Not since Nebraska in 1994-95 has there been a repeat National Champion, and it seems unlikely it will happen this year. However, in looking around for to find a team worthy of the preseason #1 ranking, I found every contender has an area of weakness. Therefore, defending national champion Alabama will start the season out front but it could be a season where a few once beaten teams will contend for the national title. This type on environment sometimes allows an under the radar team to get in the mix. Tighten up the chin straps and kick it off!
1. Alabama
Defending National Champion Alabama starts on the pole. BAMA has an experienced offense centered around a punishing running game. The running back tandem of Heisman winner Mark Ingram and Pensacola's Trent Richardson is the nations best. Ball control will be key early for the Tide as there are holes defensively; only two starters return. But, talent is everywhere and this is Nick Saban, so expect BAMA to get up to speed quickly. Lucky for them, the Gators visit Tuscaloosa.
2. Florida
After what seems to be a half decade, Tim Tebow has exhausted his eligibility. One would suspect that losing a player of that capability, especially at the pivotal position of quarterback, would hurt bad, but the Gators feel very comfortable with John Brantley at the position. Given the abundance of talent around Brantley, including speedster Jeff Demps, offensive output should continue just fine. Even before the Gators rose to prominence, they were always stingy defensively. Florida did lose longtime coordinator Charlie Strong, but the talent on the stop side is formidable, particularly in the secondary. UF is youthful up front, which does play into Alabama's hands for their early October contest. But, the youthful Gators will be grown up for the SEC title game.
3. Nebraska
Throttling Arizona 33-0 in the Holiday Bowl did not ease the pain of losing to Texas on a last second field goal in The Big XII title. Nebraska will enter 2010 with a score to settle, and even with the loss of The Big Suh, behind monster DE Jared Crick and cover corner Prince Amukamura, the 'Huskers will be stingy defensively. That is the Pelini brothers speciality. Offensively, Nebraska returns a veteran group, but the quarterback play has been sub par, and a lack of improvement at the position will cost the Big Red. Zac Lee performed very well in the Holiday Bowl, but he is feeling a challenge in fall camp. If Nebraska can get better than average play at QB, the defense, as witnessed a year ago, can take the Big Red to high places.
4. Ohio State
Offensively, Ohio State is set up for a big season, behind quarterback Terrell Pryor, who is favored to win the Heisman Trophy. Pryor has yet to live up to expectations, but did play very well in the Rose Bowl, but eight other starters return for him to work with. Cameron Heyward is an All America candidate on the stop side,where six starters return. OSU has top notch talent, and has owned the Big Ten for over half a decade. Trips to Iowa and Wisconsin, who both have Big Ten title aspirations, along with an early visit from the fleet footed Miami Hurricanes leave one wondering if Ohio State can reach national title expectations.
5. Oklahoma
Oklahoma was devastated by injury a season ago. The good news is quarterback Landry Jones now has a season under his belt. The supporting cast, with running back DeMarco Murry and receiver Ryan Broyles, is top notch. ILB Travis Lewis and DE Jeremy Beal anchor the defensive unit, which played well down the stretch last fall. The Sooners get Florida State at home early and play at Cincinnati, but outside of the Red River Rivalry, they should win them all. So, as usual, it will come down to the Texas game to likely face Nebraska the Big XII title game.
6. Virginia Tech
Coach Frank Beamer has made his lunch bucket reputation in Blacksburg by focusing on strong defense and second to none special team play. With only two starters returning defensively, it will be a veteran offensive unit with elusive quarterback Tyrod Taylor and a stable of NFL running backs that will lead the Hokies. Taylor is a gamechanger and he does well protecting the ball, which will be key for the Hokies early. The alarm bell rings immediately, as the Hokies host Boise State in Landover, Maryland to kick the season off.
7. Boise State
Boise State served notice by dumping Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl a few years back, and now with 10 starters back on both offense and defense, including excellent signal caller Kellen Moore, the time is now for Boise State. The Broncos seem ready for the big time, but they did surrender over 20 points in four of their final five regular season games last fall. While a September contest at home against Oregon State is challenging, the Broncos opener in Landover, Maryland against Virgina Tech is the must win. Take that game and you will have an undefeated Boise State come BCS time.
8. Iowa
After barely escaping Northern Iowa at home to start the season a year ago, Iowa stumbled into national prominence winning their first nine games. Along the way, the Hawkeyes got better, much better. Who knows what could have happened if quarterback Ricky Stansi had not cracked an ankle. On offense, the Hawkeyes lose 3 lineman, usually a team strength, and need someone to step up at running back. Stansi is back and hopes are high. On defense, Iowa will be salty behind Adrian Clayborn, an All America defensive end. Ten starters return on this side of the ball, and with Wisconsin and Ohio State at home, the Big Ten is there for Iowa to take.
