011-12 bowl season has gone on forever. Unlike most seasons, when New Year's Day is for bowl games, the NFL had the spotlight, since the first landed on a Sunday.

The BCS Title Game should be a good game. Game of the Century? Not likely, with the lack of buzz for many.

New Orleans will play home for the BCS Title Game. The game should allow for plenty to celebrate in the Quarter, after this game is completed.

The 2011 season BCS title will be won by an SEC program again, for a record sixth season in a row.

• 2006 season - Florida Gators


• 2007 season - LSU Tigers


• 2008 season - Florida Gators


• 2009 season - Alabama Crimson Tide


• 2010 season - Auburn Tigers


• 2011 season - LSU or Alabama

The game will kick off on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. on Mo nay, January 9Th- watch live Will it be payback for Bama or will the LSU Tigers finish 2011 undefeated. We shall see!

Week 6: Our Top 25 picks heading into Week 7 and the second half of the 2011 College Football season

The SEC will be tough to beat for the BCS? Big 12: Oklahoma smoked Texas 55-17 in the Red River Rivalry and little brother , Oklahoma State travels to Austin in Week 7. The Big Ten and the Pac 12 historically play for the Rose Bowl, but will one or two sneak into the BCS talk in the second half of the 2011 College Football season?

CIDSports Top 25 College Football Teams after Week 6

1. LSU Tigers (6-0, 3-0 SEC West)
2. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-0, 3-0 SEC West)


3. Oklahoma Sooners (5-0, 2-0 Big 12)
4. Stanford Cardinal (5-0, 3-0 Pac 12 North)
5. Boise State Broncos (5-0, 0-0 MWC)
6. Oregon Ducks (4-1, 2-0 Pac 12 North)
7. Wisconsin Badgers (5-0, 1-0 B1G Leaders)
8. Oklahoma State Cowboys (5-0, 2-0 Big 12)
9. Clemson Tigers (6-0, 3-0 ACC Atlantic)
10. Arkansas Razorbacks (5-1, 1-1 SEC West)


11. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-0, 3-0 ACC Coastal)
12. West Virginia Mountaineers (5-1, 1-0 Big East)
13. Michigan Wolverines (6-0, 2-0 B1G Legends)
14. Illinois Fighting Illini (6-0, 2-0 B1G Leaders)
15. Arizona State Sun Devils (5-1, 3-0 Pac 12 South)
16. Virginia Tech Hokies (5-1, 1-1 ACC Coastal)
17. Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-1, 1-1 B1G Legends)
18. Auburn Tigers (4-2, 2-1 SEC West)
19. South Carolina Gamecocks (5-1, 3-1 SEC East)
20. Kansas State Wildcats (5-0, 2-0 Big 12)
21. Texas Longhorns (4-1, 1-1 Big 12)
22. Texas A&M Aggies (3-2, 1-1 Big 12)
23. Michigan State Spartans (4-1, 1-0 Legends)
24. Baylor Bears (4-1, 1-1 Big 12)


25. Penn State Nittany Lions (5-1, 2-0 B1G Leaders)

Knocked out: Florida Gators (4-2, 2-2 SEC East) - loss of starting QB in Week 5 lead to second loss in as many weeks in Week 6; Florida State Seminoles (2-3, 0-2 ACC Coastal), who are underperforming under second year coach Jimbo Fisher.

Undefeated, but unranked by CID: Houston Cougars (6-0, 2-0 C-USA West)

Ranked in AP or Coaches, but not by CID: Houston Cougars (6-0, 2-0 C-USA West), who are #25 in AP and #22 in Coaches.

The Road to Omaha is Complete; College World Series: Play Ball!

The new TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha will host the College World Series this year for the first time. The memories of old Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha will be replaced with a new downtown facility close to hotels and Omaha's Old Market district.

Eight teams will battle in this year's double elimination bracket, followed by the best of three games championship series format for the 2011 tournament. The 2010 College World Series champs are back, with South Carolina in Omaha to defend their title.

Bracket 1: (starts Saturday, June 18Th)

• Game 1 - North Carolina vs. Vanderbilt


• Game 2 - Texas vs. Florida

Bracket 2: (starts Sunday, June 19Th)

• Game 3 - California vs. Virginia


• Game 4 - South Carolina vs. Texas A&M

Twenty years ago, Creighton and Wichita State faced off in the 1991 College World Series in one of the most memorable games at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium. The losing pitcher that day was Creighton's Brian O'Connor. O'Connor is back in 2011 as the head coach leading the Virginia into the 2011 CWS.

New memories begin in 2011 at the College World Series in the new downtown venue in Omaha.

peace

Week 4 is in the Books: Big Ten Conference heads into Conference play in October

We have seen some good programs go down over the first four weeks off the 2010 College Football season. The top program in the land was able to take care of business, despite a scare on the road in Week 4. There are still some questions heading into conference play and October.

Who are for real heading into October and Week 5?

• Alabama (4-0, 2-0 SEC West) - nice 24-20 win @ Arkansas (3-1, 1-1 SEC West) in Week 4 ...


• Ohio State (4-0) - yes, they may not be ready to beat a SEC program in the BCS title game, but they are ready to make a run and will open Big Ten play on the road for the first time in Week 5 ...


• Boise State (3-0) - the Broncos just win games that they face in FBS play ...


• TCU (4-0) - will they get a chance in '10 to knock off Boise State, like they did to close '08?

Who are still overvalued as we hit October and Week 5?

• Nebraska (4-0) - The Cornhuskers have won three PPV games at home and on the road @ Washington (1-2)


• Wisconsin (4-0) - They won @ UNLV (1-3, 1-1 MWC) on the road and beat Arizona State (2-2, 0-1 Pac 10) at home


• LSU (4-0, 2-0 SEC West) - is a win over West Virginia (3-1) really enough to say the Tigers are back and for real?


• Florida (4-0, 2-0 SEC East) - What will the young QBs do against the SEC or nation's best in Week 5?

Our Week 4 Top 25 Poll for 2010

1. Alabama (4-0, 1-0 SEC West) 1 - won @ then #14 Arkansas (3-1, 1-1 SEC West) 24-20. Next: vs. #6 Florida (4-0, 2-0 SEC East) in the primetime showdown game between two top SEC teams.


2. Ohio State (4-0) 2 - beat Eastern Michigan (0-4, 0-2 MAC West) 73-20 to close out four staight OOC games in Columbus. Next: @ Illinios (2-1) to open 2010 Big Ten play.


3. Boise State (3-0) 3 - beat Oregon State (1-2) on the blue turf 37-24 win. Sorry AP voters, why were the Beavers in your Week 3 Top 25? Next: @ New Mexico State (0-3) to open 2010 WAC play.


4. TCU (4-0) 7 -the Horned Frogs take care of business with a 41-24 win @ SMU (2-2, 1-0 C-USA West) to win rivalry game, between the two former SWC foes. Next: @ Colorado State (1-3) to open 2010 MWC play.


5. Oregon (4-0, 1-0 Pac 10) 5 - the Ducks win 42-31 @ Arizona State (2-2, 0-1 Pac 10) to open 2010 Pac 10 play. Next: vs. #12 Stanford (4-0, 1-0 Pac 10) in the Pac 10 home opener for the Ducks that could determine the conference champion in '10.


6. Florida (4-0, 2-0 SEC East) 6 - the Gators win a 48-14 game vs. Kentucky (3-1, 0-1 SEC East), in a SEC mismatch. Next: @ #1 Alabama in a huge SEC conference match up.


7. Oklahoma (4-0) 8 - the Sooners like to make it close with three of four opponents, but they take care of business again, with a 31-29 win @ Cincinnati (1-3). Next: vs. #18 Texas (3-1, 1-0 Big 12 South) in the Red River Rivalry in Dallas.


8. Utah (4-0, 2-0 MWC) 11 - the Utes take down San Jose State (1-3) in a 56-3 win. Next: Bye Week in Week 5, before the Utes are @ Iowa State (2-2, 0-1 Big 12 North) in a MWC-Big 12 match up that should highly favor the non-BCS program in Week 6.


9. Nebraska (4-0) 9 - the Cornhuskers are taking care of business, but are they really a Top 10 program? Cornhuskers beat FCS opponent South Dakota State (0-3, 0-1 MVfC) 17-3 to close out OOC play. Next: Bye Week before opening Big 12 play on October 7Th @ Kansas State (4-0, 1-0 Big 12 North).


10. Wisconsin (4-0) 10 - the Badgers are a lot like the Cornhuskers... taking care of business in four OOC games, but are they really a Top 10 Program, as well? Badgers beat FCS opponent Austin Peay (2-2, 1-0 OVC) 70-13. Next: @ #22 Michigan State (4-0) in a huge Big Ten opener for both programs in Week 5.


11. LSU (4-0, 2-0 SEC West) 12 - the Tigers beat then #24 West Virginia (3-1) 20-14 to remain undefeated for coach Les Miles. Next: vs. Tennessee (2-2, 0-1 SEC East) in a good cross-SEC division match up that should go the Tigers way.


12. Stanford (4-0, 1-0 Pac 10) 20 - the Cardinal have wins @ UCLA (2-2, 0-1 Pac 10) in Week 2 and a 37-14 Week 4 win @ Notre Dame (1-3) in coach Jim Harbaugh's fourth season in Palo Alto. Next: @ #5 Oregon in a huge Pac 10 showdown.


13. Auburn (4-0, 2-0 SEC West) 18 - beat then #13 South Carolina at home 35-27 to remain undefeated. Next: vs. Louisiana-Monroe (1-2, 0-1 Sun Belt) to open October back in OOC play.


14. Miami-FL (2-1) 15 - came off Bye Week, following loss @ Ohio State in Week 2, with a solid 31-3 road win @ Pittsburgh (1-2) on Thursday night of Week 4. Next: vs. Clemson (2-1), who will be coming off their own Bye Week, after an OT loss at LSU in Week 3.


15. Arkansas (3-1, 1-1 SEC West) - the Razorbacks made it a close one, but fell short on the upset bid against #1 Alabama 20-24 at home. Next: Bye Week in Week 5, then @ Texas A&M (3-0) in Week 6


16. Arizona (4-0, 1-0 Pac 10) 16 - the Wildcats remain undefeated winning the Pac 10 opener in Tucson 10-9 over California (2-2, 0-1 Pac 10). Next: vs. Oregon State (1-2) in what is setting up as a good schedule for the Wildcats, after getting by #17 Iowa in Week 3 and Cal in Week 4.


17. Iowa (3-1) 17 - the Hawkeyes honored Evy in a 'Throwback Game' with a 45-0 win over Ball State (1-3) to head into conference play in October. Next: vs. #21 Penn State (3-1) in a prime time Big Ten opener on Homecoming in Iowa City in Week 5. Iowa DC Norm Parker has missed the past two games and is expected out, due to health reasons, for the third straight game.


18. Texas (3-1, 1-0 Big 12 East) 4 - the Longhorns drop out of the Top 10 with a disappointing 12-34 loss vs. UCLA (2-2, 0-1 Pac 10) in Austin. Next: vs. #7 Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry game, with the Longhorns coming off first loss into RRR game, since '07. The last loss for the Longhorns vs. OU was in '07.


19. USC (4-0, 1-0 Pac 10) 19 - the Trojans continue their winning ways, despite NCAA probation in coach Lane Kiffin's first season, with a 50-16 road win @ Washington State (1-3, 0-1 Pac 10) to open conference play. Next: vs. Washington (1-2) in the conference home opener for the Trojans.


20. South Carolina (3-1, 1-1 SEC East) 13 - lost @ then #18 Auburn 27-35 to fall back in the SEC East. Next: Bye week, before hosting #1 Alabama in Week 6.


21. Penn State (3-1) 21 - the Nittany Lions broke the game open in the second half to beat Temple (3-1, 1-0 MAC East) 22-13. Next: @ #17 Iowa in the Big Ten opener, which should be one of the best games in Week 5.


22. Michigan State (4-0) 22 - Hopefully, coach Mark Dantonio will make a full recovery from a health standpoint, after suffering a mild heart attack after Week 3 win over Notre Dame. With OC Don Threadwell, the Spartans won 45-7 over FCS opponent Northern Colorado (2-2, 1-1 Big Sky). Next: vs. #10 Wisconsin in rematch of '09 Big Ten opener, but this time in East Lansing.


23. Florida State (3-1, 1-0 ACC Atlantic) 23 - the Seminoles opened conference play with a solid 31-0 win over Wake Forest (2-2, 1-1 ACC Atlantic). Next: @ Virginia (2-1), who have win over FCS opponents, in coach Mike London's first season for the Cavaliers.


24. North Carolina State (4-0, 1-0 ACC Atlantic) NR - the Wolfback open ACC play with a 45-28 road win @ defending ACC champion Georgia Tech (2-2, 1-1 ACC Coastal), as NC State pick up a win in the conference opener for the first time in four seasons under coach Tom O'Brien.


25. Michigan (4-0) 25 - the Wolverines close out OOC play with a 65-21 win over Bowling Green (1-3). Next: @ Indiana (3-0) to open Big Ten play in a rematch game that nearly cost coach Rich Rodriquez's 4-0 start in '09.

Dropped Out after Week 4: former #24 West Virginia (3-1) falls out with 14-20 loss @ then #18 Auburn.

A Look at the Conferences heading into October:

ACC Atlantic - North Carolina State and Florida State both 1-0 to lead the Division thus far. Wake Forest is 1-1. Boston College is 0-1. Maryland and Clemson open ACC play in October.

ACC Coastal - Despite the slow start in '10, both Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech lead the Division at 1-1 thus far. North Carolina and Duke are both 0-1. Miami (FL) and Virginia open ACC play in October.

Big 12 North - Kansas State remains undefeated overall and is 1-0 to lead the Division heading into October and their bye week. Iowa State is 0-1 and hosts Texas Tech in Week 5. Missouri and Nebraska are idle in Week 5 and will open Big 12 play in Week 6. Colorado will open Big 12 play in Week 5 @ Baylor.

Big 12 South - Texas is 1-0 heading into October to lead the Big 12 South for now. Texas Tech is 0-1 and travels to Iowa State in Week 5. The Red River Rivalry game has determined the Big 12 South winner forever. OU opens Big 12 for the first time, in the RRR game, since '06 season. Texas A&M is @ Oklahoma State on Thursday night to open Big 12 play and close out September play. Baylor hosts CU to open Big 12 play.

Big East - No Top 25 programs currently, with Pitt (1-2), Cincinnati (1-3) and West Virginia (3-1) all falling out of the Top 25, so far in '10. OOC play continues through Week 5.

Big Ten - Conference play opens up in Week 5, the first weekend of October with some outstanding match ups. OSU @ Illinois, PSU @ Iowa, UW @ MSU, Michigan @ IU, NW @ Minnesota. Purdue is idle Week 5 and will open Big Ten play on Oct. 9Th @ NW.

C-USA East - East Carolina is 2-0 to lead the Division. UAB is 0-1 and Memphis is 0-2. UCF and Marshall will open C-USA play in October.

C-USA West - Houston is 2-0, while SMU is 1-0 in the Division. UTEP is 1-1, while Tulsa and Tulane are both 0-1. Rice will open C-USA play in October. No C-USA teams are currently in the Top 25, though Houston was until loss @ UCLA in Week 3.

Independents - Army is 3-1, Navy 2-1 and Notre Dame is 1-3. The Midshipmen fell out our Top 25, after the opening season loss to Maryland. Does BYU really want to join this group in '11?

MAC East - Temple and Miami (OH) are both 1-0 to lead the Division. Ohio U. is 0-1. Kent State, Bowling Green, Buffalo and Akron will open conference play in October.

MAC West - Toledo is 2-0 to lead the Division heading into October. Central Michigan is 1-1. Western Michigan is 0-1 and Eastern Michigan is 0-2. Northern Illinois and Ball State will open conference play in October.

MWC - Utah and Air Force both lead conference at 2-0 heading into October. UNLV is 1-1. BYU and Wyoming are 0-1, while New Mexico is 0-2. TCU, San Diego State and Colorado State will open MWC play in October.

Pac 10 - Four teams are at the top at 1-0 heading into October: Arizona, Oregon, Stanford and USC. Oregon State and Washington will open Pac 10 play in Week 5. Arizona State, California, UCLA and Washington State are all 0-1 heading into October.

Sun Belt - Middle Tennessee, Troy and North Texas are all 1-0 to lead the Sun Belt heading into October. Louisiana-Lafayette is 1-1. Arkansas State is 1-2. Florida Atlantic and Louisiana-Monroe are both 0-1. FIU and Western Kentucky will open conference play in Week 6 head to head.

WAC - Fresno State is 1-0 heading into October in the WAC. Utah State is 0-1. Nevada, Boise State, Hawai'i, Idaho, Louisiana Tech, San Jose State and New Mexico State will all open WAC play in October.

SEC East - Florida is 2-0 and the only undefeated team in the Division. South Carolina and Vanderbilt are 1-1. Kentucky and Tennessee are both 0-1, while Georgia is 0-2 heading into October.

SEC West - Auburn and LSU are both 2-0 heading into October. Alabama is 1-0. Arkansas is 1-1. Mississippi State is 1-2, while Ole Miss is 0-1. Three games already in September in conference play for Mississippi State. Ouch!

Seeing programs playing three conference games in September is poor for the sport of College Football. Too many early conference games, when you look at some of the ugly OOC match ups in the second half of the season. Let October and November be conference games and conference races to unfold. Encourage only solid OOC match ups in the second half of the season. There is nothing wrong with Florida-Florida State or South Carolina-Clemson or Georgia-Georgia Tech, but look at some of the bad examples in 2010.

Bad examples in the second half of the season:

• Georgia State @ Alabama on November 20Th


• Chattanooga @ Auburn on November 6Th


• McNeese State @ LSU on October 16Th


• Appalachian State @ Florida on November 20Th (final two games are OOC for Gators)


• Idaho State @ Georgia on November 6Th


• Charleston Southern @ Kentucky on November 6Th


• Florida Atlantic @ Texas on November 20Th


• Weber State @ Texas Tech on November 20Th

peace

CIDSports Top 25 College Football Poll after Week 2

So, how should the Top 25 sort out after Week 2 of the 2010 College Football season? Yes, we have Boise State #3 in the nation, but remember the season is very young. They are a solid program that can compete on the field with just about anyone, but they are also #3. We have a one game BCS title game, so right now, it will be up to the BCS programs to keep them out of the hunt in 2010, since the Boise State SOS doesn't give them any assistance along the way in this young season that just finished Week2.

• We have some leaders in conference play in the ACC, C-USA, MWC, SEC and Pac Ten conferences, who have all opened up a little conference play already in 2010


• The ACC Coastal Division has zero teams that are undefeated after only two weeks


• The Sun Belt isn't going to gain much fan fare in 2010, with zero teams undefeated. Middle Tennessee missed vs. Minnesota in Week 1 and Troy missed getting Oklahoma State in Week 2. No teams are undefeated.


• BYU will join the three Independents next year, but all four programs have something in common in 2010: each program is 1-1 for the season


• The Big East has two undefeated teams, but barely, in Rutgers and West Virginia to start 2010


• Only three programs in the Big 12 have been defeated in 2010: Colorado, Iowa State and Kansas all have one loss. Some Big 12 teams will open conference play in Week 3


• The Big Ten has six programs 2-0 to open the 2010 season


• East Carolina is 2-0 (2-0 C-USA East) to open the season with back to back conference games. Will the Pirates win OOC opener @ Virginia Tech in Week 3?


• Temple (2-0, 1-0 MAC East) are the only remaining team undefeated in the 13 member MAC.


• The Pac 10 has six programs 2-0 to open the 2010 season.

CIDSports Top 25 after Week 2

1. Alabama (2-0) 1 - The Crimson Tide remain undefeated and are the clear #1 in our book, being the defending BCS champions and after a 24-3 win over the former #20 Penn State (1-1) Nittany Lions. Next: @ Duke (1-1, 0-1 ACC Coastal), who lost to Wake Forest (2-0, 1-0 ACC Atlantic) in the Blue Devils ACC opener 48-54. First road game at a BCS school for Alabma, since '02. Alabama beat Duke 30-14 in last meeting.


