1. Ohio State–Still rolling.
2. Auburn–The best of the West (SEC, that is) right now. Auburn had a gutsy performance to slip past LSU.
3. USC–The talent level is still unbelievable. However, there are still penalties, dropped passes, and timing issues to work out. John David Booty has yet to disappoint, and Duane Jarrett showed up big.
4. West Virginia–The Mountaineers are rolling with only Louisville on their schedule who can give them problems.
5. Georgia--The defense has been incredible. They have given up 12 points in three games, and they have registered two straight shut outs. It is the beginning of an era in Athens with Matt Stafford at QB.
6. Michigan–So far, so good. Mike Hart should receive Heisman votes this year thanks to an improved passing attack with Chad Henne and Mario Manningham. A showdown is brewing for Nov. 18 in Columbus.
7. Florida–Florida went on the road and beat a pretty good Tennessee team.
8. Texas–The Longhorns rolled with little test from Rice. It was the right medicine for a team who needed to rebound and keep its young QB moving forward.
9. LSU–A loss at Auburn should not kill a successful season. Win every other game and one can see LSU in a BCS Bowl.
10. Notre Dame–The talent is still there. The Irish just has to play more consistent. Maybe Charlie Weis needs a shake up. Who knows, the Irish might consider breaking out the green shirts.

Teams That Are Close

Oregon–Oregon survived Oklahoma, but it wasn’t pretty. They have some talent, and they run the spread option pretty well. Cut down on the turnovers and mistakes, and they could be the only really challenge to USC for the Pac 10 title.
Louisville–They routed Miami (FL). Louisville’s biggest problem is that they have lost their two best playmakers in the last two weeks. However, it doesn’t seem to matter to their defense.
Iowa–A healthy Drew Tate is just what the doctor ordered. Give him a week or two to be his old self, just in time for the Buckeyes.

This weekend has to be one of the best for matchups in recent memory. There are just too many matchups involving ranked teams to notice them all. So, I’ll have to be selective.

LSU vs. Auburn–This is a no brainer. LSU ranked number 1 in this poll versus Auburn ranked number 4 in this poll. LSU has had little trouble with either team it has faced this year including Arizona of the Pac 10. Auburn has also had little trouble with its teams including Washington State of the Pac 10. Auburn has the advantage at home, but LSU has the QB advantage.

Notre Dame vs. Michigan–This one is in is a chance to see a dominant Notre Dame team taking on a, thus far, consistent Michigan team. Mike Hart should challenge that Irish defense to see if it really is better this year.

Louisville vs. Miami (FL)–This is a battle between one of the most prolific offenses (Louisville) versus one of the best defenses in Miami. Louisville is still looking for an answer to their injured running back Michael Bush.

TCU vs. Texas Tech–This is not only a game with a ranked opponent, it is a ranked game. It doesn’t happen in Fort Worth. The home team is actually ranked higher. The game is sold out. It is going to be crazy! TCU played Tech two years ago in Lubbock, and it was a blow out, by Tech. TCU isn’t talking about it to the media, but they are not forgetting it. TCU Coach Patterson has been winning this year without Senior RB’s Lonta Hobbs and Robert Merrill and Senior WR Michael Depriest. They do it with a defense that takes the ball away from opponents. QB Jeff Ballard knows how to distribute the ball evenly. And TCU gets Sophomore RB Aaron Brown the ball in the open field and he blows by everybody.

By now you’ve been coming to my blog about college football and you think that I’m pretty good at knowing what’s going on. You’re a big time writer like Terry Bowden (Yahoo Sports), Stewart Mandel (SI.com), or Matt Hayes (SportingNews.com) and think, “I’ve got to keep up with this blog!” Well, never fear. There are two ways to keep up the TTT10 (The Toddler Top 10). If you subscribe to RSS on your Yahoo or Google hompage, then you can subscribe to the blog here. Another way is to subscribe to my TTT10 email alerts. Everytime I update the blog, an email is generated to everyone on the list. To subscribe just go to my Google Group.