9. Texas
Colt McCoy, the winningest quarterback in NCAA history is gone, and with Texas searching for a breakout player at running back, this could be a problem. Garrett Gilbert was thrown into the fire in the national title game a year ago, and after shaking off the jitters, did quite well. If he can continue to emerge, even returning only five offensive starters, the 'Horns will be fine. Seven starters return on defense, led by Sam Acho at defensive end. The secondary is top notch and a young linebacking core plays quick. The 'Horns face OU in Dallas and get a revengeful Nebraska at Lincoln, which seems too much for this Longhorn team.
10. Wisconsin
A team ready to take the next step usually shows up in the previous season bowl game, and Wisconsin wrestling a victory against Miami served notice. The Badgers, a physical bunch offensively, returns 10 starters including big bruising All America candidate John Clay at running back. The defense lost some leaders from a group that was stout down the stretch last year, but the Coaches like the athleticism of the group returning. Although Wisconsin travels to Iowa, Ohio State is at home. There is no time like the present for the Badgers.
11. Miami
Among the sportswriters around the state, the is a lack of consensus as the whether the Hurricanes are ascending on schedule, but one item is agreed upon; this years team is positioned to be one of the best in recent seasons. Miami Northwestern's Jacory Harris is back at quarterback, and the 'Canes have a stable of wide receivers among the best in the country. While the offensive line in suspect, up front on the stop side is a strength for Miami, led by DE Allen Bailey. The schedule is brutal, with consecutive road games at Ohio State, Pitt and Clemson following the opening scrimmage against Florida A&M. Miami then returns home to face Florida State. If the 'Canes are in still standing after that run, then they could be in the mix for a National Championship, but that is a big if.
12. Texas Christian
The Horned Frogs know how to play defense under Coach Gary Patterson, topping the nation in total defense a year ago. Although the Frogs lost All American DE Jerry Hughes, the unit will still be very strong. Although only four offensive starters return defensively, offensively quarterback Andy Dalton, who was outstanding last season, is among nine starters returning. While TCU should win them all, it seems of the two upstarts trying to claim a BCS spot, TCU falls back a bit while Boise State climbs up a spot.
13. Pittsburgh
For a while, it appeared the Dave Wannstedt era at Pitt might not work out. AD Steve Peterson has failed miserably at Nebraska, but Wannstedt has brought Pitt back winning 19 games in the last two seasons, and this years team could gets Pitt the highest preseason ranking they have had in many a moon. The Panthers are lead on offense by two All America candidates, running back Dion Lewis and wideout Jonathan Baldwin, but do have break in a new signal caller. All America candidate defensive end Greg Romeus anchors the defense, which brings back six starters. Pitt can easily win the Big East, and with home games versus Miami and Notre Dame, the opportunity to make a statement exists.
14. Oregon
The Quack Attack returns eighteen starters of last seasons Rose Bowl squad and expectations are high. Oregon would have likely been looking at a top five ranking, but returning signal caller Jeremiah Masoli had a series of altercations with the police which got him kicked off the team (since landed at Ole Miss). That leaves the Ducks with an inexperienced field general, but one with plenty of weapons to utilize, including LaMichael James at running back. Eight starters return of a very strong defensive unit, so the PAC 10 is the Ducks to lose, with USC and Oregon State on the road.
15. Florida State
Finally, the Seminoles have stability at quarterback in Christian Ponder, and with the entire offensive line returning along with some excellent skill people, Florida State will very tough to stop. FSU will put up tons of points, and they will have to. The defense was atrocious a year ago and can only get better under new coordinator Mark Stoops. There is talent, notably with ILB Nigel Bradham and CB Greg Reid, but some top notch recruits will be given a shot to contribute significantly. That is not good. If FSU can improve dramatically on defense, the offense could carry them quite far.
16. Southern Cal
Pete Carroll bolted for the NFL, leaving a youthful Trojan squad behind, on which is now on NCAA probation. Nice Pete? Speaking of bolting, after one season of singing Rocky Top, Lane Kiffin has brought his brash style to SoCAL. The defense is young, but the offense can be a strength behind Matt Barkley, not related to the Barkleys of Stockton as far as I know. Barkley performed well as a true freshman a season ago and he will be even better this fall. You know the Trojans have talent, but how much will the coaching transition and the overhang of probation, no bowl, hamper the Men of Troy.
17. North Carolina
It seems as though 2010 would be a breakout season for the Heels, what with 18 starters back along with both specialists. Most expect UNC to be stout on defense, on paper for sure. Last year, the Tar Heels, even with all that defensive talent, had trouble stopping people. A cause for concern? A problem with consistency at quarterback is real, with incumbent starter TJ Yates having thrown more intercepts than touchdowns. Had the Heels not had an offseason of turmoil with repsect to agent involvement with two of the Heels best players, one from each side of the ball, I would have predicted a possible top ten spot for UNC. But, uncertainty is not good, and therefore I suspect UNC will stumble a few times. Knocking off LSU early would help.
18. Arkansas
Arkansas is a team to look out for. Behind signal caller Ryan Mallett, who NLF scouts are salivating for, the Hogs can score on just about anyone. The offensive skill set is talented but can the offensive prowess carry the defense. It could not a year ago, but in 2010 the offense is better and so is the stop troops. Five of the top seven tacklers are back, so expect improvement. If nothing else, Arkansas will be fun to watch.
