Campus Confidential

Opening weekend, here are a dozen you should pay attention to.

Clemson (-5) vs. Alabama
The Tigers' offensive line is a big question, but the bigger issue is Alabama's offense. And its going up against a fantastic defensive unit. Pay close attention to Tommy Bowden's front four.

Illinois vs. Missouri (-8.5)
Missouri has to prove to me it can play defense. I think the Tigers will win, but this will be an exciting one.

Tennessee (-7) at UCLA
I can see the Rick Neuheisel era getting off to a fast start, despite the offseason injury problems.

Syracuse at Northwestern (-11.5)
Syracuse is really bad and Northwestern's offense is pretty darn good and will put up some serious points.

Bowling Green at Pittsburgh (-13)
The Panthers are a hot pick this year because of LaSean McCoy, and it's hard to deny them with such a talented running back. If they're as good as advertised, no reason they shouldn't win this by 2 scores.

Hawaii at Florida (-34.5)
I generally hate big lines, but Florida is going to lay it to the Warriors in preparation for Miami next weekend.

Southern Cal (-19.5) at Virginia
Virginia has a good defense and some pretty good skill position players, but young quarterback Peter Lalich won't enjoy facing USC's scary-good defense.

Oklahoma State (-7) at Washington State
The Cowboys' powerful offense shouldn't have many problems against a weak Pac-10 team.

Utah at Michigan (-3.5)
The Big House will certainly be rocking for Rich Rodriguez's opening game, but it won't be enough. RR's offense is not in the state it needs to be to beat a solid team like Utah.

Florida Atlantic at Texas (-23)
Colt McCoy lost a fair amount on offense, but Texas' defense will pitch something close to a shutout in this one.

Western Michigan at Nebraska (-13.5)
You better learn the name Marlon Lucky. If you don't know by now, you'll be watching his multiple touchdown runs on SportsCenter Sunday morning.

Memphis at Ole Miss (-8)
Houston Nutt kicks things off with all kinds of trickeration. Quarterback Jevan Snead (Texas transfer) is going to love playing for Nutt.

By Adam Abramson

I headed into Manhattan last night to kick off the season. My intention of watching North Carolina State-South Carolina was quickly dashed as I I headed to a Miami alumni bar.

I finally found a TV with the game I was hoping for towards the end of the second quarter and quickly saw both schools were sloppy. The Wolfpack has a host of problems on offense, as I figured. Also, thoughts to NCST freshman Russell Wilson, who was carted off the field.

Steve Spurrier is lucky State isn't a good ball club, because he got away with Tommy Beecher chucking interceptions. Any decent team would have taken all of that to the bank. We'll see what he decides to do after last night. Smelley, a sophomore, played in half the team's games last year and wasn't too bad. Might have to go with the hot hand.

Tom O'Brien's team, on the other hand, had 138 yards of total offense (49 through the air). That's bad. He could have used Matt Ryan. He has highly touted Mike Glennon redshirting this year, and we'll see if he'll keep the shirt on (I think he will). But expect Glennon to be the guy of the future in Raleigh.

I was able to watch much of the Miami game. Now, I know it was against Charleston Southern, but let me say I came away extremely impressed with Jacory Harris. He showcased his speed, vision and arm. Randy Shannon moved the pocket for him and Harris made some nice throws on the run. You could see the true freshman come out in him now and again, but he's going to be a special player in Miami and will be the catalyst, should the Hurricanes return to their familiar dominant state by 2012.

Moving west, how about Toby Gerhart of Stanford? When I saw him rumble for 46 yards down the sideline, I thought it was NC State running for a TD (helmets are similar, give me a break). But when I saw it was Gerhart crushing my dreams of an Oregon State cover, I had to say I was impressed. The Cardinal was able to withstand 490 yards of Beaver offense by forcing two picks and a fumble on the one-yard line to end OSU's comeback. See what happens when you take care of the football and take advantage of turnovers?

And props to Riley Skinner. He's continuing to impress everyone in Winston Salem and he makes the Demon Deacons a tough draw in the ACC. Last night's performance against Baylor is exactly what the team needs to kick start another big season.

I'll be back later with some picks.

It's here! It's really here!

I have a 6pm dinner in the city at a place without TVs. I hope my company understands I'm leaving at 7:40 for kickoff.

Here are my picks for tonight. I'll be back with more tomorrow for the weekend.

North Carolina State @ South Carolina (-14)
Line has moved a lot, but it's because NC State isn't good yet. They need to find their identity under O'Brien.

Oregon State (-3) @ Stanford
Stanford isn't quite there yet.

Wake Forest (-11.5) @ Baylor
Showing a lot of love for the favorites, but it's Baylor...

That's all I'm picking. Tomorrow I'll come back with so many picks that your brain is going to hurt (Well, just 12 or so).

