1. Nebraska (1-0) vs. Idaho
This ranking is more about what other teams didn’t do, but wasn’t the defense supposed to be the rock for NU? Regardless, the Blackshirts need to contain Idaho’s video-game offense much better than they did against arguably the statistically worst program.
2. Texas (1-0) vs. Wyoming
Setting the terrible Bevo and Rice pun aside, the Horns appeared dead on Saturday against far inferior competition. While UT emphasized improving a beyond-nonexistent running game from last season, it couldn’t even break 400 yards against a team that finished 2-10 in 2009.
3. Oklahoma (1-0) vs. Florida St.
It took Utah State to show the world that OU was looking ahead to next week’s tradition-laden showdown with Florida State. Crimson-and-cream clad fans should be calling for quarterback Landry Jones’ head, as the Sooners are only 9-5 with him at the helm.
4. Texas A&M (1-0) vs. Louisiana Tech
The Aggies likely won’t break a sweat until they face Oklahoma State the last day of September. Because let’s face it: Lumberjacks and Golden Panthers don’t scare anyone. Having a quarterback as talented as Jerrod Johnson, however, will.
5. Kansas St. (1-0) vs. Missouri St.
Now that the Wildcats won their obligatory lone nonconference game against a BCS-conference school, hopes are high in Manhattan. This cupcake should be a cakewalk, but Missouri State beat North Dakota State — who stunned Kansas Saturday — last season.
6. Missouri (1-0) vs. McNeese St.
Before you ask whether McNeese is a state, the Tigers are battling internal issues. After star running back Derrick Washington got the boot, Mizzou ran for just 98 yards against Illinois. Without quarterback Blaine Gabbert rallying MU from a 13-3 halftime deficit, the Tigers could have fallen hard and fast.
7. Texas Tech (1-0) at New Mexico
There are two ways to look at the highlight of the TTU and SMU game. Half-empty: You conceded a 61-yard field goal. Half-full: Your defense stopped a promising Mustang drive at the 44. Given that UNM got slapped around in a 72-0 loss Saturday, half-full seems like the better option.
8. Oklahoma St. (1-0) vs. Troy
OSU joined Missouri and K-State as the only Big 12 teams to play BCS conference teams. But the Cowboys steamrolled Washington State — arguably the worst school in one of the six BCS leagues — 65-17. In OSU’s defense, the Cougars may have been good when the showdown was scheduled.
9. Colorado (1-0) at California
Colorado’s win over Colorado State proved that CU isn’t the worst FBS team in the Centennial State. However, the Buffaloes have miles of ground (or is it sky?) to make up on Air Force, which just illustrates how far CU has fallen under Dan Hawkins.
10. Baylor (1-0) vs. Buffalo
Want proof that QB Robert Griffin is back? The dual-threat quarterback showed why he’s considered, um, a dangerous dual-threat quarterback after leading all players in both passing and rushing yards in a 34-3 demolition of Sam Houston State.
11. Iowa St. (1-0) at Iowa
While the Cyclones beat Northern Illinois on Saturday, there’s a very slim chance ISU could beat every team with “Northern” in its name — Northern Iowa, you’re next — but lose to everyone else. But Iowa State will probably sneak a couple more wins in to keep that from happening.
12. Kansas (0-1) vs. Georgia Tech
Possible excuses for 6-3 loss to North Dakota State: Quality opponent? Facing an offensive juggernaut? KU is a cold-weather school? Mark Mangino’s rather sizable ghost roaming the sideline? Sorry, new coach Turner Gill swung and missed by miles in his debut with the Jayhawks.