1. It's not easy being the new guy: Texas A&M and Missouri were indoctrinated into the Southeastern Conference with very similar results — losses. The atmosphere was electric and both schools — and their fans — showed they are ready for the SEC.

2. No letdown for 'Bama: If Nick Saban doesn't like the way the media are heaping praise on his Alabama team, he's going to be in for a long season as his team appears to be the best in the country.

3. Let's not forget LSU: Lost in all of the attention given Alabama and USC is LSU, which has quietly opened with two straight wins, including a 41-3 dismantling of Washington.nike air max shoes The SEC could make the case it has the Nos. 1 and 1A teams in the country.

4. Badgers lack bite: For the second week in a row, Wisconsin struggled to generate offense and it cost the Badgers against Oregon State. They are ranked 106th in rushing and 90th in passing yards, and even reliable Montee Ball has struggled, averaging a career-low 3.9 yards per carry.

5. Spartans continue to climb: While other teams in the Big Ten struggle, Michigan State has looked the strongest with a top-15 defense and an above-average offense making the Spartans a threat to challenge for the Big Ten title this season.

6. Don't overlook Kansas State: The Wildcats picked up right where they left off last season, giving opponents a heavy dose of QB Collin Klein while mixing in a solid rushing game and a defense that is in the top 20 in the nation.

7. Florida State is good ... But how good? The Seminoles are 2-0 and receiving a lot of praise in the polls, but with their wins coming against Murray State and Savannah State, it may be best to reserve judgment.

8. Hogs flop: Perhaps the biggest shocker was Arkansas' loss to Louisiana-Monroe. The Razorbacks struggled without QB Tyler Wilson — who left with an injury — and dropped out of the Top 25. Not good news leading up to Alabama this week.

9. Let's hear it for the Pac-12: What looked to be a disappointing start to the weekend turned out to pay huge dividends for the Pac-12. Sure, losses by Utah and Colorado were brutal, but the league made up for it with wins over ranked opponents Wisconsin, Nebraska and Oklahoma State.

10. Watch out for UCLA: The Bruins' upset win over Nebraska has them ranked for the first time since 2007, and Jim Mora's squad is doing it with a high-powered offense that is second in the nation in rushing (343.5 ypg) and third in total offense (649.5).

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