Oregon had high hopes at the start of the season and it all started with a revenge game at Boise State to start the season. Before the game even got started, LaGarrette Blount told the media that they “owed Boise a beating.” By the end of the game, the only beating Blount gave was the punch he threw at Byron Hout.

The Broncos did the beating, holding the Ducks to 151 total yards and just six first downs in route to a 19-8 victory.

Things didn’t get a lot better the following week. Oregon’s offense woke up and scored 38 points, but they allowed Purdue, who currently sits at 3-6, to score 36 points. The Boilermakers caught what would have been the game-tying two-point conversion with 1:01 left, but Kyle Adams was out-of-bounds.

The next week, Oregon defeated 18^th ranked Utah 31-24 and never looked back. Their defense has played much better as has Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli. The Ducks have dominated every opponent they have face since then, starting with a 42-3 blowout win over previously unbeaten California a week after the Utah win.

But no win was larger than the Ducks 47-20 destruction of Southern Cal. The Ducks held the powerful Trojans to just 327 yards and absolutely lit up the USC defense, scoring 47 points and racking up 622 yards, including an astounding 391 yards rushing.

There are four main reasons for Oregon’s improved play.

• - Chip Kelly’s coaching job

He kept his team afloat after an extremely disappointing early-season loss and an incredible amount of negative publicity for his school and what was thought to be his team’s best player (Blount). He rallied has troops and has Oregon playing as well (maybe even better) as any team in the country. The opening week loss and subsequent punch are now things of the past.

• - The emergence of LaMichael James

The freshman out of Texarkana, Texas has been an absolute beast. After getting just 11 carries in his first two games, James has rushed for over 100 yards in every game but one. That one game was a 52-6 victory over Washington State in which things got out of hand pretty quickly. James wound up with just 13 carries, but still managed 81 yards and 2 TDs. James saved his best performance for Oregon’s biggest game – he went for 183 yards and a TD on 24 carries Saturday night against the Trojans. He now has 918 yards and 7 TDs on just 131 carries (7.0 ypc). James’ most impressive game may have come in a 24-10 victory over UCLA. Backup QB Nate Costa had to make his first career start because of Jeremiah Masoli’s injury and he passed for just 82 yards. UCLA knew James had to run, but that didn’t stop him – he had 152 yards on 20 carries.

• - Oregon’s defensive improvements

After holding Boise State to a season-low 19 points and 361 total yards in a loss, the Ducks were shredded by a pretty bad Purdue team for 36 points and 451 total yards. They followed that up by holding Utah to just 297 total yards and have played well in every game following the Utah game. In fact, the 20 points that USC scored on Oregon were the most points the Ducks have allowed since Utah scored 24 against them back in week 3.

• - Jeremiah Masoli has become a very good Quarterback

After struggling in his first three games (29-of-64(45%), 0 TDs, 2 INTS), Masoli has really turned his game around. He has played in four games since then (he missed the UCLA game because of an injury) and has put up incredible numbers. He is 68-of-96 (71%) for 748 yards, 6 TDs and zero INTs. He has also rushed for 291 yards and 4 TDs during that stretch. Masoli was 19-of-31 for 222 yards and a touchdown and added 164 yards and a TD on the ground in the blowout win over the Trojans. Masoli is making better decisions and the Ducks’ offense is playing at a very high level because of it. He has now accounted for 14 total TDs and has just 2 interceptions.

The Ducks probably don’t have a chance at a National Championship because of their opening game loss, but they do control their own destiny in the Pac-10. They have road dates with two ranked teams – Stanford and Arizona and have home games against Arizona State and rival Oregon State in the annual “Civil War.”

Only One-Half for Brandon Spikes?

I like the fact that Spikes has come out and apologized and I can’t really fault Tim Tebow for trying to defend him, but this warranted at least a full game suspension. Spikes blatantly tried to gouge the eyes of Georgia Running Back Washaun Ealey on Saturday and his classless act deserved worse than a half-game suspension. There is no place for that in college football and Spikes should have been made an example of. It seems like Meyer will stop at nothing to win another championship and if he wasn’t going to give Spikes the punishment he deserved, than the SEC should have stepped up and done it themselves.

