Week Two Power Rankings:
1. Alabama Crimson Tide (2-0)
• The Crimson Tide faced their first big opponent, and they easily mustered by them, even without their best player Mark Ingram. Backup Trent Richardson played more like a Heisman winner, with 144 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown against a strong Penn State defense. The Nittany Lions were set on shutting down Julio Jones, who they held down without having him become too explosive, but Greg McElroy still found enough open receivers to throw for 229 yards and two touchdowns. Also as impressive, the Crimson Tide punished Penn State’s freshman quarterback to only 144 yards passing and two interceptions. This Crimson Tide team looks like a BCS Title team, and I expect them to get there if they keep playing like this. Next week: @ Duke
2. Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0)
• Ohio State played in one of the most important games last week against #12 Miami. Ohio State struggled in the beginning, but then their defense picked up and Ohio State went on for the double-digit victory 36-24. The Buckeyes’ defense picked off JaCorey Harris four times, giving them great field position throughout the game. The one great sign for the Buckeyes is that Terrelle Pryor was excellent against the Hurricanes, throwing for 233 yards and a touchdown, as well as running for 113 yards and another touchdown. In a game that Brandon Saine was shut down, the level of effectiveness for the Buckeyes’ offense was terrific and a great sign for Big Ten play. Next week: vs. Ohio
3. Boise State (1-0)
• Boise State had a bye last week, but almost lost in some senses as James Madison upset Virginia Tech, which doesn’t help their case that they played the top competition in their non-conference schedule. Boise State’s national title hopes should be the same right now, but if they play a close game against Oregon State later this month, it may force them to be the odd team out if two BCS schools remain undefeated for the rest of the year. Next week: @ Wyoming
4. Oregon Ducks (2-0)
• Oregon had a tale of two halves against Tennessee, as the Ducks were tied at 13 to end the first half, but ended up whooping Tennessee 48-13. LaMichael James carried the load with 134 yards on 16 carries including a 72-yard touchdown. Also, Darron Thomas was excellent throwing for 202 yards and two touchdowns. A huge key in their victory was holding Tennessee to 2 for 15 on third down conversions. Oregon has been dominant in their victories thus far this year, but it will be interesting when they play Pac-10 teams. Next week: vs. Portland State
5. Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-0)
• Nebraska’ goal against Idaho was to make sure that their defense was going to be dominant, as they were last year and almost gave them a chance to compete in the BCS Title game. The Cornhuskers succeeded as they picked up five interceptions, and recorded seven sacks. Quarterback Taylor Martinez was excellent again, as he ran for 157 yards and two touchdowns, although he wasn’t as efficient throwing the ball. Running back Roy Helu Jr. was also spectacular with 107 yards rushing on nine carries and a touchdown. Nebraska’s defense held Idaho to 60 yards rushing, and six turnovers, completing their domination, and showing the nation that their defense is a force to be reckoned with. Next week: @ Washington
6. TCU Horned Frogs (2-0)
• After an extremely competitive game against Oregon State, TCU took the easy route and played Tennessee Tech last week. It wasn’t even a contest as TCU dominated to a 62-7 win. TCU focused on their run game, and didn’t force Andy Dalton to do too much during the game. Dalton threw one touchdown and 182 yards along the way, but it was the running game that accumulated 270 yards on the ground on 41 carries, including seven touchdowns. Their defense was stout, holding Tennessee Tech to 150 total yards, including only 58 yards passing. Next week: vs. Baylor
7. Iowa Hawkeyes (2-0)
• Iowa was excited, as they got to play their rivalry game against in-state Iowa State. At Iowa State, the atmosphere was reckless, and poised for an upset. However, the Hawkeyes closed the door immediately jumping out to the 28-0 halftime lead, and winning 35-7. Rick Stanzi was magnificent, throwing for 204 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Adam Robinson rushed for 156 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. The Hawkeyes defense pounded explosive Iowa State running back Alexander Robinson to 48 yards, and picked off three passes. Iowa held the ball for over 35 minutes, and dominated the in-state rivalry. Next week: @ #24 Arizona
8. Texas Longhorns (2-0)
• Texas was expected to walk in and destroy the Wyoming Cowboys. However, it wasn’t as easy as they wanted it to be. Garrett Gilbert was the lone bright spot, with 222 yards in the air, including one touchdown. Foswhitt Whittaker was the leading rusher with 62 yards and a touchdown and Cody Johnson picked up two more touchdowns on the ground. The Longhorns’ defense was strong holding Wyoming to three third down conversions in 12 opportunities, as well as only 58 yards rushing. Next week: @ Texas Tech
9. Wisconsin Badgers (2-0)
• John Clay is a dominant running back in college football and he showed it once again against San Jose State. Clay rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns, paving the way for the win. Scott Tolzien was only average for the Badgers, throwing for 191 yards and a touchdown but also throwing an interception. Badgers’ defense was strong holding San Jose State to 55 yards rushing on 20 attempts. The Badgers are a strong team, but need to do better in the passing game to reap the full benefits of John Clay and his amazing rushing abilities. Next week: vs. Arizona State
10. Oklahoma Sooners (2-0)
• Oklahoma faced #17 Florida State last week, in a game that I thought Florida State would dominate. I was completely wrong, as Oklahoma went out and showed why they were ranked higher, winning 47-17. Landry Jones was the complete difference, as he threw for 380 yards and four touchdowns, against a tough team. Although the Sooners’ running game wasn’t special, the defense forced three turnovers, and they proved a lot of critics wrong that Nebraska and Texas would be the top teams in the Big 12. This is an interesting team that I’ll be watching in the next couple of weeks. Next week: vs. Air Force
Next week Top 3 games:
• #9 Iowa Hawkyes @ #24 Arizona Wildcats
• #12 Arkansas Razorbacks @ Georgia Bulldogs
• #8 Nebraska @ Washington
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