1. Miami
Darian Mensah looked damn near perfect, and Malachi Toney may be the most dangerous receiver in America. If the Hurricanes develop a consistent ground game, they can win the national championship.
2. LSU
The Tigers flat beat Clemson’s ass, and it could have been worse. Lane Kiffin had LSU prepared, aggressive and ready to make a statement.
3. Ohio State
The Buckeyes handled Ball State exactly as expected. They are loaded with talent, but the trip to Texas will tell us considerably more.
4. Georgia
Georgia overwhelmed Tennessee State and once again looked powerful along the line of scrimmage. The Bulldogs appear determined to make the ground game the foundation of their offense.
5. Texas
Arch Manning delivered the kind of performance we have been waiting to see. Now he gets an opportunity to prove it against Ohio State.
6. Notre Dame
The Irish started slowly against Wisconsin but eventually took control. They remain one of the most complete teams in the country, but the ground game needs to improve.
7. Indiana
Curt Cignetti has built a damn machine in Bloomington. Josh Hoover looked comfortable in the offense, and Indiana has now won 17 consecutive games.
8. Oklahoma
John Mateer threw three touchdowns and looked like a quarterback ready to enter the Heisman conversation. The Sooners finally appear to have an offense capable of complementing their defense.
9. Ole Miss
Trinidad Chambliss brought the Rebels back, but Ole Miss escaped Louisville by the skin of its ass. They are dangerous offensively, but that defense has plenty to correct.
10. Oregon
Boise State gave Oregon everything it could handle and nearly beat its ass. The Ducks did not look like a championship-caliber team, and Dante Moore did not look like a Heisman quarterback.
11. Texas A&M
The Aggies dominated Missouri State on both sides of the football. Marcel Reed was efficient, but we still need to see this team against serious competition.
12. Alabama
Keelon Russell showed plenty of ability in his starting debut, and Alabama’s ground game finally showed some life. I am still not completely sold on this team, but the physical talent is undeniable.
13. USC
Gary Patterson’s defense held Fresno State scoreless and allowed only 116 yards. If that defense is legitimate, the Trojans could become a factor nationally.
14. Texas Tech
The Red Raiders handled Abilene Christian, but the offense was not consistently impressive. Texas Tech has talent, but it needs to show considerably more before I move it higher.
15. Penn State
Matt Campbell and Rocco Becht could not have asked for a cleaner debut. Penn State shut out Marshall and looked disciplined, balanced and comfortable in its new direction.
16. BYU
BYU forced four turnovers and scored 63 points against Utah Tech. The level of competition was not great, but the Cougars did everything a ranked team should do against an overmatched opponent.
17. Florida
John Sumrall’s debut could not have gone much better, as Florida scored 66 points and displayed balance on offense. I said Sumrall was one of the best hires of the offseason, and nothing I saw changed my mind.
18. SMU
Kevin Jennings threw for 430 yards and three touchdowns in a road victory over Florida State. SMU turned the ball over four times and still won, which tells you how dangerous that offense can be.
19. Pitt
Mason Heintschel threw seven touchdown passes to seven different receivers. It came against Miami of Ohio, but 453 yards and seven touchdowns are impossible to ignore.
20. South Carolina
The Gamecocks beat Kent State 57–0 and produced nearly 650 yards of offense in Kendal Briles’ debut. There are still things to correct, but that was a strong opening statement from South Carolina.
