Pass me an oxygen tank -- and a pillow.

After the greatest opening weekend in college football history, I need a vacation from my vacation. Labor Day turned out to be pretty laborious for The Eliminator.

Following four days of incredible upsets, thrilling finishes, memorable debuts and more than a handful of epic comebacks, I need a week to catch my breath and get some rest. On paper, Week 2 doesn't figure to be as unpredictable. But isn't that what we always say about the weekends that end up being the craziest?

The opening weekend wasn't nearly as enjoyable for a handful of teams from the Power 5 conferences. Washington State, Iowa State and Virginia all fell to FCS foes.

It also wasn't a strong opening weekend for the SEC - considered by many to be the sport's best conference. SEC teams lost to opponents from Conference USA and the Sun Belt, and SEC East favorite Tennessee needed overtime to beat Appalachian State. Overall, SEC teams went 7-7 in their openers.

SEC members Kentucky and Mississippi State were among the 29 teams eliminated from consideration for the College Football Playoff by The Eliminator, which is narrowing the 128-team FBS field to the four spots for the playoff.

Here's where the FBS stands after Week 1:

Jump to Sections: Who's In | Still In Contention | On The Fence | Better Luck Next Season

Who's in

If the opening weekend is any indication, it's going to be a wild race for the College Football Playoff. Seven ranked teams lost in the first week -- the most to fall in their openers in AP Top 25 history. Defending national champion Alabama was among the few teams that actually looked dominant in its opener. The Crimson Tide blasted USC 52-6 in Arlington, Texas, which was the Trojans' worst opening loss in program history. As a result, the Crimson Tide get the No. 1 seed. Florida State earned the No. 2 seed after rallying from a 22-point deficit to beat Ole Miss 45-34 in Orlando, Florida, on Monday night. It was the largest comeback in FSU history. Ohio State is the No. 3 seed after blasting Bowling Green 77-10. I could have easily gone with Michigan, which routed Hawaii 63-3 in its opener, but I'll give the edge to the Buckeyes because of quarterback J.T. Barrett. Finally, Houston is the No. 4 seed after upsetting Oklahoma 33-23 on Saturday. The Cougars looked as good as anybody in the opening week.

Still in contention

Alabama Crimson Tide

Trending: UP

The Lane Kiffin Revenge Tour continued with a 52-6 trouncing of USC. The best part for Alabama's offensive coordinator: He beat the Trojans with freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts after persuading head coach Nick Saban to let him play.

Baylor Bears

Trending: EVEN

Bears quarterback Seth Russell returned from a neck injury with aplomb, throwing for 163 yards and four touchdowns in less than a half in a 55-7 win over FCS member Northwestern State on Friday night.

Clemson Tigers

Trending: EVEN

Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables said he watched YouTube videos to figure out how to slow down Auburn's Wing-T offense. He needed a Twister board to figure out Auburn's quarterback rotation.

Florida State Seminoles

Trending: UP

The Comeback Kings pulled off another miracle on Monday night against Ole Miss, rallying from a 22-point deficit to stun the Rebels 45-34. Since 2013, the Seminoles are 6-1 in games in which they trailed by at least seven points at the half.

Georgia Bulldogs

Trending: EVEN

It's a medical miracle that 1980 Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker was able to donate knee ligaments to both Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb.

Houston Cougars

Trending: UP

Gamblers must love Houston coach Tom Herman. During his tenure, the Cougars have been an underdog four times. They've won each time -- the past three by double digits, including Saturday's 33-23 stunner over Oklahoma.

Iowa Hawkeyes

Trending: EVEN

The Hawkeyes rushed for five touchdowns in a 45-21 win over Miami (Ohio), their fifth game with five or more rushing scores since the start of last season.

Louisville Cardinals

Trending: UP

The Cardinals play at Syracuse on Friday night, their last test before a Sept. 17 showdown against Florida State. As ESPN's Brent Musburger reminded us all this past weekend, Bobby Petrino is a really good coach.

Michigan Wolverines

Trending: UP

Michigan's 60-point win over Hawaii was its largest in an opener since the value of a touchdown was changed to six points in 1912. The last time the Wolverines won an opener by a more lopsided score was a 65-0 victory over Ohio Wesleyan in 1905.