I will keep a link on the right sidebar to subscribe to the email alerts.

The preseason is over! There are teams in the Top 10 that will lose this week. Teams that haven’t gotten the kinks worked out will have to play catch up. There are too many big matchups in this third week of College Football. We will find out if some teams are for real.

1. LSU–Big matchup for LSU at Auburn. Auburn will be favored, and it could be LSU’s only loss, or the beginning of a really special season. Auburn’s offense has to face a defense that has yet to give up a touchdown this year.
2. Ohio State–Troy Smith is absolutely the biggest reason Ohio State is as good as it is. The Buckeyes beat Texas without Smith running the ball. The defense is improved, and now the Buckeyes are on a roll.
3. Notre Dame–The Irish made Penn State look average. Last week I said the offense would get untracked and they did. The defense is good now, and it will only get better.
4. Auburn–They get LSU at home. There offense needs to be good, and that means Brandon Cox passing efficiently if they want to beat LSU. Playing at home should be an advantage.
5. USC–This team is good enough that it doesn’t have to play to move up in the polls. The Cornhuskers come calling this week in L.A. John David Booty gets another start against good competition before starting conference play.
6. West Virginia–They continue to roll and pound opposing teams. They are rushing for an incredible 353 yards per game. They will keep running, all the way to October 20 when they face UConn.
7. Georgia–Georgia looked impressive in their game with South Carolina. I can not believe anyone would be able to shut out a Steve Spurrier team. The offense lost its senior QB. It may not matter though. Freshman great Matt Stafford may make everybody forget that someone else was the starter. Give him time, and he will be good.
8. Texas--Texas did not lose its season when it lost to Ohio State. The game did show, however, how much work is left to get McCoy and the offense ready to play Oklahoma in October.
9. Florida–I am debuting Florida this week. Their early season accomplishments have been impressive. Whether or not there is magic with Urban Meyer in his second season, this team is pretty darn good. They have real challenge going in to Knoxville against a Tennessee team hungry for success.
10. Oregon–The Ducks have their wings (urr, hands) full this week. They play Oklahoma at home, and Oklahoma looked much better against Washington.

Teams that are close

Michigan–My friend Lee wants Michigan in the Top 10. First, a trip to South Bend.
Florida State–Florida State was flat after the Miami game and almost lost to Troy.
Miami–Miami rebounded quickly, but they have to go to Louisville.

Here are my games to watch.

Texas vs. Ohio State–Rarely has a number 1 vs. number 2 (in the other guys’ poll) happened so early. This game was a classic last year. I think it will be again. Ohio State did not play Troy Smith last year when the game was on the line. It was understandable; he was returning from a suspension. This year, Smith will be in there unless he is hurt. Texas’ Colt McCoy really makes his debut this week. Even though Ohio State’s defense hasn’t come together yet, it should still be better than North Texas’ defense. I know that Limas Sweed and Jamaal Charles are looking forward to having big games against Buckeyes at home. It will probably come down to which offense makes mistakes, and Texas has a very young QB.

Penn State vs. Notre Dame–Notre Dame plays a good Penn State at home after a sluggish offensive start. I don’t expect the offense to stay sluggish. I think Penn State will also test how good the Irish defense really is. Look for Notre Dame’s offense to get untracked at home.

Georgia vs. South Carolina–The new QB at Georgia has to go into William-Brice Stadium and beat a resurgent South Carolina football team coached by Steve Spurier. The Gamecocks are not currently ranked in the top 25, yet. Georgia and South Carolina’s offenses are struggling. Could this be a breakout for both offenses, or will this game be dominated by defenses? Also, will Georgia’s Freshman QB Matthew Stafford see action again? Stafford was one of the top QBs from Texas who led his Highland Park football team to the state championship in convincing fashion. While it is hard to throw freshmen QBs in to the fire early, it is also hard to keep them on the bench (see Arkansas, Mitch Mustain) if they give you the best chance to win.

