(Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
Justin: Virginia Tech - I expect quarterback Tyrod Taylor to have a better season due to the fact that he was hampered by an ankle injury for most of the second half of last year.
7. Ryan: Oklahoma State – The Cowboys are loaded on offense, with quarterback Zac Robinson, running back Kendall Hunter and wide receiver Dez Bryant. However, new Defensive Coordinator Bill Young has a short leash, as offense may win games, but the Cowboys need defense to win a championship.
Justin: Ole Miss - The Ole Miss program is on the rise and the SEC better watch out for this exuberant and athletic team. Snead is very talented and must carry the offense on his shoulders this season.
8. Ryan: Virginia Tech – The ACC is still rebuilding itself, giving Virginia Tech an easy road through it. Taylor and running back Darren Evans lineup behind an athletic Offensive line and the defense is always formidable. Tough non-conference games do await, though.
Justin: Oklahoma State - One word: Offense. The Cowboys could have the second best offense in the Big 12. They must learn from last year and win the big games in order to make a run at the National Championship in 2009.
9. Ryan: Ohio State – Pryor has improved himself in almost every facet from his freshman campaign, and should become “The Man” in Year Two. Even without studs Chris Wells, James Laurinatis, and Malcom Jenkins, the Buckeyes will be the team to beat in the Big 10.
Justin: Notre Dame - The Bowl game against Hawaii last season could foreshadow the explosive capabilities of the Fighting Irish offense this season.
10. Ryan: Penn State – The other team to beat in the Big Ten will have to make due without their starting wide receivers and their lines, which were depleted thanks to graduation. Quarterback Darryll Clark and running back Evan Royster will keep the offense moving along.
Justin: Alabama - The key to this year’s team is defense with nine starters back. It will be hard to replace Andre Smith and John Parker Wilson.
11. Ryan: Oregon – Even without Coach Mike Bellotti roaming the sidelines, the Ducks are quite the opponent in 2009 still. They lost six players to the NFL, including first rounder center Max Unger, but quarterback Jeremiah Masoli is a duel threat that teams will have to monitor all season.
Justin: Penn State - With Clark back, the Nittany Lions must replace three talented wide receivers, along with three starters on the offensive line, but with an overrated Big 10 the Nittany Lions could come out on top this season.
12. Ryan: LSU – Its demolishing of Georgia Tech in the Peach Bowl helps merit this ranking after a disappointing 8-5 season. Quarterback Jordan Jefferson will look to keep the momentum from the bowl game into 2009, and with a new defensive coordinator and a top recruiting class, LSU could turn heads in 2009, but still look to be a year off.
0 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete