The 2008 college football season officially kicked off Friday with the release of the USA Today Coaches Preseason Poll. To read Part II of this series, click here.
1. Georgia (22) 11-2 1,438
The Bulldogs from Athens win the photo finish in the voting to secure the No. 1 slot this preseason. Veteran QB Matthew Stafford will no doubt be the leader of this squad after an impressive 2007 season.
Look for Stafford to have increased protection now that his offensive line has been battle-hardened in the SEC.
The Dawgs only lose one receiver, Sean Bailey, but bring in several talented freshmen who are sure to make an impact in the passing game.
Though he will line up behind Stafford, Knowshon Moreno is not likely to be overshadowed this season. The sophomore exploded onto the scene last year and is at or near the top of almost everyone's Heisman watch list.
The Defense returns nine starters, which should help Georgia's star-powered offense stay on the field.
Prediction: Facing a tough schedule that includes trips to Sun Devil Stadium and Baton Rouge, the Bulldogs will have their work cut out for them. If they can stay focused and consistent, they should win the mighty SEC and earn a spot in the BCS title game.
2. Southern California (14) 11-2 1,430
2007 was not a typical campaign for the Men of Troy. The Pac-10 was uncharacteristically competitive, and their starting quarterback missed three games with a broken finger.
If there was anything serendipitous about these events, it was that quarterback Mark Sanchez was able to get some real-world experience before taking over as the starter in 2008.
Many talented players are returning this year, not the least of whom will be sophomore Joe McKnight. McKnight is the full package and will likely multi-task as a tailback, receiver, and return specialist. Coach Carroll is trying to turn McKnight into the next Reggie Bush, so look for him to make a huge impact.
The USC defense is always strong and fast. If they can find a solid replacement for nose tackle Sedrick Ellis, they should stay at the top of the national defensive rankings.
Prediction: The Trojans will be put to the test early at what will no doubt be the "big game" of the regular season when Jim Tressel and his title-minded Ohio State Buckeyes come to town. If USC can best the Bucks, it should be a smooth sail for them to a PAC 10 championship and a berth in the BCS title game.
10 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
D Back 11 months ago
It's no wonder that these pre-season predictions always turn out to be wildly inaccurate. The first touchdown has yet to be thrown and you're ready to declare Georgia and Clemson winners of their conferences????? I am no Gator fan, but I am guessing that there are some pretty good Florida football players who will speak much louder on the field than you can in this rag of a newspaper. You cannot sum up a war in a paragraph and you sum up an unplayed season in a blurb. I give you and F for your analysis will take your paper with me to the toilet, I am running low on TP.
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B A 11 months ago
Minor correction: WVU vs Auburn is in Morgantown (ESPN Thursday night game). Tuberville will manage the game better than Stewart and the Tigers defense, having practiced against the spread all season, will hold the Mountaineers to the teens. WVU goes down on Oct 23. I'm not sure why they're at 8 even with the week schedule and stellar QB.
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Liger 11 months ago
You beat me to it! :)
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Burgess Shaw 11 months ago
Hey man correction for Oklahoma: They don't travel to Lubbock this year. The game vs. Tech is in Norman.
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BabyTate 11 months ago
Your analysis could indicate Ohio State will be #1. I don't think you meant for it to sound like that but it does. Other Bleacher Report writers have done this as well, indicating that the Buckeyes have a powerful returning team this year but, because they've lost title games in the past they may face opposition of some type before qualifying for the BCS title game this season. BCS rules do state that if you finish in the Top 2 you will be required to go to Miami and play for the BCS title. Someone may wish to explore the idea of what authority can stop Ohio State from going to the title game this year.
This work on your part took a great deal of time and effort. Thank for you the excellent entry into the weekend reading. We are enjoying your articles and keep them coming.
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Dave Harris 11 months ago
What authority can stop Ohio State getting to the title game? The poll element!
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Emery Songer 11 months ago
I'm positive that Georgia is for real and Clemson will be a major factor. But until I see them play, I refuse to hand them their conferences. Georgia is in the SEC, the best conference in college football. It was a nice rundown but I will have to see it to believe it.
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Ryan Staab 11 months ago
Seems all hope of a third trip to the BCS for the "Buffalo Bucks" rests on a tiny little game being played on September 13...The state of Ohio wants the win, the rest of the nation wants a loss. Methinks people underestimate USC's offensive talents, and it doesn't help they have two weeks to prepare for the showdown while Ohio State beats up on some in-state weaklings.
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Buffy Hunt 11 months ago
My absolute favorite team, other than UGA, of course, is LSU. I am hoping that their QB situation will be taken care of by the time the Dawgs land in BR. Great read. Lots of work went into that. I love it.
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Adam Rothlisberger 10 months ago
I'm sick of people saying Ohio State is in great shape to go undefeated after the USC game.... their conference schedule is not easy at all...
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