CFB Temperature Check

Now that we have a few weeks under our belt, let us check in on some developing stories around the nation, and see which ones are ready to eat, and which are past their prime.
We'll do this with a good old fashioned temperature reading, like for steak. The more well done, the more played out. But if it is rare, there is still some juiciness to be had...

Starting off on the west coast, the story line that USC is the most dominant team in the Pac-10: Medium rare. USC seemingly always gets tripped up in a conference match up, usually on the road. But can it happen more than once, and could this be the year the Trojans get knocked off their lofty perch atop the conference? Perhaps-- but only if Cal can develop consistency with their passing game. Jahvid Best is amazing, garnering serious dark horse consideration after his 5 TD performance at Minnesota. But ask any Bear backer about QB Kevin Riley, and the answer always starts with them leaning back, a deep breath, and a "well, the thing is...". Not a good sign. And neither Oregon schools appear up to the task, so Pete Carroll and company are still the team to beat-- for now.

Moving into the middle, how about a non-BCS party crasher? Well done. Boise State's resume is decent enough, but their struggles at Fresno State combined with Oregon's unsteady play does not bode well. The Ducks, though, did beat Utah, sinking the Utes in the process. As for BYU, they played Florida State on what felt like turn back the clock night in Provo. The Seminoles crushed the Cougars and looked as unstoppable as they were ten years ago, hanging 54 on the Mormons. So much for that BCS bubble--TCU is still alive, but that is about it.

Let us head to the Big 12; how about Oklahoma's season being over after Sam Bradford's shoulder injury? Medium. Landry Jones fared much better this past Saturday, tossing a school record 6 touchdowns for the Crimson and Cream. But they have a tough game in two weeks in Coral gables (more on that in a sec). Even if Bradford figures to be in the mix by the time the Sooners hit the meat of their schedule, that early season loss to BYU looks a little worse after the Cougars got clocked at home to FSU. OU is not likely to get the benefit of the doubt as it did last year. Then again, if they run the table the rest of the way home, they stand a pretty good chance of heading out to Pasadena.

Speaking of BCS futures, does Miami's stand a chance of being in the mix? Rare. Jacory Harris is very good for the Hurricanes. And they play in a soft ACC conference. But Miami has back to back games at Virginia Tech then at home against the aforementioned Sooners. "Da U" still has a ways to go, but the they can see the top of the mountain from where they are.

Lastly, what are the chances of Notre Dame finishing with ten wins? Burnt to a crisp. The Irish play a surprisingly difficult schedule this year, without many gimmies in sight. Jimmy Clausen does appear to be developing well, but turf toe has a way of lingering. Deion Sanders said he was never the same after he got that injury. I suspect 7 wins to be well within reach of the Irish, but that wet-paper-towel defense needs to improve greatly.