Rank And File

1. SEC

What we believed: From top to bottom, the SEC was once again supposed to be the best conference in college football. Georgia was ranked No. 1 in the preseason polls. Florida was picked to win the SEC East -- over the Bulldogs -- by the media that cover the league. Defending national champion LSU and Auburn were supposed to battle it out in the SEC West. South Carolina was a popular choice to be the league's dark horse.

What we know: For the first time in history, five SEC teams are ranked in the top 10 of the Associated Press Top 25 poll. But the league's top teams -- No. 3 Georgia, No. 4 Florida, No. 6 LSU, No. 9 Alabama and No. 10 Auburn -- have serious concerns. Georgia's offensive line and defensive line have been less than impressive. Florida still doesn't have a running game -- other than quarterback Tim Tebow. LSU has an inexperienced quarterback, and Alabama remains one of the youngest teams in college football. Auburn's new spread offense has been a disaster, and Tennessee remains a mystery after losing at UCLA 27-24 in overtime on Labor Day night. There are no easy outs in the SEC -- Vanderbilt is 3-0, Ole Miss is much better under Houston Nutt and Kentucky's defense will keep the Wildcats competitive in most ballgames. Defense again rules the roost in the SEC, but many of the league's offenses are just bad.

Record vs. nonconference FBS opponents: 16-3

2. Big 12

What we believed: With so many great quarterbacks, the Big 12 was supposed to be full of high-octane offenses. Oklahoma was supposed to be a national championship contender (at least until bowl games begin), and Missouri and Kansas were supposed to pick up where they left off last season. Texas Tech, with record-setting quarterback Graham Harrell and receiver Michael Crabtree and an improved defense, was supposed to be the dark horse in the Big 12 South.

What we know: The Big 12 offenses are as good as advertised and might be even better. Eight Big 12 teams are averaging at least 450 yards of offense per game. Missouri leads the country with 597.3 yards per game, and Texas Tech is second with 584.3. Quarterbacks Chase Daniel of Missouri and Sam Bradford of Oklahoma are leading Heisman Trophy candidates. Eight of the league's teams have unblemished records, and Kansas narrowly lost at South Florida on Friday night. Oklahoma's defense seems to be more prepared to survive in such a pass-happy league, but Kansas, Missouri, Texas and Texas Tech are each capable of challenging for a spot in a BCS bowl game. Oklahoma State might be the league's biggest surprise. The league's overall depth is better, too, because Colorado, Kansas State and Nebraska are no longer pushovers. The Big 12 has considerably closed the gap on the SEC.

Record vs. nonconference FBS opponents: 20-4

3. Big Ten

What we believed: With so many star players coming back for another chance to win a BCS National Championship, Ohio State was supposed to run away with its third straight outright Big Ten title. Michigan was supposed to be rebuilding under first-year coach Rich Rodriguez, and Illinois wasn't supposed to be as good as last season after losing star tailback Rashard Mendenhall and several other key players.

What we know: The Buckeyes are struggling mightily after three games. With star tailback Chris "Beanie" Wells sidelined with a right foot injury, the Buckeyes narrowly beat Ohio 26-14 and were embarrassed 35-3 at Southern California. The Buckeyes' latest flop in a big game all but eliminates them from the BCS National Championship race. Penn State looks like the class of the Big Ten right now, after routing Oregon State and Syracuse. Wisconsin has the league's most impressive victory, winning at Fresno State 13-10 on Saturday night. Michigan is worse than expected, losing to Utah and Notre Dame.

Record vs. nonconference FBS opponents: 16-6.

4. Pac-10

What we believed: Southern California would again be a national championship contender if quarterback Mark Sanchez played well. Arizona State would be the league's second-best team -- if the Sun Devils learned how to protect quarterback Rudy Carpenter. California would have to repair its psyche after last season's late collapse, and Oregon would have to replace a boatload of playmakers to be competitive.

What we know: The Trojans are much better than expected. In fact, this might be Pete Carroll's best team at USC. Sanchez has played brilliantly in two games, and the Trojans have tailbacks stacked up like cordwood. Arkansas transfer Damian Williams gives USC a much-needed deep threat. As good as the offense has looked, the defense might be even better. Oregon has played remarkably well after losing quarterback Dennis Dixon, but injuries are taking their toll on offense. California looked really good before sleepwalking through a 35-27 loss at Maryland on Saturday. Arizona State got caught looking ahead to Saturday's game against No. 3 Georgia, losing to UNLV 23-20 in overtime. The league isn't very deep and probably won't fill its bowl allotment. Give the Pac-10 credit -- its teams have played only one FCS opponent.

Record vs. nonconference FBS opponents: 9-10

5. Mountain West

What we believed: BYU was capable of spoiling the BCS party by finishing the season with a 12-0 record. The Cougars would have to win two games against Pac-10 opponents and beat rival Utah in their regular-season finale to do it. The Utes would be BYU's biggest challenge in the Mountain West if quarterback Brian Johnson stayed healthy. TCU would rebound from last season's disappointing 8-5 record.

What we know: The Mountain West has three teams capable of earning a BCS at-large spot: BYU, TCU and Utah. The Cougars are the best bet to do it after winning at Washington 28-27 and routing UCLA 59-0. But BYU plays road games at TCU on Oct. 16 and at Utah on Nov. 22. Utah beat Michigan 25-23 in its opener and gets TCU and BYU at home. The Horned Frogs rank second in the country in defense, allowing only 174 yards per game. Mountain West teams are 5-0 against Pac-10 opponents.

