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| Andrew Luck is the best QB in the Pac 10 |
25 Stanford
-This is the wildcard of my Top25. The Cardinal are going to be awful on defense, but their returning QB Andrew Luck is a very talented leader. He should use Jim Harbaugh’s tutelage to improve and he still has WR Chris Owusu as a deep threat on the perimeter. The country will see Luck’s caliber as a quarterback for what it is now that opposing defenses won’t be crowding the box to stop RB Toby Gerhart. I think Luck could carry this team into a race for the Pac 10 title, but it will need some major improvement from its defense in order to remain in the competition until the end.
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| QB Jordan Wynn should improve |
-Jordan Wynn returns at the helm after an up-and-down freshman year. The Utes still have HC Kyle Whittingham despite plenty of attempts by AD’s around the nation to lure him away from Salt Lake City. He is a great defensive coach and he should have a young DL prepared for a season-opening contest at home against Pitt. The visiting Panthers will test this Utah team, which has one of the greatest home field advantages in the country. If they can get through Pitt they will have a BCS bowl on their mind as they actually host MWC favorite TCU later in the season. I’m not sure they’re good enough to beat one or both of these teams, but they certainly have the advantage of altitude and sleeping in their own beds the night before the game.
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| QB Christian Ponder returns from injury |
-Another ACC team finds my top25 with plenty of baggage. I watched this team and rooted for them as a young kid and loved every ounce of Bobby Bowden even though he probably couldn’t name his starting quarterback last season. I’m not a fan of Jimbo Fisher who I think was a success in previous jobs because of his situation rather than his ability as a coach. He will have to make some major adjustments to take over this football team, and I think an offensive coach taking over is a problem for FSU as their defense was atrocious last season. QB Christian Ponder should be healthy again after a bad shoulder injury last season, but his defense’s play will be as important as his to see whose most successful. They are likely to win the ACC Atlantic because they host Boston College, but the Eagles are a consistent nightmare for FSU and their style of play could lead to an upset in Tallahassee.
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| Anthony Allen replaces Dwyer at RB |
-A lot of concern in Atlanta regarding the early flight to the league. SS Morgan Burnett and DE Derrick Morgan will be sorely missed by a defense that needs to step up this season. Former Virginia HC Al Groh inherits the DC job and will be installing a 3-4, which should help to slow down running teams in the conference, but I’m unsure they have the personnel to run it successfully. They lose Demarius Thomas at WR, which should be a big loss but the team doesn’t throw much so I’m not sure how big of a factor his absence will truly be. Another casualty, this time to graduation, was RB Jonathan Dwyer but Louisville-transfer Antonio Allen should fill in perfectly. Allen and his backfield mate Roddy Jones will provide a power and speed combination rivaling former ACC standouts James Davis and C.J. Spiller at Clemson.
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| RB Noel Devine is WVU's go-to guy |
-Based a lot of this off of schedule and Noel Devine. He’s the most dynamic player in the Big East, but the ‘Neers need to replace their quarterback for a second-straight season and that will be difficult. They return a ton of their defense, which should benefit them immensely as Pitt and UConn aren’t going to get in a shootout with them. Their coach is a weak point, but the defense could make up for that if Devine can get loose twice a game.
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| DT Marvin Austin and UNC's defense will be the key |
20 North Carolina
-UNC should have an opposite problem of the aforementioned aTm as they have an outstanding defense and a scary offense. The defense is led by DT Marvin Austin, who has been under a bit of media fire this offseason along with LB Quan Sturdivant for a trip to Miami. If they can remain eligible this should be the best defense in the ACC, which has turned into a high-scoring league in the past few seasons. QB T.J. Yates is far from talented and is more of a game manager, but unlike a true manager he often turns the ball over. He will be the key to UNC’s success this season because the defense should be very solid. Butch Davis has been getting some studs to play football in Chapel Hill and this year the ‘Heels should fight for the Coastal crown.
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| QB Jerrod Johnson will keep TAMU in the Big XII race |
19 Texas A&M
-This team along with Wisconsin are pre-season public darling’s as everyone expects these two to see great improvements. The Ags return a dynamic playmaker on defense in LB Von Miller, along with a talented dual-threat QB Jerrod Johnson. Johnson has had plenty of experience in College Station and there really aren’t any excuses for poor play from him this season. He has a talented RB in Christine Michael behind him along with some good receivers Nkwachukwu and Tannehill, but the offensive line will need to replace some starts and their defense hasn’t been good yet in Mike Sherman’s career.
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| QB Ryan Mallett needs to score to hide a porous defense |
18 Arkansas
-Another case of a high-flying offense with a questionable defense. Bobby Petrino specifically said he had “question marks” at LB, and that is the worst position to have problems in the SEC because those are the guys that make the plays to plug up holes and force teams to punt. While QB Ryan Mallett is a Heisman candidate, he’s going to need to make some tackles if this Arkansas team wants to compete in the SEC West. They have a very difficult schedule which includes facing an on-the-rise Texas A&M team in Jerry World. They are likely to win that one, but they do have a chance to knock off Alabama at home and that victory would give them a great chance to win the SEC West. A SEC West championship would be a great thing for the program, and it would signal to the world that the Hogs are back.
