What a great matchup this would be—two storied programs coming off disappointing seasons that ultimately finished well with bowl game blowouts.
While Florida has the superior offense, led by Tim Tebow, their defense simply doesn't match up against the loaded Longhorns counterpart, which is consistently one of the best in the nation.
To me, this one comes down to home field advantage, but I'll give the slight edge to Florida, because I wouldn't bet against Tebow.
No. 3: Texas Tech VS Tennessee
Both teams have a disgusting amount of returning talent. Graham Harrell will return to lead the high-flying Red Raiders attack, which returns 36 of its top 44 players from the two-deep last season. To me, that is the edge they have against the Vols, who will return 13 starters on offense and defense.
Yes, the Vols are a respectable team that will contend each year for a good bowl bid, but the Raiders have a chance to do something special this year. The Vols will lack a veteran signal-caller, while the Raiders return all but four starters from last year's nine-win roster.
My vote is for Texas Tech.
No. 4: Texas A&M VS South Carolina
Another close pairing. The Aggies underperformed last season and lost their coach, yet still managed to win seven games. This season, under new head coach Mike Sherman, they should employ a pro-style attack that will take advantage of both speedy RB Mike Goodson and huge FB Jorvorskie Lane.
The Gamecocks continue to simply tread water under Steve Spurrier. Questions still remain as to who will start at QB for them, and how long the chosen man's leash will be once he's given the job. Spurrier was short with incumbents Chris Smelley and Tommy Beecher last year, so nobody has really emerged.
This is the toughest matchup for me to call. Texas A&M lost a lot of starters on D, but the core of their offense is still intact, with the potential to be really good. South Carolina has had that kind of potential for years, yet hasn't been able to execute under Spurrier.
That's why I'm choosing the Aggies. At this point, Spurrier doesn't deserve a vote of confidence until he actually produces. He's had potential too long to use that as his calling card now.
23 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete