The [Five] 25: College Football Top 25 and Week 1 in Review

Week 1 Top 25

Updated BCS Game Predictions

National Championship – Alabama vs. Boise State

Alabama looked strong in a rout over San Jose State, but honestly, who doesn’t against San Jose State? Trent Richardson proved to be an effective backup, but it should be interesting to see how many touches he gets if Mark Ingram is able to come back from surgery this weekend against Penn State. Boise State looked great against the Hokies last Saturday. While in the past they may have used trick plays such as the Statue of Liberty to defeat teams, they used strength and athleticism to defeat a very good Virginia Tech Team. This title game prediction remains the same after Week 1. Winner: Alabama

Rose Bowl – Oregon State vs. Wisconsin

Oregon State lost to TCU and the offense and defense did not look too impressive, but the team showed its ability by being close at the end with the chance to tie it up late. If Oregon State can manage to hang in games like it did against a great TCU team, they still seem to be the favorites in the Pac-10 with USC ineligible. Wisconsin took on the heat out in the desert at UNLV and looked great in the process. Many people may have missed the game due to its late start, but Wisconsin’s offense was great with John Clay leading the way, and the defense performed well against the MWC foe. Winner: Wisconsin

Orange Bowl – Miami vs. West Virginia

Jacory Harris looked good against FCS foe Florida A&M. Even though Virginia Tech lost its opener to Boise State, the Hokies did look strong. However, I don’t think they’ll be able to overcome Miami in the ACC race. Pittsburgh lost this weekend at the University of Utah, which is a tough place to play (See 18 straight home wins), but I was not impressed with their new quarterback. West Virginia impressed me this weekend even though it was against lowly Coastal Carolina with the defense only gave up 186 total yards and Noel Devine and the Mountaineers proving effective on the offensive end.   Winner: Miami

Sugar Bowl – Florida vs. Texas

Both looked unimpressive in their respective wins against Miami (OH) and Utah State. However, both are expected to continue to perform well. For Florida, I expect Brantley to get a hang of the offense and get them chugging a lot much more. Oklahoma did not look great against Utah State, but Oklahoma did shoot out to an early lead and probably got lazy, and with Bob Stoops at the helm, I doubt that will happen again. . Winner: Texas

Fiesta Bowl – Nebraska vs. Ohio State

Nebraska and Ohio State looked impressive in their wins. Terrelle Pryor performed well against Marshall, but I am still not sold on his ability to think of him leading a team to the Rose Bowl or even National Championship. Nebraska played well against Western Kentucky, only allowing 299 yards. In comparison to other Big 12 title contenders Texas and Oklahoma, Nebraska looked the best this weekend so they are still my favorite to win the Big 12. Winner: Nebraska

Top Heisman Candidates

1. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State
3. Jacory Harris, QB, Miami
4. Jake Locker, QB, Washington
5. Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State
6. Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
7. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
8. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
9. Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
10. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

5 Games to Watch – Week 2

#20 Oregon at Tennessee – 7:00 PM EST

#23 Florida State at #11 Oklahoma – 3:30 PM EST

Michigan at Notre Dame – 3:30 PM EST

#9 Miami vs. #3 Ohio State – 3:40 PM EST

#14 Penn State at #1 Alabama – 7:00 PM EST