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| QB Case Keenum put up video game numbers in '09 |
17 Houston
-Case Keenum returning means this offense should be as productive as it was last season. The running back position is going to be important for UH to maintain their success, but the way they racked up points last year makes me think the primary concern remains with the defense. I’m sure Kevin Sumlin has been working hard to make that unit improve, but there’s only so much you can do in an offseason. Keenum alone makes this team top25 worthy.
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| RB Mario Fannin will have a bigger role |
16 Auburn
-Could be the surprise team in the SEC West as the schedule is pretty soft for the Barners. A new QB in Cameron Newton should make the offense much more versatile as he was originally backing up Tim Tebow before running into some legal trouble. Newton should be able to run the football unlike his predecessor Chris Todd, which will make Gus Malzahn’s offense even more potent considering the stable or running backs he has returning in Mario Fannin, Onterio McCalebb and even a talented freshman from Arkansas named Michael Dyer. The defense is going to be a serious question mark and will probably keep them from being a SEC West contender, but they should qualify for a good bowl game and grab some momentum for the future.
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| QB Stephen Garcia's play will determine the ceiling for USC. |
-This is a team that routinely falls below expectations, but this year is their year. QB Stephen Garcia returns for his Junior season and he should finally have the maturity to perform for the Ole Ball Coach. The USC defense should impress like it always does, now the offense just needs to score enough points and let their defense clinch games for them. They have a favorable schedule grabbing Arkansas, Alabama and Georgia at home, with their tough road games being @Florida and @Auburn. While there are never any soft schedules in the SEC, they should be happy about their home slate and if they can win all of those they could make the SEC championship if they can get that crucial road W in Gainesville.
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| John Clay will run wild behind a great OL |
-The Badgers are the trendy pick to surprise people this season. They return a good, game-managing QB in Scott Tolzien plus they should have a great offensive line for RB John Clay. Clay is more of a tank than present day “Cadillac” running backs, but he should run people over gaining a ton of yards after contact. He’ll be a great asset in wearing down defenses late in the game, and he is complemented by the Wisconsin tradition of having great tight ends with Lance Kendricks. There is a talented corps of receivers, and if the Badger defense can force turnovers then this team can make the Big Ten a three-team race.
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| The U needs Jacory Harris to win the ACC |
-This team, much like Virginia Tech, will go as far as their QB takes them. Jacory Harris is as skinny as they come, but he’s got a talented right arm and the ability to scramble. His backfield will be a little weaker with the loss of Graig Cooper’s backfield mate Javarris James, but Randy Shannon has done a great job recruiting for the ‘Canes and they should be able to slot someone else in there behind Coop. The Miami defense should be fast as usual, but their front seven may set them apart as they should be able to sit back in coverage and still pressure opposing QBs. I don’t think they can win in Columbus against Ohio State, but they should be the favorite to emerge from the loaded ACC Coastal division.
12 Nebraska
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| Jared Crick has big Ndamukong Suh's to fill |
-Ndamukong Suh was the best player in football last season, but he wasn’t noticed until late in the year. He thrashed the O-lines at Mizzou, vs. Oklahoma, vs. Texas in the Big XII Championship and demolished Arizona’s in the Holiday Bowl, but along with that he mentored Jared Crick to take over for him. While I don’t think the ‘Huskers pass rush will be as potent as it was last season, they will win the Big XII North based on the fact that they have Mizzou at home and the rest of the division is pretty terrible. Their offense still has a lot to prove, although I expect Roy Helu Jr. to have a much more productive year if he can stay a little bit healthier. It looks like Cody Green would be the best choice at QB for that team, but he needs to prove he can throw the ball before I can trust him too much.
11 Oregon
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| LaMichael James may be the best RB in the West |
-This team is a definite wild card considering the expulsion of QB Jeremiah Masoli from the program. HC Chip Kelly has dealt with a ton of bad behavior from his players, which has outshined the Pac10 Title his Ducks won last year. Masoli’s absence is a problem because his dual-threat abilities to run and pass gave opposing defenses fits, and his replacement Nate Costa does not have the skills of his predecessor. I expect LaMichael James to have a great year after he sits out the first game due to suspension for a domestic dispute and they should roll up the Volunteers in Knoxville, but the QB position will be a concern as they get into the meat of their schedule. The defense should be great, and if they don’t lose too many people to attrition then they may be the only team besides in-state rival Oregon State that can actually stop their opponent. The Pac10 will be full of offense this year, and the best defense will win the title.
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| Tyrod Taylor needs to use his head not raw ability |
-The Hokies will go as their quarterback Tyrod Taylor goes. He still has a lot of maturing to do despite starting all of last season and receiving plenty of playing time in his career in Blacksburg. His decision-making leaves a lot to be desired when the Hokies need to throw, but that shouldn’t be often this season considering the stable of quality RBs behind him. Ryan Williams will probably start after how great he was last year, but let’s not forget Darren Evans running for 1,265 yards and 11 touchdowns in ’08-’09. Evans should be a little weaker after a training camp knee injury cost him last season, but both he and Williams could hit 1,000 yards if their young offensive line can gel quickly. The defensive front seven is young and will be missing do-it-all LB Cody Grimm as well as their dynamic pass rusher Jason Worilds who declared early for the NFL draft.