2. Ohio State (2-0) 2 - The Buckeyes are the five time defending Big Ten champion and they took care of business in Week 2 defeating former #11 Miami-FL (1-1) 36-24 in Columbus. Next: vs. Ohio U (1-1, 0-1 MAC East) - in the Buckeyes third of four straight OOC home games. The Bobcats lost their MAC opener at home 13-20 to Toledo (1-1, 1-0 MAC West). Ohio State is 6-0 lifetime playing Ohio U, beating them 26-14 in '08.


3. Boise State (1-0) 3 was idle in Week 2. Next: The Broncos are @ Wyoming (1-1), who lost 7-34 @ #5 Texas in Week 2. Boise has defeated Wyoming four times dating back to the '02 season, winning '06 game @ Wyoming 17-10.


4. Iowa (2-0) 4 - The Hawkeyes are averaging 36 points per game, while giving up 7 points after defeating in-state rival Iowa State 35-7 in Kinnick on Saturday. Next: @ Arizona (2-0) in a rematch of last year's 27-17 win at Kinnick, but will the Hawkeyes fair as well in the Desert with a 9:30 pm Iowa time start in Tucson?


5. Texas (2-0) 5 - The Longhorns won 34-7 in the home opener over Wyoming (1-1). Next: @ Texas Tech (2-0) to open Big 12 South play. Everyone should remember the shootout in '08 when the Red Raiders won 39-33 late over the Longhorns. Last year's game in Austin was a 34-24 win for the Longhorns, but coach Mack Brown would say the game was closer than the score.


6. Florida (2-0) 6 - The Gators offense was sluggish in the season opener, but the Week 2 performance in a 38-14 win over South Florida (1-1) should help the Gator fans a little. The Gators defense sparked the win in first meeting ever vs. the Bulls. Next: @ Tennessee (1-1) in the SEC opener against a Volunteer team that couldn't hold off the #8 Oregon Ducks in the second half.


7. TCU (2-0) 7 - The Horned Frogs pounded Tennessee Tech, a FCS program, 62-7 in the home stadium opener. Next: vs. Baylor (2-0) as the Horned Frogs look to win third game over the Bears, since the TCU-Baylor match up ended with the loss of the SWC. Baylor won in Week 2 over Buffalo (1-1) 34-6, after a win over Sam Houston State, a FCS program, in Week 1.


8. Oregon (2-0) 8 - The Ducks got off to a sluggish start on the road @ Tennessee (1-1), but rolled in the second half for a 48-13 win over the Volunteers. Next: vs. Portland State, a FCS program, which the Ducks beat 55-12 in '06, when they last met in Eugene.


9. Oklahoma (2-0) 18 - The Sooners have some very young and talented players and a 47-17 win over former #21 Florida State (1-1) gives the Sooners a quality win, after last year's 8-5 season. The Sooners have won four straight, since '09, including a 31-27 win over Stanford in the Sun Bowl. Next: vs. Air Force (2-0, 1-0 MWC), who defeated former #12 BYU (1-1, 0-1 MWC) 35-14 in MWC opener at home.


10. Wisconsin (2-0) 10 - The Badgers will not move up after a 27-14 win over San Jose State (0-2) in Week 2. Are the Badgers a Top 10 team in 2010? Will we know much more until the opening of the Big Ten for the Badgers @ Michigan State in Week 5? Next: vs. Arizona State (2-0) - who beat in-state FCS program Northern Arizona 41-20, but the Sun Devils were only 4-8 in '09 and just how good are they in 2010?


11. Utah (2-0, 1-0 MWC) 12 - The Utes beat UNLV 38-10 in MWC opener at home, after winning season opener over Pitt on opening day of the 2010 season. Next: @ New Mexico (0-2) in the MWC road opener. New Mexico has been beat up by Oregon in Week 1 (0-72) and vs. then #16 Texas State (17-52).


12. Nebraska (2-0) 15 - The Huskers defeated Idaho 38-17, but with wins over WKU (0-2) and Idaho (1-1) to start the season, do we really know if the defense is up to the task in the Big 12, along with new QB Taylor Martinez? Next: @ Washington (1-1) in a good road test for the Huskers against a program was 0-12 in '08 and was 5-7 in '09 under second year coach Steve Sarkisian.


13. Texas Tech (2-0) 16 - The Red Raiders won @ New Mexico 52-17 in the road opener in Week 2. New coach Tommy Tuberville will have an interesting Week 3. Next: vs. #5 Texas (2-0) in the Big 12 South opener at home. Will the Red Raiders make it two in a row in Lubbock over the Longhorns?


14. LSU (2-0, 1-0 SEC West) 17 - The Tigers opened the season as our preseason #12 team, but the offense was sluggish behind junior QB Jordan Jefferson. The Tigers won the SEC opener @ Vanderbilt (0-2, 0-1 SEC East) 27-3 to move up, but this team is still a question, after double digit win seasons in '05 to '07 under coach Les Miles. Next: vs. Mississippi State (1-1, 0-1 SEC West), who lost home SEC opener, vs. Auburn 14-17. LSU edged the Bulldogs on the road 30-26 last year.


15. Miami-FL (1-1) 11 - The Hurricane lost to a talented #2 Ohio State (2-0) 24-36 on the road. How will the Hurricane respond to the disappointment of its first loss, after the bye in Week 3? Next: @ Pittsburgh (1-1) in Week 4. The ACC didn't fair well in Week 2, with all four Top 25 teams finishing with a loss. The ACC should be wide open in 2010 and the Hurricane have a lot to play for, despite a Week 2 loss.


16. South Carolina (2-0, 1-0 SEC East) NR - The Gamecocks are off to the best start, since '07 with a solid 16-7 win over former #14 Georgia (1-1, 0-1 SEC East). However, the season is still very young. The Gamecocks in their 6Th season under Steve Spurrier. finished 6-6 in '07, his only non-bowl season. The Gamecocks have two nice wins over Southern Miss and Georgia at home. Next: vs. Furman (1-0), a FCS program, who beat Colgate 45-15 in season opener at home.


17. Arkansas (2-0) NR - The Razorbacks won 31-7 over Louisiana-Monroe in Week 2, after beating Tennessee State, a FCS program, in the season opener. Next: @ Georgia (1-1, 0-1 SEC East) in the SEC opener for the Razorback. Georgia is coming off a 7-16 loss @ South Carolina, after winning season opener vs. UL-Lafayette.


18. Auburn (2-0, 1-0 SEC West) NR - The Tigers won the SEC West opener @ Mississippi State (1-1, 0-1 SEC West) 17-14 on Thursday night, after winning 52-6 in season opener at home over Arkansas State (0-2). Next: vs. Clemson (2-0), who beat Presbyterian, a FCS program) 58-21.


