What do Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC, Clemson, and West Virginia have in common? Most college football prognosticators are picking them to win their respective conferences.
While some are bigger favorites than others, each one will face some stiff competition from a “sleeper” team in their conference.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a sleeper as “someone or something unpromising or unnoticed that suddenly attains prominence or value.” This season the “sleeper” could very well cause some upheaval in the BCS.
SEC
The biggest threat to Georgia’s title hopes could very well be the Florida Gators. The Dawgs may be cursed with one of the toughest schedules in college football, while their biggest competition is blessed with one of the easiest (as far as SEC schedules go).
The showdown in the “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” will most likely decide who will represent the Eastern Division in the SEC title game. However, before the Dawgs get to the “Cocktail Party,” they will face a tough test at Arizona State and another one two weeks later at home with the Tennessee Volunteers.
My sleeper pick for the SEC is sandwiched between those two games. The Georgia Bulldogs better not overlook the Nick Saban-led Alabama Crimson Tide. I know, I know...Bama?
While everyone is pointing towards the future for Alabama, considering its epic recruiting class, the time might actually be now to start winning big.
The Tide come into the 2008 campaign with a veteran quarterback in John Parker Wilson, a great combo at tight end with Nick Walker and Travis McCall, a trio of good running backs with Terry Grant, Glen Coffee, and Roy Upchurch, and a strong offensive line led by left tackle Andre Smith and center Antoine Caldwell.
New offensive coordinator Jim McElwain will utilize the talent he has on offense by running the ball more, using those great tight ends, and giving John Parker Wilson a chance to succeed by calling quicker, shorter passes.
Bama will have a run-stuffing defense led by nose tackle Lorenzo Washington and speedy linebackers, including Rolando McClain. Look for star recruit Jerrell Harris to make an impact in year one. Senior Rashad Johnson will lead a defensive backfield that will get plenty of picks and plenty of big stops this season.
This team, though younger, will be better than last year's team that finished 7-6, and the Tide will be in the thick of the SEC West title hunt. A huge win over Georgia would give Bama a load of confidence.
For Georgia, a loss in this game would be disastrous. With their schedule, they cannot afford to lose one they are supposed to win.
Big Ten
Can anyone in the Big Ten threaten the Ohio State Buckeyes? While the Buckeyes are far and away the choice to win the conference, the Big Ten will be a tougher road to navigate this season. Wisconsin, Penn State, and Illinois return teams that could all pose a threat to Ohio State’s dominance, but the sleeper in the Big Ten is the Michigan State Spartans.
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3 months ago
You mean Texas vs. Oklahoma for the Big 12 SOUTH... they can't play for the Big 12 championship, they're in the same division.
from 3 months ago
reading. it's fundamental. re-read please.
3 months ago
Great article. 5 stars.
That was the best research I have seen on here by anyone not connected to Alabama in anyway. Saban actually just moved Washington out to DE because two of the newcomers are good enough to play in the middle of he 3-4 line and that allow more experience on the outside of the DL for Bama. Also, since this article is about sleepers, the sleeper for this recruiting class is definitely Don'ta Hightower at LB. It is up in the air about whether or not he has pass Jerell Harris as the best freshman LB. If both Harris and Hightower live up to the hype, this LB core will be much better off than expected when Prince Hall rejoins the team in week 4, cause we all know that Rolando McClain is already good.
from 3 months ago
You stole my thoughts Nic. I think people may be surprised with the LBs after saying they are thin all summer long.
from 3 months ago
Nic-
Thanks! If Bama gets both Harris and Hightower to live up to the hype the linebacking corps will be quite solid. I hadn't heard about Washington. Do you think they may be moving to run more defensive 4-3 alignments?
Again thanks for the nice comments and the POTD!
from 3 months ago
I think Saban is happy keeping it at 3-4, but he feels like Lorenzo on the outside with Bobby Greenwood will help make the team better. He gets off the line well, and after losing Wallace Gilberry, the Tide needs someone who can get off the line. Terrance Cody and Josh Chapman have impressed Saban to the point he feels comfortable allowing them to start or rotate by occasion. Cody would be more of the run stopper and Chapman would be the guy who gets up field more. Saban may occasionally go 4-3, but that would not hurt the defense and would potentially make them stronger.
from 3 months ago
I agree that using a 4-3 scheme, even occasionally, would only make the defense stronger.
3 months ago
Kristofer, way to stir the pot a little there.
SEC: You know you hit a soft spot there with me. But like Nic stated, the Tide is going to be better at LB than most are giving them credit for. I look for the defense to step-up and be strong even with many new guys. I'm sure a lot of people doubted starting a true freshman at LB last year, Rolando McClain, but he proved to be one of the best in the SEC. I'm sure more new guys will prove people wrong this year as well. I'm not going to say they win the west, yet, but anyone who overlook sthem may be in for a big surprise.
