The Real Week 1 Rankings

This is the rankings in college football based off an unbiased look at the week's games and the strength of schedule and conference.

1. USC

The Trojans flexed their muscles with a dominant performance over Virginia.  The Trojans looked like the strongest team this week.

They held Virginia to 187 yards of offense compared to their 555 yards.  The defense dominated and the offense looked very explosive as a different player scored on every touchdown.

2. Florida

The Gators held what was considered one of the greatest scoring offenses in the county a year ago to only 10 points in their opener.

The Gator defense swarmed all over the swamp and suffocated Hawaii with an effective running game. The Gators seem to beat this team easily.

3. Georgia

This was a nice little warm-up game for the No. 1 team in the polls.  The Bulldogs had a solid game.  They didn't have the most dominant performance of the weekend but still looked like they were one of the best teams atop the SEC.

4. Oklahoma

Oklahoma literally ran over the Chattanooga Mocs.  The Sooner defense was unbelievable as they held the Mocs to only 36 yards of total offense.  They held the Chattanooga offense to just one first down.

The offense looked dominate as expected but the Sooner defense just looked scary good.  I would be afraid to play the Sooners anytime soon.

5. Ohio State

The Buckeyes demolished Youngstown State.  They inevitably looked impressive. The defense showed they were ready for the season holding Youngstown to negative-11 yards rushing. 

But the low point of the game was Wells getting injured. That hurts the Buckeye's offense a little bit if his injury becomes serious.

6. LSU

The Tigers are back and they are hungry.  If hurricanes can't stop them, what's to say anything can stop this team?  They had an overpowering rushing game, forcing them to not having to rely on the passing game.  If the defense can be similarly dominant, the Tigers have a chance to get to the promised land once again.

7. Missouri

Missouri may have been the only team in the top 10 of the AP or USA today polls that was tested in this first week.  The Zoo had a thriller against the Fighting Illini.  Interceptions, kick returns, the Missouri Tigers used everything in their arsenal to come out with the victory.

8. Alabama

The Crimson Tide was victorious beating a very talented Clemson squad.  They held Clemson's Davis and Spiller, maybe the best running back tandem in the nation, to only 20 yards rushing.  Nick Saban should be ecstatic that his young team is starting off with a big win and a lot of confidence. 

9. West Virginia

West Virginia surprised the nation when it beat Villanova through the air.  That's right, the Mountaineers used their high powered spread offense through the air instead running the football.  New coach Bill Stewart should be concerned, though.

The Wildcats offense was put up good numbers against the Mountaineers defense.  In fact they gained more total yards than West Virginia.

10. Texas

Despite three late hits on Colt McCoy, the Texas Longhorns rolled right along past lowly Florida Atlantic.  Texas may not have had the most impressive win this week but they showed they were as solid a team as ever. 

They balanced the run and pass well with 271 passing yards and 232 rushing.  The defense was not overpowering but it got progressively better as the game went on.

11. UCLA

The Bruins struggled mightily in their game.  The Volunteers fought and battled the whole game and it came down to a field goal in overtime and Daniel Lincoln for Tennessee missed.

The Bruins came back from throwing four interceptions in the first half to rally in the second.  UCLA may have struggled in this game, but look for them to bounce back and surprise No. 15 in the rankings Brigham Young.

12. Auburn

Auburn has always played with a certain style.  Against the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks, it was no different. 

The Tigers were able to get their usual ground game going with a rushing attack that ran for 321 yards. The defense and special teams also accounted for the first two touchdowns of the game.

13. Texas Tech

The Eastern Washington Eagles' task was simple: score more than the Red Raiders and they would win the game.  Well, its safe to say easier said than done.

Graham Harrell threw for 536 yards with three touchdowns en route to a 49-24 victory. To be fair the Eagles made some plays, but just not enough to keep up with Texas Tech.

14. Wisconsin

The Badgers ran, ran, ran.  Wisconsin had a solid running game with 404 rushing yards, led by PJ Hill with 210 yards on the ground.

They ran their game plan to near perfection if it hadn't been for some untimely turnovers.  But the Badgers had a good overall game on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

15. Oregon

Despite losing a quarterback, the Ducks looked confident in their season opener.  It could be a good year for Oregon.  The have an exciting balanced offense and a fast defense.  They showed a little preview in against Ty Willingham's floundering Washington team. 

16. Kansas: Set a new attendance record as they beat Florida International 40-10.

17. Utah: Beat what was supposed to be an improved Michigan team.

18. Arizona State: They beat up Northern Arizona threw the air on a way to a 30-13 victory.

19. Penn State: Coach Paterno got his 373rd victory against Coastal Carolina.

20. Fresno State: Fresno State came in and beat Rutgers in Rutgers Stadium. 

21. South Florida (USF): The Bulls came out strong with a 56-7 win.

22. California: Battled a tough Michigan State team proving too much for the Spartans.

23. Eastern Carolina: Surprised the entire nation by beating Virginia Tech at their own game with a touchdown off a blocked punt to win it.

24. Boston College: Chris Cane takes over and leads the Eagles to a victory over Kent State.

25. Clemson: They are maybe the most talented team in the country, but so far that hasn't translated into wins.