College Football 2011 Predictions: The First Loss for Every Top-25 Team

Although we have reached the time of year when college students across the country are taking finals and schools are about to hold their respective graduations, it's already time to start thinking about the 2011 college football season.

While we don't know exactly how every roster is going to look in the upcoming season this early, by looking at key returnees and recruiting classes, we are able to get somewhat of a general sense.

The following is my prediction of the first loss each Top-25 team will suffer in the fall.  The rankings were generated from ESPN's Mark Schlabach's College Football's Way-Too-Early 2011 Top 25 article.

25. Mississippi State Bulldogs

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 01: Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullens is interviewed by ESPN following the Bulldogs victory over the Michigan Wolverines during the Gator Bowl at EverBank Field on January 1, 2011 in Jacksonville, Florida (Photo by Rick

First loss: Sept. 10, @ Auburn

The Bulldogs finished a very surprising 9-4 last year, and capped it off by beating up on the Michigan Wolverines in the Gator Bowl. 

Although they lost standout players Derek Sherrod and Pernell McPhee, this is a team that will be returning seven starters from a year ago on each side of the ball. 

Chris WIlson will be taking over a defense that allowed just 19.8 points per game last year, which was good for 21st in the country.  This is a talented group with a good amount of experience looking to build upon the success of a year ago.

The Bulldogs will be playing Auburn at the right time of the year, as Auburn will still be learning to play together after losing players such as Cam Newton and Nick Fairley.  But Auburn still has the No. 3 recruiting class in the country and boast a great home-field advantage.  The Bulldogs will come up just short.

24. Nebraska Cornhuskers

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 04: Head coach Bo Pelini of the Nebraska Cornhuskers leads his team against the Oklahoma Sooners at Cowboys Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Sooners beat the Cornhuskers 23-20. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty

First loss: Oct. 1, @ Wisconsin

The Cornhuskers will be moving to the Big 10 this year, and they will be looking to get back on track after struggling down the stretch last year.

It may be more difficult than some people think, as Nebraska had a number of key losses, including Prince Amukamara and Roy Helu Jr. Quarterback Taylor Martinez also needs to improve his play.

Nebraska has a fairly soft schedule through their first four games of 2011, but they will be in for a rude awakening when they travel to Wisconsin to take on the Badgers.

23. Arizona State Sun Devils

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TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 02: Quarterback Brock Osweiler #17 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the college football game at Arizona Stadium on December 2, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Wildcats 30-29 in double overtime. (Photo by

First loss: Oct. 15, @ Oregon

The Sun Devils will boast a deep and talented team this year.  They will be returning 10 starters from a year ago on offense and nine on defense.

Quarterback Brock Osweiler continues to improve and the Sun Devils will have one of the more dynamic offenses in the Pac 12.

They will face some stiff tests early, hosting Missouri and USC and traveling to Illinois.  But I think they prevail in all three of those contests before finally losing to Oregon in the middle of October.

22. Virginia Tech Hokies

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Head coach Frank Beamer of the Virginia Tech Hokies looks on against the Stanford Cardinal during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. Stanford won 40-12. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/

First loss: Oct. 1, vs. Clemson

The Hokies lost quarterback Tyrod Taylor and both Ryan Williams and Darren Evans to the NFL draft, so they have some question marks at their offensive skill positions.  Still, they have a good amount of experience along their offensive line and the defense should be one of the best in the ACC.

Here is the one problem I see, however: Do I think Virginia Tech is better than Clemson? Yes.  But their non-conference schedule is extremely weak, meaning they will face no real test before squaring off against the Tigers.

That is why I think they may have slip up in their ACC opener, even though they will be playing at home.  But looking at their schedule, if the Hokies take care of business against Clemson, they could very well run the tables the rest of the way.

21. Missouri Tigers

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TEMPE, AZ - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Gary Pinkel of the Missouri Tigers reacts on the sidelines during the Insight Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Sun Devil Stadium on December 28, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. The Hawkeyes defeated the Tigers 27-24. (Photo

First loss: Sept. 9, @ Arizona State

Now that Blaine Gabbert is gone, the Tigers have some major question marks at the quarterback position.