I do like one thing Meyer did – he took action immediately- even if the punishment doesn’t match the crime.

Long time FSU Defensive Mickey Andrews Announces his retirement

Mickey Andrews is one of the best Defensive Coordinators of all time and he transformed Florida State into the national power that they become during the ‘90s. It’s unfortunate that such a loyal man and great coach is going out like this – Florida State is fielding easily their worst defense since Andrews has been there. Click here to see a very good article about Andrews’ career and just what he really meant to Florida State.

Performance of the Week

Jeremiah Masoli, Quarterback, Oregon

The Junior Quarterback went 19-of-31 for 222 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. He also rushed for 164 yards on just 13 carries and added another TD on the ground while orchestrating a blowout win over Southern Cal, 47-20.

The Heisman Race

Mark Ingram didn’t play but I’m not sure anyone did anything to merit leaping him.

1. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
   Last week: 18 attempts, 99 yards
   Season: 153 attempts, 1,004 yards, 8 TDs, 19 receptions, 186 yards, 3 TDs
2. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
   Last week: 22-of-27 for 268 yards and 2 TDs
   Season: 172-of-257 (66.9%), 2318 yards, 18 TDs, 2 INTs, 1 TD rushing
3. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
   Last week: 16-of-21 for 171 yards and 1 TD
   Season: 198-of-275 (72%), 1977 yards, 15 TDs, 8 INTs, 1 rushing TD
4. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
   Last week: 15-of-21 for 164 yards and 2 TDs, 18 carries, 85 yards, 2 TDs
   Season: 99-of-153 (64.7%), 1323 yards, 10 TDs, 4 INTs, 139 carries, 551 yards (4 ypc), 8 TDs
5. Case Keenum, QB, Houston
   Last week: 44-of-54 for 559 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT
   Season: 285-of298 (71.6%), 3293 yards, 25 TDs, 5 INTs, 3 rushing TDs

My top 25

1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. Cincinnati
5. Iowa
6. TCU
7. Boise State
8. Oregon
9. Georgia Tech
10. LSU
11. Penn State
12. Pittsburgh
13. Utah
14. Houston
15. USC
16. Ohio State
17. Miami
18. Oklahoma State
19. Notre Dame
20. Arizona
21. Wisconsin
22. Virginia Tech
23. Oklahoma
24. South Florida
25. Clemson

Game of the Week:
#10 LSU @ #1 Alabama
3:30 pm EST, CBS
The Line: Alabama -10

It’s time for Saban Bowl III and if this installment is anything like the first two, we’re in luck.

In their first matchup, LSU pulled out a 41-34 victory after trailing 27-24 entering the fourth quarter. LSU scored two touchdowns in the final three minutes after a key Alabama fumbled.

Last season, it was LSU that pulled the near upset after tying the game with 6:12 left. Alabama’s field goal on the final play of the regulation was blocked and the game went to overtime. LSU QB Jarrett Lee was picked off in overtime and Alabama went on to win the game 27-21.

LSU, who is ranked 9th in the BCS could get themselves back into the BCS Title picture with a win over Alabama, setting up a potential rematch with Florida.

Both Quarterbacks have struggled to put points on the board for their offenses. In fact, Tennessee held Alabama without a touchdown while Florida kept LSU out of the end zone.

I think that both squads have excellent defenses that are capable of shutting down any opponent and although I do like the Tide’s defense better, I think it is their offense that is going to be the difference in this game.

And I like Alabama’s offense better for a couple of reasons. The number one reason is the balance that the Tide brings on offense. Alabama actually averages more yards per game on the ground (218 yards per game) then they do through the air (192 yards per game). LSU on the other hand, has had a lot of trouble running the ball, averaging 141.5 yards per game on the ground.

One of the best indicators of an offense is yards per play, so let’s look at that. The Tigers average 5.34 yards per play while the Tide’s offense averages just over 6 yards per play, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.

LSU averages just 3.95 yards per rush, while Alabama averages 5.3. I think that it will be much easier for Alabama to shut down LSU’s running game than vice versa, forcing LSU throw the ball earlier in the game, giving Alabama the opportunity to force LSU QB Jordan Jefferson into mistakes.

