Weekend Top 25 Results

I wasn't smart enough to predict a North Carolina upset of Florida State, but I did warn you back in July that a three-loss season for the Seminoles was entirely possible. And that was before two key wideouts, Anquan Boldin and Robert Morgan, were lost with season-ending injuries. There's no question that the Seminoles were extremely vulnerable going into the 2001 campaign.

	Tar Heels DE Julius Peppers intercepted Seminoles QB Chris Rix, sacked him twice and made nine tackles to lead a stellar Carolina defensive effort.

Just consider the high-profile star power the Seminoles have lost in recent years. At wide receiver, the list includes Peter Warrick, Ron Dugans, Laveranues Coles and Marvin "Snoop" Minnis. Now you can see why the injury loss of Boldin and Morgan was so critical.

At running back, Travis Minor and Jeff Chaney both moved on after last season. Then backup tailback Davy Ford was lost for the season with a knee injury sustained a few weeks ago against Alabama-Birmingham (UAB).

On the offensive line, three starters had to be replaced this season, with the graduation loss of center Jarad Moon especially tough.

The biggest loss offensively has been that of Heisman Trophy-winning QB Chris Weinke to the NFL -- especially given the inexperienced performers who are being counted on to fill that void. Going into this season, Chris Rix had yet to take a snap from center in a game situation after redshirting in 2000, while the highly regarded Adrian McPherson is just a freshman.

While Rix and McPherson both have bright futures, you had to expect a few bumps in the road this year as Rix goes through the maturation process. With so many proven performers no longer available at the skill positions, this compounds the situation.

Defensively, the Seminoles were also hit hard by graduation. Gone are pass-rushing defensive ends Jamal Reynolds and David Warren, who combined last season for 21 sacks. Linebackers Tommy Polley and Brian Allen also moved on to the NFL. The secondary was severely depleted with the graduation losses of cornerbacks Tay Cody and Clevan Thomas and safety Derrick Gibson.

Punter Keith Cottrell was yet another graduation loss. On Saturday in Chapel Hill, the Seminoles had some problems in this area.

When I looked at the Seminoles' slate for 2001, the postponed Georgia Tech game was the first potential game of concern, although a definite plus for FSU is the fact that this game was to be played at Doak Campbell Stadium where the Seminoles have the longest home winning streak at 36 straight.

The toughest road battles figured to be at Clemson and Florida, both later in the campaign. But after the setback at North Carolina, all the Seminoles will be trying to do this week at home against Wake Forest is regroup and gain a measure of confidence heading into their huge battle at Doak Campbell against No. 1-ranked Miami (Fla.) on Oct. 13.

ONE-WIN SEASON FOR PENN STATE?
As I've always said, talent wins at any level. You can't win on reputation, tradition and history alone.

At Penn State, the lack of big-time talent is obvious. When I previewed all the teams and conferences going into the 2001 season, I made the point that if Penn State finished in the top half of the Big Ten it would have to be considered a successful campaign.

At the time, I also said that the Nittany Lions could easily be regarded as one of the bottom three teams in the Big Ten. Now, after their home loss to Wisconsin in a game that wasn't nearly as competitive as the 18-6 final score indicates, a one- or two-win season may be a reality for Penn State.

IRISH MISS GETHERALL'S PLAY-MAKING
As for Notre Dame, the personnel base has been improving over the past few years, but the lack of difference-making performers on offense is a major problem right now. Remember, last season, the Irish created big plays and short fields on special teams.

Besides Julius Jones, a key part of the equation for the Irish was wideout/punt returner Joey Getherall.

Just to refresh your memory, Getherall averaged an impressive 16.3 yards on 24 punt returns last season (plus two TDs). He also finished second on he team with 17 catches for a whopping 29.4-yard average and four TDs. And on reverses, he accounted for 109 yards and a TD. With the lack of proven play-makers, there is no question that Getherall's graduation loss was critical.

JURY STILL OUT ON K-STATE
While Kansas State is 2-0 and fresh off a rout of New Mexico State, I still believe the jury is out on whether Bill Snyder's Wildcats can remain in the top 10. I've always been one of Snyder's biggest supporters and continue to be, but to remain in the hunt for the Big 12 championship given the talent that was lost from last season would definitely place Snyder at or near the top of the list for Coach of the Year honors.

The lack of experience at critical positions caught up with Florida State on Saturday, and it will be interesting to see if the same scenario occurs for the Wildcats.

This week, K-State travels to Norman to face defending national champion Oklahoma in what shapes up as one of the top games of the week.

While OU is 3-0 out of the blocks, the Sooners also have some questions to answer, particularly at QB where Nate Hybl has to prove he's up to the task in the marquee matchups.

As for the Wildcats, just consider the enormous amount of high-profile talent that moved on after the 2000 campaign. On offense, that group includes QB Jonathan Beasley, RB/return man David Allen, big-play wideout Quincy Morgan, TE Shad Meier and center Randall Cummins.

On defense, moving on were sack artist Monty Beisel, DT Mario Fatafehi, OLB Jason Kazar, safety Jarrod Cooper and starting CBs Dyshod Carter and Jerametrius Butler. Dependable PK Jamie Rheem was also a key graduation loss.

Like Florida State, that's an awful lot of talent to replace without missing a beat or two.