College Football Predictions 2011: One for Each Top 10 Team

The 2011 college football season is fast approaching. What will it have for us?

With all of the preseason polls coming out for college football, no one was really surprised at who was ranked in the top 10. The most interesting thing about the polls is to see how they measure up at the end of the season.

But why wait until then when you can just read this slideshow and find out ahead of time?

(The AP top 25 poll will be used for the purposes of this slideshow.)

10. Nebraska

As a power-running team, Nebraska was out of place in the Big 12. In the Big Ten, it is right at home, joining the more traditional offenses of Wisconsin, Ohio State and Michigan. The Huskers also have a very talented defense.

Prediction: Nebraska wins its division, proving itself to be a worthy addition to the Big Ten’s elite, but loses in the conference championship game to Wisconsin.

9. Oklahoma State

The Cowboys were picked to finish fifth out of six in the Big 12 South last season. Instead, they tied for the Big 12 South crown and had the best overall season in school history.

Prediction: The Cowboys finish at 11-1, due in large part to the prolific duo of quarterback Brandon Weeden and receiver Justin Blackmon. Blackmon wins a second straight Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top wide out.

8. Texas A&M

After a shaky start to last season, the Aggies finished strong, achieving part of the Big 12 South Championship and improving on offense and defense. Although they have not joined the SEC yet, they inevitably will.

Prediction: The Aggies finish 10-2, their offense being prolific and their defense being dependable. They finish third in the Big 12.

7. Stanford

After one of the best seasons in school history, head coach Jim Harbaugh left for the NFL. The Cardinal also lost many of their offensive starters, but returned the most important one: quarterback Andrew Luck.

Prediction: Stanford wins the new Pac-12, and Luck wins the Heisman.

6. Florida State

The Seminoles return a strong team from last season, bolstered by a very highly touted recruiting class. Starting quarterback E.J. Manuel grew in his starting time last season and will be ready to lead this team this year.

Prediction: FSU goes 12-1 and wins the ACC.

5. Boise State

After a disappointing loss to Nevada late last season ruined any championship hopes, the Broncos finished 12-1 and won the WAC. They return quarterback Kellen Moore, who was the most efficient signal caller in the nation.

Prediction: Boise State goes 12-0, Moore gets invited to the Heisman ceremony, and the Broncos are narrowly left out of the championship game.

4. LSU

LSU finished 11-2 last season, losing by about a touchdown each time. The Tigers fielded stellar athletes everywhere, but had trouble producing offense. They capped off the season by drilling Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl.

Prediction: A tough schedule and a continual lack of offense prevent LSU from getting to double-digit wins. The Tigers go 9-3 and win the Cotton Bowl for the second year in a row.

3. Oregon

A close loss in the championship game, a Heisman finalist and a conference championship characterized last season for the Oregon Ducks. Fielding one of the most prolific and exciting offenses in college football history was another hallmark. An NCAA investigation has cast a shadow, however.

Prediction: Oregon’s offense continues to be prolific, but other teams have caught up. The Ducks go 10-2 and finish second in their division in the Pac-12. LaMichael James is left out of the Heisman festivities.

2. Alabama

The fact that a 9-3 season is pretty disappointing is indicative of the caliber of a program. Alabama’s season, while a good one, was well below Tuscaloosa standards and was capped off by squandering a huge lead against Auburn.

Prediction: The Crimson Tide comes back with a vengeance. They finish the season 12-0, win the SEC and bring the state of Alabama its third straight BCS title.

1. Oklahoma

The Sooners had a typically impressive year last year, winning the Big 12 and becoming one of the best all-around teams in the country. They also got over the BCS hump by beating Connecticut in the Fiesta Bowl convincingly.

Prediction: The Sooners finish 12-0, win the Big 12 outright and lose narrowly to Alabama in the BCS championship. Landry Jones is invited to the Heisman ceremony, and receiver Ryan Broyles places second in Biletnikoff voting to in-state rival OSU wide out Justin Blackmon for the second year in a row.