Big 10: The Spartans are starting to make a little noise, but most haven't given them a second thought. You could be dead on with this one.
BIG XII: Texas??? No problem at all here with that pick. I look for them to upset Oklahoma and make some big noise.
PAC-10: Oregon could quite possibly keep rolling off last year's beat down of a very talented USF team. never count them out. I don't think they'll win the PAC, but they should contend and make a decent run.
ACC: Not sure, so I hate to comment too much. BC could be as good a guess as anyone. I think the playing field in the ACC may be as close as any conference.
BIG EAST: Again, you are right on. I may be wrong but I think everyone will be surprised when Cinci plays Oklahoma.
from 3 months ago
"SEC
The biggest threat to Georgia’s title hopes could very well be the Florida Gators. The Dawgs may be cursed with one of the toughest schedules in college football, while their biggest competition is blessed with one of the easiest (as far as SEC schedules go).
The showdown in the “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” will most likely decide who will represent the Eastern Division in the SEC title game. However, before the Dawgs get to the “Cocktail Party” they will face a tough test at Arizona State and two weeks later at home with the Tennessee Volunteers.
My sleeper pick for the SEC is sandwiched between those two games. The Georgia Bulldogs better not overlook the Nick Saban lead Alabama Crimson Tide. I know, I know…Bama?"
"Big Ten
Can anyone in the Big Ten threaten the Ohio State Buckeyes? While the Buckeyes are far and away the choice to win the conference, the Big Ten will be a tougher road to navigate this season. Wisconsin, Penn State, and Illinois return teams that could all pose a threat to Ohio State’s dominance, but the sleeper in the Big Ten is Michigan State Spartans."
I couldn't agree more with these two picks! In fact, I have BOTH of these teams winning 10 games in the regular season... and facing off in the Capital One Bowl. Alabama beats Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl, on New Year's Day... and Alabama finishes the season 11-3, while Michigan State finishes the season 10-3 :)
"BIG XII
Most pundits have already placed Missouri and Oklahoma in the Big XII title game. But as Lee Corso would say…not so fast, my friend. My Big XII sleeper will get both of those teams back to back. Missouri at home and Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry.
That’s right, my sleeper pick is the Texas Longhorns. Texas has never exactly been known as a tough, punch-you-in-the-face, nasty program that’s willing to get it’s hands dirty. But they are known for being ridiculously talented, and Austin has basically been an NFL farm system for years."
I agree (with Timothy) that Texas will upset Oklahoma... However, I STILL see Texas (and Oklahoma) BOTH LOSING THREE games this season!
Texas will LOSE to Missouri, @ Texas Tech, AND @ Kansas... while Oklahoma LOSES against Texas, Kansas, AND Texas Tech.
My sleeper pick in this conference is the Texas Tech Red Raiders, who I see going UNDEFEATED... UNTIL LOSING in the Big 12 Championship, against the also UNDEFEATED Missouri Tigers, lol :)
"PAC-10
No college football program has held a stranglehold on their conference’s championship like the USC Trojans. The Trojans will be looking for their seventh straight Pac-10 title and most pundits are pointing to their stiffest competition being the Arizona State Sun Devils. But, my Pac-10 sleeper could very well beat both USC and Arizona State.
The Oregon Ducks will look to build off of a 56-21 thumping of South Florida in last season’s bowl game."
Without Dennis Dixon, I sse the Oregon Ducks struggling to a 7-5 record this season... and then, LOSING a bowl game (possibly the Hawaii Bowl - to Nevada)!
YES, that is right... I predict that Oregon will LOSE 6 games this season, lolz :)
But seriously, my sleeper pick in this conference is Arizona State... because I actually predict the Arizona State Sun Devils to WIN the Pac-10, and UNSEAT the USC Trojans!
"ACC
The anointed one this season in the ACC has been the Clemson Tigers, but the ACC Atlantic Division has another team that could give the Tigers a run for their money. My sleeper in the ACC is last season’s Atlantic Division Champs…the Boston College Eagles."
I have a gut feeling that I may be VERY WRONG on this one... but my sleeper in this conference is the Virginia Cavaliers. Although Phil Steele predicts that Virginia will go 0-12 this season... I actually think that Virginia can win 7 games this season, and make it to a bowl game for the second straight season! But seriously, I do NOT recommend that you trust me on this one... because I have a feeling that Phil Steele may be right here, and that Virginia will actually go WINLESS this season, lol :)
"BIG EAST
The West Virginia Mountaineers have quickly become the Kings of the Big East, but they haven’t been exactly dominant the last few seasons. Even with all their talent, the Mountaineers have dropped at least two conference games in each of the last two championship seasons.
