Today we are going to start a more detailed preview as we start breaking down my preseason Top 25.
TEAMS #21-25
#25 Kansas Jayhawks (12-1 last season)
The Jayhawks had a pretty amazing run last season on their way to the schools first BCS bowl game, where they defeated #5 Virginia Tech 24-21. Kansas has the core of that team back, led by QB Todd Reesing who threw 33 TDs last year, but the conference schedule will not be nearly as favorable as last year. Last season the Jayhawks missed the top 3 teams from the South division of the Big XII (Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech). This year they get all 3. Throw in an improving Nebraska team on the road and the finale against rival Missouri and it could lead to some tough times ahead for Kansas.
#24 Pitt Panthers (5-7)
The Panthers have failed miserably in living up to expectations since Dave Wannestedt took over in '05, going 16-19. Everything finally looks to be in place for the Panthers though this season. The biggest question mark for the Panthers in the O-line. With the return of Bill Stull at QB after a season ending injury in the 3rd quarter of the season opener and all-conference WR Derek Kinder the passing game should open some space for LeSean McCoy and the running game. As for the defense, a unit that finished #5 in overall defense nationally last year, it should be solid again. The defense is led by Scott McKillop who led the nation in tackles last year and anchors the LB Corps which returns all 3 starters. Again the O-line is the key though this year and will dictate the success of the Panthers. If the O-line struggles Pitt is a 6-7 win team at best, but if the unit gels and finds success early the sky is the limit and a Big East Title is not unrealistic.
#23 Wake Forest Demon Deacons (9-4)
Wake followed up their 11-3 Orange Bowl season is 2006 with a 9 win season. The defense returns 9 starters from a solid team that held 4 of their final 5 opponents under 20 points. CB Alphonso Smith is probably the best shutdown corner in ACC maybe the nation. He led Wake with 8 INTs 3 of which he returned for TDs. The offense will once again be led by junior signal caller Riley Skinner who is hoping to bounce back from a sluggish sophomore year. Wake should challenge Clemson for the Atlantic Division this season and get the Tigers at home on a Thursday primetime game. Clemson has won 3 of the last 4 in this match-up and this years winner should represent the division in the ACC Title game in Tampa this December.
#22 Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-5)
Rutgers will be going through an offensive makeover this season changing from a power running team to a wide open passing game. Ray Rice rushed for over 2,000 yards last season and he is now suiting up on Sundays, so rather then trying to replace that Greg Schiano will put the offense on the throwing arm of Mike Teel. Teel threw for over 3,000 yards last year and returns his 2 favorite targets Kenny Britt (62 rec, 1,232 yards, 8 TDs) and Tiquan Underwood (65, 1,100, 7). The defense returns 8 starters from a team that underachieved last year. Rutgers does have an uphill climb in conference play due to the difficult draw from the schedule makers. The Scarlet Knights must travel to Pitt, USF, Cincinnati and WVU.
#21 Tennessee Volunteers (10-4)
The Vols will be breaking in a new QB this year to replace the schools 3rd all-time leading passer Erik Ainge. Jon Crompton looks to have the upper hand to replace Ainge, but he threw only 12 passes last year and will have to get comfortable fast. The Vols kick off the season @UCLA on Labor Day and then follow that up with games against Florida and Auburn to finish off the September schedule. While Crompton is settling in Arian Foster will be carrying the load on the ground. He ran for nearly 1,200 yards and 12 TDs last season and with 4 of the 5 starters back on the O-line should be able to top those numbers this season. The defense is a young unit, but Sophomore SS Eric Berry returns as the teams 2nd leading tackler and led the team with 5 INTs last year.
TOMORROW:
Teams #16-20
ONLY 21 DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!!
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