College Football 2011: Power Ranking the Best Offenses Post-National Signing Day
College football is always exciting. Don't expect 2011 to be any different. It could be the only football being played next fall, but forget about that for now.
When we watch games, we hope for tons of scoring and big plays. The way a team's offense is playing greatly affects how we tune in to the game. Obviously if your offense is playing well, you're going to be happy, but you might be a bit anxious if the other team is playing lights out as well.
Our emotions run high during football season. We want to see our teams succeed—and to win, you have to score.
There are some great offenses out there. As a collective unit the team may not be as good. There are many programs with great offenses and just atrocious defenses. So forget about the defense, as this piece is solely about which team has the best offense.
Who can claim the top spot?
15. Michigan Wolverines
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Rich Rodriquez may be out the door, but Denard Robinson is staying. Robinson is a guy who threw for over 2,500 yards and set the rushing record for a quarterback with 1,702 yards. Robinson also had 32 total touchdowns.
Also returning for the Wolverines are top receivers Roy Roundtree, who caught 72 passes for just under 1,000 yards, and Darryl Stonum, who totaled 633 receiving yards on only 49 catches.
Running backs Vincent Smith and Michael Shaw combined for over 1,000 yards and 14 total touchdowns in 2010. Both will be returning and seeing a few more carries to limit the possibility of Robinson getting injured again.
The Wolverines will once again have a prolific offense. Last season they ranked in the top 25 in scoring, and 2011 probably won't be any different. If only their defense could step up.
14. Wisconsin Badgers
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They lost their quarterback, but that isn't a huge concern. The Badgers do return running backs James White and Montee Ball.
White rushed for over 1,000 yards on 156 carries and 14 touchdowns. Ball dominated the end zone with 18 touchdowns while rushing for just under 1,000 yards.
The Badgers will continue to run by teams and control the clock. They were in the top five of scoring, averaging 41 points a game. They find the end zone, and they find it often. They're adding more speed with recruits A.J. Jordan and Melvin Gordon.
13. Michigan State Spartans
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Kirk Cousins returns for his senior season looking to claim full ownership of the Big Ten title. Cousins threw for over 2,800 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Also returning for the Spartans is 1,000-yard rusher Edwin Baker. He'll be a junior and can definitely rush for even more in 2011.
Michigan State loses its top wideout in Mark Dell but has recruited well. Juwan Caesar from Miami, Florida could potentially step in and help out right away. The 6'4", 200-pound 4-star receiver could see action early if the Spartans need him.
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12. Florida State Seminoles
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Christian Ponder may be heading to the NFL, but E.J. Manuel gained great in-game experience during 2010. Injuries over the past two seasons have given Manuel great preparation for his first full year as a starter.
The Seminoles recruited very strong defenders to help boost the defensive play, but they also recruited a few top offensive players. No. 2 tight end Nick O'Leary could see early action. The Noles also recruited one of the top offensive tackles in Bobby Hart.
Florida State returns all of its stat leaders on offense other than Ponder. They should rule the ACC this year.
11. Florida Gators
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The Gators are reshaping their offense. Hiring a new coach and a new offensive coordinator means things are going to change. But the Gators still have the talent to excel on the offensive side of the ball.
The Gators spread the ball around to a number of players last year. Jeff Demps, Chris Rainey and Trey Burton were all dangerous with the football. John Brantley decided not to transfer this offseason with the hire of Charlie Weis.
Burton is listed at quarterback, but expect new head coach Will Muschamp to still find ways to get him the ball.
New recruits help the Gators offense look even better. Florida adds top quarterback Jeff Driskel and strong receiver Ja'Juan Story. They also add some of the top athletes of the 2011 class and a top 10 running back in Mike Blakely. The Gators should be set for a while.
10. Georgia Bulldogs
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You're probably wondering why a 6-7 team from 2010 makes the top , 10 especially after the Bulldogs lost their best player in A.J. Green. The answer: very strong recruiting.
The Bulldogs added a couple of players who can make an impact right away. Most notably is the top running back recruit in Isaiah Crowell. His speed and vision make him very dangerous, and head coach Mark Richt already stated Crowell should be playing in the first game. Crowell will join Caleb King and Washaun Ealey in competition for the starting role.
The nation's best tight end, Jay Rome, could also see action early in the season. Most of that depends on how well he can block early on, but at 6'5", 230 pounds, Rome has the ability to impact the passing game.
Georgia likes to run the two-tight end set, and Rome will join Orson Charles to make quite the combination of tight ends.
They will all be led by Aaron Murray, who had a stellar first year as the starting quarterback. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns. The running game will be a little better, so I don't think his numbers will be quite the same, but they'll still be good. Georgia's offense will be a complete unit in 2011.
9. Oklahoma State Cowboys
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Receiver Justin Blackmon decided to come back to college. Because of that, the Cowboys will once again have a high-powered offense.
They were ranked third in scoring, averaging 44 points a game. They are led once again by quarterback Brandon Weeden. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 34 touchdowns in 2010.
