BEAVERNATION 10 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 on ESPN's latest preseason top 25 for college football 1. Georgia Bulldogs Quarterback Matthew Stafford and tailback Knowshon Moreno have Georgia poised to contend for a national championship. But there will be plenty of hurdles. With the annual neutral-site contest against Florida (in Jacksonville) and road games at Arizona State, LSU and Auburn, the Bulldogs will play one of the country's toughest schedules. If they can navigate their way through it with two or fewer losses, the Bulldogs have a chance to play in the BCS title game. 2. Oklahoma Sooners The Sooners lost three very good juniors -- receiver Malcolm Kelly, linebacker Curtis Lofton and cornerback Reggie Smith -- to the NFL draft. But with tailback DeMarco Murray and QB Sam Bradford coming back, the Sooners' offense could be explosive. The Big 12 schedule is favorable: Oklahoma doesn't play Missouri and gets Kansas and Texas Tech at home. 3. Ohio State Buckeyes The Buckeyes fared much better than expected in personnel losses, with only junior defensive end Vernon Gholston declaring for the NFL draft. All-America linebacker James Laurinaitis returns to lead what should be a very stingy defense, and tailback Beanie Wells will be a Heisman Trophy candidate. Ohio State is good enough to go through the Big Ten schedule unbeaten, but a Sept. 13 road trip to USC might decide its BCS title hopes. 4. USC Trojans The Trojans will have to rebuild their offense with quarterback John David Booty and tight end Fred Davis leaving. The defense also takes several hits, with end Lawrence Jackson, tackle Sedrick Ellis and linebacker Keith Rivers also leaving. But if USC can avoid the injuries that hampered it in 2007 -- and if Mark Sanchez or Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain plays well at quarterback -- the Trojans again will be a national championship contender. 5. Missouri Tigers With quarterback Chase Daniel returning for his senior season and 10 starters coming back on defense, the Tigers should be good enough to challenge Oklahoma and Texas for the Big 12 championship. The schedule sets up nicely, as Missouri doesn't play Oklahoma, Texas A&M or Texas Tech in the regular season. 6. Texas Longhorns Losing tailback Jamaal Charles to the NFL draft might be a tremendous blow on offense, but coach Mack Brown went a long way toward rebuilding his defense by hiring Auburn coordinator Will Muschamp. Quarterback Colt McCoy will have to carry a bigger load because of the uncertainty at tailback. 7. Florida Gators Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow and receiver Percy Harvin will lead a talented offense, especially if USC transfer Emmanuel Moody emerges as a strong tailback. The Gators lacked a running game to complement Tebow last season. The defense continues to be a concern, however, especially after co-coordinator Greg Mattison left for the Baltimore Ravens. Coach Urban Meyer worked quickly and hired former Iowa State coach Dan McCarney to help on defense. 8. LSU Tigers The defending national champion Tigers lose a boatload of talent, including quarterback Matt Flynn, tailback Jacob Hester and receiver Early Doucet on offense. The losses on defense are even bigger, with All-Americans Glenn Dorsey and Craig Steltz leaving. But coach Les Miles still has a full cupboard of talent. QB Ryan Perrilloux will have to come through if the Tigers are going to defend their SEC championship. 9. Clemson Tigers Tigers coach Tommy Bowden might be poised to win the ACC championship at last. After getting a contract extension, Bowden assembled one of the best recruiting classes in the country. He also persuaded junior tailback James Davis and receiver Aaron Kelly to stay in school. Underrated quarterback Cullen Harper comes back to lead what might be the ACC's best offense. 10. Arizona State Sun Devils A 52-34 loss to Texas in the Holiday Bowl showed the Sun Devils still have plenty of work to do under coach Dennis Erickson. QB Rudy Carpenter returns, but the Sun Devils will have to rebuild an offensive line that couldn't protect the quarterback in 2007. Safety Josh Barrett and linebacker Robert James are big losses on defense. The recruiting class brings instant help, with five offensive linemen and five juco transfers coming in. 11. Virginia Tech Hokies The Hokies will have to be better on offense than they were in 2007 because their defense will have to overcome heavy personnel losses. Linebackers Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall are both gone, along with end Chris Ellis and cornerback Brandon Flowers. Will coach Frank Beamer continue to rotate quarterbacks Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor, a mix that worked at the end of the 2007 season? Tailback Branden Ore needs to have a better offseason than he did a year ago. 12. Texas Tech Red Raiders QB Graham Harrell and receiver Michael Crabtree might have Texas Tech poised to become the biggest surprise of 2008. The Red Raiders should be able to score plenty of points again, and with eight starters coming back on defense, they might even be equipped to stop opponents this season. Road games at Texas A&M, Kansas and Oklahoma are big tests. 13. Wisconsin Badgers Kansas State transfer Allan Evridge is in line to replace quarterback Tyler Donovan, and his job will be easier after tight end Travis Beckum decided to return to school for one more season. Tailback P.J. Hill will have to stay healthy for the Badgers to reach their full potential, but Zach Brown and Lance Smith emerged as capable runners when Hill was hurt last season. A five-game stretch against Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Iowa and Illinois at midseason is more than daunting. 