Nothing like an opening game flop to severely lower your season expectations. Yes that includes you - Clemson, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Texas A&M, and for a while there Arkansas. Need I mention the high-wire escape acts by Maryland and UNC at home to I-AA teams; it must have been ACC Demoralization Day (welcome to the club...).
As a whole, only one team either lived up to their "hype" or exceeding expectations in my opinion - and that was Alabama. USC demolished UVA, but look at what all they lost? Georgia and Ohio State rolled, but other suffered injuries that could de-rail their title runs, especially Ohio State, who showed similar signs to last year of being unable to capitalize in the red zone at times (5 field goals, 4 in the first half!?). Yes Illinois is a decent squad, but when 'Juice' Williams PASSES for 400+ yards on your defense... and they rack up more than 530 yards... against what was suppose to be a more seasoned defense... uh oh Missouri. They are in the Big XII conference - and will not go undefeated with a pass defense similar to a straining sieve. From Florida to the rest of the Top 25, most of the teams played an out-matched opponent and steamrolled them likewise.
As for teams will instantly lowered expectations, the list is mighty long:
* Clemson - Really!?! Seriously!? No way!?! Are you kidding me!?! Another 8-4 season in the making. But as lousy as the ACC looks right now, they could still play for the league title, in front of 35,000 fans, and a BCS bid in which to continue the league's BCS winless streak at 9 years.
* UNC - Against THAT I-AA squad, at home!?!? Rapid improvement is a requirement for bowl eligibility. They could go 7-5 or 8-4 and win the conference (just like Clemson) - especially since they host the Hokies.
* Washington - With your expectations equalling bowl eligibility/ a bowl game - I didn't think there would be too much pressure. Not so fast. I think I've finally joined the chorus of "Ty, you really just can't coach man...". UW was listless in an Oregon beat down, again rapid improvement required for bowl eligibility (R.I.R.F.B.E., what a great new acronym).
* Virginia Tech - Well, I know VT lost a lot, and ECU returned plenty. But sorry, these are just games you have to win to be a bona-fide power. Their offense was sluggish behind Glennon (insert, I TOLD YOU SO MOMENT here...) - and the way they lost the game (a blocked punt, their staple) is a crushing way to lose a game.
* Maryland
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