The 2008 college football season can't come soon enough. NCAA Football 09 is great, but I need the real thing.
With that in mind, I came up with 30 predictions for the 2008 season.
1. The SEC will be really good this year, again. Unfortunately, they will be too good—and no team will finish in the top three of the BCS.
2. 15 returning starters and a win against Texas on October 18 mean that the Missouri Tigers will head to South Beach to play for the national championship.
3. Ohio State-USC will be one of the most enjoyable games of the whole year, and the winner will face Missouri for the championship.
4. The third time will be the charm for Jim Tressel's crew, making it two National Championships for the Buckeyes in Miami.
5. The Heisman race will be the most closely contested of the decade. Chris Wells, Knowshon Moreno, and Michael Crabtree will all be legitimate contenders.
6. A Buckeye will win the Heisman for the first time since Troy Smith won it two years ago.
7. Michigan will be much better than people predict. Even if Rich Rodriguez's offense doesn't work at first, they will still be the fourth-best team in the Big Ten. Hello Outback Bowl.
8. Sticking with the Big Ten, it's still Buckeye dominated, but Wisconsin will go to the Rose Bowl to face USC. And then get pummeled.
9. After losing to Ohio State, USC will go on a tear and win the Pac-10 without much trouble, except for...
10. Circle October 11 on your calendar. Arizona State at USC will be a must-see, and Rudy Carpenter will do whatever he can to win the game. However, it won't be enough.
11. Jake Locker will be first-team All-Pac-10 in leading the Washington Huskies to their first bowl game in five years—and saving Ty Willingham's job.
12. The Big 12 North will not be as good as last year, and it won't be as competitive as the South.
13. Kansas will fall back down to earth with a tougher schedule. Expect losses at South Florida and Oklahoma, at home against Texas Tech and Texas, and against Mizzou.
14. The Big 12 South title will not come down to the winner of Texas-Oklahoma, but from the winner of the Oklahoma-Texas Tech game.
15. Missouri-Texas Tech will be the most exciting Big 12 championship game in a long time.
16. No Rich Rod means no problem for the Mountaineers. Expect them to take the Big East crown without much competition.
17a. A win over West Virginia in the last week of the season is nice, but it doesn't mean that all of your problems will be solved. Yes, I'm talking about you, Pitt Panthers. You still went 5-7 and lost three O-Linemen, including your All-Conference left tackle.
17b. Don't expect Pitt to be in the Top 25 at the end of the season. They will be only the fourth-best team in the Big East after the aforementioned Mountaineers, South Florida, and Rutgers.
18. It's going to take a while before Louisville reaches national prominence again. This year is the start of the rebuilding process. Translation: 5-7 record.
19. This is the year for Clemson to finally break through and win the ACC. If they can't even reach the championship game, Tommy Bowden will be shown the door.
20. The ACC Coastal Divison is Virginia Tech's to lose. In fact, don't be surprised if they have only one loss at season's end.
21. Besides Clemson and Va. Tech, don't expect any other ACC team to make much noise this year.
(21 1/2. I wish I could write more about the ACC, but it's the most boring conference this year.)
22. As I mentioned before, the SEC will beat each other up until no team is in position to go to the national title game.
23. Georgia will lose at least one game. Don't be surprised if they lose two. Against Florida and at Auburn are good bets.
24. Florida will start 2-0 and then be knocked out by Tennessee in Knoxville on September 20. The October 25 game against Kentucky (one week before the Georgia game) will give the Gators all they can handle.
25. A two-loss Auburn team will face and beat a one-loss Florida team in the SEC championship game.
26. No non-BCS team will crash the BCS bowls. Unfortunately.
27. BYU will lose at TCU, Boise State will lose at Oregon, and Fresno State will lose at Boise.
28. Fresno State at Boise State will be the best non-BCS conference game. Hey, you can't beat the blue turf.
29. Think Hawaii will fall off the map? Well, they will, but it's not like they will be horrible. Expect the Warriors to win at least seven games during the regular season and beat a mediocre Pac-10 team in the Hawaii Bowl.
30. This year will not have nearly as many upsets as last year, but in no way will it be less exciting.
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2 months ago
Clemson's Tommy Bowden recently signed a huge contratct extension........ do not expect him to be shown the door after this year save a four win season.
Do not forget about UNC in the ACC. A wonderful coach and 18 returning starters! Of the 8 losses this team had last year, six were by seven points or less! Look for this young team from last year to win some close ones this year.
Do not completely write off FSU and Miami. There is WAY too much talent on both of those teams to discount them totally.
Wow! so counting Georgia out of the SEC championship game. Dawg fans will grow restless, Can we say hot seat? Still, the dawgs have to play at South Carolina, at LSU and at Auburn. Florida of course is neutral. I would say the key to the dawgs season is on September 13th. There is no way to rebound if you lose the opening SEC game. (See last year)
I do think Florida will win the East.
from 2 months ago
I like all of your takes except #21, I expect Wake Forest to do very well this season.
Very good piece, interesting thoughts. Good work.
from 2 months ago
Jay, I know of Bowden's contract extension, but if they don't win the Atlantic division this year he will be in a very bad situation.
UNC is still a year away in my opinion.
FSU can make some noise, but Miami is still rebuilding.
Believe me, Georgia fans already want my head, so a few more shots won't hurt. But everyone knows that their schedule is a gauntlet.
from 2 months ago
"Wow! so counting Georgia out of the SEC championship game. Dawg fans will grow restless, Can we say hot seat?"
If you're referring to Richt being on a hot seat if he doesn't at least win the East, I completely disagree. Dawg fans are fully aware how difficult their schedule is and I believe will give Richt a pass unless he loses 4 or more games. I'm not saying there won't be a little more pressure next year should they lose the East, but "hot seat" is a little strong.
I personally agree with Gustavo on that one. I think Florida will probably win the East, and they may win the East even with a loss to UGA.
I'm sick of all this talk. Let's play some football already!!!
from 2 months ago
"I like all of your takes except #21, I expect Wake Forest to do very well this season.
Very good piece, interesting thoughts. Good work."
WAKE FOREST FOOTBALL
A TRADITION . . . SINCE SEPTEMBER 2006
2 months ago
Some comments on your article...
7. Although Rich Rodriguez is slime and I hope he fails miserably, I've got a bad feeling that Michigan will win 7 or 8 games on their name and their schedule alone. Here's hoping that Tressel owns him. I'm not an Ohio State fan or a Michigan hater but Michigan deserves to be taught a lesson for bringing this arrogant narcissist to Ann Arbor.
13. If Missouri is going to the NC game, I'm guessing you believe they beat Kansas. However you don't have that listed as one of KU's losses.
14. Texas Tech is everybody's Big 12 "sleeper"...AGAIN. This is getting boring. It never happens and it won't happen this year either. Texas will be back with a vengeance as the defense that was porous last year will be airtight with Will Muschamp now the Def. Coord. I don't know if they beat Oklahoma but I think their chances will prove to be much better than what people are giving them credit for right now.
21.5. The ACC is boring every year.
29. Hawaii will be lucky to win 7 games.
30. I agree that this year will contain fewer upsets. Those kinds of years don't happen too often. If they did, they would no longer be considered upsets.
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the heads up on the KU loss to Mizzou, i'ts already fixed.
I think if you look at Hawaii's schedule, they have very winnable games, even with a brand new offense. Webber St., SJ State, Louisiana St., Idaho and Wazuu at home and they can win at Utah St. and New Mexico St. and they could beat nevada at home (Hawaii is nearly unbeatable at home). That's 6-7 wins already, it's a posibility.
from 2 months ago
"I think if you look at Hawaii's schedule, they have very winnable games, even with a brand new offense. Webber St., SJ State, Louisiana St., Idaho and Wazuu at home and they can win at Utah St. and New Mexico St. and they could beat nevada at home (Hawaii is nearly unbeatable at home). That's 6-7 wins already, it's a posibility."
Wow, YOU are really DELUSIONAL... IF YOU seriously think that Hawaii will win AT LEAST 6 or 7 games THIS SEASON, lolz :)
from 2 months ago
Apparently you cannot read. "13. Kansas will fall back down to earth with a tougher schedule. Expect losses at South Florida and Oklahoma, at home against Texas Tech and Texas, AND AGAINST MIZZOU." You must be from Lawrence. I offer you my condolences.
from 2 months ago
"Apparently you cannot read. "13. Kansas will fall back down to earth with a tougher schedule. Expect losses at South Florida and Oklahoma, at home against Texas Tech and Texas, AND AGAINST MIZZOU." You must be from Lawrence. I offer you my condolences."
But still, it is a FORGONE CONCLUSION, that Kansas will WIN MORE GAMES THAN Hawaii, THIS SEASON... And if YOU think OTHERWISE, then YOU are DELUSIONAL :)
from 2 months ago
Gustavo, Hawaii plays Louisiana Tech not Louisiana St.
2 months ago
You'll be lucky to get 2 right.
1. An SEC team will WIN the national title for a 3rd year in a row.
2. A running back will win the Heisman. He won't be from Ohio State.
3. It will be dark at night
4. It will be light in day.
I got 2
2 months ago
Two days ago, CNNsi.com ran a similar article, different thoughts, but the same headline and style.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/austin_murphy/07/08/2008-2009-fearless-football-predictions/index.html
from 2 months ago
That's where I got the idea from, but i put in my own thoughts.