BY MIKE ROSE

I gave my five games to watch yesterday. But he's a quick thumbnail of some other games worth mentioning as college football season starts tonight.

Thursday, Aug. 28

N.C. State at South Carolina, 8 p.m.: Is this the season that Steve Spurrier gets the Gamecocks into the land of SEC giants? South Carolina gets Georgia, LSU and Tennessee at home. So the schedule is favorable. The Gamecocks need a strong showing tonight to build momentum.

Saturday, Aug. 30

Virginia Tech at East Carolina, noon: Dangerous game for the 17th-ranked Hokies. East Carolina isn't backing down from any team, with West Virginia next. This has to be an upset alert, along with Utah at Michigan.

Hawaii at Florida, 12:30 p.m.: Hawaii couldn't handle Georgia seven months ago. Now they get Florida in "The Swamp." June Jones and Colt Brennen are gone. I'm always interested to see Hawaii play, but Florida should have an easy time.

Appalachian State at LSU, 5 p.m.: We all remember the scene of App State blocking that Michigan field-goal attempt and sealing the upset in The Big House last season. Can App State do it again, in Death Valley? Perhaps. If this game is close in the fourth quarter, watch out.

Michigan State at California, 8 p.m.: Which Michigan State team will show up? Better yet, which Cal team shows up? Cal was as high as No. 2 in the country last year before falling apart.

Sunday, Aug. 31

Rivalry games are always fun. Kentucky (minus Andre Woodson) visits Louisville (minus Brian Brohm) at 3:30 p.m. Colorado State goes to Colorado at 7:30 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 1

Fresno State at Rutgers, 4:30 p.m.: Yes, this game definitely has BCS implications. Fresno State could win 10 games this season. Rutgers won't fall too far after losing Ray Rice to the NFL.

By Adam Abramson

Miami begins its season tonight in a new stadium and with a new quarterback.

That man is freshman Jacory Harris. At this time last year, Harris was gearing up to lead Miami Northwestern High School to a state championship and a national No. 1 ranking. He never lost as Miami Northwestern's QB (30-0...much like Brock Berlin at Evangel Christian Academy in Louisiana), and threw for 49 touchdowns last season.

Harris has the tools. He's 6'4, 185 pounds with great speed. But he's a pass-first quarterback. Miami Northwestern achieved its success with Harris using the spread offense. His read progressions are impressive and could make him far advanced as a freshman quarterback in Coral Gables.

Coach Randy Shannon needs a spark. He raided Miami Northwestern and came away with their talented senior class. While tonight's bout against Charleston Southern won't be much of an indicator, the Canes head to Gainsville next week and will have a better chance to see what they're working with. It doesn't get much easier after that with games against Texas A&M, North Carolina and Florida State.

After struggling with Kirby Freeman and Kyle Wright, it's a new and promising dawn in Miami. And if the Hurricanes can start the season 3-2 with Harris as QB -- things could be looking up.

BY MIKE ROSE

Yes, it's only the first week of the season, but trust me -- there are plenty of good games to keep an eye on.

Each week I'll highlight five that I think are noteworthy. So here we go with the five for Week 1:

Saturday, Aug. 30

Saturday features two very good games and a few others that will be interesting.

USC (No. 3 AP and No. 2 USA Today) at Virginia, 3:30 p.m.: I think USC's defense will take charge. With defensive tackle Fili Moala, linebackers Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga, and free safety Travis Mays (who is built like a strong safety at 6-4 and 225), USC has stars on defense. But the Trojans should also do some good things on offense. Quarterback Mark Sanchez, who dislocated his left kneecap about three weeks ago, has made a quick recovery and has been cleared by doctors to play against the Cavaliers. Plus, running back Joe McKnight and wide receiver Vidal Hazelton are rising stars. Virginia won nine games last season, but lost a lot of talent. Still, the Cavaliers will be tough at home. In the end, USC has too much talent and gets a hard-earned, but fairly easy road win.

Utah at Michigan (No. 24 in USA Today), 3:30 p.m.: The Rich Rodriguez era begins at The Big House. I'm very curious to see Michigan play. The offense will be a lot more wide open than we're all accustomed to seeing. I don't think Michigan will really be clicking until mid-October. Utah has been predicted to have as high as nine or 10 wins. But I'm going with Michigan in a close one. No App State this year.

Alabama (No. 24 in AP) vs. Clemson (No. 9 in both polls) at Atlanta, 8 p.m.: Clemson has all of the pressure. The Tigers have the high national ranking, are the favorite to win the ACC, and probably the best backfield in the country (with running backs James Davis and C.J. Spiller, and quarterback Cullen Harper). Historically, Clemson hasn't played too well when expectations are high. Alabama will be much improved in Nick Saban's second season and has star Julio Jones on offense. I'm going with Clemson in a close one, maybe 31-27.