However, the offense does return 10 players from a year ago and the defense has some serious talent on it.  If they can get consistent play from their secondary, the Tigers will be right in the thick of things in the Big 12.

But a win at Arizona State early on in the season with a young quarterback might just be too much to ask from this squad.

20. Florida Gators

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GAINESVILLE, FL - APRIL 9: Coach Will Muschamp of the Florida Gators congratulates cornerback Moses Jenkins #36 during the Orange and Blue spring football game April 9, 2011 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt

First loss: Oct. 1, vs. Alabama

The Gators should be much improved under new head coach Will Muschamp and new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis.

Their is still a great amount of talent on this roster and John Brantley should be much better playing under Weis.

But that won't be enough against the Crimson Tide.

19. Texas Longhorns

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AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 25: Head coach Mack Brown of the Texas Longhorns during a game against the UCLA Bruins at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

First loss: Oct. 8, vs. Oklahoma (in Dallas)

The bad news: Texas suffered through their first losing season under Mack Brown last season, finishing with just a 5-7 record.  As a result, Brown made major changes throughout his coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Manny Diaz.

The good news: This is still Texas we are talking about.  They don't rebuild, they reload.  Brown brought in another top-five recruiting class, although quarterback Garrett Gilbert needs to be much better if the Longhorns hope to get back to the top of the Big 12.

They will be much, much better.  Just not good enough to beat the rival Sooners.

18. Georgia Bulldogs

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AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Mark Richt of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

First loss: Sept. 3, vs. Boise State (in Atlanta)

The Bulldogs are another team that brought in a top recruiting class, including Isaiah Crowell, who was rated as the No. 1 running back available.  Georgia will also be returning four starters on the offensive line, so the offense is more than capable.

The defense, however, is the major question mark.  The Bulldogs lost Justin Houston to the NFL and the rest of the team struggled while trying to adjust to the 3-4.  With a year of experience under their belts, Georgia should be better than the 6-7 record they posted a year ago.

But Kellen Moore should have a field day against Georgia, meaning the Bulldogs will start the season 0-1.

17. Auburn Tigers

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Head coach Gene Chizik of the Auburn Tigers reacts on the sideline against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo b

First loss: Oct. 1, @ South Carolina

It is been well-documented how much the defending champions will miss Cam Newton and Nick Fairley.  But they will also miss the four offensive linemen that won't be returning as well.

Still, Auburn brought in the No. 3 recruiting class, so they won't exactly be chopped liver, either.

Barrett Trotter and freshman Kiehl Frazier will compete for the starting quarterback position, while Michael Dyer should see even more touches than last year at tailback.

There will be some growing pains with this young group, and they will start when the Tigers travel to South Carolina.

16. Michigan State Spartans

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Michigan State Spartans hands the ball off to Edwin Baker #4 during the Capitol One Bowl against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike

First loss: Sept. 17, @ Notre Dame

With quarterback Kirk Cousins and running backs Edwin Baker and Le'Veon Bell, the Spartans will be as dangerous as ever in 2011.

The problem is they lost some key pieces on defense, and their schedule won't be doing them any favors, either.

The battle between the Spartans offense and the Irish defense will be fun to watch, but ultimately, Notre Dame will prevail.

15. South Carolina Gamecocks

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COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 06: Head coach Steve Spurrier of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

First loss: Sept. 10, @ Georgia

South Carolina, the defending SEC East champions, will have a potent offense led by running back Marcus Lattimore and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.  If quarterback Stephen Garcia is able to play with more consistency this season, it would take the Gamecocks to a whole different level.

It will also be interesting to see how much Jadeveon Clowney, the nation's No. 1 overall recruit, can contribute early on.  If he plays as expected, it will be a major boost to a defense that was absolutely embarrassed by Auburn in last season's SEC Championship game.

But traveling to Georgia early on in the season will be too much of a challenge for Steve Spurrier and his team.

14. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Brian Kelly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish gestures during the game with the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Notre Dame won 20-16. (Photo by Stephe

First loss: Nov. 12, @ Maryland

Notre Dame returns nine starters on offense, including standout wide receiver Michael Floyd, and also returns eight starters on defense from a year ago.

Brian Kelly brought in a very good recruiting class, including a couple of highly rated defensive linemen.  This is a veteran group that will only get better with another year under Kelly.

The Irish have a tough schedule, including hosting the likes of Air Force, Michigan State and USC.  If they can survive all of those games, I think they will be without a loss all the way until mid-November, where they fall to Maryland.

13. Wisconsin Badgers

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Head coach Bret Bielema of the Wisconsin Badgers stands on the sidelines against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

First loss: Oct. 29, @ Ohio State

A year ago, the Badgers had the best offensive line in the country, which was the biggest reason why the team made it all way to the Rose Bowl.  Having lost key pieces from that line, they will need continued production from the replacements if Wisconsin hopes to win the Big 10.

But on Oct. 29, Terrelle Pryor and the rest of the suspended Buckeyes will be back with the team, making it unlikely that the Badgers will be able tol go to Columbus and get a win.

12. Texas A&M Aggies

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AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 25: Texas A&M players (L-R) Dustin Harris #22, Ben Malena #23, Jeff Fuller #8, Michael Lamothe #19, Blane Cheatham #29, and C.J. Jones #27 celebrate Texas A&M's 24-17 win over the University of Texas at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memori

First loss: Nov. 5, @ Oklahoma

Defense, defense, defense.  That is the name of the game for the Aggies and that is why they have a very good chance at challenging Oklahoma for the Big 12 South title.

Yes, this defense did lose Von Miller.  Miller was taken No. 2 overall in the NFL Draft and was a premier talent.  But I have a feeling they can manage without him.  This will be their second year playing in the 3-4 system.  That experience will make them even better, and although they will miss MIller, they still return nine starters on defense from a year ago.

I'm tempted to pick A&M over Oklahoma, but ultimately I can't.  The Sooners are at home in this one and have a slightly better all-around team.  It should be a fun one, though.

11. Arkansas Razorbacks

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Knile Davis #7 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty

First loss: Sept. 24, @ Alabama

Arkansas has a very good running back in Knile Davis and an elite receiving corps, but the Razorbacks will only go as far as quarterback Tyler Wilson takes them.

Wilson will replace Ryan Mallett, who left for the NFL Draft.  He is a very good prospect in his own right, but is still fairly unproven.  If he plays up to his potential, Arkansas is a dangerous team.  If not, it could be a long year for this team.

Their defense isn't elite, but it is steadily improving.  It just won't be good enough to contain Alabama.

10. Oklahoma State Cowboys

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STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 05: Head coach Mike Gundy of the Oklahoma State Cowboys walks the sidelines during the college football game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Boone Pickens Stadium on September 5, 2009 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys defea

First loss: Sept. 24, @ Texas A&M

The Cowboys will have perhaps the best offense in the Big 12 in 2011.

But after losing six key starters on defense, how good will they be on that side of the ball?

The Cowboys have a difficult schedule and play a number of tough games on the road.  The first key test will be a visit to Texas A&M, and I don't like their chances in that one.

9. TCU Horned Frogs

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: The TCU Horned Frogs kneel prior to playing the Wisconsin Badgers in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

First loss: Sept. 10, @ Air Force

Everyone is looking ahead to Nov. 12 when TCU travels to Boise and takes on Boise State, and the consensus is both teams will be undefeated entering that contest.

But I say hold on just a minute.

Yes, the TCU defense is very good under Gary Patterson, but this team lost a ton of offensive firepower.  Gone are standout players such as Andy Dalton, Jimmy Young and Jeremy Kerley.  Where are they going to find the offensive firepower from?

I say they get tripped up on Sept. 10 when they face a very underrated Air Force squad.

8. Boise State Broncos

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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 22: Quarterback Kellen Moore #11 of the Boise State Broncos throws for yardage against the Utah Utes during the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas at Sam Boyd Stadium December 22, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boise State Won 26-3. (Photo by Eth

First loss: None in the regular season

Unlike TCU, I think Boise State will be undefeated when they take on TCU on Nov. 12, and they should be able to dispose of the Horned Frogs on their home turf en route to another undefeated regular season.

The Broncos offense is simply a juggernaut, and Kellen Moore is a legit candidate for the Heisman trophy.  Boise State will run the tables.

7. Stanford Cardinal

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal throws a pass against Steven Friday #82 of the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Ge

 First loss: Oct. 29, @ USC

Don't get me wrong: with Andrew Luck under center for his senior season, Stanford has a chance to win every game they play in.

But they have questions all across the offensive line, as they lost three starters from a year ago.  Furthermore, they also lost seven defensive starters.  They did sign a top-20 recruiting class, but it will be interesting to see how they come together under new head coach David Shaw.

I'm not overly confident about the pick, but I think Southern Cal gets the job done on their home field.

6. Ohio State Buckeyes

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to pass against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthe

First loss: Sept. 17, @ Miami

The Buckeyes are going to struggle during the first give games of the season, as they will be without start quarterback Terrelle Pryor and four other starters who will be serving suspensions.

I think both Miami and Michigan State will capitalize on playing a depleted Buckeye team, and both teams will pull out victories.

5. Oregon Ducks

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: LaMichael James #21 and Darron Thomas #1 of the Oregon Ducks react to the Auburn Tigers during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jona

First loss: None in the regular season

With both Darron and LaMichael James returning to school, the Ducks will be the team to beat in the Pac 12.

They do have to find replacements for three offensive linemen that they lost as well as their top two receiver, but they have a good recruiting class coming in and will still be able to put up a ton of points.

I like their offense to best LSU's defense during the opening weekend of the season, and I also think they can beat Standford again this year, this time playing on the road.  The Ducks get to host USC. Arizona State and Oregon State this year, which will give them a favorable advantage.

Call it a hunch, but I don't see this team losing.

4. LSU Tigers

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Les Miles of the Louisiana State University Tigers runs on to the field during pregame before playing the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Tiger Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chr

First loss: Sept. 3, vs. Oregon (in Arlington)

The Tigers bring back 10 starters on offense and eight starters on defense, but still have a major question mark at quarterback.  Zach Mettenberger and Jordan Jefferson will compete for the starting quarterback position, and they will need one of them to step up and take the reigns of this team.

The Tigers defense is always solid, but I don't think they will be able to stop the Oregon Ducks offense enough to win their opener.  This squad is still a contender in the SEC West, though.

3. Florida State Seminoles

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Jimbo Fisher and the Florida State Seminoles reacts after their 26-17 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks during the 2010 Chick-fil-A Bowl at Georgia Dome on December 31, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin

First loss: Sept. 17, vs. Oklahoma

The Seminoles have nine starters coming back on both offense and defense, and they also boast the nation's No. 1 recruiting class.  Things look good for Jimbo Fisher and Florida State.

After getting destroyed by Oklahoma a year ago in Normal, the two teams will meet up again early in the season.  The Sooners will pull out the road win, but this game will be much closer than last year's contest.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Alabama Crimson Tide Head Coach Nick Saban stands on the sideline during the Capitol One Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty I

First loss: Nov. 26, @ Auburn

Alabama lost some serious talent-Julio Jones and Mark Ingram just to name a few-, but Nick Saban reloaded with another top-five recruiting class, and the Tide are primed for another big season.

I think they will be undefeated heading into the final week of the regular season, but won't escape Auburn for an undefeated season.  They have a very tough schedule, as always, but on paper they look just that good.

1. Oklahoma Sooners

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Head coach Bob Stoops looks on while taking on the Connecticut Huskies during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

First loss: None in the regular season

With Landry Jones back as the quarterback, this offense is primed for another explosive season.

The Sooners are returning a whopping 29 players who have experience in the starting lineup, and added more depth to their skill positions through recruiting. 

Oklahoma will face an early test when they travel to Florida State, and we should know if they are the real deal after that game.  I think they are, and they will finish the regular season without a loss.