Michigan State Spartans

Trending: DOWN

The Spartans are lucky people were still talking on Friday night about how bad Tennessee looked the night before. Michigan State didn't look much better in an ugly 28-13 victory over FCS member Furman.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Trending: UP

Is Urban Meyer competing with Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh to see whose team can score the most points every Saturday? The Buckeyes racked up 77 points against Bowling Green in their opener, their highest scoring total since putting up 83 against Iowa in 1950.

Oklahoma State Cowboys

Trending: EVEN

Billionaire OSU booster T. Boone Pickens didn't exactly give coach Mike Gundy a ringing endorsement before a 61-7 win over FCS foe Southeastern Louisiana in Saturday's opener. Pickens told reporters: "I would like to beat OU. Mike has struggled with that game. I think he's 2-9, so we're not competitive with OU." Best of luck this season, Coach Gundy.

Stanford Cardinal

Trending: EVEN

Cardinal coach David Shaw might have been the only one not impressed by star Christian McCaffrey's 97-yard punt return for a touchdown, which was erased by a penalty in Friday night's 26-13 win over Kansas State. "There's a reason why there are no 97-yard punt returns, because you should not catch the ball at the 3-yard line," Shaw said. "[McCaffrey] knows that."

Texas Longhorns

Trending: UP

We knew Texas would be running a version of Baylor's offense this season after hiring Art Briles disciple Sterlin Gilbert as its offensive coordinator. Hopefully, the Longhorns won't keep playing like the Bears on defense, too.

Texas A&M Aggies

Trending: UP

Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin might be on the hot seat this season, but Saturday's 31-24 upset of UCLA in overtime was his 10th win over an AP Top-25 team, which tied him with Jackie Sherrill for second in school history. Only R.C. Slocum (17) beat more ranked foes as the Aggies' coach.

Washington Huskies

Trending: EVEN

Welcome back, Huskies wide receiver John Ross. After missing all of the 2015 season with a knee injury, Ross caught 5 passes for 90 yards and 2 touchdowns; he also scored on a 92-yard kickoff return in a 48-13 rout of Rutgers.

Wisconsin Badgers

Trending: UP

After stunning No. 5 LSU 16-14 at Lambeau Field on Saturday, the Badgers have earned their place among the early playoff contenders. They won't face an easy road, however. After hosting Akron and Georgia State, Wisconsin opens Big Ten play against Michigan State (road), Michigan (road), Ohio State (home) and Iowa (road).

On the fence

Air Force Falcons

Trending: EVEN

The Falcons beat FCS foe 37-21 in their opener -- one of three victories by the service academies. This is just the second time in the 21st century they each started 1-0 (2013 was the other).

Akron Zips

Trending: EVEN

Congrats, Zips. It's a little early to crown you MAC East champions, but you were the only team in the division not to lose its opener.

Arizona Wildcats

Trending: DOWN

Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez said he nearly pulled quarterback Anu Solomon from the Wildcats' 18-16 loss to BYU. We'll see whether Solomon, who threw two interceptions and was sacked four times, or sophomore Brandon Dawkins starts this week against Grambling.

Arizona State Sun Devils

Trending: EVEN

The Sun Devils allowed 369 passing yards in a 44-13 win over FCS foe Northern Arizona. That's not a good sign with Texas Tech coming to town on Saturday.

Arkansas Razorbacks

Trending: DOWN

The Hogs only had 297 yards of offense in a 21-20 win over Louisiana Tech. The good news: Louisiana Tech's defense might be better than TCU's.

Army Black Knights

Trending: UP

The Black Knights' triple-option offense piled up 329 rushing yards against Temple, which led the AAC in total defense in 2015.

Auburn Tigers

Trending: DOWN

Yeah, Auburn's offense is an absolute mess and seems to have no direction. But the Tigers are stout on defense, which might have to score to win games.

Ball State Cardinals

Trending: EVEN

After beating Georgia State 31-21 on the road in their opener, the Cardinals play at Indiana on Saturday. Ball State hasn't beaten a Power 5 opponent since knocking off Virginia in 2013.

