College Football: Biggest Surprise Teams of 2008

No. 3: Washington Huskies

Oh boy...this one's definitely going out on a limb.  Tyrone, don't let me down.

Here's what I'm thinking.

First of all, Jake Locker is the West Coast Tim Tebow.  Period.  As a freshman he rushed for almost 1,000 yards and threw for over 2,000.  He'll definitely be better this season.

Plus, although there are a lot of new faces on offense, I'm banking that they will be talented new faces.  Willingham's latest class is loaded with help at the skill positions.

Tyrone Willingham's talent did surface at ND—it was just a couple years after he left.  Now, in his four years on campus at Washington, I think he'll finally benefit from many successful recruiting classes.  Combine those kids with some winnable games, and I think the Huskies will pull out some upsets in the Pac-10.

I know it sounds insane, but I really think these guys can pull out at least seven wins or so and turn some heads nationally, possibly landing in the Emerald Bowl or Independence Bowl.  Coming off a four-win season, that's a long way.  Behind Jake Locker, I think the Huskies take a major step this season.

This is my first team from a BCS conference on this list that I think will make a bowl, so if they seem high on a surprise list, they are.  But hey!  I'm going slowly.  So bear with me.

No. 2: Texas Tech Red Raiders

Some pollsters have this squad in their top 10, and I can see why.  If not for a hiccup against Colorado last year, they could have been playing for the Big 12 Championship.

The Raiders return 18 starters from last year—eighteen!—including Heisman trophy candidates Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree.  The offense should be just as good as last season, if not better.

Meanwhile, the defense looked improved at times last season and will return all but three starters.  Look for transfer McKinner Dixon to make big waves in Lubbock.  He was a freshman All-American at Texas in 2005, and is finally eligible after juco and a transfer.

T-Tech definitely doesn't always get the respect they deserve, but their schedule is favorable this year to really do some damage nationally.  Barring any surprises, the Red Raiders could be 7-0 going into their game in Lawrence, Kansas against the Jayhawks.

If we're being generous, I can see the Raiders winning 10 games this year, no sweat.  Oklahoma hasn't given them trouble in the past, and they don't play down to the level of lower conference opponents (Baylor, Iowa State, etc.).

If anybody thinks this team can't threaten OU or the Big 12 South title, they have another thing coming.

No. 1: Auburn Tigers

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