College Football 2011 Predictions: 5 Top 25 Teams That Are Better Than You Think

The 2011 College Football season can't get here soon enough. 

Opening weekend of college football features some fantastic top 25 matchups:

Boise State will take on the Georgia Bulldogs in Atlanta, and the Oregon Ducks will face the LSU Tigers in Cowboys Stadium. 

Everyone has their own opinion as to which teams belong in the top 25, but the majority of lists are pretty similar. We know who the strong teams are this year, and it should stay that way for the bulk of the season. 

However, there are some teams that may surprise you this year

Here are five teams in my preseason top 25 that are better than you think.  

5. Georgia Bulldogs

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AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Aaron Murray #11 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)

The Georgia Bulldogs went 6-7 in 2010—their first losing season since 1996.

They lost their top player on offense as well as on defense.

So how is it that they're in the top 25?

The Bulldogs bring in an extremely talented recruiting class that features the top running back in the nation Isaiah Crowell. 

Georgia is in its second season in the 3-4 defense, which means the Bulldogs will be far better than a year ago. 

This team is lead by Aaron Murray, who was arguably one of if not the best freshman quarterbacks in 2010.

They will bounce back from their losing season, and because the SEC East isn't as strong as it used to be, the Bulldogs have a strong chance to win it thanks to a favorable schedule. 

4. Mississippi State Bulldogs

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GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Chris Relf #14 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs hands off to running back Vick Ballard #28 against the Florida Gators October 16, 2010 Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschm

The Mississippi State Bulldogs are coming off an impressive 9-4 season in 2010 under head coach Dan Mullen.  

The Bulldogs demolished the Michigan Wolverines 52-14 in the Gator Bowl—a sign that this once-depleted SEC West team is on the rise. 

With Chris Relf returning for his senior season, the Bulldogs will be in good shape to make some noise in the SEC West. Relf has earned valuable experience, and because of his dual threat ability, it will be tough to stop him. 

Leading rusher Vick Ballard also returns for his senior season, and I have a strong feeling he will rush for over 1,000 yards this year. 

The Bulldogs bring back seven starters on both sides of the ball, but this year they won't have defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. 

3. Nebraska Cornhuskers

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 04: Quarterback Taylor Martinez #3 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers drops back to pass against the Oklahoma Sooners during the Big 12 Championship at Cowboys Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/

Depending upon the outcome of the 2011 season, the Nebraska Cornhuskers may or may not regret leaving the Big 12. 

I have a feeling they will do just fine in the Big Ten. Now that powerhouse Ohio State is in shambles because Terrelle Pryor isn't returning and sweater vest Jim Tressel is gone, the Cornhuskers are in a great position to take the Big Ten title. 

They will have to get past Michigan, Michigan State and Wisconsin, but Bo Pelini isn't afraid. 

Nebraska will have to replace its leading rusher as well as its top cornerback Prince Amukamara, but Pelini has recruited well so the Cornhuskers should be OK in those areas. 

The main focus for Nebraska is to make sure Taylor Martinez stays healthy and improves his passing skills. The defense can easily handle the Big 10, but can Martinez be a winner? 

2. Texas A&M Aggies

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AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill #17 of Texas A&M passes against the University of Texas during the second half at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2010 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Darren Carroll/Getty Images)

The Texas A&M Aggies have locked up their quarterback in Ryan Tannehill, and if he plays as well as he did down the stretch of 2010, then the Aggies will be serious contenders in the Big 12. 

The Aggies bring back 10 starters on offense as well as nine starts on defense. They lost to Oklahoma State by three points, but they were able to beat Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Texas.

Texas A&M is a team you don't want to sleep on this year. Too many people are praising the Oklahoma Sooners and the Oklahoma State Cowboys, but the Aggies are legit.

With 1,000-yard rusher Cyrus Gray returning along with the play-making Jeff Fuller at receiver, the Aggies are going to be a team to watch out for in 2011.

1. Arkansas Razorbacks

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AUBURN - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Tyler Wilson #8 of the Arkansas Razorbacks drops back and looks downfield for receiver during the game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. The Tigers beat the Razorbac

The Arkansas Razorbacks lost one of the best quarterbacks in school history, but they are still a very strong team. Ryan Mallett is in the NFL now, which means the quarterback job belongs to Tyler Wilson. 

Wilson showed signs of brilliance in limited action this year. He did a solid job of keeping the Razorbacks in the game against Auburn. He made mistakes, but this offseason he has improved immensely.

The Razorbacks have plenty of weapons to help Wilson gain confidence in the early going as Arkansas has one of the best receiving corps in Greg Childs, Joe Adams, and Jarius Wright.

Arkansas also returns 1,300-yard rusher Knile Davis as well as eight starters on defense. This team is getting better and better as the summer moves on.

The Razorbacks have a tough schedule to deal with in the SEC West, but this is a team that could surprise everyone.