The first week of the season gave fans reasons to cheer with the outstanding performance of never-say-die Navy and reasons to be sad with the injury to Oklahoma's Sam Bradford.
Initial week performances can be great indicators of what is to come. For followers of Notre Dame, Miami, and Texas A&M, it appears better times are ahead.
Long-suffering fans of Syracuse, Washington, and Utah State must be inspired by the performances of their schools against favored opponents.
Whispers in SEC circles regard the long-held belief that "defense is ahead of offense early in the season."
Supporters of projected defensive threshers Alabama, LSU, and Georgia are holding their breath after surrendering 71 points between them during the weekend.
If week one is any indication, none of these three SEC teams have what it takes to provide much competition for the defending national champions of Florida.
The Gators may be as much above the rest of the Southeastern Conference as Boise State is the Western Athletic Conference.
While Florida versus Boise State would be an interesting game for the BCS Title, the Broncos will need upsets among Pac-10, Big 12, and Big Ten powers to clear their path to Pasadena.
Then there is always Brigham Young and the Mountain West Conference.
After Utah slapped Alabama around in the Sugar Bowl and BYU physically punished Oklahoma in the new Cotton Bowl setting, the MWC has proved on the field they should be included in any national title discussion.
Baby's Losers for Sept. 12
1. Texas @ Wyoming
The Cowboys nailed SEC member Tennessee last season and have an altitude advantage up in Laramie. Wyoming is where the Cowboys work, but Texas is where the football players live.
Baby's Loser: Wyoming
2. Notre Dame @ Michigan
The Wolverines are on the road back to respectability. The Irish believe they went down that road last year. In a thriller, look for line play to make the difference.
Baby's Loser: Michigan
3. UCLA @ Tennessee
One of the great intersectional rivalries in the history of college football. Lane Kiffin is very familiar with Rick Neuheisel and intends to surround the Bruins with speed.
Baby's Loser, Close: UCLA
4. Iowa @ Iowa State
Few major teams were less impressive on opening day than the Hawkeyes. Fewer still are the teams weaker than the Cyclones. A state rivalry usually decided by defense.
Baby's Loser: Iowa State
5. Stanford @ Wake Forest
One of the strangest matchups of the season as the Cardinal leave the Bay Area for a Tobacco Road date in Winston-Salem with Jim Grobe's hard-charging Demon Deacons.
Baby's Loser, Close: Stanford
6. Texas Christian @ Virginia
Two of the furthest apart cities in the old South, Fort Worth and Charlottesville, seem to have little in common. In another "oddball" clash, look for defense to prevail.
Baby's Loser: Virginia
7. South Carolina @ Georgia
Steve Spurrier's offense put together a four-yard drive to defeat N.C. State last week, 7-3. The Gamecocks are one great athlete away from winning in Athens.
Baby's Loser: South Carolina
Saturday's Tough One
8. The Air Force @ Minnesota
Another strange intersectional battle finds the Falcons of Colorado Springs traveling to the land of Paul Bunyan. They will wish they had brought Babe, the Blue Ox.
Baby's Loser: The Air Force
Game of the Week
9. Southern California @ Ohio State
The Buckeyes were unimpressive against The Navy in a 31-27 win and have stewed for a year since the blowout loss to the Trojans in 2008. What chance could they have?
Baby's Loser: Southern California
A heartfelt “Thanks” to everyone who participated in the first week of the second season of Baby's Losers.
Participation by dozens of contestants indicates the confidence of Bleacher Report writers.
The deep knowledge of teams and conferences all over the country is clearly displayed by their high level of analysis.
The week one challengers are led by a group of 12 who posted seven wins and two losses. This “Dirty Dozen” of leaders is an imposing fraternity, featuring the runner-up of the 2008 season, Tim C.
Tim, a leading authority on Alabama football at Bleacher Report, is joined at the top by the Big Boss Man of Georgia football, Georgia Dawg.
Others in the select society of leaders are Kent, Red Raider, and Brad. All were impressive forces in last year's competition. Overtaking these three gentlemen will be difficult for everyone.
Mosang Miles, noted B/R Editor and “Emperor of the Northwest,” also went 7-2 for the week.
Rounding out the first week leaders we find Mike, David K., David W., Jay, Ryan, and Matt.
A tip of the hat to all 12 in the first class section.
Baby Tate went 6-3 for the week, missing Missouri, BYU, and Buffalo.
Baby's Losers for week one reveals the following results:
7-2: Tim C., Mosang, Georgia Dawg, Kent, Brad, Red Raider, Matt, Jay, Ryan, David K., David W., and Mike.
6-3: 12 (2008 Champion), Michael Collins, Dan B., HD Handshoe, Michael O., Tim P., Illya, Sandman, Rick G., Daniel May, Emmett, Va Tech Fan, Keith, Gorm, Travis, Chris C., Cliff, and Blake.
5-4 : Franklin C., Kristofer, J. Michael, Cedrick, Wil, Tom O., Drew M., Ben Long, Scott, Randy L., Jonny Angel, Tony A., Kevin, and Stephen S.
5-3: Carl (Did Not Pick Ohio St.-Navy)
4-4: Chad (Did Not Pick Alabama-VPI)
Below the Mendoza Line: Nick, Mitch, Colt, Connor, Southern Man, Josh R., Daniel H., Kimberly, Ron C., D.A., and Brandon.
Let's get ready to rumble with Week II of Baby's Losers. Everyone is welcome to participate even if you missed the first week. All predictions must be posted by Friday evening at midnight.
Good luck to everyone.
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