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| John Brantley (12) has Tim Tebow's shoes to fill |
9 Florida
-Urban Meyer does a great job locking down in-state talent and the “Speed State” has done a good job for him. Unfortunately he has to replace the man, the myth, the legend Tim Tebow and that will be harder than it sounds. John Brantley inherits the reins, but he’s more of a pocket passer compared to Tebow’s running ability. This will alter the way they work on offense as they’ll need to focus more on the “water bugs” to move the ball out of shotgun. Their defense should take a hit with the loss of DC Charlie Strong who took over at Louisville, but I expect them to reach the SEC Championship Game again so long as they can beat Georgia in Jacksonville and South Carolina at home in the Swamp.
8 Southern Cal
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| USC's sanctions are devastating |
-A team under probation is hard to handicap, but I expect the Trojan athletes to compete harder than ever in the regular season because that’s where their season will now be judged. Lane Kiffin did a great job getting publicity to Tennessee and I commend him for that, but he’s going to need to lay low for a little while until USC can start competing for Rose Bowls again. QB Matt Barkley should improve, and “RB University” should continue with their great defense probably leading them to a very competitive season maybe even beating Oregon for a mythical Pac10 Title.
7 Iowa
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| You will know Adrian Clayborn's name if you don't already |
-Probably the best DL in the country in a conference where defense matters. QB Ricky Stanzi returns in what should be a comeback year considering the knee injury he suffered against Northwestern last season. His injury cost them the game and the perfect season, although you can’t blame him for that, and Iowa couldn’t put anything together with the backup QB until they beat Georgia Tech in a BCS game. Stanzi had a poor TD/INT ratio last season, but he’s got some good running backs and a stud WR named Marvin McNutt to take a little pressure off Stanzi.
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| DeMarco Murray needs to stay healthy |
6 Oklahoma
-Last year’s 8-5 disaster may actually be a good thing for the Sooners as they got to break in a new QB and they seasoned a new OL. Landry Jones wasn’t overly impressive last year in the big games, but he should improve a lot this year and if he gets some time to throw I think this team is poised to play for an undefeated season. RB DeMarco Murray will be a bit of a concern getting the bulk of the carries considering how fragile he’s been in his career, but there also should be a stream of talent in the OU backfield considering how well they recruit the North Texas area. |
| Garrett Gilbert needs to build on his experience |
5 Texas
-UT should have a great defense again with Coach Boom, but they can't be ranked any higher to start the season because of the freshman at QB. Garrett Gilbert has been slotted to be the next Texas QB to get the keys at a young age and drive the offense to success similar to Colt McCoy, but he’ll have some growing pains probably in early October when he runs into Oklahoma (10/2) and Nebraska (10/16).
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| Jeremy Kerley, most exciting WR in the country |
4 Texas Christian
-TCU returns a ton including their best playmaker in Jeremy Kerley and their QB in Andy Dalton. The defense should be stout as always, but they could have a tough time in a raucous environment at Utah, but if they pass the Utes they should win the MWC again as BYU is down and the rest of the conference is bad.
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| Can the BCS really keep a 12-0 Boise team out? |
3 Boise State
-Probably the most likely team to finish the season undefeated, and it will probably be determined by their week one match-up with Virginia Tech. Although the game is in DC, the crowd should be very pro-Hokie enough to give them a couple of points even. Only missing one starter from the entire two-deep has to be nice for Chris Petersen, and this is another year where they should go undefeated. They should easily beat Oregon State and they're going to be a big favorite in Reno against Nevada so if they get past VT I think they go undefeated.
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| TP2's training wheels are off |
-An impressive Rose Bowl effort probably gives this team a higherranking than they deserve, but they do have a fortunate schedule and everyone expects Terrelle Pryor to get a little more slack from his conservative coach. Jim Tressel has had a ton of success at Ohio State, but his offensive gameplan usually lacks style. In their last game against Oregon, Pryor was allowed to use the whole playbook and he shined against a Pac 10 defense that always performs worse against adequate competition. The Bucks return a ton of their offense and they usually just replace on defense so they should be the favorite to win the Big Ten and they have a manageable schedule that could get them to a title game if they don't slip up.
1 Alabama
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| Expect a big year from Richardson |
-Last year's National Champion returns every important piece except for Rolando McClain who was drafted by the Oakland Raiders. Losing Ro would be a big area of concern for most programs, but not this one. Donta Hightower will step into his role and share it with a few others because Saban thinks he's too versatile to "only" play MLB. Hightower is recovering from a torn knee ligament that cost him most of last season, but he has healed well enough to be slotted in as captain of the defense along with moving to DE on passing downs. The Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram will probably be the #2 runningback because of the talent of Sophomore Trent Richardson, and QB Greg McElroy returns to try and keep his winning streak going. McElroy will have plenty of talent to throw to as WR Julio Jones returns for his 3rd (and most likely final) season, while Marquis Maze will work in as a great flanker to get open on the short routes.
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