Illinois (No. 20 in AP and No. 19 in USA Today) vs. Missouri (No. 6 AP and No. 7 USA Today) at St. Louis, 8:30 p.m.: Missouri won last year's opener 40-34. I really like the Tigers this year with quarterback Chase Daniel and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Illinois can counter with quarterback Juice Williams and wide receiver Arrelious Benn. I think both defenses will be good this year. The one difference in this game is the absence of Rashard Mendenhall from the Illinois backfield. With Mendenhall gone, Williams will have to do more. Juice looks great one play and not so good the next. Missouri wins this one.

Monday, Sept. 1

Tennessee (No. 18 in both polls) at UCLA, 8 p.m.: First, Pat Cowan was named the starting quarterback, but tore his ACL. Now quarterback Ben Olson is out eight weeks with a broken foot. So Kevin Craft, who played some at San Diego State, will be running the offense for UCLA. But don't feel too bad for the Bruins. Rick Neuheisel is back in Los Angeles as the head coach. And Norm Chow is running the offense. UCLA will find a way to score points. On the other side, Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer is clearly on the hot seat this season, in a very tough SEC no less. Plus, Erik Ainge is gone to the NFL, replaced by new QB Jonathan Crompton. But I think the Vols come out strong in this one and win the opener. Tennessee by a field goal.

By Adam Abramson

Ohio State freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor is still fighting for snaps with the second team in Columbus.

That's the word, according to a Grand Rapids Press report. Tressel did say he thinks his prized recruit will play in Saturday's opener against Youngstown State.

His role in that offense will be one of the more important story lines this season, so we'll be following closely.

I was asked about my thoughts on Virginia Tech redshirting Tyrod Taylor, so here it goes.

After reading all of the comments to come out of Blacksburg, I thought Taylor should have been playing this year. The staff kept saying the two quarterbacks were even in throwing the ball, so why not go with the guy who brings more versatility with his legs (see 3rd and 31 against Florida State last year when Taylor ran for a first down).

However, now that the decision has been made and everyone has made their statements, I guess they did what everyone thought was best. Many forget that Taylor had intentions on redshirting when he arrived in Blacksburg, so now he'll able to mature via practice, film and learning from the sidelines. It should be good for him.

It was a big decision for QB coach Mike O'Cain, because Sean Glennon, the fifth-year senior, has to perform the way he's been touted by his coach. There's little room for error. However, I think Glennon will be more than serviceable for the Hokies, who will win at least nine games.

And I'll have some picks for opening night, just a day away!

BY MIKE ROSE

Earlier in the summer, I put together a list of 10 or so Heisman Trophy contenders. I promised I would cut that list down, and now I have. Below are my five Heisman Trophy leaders (Ranked as I see them at this point).

Tim Tebow, Jr., QB, Florida: You must start the new season with the reigning Heisman winner in the top spot. Tebow had an incredible year in 2007 -- over 3,000 yards passing with 32 touchdowns to go with nearly 900 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns. The one thing that scares me is that Tebow takes a lot of punishment in the tough SEC.

Chris Wells, Jr. RB, Ohio State: Wells is the best running back in the country. He rushed for over 1,600 yards last season. The Buckeyes will be in the national championship picture all season. So Wells will get plenty of attention. If he can eclipse last year's totals, he'll be tough to beat for the Heisman this season.

Chase Daniel, Sr., QB, Missouri: Daniel threw for over 4,000 yards and 33 touchdowns last season. If the Tigers can win the Big 12 and challenge for a national title, I think Daniel should get strong consideration, because his statistics will be better this time.

Pat White, Sr., QB, West Virginia: White rushed for over 1,300 yards last season and threw for over 1,700. But I think this is the season where he makes a serious bid for the Heisman. With Steve Slaton gone, it is White's team. New coach Bill Stewart has indicated that White will throw more this season. As long as the Mountaineers stay in the national title hunt, White will be a contender.

Knowshon Moreno, So., RB, Georgia: Some will tell you he's the second coming of Herschel Walker. I wouldn't go that far -- yet. Moreno rushed for over 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns as a freshman. Unfortunately, Moreno is in the same backfield with star QB Matthew Stafford. And freshman Caleb King will also get his share of carries. So that doesn't bode well for Moreno's chances this season. Still, he'll be a threat. If Moreno stays in school, I think he's the 2009 Heisman frontrunner.

1. Chris Wells, Ohio State RB (Jr.)
If he gets the ball 325-350 times this year, he could flirt with 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns (last year 274, 1,609 and 15 TD). A big performance against USC and a Big 10 title could earn him the hardware.

2. Tim Tebow, Florida QB (Jr.)
It's going to be difficult to match last year's out-of-this-world numbers. If he flirts with it and Florida looks good, he very well could join Archie Griffin as the only two-time winners.