2 months ago
i agree with #1, been saying that for a while now.
2 months ago
Whoever wins the Florida-Georgia matchup will be the National Champ. If Ohio State loses to USC (which I'm predicting they will), the "experts" will do everything in their power to keep them out of the BCS Championship even if they run the table on the rest of their schedule.
2 months ago
Prediction 31: ND will end the regular season 10-2.
from 2 months ago
Now THAT is a fearless prediction. wow
from 2 months ago
Fearless, but not unreasonable given the massive talent upgrade, coaching changes, and schedule. ND will be a big surprise to a lot of doubters. I think the losses will be to BC and USC. However, in 2009, they will both (finally) fall to the Irish.
from 2 months ago
what talent upgrade?
from 2 months ago
That would be the talent upgrade that's going to dish out a beating to Michigan on Sept 20. If you don't know about it now, you will then.
from 2 months ago
Now that's funny...ND dishing out a beating to Michigan...like the one they received last year to the tune of 38-0, or the 47-21 one Michigan put on them in 2006. I can't remember the last time ND has dished out a beating to anyone. Sure every once in a while they win, but dish out beatings? C'mon...
from 2 months ago
Time will tell.
2 months ago
I think I noticed a type...you said that Mizzou-Texas Tech in the Big 12 Title Game?! Sure you're joking?!? Tech WILL NOT beat OU in Norman this year! Bank on it!
from 2 months ago
what do you think about A&M?
2 months ago
great article and predictions, gustavo. i agree with a lot of them
from 2 months ago
Thanks Alan.
2 months ago
I like the predictions, but I think Florida is ready to shut everyone up by winning the SEC, and they will cap it off by giving Rich Rodriguez another reason to regret leaving West Virginia...by giving the Big Ten another season of disappointment.
2 months ago
ok, you're obviously drinking the usc kool-aid. an sec team will win the nat title and usc will lose 3 games at least (even with their weak schedule). you're not giving georgeia the credit they deserve. wake up man!!!! lets play!!! have a nice day
from 2 months ago
How will USC lose 3 games? All of their "though" games are at home. Their away schedule is filled with bottom feedrs from the Pac-10, Notre Dame and Virginia.
The only game they have as much chance to win than to lose is the OSU game.
And if I'm drinking the SC kool-aid, you are clearly drinking the SEC kool-aid.
from 2 months ago
USC Deserves any Kool-Aid props they get. 5 Straight BCS appearances and 4 wins. Not to many teams can claim that. Not to mention they are loaded with talent. If Sanchez can limit turn-overs and they allow him to play in a decent offensice system, they will be every bit as good as slated. The D will be absolutely amazing with 3 All Americans. It is obvious George has zero knowledge about USC. Their schedule this year is very adventageous for them to run the table if they make it past Ohio State. Once they play this game we will all know weather they will make their 6th straight BCS appearance. Until then, save the "hater" 3 loss comments because they are ridiculous. It is not impossible that they lose 2, but 3 is out of the question. My personal prediction is that the coaching staff will take a conservative game plan into the Ohio State game and they get beat by Ohio State in a close one. My hopes is that Sarkesian takes the training wheels off the offense so they have a shot at this game. If not they lose.
from 2 months ago
I am a huge Buckeye Fan, but I do worry about that USC game. The OSU/USC teams are so talented and very rich in quality players. If you really look at both teams you could easily put 15-17 of the starters in the NFL. That is just looking at the starters! This will not come down to the offences, to win the game, it will be the defences that will win THIS game. Keep in mind that USC and OSU have been both in the top five in recruitment for their teams since 2000. That is why you see them in the top ten every year trying to position themselves to play for a National Title. Regardless of the outcome of this game, it should be a thriller (although I'm really, really pulling for my Buckeyes) !!
2 months ago
1.I have to disagree, it's entirely feasible that either LSU, Florida or UGA will have a run where they only have 1 loss.
2. Possible. Their conference is a meat grinder this year. I think Texas Tech has a better shot.
3. It'll be a good game, but only if OSU do they go to the BCS championship. They have a cupcake schedule. USC has more of a challenge.
4. If OSU gets there.
12. One moment you predict Mizzou will be a BCS title contender now this. As if Iowa and Nebraska could possibly suck worse than they did last year. Both were fluke years for both teams.
