THE TOP 5
Well, we have counted all the way down and today we are revealing our Preseason TOP 5 for the 2008 season. So let's get started!
#5 Oklahoma Sooners (11-3 last season)
The Sooners are absolutely loaded this season. The offense is led by QB Sam Bradford who, as a freshman last season, threw for 3,121 yards and 36 TD's and led the entire nation in passing efficiency with a rating of 176.5. The entire offensive line is back from last year and although he was not a starter DeMarco Murray who ran for 764 as a back-up will carry the load on the ground. The defense will be a typical Bob Stoops defense that will be dominant at times and non-existent at other times (ie. bowl game, where OU has allowed 40+ in 3 of the last 4 bowl games).The Sooners don't get Missouri (a team they beat twice last year) and have Kansas and Texas Tech both in Norman. I see no reason why the Sooners couldn't be 12-0 going into the Big XII championship game, possibly against a 12-0 Missouri team.
#4 the Ohio State University (11-2)
The Buckeyes had a rebuilding year last year and went 11-2. That is what happens when you play in the Big Ten you have a rebuild year and destroy pretty much everyone because that conference is a joke! That being said, tOSU should go 11-1 this year before getting trounced AGAIN in the BCS championship. That 1 loss, to the Trojans of USC. Every time the Buckeyes go out of conference and play a good opponent this happens. My prediction is that USC is up by 14 by the end of the 1st quarter and by at least 21 at some point in the 4th quarter. (tOSU over the past 3 year is 22-2 vs the Big Ten, and 3-3 vs BCS teams). Instead of building a wall at the Mexican border, I say the NCAA builds a wall at the Florida border to prevent tOSU from getting to Miami for the national championship thus saving themselves the embarrassment of getting thrashed AGAIN!!!! I hope USC beats them by 50, and does it without Matt Sanchez!
#3 Florida Gators (9-4)
Florida also had a rebuilding year last year and they still managed to be a major player in the SEC. They return 16 starters from last year and have a lot to prove this year. The Gators have the offensive weapons in Tim Tebow (1st sophomore to ever win the Heisman) and Percy Harvin. The problem for the Gators last year was a lack of running game from the running back position. The Gators averaged nearly 200 ypg on the ground, but their top 2 rushers were QB Tebow and WR Harvin. This year look for USC transfer Emmanuel Moody to get the bulk of the reps in the backfield, thus giving Harvin and Tebow a chance to do what they do best, pass and catch touchdowns. The Gator defense was a young group last year and allowed the more ppg they had in the prior 5 seasons. They return 8 starters, and they have ZERO seniors as projected starters, making this group maybe the defense with the biggest upside in the country. One worry maybe for gators fans is that last year the Gators lost every game they played against a quality team (Auburn, LSU, Georgia). Florida does get LSU at home this year and they miss out on Auburn. Georgia as always is in Jacksonville and that makes Tennessee the only real road test for this team. Look for the Gators to lose once this season, the SEC is too good to have teams run through it undefeated, but circle that game against Georgia, the winner of that one is playing for the NC in South Beach.
#2 Georgia Bulldogs (11-2)
Everyone loves Georgia this year, and I am no different. As a matter of fact I really wanted to put the Bulldogs #1, but the more I thought about it I couldn't, not yet at least. The one thing that scares me is that they didn't beat anyone REALLY good last year, when they made that run that started all the hype. Sure they finished the season by winning 7 straight, but who did they really beat that you are WOW'd by? Beating Vandy by 3? How about the powerhouse Troy, they beat Troy by only 10? This is a team that lost to South Carolina and got stomped by Tennessee last year. Do I think they are talented, yes. Do I think they are unbeatable, hardly. First of all the schedule is MUCH more difficult this year. They play @ LSU (didn't play them at all last year) and Auburn. I think the game September 20th @ Arizona State will tell us a lot about Georgia, if they win this one, on the road against a quality opponent, that might be enough to get the ball rolling. But until then, I am going to be weary.
