Ced's College Football Power Ten: Week Three

Well I drank the Notre Dame kool-aid and synonymous with Irish fans, was left disappointed. Surprise, surprise.

Helping ease the pain from that embarrassment however, was a very entertaining second week.

USC proved it could go on the road to Columbus and win with a freshman quarterback.

South Carolina and Georgia played in a very uncharacteristic yet profoundly exciting, high scoring thriller. The Bulldog D showed up just in time, stopping Carolina on the goaline to seal the victory.

My beloved Big 12 received another black eye form a national perspective, as Oklahoma State was upset by Houston.

To the enjoyment of most observers in the south, the Lane Kiffin era officially began...and they didn't even have to wait until conference play.

The "cupcake" part of the season is nearly complete, and teams across the nation are getting closer to forming their identities that will define them for the duration of the 2009 season.

Here are the games I’ll be paying close attention to this week:

1) Georgia Tech at Miami 

Another great Thursday nighter. This game could go a long way in determining the outcome of the ACC championship. Whichever defense can make the better adjustments should win the game. 

I like the 'Canes at home.

2) Boise St. at Fresno St. 

Always a great matchup. If Boise State is to be beaten this year, it will most likely be in this game. Wisconsin almost fell victim to the Bulldogs last week.

I like Fresno to pull off the upset at home.

3) Tennessee at Florida 

Mr. Kiffin, you ever hear the saying "tread softly and carry a big stick"... probably should have come in with that type of mentality in place of all the false bravado and smack talk. 

There will be blood...

4) Utah at Oregon 

For whatever reason, the Ducks are a drastically different team when in the comforts of Autzen stadium. They seem to be past the embarrassment at Boise, so expect the nation's longest winning streak to end here.

5) Nebraska at VA Tech 

With the recent black eyes against OOC opponents, the Big 12 is in dire need of a big nonconference win. A win in Blacksburg would be huge for the conference from a national perspective if the Huskers can pull off the upset.

6) USC at Washington

Fresh off their impressive road win at Ohio st, it will be business as usual for the Trojans as they travel to Seattle to play an undermanned Washington team.

USC will roll...or will they?

7) UConn at Baylor

Baylor will be looking to avenge an embarrassing loss to UConn a year ago. This game could be the one that decides if Baylor is to be bowl eligible for the first time since 1994.

8) Georgia at Arkansas 

Georgia was able to squeak out a win at home versus SC, but Arkansas led by Ryan Mallet has one of the more balanced offensive attacks in the SEC.

I like the Hogs to pull of the upset at home.

9) Florida st. at BYU

BYU is a legitimate top 10 team. FSU struggled against Jack State and will have to travel all the way out to Utah to play a top Mountain West team.

I like the Cougars to win comfortably at home.

10) Texas Tech at Texas

Oh Boy. I, like every other orange blood out there, have had this one circled for the better part of a year now.

The Raiders have no idea what they're in for. May God have mercy on their soul.

ANNHILIATION TIME.

Now for my top 10: (Last week's rank in parentheses)

1. Florida (1)

2. Texas (2)

3. Cal (3)

4. Alabama (7)

5. Ole Miss (4)

6. USC 

7. TCU (8)

8. BYU (9)

9. Penn st. (10)

10. Oklahoma