I really like the way Alabama dominates the clock. They have the ball or over 32 minutes per game while LSU doesn’t have much of an edge in T.O.P. at all. Alabama’s running game and ability to sustain drives is going to be the difference in this game. The Tide should be able to control the clock and wear down the LSU defense in the fourth quarter.

Games to Watch

#16 Ohio State @ #11 Penn State – 4
3:30 pm EST, ABC Regional

Ohio State pitched another shutout last week when they beat New Mexico State 45-0. Penn State struggled early on and actually trailed Northwestern 13-10 before dominating the second half in route to a 34-13 win. I really like the Buckeyes’ defense. It is very good. The held NMSU to just 62 total yards and are one of the best coached units in the country year in and year out. The Buckeyes give up just 260 yards per game, good for sixth in the entire nation. The Buckeyes give up about 4 yards per play.

My problem with the Buckeyes is their offense. They average just less than 5.78 yards per play. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor has been awful. He is completing just 54.6% of his passes and has thrown 9 interceptions.

Penn State’s defense gives up just 254 yards per game, good for fifth in the nation. Penn State’s defense gives up slightly over 4 yards per play so the defenses are pretty much even.

However, Penn State’s offense is much more explosive, averaging almost 6.5 yards per play. The Nittany Lions have also had much more consistent Quarterback play from Senior Daryll Clark. Clark has 18 TD passes and 7 interceptions, but 3 of them game in one really bad game – Penn State’s 21-10 loss against Iowa. Penn State also has a feature back – Evan Royster. Royster has rushed for 859 yards. Ohio State lacks a feature back and Pryor is the team’s leading rusher with 554 yards.

I think that Ohio State’s defense will be the best Daryll Clark has seen but Penn State is too explosive and Ohio State has too many offensive deficiencies.

#8 Oregon @ Stanford +5.5
3:30 pm EST

Oregon is riding high after one of the biggest wins in the history of their program and now they have go on the road to take on a team that’s undefeated at home, has a consistent running game and a smart Quarterback – that’s an excellent recipe or an upset.

I really like what Chip Kelly is doing with the Ducks and I think he’s going to have his team ready to go.

#23 Oklahoma @ Nebraska +6
8:00 pm EST, ABC Regional

Nebraska was really starting to make me a believer. They were 4-1, fresh off a win at Missouri, with their only loss coming in the final seconds at Lane Stadium against Virginia Tech. Then, they lost two straight home games. They were blown out by Texas Tech 31-10 and then beaten by Iowa State 9-7. Another conference loss would probably end any chance at a Big 12 title game appearance.

Nebraska has had a lot of trouble and despite Oklahoma’s defensive performance against Kansas State (KSU had 364 yards and 30 points), I don’t expect the Huskers to have much success against the Sooner defense. Landry Jones seems like he is getting very comfortable in the offense, so I like the Sooners to cover.

(Andrew Melnick is Howard the Dunk’s lead blogger and a contributor at NFL Mocks Subscribe to his RSS feed and add him on Twitter to follow him daily.)

Three of the top six went down this weekend with each losing to an unranked team. 4th ranked Ole Miss was defeated by South Carolina, 5th ranked Penn State was beaten by Iowa for the seventh time in six games and 6th ranked California was destroyed by Oregon 42-3.

While many were very surprised by these outcomes, I don’t think any of these upsets should have shocked anyone. Ole Miss was overhyped from the get-go. They had a pretty good team last season, but still lost four games, but they did win two huge games in 2008. They were the only team to defeat Florida (and did it in Gainesville) and also defeated a former #1 – Texas Tech, in the Cotton Bowl. After the season, Ole Miss lost their two best players in the first round of the NFL Draft – DT Peria Jerry (24th overall to Atlanta) and OT Michael Oher (23rd overall to Baltimore). You can’t lose your best player on both your offensive and defense line and expect there not to be a drop-off. Add Greg Hardy, Ole Miss’ star defensive end, who has been banged up since Ole Miss’ week one win over Memphis and you’ve got yourself some trouble.

