College Football 2008: Top Five Disappointments

The fact of the matter is, with question marks all over the field, and a new coaching staff in town, the Wolverines are looking at a long season that includes games at Notre Dame, Penn State, and Ohio State; and at home versus Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan State.

For a team that was brokenhearted over a 9-4 end to the Carr era, a five or six loss season will definitely disappoint fans at the Big House.

#2. Kansas Jayhawks

Ah, where to begin.

Am I biased against the Jayhawks? Yes. But are they due for a huge letdown if they are looking to get double digit wins and a top 15 finish? Hell yes.

Where to start? First of all, gone are Brandon McAnderson, Anthony Collins, James McClinton, and Aqib Talib. All of these guys were stars that quietly shone for Kansas, and their holes won't be filled easily. So while KU didn't lose a lot of starters, they lost some big ones.

Second, they actually have to play somebody this season. Last year, their only regular season game against a .500 club was their 36-28 beatdown from Mizzou. And that game wasn't as close as the score might make you think.

This season, with games at South Florida, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and the Mizzou game in Kansas City, they already have four hard road games. Add in home games against Texas Tech, Texas, and rival K-State, and this team could lose five or six games easily.

Kansas had a phenomenal season in 2007, but the party is over for the Jayhawks in 2008. It will be put up or shut up time in the Big 12. KU will have a target on their back during the fall for the first time ever, and they'll have to play at a tremendous clip to keep up with Missouri in the North.

If Rock Chalkers really think this team will threaten for another BCS bowl and win over nine games, they've got another thing coming. There's no way this team has a repeat of 2007.

#1. Louisiana State Tigers-

The tradedy in Baton Rouge started early this spring when superstar QB Ryan Perrilloux was booted for numerous team violations. Now the team will be led by Harvard transfer Andrew Hatch, or unproven freshman Jarrett Lee. That spells trouble for a team that has had a talented signal caller for years.

This is a school that almost always reloads instead of rebuilds, but this defense only returns four starters from a stellar unit. The D may gel and be spectacular once again, but excess pressure from a struggling offense may lead to more trouble than they can handle.

Lastly, a schedule that features App State, and the typical SEC bruisers (Auburn, Mississippi State, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama) might finally bare its teeth. Last year, several close calls allowed the Tigers to win a national championship. Les Miles probably won't be that lucky come the fall.

For a school that is always one of the most talented in the country, the future looks bright. But one wonders if the constant flight of players to the NFL, and the suspension of their best returning player, will lead this team to a subpar, possible .500, hiccup of a season.

Only time can tell, but this season probably won't be one that Tiger fans will remember fondly. Not because they will get blown out a lot or be terrible - but for the purple and gold, only a national title crown is satisfactory.

These picks are certainly subjective, and there might be more possibilities. Some might think Georgia will inevitably get eaten alive by it's tough SEC schedule. Ohio State and Oklahoma will surely be disappointed if they can't get over their respective BCS humps.  Some might even turn the tables, and say my Missouri team is destined for a let down, with such high hopes for this year.

Leave your comments. They are greatly enjoyed and appreciated. I'm Peter Fleischer. Thanks for reading.

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