September 18, 2009

T.E. Parker
Rebel-Net.com Publisher

No. 1 BYU (2-0) - The Cougars followed up their victory over Oklahoma with an easy road win at Tulane (54-3). If BYU can defeat Florida State at home this weekend, the Cougars are going to be a candidate to play in the BCS National Title game at the end of the year if they can go undefeated.

No. 2 TCU (1-0) - The Horned Frogs got their season off to a nice start by waxing Virginia on the road last weekend. TCU was actually winning the game 30-0 before giving up a couple late scores. The defense appears to be the strength again, giving up just seven first downs to the home Cavaliers. Up next is a yawn fest against Texas State.

No. 3 Utah (2-0) - Utah hasn't lost forever but will get challenged Saturday with a road game at Oregon. The Ducks don't lose often in Eugene so the Utes better be ready to play. With bruising running back Matt Asiata questionable, much of the offense is going to be put on the shoulders of QB Terrance Cain. Is he ready to handle the load?

No. 4 UNLV (1-1) - The Rebels were one unfortunate call away from defeating a ranked opponent at home last week so they are slotted at four. Hawaii will be a good measuring stick for how good UNLV is. If the Rebels roll, they may be for real. If the Warriors hand UNLV it's second loss, the season could go in the tubes in a hurry.

No. 5 Air Force (1-1) - Air Force outplayed Minnesota on the road last week and should've won the game if it didn't fumble away the game. The Gophers returned a fumble 52 yards in the fourth quarter, which turned out to be the difference in a 20-13 contest. The Falcons will rectify everything with a trip to New Mexico on Saturday.

No. 6 Colorado State (2-0) - A week after defeating rival Colorado in a sound fashion, the Rams nearly blew it versus Weber State from the Big Sky Conference. CSU hung on for a one point victory (24-23) after a fourth quarter touchdown. Starting running back John Mosure returns after sitting out last week as the Rams face Nevada at home. This is a big one for the Mountain West.

No. 7 Wyoming (1-1) - The Cowboys pulled off the biggest upset of the year for about a quarter and a half last week. Things got dicey after that, though. Visiting Texas scored the game's next 35 points in a 41-10 blowout. The Pokes have a winnable game this week on the road at reeling Colorado. The offense, led by Darius Terry, will need to come to life.

No. 8 San Diego State (1-1) - Brady Hoke got his first win as Aztecs head coach last week against Southern Utah. Hoke will look to string together a pair of victories for the first time in over a year and a half whenever SDSU travels to Idaho Saturday. This will be the Vandals home opener.

No. 9 New Mexico (0-2) - Ladies and gents, this could very well be the worst team in Division I football this season. In the Lobos first two games, UNM has been outscored 85-16 and hasn't crossed the goal line on offense yet. First year head coach Mike Locksley may have a plan, but it doesn't look like it's going to get better any time soon. Hopefully, the Lobos can score a TD this week.