In fact, I, along with many others, picked South Carolina to win the game. The Gamecocks defeated a pretty good NC State team in Raleigh and suffered their only loss in the closing seconds against Georgia. The Gamecocks had a chance to win the game but a 4th down pass inside the Georgia 10-yard line fell incomplete.

Penn State’s loss is a little more surprising to me, but it probably should not have been. Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes have now beaten Penn State seven of the last eight times they have played them. Penn State has posted very good records since 2005, but they don’t have a whole lot of impressive victories. They were blown out in the Rose Bowl by USC last season after finishing the regular season 11-1 and winning the Big 10 Championship. I’m not sure that Penn State has the talent to be an actual National Championship contender. I don’t think they have the athletes at all positions to run with teams like Florida, Texas and Southern Cal and they have proven that over the last few seasons. Although they are having much more success than Florida State, I think Penn State is in a similar situation – both teams are being held back from reaching the truly elite level by their Hall-Of-Fame Head Coaches – the reason those teams became elite programs in the first place.

California’s blowout loss to Oregon came out of nowhere. Just last week, I said that I would cast my Heisman vote for Jahvid Best and although I did say that I didn’t trust California as a team outside of Best, there’s no way I expected Oregon, with a struggling Quarterback, to blow to Bears out of the water. Coming into the contest against Cal, Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli was just 29-64 with 379 yards, 0 TDs and 2 INTs, including a 4-16 performance in a win over Utah a week ago. Against Cal, Masoli was 21-25 for 253 yards with 3 TDs and 0 INTs.

I’m not totally surprised that the Ducks won, especially since the game was played in Autzen Stadium, but the score is just unbelievable. Jahvid Best had just 55 yards on 16 carries, essentially taking him out of the Heisman Race.

So What Does This Say About Boise State?

Oregon has defeated Purdue and two former unbeaten, ranked teams- Utah and California. The Ducks have bounced back from the season-opening loss and the loss of their star Running Back. They have looked very good lately and worked their way back into the top 25, so what does all of this say about Boise State?

The Broncos dominated the Ducks in a week one win. They defeated Oregon 19-8 and held the Ducks to just 152 yards compared to the 524 yards that Oregon gained on California.

Last week, Boise State played an overmatched Bowling Green team and absolutely dominated, winning 49-14. Games like this tell us nothing, which is why you have to admire teams like BYU and TCU who are in a situation that is very similar to Boise State’s, but schedule much tougher competition. BYU has already played Oklahoma and Florida State, while TCU just went into South Carolina and came out with a win over Clemson.

There really isn’t anything standing in between Boise and an undefeated season and there hasn’t been since their week one win. Because of the schedule the Broncos play, we will never really know how good they are until the season ends, which is unfortunate for college football fans across the country. It’s also unfortunate for the Broncos because it gives them to chance to make a BCS National Championship game.

Florida State and Miami Back? Guess Not.

After a classic week one matchup between the ‘Canes and the ‘Noles, which was decided on a last second dropped pass by FSU giving Miami a one-point win, it looked like both teams may be “back.” I was skeptical after a week and FSU gave me even more reason to be skeptical after they had to score with less than a minute left to avoid losing at home to Jacksonville State.

Then, a week later, Miami dominated Georgia Tech 33-17 and Florida State absolutely destroyed 7th ranked BYU, rolling up over 500 yards of offense in a 54-28 win. Things were once again looking pretty in the sunshine state, but it didn’t last.

Florida State had one of their worst performances in years Saturday as they were defeated by the South Florida Bulls 17-7 in Tallahassee. Miami proved that they aren’t quite ready to be back on the national radar and that their fast climb in the rankings was a bit premature.

Both teams had their QBs struggle somewhat after both had looked like All Americans through the first three games. FSU QB Christian Ponder wasn’t too bad, going 25-37 for 269 yards, but he had a costly fumble that set up a USF FG that essentially ended the game. Ponder is completing 66.2% of his passes, had 4 TDs and just one INT so I still think a QB is one thing that the FSU coaching staff has finally found.

