Hard to find a more talented roster year in and year out. The only offensive question mark seems to be at running back. Just kidding. The Trojans have a zillion game-breaking tailbacks, including Reggie Bush clone Joe McKnight.
The receiving corps will sorely miss All-American tight end Fred Davis, but the talent is there to be a special group. Mark Sanchez and Mitch Mustain have a ton of potential behind center, but neither is especially proven as a leader and Sanchez has shown a propensity to be injury-prone.
This team is stacked on defense. Linebacker Rey Maualaga is a beast. I did not see any other defenders that played with his speed last season. Other than that, the secondary is top-notch, and has the depth to overcome injuries. The defensive line, while young, is big and fast at all four positions.
The schedule works out in USC's favor this time around, as Ohio State, Oregon, and Arizona State come calling, and the only major road game is across town against UCLA. This team needs to show more consistency than last year's bunch did, but it's hard to bet against Pete Carroll.
2. Georgia
Best team in the country—no doubt in my mind. The coaches got it right. Matthew Stafford is a prototype drop-back NFL passer who will flourish if a young receiving corps grows up fast. Muhammad Massaquoi returns as a major threat on every play. Knowshon Moreno can win the Heisman this year if he avoids injury and if defenses remain unable to scheme against him. This kid has a motor that is constantly running.
Defensively, the Bulldogs return seven starters, including leading tackler Dannell Ellerbe. They are particularly ferocious at home, but the speed of this unit is phenomenal across the board. Prince Miller and Asher Allen form the most underrated cornerback tandem in America; these guys can lock down just about anybody across from them.
The reason Georgia is not at the top of my list is because of an absolutely brutal schedule. Trips to LSU, Auburn, and Arizona State highlight the schedule, while the Florida game in Jacksonville could factor in the national title race. This team is good enough to win the national championship this season, but the schedule looks pretty much impossible.
1. Ohio State
As a Southern guy, I hate to say it, but this is the year that Ohio State gets over the hump. Todd Boeckman is a great game-manager at quarterback—sort of in the Craig Krenzel mold. Chris Wells is a man-child running between the tackles and has some incredible breakaway speed. This team is built around its offensive line, which should be a force.
James Laurinaitis is back at linebacker for the Buckeyes and is looking to follow up on a sensational 2007 season that ended with him holding the Butkus Award. Cornerback Malcolm Jenkins was a projected first-round draft choice last season and should improve his stock with a strong showing this year. This unit is normally among the best in the nation in yards and points allowed and, without many threatening offenses on the schedule, this should be another solid year.
The only tough game is the trip to USC on Sept. 13th. Other than that, it's virtually a green light to the national title game. I like this team and I feel that after losing in the BCS Championship Game twice in a row, losing a third time is not an option.
Come back tomorrow for the second installment. Thanks for reading!
21 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete