It's never too early to start previewing the 2008 college football season.
With Beyond the Bleachers’ second installment of a five-part Spring Preview of the 2008 season, we start this week with an examination of potential sleepers in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Although the majority of these programs lack recent success or national exposure, each team has built a nucleus of talented players which may allow them to elevate into one of their respective conference’s elite—or nation’s elite for that matter. As spring practices come to a conclusion in the South, watch out for these programs to build momentum toward the fall…
Alabama Crimson Tide
Last year: 7-6 (4-4)
Key Games in 2008: Clemson @ Atlanta, GA (8/30), Georgia (9/27), at LSU (11/8), Auburn (11/29)
Nick Saban-coached programs seem to have one general trend: They may struggle in the initial year as players he did not recruit adapt to his schemes, and by the second year they thrive. While at LSU, Saban’s Tigers lost to UAB in his first year, but were SEC and Sugar Bowl Champions by the next.
2008 may promise similar success for the Crimson Tide.
After signing two of the most sought-after prospects in the country in 6’4” receiver Julio Jones and 6’7” 285 offensive lineman Tyler Love, Saban has added to the wealth of an already solid offense.
Led by senior co-captain Antoine Caldwell and Andre Smith, Alabama may boast the best offensive line in all of college football. These potential All-Americans will serve the job of protecting John Parker Wilson and blocking for probable starting running back Terry Grant.
While Saban discussed several defensive miscues in the A-Day annual spring game on Monday, he will have plenty of depth and talent in the fall. Justin Woodall, Rashad Johnson, and Javier Arenas make up a talented defensive backfield and former starting running back Jimmy Johns may emerge as a key player at linebacker.
Although the Crimson Tide have tough games against the cream of the crop on the ACC, Clemson, as well as Georgia, Tennessee, and LSU, Saban’s biggest goal of the season will be beating Auburn.
Despite the Crimson Tide program’s historical success, Auburn has now beaten Alabama six times a row—including four times consecutively in Bryant-Denny Stadium. Even if Alabama doesn’t win the SEC West, beating Auburn will go a long way in restoring the Crimson Tide program to prominence.
BYU Cougars
Last year: 11-2 (8-0)
Key Games in 2008: at Washington (9/6), UCLA (9/13), at TCU (10/16), at Utah (11/22)
The overwhelming success of the mid-major Hawai’i Warriors took national focus away from BYU—a team which started off 1-2 and quietly won 10 straight games.
25 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
JJ Stankevitz about 1 year ago
I might add Colorado to that list. Dan Hawkins really turned that team around last year (+4 wins) and picked up one of the best running backs in the nation on signing day. While they aren't going to contend for the Big 12 North this year, they're definitely on the right track to regaining the success they had earlier in the decade.
Also, I'm really, really glad Mizzou won't have to worry about Cap'n Leach's crew until 2010. Although we did hold them to 10 points and probably made Graham Harrell cry...
Good list. I'm really starting to get pumped for football again—Mizzou's spring game is this Saturday, too.
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Ken Armer about 1 year ago
i just wanted to point out Houston is not in East Texas, its south Texas, other than that great article.
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common sense about 1 year ago
UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS ON MIAMI HURRICANES FOOTBALL
http://thehurricanepost.blogspot.com/
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Jeremy about 1 year ago
You may want to add University of Utah who will challenge BYU for the MWC crown and have an outside shot of making a BCS run. Last year they had 9 wins and had their top RB and WR out for the year and had QB Brian Johnson miss games and never was really healthy after separating his throwing shoulder.
Also if you like college football checkout mwcfootball.wordpress.com
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Chris Ballay about 1 year ago
Good stuff. I can definitely tell you put a lot of time into this.
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Andrew J about 1 year ago
Yeah add Colorado to that list...with a new 5 star running back in Darrell Scott, and experienced offensive line and wide receiver core...the Buffs are going to bring trouble with the new no huddle offense at altitude.
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David Williams about 1 year ago
I read a story about this kid a while back and how he closely related to one of the assistant coaches who recruited him. Scott seems like a cool down-to-earth kid. Looks like he might be that breakout true freshman next year. Colorado was on my list and probably should at least be in the honorable mention category. I like Cody Hawkins a lot but I just didn't know enough about the team to say anything.
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Jody Alberson about 1 year ago
nice article...as usual...loved the video of Brinkley sticking it to Tebow...Jasper is a beast.
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David Wunderlich about 1 year ago
I have to disagree on Alabama and Miami. Both are still at least a year away from a return to prominence. Bama is paper thin on the lines, and there are depth issues everywhere else in terms of elite players. Miami will be far too young to be consistent, and only the running back position is really talented to old Miami standards.
Ole Miss is a better sleeper for the SEC West, since Ed Orgeron stocked the program with talent that happens to match what Houston Nutt likes to do. Add a finally-eligible Jevan Snead at quarterback to play the Matt Jones role, and you've got a team that could surprise a lot of people.
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Jacob Bridges about 1 year ago
I have to disagree with you. I am an avid Auburn fan, so it pains me to say this, but Bama looks really good. Sure, you can say they are "thin" on the lines, but the recruits make them surprisingly stacked. I know its hard to say the lines are deep because of all the underclassmen, but I think the guys they got are no slouches. I think the SEC will find that Bama is nothing close to "thin" anywhere this year save for the quarterback position because JP Wilson is in my opinion one of the worst in the conference. I agree that it will be a few years before they are elite, but even as a Tiger fan, I think this team is much improved and will finish high in the west.
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Tim Pollock about 1 year ago
Good stuff, as always, David.
I do concur with the David before me about Miami. I'm not sold on Shannon, and I think they are going to take their lumps again this season. Of the 4 key match-ups you listed, I see them losing 3 of them.
Also, I think Southern Miss is going backwards. Larry Fedora? Dude has danced around from place to place as OC with varying success.
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David Williams about 1 year ago
I could definitely see some of these teams not living up to my expectations. Maybe Miami is a couple years away, but I feel like this could be their year because 1) the ACC is weak now and 2) most of those cancers to the team have since transferred or graduated.
Alabama is in a prime position to make a comeback. John Parker Wilson has the potential to be like Croyle. I've heard a lot of good stuff about Wilson this spring. The passing offense is more "quarterback-friendly" -- whatever that means. You never know with the SEC, but I feel like they'll be up there with LSU and Auburn.
Southern Miss...I'm not thinking about the coach as much as the easy schedule. East Carolina will be so-so, UCF will be so-so without Smith, no Tulsa or Houston means they could maybe win 9-10 games. Don't hold me to that though.
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Timothy Croley about 1 year ago
Great read, David. Makes me anxious to see that opening kick-off - only 128 days left.
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JJ Stankevitz about 1 year ago
Out of curiosity, when was the last time UNC played in a bowl game?
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David Williams about 1 year ago
I had to look this up. It was actually in 2004 in the Continental Tire Bowl against BC. Before that it was 2001. From 92-98 they went to a bowl game every year. Mack Brown was the coach during the bulk of that period.
I think Butch can do it though. He's bringing in the recruits and the winning attitude. UNC should take advantage of a relatively weak ACC conference. Just my opinion.
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JJ Stankevitz about 1 year ago
I knew UNC hadn't been in a bowl game for a while, but part of me is surprised they made a bowl game as early as 2004.
I also never knew Mack Brown was at UNC before Texas. Really interesting stuff.
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Anthony Grethel about 1 year ago
I agree with 95% of the teams that you have, and I strongly agree with South Carolina. I predict them winning the SEC east this year. Their defense is going to be better than Michigan's from two years ago.
The only team on there that I don't like is Miami. They always get some of the best talent from Florida and all over, but their coaching just isn't up to par. I think the coaching makes a bigger difference then what people expect. I do believe though they will do better than they have over the past two years though.
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Tim Pollock about 1 year ago
South Carolina has a tough road if they are going to win the East. True, GA has the toughest schedule in the nation, but can the Gamecocks really end up with a better conf. record than GA and FL? FL's schedule is much kinder, and I'm sure GA will be looking for revenge after SC upset them last season. I think the Gamecocks are still one year away from competing for the East.
Here's the thing about the ACC: Yes, it's weak, but it's not like every team can "take advantage of the weak ACC." Somebody has to lose these games, and I just don't think anyone (Clemson included) is good enough to win all the games they are supposed to. As usual, the ACC winner will be the weakest rep in the BCS, with the Big East giving close competition for that unflattering label.
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John Fennelly about 1 year ago
Where's Georgia on this list...they will be preseason #1, no?
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David Williams about 1 year ago
They were already good and in the national spotlight. I wanted to point out the teams that were either not good last year who could be great this year (i.e. Miami, South Carolina, Pitt) or teams that didn't get much spotlight but could be in the limelight next year (i.e. BYU, Oregon State)
Georgia will be on another list coming soon.
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John Fennelly about 1 year ago
Oh..I misunderstood...this is a series
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Michael Felder about 1 year ago
David,
Your analysis of UNC is fairly accurate, I will say that the QB competition is going to be heated going into August with TJ rehabbing his shoulder and missing spring and Paulus getting strong reps with the first team. Our back seven should be one of the best in the ACC with everyone returning and a new defensive coordinator who has achieved success both in college and the NFL (Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Titans respectivel). Although we lose Mapp our leading tackler, Bruce Carter, Mark Paschal and the rest of the core is still strong. D-line needs to add depth but as you mentioned we've got some emerging studs in Austin and Massenburg. Offensively I'd say get used to hearing Hakeem Nicks' name, he finished just over 40 yards shy of a 1,000 yard receiving year and he's got more talent around him this year. I like the article and if I can give you any info don't hesitate to ask.
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Edward Angiuoli about 1 year ago
As much as I hate saying it, I think Notre Dame could fall into this category, as a major program looking to return to respectability. Weiss has done a fantastic job of accumulating talent to South Bend (even if his coaching has been less than stellar), and if he can get his players to play to expectations, they should be able to rebound. The schedule is easier than usual, with many games against teams on this list (Purdue, Pitt, UNC, Washington), and the season concluding at USC. I see no reason why the Irish can't get back to a bowl of some sort.
Purdue could very well start off the season 1-5, or 5-1, depending on how the defense holds up against some potentially powerful offenses. Missing Illinois and Wisconsin will help, but I think the most crucial stretch will be Michigan, at Michigan St., at Iowa, and Indiana to end the season.
I liked the article, it makes August seem that much closer!
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Raj Kamruddin about 1 year ago
Great job on the article. Interesting to read up on some teams we dont hear much from the major networks.
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Cellus English about 1 year ago
As for the miami section, doug wiggins transferred (wasn't recieving PT) and damien berry has been moved to running back due to the depth at the safety position. The canes are a good year or two away from prominece, due to the lack of experience on offense at QB,WR. But this team is certainly stacked top 2 bottom w/ talent from So. Fla. Look for the defense to carry the team this year w/ Coach Young's aggressive zone blitz scheme.
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