STEWART MANDEL'S Extra Points

Oregon (3--0) has been unstoppable thus far, outscoring its opponents 189--13, but on Saturday at Arizona State (2--1) the Ducks run into their toughest test yet. Led by linebacker Vontaze Burfict(below), the Sun Devils are the rare Pac-10 team with the defensive speed to slow Oregon's spread attack. . . . Florida quarterback John Brantley showed signs against Tennessee that he's becoming more comfortable. Though his overall stats were modest, he was 8 of 11 in converting third downs via the pass. . . . The Big East is playing into the hands of critics who don't believe its champion should be afforded automatic entry into the BCS. The conference is 12--9 in nonconference games and just 4--9 when not counting games against I-AA teams.

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MARK J. REBILAS/US PRESSWIRE