The Red Raiders are still looking for a complete season, one where they continue and score some upsets while avoiding the upset bug themselves. They’ve been a lock for 8-9 wins every year this decade, but haven’t been able to get past that mark and win the Big 12 South. And until they do, I fear the nation will continue to view them as a gimmick team. The gimmick will certainly be back at full speed this year, with Graham Harrell throwing to Michael Crabtree. Eight starters return on a defense that always seems to be a question mark. Last year TTU beat Oklahoma but lost to Colorado and Oklahoma State. Consistency is the key to rising in the Big 12.
15. Arizona State
A chance for instant credibility comes with the Sept. 20 date with Georgia. You know the names on offense: Rudy Carpenter, Keegan Herring, Chris McGaha. But they can’t help if the offensive line isn’t better. Last season, the line allowed 55 sacks, and only two starters return. Seven starters return to a defense that can still improve. The Sun Devils’ only losses last season were to Dennis Dixon’s Oregon, USC and Texas. Even if they don’t beat Georgia, as always success in the Pac-10 comes down to beating USC.
14. Clemson
Like Arizona State, this team returns all of its skill players but has huge issues on the offensive line. But while Spiller and Davis may get the hype, it’s the defense that can really carry this team. Eight starters return from a unit that was in the top ten in scoring and total defense last season. They’ll get tested right away with the neutral site opener against Alabama. The ACC is weak this year and Clemson is the only team that looks great on paper…but the Tigers have traditionally found a way to stub their toe more than once each season under Tommy Bowden. If the offensive line doesn’t get them beat, the talent is there to think championship…but the tradition is there to think more frustration.
13. Auburn
A solid offense with no spectacular pieces but a very good whole looks to come alive under Tony Franklin. Auburn didn’t score a ton of points but did get a ton of yards in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl win over Clemson’s tough defense. Auburn is one of several teams who might have the third best offensive line in the SEC and the third best offensive line in the country. The defense too is solid all around, with Sen’Derrick Marks and Tray Blackmon leading the way. This team will be very interesting to watch; like many in the SEC, they can go the distance or they can go 8-4. There’s a road trip to West Virginia stuck in there in October, but the SEC schedule sees Florida rotate off and LSU, Tennessee and Georgia all come to Jordan-Hare. If the offense continues to improve and Auburn avoids a lifeless game or two that’ve plagued them in the past, they can win the SEC. Quarterback play is the key.
12. South Florida
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