19. West Virginia
When Rich Rod left West Virginia, the Mounties had no idea their fortunes would change for the better. But under Bill Stewart, WVU has solidified their spot among the top of the Big East. West Virgina is excited about 2010, and with good reason. At running back, Noel Devine is as exciting as they come, a flash with see you later speed who can break a game open at any moment. Devine is among nine starters back on offense but Geno Smith, who got playing time in the Gator Bowl loss to FSU, will be amking his first start at quaterback. Nine dfensive starters return on defense as well, including honor candidates JT Thomas and Julian Miller. A trip to LSU looms large, and it looks like the late trip to Pitt will be for the Big East title.
20. Georgia Tech
Ever since Paul Johnson rolled into Atlanta with his unique flexbone offense, opposing defenses have found the Jackets difficult to stop. Experienced signal caller Josh Nesbitt returns to lead the Jackets, but most of his notable weapons have departed. The defense returns eight starters but lost the two best players early to the NFL. Al Groh, who was dismissed as head man at UVA, comes over to coach the unit where he excels. An early game at North Carolina is pivotal.
21. Auburn
The Tigers seemed to gain strength down the stretch a year ago, giving Alabama all they wanted in the Iron Bowl and dumping Northwestern in the Outback Bowl. Seven starters return on both sides of the ball, but a new arrival in Florida transfer Cam Newton at quarterback is what is generating excitement. Four starters return up front along with some decent skill people, so if Newton can produce, points will not be an issue. Auburn is very sound defensively, particularly in the linebacking core. While Alabama is the beast in the SEC west, Auburn has its top divisonal opponents in Arkansas and LSU at home.
22. Louisiana State
A year ago, behind several stellar defensive efforts, LSU played several close games. Unfortunately, the offense could not mount a consistent attack. Quarterback Jordan Jefferson ahs been pedestrian and needs to tak the next step in his progression. He does not have much help, with one offensive line starter returning and unproven skill folks. Highly touted recruit Michael Ford could hep at running back. Only four starters return on defense this year, led by standout corner Patrick Peterson. Therefore, thusually stout defense will join the offense with growing pains. This is not a good place to be in the SEC.
23. Georgia
A legitimate national title contender just two season ago, the Bulldogs are in danger of slipping out of contention in the SEC. The famed junkyard Dawgs have been junk of late, and the defensive staff has been altered. There is talent, but the SEC is not the place for a youth movement. That is just what UGA has at signal caller, where Tampa Plant R-FR Aaron Murray is slated to start. The o-line is strong if it can stay healthy, and AJ Green is a weapon at wideout, giving the Dawgs a chance to put up some points as the defense emerges.
24. Oregon State
You have to be impressed at what has been going on up in Corvalis. A little over a decade ago of being one the nations top notch dorrmats, the Beavers are now annually in the mix for the conference title and are know for casuing trouble by knocking off other contenders. The Beavers return a strong running game once again, and since a new signal caller will be running the O, this rises in importance. Defensive tackle Stephen Paea anchors a very solid unit that played well considering the amount of points the surrendered. OSU will need to step it up a bit on each side of the ball to contend for the Roses, but the Beavers are solid none the less.
25. Boston College
Few would be able to come up with this statistic, but BC has won at least 8 games each of the last five seasons, and there is no reason not to think they will again this year. The Eagles are not explosive on offense, but behind a big offensive line and the knack for making key plays, BC is efficient on offense. On the stop side, BC welcomes back a strong group, led my Luke Kuechly, who rose to stardom last fall at MLB. Everyone is pulling for 2008 ACC defensive player of the year Mark Herzlich to come back from bone cancer, which kept him out a year ago.
Among those teams considered for placement in the Preaseson Top 25 were the following:
South Carolina, Washington, Missouri, Stanford, Notre Dame, Penn State, Houston, Northwestern, Utah, Stanford and Cincinnati.
ASCENDING: Arkansas, Washington, Florida State, Auburn
DESCENDING: LSU, Oklahoma State, Tennessee, East Carolina
2010 Preseason All America
WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
WR A. J. Green, Georgia
WR Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
TE Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame
OL Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
OL Rodney Hudson, Florida State
OL Mike Pouncey, Florida
OL Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State
OL Anthony Costanzo, Boston College
QB Jake Locker, Washington
RB Mark Ingram, Alabama
RB Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh
RB Noel Devine, West Virginia
DE Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
DT Jared Crick, Nebraska
DT Marcell Dureus, Alabama
DT Allen Bailey, Miami
DE Robert Quinn, North Carolina
OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M
ILB Greg Jones, Michigan State
ILB Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State
OLB Luke Kuechly, Boston College
DB Prince Amukamura, Nebraska
DB Brandon Harris, Miami
DB Rahim Moore, UCLA
DB DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson
DB Patrick Peterson, LSU
K Alex Henery, Nebraska
P Drew Butler, Georgia
KR Greg Reid, Florida State
NC Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina
Top College Football Website: The Wiz of Odds
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