This season West Virginia will have to contend with South Florida, Pittsburgh, and last season’s co-champ Connecticut, but it could be my sleeper, the Cincinnati Bearcats, that surprises the entire conference."
Well, there's just WAY TOO MANY distractions in Cincinnati right now... especially with the Ben Mauk mess STILL looming over their heads, as the season is about to start!
Assuming that Ben Mauk is NOT going to play this season... I really think that the Cincinnati Bearcats were a "flash-in-the-pan" or a "one-hit-wonder", during the 2007 season! I expect the Cincinnati Bearcats to take a fall this season... just like Rutgers did last season :)
In fact, I really think that this conference has NO SLEEPER, lolz :)
So, I will go to the WAC... where I predict that Nevada will be a 10-win sleeper! In fact, I see Nevada winning MORE games than Fresno State this season... although I have Nevada LOSING to Fresno State, lol :)
from 3 months ago
Jimson, 11 wins for the Tide? Give it to me! I'll take 8 or 9 wins right now.
I think Oklahoma will fall, but not really sure they'll lose that many games. Raiders could be a sleeper. I still like the Longhorns right now.
Huge PAC-10 predictions there also!
from 3 months ago
Timothy-
It's nice to stir the pot every once in a while. You're right about McClain. At the start of last season no one thought he would be such a stud. He will now anchor the linebackers and with Harris and maybe even Hightower they could be a great group.
MSU is really going to surprise poeple I think. The doubters all say that MSU has been close before but always seem to lose the close ones. Mark Dantonio has completely changed the mindset in East Lansing and I think they will start winning some or most of those close ones.
Cincy will be another team that will shock people this year. Their defense is going to be killer and even without Mauk the offense should be able to put up more than enough points to win some of the big games they have on their schedule
Thanks for the comments and the POTD!
from 3 months ago
Jimson-
I have to disagree about Cincy. The distractions you refer to are not really distractions. The Cincy program has moved on. Mauk's attempts for a sixth season at this point are just ridiculous. The NCAA has already ruled. Brian Kelly and the Bearcats are not waiting around to see if maybe, just maybe Mauk will get to come back. They are and have since this whole saga began moving forward. Dustin Grotza is the QB. Mauk isn't even around the team.
As for the Big 12 sleeper... I just don't see Tech going undefeated. Tech will be a good team, but they are not elite. They have a great QB, but the Big 12 is full of great QB's. Tech will finish the season with at least 2 or 3 losses as usual.
ACC... wow! Virginia would be the sleeper pick of all sleeper picks.
3 months ago
What you wrote about the Big XII sleeper made me tear up. It was music to my ears. It touched my soul. I've never seen someone put into words exactly what I was thinking. Basically what I'm saying is your analysis, it completes me.
haha, jk. But seriously you are 100% on target. It may be a bit optimistic of us, but I really think it's all so possible and fairly likely. Can you imagine how nasty we're gonna be this time about a week from now after what Howard Schnellendouche said about us? I've been waiting so long for us to get another d-coordinator with a mean streak. I can't wait to hit someone.
from 3 months ago
Haha!! I'm glad I could touch your soul!
Optimism never hurts, but I really think Texas is going to have a great year. What was Schellenberger thinking? Old Howard and FAU are going to be in for a long day!
3 months ago
Couldn't disagree more concerning your Big 12 sleeper. It more likely Kansas will upset Missouri for the North Title and Texas Tech upset OU for the South Title. Texas has a great program and certainly a fine ball club, but its not UT's year, maybe next year. The Sooner are loaded.
from 3 months ago
So Texas Tech over OU but it's OU year? How's that work?
from 3 months ago
David-
You may be right. My opinion is that Kansas takes a step back this season. They won't surpise anyone and their schedule is much more difficult.
from 3 months ago
"My opinion is that Kansas takes a step back this season. They won't surpise anyone and their schedule is much more difficult."
Actually, I predict that MY Kansas Jayhawks will go 10-2, during the regular season in 2008, lol :)
3 months ago
Look out for QB injuries at Oregon. That Offense asks for it...
I like the call on Bama they are huge wild card this year. It is going to be feast or famine and Clemson is going to be a big tell as to which way it goes. I can't wait for that game.
from 3 months ago
Injuries happen everywhere. Oregon's defense, particularly the secondary is going to be killer.
I just don't see it with Clemson. They could surprise me, but they have had great "on paper" teams before and they always underachieve. I don't see things being any different for them this year.
3 months ago
Not one of your better articles.
from 3 months ago
Sorry to dissapoint, Nick. Care to elaborate?
from 3 months ago
Well it seems as though your picks aren't really sleepers.
I meen, Texas has McCoy coming back for his Junior year and should be good.
The bearcats had a good season last year and only really lost Ben Mauk.
And the Ducks are chosen by everyone to finish top 4 of the Pac-10.
This is a pretty loaded "sleepers" list.
from 3 months ago
They are sleepers becasue no one is expecting them to compete for their conference championships. At least I haven't heard anyone say they thought Texas, Oregon, or Cincy were going to. They are all "under the radar", so to speak. Like you said, Oregon is expected by everyone to finish top 4. I picked them as sleepers because they could finish 1.
The three teams you mentioned plus BC are the teams I thought could really challenge for their respective conference championships. Maybe even win them. Whereas, Bama and MSU I think will win a couple of "big" conference games hat no one thinks they will win.
3 months ago
Nice article and choices, Kristofer. I'd add Tennesse (if I can't pick Fla), Stanford, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Colorado.
3 months ago
I agree 100% with the sleeper in the Big Ten being Michigan State, Dantonio has done a phenomenal job there recruiting, of course he does learn from the best Jim Tressel. As long as they can take care of their wide receiver position, Ringer will have a good year and their defense is probably the most underrated defense in the conference.
from 3 months ago
MSU's wide receivers are young, but they have a lot of upside. And boy are they fast. I was watching a practice the other day on the Big Ten Network and they looked really good.
Dantonio is an excellent defensive mind also and he has been quoted as saying he is modeling the MSU program on what JT did at OSU.
from 3 months ago
They are most definitely Ohio States biggest competition in the nexy few years with Michigan rebuilding and im glad someone else sees this and great article by the way!
3 months ago
"No college football program has held a stranglehold on their conference’s championship like the USC Trojans."
In the 1990s Florida, FSU, and Nebraska dominated the SEC, ACC, and Big 8/Big 12 in the fashion that USC now dominates the PAC - 10, and the SEC, Big 12, and arguably even the ACC were tougher conferences in the 1990s than the PAC - 10 is now. (PAC - 10 fans, this means that there were other programs in those conferences that actually won national titles.) While USC is an excellent program, please end the hyperbole that gives this program more credit than it deserves.
Truthfully, this USC team has only accomplished slightly more than Steve Spurrier's Florida and has clearly accomplished less than both Bobby Bowden's FSU and Tom Osborne's Nebraska. During Bobby Bowden's run which began in 1992, FSU played for 5 national titles - winning only 2 but hey at least they were there - and won 12 of 14 ACC titles. Keep in mind: this does not include from 1987 until 1991, when they weren't in a conference to win but averaged almost 11 victories a season. As for Nebraska, they won 3 national titles and came within a missed field goal at the end of the game from winning a 4th. Even better, their 4 title shots came at the end of perfect (undefeated untied) regular seasons ... their titles were unblemished by such losses as to 8 - 6 Cal. Also, two of their national title game opponents (Tennessee and Florida) won national titles the next year, meaning that they didn't claim any of their titles against opponents like 10 - 3 Michigan, who wasn't even a top 10 team. (The WORST team that Nebraska beat for a title was a 12 - 1 Tennessee Vols team led by Peyton Manning and Jamal Lewis, or you could claim it was a 10 - 1 Miami team that had Warren Sapp and Ray Lewis on defense ... and by the way that game was on Miami's home field, the Orange Bowl whereas USC got to play Michigan in Los Angeles.)
I have to say that Pete Carroll would have to win two more national titles before he could claim superiority over EITHER those Nebraska OR Florida State teams of the 1990s. The media would have everyone believe that Pete Carroll's USC run is the greatest of all time, but in truth it isn't even the greatest of the modern era (with modern being defined by the 85 scholarship limit as well as the saturation national media coverage - especially in outlets like USA Today and ESPN and particularly the Internet) that have made the game national.
from 3 months ago
I meant no disrespect for the teams you mentioned above. I fully agree with you. I meant currently. I will clear that up.
Thanks for your input!
3 months ago
Just a great article. Good detail and love how you covered all the conferences, well all the relevant ones anyway.
from 3 months ago
Thanks Brian! Much appreciated.
3 months ago
Playing anyone in the SEC is a tough game! There are no sleepers. Georgia sleep on Vandy, South Carolina, and Tenn losing 2 of the games. SC by 2 and Tenn by 21 and winning to Vandy by a field goal. There are no Gimmes in the SEC
3 months ago
Georgia beat kentucky and florida who both beat tenn but tenn beat kentucky and arkansas who beat lsu. georgia won against kentucky. see its like never ending. i can go on forever but you get my point.
3 months ago
I really like your Texas pick. Too many people are overlooking the Longhorns. Good article!!!
3 months ago
I love how Texas Tech is now so overpicked as the Big 12 "darkhorse" that they've attained some sort of overhyped pseudo-contender status so now the longhorns can be a sleeper pick.
You can talk all you want about the holes at some skill positions and at safety but I think the biggest hole on this team is located on their collective shoulder, where a chip belongs.
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