#1 Southern Cal Trojans (11-2)
Pete Carroll has put a defense on the field that has held teams to 1 TD or less 11 times over the past 2 seasons. That is amazing, what is more amazing is that this season he will put his best defense yet out there. The defense returns 2 of the top 5 LB's in the country in Rey Maualuga (a sure fire top 10 pick in last years NFL Draft had he gone pro) and Brian Cushing (probably a sure fire top 15 pick in this years draft). The Trojans didn't mess around with the schedule this year either to help their young offense adapt. USC goes across the country to Virgina for the 1st game of the year and then hosts tOSU in its next game. They finish off their non-conference schedule with Notre Dame Nov 29th.
Now, on a somewhat non-related issue about USC, apparently they have a severe case of jock itch going through their locker room. Now, I know that jock itch is NOT an STD, but according to WebMD, it is a fungi that "grows best in warm, moist areas of the body such as the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks." That being said, it can be spread by touch. SO, does anyone else find it ironic that a team named the TROJANS have a fungi on their body that they can prevent spreading in their personal life, by simply using a TROJAN?!?! I don't know, struck me as ironic!
NEXT:
Breaking down the ACC, with win-loss predictions and much more.
ONLY 17 DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
2008 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Day 12
We are starting into the TOP 10 with todays update.
TEAMS #6-10
#10 LSU Tigers (12-2, National Champs)
The Tigers have to replace their starting QB and RB, as well as half of their starting defense from last years title team and are still in the top 10. That just gives you an idea of how loaded the Tigers are. LSU will be breaking in a brand new QB after last years back-up Ryan Perrilloux was dismissed from the team. Redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee will be under center this fall taking his 1st collegiate snaps. With all these problems and replacements to deal with Les Miles and LSU should still be right in the middle of the SEC West battle. The Tigers play at Florida and Auburn, but do get the Georgia Bulldogs in Baton Rouge, the home team has won 5 of the last 6 in that match-up.
#9 Texas Longhorns (10-3)
Colt McCoy is back for his 3rd year starting at Texas trying to forget about last years season when he threw 18 INT's. The Longhorn offense does lose RB Jamaal Charles and WR Limas Sweed, but still have tons of weapons on offense with WR's Quan Cosby (60 rec, 5 TD's) and Jordan Shipley (15.4 ypc, 5 TD's). The offensive line returns 4 of 5 starters and should be a strength of the team. On defense the Longhorns return MLB Rashad Bobino who does a little bit of everything for UT. New Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp from Auburn should greatly help this defense which struggled at times last year, giving up over 25 ppg. The Longhorn will have to get work done on the road when they will play at Kansas and Texas Tech and as always square off with Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout in Dallas.
#8 Wisconsin Badgers (9-4)
The Badgers are the real threat to tOSU this season. Wisconsin led last year in Columbus 17-10 in the 3rd quarter before the Buckeyes scored 28 straight to win the game. During that game the Badgers played without PJ Hill, who ran for 1,212 yards and 14 TD's last year. The Badgers return 17 starters from last year and get Ohio State, Penn State and Illinois all at home. If Wisconsin can take care of the ball (-2 in turnovers last year) and get hot going into a tough October schedule, they will be this years Illinois and knock off the Buckeyes.
#7 West Virginia Mountaineers (11-2)
West Virginia returns Pat White and Noel Divine to the offense that ran all over the opposition last year (minus Pitt, 13-9!!). The WVU offense averaged nearly 300 ypg on the ground last year and almost 40 points a game (ran for 104 yards and 7 points, Pitt gave them the last 2). All that being said, oh yeah, did I mention that their coach, after crying and calling the game a "nightmare" left the program and caused the university to go to shambles? Just think had they only won that 1 game, the game where they were 28 point favorites, they would have been playing for the national title and RichRod would still be there. Instead they are in complete flux, they hired a coach on a whim because he coached 1 good game and now it is only a matter of time before the whole program goes down the tubes. 13-9 FOREVER!
#6 Missouri Tigers (12-2)
Missouri had one of the more fun and unpredictable offenses last season. They could throw it all over the field (QB Chase Daniels 307 ypg, 33 TD's) or the could run the ball down your throat (ask Texas A&M, the Tigers rushed for over 200 yards last year versus the Aggies). This year however they will lack the running threat. Last year Tony Temple carried the load on the ground, but he is gone and the next leading rusher from last year, also happens to be the teams leading receiver. A positive for the Tigers is that Oklahoma is not on the schedule. The Sooners were the only team to defeat Mizzou last year, beating them once in October and once again in the Big XII championship game. Missouri has a relatively easy schedule, missing Texas Tech this year also, and should go into the Texas game undefeated, if they win that one, they have clear sailing until the season finale against Kansas.