1. LSU–They did what they should have done.
2. Ohio State–Offense hit the ground running, but the defense is a little shaky. The new players are getting adjusted to the college game. They jump over Notre Dame after a less than impressive showing against Georgia Tech.
3. Notre Dame–The defense looked good, however, I am not sure how good Georgia Tech’s offense will be. The offense did not look so good, but that should not last long.
4. Auburn–Auburn had a steady consistent start. If this Auburn team finishes undefeated, it will not be left out of the National Title Game.
5. Texas–Colt McCoy did not disappoint the fans in Austin. He will have a tougher defense this week against Ohio State.
6. USC–The Trojans were impressive against Arkansas. It looks as if John David Booty will be another in the QB factory from LA.
7. West Virginia–West Virginia is simply rolling. Steve Slaton had 201 yards rushing. Ouch!
8. Oregon–The Ducks took care of an early Pac Ten test. They are definitely quacking!
9. Georgia--Georgia looked solid with a new QB.
10. Florida State–The Seminoles win the toughest first game of the season for anyone. It was close, and, can you believe it, they won with a field goal late.

As promised, I am publishing my Games to Watch segment. There is one for each day in this first weekend of college football. During the season, I’ll probably pick two or three during the weekend. Who can guess what game will be profiled on September 9th? Here goes.

Thursday, August 31
Temple vs. Buffalo–These two programs are probably among the worst in college football. Both have new coaches. And, they play each other. Buffalo has former Nebraska QB Turner Gill as its new coach. Can Gill turn the program around? Temple has 12 straight losses. Who will be ready to play? I think this is a game to watch, although it probably isn’t televised.

Friday, September 1
Nevada vs. Fresno State
I picked this one because its the only game scheduled on Saturday. If you want to see a game on Friday, this is your best bet. However, Fresno State gave USC a scare last year. It might be fun to see them play.

Saturday, September 2
USC vs. Arkansas
The Best game according to rankings will be Cal at Tennessee. However, the game I will be watching will be played in the Ozarks of Fayetteville, AR. After last year’s blasting, Arkansas will be looking to have a better showing, and the game is being played on national TV. Arkansas will be sporting a new offense, a much better defense, and USC will be fielding new players in place of Leinart, Bush, and White. Could this be a repeat of the 1974 Game?

Sunday, September 3
TCU vs. Baylor
Again, this is not the best game based on rankings. That would be Florida State vs. Miami, and I do recommend watching it. It starts after the Bayor/TCU game, so that should not be a problem. However, I live in Fort Worth, TX and have attended TCU, and I am Baptist. So, this is an interesting game. This rivalry is restarting, and lately TCU has a thing for beating Big 12 teams. The game is being played in Waco, on a Sunday! Two church schools playing on a Sunday, what is this world coming to? Baylor should be improved, and I believe they will be ready. However, TCU learned what not being ready can do last year against SMU. Therefore, I think that they will be ready. And if Baylor is not careful, they could get pounded by an experienced Horned Frog team. It’s green vs. purple.

Let’s play football!

Thursday, August 31, 2006 is the first day in the new college football season! Boston College and Central Michigan get the honors as the first two teams to square off. Thursday is actually loaded with dozens of football games. Along with the Top 10, I am going to have a segment each week called “Games to Watch.” In honor of the first college football weekend, I am going to pick a game on each day–Thursday, Friday, Saturday and yes Sunday. The next post will have the Games to Watch. Here is a summary of my Toddler Top 10.

1. LSU
2. Notre Dame
3. Ohio State
4. Auburn
5. Texas
6. West Virginia
7. USC
8. California
9. Oregon
10. Georgia

Here is the rest of my Top 10.