Jacory Harris looked nearly invincible in his first two starts, but then he ran into a very good defense that was the first team able to get pressure on the sophomore signal-caller. The Hokies held him to just nine completions on 25 attempts. He had an interception and a fumble. There will still be some growing pains because Harris is very young, but Miami has also found their QB.

Miami’s defense has been shaky, giving up 34, 17, and 31 points, but it is obvious that the team is on the right track.

Florida State, on the other hand, I’m not so sure about. There are a lot of problems with the Seminoles.They need a fresh start and that all starts with letting their Offensive Coordinator and Head Coach in Waiting actually become the Head Coach. Bobby Bowden is a legend. He built a terrible team into a program that had the most impressive 14 year run in the history of college football and as much as I respect Coach Bowden; it’s time for him to let it go. The ‘Noles need a young, charismatic Head Coach like Jimbo Fisher.

Even if Bowden doesn’t leave after the season, it is likely that Defensive Coordinator Mickey Andrews will, which is probably a good thing for FSU. Andrews and the whole defensive staff need an overhaul. FSU hasn’t had a typical dominating defense in quite some time and currently ranked 115th against the pass. They have no pass rush and their secondary has been awful. At times, their defense looks lost. If Fisher soon becomes the Head coach and is able to put together his own staff, the ‘Noles can potentially get back to where they want to be. Fisher has not proven himself to be the right man for the job yet, but he has showed some positive signs. No one will really know what Fisher can do until he has complete control of the team and is able to make his own decisions about his own coaching staff.

And if that’s not the case, there’s always Brian Kelly…

Performance of the Week

Jeremiah Masoli, QB, Oregon After being criticized for his disastrous start to the season, the Junior Quarterback silenced his critics. Masoli threw just four incompletions, going 21-25 for 253 with three touchdowns on Saturday. Oregon destroyed 6th ranked Cal 42-3 and Masoli was largely responsible.

“On offense the sky’s the limit for us,” Masoli said with confidence. “We’re the only ones who can hurt us. These last couple of weeks we’ve been in a funk, but today we moved past that.”

The Heisman Favorite

Last week, I hopped on the Jahvid Best bandwagon but after his 16-carry, 55-yard performance in a 42-3 loss to Oregon, Best has pretty much lost any hope to take home the hardware. It looks like the two frontrunners remain the same – the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, Florida QB Tim Tebow and Texas QB, Colt McCoy.

Tebow may have had the flu but he looked like his normal self against Kentucky after a less than average performance against Tennessee. He was 5-10 for just 44 yards and a TD but had 16 carries for 123 yards and 2 TDs before he left the game late in the third quarter after suffering a concussion with a 31-7 lead. Tebow continues to put up pedestrian passing numbers but he continues to run well, rarely turns the ball over and keeps leading his team to victory.

The big question about Tebow this week is why he was in the game in the third quarter with a 24-point lead. A case could be made that the Florida Coach Urban Meyer should have had Tebow out because he was sick. Under normal circumstances, there’s no Head Coach in the country that would have their starting QB out with a 24 point lead in only the third quarter. Hits are put of football and with how often Tebow runs the ball and takes hit, this was bound to happen. It seems like he is fine and will be good to go in the highly anticipated showdown with LSU on October 10.

Colt McCoy has been pretty good as well but could be playing much better. McCoy was 28-35 for 286 yards with 3 TDs in a 64-7 win over Utep on Saturday. He is now 103-145 with 1,145 yards and 9 TDs. He also has rushed for a TD. These are Heisman-like numbers on a top team, but his interception numbers are worrying me. He has thrown at least one interception in each game this season and has five total for the season. Although Tebow is just 44-68 for 643 yards and 6 TDs, his rushing (271 yards, 5 TDs) and his ability to make good decisions (just one interception on an incredible catch by Eric Berry) keeps him atop the list for now. McCoy will have plenty of chances to move back ahead of Tebow and I won’t be surprised if he does.

Last week, I mentioned Jacory Harris as a potential dark horse, but he played himself right out of that (see above).