TOMORROW:
The TOP 5
ONLY 18 DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!!
TEAMS #6-10
#10 LSU Tigers (12-2, National Champs)
The Tigers have to replace their starting QB and RB, as well as half of their starting defense from last years title team and are still in the top 10. That just gives you an idea of how loaded the Tigers are. LSU will be breaking in a brand new QB after last years back-up Ryan Perrilloux was dismissed from the team. Redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee will be under center this fall taking his 1st collegiate snaps. With all these problems and replacements to deal with Les Miles and LSU should still be right in the middle of the SEC West battle. The Tigers play at Florida and Auburn, but do get the Georgia Bulldogs in Baton Rouge, the home team has won 5 of the last 6 in that match-up.
#9 Texas Longhorns (10-3)
Colt McCoy is back for his 3rd year starting at Texas trying to forget about last years season when he threw 18 INT's. The Longhorn offense does lose RB Jamaal Charles and WR Limas Sweed, but still have tons of weapons on offense with WR's Quan Cosby (60 rec, 5 TD's) and Jordan Shipley (15.4 ypc, 5 TD's). The offensive line returns 4 of 5 starters and should be a strength of the team. On defense the Longhorns return MLB Rashad Bobino who does a little bit of everything for UT. New Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp from Auburn should greatly help this defense which struggled at times last year, giving up over 25 ppg. The Longhorn will have to get work done on the road when they will play at Kansas and Texas Tech and as always square off with Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout in Dallas.
#8 Wisconsin Badgers (9-4)
The Badgers are the real threat to tOSU this season. Wisconsin led last year in Columbus 17-10 in the 3rd quarter before the Buckeyes scored 28 straight to win the game. During that game the Badgers played without PJ Hill, who ran for 1,212 yards and 14 TD's last year. The Badgers return 17 starters from last year and get Ohio State, Penn State and Illinois all at home. If Wisconsin can take care of the ball (-2 in turnovers last year) and get hot going into a tough October schedule, they will be this years Illinois and knock off the Buckeyes.
#7 West Virginia Mountaineers (11-2)
West Virginia returns Pat White and Noel Divine to the offense that ran all over the opposition last year (minus Pitt, 13-9!!). The WVU offense averaged nearly 300 ypg on the ground last year and almost 40 points a game (ran for 104 yards and 7 points, Pitt gave them the last 2). All that being said, oh yeah, did I mention that their coach, after crying and calling the game a "nightmare" left the program and caused the university to go to shambles? Just think had they only won that 1 game, the game where they were 28 point favorites, they would have been playing for the national title and RichRod would still be there. Instead they are in complete flux, they hired a coach on a whim because he coached 1 good game and now it is only a matter of time before the whole program goes down the tubes. 13-9 FOREVER!
#6 Missouri Tigers (12-2)
Missouri had one of the more fun and unpredictable offenses last season. They could throw it all over the field (QB Chase Daniels 307 ypg, 33 TD's) or the could run the ball down your throat (ask Texas A&M, the Tigers rushed for over 200 yards last year versus the Aggies). This year however they will lack the running threat. Last year Tony Temple carried the load on the ground, but he is gone and the next leading rusher from last year, also happens to be the teams leading receiver. A positive for the Tigers is that Oklahoma is not on the schedule. The Sooners were the only team to defeat Mizzou last year, beating them once in October and once again in the Big XII championship game. Missouri has a relatively easy schedule, missing Texas Tech this year also, and should go into the Texas game undefeated, if they win that one, they have clear sailing until the season finale against Kansas.
