Fifteen Sense

Practically all of our Top 15 prime-time players had easy openers over the weekend, but our dear Oklahoma, which we’ve warned is as overrated as any team, looked the worst of any, struggling to an ugly 24-7 decision over a one-dimensional UTEP team.
Meanwhile, USC and its fans are already penciling themselves into the national championship game after rolling past a defenseless Hawaii team. Still, we were more impressed with defending national champ Alabama, as it smacked around Michigan without any problems. And some so-called experts picked Michigan?
Oh well. Read ‘em and leap as we stick our poll in the water for week 1.

1. Alabama: To be the champ (or top-ranked team), you’ve got to beat the champ.
2. USC: Would be interesting to see if ‘Bama could shut down Trojans’ offense.
3. Oregon: at USC Nov. 3.
4. LSU: We’re still on the fence about how good Tigers really are. No offense, Tiger fans.
5. West Virginia: The best team in the Big 12 doesn’t get a test until visiting Texas on Oct. 6.
6. Georgia: Mark Richt will find a way to screw up a good thing.
7. Florida State: Talented and a sleeper to really shake up the rankings.
8. Arkansas: Difficult to Hog spotlight playing in the power-packed SEC.
9. Michigan State: We were quite impressed with Sparty’s defense in big win over Boise State.
10. Oklahoma: Ten might be a stretch since Sooners have offensive line issues, inexperienced receivers and questions concerning QB Landry Jones.
11. Clemson: Tigers show some bite by beating Auburn, but is there a more mouthy bunch in college football?
12. Michigan: Singing the blues after beatdown by Crimson Tide.
13. Texas: Another sleeper that could rise up the charts. You can imagine how difficult it is for us to say that.
14. Wisconsin: Badgers struggle to beat Northern Iowa, but that’s a good tuneup for the soft Big Ten.
15. Nebraska: If Taylor Martinez can consistently throw as he did against Southern Mississippi, look out. We’re looking at you UCLA.