14. Tennessee Volunteers For all their warts last season, the Volunteers still finished 10-4 and beat Wisconsin 21-17 in the Outback Bowl. The offense will get a makeover in 2008 because QB Erik Ainge exhausted his eligibility and offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe was named Duke's head coach. Two other assistant coaches left, and Phillip Fulmer hired Richmond coach Dave Clawson as offensive coordinator, Richmond assistant Latrell Scott as wide receivers coach and Florida assistant Stan Drayton as running backs coach. Getting safety Demetrice Morley back, after he spent the 2007 season at a nearby technical college to improve his grades, should be a big boost to the secondary. The Vols play at UCLA in Week 2 and have SEC road games at Georgia, Auburn and South Carolina. 15. Kansas Jayhawks Can Jayhawks coach Mark Mangino find lightning in a bottle again in 2008? It won't be easy, especially after All-America cornerback Aqib Talib and offensive tackle Anthony Collins entered the NFL draft as juniors. Kansas also must replace tailback Brandon McAnderson, the team's leading rusher. QB Todd Reesing and nine returning starters on defense ensure the Jayhawks won't fall off the map. 16. Auburn Tigers The Tigers figure to fly under the radar again, which is when coach Tommy Tuberville's teams tend to play their best. The offense will have a new look after Tuberville hired Troy's Tony Franklin to replace offensive coordinator Al Borges. Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp left for Texas. QB Kodi Burns replaces much-maligned Brandon Cox, and the Tigers have to do a better job of running the football. Defensive end Quentin Groves and tackles Pat Sims and Josh Thompson are the biggest losses on defense. 17. Penn State Nittany Lions With 17 starters coming back, coach Joe Paterno might be poised to make one last run at a Big Ten championship. Junior Daryll Clark is in line to replace QB Anthony Morelli, so the Nittany Lions might employ a spread offense in 2008. Top receivers Deon Butler, Jordan Norwood and Derrick Williams will all return. Replacing inside linebacker Dan Connor and junior cornerback Justin King, who left for the NFL draft, are priorities on defense. 18. Oregon Ducks The Ducks salvaged their season with a 56-21 rout of South Florida in the Sun Bowl, proving there was more to Oregon than QB Dennis Dixon. Coach Mike Bellotti will have to replace Dixon and star running back Jonathan Stewart, who left for the NFL draft as a junior. The Ducks also will have to replace two starters on the offensive line and the heart of their defense. Tailback Jeremiah Johnson is coming back from a torn ACL that shortened his 2007 season. 19. BYU Cougars After winning 11 games each of the past two seasons, the Cougars might contend for a BCS at-large berth in 2008. QB Max Hall played very well in his first season as a starter after missing a couple of seasons while serving a Mormon mission. The defense will have to be rebuilt, with several key linebackers and defensive backs departing. 20. West Virginia Mountaineers Did you hear that Mountaineers coach Rich Rodriguez left for Michigan? His messy divorce from West Virginia overshadowed the Mountaineers' convincing 48-28 rout of Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. QB Pat White and speedy tailback Noel Devine are coming back, but tailback Steve Slaton, receiver Darius Reynaud and defensive end Johnny Dingle entered the NFL draft as juniors. New coach Bill Stewart expects the Mountaineers to win games and contend for the Big East championship in his first season. 21. Virginia Cavaliers Al Groh turned in one of the best coaching jobs in the country in 2007, and with QB Jameel Sewell and tailback Mikell Simpson returning, the Cavaliers might contend for the ACC championship in 2008. Receiver Kevin Ogletree and tailback Cedric Peerman, who were injured last season, should be healthy again. All-America end Chris Long will have to be replaced on defense. The Cavaliers open the season at home against USC. 22. Pittsburgh Panthers After beating West Virginia 13-9 in one of the biggest upsets of 2007, the Panthers finally seemed poised to turn the corner under coach Dave Wannstedt. QB Pat Bostick and tailback LeSean McCoy both played remarkably well as freshmen, and the defense showed some bite at season's end. If the Panthers can learn to win close games -- they lost four games by seven or fewer points last season -- they might be one of the country's biggest surprises. 23. Illinois Fighting Illini Coach Ron Zook's rebuilding job might be more difficult this season now that star tailback Rashard Mendenhall left for the NFL draft after his junior season. QB Juice Williams will have to carry an even bigger load in the spread offense, and receiver Arrelious Benn will have to be more involved. Replacing star linebacker J Leman on defense is a top priority. The Illini will get help from another nationally ranked recruiting class. 24. South Carolina Gamecocks The Gamecocks hoped to challenge for an SEC East title in 2007, but they finished the season with a five-game losing streak and a 6-6 record. South Carolina ultimately was undone by too many injuries and not enough depth. Coach Steve Spurrier has recruited well, so the Gamecocks should begin to reap the rewards of his efforts. Spurrier hired Ellis Johnson to replace defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix. Redshirt freshman Stephen Garcia might be Carolina's quarterback of the future. 