1. Nebraska
Remember when 70-10 scores went in the Cornhuskers’ favor? Saturday’s 60-point loss was the worst in the school’s 114-year history, setting records for most points allowed and margin of defeat. The Bill Callahan era is not off to a good start.
2. Washington
The Huskies haven’t had a losing season in 27 years, third-best streak among all schools. Keith Gilbertson took over for fired Rick Neuheisel and barely kept the streak alive last year (6-6). Unless the Huskies can turn around a 1-4 record, that streak will end this season.
3. Penn State
The legendary Joe Paterno is in his 39th season and has 341 wins and a 20-10-1 bowl record. But he’s under fire for going 24-30 (2-4 this year) since the 2000 season.
4. UCLA
Remember when UCLA and Southern Cal battled every year for the right to represent the Pac-10 in the Rose Bowl? The Bruins have gone 30-27 over the last five years, but second-year coach Karl Dorrell appears to have them going in the right direction this year (4-1, 2-0).
5. Notre Dame
The Irish faithful expect a national-title contender every year. Since his 10-2 start in 2002, Tyrone Willingham is 9-9 (4-2 this year) and the Irish have suffered numerous blowouts. Notre Dame hasn’t played for the national title since 1993 and has appeared in only five bowl games since the 1995 season, losing its last four.
6. Alabama
A 44-38 record over the last seven years with only three bowl games (all losses) won’t satisfy a fan base that was spoiled by Paul “Bear” Bryant and his 232 victories and 24 bowl appearances as Crimson Tide coach. Mike Shula has his work cut out.
