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

Over 95 percent of college football teams will suffer at least one loss next season.

When will your team fall?

From Tuscaloosa to Tallahassee and South Bend to Eugene, fans everywhere are checking the schedule to see if their team might go undefeated.

It won't happen for most of them, and if you are into getting bad news, keep reading to find out when each Top 25 squad will suffer their first defeat...

25. Arizona State Sun Devils

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

First Loss: 10/15 at Oregon

Reason: While the Sun Devils have a great chance to make some noise not only within the conference, but on a national level, they are still a step behind the Ducks when it comes to offensive talent.

If this one were taking place at ASU, it would be a tough one to call, but with the tough atmosphere at Autzen, the Devils are going to have a hard time hanging with the Ducks' explosive offense.

ASU has a stout defense but will not be able to contain Darron Thomas, LaMichael James and the rest of Oregon's speedy offense.

24. West Virginia Mountaineers

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ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: Geno Smith #12 of the West Virginia Mountineers warms up during the Champs Sports Bowl against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium on December 28, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Ge

First Loss: 9/17 at Maryland

Reason: Conventional wisdom would say that the Mountaineers have the squad to take this one, and their most likely first loss is the next week against a very stout LSU team.

All that aside, Maryland has some very talented guys for the Mountaineers to deal with, particularly QB Danny O'Brien and RB Davin Meggett.

While the Terps lost some receiving talent, they match up very well with WVU across the board, and this one is a home game for Maryland.

If WVU is not focused and looking ahead to the LSU battle, they will get ambushed by the Terps.

23. Missouri Tigers

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COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 13: Michael Egnew #82 of the Missouri Tigers congratulates T.J.Moe #28 with a chest bump after Moe scored a touchdown during the game against the Kansas State Wildcats on November 13, 2010 at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium in Colu

First Loss: 9/9 at Arizona State

Reason: While the Tigers have had a phenomenal non-conference record in recent years, it's tough to believe they will make it out unscathed in '11.

Arizona State has a the athletic, speedy type of defense that will give Mizzou fits, especially while they are trying to break in a new quarterbacks.

ASU Linebacker Vontaze Burfict is going to be a difference maker in this one.

22. Auburn Tigers

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Michael Dyer #5 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with teammates Brandon Mosley #75 and Kodi Burns #18 after he ran the ball for 16-yards and is called down at the one-yardline with 10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter agai

First Loss: 10/1 at South Carolina

Reason: Look, Auburn has some solid returning pieces and should be a better than average football team next season. That being said, they lost Cam Newton, the most dynamic player in the game.

The Tigers are going to find it difficult to sneak onto the Gamecocks home turf and steal a victory, especially if SC quarterback Stephen Garcia is back on the field for the season.

The Tigers will discover in 2011 that Newton was the biggest part of their success, and without him, things are not going to be the same.

21. Mississippi State Bulldogs

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 01: Running back Vick Ballard #28 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs rushes for a touchdown in the 3rd quarter against the Michigan Wolverines during the Gator Bowl at EverBank Field on January 1, 2011 in Jacksonville, Florida

First Loss: 9/10 at Auburn

Reason: Quarterback Chris Relf and running back Vick Ballard make a dynamic duo in the Bulldogs' backfield. Unfortunately, that's about as far as it goes for MSU.

The defense is going to be better against the pass, but with the departure of Pernell McPhee and a stellar linebacking group, the Bulldogs are going to get gashed in the run game.

The Tigers have a more than capable back in Michael Dyer, who will expose the MSU defense in their second game of the season.

20. Texas Longhorns

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AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 25: University of Texas quarterback Garrett Gilbert #8 rushes during the first half against Texas A&M at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2010 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Darren Carroll/Getty Images)

First Loss: 9/10 vs. BYU

Reason: The Horns' ineptitude and inability to win games last season may have been an aberration, but that remains to be seen.

Unless Garrett Gilbert stops looking like Gilbert Grape, Mack Brown's offense is going to sputter once again.

BYU return their leading rusher, passer and receiver from last season and is going to give the 'Horns defense fits, especially in their first season without Will Muschamp.

19. Virginia Tech Hokies

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 17: Head coach Frank Beamer of the Virginia Tech Hokies talks to Matt Reidy #23 against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 17, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

First Loss: 10/8 vs. Miami

Reason: Frank Beamer and his boys will be ready to play defense, but the Hokies' offense must adjust to some newcomers this season.

Quarterback Logan Thomas is no Tyrod Taylor, and running back David Wilson is explosive but inexperienced.

The Hurricanes have incredible team speed across the board, and if either Jacory Harris or Stephen Morris finally shows some consistency, Miami will find a way to beat the Hokies in Lane Stadium.

18. Florida Gators

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GAINESVILLE, FL - APRIL 9: Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis of the Florida Gators directs play with quarterback John Bantley #12 during the Orange and Blue spring football game April 9, 2011 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo

First Loss: 10/1 vs. Alabama

Reason: Too many questions.

