Week one was full of surprising upsets, impressive debuts and disappointing beginnings to the 2012 season. Regardless of which of those categories your rooting interest falls under, college football has begun and it is the best time of year.
Helmet Sticker
My week one helmet sticker goes to Michigan State running back Le’Veon Bell. The Spartans hosted the Boise State Broncos and controlled their fate from the start of the game. Andrew Maxwell had a decent passing performance, except for three interceptions, one that led to Boise State’s lone touchdown of the game.
Amidst the passing game turnovers, Bell almost single handedly won this game for Michigan State. He had 44 carries, with 210 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. He also caught six passes for 55 yards. His combined output of 265 yards outgained the entire Bronco offense. He pounded and hurdled his way down the field as the Spartans defeated the Broncos 17-13.
Top-25 poll
1 USC
2 Alabama
3 Oregon
4 Florida State
5 Georgia
6 Oklahoma
7 West Virginia
8 Arkansas
9 Clemson
10 Ohio State
11 Nebraska
12 South Carolina
13 LSU
14 Oklahoma State
15 Michigan
16 TCU
17 Texas
18 Michigan State
19 Florida
20 Wisconsin
21 Kansas State
22 BYU
23 Virginia Tech
24 Utah
25 Louisville
Unranked from last week
Auburn: The Tigers played a solid football game against Clemson, which was tied going into the fourth quarter. They remain in the hunt for the top 25, but fall from 23 to out this week. Expect to see them to hang around.
Stanford: I had the Cardinal at 20 last week. As they hosted San Jose State, it seemed as if they would run away with the game, with a 14-3 lead at halftime. That wasn’t the case. The Spartans tied it in the second half and Stanford ended up winning by a field goal. With all due respect to San Jose State, a team that contended for the Pac-12 title a year ago should not come close to losing to a WAC school the following season – especially at home. Their poor performance, despite coming in a victory, still drops them from my poll.
Just missed the cut
Auburn: See above
Missouri: The Tigers manhandled Southeast Louisiana State 62-10, and gave up a pity touchdown late in the game. Sure, it was an FCS school, but they beat them as they should have. Their backup quarterback was 5-5 for 60 yards and a touchdown. It’s games like these where a teams depth is perceived. Missouri could be a legit top 25 team in the future.
Notre Dame: The Irish began the season early Saturday morning with a solid win over a respected program, Navy. They were firing on all cylinders and even scored on defense as they won 50-10.
Georgia Tech: The Hokies of Virginia Tech weren’t ranked last week. I believe they are overrated. I also believe this Georgia Tech team is underrated. They took the Hokies to overtime in Blacksburg, yet still fell. Their performance was enough to put them in the hunt for future polls.
Who fell the farthest
Michigan: This shouldn’t be a surprise. I had them ranked sixth last week, and even though they lost their starting running back due to a suspension, they still didn’t look like a top ten team against Alabama, and that’s no disrespect to Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide. This game wasn’t competitive. Perhaps I still have the Wolverines too high at 15.
Who rose the highest
Oklahoma State:The Cowboys, who lost their stud starting quarterback, hosted FCS Savannah State. I realize that is an inferior opponent. Folks, there was a team this weekend that lost to an FCS school. The Cowboys put 84 points on the board and pitched a shutout. They jumped seven spots in the poll from 21 to 14. They look as if they are in reload mode. The Big XII race could be interesting this season.
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