College Football 2011: LSU and 10 Teams That Will Contend for a BCS Title
It may be months away, but America always seems to have a case of college football fever. Easily the most unpredictable sport on the planet, there is no guarantee ever that any team will repeat as national champions.
After this year's National Signing Day, the futures looked bright for many NCAA programs. Every major team seemed to lure a top high school prospect. Yet, regardless of that, next year's college football season is looking like a good one.
That being said, here are 10 teams that will be sure to have a shot at an appearance in the BCS National Championship Game.
No. 10: Florida State Seminoles
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In his first season taking over for the legendary Bobby Bowden, Jimbo Fisher did not fail to impress. He took a team that underachieved at 7-6 in 2009 and turned them into a 10-4 team.
The team's losses were bad ones, but the offense kept it close in three of the four. In 2011, Fisher will have a big help on defense in freshman safety Karlos Williams. With him patrolling the secondary and delivering hard hits on opposing receivers, along with the offense running on all cylinders, look for the Seminoles to be a top contender in a tough ACC.
No. 9: Texas Longhorns
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There isn't any other way to say this. Texas had an awful 2010, finishing 5-7 as head coach Mack Brown had his first losing season in 20 years. The team's performance could be attributed to sophomore quarterback Garrett Gilbert carrying the entire offense back with no effective running back and top receiver Jordan Shipley having left for the NFL.
Needless to say, fans are still hurting from the team's loss to Alabama in the BCS Championship Game a little over a year ago. This year, the Longhorns will improve. Gilbert knows the offense better and has a top running back in freshman Malcolm Brown. If the two of them can learn how to play together and form a good relationship both on and off the field, look for the Longhorns to make a comeback in the Big 12 in 2011.
No. 8: LSU Tigers
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Last season the Tigers went 11-2. It was head coach Les Miles's best record since winning a national championship back in 2007. This year, with the defense in possession of a key piece to the puzzle, it might be time for him to make his return to the championship game.
In 2007, Miles's defensive line was led by senior defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey. Once he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, the defense was without a punishing hitter and leader on the front line. This year, they have that presence as Miles was able to recruit and sign Anthony Johnson, the No. 1 defensive tackle in the country.
Johnson has it all: size, speed, and the potential to be a great leader. If he impresses in practice, look for him to be starting as the Tigers roar their way to the top of the SEC.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
No. 7: Florida Gators
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To say that new Gators head coach Will Muschamp has big shoes to fill would be an understatement. He's taking over for Urban Meyer, who led the team to two national championships in three years and had a 5-1 bowl game record during his tenure in Gainesville. Besides that, the team is coming off of an 8-5 season that had people wondering if they could indeed win without a top quarterback like Tim Tebow.
All in all, Muschamp has a good team to work with. He is a defensive coach, so he is sure to work wonders with a secondary still bleeding from the loss of Joe Haden. On top of that, he has a top young quarterback in Jeff Driskel, who may see some time despite being a freshman.
With a good young coach who works well with good young players, look for the Gators to once again make a statement in a tough SEC.
No. 6: Auburn Tigers
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If there's anything that Tigers coach Gene Chizik wants to avoid, it's being labeled as a coach who had one good season because of a great quarterback and explosive defensive lineman. After his team won a national championship this season, Chizik said it was "time to go back to work." He has done just that.
Auburn's offensive line has a great addition this coming season in Christian Westerman, who was lured away from a verbal commitment to Texas. Besides him, they have another speedy quarterback in freshman Kiehl Frazier. With proper development, these guys could become SEC superstars.
Going back to Chizik, there really isn't any reason to doubt his chances of winning another title. He's a good recruiter and has a balanced team. He didn't go 14-0 in 2010 for no reason, and he'll prove that tenfold in years to come.
No. 5: Ohio State Buckeyes
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When I think of the old-school college football coach who recruits well, utilizes his bench and whose team gives it a little extra season by season, I think of Jim Tressel. His Buckeyes teams have been to the BCS Championship Game three times and despite losing twice, still manage to contend year after year.
This season will be harder as star quarterback Terrelle Pryor will miss the first five games due to suspension but as I just mentioned, Tressel knows how to use his backup players. That being said, I have no doubt that the five games without Pryor will hurt the team that badly. It might a little bit, but the team will rebound.
Tressel is a good coach and the players love him, not to mention the fans, so look for the Buckeyes to make a statement in the Big 10 Conference in 2011.
No. 4: Alabama Crimson Tide
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If there's one thing that Nick Saban does well, it's coaching. Everywhere he goes (minus that forgettable stint in the NFL), he seems to have the Midas Touch. In just three years in Tuscaloosa, Saban turned around a football program that was in desperate need of a return to glory. His undefeated squad in 2009 showed that 'Bama was back, and with a vengeance.
His 2010 was off, primarily due to star running back Mark Ingram playing with a bad knee and the Auburn Tigers just refusing to lose. Still, Saban led the Tide to a 10-3 record.
Ingram will be gone next season, but Saban has signed on many running backs with great potential. With his bulldog attitude and refusal to accept nothing but the best, look for this coach's team to heavily contend in a strong SEC.
No. 3: Michigan State Spartans
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2010 was an interesting season for Spartans coach Mark Dantonio. He missed a few games because of a heart attack suffered during a postgame celebration, and he turned the Spartans into an 11-2 contender following a dreadful 6-7 campaign in 2009. They got destroyed by Alabama in the Capital One Bowl, but that doesn't take away from the fact that 2010 was something of a Cinderella season.
In 2011, there's no doubt in my mind that Michigan State football will return to glory on the highest possible level. They have a good core, play hard and have a great coach in Dantonio. Long story short, their determination is beyond admirable.
Look for the Spartans to make a run at a national championship as they fend off the dangerous Buckeyes!
No. 2: Oregon Ducks
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In just his second season as the Ducks' head coach, Chip Kelly defied the odds. The team was undefeated during the regular season, their only loss coming against Auburn in the BCS Championship Game. In 2011, Kelly is out to do one thing: finish the job.
The Ducks' top offensive weapon, running back and Heisman Trophy finalist LaMichael James, has announced that he will return to the team for his junior season. Combine his speed with that of quarterback Darron Thomas, and the Ducks will run and quack their way to another Pac-10 title.
No. 1: Boise State Broncos
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Honestly, what is there to say about the Boise State Broncos football team that hasn't already been said? They blow 90% of their opponents out of the water, are a talented young team, and the BCS just refuses to give them their due respect because they don't play in a top conference.
In 2011, the team will move to the Mountain West Conference from the less-talented Western Athletic Conference. Their first game is against the SEC's Georgia Bulldogs. I say that if they win that game with authority and go undefeated for the entire regular season, give head coach Chris Petersen and his men what they're due!
Just imagine if BSU made it to the BCS Championship Game against another offensive powerhouse like Oregon. That game would be one for the ages! Either way, the Broncos are a great team with a lot of potential. They have done everything but win a national championship.
In 2011, perhaps it will be their time.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
