(Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
Justin: West Virginia - Even though dual threat quarterback Pat White is gone there is still running back Noel Devine and a 6'8" playmaker at the wide receiver position by the name of Wes Lyons readily available.
19. Ryan: Utah – Last year was the year of the Ute, as Utah took home a 13-0 record and the Sugar Bowl Championship. However, they need to replace eight offensive starters, but they will return their entire linebacking corp in their quest for another BCS busting season.
Justin: Boise State - They need a new front seven, and their backfield is lighter without running back Ian Johnson.
20. Ryan: Nebraska – The Cornhuskers took some big steps towards returning to past glory in 2008. Bringing back seven defensive starters, and the expected emergence of running back Roy Helu should continue the improving trend.
Justin: LSU - If the Tigers have better quarterback play this season, they will be in the hunt to challenge for a SEC Championship game appearance.
21. Ryan: California – With running back Jahvid Best a legitimate 2009 Heisman contender, can quarterback Kevin Riley take advantage of defenses that stack the box? Without quarterback Nate Longshore around, Riley has the job all too himself, but needs to use his experienced receivers to his advantage and dominate a weak Pac-10 conference.
Justin: California - The Bears will have to play better on the road this season in order to have a shot at the Pac-10 title.
22. Ryan: Boise State – A Poinsetta Bowl hiccup prevented another perfect season for the Broncos, and now they look to succeed and rebuild at the same time. Quarterback Kellen Moore no longer has Johnson, and receivers Jeremy Childs and Vinny Perretta as targets, but has an experienced line in front of him. Replacing most of the defensive front seven will make the experienced secondary stay on their toes.
Justin: Nebraska - The Cornhuskers went 9-4 last season and should manage to get through the Big 12 North if they are able to run the football this season.
23. Ryan: Florida State – A smackdown of Wisconsin in the Champs Bowl helps the Seminoles build for 2009, but they will need some help. A loss of most of the receivers, as well as the vacated victories will hang over their head. Bringing back the entire offensive line will help quarterback Christian Ponder lead his new backfield, and the defense always contributes for the Seminoles.
Justin: North Carolina – They need someone to replace Nicks, but they do bring back seven defensive starters.
24. Ryan: Texas Tech – The Red Raiders are used to replacing big numbers, and will have to do so again, losing both quarterback Graham Harrell and wide receiver Michael Crabtree. Seven defensive starters return, as Texas Tech hopes to finally field a solid defense to complement their high-scoring offense.
Justin: Florida State – They bring back an experienced Ponder, and an even more experienced offensive line.
25. Ryan: BYU – They only return four offensive starters, but two of them are quarterback Max Hall and running back Harvey Unga Jr. Six of their defensive front seven return as well, making them a tough team to challenge.
Justin: BYU - Hall is back but the Cougars will have to rebuild the offensive line due to the loss of four starters.
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