The Gators are headed the right direction in '11 and should see improved O-Line play, which in turn should help QB John Brantley. It's still up for debate whether he is capable of leading the Gators' offense.

Brantley looked lost in the Gators' spring game, and any mistakes made against the Tide are going to be taken advantage of.

Alabama returns all but one starter from one of the stingiest defenses of 2010.

17. Ohio State Buckeyes

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Dan Herron #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes scores on a nine-yard touchdown run in the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Loui

First Loss: 10/1 vs. Michigan State

Reason: Personnel. The Buckeyes will have the suspensions to deal with, obviously, but what about the defensive side of the ball?

OSU lost its entire secondary and star linebacker Brian Rolle.

Kirk Cousins and the MSU offense will have a field day in this one.

Cousins is one of the most efficient passers in the conference, and Edwin Baker is a capable running back with the ability to score every time he touches the ball.

Ohio State is going to struggle against the Spartans' potent offense.

16. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 30: Dayne Crist #10 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks for a receiver against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Notre Dame Stadium on October 30, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Tulsa defeated Notre Dame 28-27. (Photo by Jonathan Dan

First Loss: 9/17 vs. Michigan State 

Reason: Lack of depth in the secondary. The Irish look good on defense, except for in the secondary.

Notre Dame returns only two guys with any significant experience at corner.

The strength of the Spartans is going to be their passing game.

It won't be as tight as last year's memorable meeting, but it will be a close one, as the Spartans come out on top.

15. Michigan State Spartans

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STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 27: Running back Edwin Baker #4 of the Michigan State Spartans carries the ball during a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions on November 27, 2010 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. The Spartans won 28-22.(

First Loss: 10/22 vs. Wisconsin 

Reason: For the second season in a row, the Spartans host Wisconsin in East Lansing.

Last season, the Spartans emerged on top.

This season, they are without their leading tacklers, and the Badgers' run game will be as strong as ever.

Wisconsin's ability to move the ball in the middle of the field against the Spartans will determine this one.

14. TCU Horned Frogs

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Scott Tolzien #16 of the Wisconsin Badgers is hit by linebacker Tank Carder #43 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

First Loss: 10/8 at San Diego State 

Reason: The Frogs lost some talent on the offensive side of the ball, but it will be SDSU's dynamic backfield duo that will take them out.

Running back Ronnie Hillman and quarterback Ryan Lindley are two of the most overlooked guys in the country.

A trip to San Diego will prove to be the Frog's Waterloo, against a balanced attack from the Aztecs.

13. Wisconsin Badgers

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Wide receiver Nick Toon #1 of the Wisconsin Badgers makes a catch against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

First Loss: 9/17 vs. Northern Illinois

Reason: Chandler Harnish. The Badgers have had trouble putting away subpar non-conference opponents in the past, and if they mess around with these Huskies, they will lose.

Harnish is a tremendous talent, and the game is going to be played at Soldier Field in Chicago.

The Badgers lost a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, and unless Russell Wilson shows up in Madison, they will have a tough time getting past NIU.

12. Nebraska Cornhuskers

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 04: Head coach Bo Pelini (R) of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and defensive coordinator Carl Pelini lead their team against the Oklahoma Sooners at Cowboys Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Sooners beat the Cornhusk

First Loss: 10/1 at Wisconsin

Reason: The Badgers do not lose often at home. 

The Huskers will be playing their first Big Ten game. It's under the lights, in Camp Randall.

Nebraska is going to have a stout defense, but the Badgers should be able to run the ball straight into its teeth.

Taylor Martinez was a no-show in most of the Huskers big games last season, and if that trend continues against the Badgers, it will be an inauspicious start to the Huskers Big Ten run.

11. Arkansas Razorbacks

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

First Loss: 9/24 at Alabama

Reason: Home field.

There is a negligible difference in talent level between these teams, and they both have solid coaches. The difference in this one will be home field advantage.

The Hogs must travel to Tuscaloosa, where 'Bama is extremely tough to beat.

Both squads have less than veteran quarterbacks, and both have extremely good running backs.

Should be a tight one, but the Tide will get it done.

10. Texas A&M Aggies

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BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 07: Cyrus Gray #32 of the Texas A&M Aggies returns a kick off for a touchdown against the Colorado Buffaloes during NCAA college football action at Folsom Field on November 7, 2009 in Boulder, Colorado. Colorado defeated Texas A&M

First Loss: 10/1 vs Arkansas (Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX)

Reason: Offensive balance.

While the Aggies have a dynamic duo at running back and a serviceable quarterback, the Hogs have balance across the board.

Arkansas' wide receivers are the best group in the country, and Tyler Wilson looks like a legitimate candidate to take over right where Ryan Mallett left off.

Both these teams have huge expectations going into the season, but Arkansas has too much talent for the Aggies.

9. Oklahoma State Cowboys

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STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 27: Receiver Michael Harrison #7 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys pulls in a pass against defensive back Demontre Hurst #19 of the Oklahoma Sooners at Boone Pickens Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Sooners

First Loss: 9/24 at Texas A&M

Reason: No defense at all, of any type. The Cowboys' defense is similar to some NBA teams.

