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There were more surprises and the SEC was in the middle of the action again. First Alabama dismantling dark horse national title contender Clemson 34-10 and then in the final game of the weekend UCLA stunned Tennessee 27-24 in overtime. Someone forgot to tell Bowling Green they were #80 in the consensus rankings because they thoroughly outplayed AP #25 Pittsburgh in a 27-17 win. The other ranked team to fall was Virginia Tech, but East Carolina was #55 and playing on their home field making it less surprising than some results.
As you will see, my rankings are fluid especially in this opening week. I won’t simply advance a team for winning and drop them for losing. Some of these teams impressed me and others left me with doubts. I have no reservations shuffling teams up and down the rankings.
#1 (previous 2) USC (1-0): Yes, there is already a change at the top. The only question I had was quarterback Mark Sanchez due to inexperience and his recent injury. I would say after his completing 74% of his passes for 338 yards and 3 touchdowns I no longer have doubts. Virginia is not up to their 9-4 record from last season, but they are still in a major conference and the Trojans traveled across the country to destroy the Cavs 52-7. Other than penalties, every statistic went comfortably in USC’s favor and they punted just twice. While Ohio State started out kicking field goals at home to a much weaker opponent, this team scored touchdowns. Next: off (vs. Ohio State 9/13)
#2 (1) Oklahoma (1-0): There isn’t much to look at when you play a team like Chattanooga. However, in a rain “shortened” game they dominated completely. Their first seven possessions ended in touchdowns and the outmatched Mocs finished with only 1 first down and 36 total yards. The second half was called a glorified scrimmage due to the conditions and considering OU was up 50-0 at the break. I would consider the whole game a scrimmage. The competition level goes way up this week, but it will surprise me to see this team not start 5-0 with relative ease. Next: vs. Cincinnati
#3 (5) Missouri (1-0): I was afraid the Tigers might be overconfident in the opener and fall victim to Illinois quarterback Juice Williams. He had his moments with 451 yards passing and 5 touchdowns, but Missouri was always in control of this game. Even when they trailed 13-10 it lasted only as long as it took receiver Jeremy Maclin to return the kickoff 99 yards and propel them to an eventual 31-13 halftime advantage. The defense certainly can be tightened up although some of it can be blamed on playing with a lead against a very athletic quarterback. Six of their first seven meaningful possessions Illinois gained no more than 12 yards and punted. The team can exhale now with three cupcake opponents at home giving them plenty of time to tighten up the defense. Next: vs. Southeast Missouri State
#4 (3) Ohio State (1-0): Everyone wants to talk about the injury to Wells and certainly their national title hopes rest on his health. I am concerned about the offense’s inability to finish after four consecutive first half drives ended in field goals. They were obviously in control of this game from start to finish, as they should be against Youngstown State. I prefer my juggernauts to score touchdowns or in boxing terms knock the opponent out rather than peppering them with scoring blows to earn a win on points. The defense did their thing and there is one more practice game before the trip to USC. Next: vs. Ohio
#5 (4) Georgia (1-0): Their opening victory over Georgia Southern went pretty much as they wanted it to go. There was no reason to exert a lot of effort and running back Knowshon Moreno had only 8 carries yet still scored 3 touchdowns. Stafford was just 13/21 passing, but had 275 yards and a pair of touchdowns. They built a 38-0 lead before the dogs were called off and Uga VII’s first showing was a success. Perhaps only the 11 penalties were of any concern. From a prognostication standpoint though, they have to be worried that the two SEC teams who looked bad (Mississippi State, Arkansas) are off the schedule while one who looked great (Alabama) and another dangerous on defense (South Carolina) are slated for later this month sandwiched around a trip to Arizona State. It won’t be easy and first they have to tame quarterback Dan LeFevour. Next: vs. Central Michigan
TheFootballExpert
9/3/08
Magnolia Tribune
