1. Geno Smith is the real deal: The West Virginia quarterback didn't look like a guy making his second college start against Marshall. He led the Mountaineers on two 90-plus yard drives to mount a come-from-behind 24-21 overtime victory. The most impressive part about Smith was that he kept his poise and his eyes downfield despite being hit and hurried all night by the Marshall defense. West Virginia has some serious issues with its offensive line, but it has a star-in-the-making in Smith.

2. Dion Lewis is slumping: The preseason Heisman Trophy candidate ran for 1,799 yards as a freshman and had only three games of fewer than 100 yards rushing. After two games this season, he has just 102 total rushing yards, including only 27 Saturday against New Hampshire. Blame it on the new offensive line if you want, but backup tailback Ray Graham had 115 yards on just nine carries Saturday in his first action of the season. The good news is, with a decreased workload and a bye week coming up, Lewis should be rested and ready for the Sept. 23 game against Miami.

3. Syracuse hasn't turned the corner: Orange optimism ran high after a 29-3 opening win at Akron. Syracuse then raced to a 10-point lead at Washington. But before you could say "Pinstripe Bowl," Jake Locker and the Huskies sliced through the Orange defense for an eventual 41-20 win. Doug Marrone's team still needs to make a lot of improvements to start thinking about postseason play.

4. B.J. Daniels can't do it all: South Florida showed serious potential in a 38-14 loss at Florida. The defense played well for much of the game, swarming to the ball. The offensive line got a nice push. The Bulls might have found a No. 1 tailback in Demetris Murray. The game plan by Skip Holtz, offensive coordinator Todd Fitch and defensive coordinator Mark Snyder was excellent. But the receiving corps is too green right now, and there's too much pressure on Daniels to make things happen at quarterback. No wonder he forces the issue, which led to his four interceptions. Perhaps if A.J. Love and Sterling Griffin come back from injuries, that will lessen the burden. But USF needs more help for Daniels to contend in the Big East.

5. Rutgers offense is a mess: When the Scarlet Knights have the ball, it's best to avert your eyes. Rutgers is never going to field a glitzy attack under Greg Schiano, but right now it's struggling to do anything right. The offense followed its sluggish performance in the opener against Norfolk State with an even more brutal showing (fewer than 175 total yards) in a 19-14 win over Florida International. Sophomore quarterback Tom Savage has yet to find his rhythm, and the offense had its most success Saturday with Mohamed Sanu at quarterback. The defense and special teams look terrific, but right now they're carrying way too much of the load.