Boise State Broncos

Trending: EVEN

The Broncos won 45-10 at Louisiana-Lafayette, their first true road win in an opener since 2000.

Boston College Eagles

Trending: DOWN

The Eagles opened the season against Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland, where their ACC losing streak reached nine straight games after a 17-14 loss.

BYU Cougars

Trending: UP

Welcome back, BYU quarterback Taysom Hill, who passed for 202 yards with one touchdown against Arizona. Hill missed most of last season with a foot injury.

California Golden Bears

Trending: EVEN

After beating Hawaii by 20 points in Australia more than two weeks ago, the Bears' road is about to get difficult. They play at San Diego State on Saturday, then host Texas and play at Arizona State.

Cincinnati Bearcats

Trending: DOWN

The Bearcats trailed FCS member Tennessee-Martin 7-6 at halftime of their opener before pulling away for a 28-7 victory. I'm sure that left a great impression on the Big 12.

Central Michigan Chippewas

Trending: EVEN

The Chippewas defeated Presbyterian 49-3 in their opener. It figures to be a little more difficult in Saturday's trip to Oklahoma State.

Colorado Buffaloes

Trending: UP

Our preseason projections might have missed the mark on the Buffaloes, who looked absolutely dominant in their 44-7 rout of Colorado State. We'll know more by the end of the month -- after the Buffaloes have played at Michigan and Oregon.

Connecticut Huskies

Trending: DOWN

The Huskies needed 10 fourth-quarter points to escape with a 24-21 win over FCS foe Maine on Thursday night.

Duke Blue Devils

Trending: EVEN

The Blue Devils overcame five fumbles in a 49-6 win over FCS member North Carolina Central on Saturday.

East Carolina Pirates

Trending: EVEN

East rules! Minnesota transfer Phillip Nelson threw for five touchdowns and ran for another in a 52-7 rout of FCS member Western Carolina in ECU coach Scottie Montgomery's debut.

Eastern Michigan Eagles

Trending: EVEN

I'm sure glad I turned over the "Bottom 10" to ESPN colleague Ryan McGee. All three Michigan directional schools are 1-0; the Eagles defeated FCS foe Missouri Valley State 61-14 in their opener.

Florida Gators

Trending: DOWN

You don't honor the Head Ball Coach by scoring 10 points in the first three quarters against UMass. You preserve that clunker for when Charlie Weis comes back to town.

Florida Atlantic Owls

Trending: EVEN

I wonder if Florida fans will cheer for Owls quarterback Jason Driskel (Jeff's brother) to upset Miami this week.

Georgia Southern Eagles

Trending: EVEN

The Eagles opened the Tyson Summers era by rushing for 420 yards in a 54-0 rout of FCS member Savannah State.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Trending: EVEN

Georgia Tech's 17-14 win over Boston College in Dublin was the first time the Yellow Jackets played outside the U.S. in the 124-year history of the program. They play FCS foe Mercer for the first time on Saturday.

Idaho Vandals

Trending: DOWN

The Vandals held off a late charge from FCS foe Montana State to win 20-17 in their opener. Their next two games are at Washington and Washington State.

Illinois Fighting Illini

Trending: EVEN

Lovie Ball! Led by coach Lovie Smith, the Illini piled up 515 yards of offense, didn't commit a turnover and gave up minus-10 rushing yards in a 52-3 win over Michigan, err, Murray State on Saturday.

Indiana Hoosiers

Trending: EVEN

Don't look now, but Indiana's defense might be showing a pulse. The Hoosiers allowed only 63 rushing yards and returned two interceptions for touchdowns in a 34-13 win over FIU.

Kansas Jayhawks

Trending: UP

Kansas students stormed the field after beating FCS member Rhode Island 55-6 on Saturday. Come on, act like you ... oh, nevermind.

Kansas State Wildcats

Trending: EVEN

Kansas State's defense did an admirable job against Stanford, but its offense was a mess. The Wildcats allowed 8 sacks,1 safety and had 2 turnovers in a 26-13 loss.

Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks

Trending: EVEN

After leading FCS foe Southern by only two points at halftime of a 38-21 win, the Warhawks bragged on Twitter about being the only FBS team in Louisiana to win its opener. Hey, whatever works you.