5. Texas–Longhorn fans should not worry about this team. This team has everything in place for a return to the National Title Game. Gone is Vince Young, however, back is everyone else. The defense is great, and all of the skill players return with the notable of exception of Young. All Texas will do is use one of two highly touted QB’s to manage the Texas offense. Both young men used the Spread Option in high school, so don’t expect the Longhorns to abandon that offense. By the time the games matter, the succeeding QB will be on his game and Texas will be rolling. Even if they lose to Ohio State on September 9, they have plenty of time to bounce back.
4. Auburn–As their schedule goes compared to everyone else in the SEC, Auburn might be the SEC’s best chance of being in the title game. They return very good portion of their team, including QB Brandon Cox and RB Kenny Irons. For team who is making a run at a championship, conference or national, returning these two elements who have past success is vital. Look for Auburn to make a challenge to the SEC title, and maybe, the national title.
3. Ohio State–The Troy Smith Show returns to Columbus this year and should hit the ground running on September 3rd against Northern Illinois. Their toughest road games are Texas and Iowa, all before October. The only real weakness for this team is they have lost one of the best linebacker duos ever in college football, and they have to replace much of their defense. Usually, early in the season, defenses have the advantage. Don’t worry, Ohio State will be playing good defense by October. Coach Tressel always has good defenses in Columbus. The big question is, “Can their offense be great enough while waiting for their defense to be good enough?”
2. Notre Dame–The good news for the Irish is that they almost return their entire defense. The bad news is they weren’t very good. If Notre Dame’s defense improves significantly, this will be a National Title contender. The offense is as explosive as there is in college football. Brady Quinn is a legitimate Heisman candidate. They have to play 2 ranked teams in September before coasting to their November 25 show down at USC. Will the “luck” be on their side against USC this time?
1. LSU–If the national title was being played for in September, I would give the nod to LSU. They return an enormous amount of talent on both side of the ball from a team that overcame incredible odds to be 11-2. They return their QB, both of them, JaMarcus Russell and Matt Flynn. Oh yeah, they return two very talented RB’s. LSU’s biggest obstacle this year is its schedule with Auburn (Sept. 16), Florida (Oct. 7), and Tennessee (Nov. 4) on the road.
Many people are making a lot fuss about Urban Meyer’s second year magic, but I think Les Miles has some second year magic of his own. And, if LSU does go through its schedule undefeated, or even with one loss and winning the SEC Title, I think they deserve without a doubt to be in the National Title Game.

O.K. Here is numbers 6-10. My philosophy is not to pick these teams based on who I think has a shot at the national title, but based on who I think is best right now. Here goes.

10. Georgia–I really would like to put in more SEC teams because I am an SEC fan (a Razorback fan). Georgia returns a solid nucleus, but like so many teams in the nation they have to replace their QB. However, most of their defense is back. Early on, the defenses have the advantage.
9. Oregon–Two words, “Quack Attack!” They should be one of the top three in the Pac 10, and they return a lot of starters to a team that played a tough Oklahoma team close in the Holiday Bowl. They really have ramped up their spread option offense returning the major skill players from 2005.
8. California–Cal returns major players on both side of the ball including Heisman hopeful Marshawn Lynch. All the Bears need is a consistent quarterback to make a run at the Pac 10.
7. USC–Cal and Oregon are still looking up at USC. Why? Pete Carroll. He has built this program into the top program of the past 4 years. And they reload! First it was Carson Palmer, and then it was Matt Leinart. Now, they have John David Booty. But, they need their defense to be better, and it should be.
6. West Virginia–The Mountaineers are loaded with skill players. They return their All-Freshman backfield from a very good 2005 squad that raced out to a big lead against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl before holding on to the win. They run one of the most unique defenses, aside from TCU’s, which is a little confusing for opposing offenses. They surprised people last year, but not this year. Patrick White’s ability to make the throws will be challenged more this year, and he can’t make mistakes. Look for defenses to stack the run and make him throw. Still, their schedule is favorable, and they have real shot being in the national title game at years end.

Next, numbers 1-5.