2008 Preseason Top 25
1. Georgia
The Dawgs feature an experienced quarterback and an elite running back coupled with a fast and experienced defensive unit. With a road game at Arizona State along with the rugged SEC slate, the schedule could derail the Dawgs championship quest.
2. Sou
thern Cal
USC is the most talented team top to bottom and when they are focused they are real trouble for just about anyone. But they seem to sleepwalk a time or two each season, and with no proven top notch signal caller, the Trojans will fall just short.
3. Missouri
The Tigers have it all in front of them as Chase Daniel leads a veteran offensive unit which will put pressure on all opponents. The defensive unit will be improved and Mizzou seems hungry.
4. Oklahoma 
OU is loaded offensively and has talent equal to anybody, particularly in the offensive line, but they are quickly developing a reputation of stumbling somewhere, and are lately getting blasted in bowl games.
5. Florida
The nations best offense behind Tim Tebow should light up the scoreboard, but the defensive unit may surrender quite a bit themselves. Can’t win the SEC with a weekly shootout, but it should be fun. If Tebow comes back in ’09, look out!
6. Ohio State 
Although the Buckeyes are usually overrated, this team may not be with outstanding All America players on both sides of the ball. An early game versus USC is critical.
7. LSU 
There is a tremendous amount of talent down here, particularly in the trenches. The quarterback position is a problem and should leave the Tigers unable to capture the SEC.
8. Cle
mson
A very dangerous team with an emerging signal caller and two of the nations best running backs, Clemson is just strong enough in the trenches on both sides of the ball to create some real problems for opponents. This team could be real nasty, or they could fail to capitalize on the talent and underachieve again. The opener vs. Alabama should give ups a glimpse.
9. West Virginia 
Much of nucleus of the Mountaineers run of ’07 has departed, including the head coach. But, they have an outstanding quarterback returning along with a lightning fast tailback. Always a tough out, but not a title contender.
10. Texas 
This program seems to be treading water since they won it all a few years back. The ‘Horns lack consistency and may not finish second in the Big 12 South.
The Jayhawks run in ’07 was no fluke. They have skill people, are sound in the trenches and are very well coached. They won’t sneak up on anyone in ’08, but they are good anyhow. Early game vs. USF will be interesting.
12. Texas Tech
Lookout! If Tech is ever going to upseat the south big boys, this is the year. Graham Harrell is a stout passer and Tech has the nations best receiver in Crabtree. They will light it up. Can they stop the big boys when it counts? We will see.
13. Ar
izona StateASU is another team coming on that is very well coached. They have offensive skill and are deceptively strong on D. Should be the PAC 10’s runner up; got Georgia early for springboard opportunity.
14. Wisconsin
They will try to dominate you up front and usually are quite successful at it. The well coached Badgers can win the league, but will likely fall short due to lack of overall talent.
15. Auburn
The Tigers have a fairly veteran squad but has inexperience at quarterback, not a good thing with a new system being implemented. The schedule is favorable, and Georgia comes to the plain late. Beat LSU early, and they got the west.
16. Florida State
The problems for the Seminoles begin and end by having average quarterbacking play. Should they get much better play from the incumbent or get it from a new man (Ponder),the ‘Noles could get on track offensively. Skill people will have to perform as the line is woefully thin. The defense is solid if they can stay off the field. The schedule is very favorable, so the ‘Noles bear watching.
17. Illinois
The Illini are a very stingy defensive unit, one which can win several games for the Zookers. Juice Williams returns at QB, but the schedule is unkind, starting with a neutral vs. Mizzou.
18. Oregon
The Quack Attack has been formidable for decades now and save a few unfortunate injuries, they could have a lot more to show for it. Again, the Quack is very talented and will pose problems in the PAC-10, especially at home. Too bad they visit USC and ASU.
19. Virginia Tech
Attrition has decimated the Hokies, including the injury bug. VT will have to come on quickly. The running back spot is bare, but the do have a good QB tandem. Game at Nebraska is of interest.
20. Tennessee
Phil Fulmer, almost out as Head Coach, got an extension just as he is about to put on the field a veteran team with a strong running attack. If the new QB does well, the Vols could be real dangerous as they are anchored by a strong defensive unit led by safety Eric Berry. UT opens at the Rose Bowl versus UCLA.
21. Nebraska
Bo Pelini returns to shore up the D, so expect this unit to be much better although the talent level is thin by Blackshirt standards. The balanced offense should be very potent and given that, this team will be much better than most folks think.
22. Wake Forest
The Deacons are no fluke and could be playing again on New Years Day. They have honors candidates on both sides of the ball. Wake likes being methodical offensively and they are an experienced team. Wake gets FSU on the road early and Clemson at home, so they cold win the ACC.
23. Brigham Young
The Cougars are bit thin on defense but the team seemed to be coming together late last year. BYU will score points, and with an improved D, could run the table if they can dump UCLA.
24. South Florida
It is hard to imagine the Bulls being this good but given the balance of this team and the speed the state of Florida produces, South Florida could well take the Big East. The Bulls are balanced on offense led by a solid quarterback and attacking on defense. Kansas in game 2 is big as is the finale at West Virginia.
25. Oklahoma State
The Cowboys got some things happening on offense and return their standout signal caller. If some other skill folks step up as expected, the Pokes will put points on the board. Improvement must come defensively for Oklahoma State to enter the Top 25. The Pokes showed signs statistically last year although the points allowed remained an issue. All but four games seem sure wins with OU in Stillwater to close.
Potential Breakthroughs
Penn State, Alabama, Rutgers, Michigan, Colorado, South Carolina, UCLA, Fresno State, Texas A&M, Pittsburgh and Utah.
2008 Preseason All America
OFFENSE
WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
WR Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
WR Percy Harvin, Florida
TE Darius Hill, Ball State
OL Andre Smith, Alabama
OL Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin
OL Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas
OL Duke Robinson, Oklahoma
QB Tim Tebow, FloridaTebow, the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, shattered records for quarterbacks with touchdowns accounted for. Tebow will lead another high octane offensive attack for the Gators in 2008.
RB Chris Wells, Ohio State
RB James Davis, Clemson
DT Terrill Byrd, Cincinnati
DT Fili Moala, Southern Cal
DT Vance Walker, Georgia Tech
DE George Selvie, South Florida
OLB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
OLB Rey Maualuga, Southern Cal
DB Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest
DB Malcom Jenkins, Ohio State
DB Eric Berry, Tennessee
DB Patrick Chung, Oregon
DB William Moore, Missouri
K Thomas Weber, Arizona State
P Chris Miller, Ball State
KR Percy Harvin, Florida
NC Julio Jones, Alabama
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