LSU Tigers

Trending: DOWN

Yeah, it's probably not a good thing for coach Les Miles when fans have started GoFundMe accounts to buy out the remainder of his contract -- after one loss.

Marshall Thundering Herd

Trending: EVEN

Marshall opens the season against FCS foe Morgan State on Saturday.

Maryland Terrapins

Trending: EVEN

The Terrapins beat FCS foe Howard 52-13 in coach D.J. Durkin's debut. If they play well the next three games, against FIU (road), UCF (road) and Purdue (home), they might be a surprise team.

Memphis Tigers

Trending: EVEN

Don't worry, Tigers fans: You can hang your Big 12 flag right next to the Final Four banner from the John Calipari era.

Miami Hurricanes

Trending: UP

Mark Richt moved from Georgia to Miami and became "Evil Mark Richt." The Hurricanes scored 42 points in the third quarter of a 70-3 rout of FCS foe Florida A&M.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

Trending: EVEN

Vanderbilt might want to be on upset alert this week. The Blue Raiders beat FCS foe Alabama A&M 55-0 in their opener, allowing only 146 yards of offense and six first downs.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Trending: DOWN

Minnesota's defense needed a last-minute stand to escape with a 30-23 win over Oregon State in its opener.

Missouri Tigers

Trending: DOWN

Quarterback Drew Lock attempted 51 passes, but the Tigers scored only one touchdown in a 26-11 loss at West Virginia, spoiling coach Barry Odom's debut.

Navy Midshipmen

Trending: EVEN

Navy's 52-16 victory over FCS foe Fordham in its opener was costly. Starting quarterback Tago Smith tore his right ACL and will miss the rest of the season.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Trending: UP

Well done, Mike Riley. Well done.

Nevada Wolf Pack

Trending: EVEN

It wasn't a promising start for the Wolf Pack, who were outgained in total yards 445-363 by FCS foe Cal Poly in their 30-27 win in overtime.

New Mexico Lobos

Trending: EVEN

The Lobos piled up 615 yards of offense in a 48-21 rout of FCS foe South Dakota going into this week's showdown against in-state rival New Mexico State.

North Carolina Tar Heels

Trending: DOWN

Don't worry, Tar Heels. You're not the only team that's going to have problems tackling Nick Chubb this season.

NC State Wolfpack

Trending: EVEN

Boise State graduate transfer Ryan Finley looked pretty solid in his first start for the Wolfpack, throwing for 174 yards with 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in a 48-14 win over FCS member William & Mary.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Trending: DOWN

Look on the bright side, Fighting Irish fans. At least your team didn't mismanage the offense with three quarterbacks.

Oklahoma Sooners

Trending: DOWN

Talk about an alarming trend: Saturday's loss to Houston was the seventh time since 2011 that the Sooners lost a game in which ESPN's FPI gave them at least an 80 percent chance to win -- two more than any other FBS team in that span.

Old Dominion Monarchs

Trending: EVEN

Because of Hurricane Hermine, the Monarchs had to wait an extra day to beat FCS foe Hampton 54-21. I'm sure Appalachian State will be understanding when it hosts ODU on Saturday.

Ole Miss Rebels

Trending: EVEN

The Rebels will have a hard time bouncing back from their collapse against FSU, and it won't be any easier without starting cornerback Ken Webster and running back Eric Swinney, who both suffered knee injuries in the game.

Oregon Ducks

Trending: EVEN

The Ducks' latest quarterback transfer, Dakota Prukop, looked good in a 53-28 win over FCS opponent UC-Davis in their opener. If only Oregon could bring in a few transfer defenders. New defensive coordinator Brady Hoke isn't going to work a miracle overnight.

Oregon State Beavers

Trending: UP

Hold your heads up, Beavers. You put up a heck of a fight at Minnesota. Utah State transfer Darell Garretson looks like the answer at quarterback.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Trending: EVEN

If I were Penn State coach James Franklin, I'd seriously consider moving kicker Joey Julius to defensive tackle.

Pittsburgh Panthers

Trending: EVEN

The best sight from the opening weekend: Panthers running back James Conner rushing for 53 yards and one touchdown in a 28-7 win over FCS foe Villanova after beating cancer this past offseason.

