College Football Rankings 2011: 3 Up-and-Coming Teams Sure to Continue Rise

After Week 3 of the college football season, things are beginning to take shape and several surprise teams have already entered the all-important AP Top 25.

We've already seen Baylor and South Florida score big upsets, but a few other teams emerged this last week that appear to be the real deal.

Here are three up-and-coming teams that figure to remain in the Top 25 by the end of the year.

3. Illinois

Out of all the surprise teams, the Fighting Illini may be the most shocking contender. After all, this squad was expected to finish in the bottom of the Big Ten after two abysmal seasons.

The Fighting Illini's victory over then No. 22 Arizona State on Saturday was mighty impressive, particularly because it was the Sun Devils who look like a team on the rise beforehand.

Illinois' win against the Arizona State was its first against a ranked opponent since beating No. 1 Ohio State in 2007.

Not only has the offense been explosive, but the defense has been a surprise, getting breakout performances from several players including linebacker Jonathan Brown. This team isn't a fluke, folks. Illinois could have a big season.

2. Michigan

What new head coach Brady Hoke has done with this team cannot be overstated. He has a history of bringing programs back from the depths and he appears to be doing it here.

Quarterback Denard Robinson is a legitimate Heisman contender thus far and his dual-threat ability has become a nightmare for defenses. Receivers Junior Hemingway and Jeremy Gallon have been impressive. The bend-but-don't-break philosophy of the defense continues to give their offense chances to win the game.

By the way, Junior Hemingway has to be one of the coolest names out there.

1. USC

I feel the same way about the Trojans as I do about Stanford: their quarterback can take them places they never dreamed.

It's not a secret that Matt Barkley is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. In fact, I have him just below Andrew Luck (yes, ahead of Landry Jones). Barkley has already passed for 892 yards and nine touchdowns to just one interception in three games.

The running game has been sporadic, but the Barkley-to-Robert Woods connection has been absolutely electric and the defensive line is really starting to come together. Teams are already giving the defensive front a lot of respect with quick drops and play-action passes, but it has a chance of becoming flat-out dominate.

The running game may never be fully trusted, but it may not matter when you have the passing game and D-line that the Trojans have.