3. Pat White, West Virginia QB (Sr.)
West Virginia is going to have a lot of wins and be one of the big stories in college football this year. Impressive numbers will get him an invite to New York.

4. Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech WR (So.)
I'm standing by the fact he should have been invited to New York last year. Nobody has sniffed a season like that since Larry Fitzgerald in 2003.

5. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma QB (So.)
The combination of Tim Tebow, Colt Brennan Chase Daniel kept him out of serious consideration last year. He'll establish himself as one of the country's top signal callers, but he still might be a year away from a Heisman invite.

Who are your top five? Chime in.

BY MIKE ROSE

OK. I'm ready. I went back and forth, but this is what I settled on.

1. Ohio State
2007 record: 11-2
Why: The Buckeyes return 18 starters. There are stars on both sides of the ball -- running back Beanie Wells and left tackle Alex Boone, linebacker James Laurinaitis and cornerback Malcolm Jenkins. Plus, quarterback Todd Boeckman is back and will again be throwing to wide receivers Brian Robiske and Brian Hartline. And to make things interesting, the Buckeyes can bring super recruit quarterback Terrelle Pryor into the game to show you a completely different look.
Why not: Ohio State has played for the national title two years in a row and has been beaten twice by better SEC teams. Can Ohio State get over that psychological hump?
Key game: At USC, Sept. 13. The Buckeyes saw firsthand what a big win on the road against a non-conference powerhouse (Texas in 2005) can do to your national title aspirations.

2. Georgia
2007 record: 11-2
Why: The Bulldogs finished on a roll last season, winning their final seven games (including a dominant performance against an overmatched Hawaii team in the Sugar Bowl). Georgia returns 17 starters, including nine starters on defense. The offense should be solid with quarterback Matthew Stafford and tailback Knowshon Moreno. Moreno is a Heisman contender. As a redshirt freshman last season, he rushed for over 1,300 yards and scored 14 touchdowns.
Why not: It's always hard to envision any team coming out of the SEC -- undoubtedly the toughest conference in the land -- with fewer than two losses.
Key game: At Arizona State, Sept. 20. Georgia needs to win this game because road trips to LSU and Auburn -- not to mention the Florida game in Jacksonville -- loom later in the season. The common school of thought is if you're going to lose, then lose early. But not when you play in the SEC.

3. USC
2007 record: 11-2
Why: The defense is loaded with seven starters returning, including stars Brian Cushing Rey Maualuga at linebacker and Fili Moala at defensive tackle. USC's offense is young, but loaded with talented stars like running back Joe McKnight and wide receiver Vidal Hazleton. Plus, USC gets Ohio State, Oregon, Arizona State, Cal and Notre Dame at home.
Why not: Injuries have already hit Southern California. Mark Sanchez, who was slated to replace John David Booty at quarterback, dislocated his left kneecap early in preseason practice. But now Sanchez is optimistic about possibly playing in the opener at Virginia. McKnight, who should team with Stafon Johnson to give USC a solid ground game, recently hyperextended his right elbow.
Key game: vs. Ohio State, Sept. 13. USC has a tough start to its season, with the opener at Virginia, then hosting Ohio State and then at Oregon State. A win against Ohio State would go a long way toward a possible national title.

4. Missouri
2007 record: 12-2
Why: Heisman trophy contender Chase Daniel is back at quarterback and will have all-purpose star Jeremy Maclin to help lead the offense. But the Tigers also return 10 starters on defense. Remember, Missouri shut down Texas Tech's explosive offense last year. Speaking of last year, it was no fluke. This program -- led by coach Gary Pinkel -- is legitimate. Plus, I think the Tigers are extra motivated after last season's BCS bowl snub.
Why not: Expectations are high. A Big 12 championship will be nice, but I have to think Missouri fans are dreaming of a national title. Can this team handle the pressure?
Key game: I think Missouri will handle Illinois in the opener on Aug. 30 in St. Louis. I've got the game at Texas on Oct. 18 circled. If Missouri beats the Longhorns, they have a great shot to go undefeated in the regular season.

5. Oklahoma
2007 record: 11-3
Why: Sam Bradford, who set an NCAA freshman record with 36 touchdowns last season, is back behind five returning starters on the offensive line -- one of the very best O-lines in the country. And DeMarco Murray is returning at running back. The Sooners shouldn't have any problem scoring points.
Why not: The defense was shredded for 48 points against West Virginia in last season's Fiesta Bowl. That group needs to step up this season for Oklahoma to challenge for a national title.
Key game: Same as every season -- Texas. This season the game will be played on Oct. 11. The winner of that game may very well decide the Big 12 South title. But Texas Tech may have something to say about that.