The Cowboys lost their top running back in Kendall Hunter, but Joseph Randle should step up and be the top back. Top recruit Herschel Sims could see early play and may live up to that first name. Sims is the 10th-ranked running back in the nation.
8. Boise State Broncos
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Kellen Moore returns for his senior season and finds himself in a new conference. The Broncos made the switch and are now in the Mountain West Conference.
Even though they lost their top two receivers, the Broncos will still have one of the top offenses in the country. They were ranked second in the nation in scoring in 2010. Moore will find whoever is open, and this team will move down the field with ease.
Running back Doug Martin also returns, looking to go for back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. Martin also rushed for 12 touchdowns. None of their recruits will have an immediate impact, but they will develop. The Broncos will still be a dangerous contender.
7. LSU Tigers
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The Mad Hatter runs an interesting offense. He switches up his quarterbacks from time to time, but he still finds ways to win. The Tigers lose their best back to the NFL in Stevan Ridley, but with the talent level on their team someone will step up.
It could be one of their recruits named Kenny Hilliard, who ranks in the top 10 among running backs. They also signed JUCO transfer Zach Mettenberger, who will impact the quarterback race. Mettenberger played at a junior college after being kicked off the Georgia Bulldogs. The 6'5" QB could win the starting role if Les Miles doesn't like what he sees from Jordan Jefferson.
Another recruit who could help the team upon arrival is the No. 3 receiver in the nation, Jarvis Landry. He may only be 5'11", but he has lightning speed, which the Tigers will utilize.
6. Stanford Cardinal
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Andrew Luck retuning for his senior season means Stanford will be relevant in 2011. Luck is the best quarterback in all of college football and is the leader of his team.
He loses his two best receivers, but Luck will throw it to whoever is open. New recruits at receiver are Jordan Richards and Ty Montgomery, and if they have a good spring they may find their way onto the field in the fall.
Running back Stepfan Taylor also returns and will be looking to improve on a solid 2010. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Cardinal will once again be in the top 10 for scoring.
5. Alabama Crimson Tide
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This is Trent Richardson's team now. It won't be easy to replace Mark Ingram, Julio Jones and Greg McElroy, but Nick Saban is a master recruiter, and the Crimson Tide are loaded with talent.
Richardson will own the backfield, but newcomer Demetrius Hart could see the field with his blazing speed. Other recruits who will help the offense are big offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio and possibly the playmaking Bradley Sylve.
Alabama has a strong defense, but the offense will be the reason they win or lose games. Expect great things from Trent Richardson.
4. Auburn Tigers
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With the departure of Cam Newton, the Tigers offense will need a new leader in 2011. It won't be their inexperienced quarterback, but it will be running back Michael Dyer.
Dyer rushed for over 1,000 yards and only five touchdowns. He'll find the end zone quite a bit more in 2011 since Cam Newton won't be there. Dyer will also team up with Onterio McCalebb, and together they will form a dynamic duo in the backfield.
The Tigers have had a great combination of backs of the years, and with a new quarterback stepping in, expect the 2011 team to heavily rely on the run.
Top recruits who could help the team as quickly as possible are offensive tackle Christian Westerman, athlete Quan Bray and quarterback Kiehl Frazier.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes
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The Buckeyes return some great playmakers on offense. Terrelle Pryor is their leader, but he is suspended the first five games. Joining him on the sidelines are a few other top offensive starters in running back Dan Herron and receiver DeVier Posey.
The suspension means that early in the season the Buckeyes offense will not be as good as it should be. But by season's end they will be one of the best in the nation. Jim Tressel has filled this team with talent, and the Buckeyes will still be all right.
Their top players' numbers will be down, but it won't take away from their ability to outplay other teams. I don't see any new recruits impacting this team on offense, except possibly receiver Evan Spencer because of the suspension. However, the Buckeyes will be playing those players that know the system well.
2. Oklahoma Sooners
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Landry Jones continues to get better. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 38 touchdowns in 2010. His experience on the field means Oklahoma will be one of the top offenses in the country in 2011.
It also helps that his best receiver is coming back. Ryan Broyles decided to stay and play with Jones and hopefully win a title.
The Sooners lost DeMarco Murray to the NFL, but the No. 5 running back in the nation, Brandon Williams, will join the mix of backs looking to step up in Murray's absence.
Another recruit who could play his freshman year is receiver Trey Metoyer. His size and speed could mean early playing time, possibly in the slot position.
The Sooners will have one of the best offenses in the country.
1. Oregon Ducks
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The Ducks were so close to a national championship this past season. Top playmakers LaMichael James and Darron Thomas will be out for revenge in 2011. The No. 1 offense in the country last season will be right back near the top, hoping to hoist the title this time around.
Oregon is led by James, who rushed for over 1,700 yards and scored 21 touchdowns. Thomas threw for just under 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. Both will be back, and they're joined by the No. 1 athlete in the 2011 class of recruits, De'Anthony Thomas.
De'Anthony spurned USC and chose Oregon in a last-minute decision. He likes the speed of Oregon and knows he can contribute right away. De'Anthony, aka "The Black Mamba," has ridiculous speed, meaning Chip Kelly will be finding ways to get this kid the ball.
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