Purdue Boilermakers

Trending: DOWN

Remember Missouri quarterback Maty Mauk? He played against Purdue on Saturday, throwing two interceptions on 2-for-7 passing in the Boilermakers' 45-24 win over FCS member Eastern Kentucky.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Trending: DOWN

Don't get used to this space, Rutgers fans. You're only here because even I have a little bit of empathy. I have a feeling the Scarlet Knights will be gone in a couple of weeks.

San Diego State Aztecs

Trending: UP

Here's one to watch: California plays at San Diego State on Saturday. If the Aztecs win, they'll have a great chance to run the table, although that Oct. 1 trip to South Alabama suddenly seems a lot more difficult.

SMU Mustangs

Trending: EVEN

The Mustangs beat North Texas 34-21 in their opener and play at Baylor on Saturday. The Bears rolled up 723 yards of offense in a 56-21 win in Dallas last year.

South Alabama Jaguars

Trending: UP

The Jaguars beat an SEC opponent for the first time, winning 21-20 at Mississippi State. Enjoy your time as the second-best FBS team in the state.

South Carolina Gamecocks

Trending: EVEN

Get used to it, Gamecocks. This year's team might remind you of your first car. It was ugly and not very efficient, but it gets the job done every once in a while.

South Florida Bulls

Trending: EVEN

Seven different Bulls players scored touchdowns in a 56-20 win over FCS foe Towson in the opener.

Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles

Trending: UP

Talk about sweet revenge. Kentucky ran offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson out of town this past offseason, and then his new team scored 34 straight points in a 44-35 stunner over the Wildcats.

Syracuse Orange

Trending: EVEN

Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey must love playing in new coach Dino Babers' hurry-up offense. Dungey completed 34 of 40 passes for 355 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 33-7 win over Colgate.

TCU Horned Frogs

Trending: DOWN

After TCU's defense surrendered 461 yards of offense in a 59-41 win over South Dakota State, Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson said Arkansas might roll up "1,000 yards and 1,000 points" if it doesn't play better this week.

Tennessee Volunteers

Trending: DOWN

The Volunteers play Virginia Tech at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday. After last week's effort against Appalachian State, wouldn't the Brickyard have been more appropriate?

Texas San Antonio Roadrunners

Trending: EVEN

In former LSU assistant Frank Wilson's debut, the Roadrunners set a school record with six sacks in a 26-13 win over FCS foe Alabama State.

Texas State Bobcats

Trending: UP

The best finish you probably didn't see: Texas State's Ishmael Davis sacked Ohio's Greg Windham on a two-point conversion attempt in the third overtime of Texas State's 56-54 win.

Texas Tech Red Raiders

Trending: EVEN

Patrick Mahomes watch: The Red Raiders quarterback threw for 483 yards with 6 touchdowns (4 passing, 2 rushing) in a 69-17 win over FCS foe Stephen F. Austin in the opener.

Toledo Rockets

Trending: EVEN

The most impressive performance you probably didn't notice in Week 1: Toledo beat defending Sun Belt champion Arkansas State 31-10 on the road.

Troy Trojans

Trending: EVEN

Congrats to the real Men of Troy, who blasted FCS foe Austin Peay 57-17 in their opener.

Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Trending: UP

After a 35-point win over San Jose State, the Golden Hurricane will need all the help they can get in Saturday's trip to Ohio State.

UCF Knights

Trending: UP

Congrats to UCF's Scott Frost and Kansas' David Beaty -- FBS coaches who have already exceeded their teams' victory total from last season. The Knights shut out FCS foe South Carolina State 38-0 in their opener. They finished 0-12 in 2015.

UCLA Bruins

Trending: DOWN

More than 110,000 screaming fans are much louder than 50,000 screaming fans. Am I right, Josh Rosen?

UNLV Rebels

Trending: EVEN

Now, that's a much better start. The Rebels won their first opener since 2009 with a 63-13 victory over FCS foe Jackson State.

USC Trojans

Trending: DOWN

The Trojans probably wish Alabama had left Lane Kiffin at the airport.

UTEP Miners

Trending: EVEN

Meet Aaron Jones, your FBS rushing leader after Week 1. Jones ran for 249 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 38-22 win over New Mexico State.