6. Florida
2007 record: 9-4
Why: Sixteen starters return, including Heisman Trophy quarterback Tim Tebow. All-everything offensive star Percy Harvin will once again be dangerous whenever he touches the ball.
Why not: The defense. Florida gave up 25.5 points per game last season and had trouble shutting offenses in key moments last season. Teams simply outscored Florida last season.
Key game: When you play in the SEC, it seems every game is key. I could single out three games alone in the SEC that will be key this season -- at Tennessee, vs. LSU and vs. Georgia (in Jacksonville). I'm going to pick LSU on Oct. 11. A win over the defending national champion would be huge.

7. Clemson
2007 record: 9-4
Why: Clemson returns 14 starters -- seven on offense and seven on defense. But the strength of this season is a backfield that may be the best in the country. Quarterback Cullen Harper, who threw for 2,991 yards and 27 touchdowns last season, and running backs James Davis and C.J. Spiller will give defenses nightmares. Then throw in Aaron Kelly, who had 88 catches last season, and where is the offensive weakness?
Why not: Clemson, historically, hasn't been at its best when expectations are high. The Tigers start the season with four home games and a game against Alabama in Atlanta. But the rest of the schedule features road games at Wake Forest, Boston College, Florida State and Virginia. That's a tough stretch.
Key game: At Wake Forest, Oct. 9. This game could very well decide who represents the Atlantic Division in the ACC title game.

8. LSU
2007 record: 12-2
Why: The Tigers are the defending national champions. They know how to win and they know that a loss or two during the regular season doesn't mean the end. Despite only returning 12 starters, there is plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. Not to mention, an exceptional coach in Les Miles.
Why not: The quarterback spot will be very key. Ryan Perrilloux, who was expected to start, was dismissed in May. So Andrew Hatch or Jarrett Lee will take the job.
Key game: vs. Appalachian State, Aug. 30. Just kidding. But it wouldn't it be something if App State did it again? The key game will be the always close and always hard-hitting game against Auburn on Sept. 20. This season the game is at Auburn. I expect this one to once again be decided by the slimmest of margins.

9. West Virginia
2007 record: 11-2
Why: Bill Stewart and Pat White. Stewart replaced Rich Rodriguez and was interim coach as the Mountaineers prepared for Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. Whatever he did to get his team ready for what turned out to be a 48-28 thrashing of the Sooners, he should continue to do it. Stewart, who had the interim tag removed after that Fiesta Bowl win, is going to do a fine job in Morgantown. White is a Heisman contender. White is mostly known for his running ability from the quarterback spot, but don't be surprised to see Stewart getting White at least 20 passes a game this season. And Noel Devine should fill in fine for Steve Slaton, now in the NFL.
Why not: While eight starters return on offense, there's only four returning starters on defense. And the schedule isn't too easy. The Mountaineers host Auburn on Oct. 23, then at Connecticut, home to Cincinnati, at Louisville, at Pittsburgh, and home against South Florida.
Key game: vs. Auburn, Oct. 23. I feel confident West Virginia will win the much tougher Big East this year. But a win over Auburn could go a long way in determining if the Mountaineers are a national title contender.

10. Texas Tech
2007 record: 9-4
Why: The Red Raiders have 18 starters back, but it's the 10 on offense that will scare opponents. Quarterback Graham Harrell to wide receiver Michael Crabtree is a lethal combination. Texas Tech's offense should be electric this season. The defense should also be very good.
Why not: There's a lot of hype surrounding this team. Expectations are already high. So the Red Raiders will need to step up and win some big games. There's a chance they could be 10-0 heading to Oklahoma on Nov. 22. But I'd be more worried about October, which features games at Kansas State, Kansas and Texas A&M and a home game against Nebraska.
Key game: Obviously, if Texas Tech is 10-0 heading to Oklahoma that will be a key game. But I think that Oct. 25 game at Kansas is really the key. A big win in a hostile environment is exactly the type of confidence builder the Red Raiders will need for games vs. Texas and Oklahoma in November.

The rest ....

11. Auburn
12. Texas
13. Wisconsin
14. Arizona State
15. Tennessee
16. Illinois
17. Kansas
18. Virginia Tech
19. Penn State
20. Wake Forest
21. BYU
22. Pittsburgh
23. Alabama
24. Oregon
25. North Carolina

BY MIKE ROSE

Hi all. I always love picking the BCS bowl games. So here we go.

NOTE: I stand corrected. Only two teams from a conference can earn BCS picks. My bad. I knew that and had a brain freeze. So I subbed out LSU and added Oregon.

BCS National Title Game: Ohio State vs. Missouri, Jan. 8. Yes. I'm jumping on the Missouri bandwagon this season. They'll beat Texas Tech to win the Big 12 title. And I think Ohio State wins the Big 10, gets back to the title game and wins it this time.

