2008 College Football Preseason Top 25

As the 2007 season showed us, preseason rankings don't really mean squat for some teams.  There may be a top ten team that finishes the year out of the rankings.  There may be a team (or two or three) that rise up from no ranking to a top five ranking.  But some teams stay about where they are predicted.  I'm here to try to predict the top 25 teams based on talent and the ability of the players and coaches to use the talents that they are given.  My rankings have nothing to do with schedules or where I think they'll finish.  My rankings are all about who has the more talented team with a coaching staff that can work the talent for all it's worth.  So without further ado, here is my 2008 Top 25 Preseason Rankings.

1.  Ohio State

Sorry Buckeye haters, this team has 18 returning starters from a team that made it to the national championship.  Yes, they lost again, but how many other teams can say that they made it through the crazy 2007 season with a championship berth?

Bottom Line:  OSU is motivated to prove they can finally win a national title, and they have the talent to do it. 

2.  Georgia

The Dawgs return 17 total starters, including Heisman candidate Knowshon Moreno.  Matthew Stafford will lead a great Georgia attack and the defense is going to be among the best in the SEC.

Bottom Line:  Georgia has great coaches and players, but they don't have the championship game experience of Ohio State.

3.  Oklahoma

The Sooners are looking really good with super efficient quarterback Sam Bradford and the other seven returning starters on offense.  The defense returns six and both the offensive and defensive lines should be monstrous.

Bottom Line:  The Sooners are the best team in the Big 12, but can Stoops return to his former status as Big Game Bob?

4.  Florida

Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin will lead a powerful offense that should be able to score almost at will.  This team returns eight starters on both sides and looks to be Georgia's biggest challenger.

Bottom Line:  The Gators offense will be great, but the defense needs to step it up.

5.  Missouri 

The Tigers return six on offense including Chase Daniel at QB and Jeremy Maclin at WR.  The offensive line has some questions.  The defense returns ten starters and should be among the best in the Big 12.

Bottom Line:  If the O-line can be good early this team could challenge OU for the Big 12 title.

6.  USC

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