TOMORROW:
The TOP 5
ONLY 18 DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
2008 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Day 11
Teams #15-11
#15 Arizona State Sun Devils (10-3 last season)
In his first season at ASU Dennis Erickson had the Sun Devils playing at a high caliber. He returns Rudy Carpenter as well as 5 others on offense this year. Carpenter ranks 3rd on the schools all-time passing list and will almost certainly take over the #1 spot if he performs to his potential this year. The Sun Devils started out last year 8-0 before losing 3 of their last five in blowout fashion (3 loses by total of 50 points). For ASU to be successful they will have to play some defense this year. They return 7 starters on that side of the ball, but when you give up 20+ points in 8 of your final 10 games it may not be a good thing that you return that many starters. We know the Sun Devils will score, they had just better hope they can stop teams from scoring.
#14 Illinois Fighting Illini (9-4)
Ron Zook made a big splash last season taking a 2 win team from '06 and winning 9 games in '07, including a win in Columbus against #1 ranked tOSU. Juice Williams will have to run the offense solo this year since Rashard Mendenhall in now going to be lining up on Sundays this year which could cause the offense to stumble out of the gates in their openers against Missouri. Luckily, after that game they have 2 cream puffs then a week off before they start the Big Ten slate in Happy Valley. The defense will have to replace their top 3 tacklers from last season, but since the only teams in the Big Ten that put up a lot of points are Illinois and tOSU that shouldn't hurt them that badly.
#13 Oregon Ducks (9-4)
The Ducks were 1 ACL injury from playing for the national title last season. This year they are still without Dennis Dixon but will also have to replace RB Jonathan Stewart, combined the 2 accounted for over 4,000 yards and 40 TD's last year. The QB spot is still up in the air with either Justin Roper or Nathan Costa most likely coming out of camp with the job. The RB job will go to Jeremiah Johnson, who played as a backup to Stewart last year. The defense will be solid, very solid. If it wasn't for USC maybe having the best defense in the country this year, it would be the Ducks that Pac-10 coaches would be talking about. Oregon got no favors form the scheduling committee though this year playing road games at Purdue, USC, Arizona State and Cal, the last 3 all being the top challengers to the Pac-10 crown.
#12 Auburn Tigers (9-4)
What is a coach supposed to do when every team in their conference runs a version of the high powered spread offense? Tommy Tuberville went out and hired a defensive coordinator that can stop it. Tuberville hired DC Paul Rhoads away from Pitt this off-season after watching Pitt completely stifle the inventor of "the spread" Rich Rodriguez and his West Virginia offense. The defense returns 7 starters from a squad that finished the year ranked 6th in overall defense and should be strong again this year. The offense will have a new leader in fleet-footed Kodi Burns which will allow Tuberville to run a little of the spread option attack himself. The Tigers do return their 4 leading rushers from last year and 5 of their top 6 pass catchers. Auburn misses Florida this year and gets LSU, Tennessee and Georgia all at home this year. They do travel north to take on WVU in a can't miss showdown in October, a lot should be riding on that game for both teams.
#11 Clemson Tigers (9-4)
Same old story Coach Bowden is favored to win the ACC, this year there is a twist, it is Tommy Bowden. The offense at Clemson is loaded with the 2-headed rushing attack of James Davis and CJ Spiller along side QB Cullen Harper. The RB combo last year averaged over 5 ypc and had 13 TD's on the ground, while Harper threw for another 27 TD's. The question mark is whether or not the O-line will be able to protect Harper this year. The O-line allowed 35 sacks last year and will be replacing 3 of the 5 starters from that less then stellar bunch. The defense will be fast and aggressive this year and should continue the string of 3 straight seasons averaging less then 20 ppg on defense. The biggest obstacle with Clemson might just be not beating themselves. The past few years Clemson has beaten some really good teams, only to lose games they had no business losing. If they can take care of business they will be in Tampa for the ACC title game December 6th.
TOMORROW:
Teams #10-6
ONLY 18 DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!!
#15 Arizona State Sun Devils (10-3 last season)
In his first season at ASU Dennis Erickson had the Sun Devils playing at a high caliber. He returns Rudy Carpenter as well as 5 others on offense this year. Carpenter ranks 3rd on the schools all-time passing list and will almost certainly take over the #1 spot if he performs to his potential this year. The Sun Devils started out last year 8-0 before losing 3 of their last five in blowout fashion (3 loses by total of 50 points). For ASU to be successful they will have to play some defense this year. They return 7 starters on that side of the ball, but when you give up 20+ points in 8 of your final 10 games it may not be a good thing that you return that many starters. We know the Sun Devils will score, they had just better hope they can stop teams from scoring.
