This offense is a two-man show with Tebow and do-it-all Percy Harvin. This year they add USC transfer Emmanuel Moody at tailback. It will be interesting to see what effect that will have on the offense.
The defense really needs to improve for Florida to even think about contending. No matter how well the offense performs, the defense has to put up some kind of fight, as demonstrated in last year's Outback Bowl.
The schedule is a typical SEC schedule, although not as bad as Georgia's. Having Florida State and Miami on the schedule nowadays is a nice addition to the non-conference schedule.
7. Texas
If Colt McCoy returns to his freshman form, Texas should be fine. Jamaal Charles is gone, but Texas is a big state—I'm sure there is another talented tailback somewhere. Until they find a replacement, Colt might be more like Tim.
Texas have to be careful in their opening game against Florida Atlantic. Never underestimate a solid opponent with nothing to lose in the opening game. Other than that Oklahoma team, Texas have to travel to Texas Tech, which will be a more difficult task than it has ever been.
The defense should be good enough to stop most teams, but it will be tested against the ridiculous Sooner and Red Raider offenses.
8. Texas Tech
This seems to be the first year that Tech has all the pieces for a truly unstoppable offense. Graham Harrell is experienced enough to know the system by heart, which could be very deadly. Add that to the fact that he is throwing to the best receiver in the country in Michael Crabtree, and you have the formula for easily the best passing attack in the country.
Not that it matters, but Tech also returns its leading rusher from last year, Shannon Woods.
The Red Raiders should be able to pass every team on their schedule off the field other than Oklahoma and Texas. If they generate some kind of defense, even the two Big 12 powers better watch out.
9. South Florida
The Bulls lose corners Trae Williams, Mike Jenkins, and linebacker Ben Moffitt—and that's pretty much it. This team was No. 2 in the country at one point last year and had a chance to win every regular season game they lost.
Matt Grothe is a decision-making problem away from being truly great, and defensive end George Selvie might already be there. All the Bulls need are serviceable corners to combat a schedule not exactly littered with great passing attacks.
At Cincinnati will be tough, but there really isn't a team USF should not beat, with the exception of West Virginia in Morgantown. The thing is, USF seems to have West Virginia's number...just a thought.
10. West Virginia
West Virginia will be best if it takes Rich Rodriguez' departure personally, as they did in the Fiesta Bowl. There's no Owen Schmitt on offense, which will probably be a bigger deal than no Steve Slaton.
I honestly think Noel Devine will do an equal if not better job than Slaton did at tailback, although the depth is no longer there. I expect the offense to run with about the same efficiency as last year—after all, Pat White is still Pat White.
The defense could be an issue as several players were lost to graduation, the draft, and dismissal from the team.
Luckily for the Mountaineers, the two toughest tests—USF and Auburn—are both at home. All the road games are manageable, but I've got a feeling this is not quite the team that beat Oklahoma.
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