19. USC (2-0) 22 - The Trojans beat Virginia (1-1) 17-14 in home opener in Week 2, after beating Hawai'i (1-1) on the road in season opener. The Trojans are on probation this season, but they will have opportunities to play spoiler in the Pac 10 this season. Next: @ Minnesota (1-1), who lost 38-41 to South Dakota, a FCS program, at home. How much will Gopher coach Tim Brewster bring up the Kansas three point loss in KU home opener against a FCS opponent only to turn around and beat a Top 25 opponent in Georgia Tech?


20. Houston (2-0, 1-0 C-USA West) 25 - The Cougars revenged last year's conference opening loss @ UTEP with a 54-24 win at home over the Miners on Friday night. Next: @ UCLA (0-2) in the Rose Bowl, in a game that will be important for the Cougars in the national polls.


21. Arizona (2-0) 23 - The Wildcats didn't finish well in the Holiday Bowl vs. Nebraska last season. The Wildcats beat The Citadel (1-1), a FCS program, 52-6 in the home opener in Week 2. Next: vs. #4 Iowa (2-0) looking for first Week 3 win in seven years under Mike Stoops over a FBS program. The Wildcats beat Stephen F. Austin in '06, but have not defeated a FBS program in Week 3 in the Stoops era.


22. Stanford (2-0) NR - The Cardinal won @ UCLA (0-2) 35-0 in a game that asks as much about the Bruins, as it does on the overall strength of the Cardinal. The Cardinal won 52-17 over Sacramento State, a FCS program, in Week 1. Next: vs. Wake Forest (2-0, 1-0 ACC Atlantic), who won conference opener over Duke (1-1, 0-1 ACC Coastal) 54-48 in Week 2. The Cardinal lost @ Wake 17-24 last year.


23. Penn State (1-1) 20 - The Nittany Lions lost @ #1 Alabama 3-24 and are a young team lead by true freshman Rob Bolden at QB. This is a team that will continue to grow as the season progresses. Next: vs. Kent State (1-1), who lost 13-26 @ Boston College (2-0) in Week 2.


24. Michigan (2-0) NR - The Wolverines won @ Notre Dame 28-24 as QB Denard Robinson rolled up 502 total yards to continue his offensive juggernaut. Michigan beat UConn (1-1)in Week 1 to open the 2010 season! Next: vs. UMass (2-0, 1-0 CAA), a FCS program, that beat William & Mary and Holy Cross to open 2010 season.


25. West Virginia (2-0) 24 - The Mountaineers were nearly upset @ Marshall (0-2) on Friday night, but pulled out a 24-21 win in OT to move to 10-0 lifetime in the in-state rivalry. Next: vs. Maryland (2-0), who defeated Morgan State (1-1) 62-3, after win over Navy in Week 1.

Out of the Top 25 - What is wrong with #9 Virginia Tech (0-2), #6 in our preseason rankings - knocked out of the Top 25 with a loss to FCS James Madison (2-0) 16-21? The Hokies defense was knocked up by #3 Boise State in Week 1 and now the Hokies are 0-2.
#13 BYU falls out of the Top 25 with a 14-35 loss in MWC opener @ Air Force (2-0)
Should #14 Georgia be rated? They were 8-5 in '09, including 44-20 win over Texas A&M, but have freshman QB and fell @ South Carolina (2-0) 7-16 in the SEC East opener.
#19 Georgia Tech lost @ Kansas (1-1) in road opener 25-28 to fall out of the Top 25.
#21 Florida State lost @ former #18 Oklahoma (2-0) 17-47 to fall out of the Top 25

Week 3 will have some very interesting games. The match up of #4 Iowa @ #21 Arizona should be a good game in Tucson. Coach Mike Stoops will be facing his alma mater again, after last year's Week 3 game in Iowa City.

• #5 Texas @ #13 Texas Tech in the Big 12 South opener


• #6 Florida @ Tennessee in a SEC East opener


• Baylor @ #7 TCU in an in-state match up of Big 12 vs. MWC


• Air Force @ Oklahoma in a MWC vs. Big 12 game


• #12 Nebraska @ Washington in a Big 12 vs. Pac 10 game


• Notre Dame @ Michigan State - this game could move the Spartans into the Top 25

peace

Week 1: CIDsports Top 25 Poll in College Football

Week 1 is now in the books, so how do we see the 2010 College Football season landscape, so early for the season? Well, we should look at last year's finish to a degree. One really doesn't know a whole lot after one week of play. Though, the Big East saw two schools go down hard, with former #22 Pitt and #23 Cincinnati losing games to #13 Utah (MWC) and unranked Fresno State (WAC), respectively.

There was only one conference game in Week 1. That is good news, since early games are best in out of conference. Play a couple of games before we see conference play begin. We like the way the Big Ten conference handles OOC and conference schedules, for example.

Here's our Week 1 Top 25 for 2010

1. Alabama (1-0) 1 - The defending BCS champion Crimson Tide tuned up for a Week 2 SEC-Big Ten showdown, with a solid 48-3 win over San Jose State (WAC), despite the absence of injured junior Heisman RB Mark Ingram. Next: vs. #20 Penn State (1-0) - a program that saw coach Joe Paterno face off with former Alabama coach Bear Bryant on four occasions ...


2. Ohio State (1-0) 2 - The Rose Bowl champion Buckeyes tuned up for a Week 2 Big Ten-ACC showdown, with a Thursday night win over Marshall (C-USA) by the score of 45-7. Next: vs. Miami-FL - which should showcase two junior QBs in OSU's Terrelle Pryor and Miami-FL's Jacory Harris. The 2002 season's BCS championship rematch should be a good one. OSU has lost two home games in five seasons to Top 5 OOC opponents.


3. Boise State (1-0) 3 - The Broncos go out East to Landover, MD and pull out a solid 33-30 victory over then #6 Virginia Tech on QB Kellen Moore's late TD pass. The non-BCS party remains, as Boise State gives the BCS a signal that they want to be in the discussion in 2010. Next: Bye week before 9/18 game @ Wyoming.


4. Iowa (1-0) 4 - The reigning Orange Bowl champion Hawkeyes opened the 2010 season with a solid 37-7 win over Eastern Illinois, a FCS program that won the Ohio Valley in '09. Next: The Hawkeyes will square off in the Cy-Hawk Trophy game vs. Big 12 opponent and in-state rival Iowa State. Iowa has held the Cyclones without a TD for 14 straight quarters.


5. Texas (1-0) 7 - The defending Big 12 champion Longhorns opened the 2010 season on the road in Houston vs. Rice (C-USA). The Longhorns took care of business with the Owls 34-17 at Reliant Stadium. Next: vs. Wyoming (1-0), who won opener 28-20 over Southern Utah, a FCS opponent. Texas won @ Wyoming 41-10 in '09 in Week 2.


6. Florida (1-0) 5 - The offense struggled in the Gators opener vs. Miami-OH winning 34-12. Next: vs. South Florida (1-0), a first-time match up between these two FL schools. The Bulls won their opener vs. Stoney Point, a FCS opponent, 54-14.


