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.
3. Georgia
Why: The Bulldogs are going to have an extremely dynamic offense. Knowshon Moreno has shown flashes of Hershel Walker in the little time he's been on campus. Several pundits have included him in the early Heisman talk -- and if he puts up Darren McFadden-like numbers in big SEC games, he just might be invited to New York. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, in the same high school class as Mitch Mustain, has developed well in Athens. Stafford was thrown into the fire, but was aided by solid receivers and several solid running backs in his first two years there. He has to be plenty comfortable with Mohamed Massaquoi and you can be sure he's been working with highly anticipated newcomer AJ Green. Up front, the loss of Trinton Sturdivant really, really hurts. The Bulldogs (pictured) are down to two returning starters and very little depth.
On defense there are a few holes to fill with eight returning starters. Geno Atkins is a guy worth keeping an eye on up front. In the secondary, watch CJ Byrd, whose name could be overshadowed by several other big-name safties this year.
Why not: Just as is the case with any other team in the conference, it's going to come down to who survives. It's a grueling season capped off with what could be a mini national title game before bowl season. The team is built for a title run, but the road isn't easy. As far as personnel is concerned, senior Dannell Ellerbe is the lone returning starting linebacker. To combat this, Mark Richt has put a heavy focus on the nickel package, adding another defensive back.
Most important game: Florida (11/1). Here is the conversation I had with my Florida guy:
Me: "Florida is going to be great this year."
Florida Guy: "Yup. Better not rank Georgia ahead of the Gators."
Me: "Might have to...Why do you say that, though? Georgia is tough."
Florida Guy: "Mistake. Georgia can't beat us. Fact."
Well, Florida is 4-2 since 2002, so Georgia CAN beat you, Florida Guy, as it did last year.
2. Oklahoma
Why: Where to begin? Sam Bradford (left) is a complete stud -- he's the guy that led the NCAA in passing. The offense is returning nine starters, including all five offensive linemen. The two lone "newcomers" are DeMarco Murray, the sophomore who had 127 carries last year at 6 yards per carry and led the team in rushing touchdowns with 13, and Jermaine Greshman, the junior who led the team with 13 touchdown catches and was third on the team in receiving. Oklahoma's offense, which could be featuring a no-huddle look, is going to be filthy and very efficient.
On defense, the Sooners have a slightly different outlook. Up front, the quartet of Auston English, DeMarcus Granger, Gerald McCoy and Jeremy Beal could be the best in the country. But behind them are four new starters, including a group of green linebackers that have the tall task of matching Curtis Lofton's outstanding 2007 season. Senior safties Nic Harris and Lendy Holmes not only will be leaders on that defense, they'll be the group's playmakers.
Why not: Two reasons: The inexperience on defense and the resurgence of the Big 12. Last year I was down on Oklahoma because they had a new quarterback, and I was made fun of all over the midwest for my lack of foresight. So I won't make the same leap with the defense. I'm sure the defense will be just fine. As far as the Big 12 goes, Oklahoma finishes with a tough conference draw of Texas, Kansas, at Kansas State, Nebraska, at Texas A&M and the always-dangerous at Oklahoma State. Not exactly an easy road.
Most important game: There are a lot of them, but it's clearly the Red River Shootout in Dallas (Oct. 11 with an 11 a.m. ET kick, lame). As usual, the game should decide who plays for the conference title in December.
1. Ohio State
Why: Veterans at the skill positions and the nation's best leader on defense. Todd Boeckman was better than expected last year and you have to assume he'll continue to improve. Standing just behind Boeckmen is Chris Wells, who I'm saying is the best running back in the country. Brian Robiskie proved he's a go-to wide receiver that will take some burden off the running game which will again be the bread and butter. If that's not enough, there are four returning starters along the offensive line. Also, what's Terrelle Pryor's (left) role going to be this year? Will he be the Tim Tebow to Chris Leak? Remember when that tandem won a national title against The Ohio State? I do. Jim Tressel does.
On defense, say little more than James Laurinaitis. Alright, if you have to say little more, say Malcolm Jenkins. Both are beasts. Laurinaitis is a guy that opposing coordinators plan their game around. With nine returning starters from a unit that ranked No. 1 in the country last year, things should be business as usual. The Big 10 title is again the Buckeyes' to lose.
Why not: Florida and LSU. A title loss this year and we're talking about the Buffalo Bills of college football. There were plenty of whispers before the LSU title game that the Big 10 can't stack up with the SEC's depth, athleticism and speed, as witnessed in the Florida drubbing of OSU. Could it happen again? Sure. Some of that SEC style has come into the conference with Ron Zook at Illinois, same goes for Indiana and Penn State this year. Ohio State learned first hand what toll that can take on the long-standing power offense conference (see Illinois loss). You have to believe that a coach like Tressel will adjust properly.
Most important game: at Southern California (Sept. 13). Forget Michigan. After falling face down in the last two title games, Ohio State needs to win this one. A loss means a Big 10 title might not be enough in the BCS argument at the end of the season.
Comments (3)
Ohio State???? Adam, I do not even know where to begin with this, you have got to be kidding. Christ just from embarrassing themselves in the last two championship games, they should be banned from even being under consideration. It should be against the law to have them in the top five. You guys on the Tressel payroll. I am shocked Adam, shocked.
With all do respect Paul...you know absolutely nothing about College football. Remember...Minds are like Parachutes...they only function when open. I have no problem with agreeing that the SEC is the best league. Also, two years ago Florida killed OSU because they were the better team but last year OSU was not humbled. In fact go look at the stats for the LSU VS OSU game You will find OSU had more total offense so forget about the being humbled or embarressing themselves. That simply did not happen. Beanie wells ran right away from every LSU player. Look at the tapes. All that happened in that game was OSU made too many mistakes and LSU had more seniors and we playing in the home field. Banning OSU form the BCS championship is rediculous and sophmoric for you or anyone to say. Keep in mind that last year OSU was even picked to win their league and no one had them on the BCS championship short list,
Gary, the fact of the matter is, and the regular posters on this blog understand, that when I made the last comments that the tongue was firmly planted in the cheek. I will not get into a ranting match with someone.