14. You have hit the nail on the head there!
19. Another bullseye
23. I'll give you the one, but your team picks are wrong. LSU in Baton Rouge will be the test.
24. Yet you still think they beat UGA?
from 2 months ago
OSU may have had a cupcake schedule last year, but not this year. The big ten is not the SEC but they are much improved. Night road games @ USC and WISC, night game vs PSU, away vs Illinois and then the scUM game (im scared there might be a repeat of 1969 with RR playing the role of Bo, but i hope not)
this by no mean is a cupcake!
now LSU's schedule vs North Tx, App st. and La Lafeyette=CUPCAKE!!(minus the SEC sched.)
from 2 months ago
Jordan, not to disagree that LSU's non-conference schedule is a cupcake, but they do not play UL-Lafayette this year. They play Troy and Tulane.
2 months ago
-Michigan will not finish 4th in the Big 10. Illinois, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Penn State are much better teams and return a lot more experienced players than Michigan. Michigan State and Purdue might even give Michigan a run for their money this year. I expect Michigan to get 6 maybe 7 wins. Hello Motor City Bowl.
2 months ago
-Michigan will not finish 4th in the Big 10. Illinois, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Penn State are much better teams and return a lot more experienced players than Michigan. Michigan State and Purdue might even give Michigan a run for their money this year. I expect Michigan to get 6 maybe 7 wins. Hello Motor City Bowl.
from 2 months ago
"-Michigan will not finish 4th in the Big 10. Illinois, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Penn State are much better teams and return a lot more experienced players than Michigan. Michigan State and Purdue might even give Michigan a run for their money this year. I expect Michigan to get 6 maybe 7 wins. Hello Motor City Bowl."
I agree, Michigan will NOT finish 4th in the Big 10... In fact, I predict that Michigan will go 3-9 this season, and NOT MAKE ANY bowl game, lolz :)
2 months ago
And by the end of the season, neither Bobby Bowden nor Joe Paterno will have retired
2 months ago
UCF goes 13-0 and gets in the Fiesta Bowl or the Sugar Bowl.
from 2 months ago
Man, you are VERY DELUSIONAL, lolz :)
from 2 months ago
I'll take a stab at it.
2 months ago
This guy is almost totally wrong about the Big 12. Oklahoma will beat Texas in the Red River Rivalry and will beat Texas Tech like they should have last year had Bradford not suffered that concussion, especially, since they play Tech at home. Oklahoma will again beat Mizzou in the Big 12 title game and if they end up undefeated at that point they go to the title game.
Oh and btw, Ohio State won their last title in the Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Arizona against Miami, not in Miami.
2 months ago
Are you kidding me...the author of this should just come out and admit that he has ties to Columbus. Wow...what a bias rag of an article.
Yep, Ohio State will have the typical year of difficult games that feature Terra Community College, Owens Community College, and of course that nail-biter at Kent State. What a joke of a team and a schedule. Hey OSU, why dont you come on down to the SEC and play in our conference? See how quickly you become Ole Miss.....hahahahahhhaha
Ohio State will play their ridiculous schedule again, only to get another can of a** whopping from my beloved SEC.
2 months ago
I agree with Quiet, this author is in a love affair with OSU. They are not going to do nearly as well as you think. That's my prediction.
2 months ago
Ohio State has been undressed in the last 2 championship games. They do not deserve another trip this year even if they are undefeated.
2 months ago
if the Big 12 title game comes down to MU-TTU (which it won't, Tech is overrated), I don't see how on earth it would be exciting. Mizzou won 41-10 last year and didn't lose anyone terribly crucial to that outcome. Please.
2 months ago
Quiet: "Ohio State will have the typical year of difficult games that feature Terra Community College, Owens Community College, and of course that nail-biter at Kent State"
Are you saying USC is comparable to Kent State as a non-conference opponent? I mean, thats fine if you think so, but even if Ohio State is a joke of a team with a joke of a schedule, you just made a joke of a post.
2 months ago
Fearless or foolish? Kansas will lose every single difficult game on their schedule?
Do you have any idea what that 6-team parlay you predict would pay you in Vegas? Minimum 20-1 and that's even with them taking their vig.
When you make a prediction of a 20-1 shot coming true with no more support than "Kansas will fall down to earth" you are not being fearless. You are making stuff up under the premise of being bold and controversial.
Give us some substance.
2 months ago
USC won't lose to OSU. They will run for over 200 yards and shut down there O just like all good D's have done the last 2 years....
2 months ago
Auburn goes for a 1 loss or undefeated season and suprises every1 by winning the national championship. I also predict UCF to get at least a 10 win season... they will build on last year's good season
about 1 month ago
most importantly, you forgot about cincy, in the big east, they will not be fifth, for sure. cincy is the second best team in the big east. and i think a SEC team will make it the the national championship game, regardless of their number of losses. they are the media's best friends, look at LSU, first two loss team to ever make it to the BCS NGC game
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