7. TCU (1-0) 8 - The Horned Frogs, the defending MWC champs, opened in Arlington at Dallas Stadium with a solid 31-20 win over Oregon State to build on their non-BCS resume for '10. Next: vs. Tennessee Tech (0-1), a FCS program who fell 3-44 @ Arkansas in their season opener.


8. Oregon (1-0) 9 - The Ducks, the defending Pac 10 champs, rolled in the season opener vs. New Mexico (MWC) 72-0, which is a sharp contrast to the '09 opener @ Boise State, where the Ducks struggled on offense in a 8-19 loss. Next: @ Tennessee (1-0), who opened at home with a 50-0 win over Tennessee-Martin, a FCS opponent.


9. Virginia Tech (0-1) 6 - The Hokies lose 30-33 as they give up a late TD pass to Boise State in Landover, MD on Labor Day evening. After falling behind by 17 points, the Hokies came back, but at the end, the Broncos were too much for the Hokies in Week 1. Next: vs. James Madison (1-0), a FCS program, that beat Morehead State 48-7 in the season opener.


10. Wisconsin (1-0) 10 - The Badgers won 41-21 @ UNLV to open the '10 season. The Badgers have a trio of RBs to throw at opponents with junior John Clay, sophomore Montee Ball and true frosh James White. Next: vs. San Jose State (0-1), who were rolled by #1 Alabama 3-48 in season opener.


11. Miami-FL (1-0) 11 - The Hurricane opened the 2010 season on Thursday night with a 45-0 win over Florida A&M, a FCS opponent. Next - @ #2 Ohio State in a rematch of the 2002 season BCS championship, where the defending champion Miami-FL team fell in OT to the Buckeyes. Will Hurricane upset the Buckeyes this time around in Columbus?


12. Utah (1-0) 13 - The Utes knocked off the former #22 Pittsburgh Panthers to open the 2010 season, in a rematch of the 2005 Fiesta Bowl. Like 2005, the Utes won with a 27-24 win in OT over the Panthers. Next: vs. UNLV (0-1) to open conference play in the MWC for the final time, since the Utes will join the Pac 10 in '11.


13. BYU (1-0) 16 - The Cougars took care of business in the home opener vs. the Washington Huskies with a 23-17 win. Next: @ Air Force (1-0) in the conference opener for both clubs. Air Force opened with a 65-21 win over Northwestern State, a FCS opponent.


14. Georgia (1-0) 14 - The Bulldogs won the home opener over UL-Lafayette 55-7 on Saturday. Next: @ South Carolina (1-0) to open SEC play in Week 2. The Gamecocks won their opener vs. Southern Miss 41-13 on Thursday night at home.


15. Nebraska (1-0) 15 - The Cornhuskers beat Western Kentucky 49-10 in the season opener on Saturday night in Lincoln. Next: vs. Idaho (1-0), who beat North Dakota, FCS opponent, 45-0 in their home opener.


16. Texas Tech (1-0) 17 - The Red Raiders won the first game in the Tommy Tuberville era with a 35-27 win over SMU on Sunday of Week 1. Next: @ New Mexico (0-1), who were victims in the most dominating loss of Week 1, losing 0-72 @ Oregon.


17. LSU (1-0) 12 - The Tigers held on to beat North Carolina in Atlanta 30-24 on Saturday night. The game become very tight at the end, despite UNC being down 13 players, due to violations or pending issues. LSU's offense was shut out in the second half, but the Tigers hung on to win. Next: @ Vanderbilt (0-1) for the SEC opener. The Commodores lost Saturday night at home to Northwestern 21-23.


18. Oklahama (1-0) 18 - The Sooners nearly were taken to the wire in another season opener from the State of Utah. This time it was Utah State, who the Sooners beat 31-24, unlike BYU in the '09 opener. Next: vs. #21 Florida State (1-0), as the Seminoles will offer a solid test to Sooners in Week 2 of the season.


19. Georgia Tech (1-0) 19 - The Yellow Jackets, the defending ACC champions, opened at home Saturday with a 41-10 win over South Carolina State, a FCS opponent. Next: @ Kansas (0-1), who lost in coach Turner Gill's debut for the Jayhawks against a FCS opponent, North Dakota State, who will open Missouri Valley Football play @ Northern Iowa (0-0) on Saturday.


20. Penn State (1-0) 20 - The Nittany Lions started a true frosh at QB for the first time in Joe Paterno's 45 years at the helm in Happy Valley. The Nittany Lions won the opener over Youngstown State, a FBS opponent, 44-14. Next: @ #1 Alabama (1-0) in a Big Ten-SEC match up that should be one of the better games of the day, though the Nittany Lions will have a young QB under center.


21. Florida State (1-0) 21 - The Seminoles pounded Samford, a FCS opponent, 59-6 on Saturday, in coach Jimbo Fisher's debut as head coach in Tallahassee. Next: @ #18 Oklahoma (1-0)


22. USC (1-0) NR - The Trojans may be on probation, but aren't they deserving of a Top 25 ranking, though they will not be eligible for a bowl game in '10? The Trojans began the Lane Kiffin era with a 49-36 win @ Hawai'i. Next: vs. Virginia (1-0), who won the first game in the Mike London era, when the Caviliers defeated London's former team, the Richmond Spiders, a FCS program, 34-13.


23. Arizona (1-0) NR - The Wildcats headed to coach Mike Stoops' home state for a 41-3 victory @ Toledo. The Wildcats looked better on offense behind senior QB Nick Foles. Next: vs. The Citddel, a FCS program, who defeated Chowan in Bulldogs opener 56-14.


24. West Virginia (1-0) NR - The Big East deserves one team in the Top 25, after Week 1 don't they? The Mountaineers beat Coastal Carolina, a FCS opponent, 31-0 to open the season. Next: @ Marshall (0-1) on Friday night in an in-state rivalry.


25. Houston (1-0) 25 - The Cougars opened 2010 with a 68-28 victory over Texas State, a FCS opponent. Next - vs. UTEP (1-0) on Friday night to open C-USA West play. The Cougars lost last year to open C-USA play @ UTEP 41-58, so this rematch is very important in '10. UTEP won their home opener vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, another FCS opponent, 31-10.

Out of the Top 25 - The Big East saw two teams tumble out of the Top 25 with #22 Pittsburgh lost @ #13 Utah in OT 24-27, while #23 Cincinnati lost at unranked Fresno State 14-24 in Week 1. #24 Navy lost 14-17 to Maryland on Labor Day to fall out of the Top 25, as well.

There are some outstanding match ups in Week 2 of the 2010 College Football season. In Iowa City, we will see the Cy-Hawk Trophy game with #4 Iowa hosting Iowa State. But, there are some outstanding other games on the schedule...

• #1 Alabama hosting #20 Penn State


• #2 Ohio State hosting #11 Miami-FL


• #18 Oklahoma hosting #21 Florida State


• Michigan @ Notre Dame


• Three SEC conference openers, as well

peace

September 1, 2010: College Football kicks off on Thursday, September 2Nd and plenty of questions heading into the 2010 season throughout the Top 25

So, can we officially say Autumn has arrived with the calender changing to September today? Yes, we know that it is not officially the 23rd yet, but weatherman often consider Fall, the months of September, October and November, like Spring being the months of March, April and May! Autumn is here with the coming of the 2010 College Football season.

There may be more questions heading into the opening of the season in the Top 25 than answers. Let's take a final look at our Preseason Top 25, starting with defending BCS Champion Alabama to some of the near misses in our preseason poll ...

1. Alabama - The defending national champs will open 2010 without junior RB Mark Ingram, since the returning Heisman Trophy winner has an injured his knee this week. The road to win back to back Grantland Rice Trophies again may have got a little more rocky. The Crimson Tide last accomplished that in 1978 and 1979. Opener: vs. San Jose State Spartans, Sep 4 at 6 pm CT.


2. Ohio State - The Buckeyes have won five straight Big Ten titles outright or shared ('05 and '08). The Buckeyes have reached five straight BCS bowls. They are the team to beat again in the Big Ten. Junior QB Terrelle Pryor returns after solid performances defeating Iowa to win the Big Ten title in '09 and over Oregon to win the Rose Bowl. But, can the Buckeyes meet the expectations of the 2010 season and reach their fourth BCS Title game, since 2002? Opener: vs. Marshall Thundering Herd, Sep 2 at 6:30pm CT.


3. Boise State - The Broncos enter 2010 as the top non-BCS school and 20 starters back, with only replacements at LT on offense and CB on defense. They will compete for their eighth and final WAC title in nine years, since the Broncos are moving to the MWC after this season. New DC Pete Kwiatokowski moves from DL coach, since former DC Justin Wilcox moves to Tennessee. Back in the 1984 season the WAC witnessed a team from their conference rise to the top, when BYU won the Grantland Rice Trophy. Could we witness history with another non-BCS program rising to the top of college football in 2010? Opener: @ Landover, MD vs. #6 Virginia Tech Hokies, Sep 6 at 7 pm CT.


4. Iowa - The Hawkeyes are in the Top 10 preseason in both major polls for the first time in the 12 year Kirk Ferentz era. The Hawkeyes have played in six New Year's Bowl games in the past eight years. It's been 20 years, since Iowa's last Rose Bowl trip, then under coach J. Hayden Fry. It's been twenty-five years, since QB Chuck Long lead the Hawkeyes to an outright Big Ten title in 1985. It has been fifty years, since the 1960 championship Big Ten title team at Iowa was on the field under coach Forest "Evy" Evashevski. Phil Steele has compared Iowa to Alabama the past couple of seasons. Will the stars align for the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2010 with Iowa's offense, defense and special teams? Opener: vs. Eastern Illinois Panthers, Sep 4 at 11:05 am CT.


5. Florida - Urban Meyer is back for his sixth season in Gainsville and the Gators are always worthy of consideration, after winning it all in 2006 and 2008, so will it happen again in 2010? All eyes will be on junior QB John Brantley in 2010. In addition of replacing personnel on offense and defense, the Gators will have a new DC for 2010. Opener: vs. Miami (OH) RedHawks, Sep 4 at 11 am CT.


6. Virginia Tech - The Hokies may be America's team for those BCS traditionalists this Labor Day weekend. Coach Frank Beamer is beginning his 24Th season at the helm in Blacksburg. The ACC has not made much noise lately among college football's best conferences. Can the Hokies lead the charge in 2010 for the ACC? Opener: @ Landover, MD vs. #3 Boise State Broncos, Sep 6 at 7 pm CT.


7. Texas - The Longhorns won it all in 2005 under coach Mack Brown, when QB Vince Young was running wild in Texas. In 2009, the Longhorns came up short, losing 21-37 to Alabama in the BCS championship game. Sophomore QB Garrett Gilbert got a taste of it last year, when departed QB Colt McCoy went down in the final game. The Big 12 will lose its championship game, after this season, when Nebraska moves onto the Big Ten. Who will finish first in 2010? Defense wins championships it is said and the Big 12 has been knocked lately due to defense. DC Wil Muschamp will play a huge role this season, if the Longhorns are going to rise to the top in 2010, in both the Big 12 and nationally. Opener: @ Rice Owls, Sep 4 at 2:30pm CT.


8. TCU - The Horned Frogs finished second to Boise State among the top non-BCS teams in 2009, after edging Boise State in a bowl game in '08. It was Utah in '08 that edged TCU for the top spot, so will 2010 be the year that the Horned Frogs get it done carrying the non-BCS flag nationally? Coach Gary Patterson enters his tenth season and is 23-3 the past two seasons. Will the Horned Frogs make it three strong seasons in a row, something that fell short after the 2002-03 and 2005-06 seasons witnessed a drop off in the third year? Opener: @ Arlington, TX vs. Oregon State Beavers, Sep 4 at 6:45 pm CT.


9. Oregon - Coach Chip Kelly enters season two at the helm, after leading the Ducks to the Rose Bowl and a Pac Ten title in his first season. Redshirt sophomore QB Derron Thomas will open as the #1 signal caller, after earning the job with a solid performance in fall practices vs. senior Nate Costa. The Ducks return 17 starters from last year's 10-3 club. Opener: vs. New Mexico Lobos, Sep 4 at 2:30 pm CT.


10. Wisconsin - The Badgers enter Bret Bielema's fifth season as head coach seeking its first Big Ten title, since 1999. The Badgers return ten starters from a successful offense in '09, but must replace three starters on the defensive line, their top tacker at LB and their starting free safety entering 2010. Will the Badgers step up in 2010 in the Big Ten and nationally? Opener: @ UNLV Rebels, Sep 4 at 10:00 pm CT.


11. Miami-FL -This will be coach Randy Shannon's fourth season at the helm in Coral Gables. Shannon will have junior QB Jacoby Harris for his second full season as the top signal caller for the Hurricane for a team ready for a breakout season? As an AP story pointed out: "Miami was 5-7 his first season, then 7-6, then 9-4 a year ago. The Hurricanes haven't won an Atlantic Coast Conference title yet, and haven't won a bowl game since squeaking past Nevada in 2006 — the final game before Shannon took over the program." Opener: vs. Florida A&M Rattlers, Sep 2 at 6:30 pm CT


12. LSU - Like Miami-FL, LSU has been a young team of late, as the Tigers enter their 6Th season under coach Les Miles, who won a BCS title in 2007. Junior QB Jordan Jefferson enters his second full season as the top signal caller. The first three seasons for Miles finished with 11, 11 and 12 wins. The past two seasons have been only 8 and 9 win seasons. Opener: @ Atlanta, GA vs. @ North Carolina Tar Heels, Sep 4, at 7 pm CT.


