I know, I know...the 2007 season ended less than a week ago, and here I am putting together a Top 10 of teams to watch.
Obviously, things could change based on National Signing Day and early entries to the NFL Draft. In short: I'm a sick, sick person.
1. Georgia Bulldogs
Arguably the hottest team at the end of 2007, Georgia returns all but five starters from this year's Sugar Bowl squad. Sophomore running back Knowshon Moreno, redshirt freshman Caleb King, and quarterback Matthew Stafford will anchor one of the best backfields in America.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
After two straight years of BCS Championship nightmares, coach Jim Tressel will be in a great position to prove the third time's a charm. Replacing right tackle Kirk Barton is the biggest issue for the Buckeyes, who return both leading receivers, quarterback, and leading rusher on offense. On defense, the addition of injured defensive end Lawrence Wilson will make the stout OSU defense even better... assuming LB James Laurinaitis comes back for his senior season.
3. Oklahoma Sooners
Quarterback Sam Bradford will be back under center, along with the majority of the offensive line and skill positions. Running back DeMarco Murray will replace senior Allen Patrick, and there's a good possibility WR Malcom Kelly will make the jump to the NFL. On defense OU will have to replace two starters in the secondary... but look for Bob Stoops to have the Sooners in the thick of the championship hunt yet again.
4. Florida Gators
The Gators defense will be much improved in 2008, as will the running game with USC transfer Emmanuel Moody. The combo of Moody, Tim Tebow, and Percy Harvin will be one of the most dynamic in the country.
5. Clemson
With the return of running back tandem C.J. Spiller and James Davis, quarterback Cullen Harper and wide receiver Aaron Kelly, Clemson will undoubtedly have an explosive offense. Protecting Harper will be the biggest obstacle, as Tommy Bowden will have to replace four starters on the offensive line. With 9 starters back on D, the Tigers should finally win the ACC.
6. USC
Based on talent alone, USC is one of the best teams in the cou
ntry. But coach Pete Carroll will have to replace loads of talent on both offense and defense, including quarterback John David Booty. I predict a season much like 2007 for the Trojans; a bit of a slow start, followed by maturation, resulting in one of the hottest teams at the end of the year. The only problem with that is the September 13 game against Ohio State, which could end up as an early loss.
Quick sidenote: I'm not 100% convinced Carroll will be back at USC next year. Don't be surprised if he takes the Atlanta Falcons job.
7. Texas Tech Red Raiders
4 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Anonymous about 1 year ago
Tech at #7!?!?!?!
Oh, that's right, having a offensive mindset will win you games through and through. Hey, how about some DEFENSE! Leach never has, nor never will, give a care about the defensive side of the ball. Dark horse, yes, your dark horse is the one they ride out on when they score at home. Nice picks other than that.
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Jared Reback about 1 year ago
You might want to wait on these rankings until you see which players bolt early for the pros. James Davis and Aaron Kelly are gone for Clemson, and I would think some other players might be leaving from the other teams.
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Daniel Young about 1 year ago
On paper, USC should be the Number 1 team, but thats just on paper and we can't crown the paper champions. Isn't that right Buckeye fans!? LOL
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
LSU is still the Team to beat!!
QB R.Perriloux 6-3 230 4.5 40, better passer & runner than M.Flynn.
Returning RBs K.Williams, C.Scott, T.Holliday and R.Murphy in the backfield. Quinn Johnson will be back to block for them at FB. The OL will return the top 4 starters and 9 of the top 10 backups! They only lose C.Stewart, who wasnt that great anyway !!
the Only receiver we are losing is Doucet who missed 7 games anyway, but the next 7 WR after him are returning including Byrd, Lafell, Tolliver and the Mitchells(Chris and Jared) plus the addition of Ricky Dixon and Deangelo Benton.
also the top TE Dickson is returning as well as 4 other great pass catching TEs.
the DL will hurt with Dorsey gone, but everyone else returns, plus we get C.Alexander back and the country will learn who Jean-Francois is and about D.Nevis and Al Woods. the LB corps will be just as athletic and the MLB Beckwith is quietly one of the best ILB in the country. the CBs positions loses both corners but you will learn that the backups are super athletes in J.Eugene, C.Hawkins, P.Jones and the No 1 CB recruit in the nation, Pat Johnson. the safeties only lose C.Steltz who was limited athletically anyway but keep the other top 4 DBs in Chad Jones (a superster), Curtis Taylor, Harry Coleman (my BCS game MVP) and Danny McCray, plus all other backups.
Yes LSU loses some key contributors but they will be more talented next season and just as dangerous as USC, Georgia, Florida or any other team
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