Fiesta Bowl: Texas Tech vs. Florida. Jan. 5. Wow, what an offensive show this would be. Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree vs. Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin.

Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. West Virginia, Jan. 2. A rematch of the 2005 game. I think Georgia will end up with at least one loss this season, but they'll capture the SEC title. West Virginia will win the Big East, edging out South Florida.

Orange Bowl: Clemson vs. Oregon, Jan. 1. Clemson doesn't always play up to its potential when the expectations are high. But I think they will this season. Oregon will end up with double-digit wins.

Rose Bowl: USC vs. Wisconsin, Jan. 1. USC should win the Pac-10, but I think they're getting two losses this season -- one to Ohio State and an upset in the Pac-10. I'm going with Wisconsin here as the Big Ten representative. But Illinois or -- yes-- even Penn State could be a 10-win team this season.

Best of the rest

Feel free to fire away and I'll try to defend/justify the rankings.

I will drop my 11 through 25 in a little bit.

5. Florida

Why: On offense, take your pick: Heisman winner Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin, Emmanuel Moody, Chris Rainey. Harvin could be the most dangerous skill position player in college football. Moody has waited a long year to suit up for Urban Meyer and he's ready to be the featured back. And when he's not getting the ball, watch for Rainey. He's a great back for Meyer's system and will be a great change of pace to Moody's bruising style (6'1, 210 with great lateral movement). Rainey checks in at 5'9, 155. Fast doesn't describe him. Just imagine Dante Hall as a great running back. And he's tough. His highlight reel is loaded with clips of him throwing bone-crushing blocks and tackles.

On defense, the Gators lose Top 10 pick Derrick Harvey. But just like when they lose Jarvis Moss, there won't be much drop off. Learn this name: Carlos Dunlap (pictured in a scrimmage). He has the chance to be better than both the aforementioned names. Another name you should know: Brandon Spikes. He could be the country's best linebacker not named James Laurinaitis. The defense was very green last year, and guys like safety Major Wright (solid name) and cornerback Joe Haden really benefited from the trial by fire system.

Why not: Even though we just talked about how important last year was for the defense, the unit could still be a little green on the whole. It won't be the country's best, but it will be good enough to keep them in every ballgame. Also, playing in the SEC can flat out beat you up. Sure, the last two title winners are from the SEC, but with several teams from the same conference with legitimate chances of the grand pooba...a lot can happen.

Most important game: It's tough because there are quite a few huge games, but with Georgia being so strong it has to be the 11/1 date with the Bulldogs.

4. Southern California

Why: Joe McKnight could be the next Reggie Bush. In the little we've seen him, it's apparent he has the vision and wiggle that could make him a national star. He just needs to stay healthy - although there haven't been any really serious injuries yet. The problem is that there's a lot of hungry hands out there and only one football to handoff. And when you have the tandem of Pat Turner and Staten Island native Vidal Hazelton waiting to catch passes, that creates less opportunities. McKnight is a guy who would flourish with 20 touches a game, but there's no way Stafon Johnson and C.J. Gable are going to let that happen. This is clearly a good problem to have and will force Pete Carroll to get creative, which he'll have no issue doing.

On defense, expect safety Taylor Mays to take home some serious postseason awards. He, along with Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga (pictured, crushing Juice Williams), make Southern California's defense terrifying. And it doesn't stop there, with a ton of returning talent. Keep an eye on sophomore defensive end Everson Griffen, he could be one of the best on the unit, which is scary.

Why not: There's inexperience at a few key positions including quarterback and offensive line. Jeff Byers is the team's only returning OL, and while he's dominant, he can't do it alone. Mark Sanchez has wowed everyone out there, but he suffered a dislocated knee in practice and who knows how much that can set him back. Sanchez has waited patiently for his time and now he has the chance to make the most of it with some explosive skill position players, assuming he recovers as expected. If not, it's Mitch Mustain, who hasn't done much wowing of his own. Aside from inexperience, USC needs to find a system with running the ball. Having three different backs with different styles can break up the rhythm of an attack, but as we said earlier, Carroll will figure it out. Also, the schedule isn't exactly a walk down Cupcake Lane.

Most important game: Ohio State (Sept. 13). A great litmus test for this team to see if they're a legitimate title contender.

With the season less than two weeks away, we begin to unveil our Top 10. We know you have been waiting patiently, but doesn't it make more sense to wait until just before the season? Injuries, shakeups on the depth chart, etc.

Today we feature teams 10 through 6. Tomorrow I'll come back with five through No. 1. And my 11-25 will come out tomorrow as well. Gotta keep you guessing.

Here we go.

