Time Out With Tom...It Was Just Week One, But What Just Happened?

Temptation was strong to start with Ol Miss, but those games happen once in a while.  Here are a few of week one’s question marks:

Auburn's Defense.  Expectations were high on the Plains that Chizik and Roof corrected the problems the Tigers had on defense in 2009.  Arkansas State quickly killed those thoughts after passing for 323 yards, and scoring 26 points.  No team wins the SEC without playing stellar defense.  Auburn better find a pulse or they will not contend this year – even with Newton, Carr and Dyer lighting up the scoreboard.

Florida.  Is it possible that the Gators invested so much into Tebow that they forgot how to play without him?  What should have been a walk in the park against the vastly inferior Miami Redhawks, instead was a close game.  The mistakes are correctable, but the Gators are obviously not at a level to compete for an SEC title. 

Oklahoma.  Beyond the close game against Utah State, the Sooners lacked discipline.  The penalties and turnovers were bad, but not putting the knife in the jugular in the 2^nd quarter was horrible.  In the past, Oklahoma was known for putting away teams quickly.  Stoops should be concerned.

New Mexico.  No one expected the Lobos to beat the Ducks, but no one expected a 72-0 loss either.  For the record, Chip Kelly took his foot off the accelerator.  The score could have easily been over 100.  New Mexico was a decent program under Rocky Long, but they are now officially awful.  Does Brian Urlacher have any eligibility left?  It is time to cut the volatile Mike Locksley loose, and get a better coach. 

PAC 10.  No one can blame Oregon State for losing to TCU, but UCLA and Washington losing suggests that the conference lacks depth right now.  How in the world is UCLA so pathetic on offense?  313 yards, 3 turnovers, just 22 points against an average Kansas State team.  Year three for Neuheisel and Chow is not starting very well. 

The Huskies loss was not quite as bad, but there are definite signs that should concern Washington fans.  For an offense to put up 400 yards and score only 17 points, something is wrong.  Third down conversion percentage was weak - 30%.  This has to improve, or 2010 may not be any better than 2009.