The Times’ ‘Super 16’ college football rankings

It’s early but, so far, two of Rankman’s early hunches paid off. Oregon and USC won huge statement games against Michigan State and Stanford. Did not see coming: 1) Pat Haden getting reprimanded and fined $25,000 for conduct unbecoming of an athletic director, playoff selection committee member and Rhodes Scholar; 2) The Big Ten completely coming apart except for Penn State, which came off bowl probation Monday to become the league’s marquee program; and 3) UCLA making Memphis look like the Monsters of the Midway. Welcome back, Notre Dame, and bon voyage to The Ohio State, which falls out of The Super 16 after a home loss to Virginia Tech.

1; Oregon 2-0; 11 a.m. kickoff is in deference to Wyoming’s wish to get back “home, home on the range.” (1)

2; Florida State 2-0; Team vies for national Title IV as school investigates quarterback Jameis Winston under Title IX. (2)

3; Alabama 2-0; Rankman thought Kiffin play-calling vs. Florida Atlantic was electric…or was that the lightning? (3)

4; Oklahoma 2-0; Seeking volunteers to bag check visiting Tennessee fans for hard tack and bootleg cider. (4)

5; Texas A&M 2-0; Fixed-price schedule menu special includes Lamar & Rice followed by pallet-cleanser Southern Methodist. (5)

6; Auburn; 2-0; San Jose State quarterback’s last line audible at end of 59-13 loss….”Check please?” (6)

7; Georgia 1-0; Spent off-week flipping between enthralling SEC games involving Lamar, Florida Atlantic and Nicholls State. (7)

8; Louisiana State 2-0; Freshman Fournette told to save his Heisman pose for big games such as this week vs. Louisiana Monroe. (8)

9: USC 2-0; Fan poll in advance of Boston trip game lists Pat Haden/Pat Henry “greatest American patriots.” (11)

10; Baylor 2-0; Petty (back) said to be feeling “much better” after his back-up throws for 438 yards and five touchdowns. (10)

11; UCLA 2-0; Team will only use Myles Jack at running back as a last resort, or against Texas. (9)

12; Mississippi 2-0; Rebels tore down what Vander-bilt and turned it into a “Property Brothers” remodel. (15)

13: Notre Dame 2-0; Michigan fan trying to get ticket for game in South Bend said he was also shut out. (NR)

14; Stanford 1-1; Shaw says team didn’t lose USC game as much as it just ran out of room to punt. (14)

15; Wisconsin 1-1: OK for AD Alvarez to yell at refs on sideline because he still thinks he’s the head coach. (16)

16; Michigan State 1-1; Sparty spinning Oregon defeat as “the closest 19-point loss in program history.” (12)

Dropped out: Ohio State (14).

Moved in: Notre Dame.

First four out: Arizona State, Virginia Tech, Brigham Young, Oklahoma State.