Utah Utes

Trending: EVEN

There's not much to take away from Utah's 24-0 win over FCS foe Southern Utah. The Utes were pretty uninspiring on offense, rushing for 138 yards on just 3.7 yards per carry.

Utah State Aggies

Trending: EVEN

Aggies running back Devante Mays needed only 18 carries to total 208 yards with 3 touchdowns in a 45-6 rout of FCS member Weber State.

Vanderbilt Commodores

Trending: DOWN

The Commodores' 13-10 loss to South Carolina was devastating in many ways. There might not be six victories -- and bowl eligibility -- left on their schedule.

Virginia Tech Hokies

Trending: DOWN

After a slow start, juco transfer Jerod Evans threw for 221 yards with 4 touchdowns in a 36-13 win over FCS member Liberty on Saturday.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Trending: DOWN

The Demon Deacons totaled just 10 first downs, 96 yards passing and 79 yards rushing -- and somehow still beat Tulane 7-3 in their opener.

West Virginia Mountaineers

Trending: UP

West Virginia's top two offensive weapons, Skyler Howard and Rushel Shell, battled a rib injury and leg cramps, respectively, but the Mountaineers were able to pull out a 26-11 win over Missouri.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Trending: UP

New quarterback, no problem. Western Kentucky's Mike White threw for 517 yards with 3 touchdowns in a 46-14 win over Rice. The Hilltoppers' trip to No. 1 Alabama on Saturday? Now that's a problem.

Western Michigan Broncos

Trending: UP

Row the boat! Row the boat! The Broncos upset Northwestern 22-21 on the road on Saturday, the 11th consecutive season in which a MAC team has knocked off a Big Ten opponent.

Wyoming Cowboys

Trending: UP

Most of you were sleeping when Wyoming pulled off one of the best endings of the weekend. Quarterback Josh Allen escaped three would-be tacklers on a wild scramble to score in the third overtime of a 40-34 victory against Northern Illinois.

Better luck next season

Appalachian State Mountaineers

Trending: UP

We had tears in our eyes adding the Mountaineers to this list, after their valiant 20-13 loss at Tennessee on Thursday night. Their effort surely got Miami's attention; the Hurricanes play in Boone, North Carolina, on Sept. 17.

Arkansas State Red Wolves

Trending: DOWN

Armond Weh-Weh scored Arkansas State's only touchdown in the fourth quarter of a 31-10 loss to Toledo. It's obvious the Red Wolves still have a long weh-weh to go if they're going to repeat as Sun Belt Conference champions.

Bowling Green Falcons

Trending: DOWN

The Falcons lost 77-10 at Ohio State on Saturday. Imagine what the score might have been if Urban Meyer hadn't coached there.

Buffalo Bulls

Trending: DOWN

The Bulls opened the season by losing 22-16 at home to FCS foe Albany, which had never defeated an FBS opponent.

Charlotte 49ers

Trending: DOWN

Who knew Louisville coach Bobby Petrino had a heart? He sat down quarterback Lamar Jackson in the second half, after he scored eight touchdowns in the first 30 minutes of a 70-14 rout of Charlotte.

Colorado State Rams

Trending: DOWN

After a 44-7 loss to Colorado in the opener, it's Bauta time for a quarterback change. CSU coach Mike Bobo might bench returning starter Nick Stevens and start Georgia graduate transfer Faton Bauta.

Florida International Golden Panthers

Trending: DOWN

The Panthers lost to Indiana 34-13 in their opener Thursday night. Losing to a Big Ten team must have felt like old times for FIU coach Ron Turner.

Fresno State Bulldogs

Trending: DOWN

The Bulldogs might have lost their opener at Nebraska, but they're still winners in our books for declining a delay-of-game penalty on the play in which the Cornhuskers honored late punter Sam Foltz. Well done, Bulldogs.

Georgia State Panthers

Trending: DOWN

The Panthers obviously didn't learn anything from Georgia about wearing black jerseys. At least the Panthers looked good in a 31-21 loss to Ball State.

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors

Trending: DOWN

The Warriors traveled nearly 20,000 miles after losing to California 51-31 in Sydney, Australia, and then 63-3 at Michigan on Saturday. Just think about all the frequent-flier miles!

