Another College Football Preseason Top 25

Senior Analyst Written on August 25, 2008

(Page 3 of 8)

Last year Florida had a consistent, high-powered offense at its disposal, but the Gators’ vulnerability clearly showed in their secondary.

Statistically speaking, Florida had the worst passing defense in the SEC, and much of the blame can be placed on the youth of the defensive backs. With Joe Haden, Wondy Pierre-Louis, and Major Wright returning along with star recruit Will Hill, 2008 will be a much better year for the Gators D. Having Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin anchoring the offense doesn’t hurt, either.

4. USC Trojans

Even with only four returning starters on offense and the departure of Keith Rivers and Sedrick Ellis on defense, Southern Cal looks to be a contender for the national title for the seventh straight year.

After dislocating his knee a few weeks ago, junior quarterback Mark Sanchez looks like he’ll be healthy for the big non-conference games against Virginia and Ohio State early in the season.

The offense may take some time to gel, but fortunately for USC the Trojans have arguably the best defense in the country. Seniors Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing, Kevin Ellison, Fili Moala, and junior Taylor Mays all have the potential to become stars on the next level.

5. Oklahoma Sooners

As always with the Bob Stoops-led program, the Sooners are loaded on offense. Led by sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford, sophomore running back DeMarco Murray, and one of the best offensive lines in the nation, OU will have no problem scoring in the Big 12.

The big question with the Sooners is whether they show up in their bowl games. Worse than Ohio State’s recent postseason history, Oklahomahas lost four consecutive BCS bowl games—ncluding the blowout against West Virginia last season and the classic Boise State “Statue of Liberty” game in 2007.

The Sooners have a championship-caliber team again this year, so there are truly no excuses.

6. West Virginia Mountaineers

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written on August 25, 2008 Preview/Prediction