College Football Predictions 2011: Top 10 Teams at Season's End
College football year in and year out is filled with surprises, upsets, shockers and success stories that draw fans in. This past season, we saw undefeated Boise State lose a surprising matchup at Nevada that ended its National Championship hopes.
College football has everything you desire and love in a sport. The unmatched level of excitement for college students as their teams take the field can't be replicated anywhere else. Good luck, boys.
10. Nebraska
1 of 10
Everyone agrees that Taylor Martinez is an outstaning athlete and has the ability to carry his team on his back. The question is whether he will be able to carry that burden all season. For Nebraska and Bo Pelini, next year in the new conference will be a trial run for the Huskers, and hopefully it will play out well.
Nebraska has a strong running game and if Martinez can stabilize his ability as a consistent passer, Nebraska will likely be a contender for a conference championship. After this season's devastating loss to Washington in its bowl game, Nebraska will be back with an unmatched fire next season.
9. Florida State
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Jimbo Fisher can recruit, plain and simple. After a tough season in Tallahassee, the Seminoles will enter 2011 with the top recruiting class in the nation. Fisher is a smart guy and knows he will have a hole at quarterback with the departure of Christian Ponder, but he also has E.J. Manuel, their highly anticipated 2009 recruit.
Manuel has the athletic ability to be an elite player in the NCAA, and if the eight returning starters on both sides of the ball mesh with the waiting recruits, Florida State should have no problem taking the ACC and heading to a much-needed BCS Bowl Game.
8. Boise State
3 of 10
Losing to Nevada this past season was a shock to the entire college football world. In 2011 Boise State gets lucky with the return of quarterback Kellen Moore, who could become the winningest quarterback in college football history.
Moore though is losing his top two receivers in Austin Pettis and Titus Young, but without them Boise State will have young talent to step up and fill the void. Regardless of all of this, Boise State still has a chance to go undefeated next season, but not with the winning margins they are used to.
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7. Oklahoma State
4 of 10
With Justin Blackmon, the nation's leading receiver this past year returning, Oklahoma State has a much stronger chance at repeating the success of 2010. The Cowboys have always been one step behind the Sooners, but next year could be the time they make a real run.
Mike Gundy's fierce attitude and desire to win could be what it takes to push them beyond the threshold and into the talk of elite teams.
6. LSU
5 of 10
LSU needs a leader for this ranking to happen at the end of the season. Jordan Jefferson has the potential to be the leader Les Miles wants and needs. If Jefferson can step up to the plate and lead them all season, the Tigers will go far.
With all this happening, Miles could coach his team to another SEC Championship game and a potential BCS Bowl. Also, a strong recruiting class with add to these efforts.
5. Ohio State
6 of 10
Ohio State is for sure going to miss Pryor and other players who are suspended for the beginning of the 2011 season, but underclassmen and the other starters will have a chance to prove themselves and play well. Ohio State's schedule in the beginning is pretty lackluster, which will benefit them greatly.
Once Pryor and the others return, the Buckeyes will have no problem winning out and taking the Big Ten title next season.
4. South Carolina
7 of 10
Is Stephen Garcia finally the guy to lead South Carolina to an SEC Title? Steve Spurrier must expect his quarterback to be strong next year after showing impressive signs this year. Garcia and Marcus Lattimore could both be potential All-Americans if they plan at top level all season.
A huge factor for success next year for them is the recent signing of top recruit from high school, Jadaveon Clowney. With him being the anchor of their defense next year, the Gamecocks will be my surprise team to crack the top five.
3. Oklahoma
8 of 10
Landry Jones could a preseason Heisman candidate, and for the Sooners, he will be the captain of their team. Jones is a pro style quarterback with all the tools to succeed next year and at the professional level.
If the Sooners defense steps up and holds teams to low scoring levels each week, Oklahoma will be without a doubt the Big 12 Champion and a contender for a National Championship.
2. Alabama
9 of 10
Trent Richardson is by far the best running back in college football going into next season. With Mark Ingram leaving, and him required to carry the entire running load, the Crimson Tide will ride his shoulders to victory and a National Championship berth in 2011.
Alabama will miss McElroy at quarterback, but its young roster talent and new recruits coming in will be the fire its need to win. Nick Saban is all about winning and won't settle for less.
1. Oregon
10 of 10
LaMichael James is another guy who will for sure be a preseason Heisman candidate. After an extremely successful 2010 season, James will hopefully excel beyond last season's numbers. Darren Thomas is another player the Ducks have returning who will help them get back to a National Championship.
Chip Kelly was able to bring in some top recruits who will help Oregon fill some voids left by graduating seniors. Oregon wants a National Championship after losing this past season to Auburn, and next season the Ducks will do whatever it takes to make that a reality.
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