13. Utah - Coach Kyle Whittingham enters his sixth season at the helm in Salt Lake City. The Utes will soon leave the MWC for the Pac Ten to become a member of a BCS conference, after developing a reputation as one of the best non-BCS programs. The Utes have won two BCS bowls, since 2004. Opportunity knocks in Opener: vs. #22 Pittsburgh Panthers, Sep 2 at 7:30 pm CT.


14. Georgia - Coach Mark Richt enters his 10Th season at the helm in Athens. The Bulldogs last won the SEC title in 2005 and haven't beat Florida, since 2007. The Bulldogs will go with redshirt freshman Aaron Murray at quarterback in 2010. Opener: vs. Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns, Sep 4 at 11:20 am CT.


15. Nebraska - Many believe this will be a breakout season for the Cornhuskers, as they play in their final Big 12 season, before joining the Big Ten in '11. Bo Pelini enters his third season in Lincoln as head coach, with a favorable schedule. Who will lead the Huskers at QB in 2010? Opener: vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, Sep 4 at 6 pm CT.


16. Brigham Young - The Cougars will become an Independent in football officially in 2011, but the 2010 season comes first. Coach Bronco Mendenhall enters his 6Th season at the helm in Provo and will have to replace QB Max Hall in 2010, with junior Riley Nelson. Will the move to Independence become a distraction in 2010? Opener: vs. Washington Huskies, Sep 4 at 6 pm CT.


17. Texas Tech - Coach Tommy Tuberville becomes the Red Raiders new coach, replacing Mike Leach, who was fired just prior to the Texas Tech bowl game in '09. The former Auburn coach was very successful for nine of his 10 years leading the Tigers, including an undefeated season in 2004. Opener: vs. Southern Methodist Mustangs, Sep 5 at 2:30 pm CT


18. Oklahoma - Like Nebraska, the Oklahoma Sooners are getting a lot of love by some in the media heading into the 2010 season. Coach Bob Stoops enters his 12Th season in Norman. Freshmen are expected to play prominent roles in the two deep coming off an 8-5 season in '09. Opener: vs. Utah State Aggies, Sep 4 at 6 pm CT.


19. Georgia Tech - The 2009 ACC Champs came up short again in a bowl game losing 14-24 to Iowa. Coach Pual Johnson enters his third season at the helm of the Yellow Jackets and Coastal Division is projected stronger than the Atlantic Division. Senior QB Joshua Nesbitt returns for his third season as the top signal caller. New DC Al Groh arrives to improve defense. Opener: vs. South Carolina State Bulldogs, Sep 4 at Noon CT.


20. Penn State - Penn State shared Big Ten titles with Ohio State in 2005 and 2008. Coach Joe Paterno will have to be patient with a newcomer at QB as he enters his 45Th year as head coach in Happy Valley. Opener: vs. Youngstown State Penguins, Sep 4 at 11 am CT.


21. Florida State - Where's Bobby Bowden in Tallahassee? That's right, a new coach is on the sidelines as OC Jimbo Fisher moves from coach in waiting into the head coaching position for 2010. Fisher will have senior QB Christian Ponder for his third season. The Seminoles haven't played and won an ACC title game, since 2005, despite playing in the weaker Atlantic Division compared to the loaded Coastal Division. Opener: vs. Samford Bulldogs, Sep 4 at 11 am CT.


22. Pittsburgh - Coach Dave Wannstedt enters his sixth season as head coach at Pitt. The Panthers have now played in back to back bowl games for the first time, since 2004. Now, can they pull off a Big East Conference title as they enter the 2010 season? The Panthers were within one point in the finale with Cincinnati in '09. Opener: @ #13 Utah Utes, Sep 2 at 7:30 pm CT.


23. Cincinnati - The past two coaches have remained at Cincinnati for three seasons. Now, the Butch Jones era begins as coach Brian Kelly departs for Notre Dame, after leading the Bearcats to back to back BCS bowls and Big East titles. Coach Jones is replacing Kelly for the second time, after replacing Kelly, when Kelly left Central Michigan for Cincinnati three years ago. Opener:@ Fresno State Bulldogs, Sep 4 at 9 pm CT.


24. Navy - The Naval Academy is the top Independent in College Football right now. The Midshipmen have a good football program, as they enter Ken Niumatalolo's third season. The Midshipmen haven't been ranked, since the 2004 season, but they have been a bowl bound program, since 2003. Opener: @ Maryland Terrapins, Sep 6 at 3 pm CT.


25. Houston - The Cougars should be the top C-USA program in 2010. Coach Kevin Sumlin enters his third season and is one of the top up and coming coaches in college football. But, after beating BCS opponents: @ Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and @ Mississippi State last year, the Cougars came up short in the C-USA, losing to East Carolina in the title game. Opener: vs. Texas State Bobcats, Sep 4 at 7 pm CT.

The 2010 College Football season should be an outstanding season, but it does appear most programs from top to bottom have questions heading into the season. Let's look at the conferences for a moment.

• The SEC is the top conference heading into 2010. The SEC West has Alabama, LSU, Arkansas and Auburn all in the preseason AP and Coaches Top 25 Polls. Mississippi and Mississippi State received votes. In the SEC East, Florida and Georgia are both ranked. South Carolina received votes, from the SEC East.


• The Big Ten has four solid Top 25 teams with Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin and Penn State. Michigan State and Northwestern received votes.


• The Big 12 has one final year as a two division league. In the Big 12 South, Texas and Oklahoma are ranked, as is Nebraska in the Big 12 North. Receiving votes are Missouri in the North and Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M in the South.


• The Coastal Division of the ACC is lead in the Top 25 by Virginia Tech, Miami-FL, Georgia Tech and North Carolina in the Top 25. Florida State is the only Atlantic Division ranked in the Top 25. Boston College and Clemson in the Atlantic Division received votes in both polls.


• The Pac Ten has one program on probation heading into 2010, with USC. USC is ranked #14 in the preseason AP Poll. Oregon and Oregon State are ranked in each poll to open 2010. Arizona, Washington, Arizona State and California received votes.


• The Big East has Pittsburgh and West Virginia in both polls. Receiving votes were Cinncinnati, Connecticut and South Florida.


• The MWC is by far the strongest non-BCS conference. TCU is ranked in both preseason polls Top 10, with Utah in the Coaches Poll. BYU received votes in both polls.


• The C-USA doesn't have anyone in the Top 25 in either poll, but Houston, SMU and UCF did receive votes.


• In the WAC, Boise State is rated in the Top 10 in both polls. Nevada received a vote in the Coaches Poll.


• Notre Dame and Navy were two Independents that received votes in each poll.


• From the MAC, Central Michigan and Temple received votes in each poll. Northern Illinois received a vote in the Coaches Poll.


• Middle Tennessee State was the lone receipent of votes in the AP Poll from the Sun Belt Conference.

peace