It doesn't happen.

They are going to rely heavily on their explosive offense to overwhelm opponents with sheer volume of points scored.

Against the Aggies, this will prove a less than effective way to go, as A&M has some modicum of respectability when it comes to defense and will slow down OSU enough to win.

8. South Carolina Gamecocks

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GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Marcus Lattimore #21 of the South Carolina Gamecocks rushes against Jonathan Bostic #52 of the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

First Loss: 12/3 SEC Championship vs. Alabama

Reason: Steve Spurrier has the Gamecocks on the verge of becoming a powerhouse.

With running back Marcus Lattimore, receiver Alshon Jeffrey and quarterback Stephen Garcia (when he is sober), SC has one of the most potent offenses in the SEC.

Alabama however, will be no slouch either, and while the Gamecocks will be undefeated before their meeting in the SEC Championship game, the Tide's talent level will be too much for the Gamecocks.

While they will probably keep it close, Trent Richardson will have a big day, sealing the Gamecocks' loss.

7. Stanford Cardinal

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Quarterback Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal looks to pass as he rolls out of the pocket against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. Stanf

First Loss: 10/29 at USC

Reason: Andrew Luck may be the best quarterback to take the field next fall.

However, the Trojans, though limited by NCAA sanctions, have talent all over the field.

Matt Barkley is not far behind Luck, and Robert Woods provides a dynamic scoring threat for Barkley to target.

The Cardinal will get off to a fantastic first half of the season, but the slide into oblivion will begin with a tough loss in the Coliseum.

6. Florida State Seminoles

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RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 28: Nigel Bradham #13 of the Florida State Seminoles against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on October 28, 2010 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

First Loss: 9/24 at Clemson

Reason: While the Seminoles and the rest of the country will be all hyped up about their meeting with Oklahoma early in the year, FSU would do well to remember Clemson.

The Tigers are not overly talented but have some guys that could create matchup issues on defense, and quarterback Tajh Boyd has the arm strength and speed to stretch the field in a big way.

FSU will not be prepared for Dabo Swimmey and Co. after a week of premature national championship hype for the Sooner game.

5. 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: 11/19 at San Diego State

Reason: SDSU's firepower.

This should be an interesting game.

SDSU lost their head coach, but has some explosive guys on offense.

While any team led by Kellen Moore is going to have a solid passing game, it's reasonable to expect a drop-off in production with the departure of Titus Young and Austin Pettis.

SDSU pulls a Nevada on Boise late in the season to crush their BCS hopes...

4. LSU Tigers

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ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 07: Head coach Les Miles of the Louisiana State University Tigers watches the score board during a timeout against the Texas A&M Aggies during the AT&T Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium on January 7, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo

First Loss: 9/3 vs. Oregon (Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, TX)

Reason: While it is obvious to anyone who follows LSU football that they are stacked on the defensive side of the ball, whether they can remain consistent for an entire season remains to be seen.

The Tigers have little time to experiment, as they open the season against the Oregon Ducks.

The loss of cornerback Patrick Peterson is a blow, and unless Les Miles gets over his man-crush on quarterback Jordan Jefferson, LSU may have a similar year to last season, starting with a loss to the Ducks.

3. Oregon Ducks

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: LaMichael James #21 and Bo Thran #69 of the Oregon Ducks react to a play againt the Auburn Tigers during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (P

First Loss: 12/2 Pac-12 Championship Game vs. Arizona State

Reason: The Ducks will face ASU in mid October at Autzen and will win by a touchdown.

That being said, the PAC-12 Championship game will be ASU/Oregon: The Redux.

If anyone in the conference has the speed and athleticism to hang with the Ducks this year, it is ASU, and after a great run to the conference championship, the Sun Devils will down the Ducks to earn a BCS berth.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide

Dave Martin/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - APRIL 17: Quarterback A. J. McCarron #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for a first down during the Alabama spring game at Bryant Denny Stadium on April 17, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Dave Martin/Getty Images)

First Loss: 2012 season

Reason: While the SEC is a  very difficult minefield to maneuver through without getting hammered at some point, the Tide have a pretty manageable schedule.

The get their toughest two tests of the year in Tuscaloosa, against LSU and Arkansas, and there is no reason to believe that the national champ will not come out of the SEC for the sixth straight year.

1. Oklahoma Sooners

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Ryan Broyles #85 of the Oklahoma Sooners of the Oklahoma Sooners runs after a catch for 39-yards against Connecticut Huskies during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2011 in Glendale,

First Loss: 9/17 @Florida State

Reason: While Florida State is not all the way back to being a national powerhouse, they are close.

Oklahoma has had a tendency to lose big games here and there, and the truth is that few teams start and finish the season as #1.

The Sooners will not either.

Nigel Bradham and the FSU defense are starting to gel, and E.J. Manuel is a legit quarterback.

FSU in OT...