For fastest start: USC offense at Virginia in the season opener in which the Trojans scored 21 points in their first three possessions.

For surprise start: UCLA upsetting a ranked Tennessee team at the Rose Bowl, a game in which Bruins QB Kevin Craft threw four interceptions in the first half but rallied behind Norm Chow’s guidance to give Rick Neuheisel his first victory as head coach.

Biggest underachievers: Ohio State Buckeyes, who somehow managed to stay ranked in or near the top 10 even though they played just two quality teams—USC and Penn State—and lost to both—35-3 to the Trojans and 13-6 at home to the Nittany Lions.

Most exciting game: Texas Tech knocking off No. 1 Texas on the last play, a finish that exemplified why college football is the great game that it is.

Most durable: Alabama, which has managed to hold on to the No. 1 ranking the longest this season, and if it beats Florida this Saturday, will play in the BCS title game.

Best offensive team: Florida, with its dazzling running game that utilizes a modern day version of the old single wing. Somewhere Red Sanders is smiling.

Best defensive team: University of Southern California, which has allowed less than 7 points per game, including just three to Ohio State and Notre Dame.

Biggest upset: Oregon State’s 27-21 victory over USC in Corvalis, a blow that like last year’s loss to Stanford, knocked the Trojans out of the BCS title game.

Best conference: Big 12, which at one time had four teams ranked in the top 10.

Worst conference: Pacific 10, although Oregon State and Oregon at times were ranked, the overall performance, especially by the schools from Washington and Arizona, was dismal.

Second Best Conference: The SEC but the Watcher tips his cap to the Mountain West, with Brigham Young and Utah both having outstanding seasons.

Coach of the Year: Nick Saban of Alabama.

Most Disappointing: Notre Dame, which annually has a recruiting class that is ranked in the top 10, but has only won nine games in the last two seasons under Charlie Weis, who reportedly is returning for his fifth season in South Bend.

Best matchup that will never happen: USC vs. Florida for the national championship.

Best matchup that will happen: Florida vs. Oklahoma, winner take all.

Let the Bowling begin!