Iowa State Cyclones

Trending: DOWN

The Cyclones turned it over three times in the final 6:12 of a 25-20 loss to FCS foe Northern Iowa, spoiling new coach Matt Campbell's debut.

Kent State Golden Flashes

Trending: DOWN

The Golden Flashes better enjoy their next two games against FCS foes North Carolina A&T and Monmouth. They play at No. 1 Alabama on Sept. 24.

Kentucky Wildcats

Trending: DOWN

True story: After the Wildcats blew a 25-point lead and allowed 34 straight points in a 44-35 loss to Southern Miss, a fan called a Kentucky radio show and said UK coach Mark Stoops owes him $400 because he smashed his TV with a beer bottle.

Louisiana Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns

Trending: DOWN

Talk about a quick trigger. Louisiana-Lafayette coach Mark Hudseth fired defensive coordinator Melvin Smith a day after a season-opening 45-10 loss to Boise State.

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Trending: UP

We were tempted to leave the Bulldogs "on the fence" after their 21-20 loss at Arkansas on Saturday. Louisiana Tech's defense held the Hogs to 297 yards of offense; only Alabama did that last season.

Massachusetts Minutemen

Trending: UP

If UMass hadn't given up two fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 24-7 loss at Florida on Saturday night, the Gators might have christened Ron Zook-Florida Field, instead of renaming it in honor of Steve Spurrier.

Miami (OH) RedHawks

Trending: DOWN

You might call a 24-point loss at Iowa a defeat. I call it progress for a program that won five games the past three seasons combined.

Mississippi State Bulldogs

Trending: DOWN

We must admit: That was a very clever tactic leaving "South" off of South Alabama's jerseys on Saturday. The Bulldogs lost to the Jaguars 21-20 to open what could be a long rebuilding year.

New Mexico State Aggies

Trending: DOWN

The Aggies lost to UTEP 38-22 in the "Battle of I-10." They're playing New Mexico on Saturday in the "Battle of I-25." Might we suggest the "Battle of I-70" against Kansas so they might actually win?

North Texas Mean Green

Trending: DOWN

Alabama graduate transfer Alec Morris threw for 229 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions in new coach Seth Littrell's spread offense in a 34-21 loss to SMU.

Northern Illinois Huskies

Trending: DOWN

Talk about a nightmare opener. The Huskies' game at Wyoming was delayed two hours by thunderstorms and ended about four hours later with a 40-34 loss in three overtimes.

Northwestern Wildcats

Trending: DOWN

At least the Wildcats don't have to play Michigan and Michigan State this season. A trifecta of losses to their northern neighbors would have been unsightly.

Ohio Bobcats

Trending: DOWN

Ohio's Frank Solich, 71, was the second-oldest FBS coach entering the season, behind only 76-year-old Bill Snyder of Kansas State. We have a feeling Solich feels a little older after a 56-54 loss in three overtimes to Texas State.

Rice Owls

Trending: DOWN

I'm guessing the only reason Rice remains on the Big 12's list of potential expansion candidates is so Baylor can keep the Owls on its schedule.

San Jose State Spartans

Trending: DOWN

Maybe that Saturday morning earthquake shook up the Spartans before their 45-10 loss at Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane scored 21 points off three San Jose State turnovers.

Temple Owls

Trending: DOWN

The Owls opened the 2015 season beating Penn State 27-10. They opened the '16 season losing to Army 28-13.

Tulane Green Wave

Trending: DOWN

The Green Wave allowed 59 yards of offense and three first downs in the second half against Wake Forest, but still walked away with a 7-3 loss.

Virginia Cavaliers

Trending: DOWN

As BYU's coach, Bronco Mendenhall's teams were 8-0 against FCS foes, winning every game by at least 24 points. As Virginia's coach, his team is 0-1 against FCS foes, losing by an average of 17 points.

Washington State Cougars

Trending: DOWN

Memo to Cougars coach Mike Leach: Quit scheduling FCS programs for your team's openers. For whatever reason, Washington State can't beat them. The Cougars lost to Eastern Washington 45-42 on Saturday, a year after losing to Portland State in their opener.