10. Clemson

Why not: Most football heads will tell you every great team has one thing in common: A dominant offensive line. It's the bottom, most important layer of the offense. And Clemson is standing on a faulty foundation. The fact that Sapp is unblockable says a lot about his skill, but it also says a lot about the tackles he's facing in practice. The Tigers are young up front, and after having its rough spots last season and losing three starters, the same can be expected this year. Bowden has also had some issues, on and off the field, with his linebackers -- but that's not as big of a problem because there's ridiculous talent around them.

Most important game: It's a tie between the opener against Alabama (primetime opening weekend game) and at Wake Forest (10/9). Clemson has to prove to everyone it can win the big game. The Tigers fell on their faces in some big spots last year and need to reverse that while the talent is there and experienced.

9. Penn State

Why not: First and foremost, Sean Lee won't play a down for PSU. He was set to be the defensive leader and the anchor of the defense. The linebacking corps is relatively inexperienced, so there will have to be a lot of action from the secondary. I'd expect Scirrotto to play a little closer to the line of scrimmage. Games at Wisconsin and Ohio State, the two top dogs in the conference, don't make things any easier. They cannot lose both of those games.

Most important game: at Wisconsin (10/11). This is the start of a 3-game stretch that is followed up with by a date with Michigan and one in Columbus with the Buckeyes. Take the first two and that's a lot of momentum for the big, big test.

I'm done with my capsules. They will be up soon. I think I will do the first half one day and the second half the next so you don't have to churn through 3,300 words. Mike will follow with his picks.

I'm up to my eyes in non-college football work right now, but I will post as soon as I am done editing the first batch of picks.

Stay tuned.

Morning,

Just spoke to Newsday sports guru Mike Rose. We're polishing up the Top 10s now and will have them up early next week. Heisman watches are in the works as well.

We're moving along. With all of these ACLs, though, who knows what could happen by the end of the weekend.

Until then, watch this case study of the 1980s.

Preseason practice injuries are unavoidable.

But when you look at your team's injury report, you hope to see the words "hamstring," "groin," "mild sprain," etc.

For two SEC teams, it's been "ACL." Three very dreaded letters.

Florida has already lost an astounding FIVE players for the season to ACLs and Georgia just lost their starting left tackle to the same fate on Tuesday.

Gators sophomore offensive lineman Jim Barrie and freshman linebacker Brendan Beal were the fourth and fifth players to go down.

Tight end Cornelius Ingram, who turned down the NFL to return for his senior season, tore his left ACL during Florida’s second day of practice last week. Redshirt junior Dorian Munroe, a projected starter at safety, and senior safety John Curtis, a backup, tore ACLs in July. Highly touted safety T.J. Lawrence has also suffered a shoulder injury and is out indefinitely.

Those are a couple of tough blows for Urban Meyer's team. Ingram has been a stud for the Gators, but his backup Aaron Hernandez is no slouch. Expect big numbers from Hernandez this season.

To add insult to injury, reports are coming out that Ingram is facing eviction from his apartment. I guess his rent was due July 4, he was warned July 7 and was evicted on July 10. I'd just like to thank my landlord for being cooler than Ingram's.

Up in Athens, the loss of Trinton Sturdivant hampers an offensive line that already had some issues. Mark Richt's team is dominant, but there are some depth concerns and losing a starter only makes the issue that much more critical. You better believe Richt is beckoning his lucky stars that Sturdivant is his only loss.

-AA

Newsday's own Erik Boland was on the 1 a.m. SportsCenter talking about the Brett Favre trade.

How quickly someone can move up from covering Heisman Trophy ceremonies with Adam Abramson to chumming it up on the Worldwide Leader...

We here are Campus are proud of you, Erik.

Erik's one blog post on Campus

Florida had Tim Tebow and now has Cameron Newton (and John Brantley), Ohio State has Terrelle Pryor, Virginia Tech has Tyrod Taylor, Penn State has Pat Devlin (for you, Mike), Alabama now has Star Jackson.

And Texas has John Chiles.

Fans want to see the 6'2, 215-pound Dallas prospect on the field more this season, and their wish may be granted. Think a shorter, and maybe faster, version of Vince Young. Mack Brown can run the option-read with Chiles, like he did sparingly last year, Chiles' freshman year.

Brown has one of those problems that every coach wants to have: A stud quarterback who has the job locked up.

Colt McCoy has given nobody a reason to doubt the junior as the team's leader and primary signal caller. However, there's nothing wrong with changing the pace of the offense now and again by throwing Chiles in there. Line him up at quarterback, running back, in the slot, etc. He did it in all at Summitt High, compiling nearly 4,000 and 56 touchdowns in his final two seasons (playing in Texas 5A football...not easy).

Brown told the Dallas Morning News that he's exploring ways to get his two best players on the field.

The bottom line, the Big XII appears to have its powerhouses fully restored this season.

-AA

As if Oklahoma hasn't been dangerous enough on offense...