#14 Illinois Fighting Illini (9-4)
Ron Zook made a big splash last season taking a 2 win team from '06 and winning 9 games in '07, including a win in Columbus against #1 ranked tOSU. Juice Williams will have to run the offense solo this year since Rashard Mendenhall in now going to be lining up on Sundays this year which could cause the offense to stumble out of the gates in their openers against Missouri. Luckily, after that game they have 2 cream puffs then a week off before they start the Big Ten slate in Happy Valley. The defense will have to replace their top 3 tacklers from last season, but since the only teams in the Big Ten that put up a lot of points are Illinois and tOSU that shouldn't hurt them that badly.
#13 Oregon Ducks (9-4)
The Ducks were 1 ACL injury from playing for the national title last season. This year they are still without Dennis Dixon but will also have to replace RB Jonathan Stewart, combined the 2 accounted for over 4,000 yards and 40 TD's last year. The QB spot is still up in the air with either Justin Roper or Nathan Costa most likely coming out of camp with the job. The RB job will go to Jeremiah Johnson, who played as a backup to Stewart last year. The defense will be solid, very solid. If it wasn't for USC maybe having the best defense in the country this year, it would be the Ducks that Pac-10 coaches would be talking about. Oregon got no favors form the scheduling committee though this year playing road games at Purdue, USC, Arizona State and Cal, the last 3 all being the top challengers to the Pac-10 crown.
#12 Auburn Tigers (9-4)
What is a coach supposed to do when every team in their conference runs a version of the high powered spread offense? Tommy Tuberville went out and hired a defensive coordinator that can stop it. Tuberville hired DC Paul Rhoads away from Pitt this off-season after watching Pitt completely stifle the inventor of "the spread" Rich Rodriguez and his West Virginia offense. The defense returns 7 starters from a squad that finished the year ranked 6th in overall defense and should be strong again this year. The offense will have a new leader in fleet-footed Kodi Burns which will allow Tuberville to run a little of the spread option attack himself. The Tigers do return their 4 leading rushers from last year and 5 of their top 6 pass catchers. Auburn misses Florida this year and gets LSU, Tennessee and Georgia all at home this year. They do travel north to take on WVU in a can't miss showdown in October, a lot should be riding on that game for both teams.
#11 Clemson Tigers (9-4)
Same old story Coach Bowden is favored to win the ACC, this year there is a twist, it is Tommy Bowden. The offense at Clemson is loaded with the 2-headed rushing attack of James Davis and CJ Spiller along side QB Cullen Harper. The RB combo last year averaged over 5 ypc and had 13 TD's on the ground, while Harper threw for another 27 TD's. The question mark is whether or not the O-line will be able to protect Harper this year. The O-line allowed 35 sacks last year and will be replacing 3 of the 5 starters from that less then stellar bunch. The defense will be fast and aggressive this year and should continue the string of 3 straight seasons averaging less then 20 ppg on defense. The biggest obstacle with Clemson might just be not beating themselves. The past few years Clemson has beaten some really good teams, only to lose games they had no business losing. If they can take care of business they will be in Tampa for the ACC title game December 6th.
TOMORROW:
Teams #10-6
ONLY 18 DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!!
Monday, August 11, 2008
2008 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Day 10
Sorry I missed yesterday, it was my travel day coming back from the beach. So without further delay let's start up where we left off, countdown my preseason Top 25.
Today we have TEAMS #20-16.
#20 Penn State Nittany Lions (9-4 last season)
Penn State is one of 4 Big Ten teams that I have in my Top 20 to start the season. The problem is that Ohio State seems to be in a class of their own in the conference leaving everyone else fighting for 2nd place. The defense will once again be the stronger of the 2 units this year even with star LB Sean lee out after tearing his ACL in the spring. Maurice Evans will create havoc, leading the defensive line which returns all 4 starters. The big question mark this year will be the play of the QB spot. Anthony Morelli is gone and now the coaching staff needs to decide the style of play they want. One option is Daryll Clark, who had more rushing yards then passing last season and brings back the Michael Robinson style offense that led them to the Orange Bowl in '05. Or JoePa and JayPa can keep the same type of offense as the past 2 years and hand over the reins to Pat Devlin who was a very heralded passer out of high school, but does not give the running dimension to the position. With Evan Royster winning the starting RB job in the spring and a bevy of talent at WR, if the Nits can get consistent play from the QB and the team can stay healthy and out of jail they could be at top of that second tier in the Big Ten this year.
