College Football's Unbeatens

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Oct 2, 2006

College Football's Unbeatens

Auburn

Kenny Irons and Auburn have had two stiff tests to date against LSU and South Carolina, but the Tigers have survived and are aiming for a BCS title shot they felt was taken from them in 2004. Next test: Florida, Oct. 14

Boise State

Ian Johnson is off to a sensational start for Boise State, averaging over 125 yards per game and scoring nine touchdowns. The Broncos passed their biggest test in impressive fashion, wiping out Utah 36-3 on Saturday. An unbeaten season is certainly a possibility. Next test: Fresno State, Nov. 1

Florida

Reggie Nelson had two interceptions in a win against Tennessee and a game-clinching interception return for a touchdown against Alabama. The Gators have three games against Top 10 opponents in the next four weeks, so it will be awfully difficult for Urban Meyer's crew to stay among the unbeatens. Next test: LSU, Oct. 7.

Georgia

Freshman Matthew Stafford has shown flashes, but the Georgia offense has struggled throughout the 5-0 start. The defense has been immense, however, allowing less than seven points per game. Tennessee, Florida, Auburn and Georgia Tech still await. Next test: Tennessee, Oct. 7

Louisville

Louisville has suffered injuries to its two best players, but the Cardinals are 5-0 and have outscored their opponents by over 33 points per game. Kolby Smith is helping fill the big shoes left by Michael Bush, and he's averaging 5.1 yards per carry. West Virginia will be the Cards' game of the year, and stud QB Brian Brohm should be back by then. Next test: West Virginia, Nov. 2

Michigan

Mike Hart is averaging 125 yards per game during Michigan's impressive 5-0 start. The Wolverines have won every game by at least two touchdowns and routed Notre Dame in South Bend. Next test: Iowa, Oct. 21

Missouri

Chase Daniels has taken over for the departed Brad Smith and led the Tigers to an unexpected 5-0 start. The schedule gets much tougher from here on out, starting with a trip to Texas Tech this week, and then back-to-back games with Oklahoma and Nebraska coming up. Next test: at Texas Tech, Oct. 7

Ohio State

If anyone looks like they are going to stay unbeaten, it is Antonio Pittman and the Buckeyes. Ohio State has passed two major road tests at Texas and Iowa and should have smooth sailing until the season finale. Next test: Michigan, Nov. 18

Oregon

We all know Oregon should not be undefeated, but officially the record reads 4-and-oh. Jonathan Stewart has played a big part with 315 yards in essentially three games. The Ducks snuck past Fresno State and Oklahoma and will have another challenge this week with California. Next test: California, Oct. 7

Rutgers

Quarterback Mike Teel and Rutgers survived a big scare at South Florida and are 5-0 for the first time since 1976. The Scarlet Knights will be challenged by Navy, and heavyweights Louisville and West Virginia await. Still, Rutgers is on its way to a second straight bowl game. Next test: at Navy, Oct. 14

USC

The Trojans struggled without Dwayne Jarrett against Washington State, but the Trojans survived the road trip. USC has been held under 30 points three times this year, which is three more times than all of last season. USC will face Oregon, California and Notre Dame on consecutive Saturdays in November. Next test: Oregon, Nov. 11

Wake Forest

The Deacons were expected to get off to a fast start with an easy schedule, but to do it with a backup quarterback and backup running back is quite impressive. Riley Skinner took over for the injured Ben Mauck in the opener against Syracuse and has led Wake to a 5-0 mark. The schedule is unkind from here out, with Clemson, Boston College, Florida State and Virginia Tech still to come. The Deacs will return to the bowl scene, however, for the first time since 2002. Next test: Clemson, Oct. 7

West Virginia

Steve Slaton is in the Heisman Trophy conversation, and West Virginia is in the BCS title game conversation. The Mounties have won every game by at least 17 points and have just two challenges left: Louisville and Rutgers. Next test: Louisville, Nov. 2

College Football's Unbeatens