The Sooners could be come lethal this fall when they have the ball if they decide to implement the no-huddle offense. The staff started to flirt with it in the spring, but the idea cooled off some in the summer -- but not entirely banished.

However, Day 1 of practice was marked by much talk from Bob Stoops and offensive coordinator Brent Venables of becoming more efficient on offense by not huddling, according to a report in the Dallas Morning News blog.

That will make marking DeMarco Murray, Chris Brown, Jermaine Gresham Jr. and Juaquin Iglesias Sr. even more fun.

Oklahoma 3-peat, anyone?

--AA

How will John Parker Wilson's legacy wind up at Alabama?

Well, if you ask his teammates, the even-keeled, mellow quarterback (No. 14 in the pic) is determined to finish on top.

Of course, his interview with Gentry Estes of The Huntsville Times didn't reflect the sentiment. Wilson typically remains mellow and won't take the bait offered by reporters.

A couple of noteworthy items from the article on the embattled quarterback:

- In fact, Wilson enters 2008 as the SEC's active career leader in passing yards (5,651) and touchdowns (37).

- He likely stands only a few games from Brodie Croyle's UA records of 6,382 yards and 41 touchdown passes.

- Wilson did not represent Alabama at SEC media days.

OK, Wilson shares a conference with Tim Tebow and Matthew Stafford, so it's easy to understand why he plays at best third fiddle in the region. However, Wilson has had to lead a team through some tumultuous years, and the Tide is almost back to where they want to be.

If it happens this year, he can salvage it.

If it doesn't, the hard work and records will go relatively unnoticed. That credit will go to the next man, likely Star Jackson.

It will begin in Week 1 with Clemson, likely a Top 10 team.

Staying with Alabama, a report from the Press Register noted the high praise for Julio Jones -- one of the most intensly recruited prospects from the 2008 class. Expect the wide receiver to be all over the place this fall, ala Percy Harvin in 2006.

--AA

Josh Jarboe didn't even strap up for a practice at the University of Oklahoma before he was released from his scholarship...and he committed no crime.

Coach Bob Stoops and the school revoked the scholarship after a video of the All-American prep wide receiver from Georgia surfaced on the Internet.

In the video, Jarboe freestyle raps about profane subjects such as murder and sex.

The lyrics are little different than the songs we hear on the radio and on TV. The lyrics made no promises, named no names and had no direct threats. He was kicked out for doing what teenagers do and listen to all over the country.

It should be known that Jarboe was arrested in March and expelled from his high school for a gun charge. Jarboe pleaded guilty and the charges were reduced to misdemeanors, allowing him to keep his scholarship with Oklahoma. Needless to say, he was on thin ice.

But should the ice crack because he exercised his right to freedom of speech? Sure, it doesn't represent the Sooners in the way they'd like, but he's 18 years old. Teenagers do things like that. Does anyone remember the Seventh Floor Crew at Miami?

Stoops said in a statement:

"We are disappointed in this outcome, but our complete review and this final decision is in the best interest of our program."

"We outlined for Josh the expectations we had for him when he arrived and, unfortunately, those expectations have not been met. Josh needs to learn from this experience. We hope he can move forward in a positive manner."

A couple of things stick out:

1. It's safe to assume there were long discussions and the decision-making process behind his dismissal was long thought through and investigated. Maybe there's more to the story -- we'll likely never know.

2. The school hopes he can learn from this and move forward. What's he supposed to learn? Do exactly what thousands of teenagers do in this country, something not against the law, and pay a price? No, what the school would say is always represent yourself in the proper manner. But what's the lesson in kicking him out of school? Every season we see kids from schools all over the country sit a game or two out for failing drug tests, and yet the price is a game where they can't strap on the pads. What's the lesson here?

Oklahoma hopes he moves on in a positive manner. I hope he does, too. I hope he continues to be himself and that he lands at another school and contributes in a positive manner on and off the field.

If that happens, maybe Oklahoma will learn from this experience.

--AA

Here we go. AP poll comes out Aug. 16...

1. Georgia (22) -- 1,438

2. Southern California (14) -- 1,430

3. Ohio State (14) -- 1,392

4. Oklahoma (3) -- 1,329

5. Florida (5) -- 1,293

6. LSU (3) -- 1,163

7. Missouri -- 1,143

8. West Virginia -- 1,008

9. Clemson -- 999

10. Texas -- 979

11. Auburn -- 888

12. Wisconsin -- 747

13. Kansas -- 714

14. Texas Tech -- 644

15. Virginia Tech -- 568

16. Arizona State -- 560

17. Brigham Young -- 547

18. Tennessee -- 506

19. Illinois -- 422

20. Oregon -- 399

21. South Florida -- 350

22. Penn State -- 313

23. Wake Forest -- 203

24. Michigan -- 112

25. Fresno State -- 91