#19 Brigham Young Cougars (11-2)
The Cougars are this years Utah, or Boise State or Hawaii, however you want to look at it. They are the best of the non-BCS conference teams. Teams like Fresno State and Utah may challenge for that title, but as of now it goes to BYU. The Cougars return 9 starters to an offense that averaged 30+ ppg last year and finished the season winning their last 10 games by an average of 15.3 ppg. The defense will be young, but if the offense puts up the numbers they are capable of they will be okay. The schedule will play a factor in them trying to go undefeated and into a BCS bowl. They play both Washington and UCLA from the Pac-10, but should be able to handle them but then they have their 2 toughest conference games (Utah and TCU) both on the road.
#18 Virginia Tech Hokies (11-3)
The ACC should send the Big East a thank you card this time every year. Since Miami, BC and VT left the Big East and moved to the ACC (to help their football conference) Tech has been the only consistent team in the entire conference. The Hokies have won 10+ games each of the last 4 years, no other ACC team has won at least 8 games in that span. The Hokies will again be favored to win the Coastal Division in the ACC this year, but will have to do so with some young talent. True freshman RB Ryan Williams out of Manassas, VA will have to carry the heavy running duties that go with the VT offense. The top 2 runners from last season were Branden Ore (dismissed from team) and Kenny Lewis (injured expected to return by Oct.) combined for over 1,100 yards and 13 TD's on the ground. The defense lost a lot of its fire power, but this is Virginia Tech we are talking about they just reload on the defensive side of the ball. The Hokies miss Clemson on the ACC schedule this year which should set up a nice showdown between the 2 teams in Tampa for the ACC Championship game December 6th.
#17 South Florida Bulls (9-4)
The Bulls return 10 starters on offense from a team that was ranked at #2 in the country at one point last season. For USF the offense is based solely of the arms and feet of QB Matt Grothe. Grothe led the Bulls last year in rushing, while throwing for over 2,600 yards and 14 TDs. In the 4 loses of the Bulls last year though Grothe struggled, turning the ball over 10 times. The defense for the Bulls is anchored by DE George Selvie who had 31.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and 14.5 sacks. The Bulls do have to replace Ben Moffit who did a little of everything (100+ tackles, 4 INT's) at MLB but it looks like Tyrone McKenzie, who led the Bulls with 121 tackles in '07 will just slide to the inside. USF gets Pitt and Rutgers at home this year, but has to travel to Morgantown to take on the Mountaineers to close the season. That is a good thing for USF fans, the Bulls have never lost in Morgantown and we all know how well the 'Eers play at home in December (13-9!!).
#16 Texas Tech Red Raiders (9-4)
The most explosive offense over the past 5 years FINALLY has a defense to go with it. Everyone knows what the Tech offense has been able to do over the past 5 years (averaged 38.3 ppg and 420.6 passing yards per game). This year that explosive offense returns 10 starters including QB Graham Harrell (5,705 yds, 48 TD's) and WR Michael Crabtree (134 rec, 22 TD's). The defense however actually will have some bite for the first time in years. The Red Raider defense returns 8 starters including their entire D-line form last year. TT does have a tough conference schedule facing Nebraska and Texas at home and traveling to Oklahoma and Kansas, but misses Missouri. If the defense mature and plays half way decent Tech will be good, if they play well, the Red Raiders could be playing in the Big XII Title game.
TOMORROW:
Teams #15-11
ONLY 19 DAYS UNTIL THE 1st SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!
Today we have TEAMS #20-16.
