For the most part, our illustrious Dirty Dozen lived down to expectations last week as those teams in action went 1-8, with the sole victory, Tulane’s 27-21 shellacking of Southeast Louisiana, coming against an FCS school (Division 1AA).

More important, a bet against each of our Bad Boys would have produced six winners with two losses, for a stellar 75 percent winning margin (no betting line on the Tulane game).

The only two teams to cover the spread were Eastern Michigan, who lost by four to Army, and Bowling Green, who lost by a field goal to Troy.

For now, we’ll forgive them and give them another week to get back on the losing track.

However there are a couple of teams knocking at the Dirty Dozen door. Mississippi lost 49-48 in overtime to Jacksonville State and Kansas lost 6-3 to North Dakota State. If Mississippi doesn’t find its defense and Kansas can’t find an offense, they’re possible candidates for future editions.

For now, here’s a recap of what happened last week and what’s to come.

1. New Mexico: The Lobos distinguished themselves last week with a dismal effort in a 72-0 loss to Oregon. They return home to face Texas Tech, another team that can score in bunches, so don’t expect them to fall soon from their lofty perch.

2. Louisiana: The Ragin’ Cajuns were overrun by Georgia, 55-7, but now face Arkansas State, a team they beat last season. The boys from Lafayette could actually be favored in this spot, but we’re banking they’ll find a way to steal a loss from the jaws of victory.

3. Memphis: The Tigers didn’t have much of a bite versus Mississippi State, losing 49-7. They’re on the road again this week with a tilt against East Carolina, which has beaten Memphis four straight by an average of 15 points.

4. Akron: The Zips didn’t have any in their pathetic showing against a mediocre Syracuse squad, 29-3. They have a chance to pad their stats this week against Gardner Webb, an FCS team that will be lucky to score 10 points (no betting line).

5. San Jose State: The Spartans were overmatched by defending national champs Alabama, 48-3, and now get back on the road to face Wisconsin. The Badgers should improve on their mediocre effort against UNLV and possibly score 60.

6. Western Kentucky: The Hilltoppers, now in their third year of FBS competition, were steamrolled by Nebraska, 49-10. They may want to return to the FCS (Division 1AA) after their road match with Kentucky, who beat them 41-3 two years ago.

7. Eastern Michigan: The Eagles came close against Army, 31-27, a team that has yet to discover the forward pass. They now travel to Oxford to face Miami of Ohio, which has beaten them six straight by an average of 12 points.

8. Bowling Green: The Falcons overachieved in their 30-21 loss to Troy, but now must travel to Tulsa to face the Hurricanes. These two met in the 2007 GMAC Bowl, which Tulsa won 63-7. Ouch.

9. Tulane: As noted, the Green Wave had the Dozen’s only victory, 27-21 over Division 1AA Southeast Louisiana. We’ll forgive them as they were out-gained and had fewer first downs. Their next opponent, Mississippi, won’t be in a good mood after their freakish loss to Jackson State last week, and the Rebels are capable of scoring virtually at will.

10. New Mexico State: The Aggies get into action this week with a home game against San Diego State, a team they haven’t beaten since 1955. Last year it was close until the Aggies allowed 17 straight points to lose 34-17.

11. Florida International: The Golden Panthers open their season at home against Rutgers, who beat them 23-15 last year. They stayed within the 16-point spread, but Rutgers is improved this year and the Panthers have only 11 returning starters (five on defense).

12. ULM: The Warhawks kick off their 2010 campaign against Arkansas, a team they nearly beat two years ago. But the Razorbacks are vastly improved and the Warhawks are rebuilding, so this one shouldn’t be nearly as close.