Record vs. nonconference FBS opponents: 10-4

6. ACC

What we believed: We hoped the ACC would be better this season, after the league lost a BCS bowl game for the ninth time in 10 tries. Clemson was supposed to be a national championship contender with so many skill players back. Boston College and Virginia Tech were supposed to be rebuilding, and North Carolina was supposed to be much improved.

What we know: Clemson's chances of winning a BCS National Championship ended in its first game: a 34-10 loss to Alabama in Atlanta's Georgia Dome. The Tigers still have the skill players to win an ACC title, but do they have the leadership? Virginia Tech looked pretty average in a 27-22 loss to East Carolina in Charlotte in its opener, but the Hokies recovered to beat Georgia Tech 20-17 on Saturday. The Tar Heels might be as good as advertised after winning at Rutgers 44-12 on Thursday night. Under first-year coach David Cutcliffe, Duke might finally escape the ACC cellar. NC State and Virginia look as bad as any FBS teams in the country.

Record vs. nonconference FBS opponents: 6-8

7. Big East

What we believed: West Virginia would be too good to skip a beat in coach Bill Stewart's first full season. With quarterback Pat White and tailback Noel Devine returning, the Mountaineers would pick up where former coach Rich Rodriguez left off. South Florida would contend for a Big East title, despite losing several key players on defense. Rutgers would have one of the country's best passing games after losing star tailback Ray Rice. Pittsburgh would be one of the country's most improved teams and might even challenge for a Big East title.

What we know: After saving itself in the past two seasons, the Big East isn't very good this year. West Virginia lost at East Carolina 24-3 in a game that wasn't that close. Rutgers is 0-2 after being embarrassed at home by Fresno State and North Carolina. Pittsburgh lost to Bowling Green 27-17 in its opener. Louisville isn't much better in coach Steve Kragthorpe's second season. Syracuse might be the worst team from a BCS conference. South Florida is carrying the Big East flag this season and might be good enough to finish 11-1.

Record vs. nonconference FBS opponents: 5-9

8. Conference USA

What we believed: Tulsa would be the Conference USA favorite even without departed star quarterback Paul Smith. Houston would still have a high-powered offense under new coach Kevin Sumlin, and Southern Mississippi would look much different running Larry Fedora's spread offense. East Carolina would win the Eastern Division if the Pirates could replace star tailback Chris Johnson.

What we know: East Carolina is a BCS contender after upsetting nationally ranked Virginia Tech and West Virginia in its first two games. The Pirates might be good enough to finish 12-0 and don't play Tulsa during the regular season. Tulsa and Houston are still scoring a ton of points, but the Cougars are giving up too many points. Memphis is the league's biggest disappointment with an 0-3 record, and UTEP and UAB aren't much better.

Record vs. nonconference FBS opponents: 5-13

9. MAC

What we believed: With quarterback Dan LeFevour returning, Central Michigan would win its third consecutive MAC championship. Ball State and record-setting quarterback Nate Davis would be the Chippewas' biggest challenger. Miami, Ohio and Bowling Green would battle for the Eastern Division title.

What we know: The Chippewas won't run away with the MAC crown this season. Ball State is as good as advertised. Akron won at Syracuse. Bowling Green won at Pitt (and then lost badly at Minnesota and Boise State). Other teams have put up a fight against opponents from bigger conferences: Ohio scared Ohio State; Miami gave Michigan fits; Temple lost in overtime to Connecticut. Turner Gill has turned Buffalo into a consistent winner, and Temple, of all teams, is two plays away from being 3-0.

Record vs. nonconference FBS opponents: 6-16

10. WAC

What we believed: Fresno State would contend for a BCS bowl spot if the Bulldogs could navigate their way through a very difficult schedule. Boise State would get closer to where it was two years ago, and Hawaii would take a huge step back after losing coach June Jones and quarterback Colt Brennan.

What we know: The Bulldogs are pretty good, beating Rutgers 24-7 and losing to Wisconsin 13-10. Boise State will be Fresno State's biggest challenge in the WAC; the teams meet in Boise, Idaho, on Nov. 28. Louisiana Tech has made great strides in coach Derek Dooley's second season, upsetting Mississippi State 22-14. Hawaii is worse than expected without Brennan and Jones.

Record vs. nonconference FBS opponents: 4-13

11. Sun Belt

What we believed: Sun Belt teams would continue to pay their bills with big paychecks from opponents from BCS conferences. Florida Atlantic would win its second consecutive Sun Belt championship with record-setting quarterback Rusty Smith coming back. Troy would take a step back after losing quarterback Omar Haugabook and offensive coordinator Tony Franklin.

What we know: Buyer beware: Sun Belt teams aren't as easy to beat as they used to be. Arkansas State ruined Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman's debut, beating the Aggies 18-14 in College Station, Texas. Middle Tennessee persuaded Maryland to play in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and beat the Terrapins 24-14. Florida Atlantic has struggled, losing to Texas 52-10 and Michigan State 17-0. Things won't be much easier when Sun Belt Conference play begins. Arkansas State is the league's most improved team, and the Trojans are 2-0.

Record vs. nonconference FBS opponents: 3-13