#20 Penn State Nittany Lions (9-4 last season)
Penn State is one of 4 Big Ten teams that I have in my Top 20 to start the season. The problem is that Ohio State seems to be in a class of their own in the conference leaving everyone else fighting for 2nd place. The defense will once again be the stronger of the 2 units this year even with star LB Sean lee out after tearing his ACL in the spring. Maurice Evans will create havoc, leading the defensive line which returns all 4 starters. The big question mark this year will be the play of the QB spot. Anthony Morelli is gone and now the coaching staff needs to decide the style of play they want. One option is Daryll Clark, who had more rushing yards then passing last season and brings back the Michael Robinson style offense that led them to the Orange Bowl in '05. Or JoePa and JayPa can keep the same type of offense as the past 2 years and hand over the reins to Pat Devlin who was a very heralded passer out of high school, but does not give the running dimension to the position. With Evan Royster winning the starting RB job in the spring and a bevy of talent at WR, if the Nits can get consistent play from the QB and the team can stay healthy and out of jail they could be at top of that second tier in the Big Ten this year.
#19 Brigham Young Cougars (11-2)
The Cougars are this years Utah, or Boise State or Hawaii, however you want to look at it. They are the best of the non-BCS conference teams. Teams like Fresno State and Utah may challenge for that title, but as of now it goes to BYU. The Cougars return 9 starters to an offense that averaged 30+ ppg last year and finished the season winning their last 10 games by an average of 15.3 ppg. The defense will be young, but if the offense puts up the numbers they are capable of they will be okay. The schedule will play a factor in them trying to go undefeated and into a BCS bowl. They play both Washington and UCLA from the Pac-10, but should be able to handle them but then they have their 2 toughest conference games (Utah and TCU) both on the road.
#18 Virginia Tech Hokies (11-3)
The ACC should send the Big East a thank you card this time every year. Since Miami, BC and VT left the Big East and moved to the ACC (to help their football conference) Tech has been the only consistent team in the entire conference. The Hokies have won 10+ games each of the last 4 years, no other ACC team has won at least 8 games in that span. The Hokies will again be favored to win the Coastal Division in the ACC this year, but will have to do so with some young talent. True freshman RB Ryan Williams out of Manassas, VA will have to carry the heavy running duties that go with the VT offense. The top 2 runners from last season were Branden Ore (dismissed from team) and Kenny Lewis (injured expected to return by Oct.) combined for over 1,100 yards and 13 TD's on the ground. The defense lost a lot of its fire power, but this is Virginia Tech we are talking about they just reload on the defensive side of the ball. The Hokies miss Clemson on the ACC schedule this year which should set up a nice showdown between the 2 teams in Tampa for the ACC Championship game December 6th.
#17 South Florida Bulls (9-4)
The Bulls return 10 starters on offense from a team that was ranked at #2 in the country at one point last season. For USF the offense is based solely of the arms and feet of QB Matt Grothe. Grothe led the Bulls last year in rushing, while throwing for over 2,600 yards and 14 TDs. In the 4 loses of the Bulls last year though Grothe struggled, turning the ball over 10 times. The defense for the Bulls is anchored by DE George Selvie who had 31.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and 14.5 sacks. The Bulls do have to replace Ben Moffit who did a little of everything (100+ tackles, 4 INT's) at MLB but it looks like Tyrone McKenzie, who led the Bulls with 121 tackles in '07 will just slide to the inside. USF gets Pitt and Rutgers at home this year, but has to travel to Morgantown to take on the Mountaineers to close the season. That is a good thing for USF fans, the Bulls have never lost in Morgantown and we all know how well the 'Eers play at home in December (13-9!!).
#16 Texas Tech Red Raiders (9-4)
The most explosive offense over the past 5 years FINALLY has a defense to go with it. Everyone knows what the Tech offense has been able to do over the past 5 years (averaged 38.3 ppg and 420.6 passing yards per game). This year that explosive offense returns 10 starters including QB Graham Harrell (5,705 yds, 48 TD's) and WR Michael Crabtree (134 rec, 22 TD's). The defense however actually will have some bite for the first time in years. The Red Raider defense returns 8 starters including their entire D-line form last year. TT does have a tough conference schedule facing Nebraska and Texas at home and traveling to Oklahoma and Kansas, but misses Missouri. If the defense mature and plays half way decent Tech will be good, if they play well, the Red Raiders could be playing in the Big XII Title game.
TOMORROW:
Teams #15-11
ONLY 19 DAYS UNTIL THE 1st SATURDAY OF THE SEASON!!!!
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