Houston QB Case Keenum may no longer be a dark horse contender because he has now lead his team to wins over two Big 12 teams – Oklahoma State and Texas Tech. Keenum is 93-134 for 1,160 yards with 8 TDs and 2 INTs. He also has three rushing TDs, giving him more total yards then either Tebow or McCoy and more total TDs then both. He has also thrown just two interceptions and his last touchdown Saturday was a four yard run with :49 left and his team trailing by five.

Cincinnati QB Tony Pike is 93-132 for 1223 yards and 11 TDs with just two interceptions. He also has two rushing TDs . He had lead his team to road wins at Big East rival Rutgers and at Oregon State.

Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen played his worst game of the season against Purdue Saturday. He threw his first interception in that game and threw for just 171 yards after passing for 300 or more yards in each of his first three games, but Clausen still hit Kyle Rudolph for the game winning TD with :25 leading Notre Dame to their second straight come from behind win. Clausen is 77-117 with1,122 yards with 10 TDs and one interception.

My Top 15

The more I see out of teams, the more teams I will rank, eventually giving an entire Top 25.

1. Florida
2. Alabama
3. Texas
4. LSU
5. Boise State
6. Virginia Tech
7. Cincinnati
8. Houston
9. Oklahoma
10. USC
11. Ohio State
12. TCU
13. Iowa
14. Oregon
15. Oklahoma State

Game of the Week

LSU @ Georgia

The Line: Georgia -3

In week one, the Dogs looked like they were going to have a lot of trouble on offense after 24-10 loss to Oklahoma State in Stillwater but since then the Dogs have lit up the scoreboard. They scored 41 points against a South Carolina defense that held QB Russell Wilson and NC State to just three points Jevon Snead and Ole Miss to just 10 points. They also scored 52 points at Arkansas before struggling to win 20-17 at home against Arizona State. The Dogs held the Sun Devils to just 204 yards and had 334 yards themselves but had they had three turnovers, including two Joe Cox interceptions that kept the Sun Devils in the game. Luckily for the Dogs, they bounced back and got themselves in position to win the game on a last second field goal. If they make those kind of mistakes against the Tigers, they won’t be so lucky.

LSU also struggled last weekend. Mississippi State had first and goal at the 2 with less than two minutes to play and LSU stopped the Bulldogs all four times, leaving Starkville with a 30-26 victory. LSU didn’t look good at all. The Bulldogs had over 100 more total yards than the Tigers, but committed four turnovers while LSU did not turn the ball over. The Tigers managed just 30 yards rushing – that’s not going to cut it.

If this game becomes another shootout, I think it will favor the Dogs considering they have already beat two pretty good teams in that style of a game. However, I think LSU got a wake-up call last week and will not allow that to happen.

I like LSU in this game. I don’t think that they will be looking ahead to the Florida game and I think their defense is going to force Joe Cox and the Georgia offense into mistakes because of LSU’s ability to shut down the Georgia running game. LSU’s talented WRs should be able to take advantage of these mistakes. Plus, the Tigers have already gone into one hostile environment (Washington) and come out with a victory.

Upset Alert

I was going to take Michigan State over Michigan but then I saw that the Spartans are actually a two-point favorite.

I’m going to put Georgia Tech on upset alert. The Jackets must travel to Starkville to take on Mississippi State. I’m not going to pick the Bulldogs to win the game but their near upset of LSU should give them some confidence against a Tech team that may be looking ahead to their next two games – a game in Tallahassee with the Seminoles and matchup at home against Virginia Tech in two weeks that could put Georgia Tech right back in the mix for an ACC title.

Other Potential Upsets:

UCLA @ Stanford – 5.5

Stanford is coming off a huge win over Washington, but the Bruins have played well. They are 3-0 and have two non-conference BCS wins (@Tennessee, Kansas State).

NC State @ Wake Forest – 2.5 I expect this one to happen. NC State has the more talented team.

USC – 5 @ Cal

Cal is coming off a terrible performance against Oregon by any team going on the road with a freshman Quarterback and a lot of inexperience has the potential to struggle.

(Andrew Melnick is Howard the Dunk’s lead blogger. Subscribe to his RSS feed and add him on Twitter to follow him daily.)