25. Fresno State Bulldogs The Bulldogs were very explosive at the end of the 2007 season, scoring 30 or more points in eight of their last nine games, including a 40-28 win over Georgia Tech in the Humanitarian Bowl. After an uncharacteristic 4-8 finish in 2006, coach Pat Hill redeemed himself with a 9-4 record. With QB Tom Brandstater and tailback Ryan Mathews returning, the Bulldogs again should be explosive on offense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEAVERNATION 10 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 IMO OSU, UF, TEXAS, WVU, FRESNO are all wrong. 1. OSU.. come on , haven't they proved that playing the jr. high's of Ohio doesn't constitute as a strong OOC? 2. UF? not until the defense straightens out and stops someone and they find a running game other than Tebow. 3. Texas.....Not the strongest of the Big XII 4. WVU....please , they are losing a lot in Slaton, Reynaud, and Dingle....and RRod, but they only had have of that combo for the bowl game and looked fine. 5. Fresno........why are deserving of 25? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sources 10 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 Oklahoma is overrated (as usual) but everyone will realize this when they lose 3 games, go to a BCS, and get embarrassed again. VT is a little over ranked IMO considering what they're losing on defense. WVU is underrated, IMO. They should at least be Top 15 considering they return a good nucleus of players and a competent coaching staff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEAVERNATION 10 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 Tech is losing some important players....but they usually seem to get the specials and Defense in order......the offense can sputter along like it did this year and still win. I think they too should be around 15ish. WVU is returning the most important person......Pat White...he has leadership......and that will help tremendously Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hokie07 11 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 My thoughts?? I think that Mr. fieldgeneral, Schmitt, BEAVERNATION, whoever else, just can't let it go... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dawgs05 10 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 WVU should win the Big East again....Pat White is by far the most dynamic player in the game now....WVU should have another 10 or 11 win season...The D lost alot but some key junior college additions will have immediate impacts on D. VT should do well again in 08...The offense can't get much worse but the D will have to find some new play makers....VT should finish with at least 9 wins...maybe even 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BEAVERTAIL Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 i think you are forgetting OLINE too...lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bogeavers 10 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 I think WVU's oline will be better this year than last year. They were relatively young last year and it showed sometimes. It is going to be interesting to see who they get as the fullback, because Schmitt was a montrous part of the offense and will be missed. I am suprised that WVU was ranked that low, given they hammered the preseason #2 team in the Fiesta Bowl. I know that was last year and all, but overall WVU doesn't lose a whole lot. Should be an interesting season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vthokies4life 10 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 [ QUOTE ] Oklahoma is overrated (as usual) but everyone will realize this when they lose 3 games, go to a BCS, and get embarrassed again. VT is a little over ranked IMO considering what they're losing on defense. WVU is underrated, IMO. They should at least be Top 15 considering they return a good nucleus of players and a competent coaching staff. [/ QUOTE ] VT overrated, WVU underrated. I wouldn't have guessed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dawgs05 10 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Oklahoma is overrated (as usual) but everyone will realize this when they lose 3 games, go to a BCS, and get embarrassed again. VT is a little over ranked IMO considering what they're losing on defense. WVU is underrated, IMO. They should at least be Top 15 considering they return a good nucleus of players and a competent coaching staff. [/ QUOTE ] VT overrated, WVU underrated. I wouldn't have guessed. [/ QUOTE ] Truth hurts huh?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sources 10 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Oklahoma is overrated (as usual) but everyone will realize this when they lose 3 games, go to a BCS, and get embarrassed again. VT is a little over ranked IMO considering what they're losing on defense. WVU is underrated, IMO. They should at least be Top 15 considering they return a good nucleus of players and a competent coaching staff. [/ QUOTE ] VT overrated, WVU underrated. I wouldn't have guessed. [/ QUOTE ] I'm a Tech fan, but we have a lot of questions going into next season. I think more than likely it will be a learning year for us. I could be wrong though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEAVERNATION 10 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 [ QUOTE ] My thoughts?? I think that Mr. fieldgeneral, Schmitt, BEAVERNATION, whoever else, just can't let it go... [/ QUOTE ] by whatever do you mean?......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEAVERNATION 10 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Oklahoma is overrated (as usual) but everyone will realize this when they lose 3 games, go to a BCS, and get embarrassed again. VT is a little over ranked IMO considering what they're losing on defense. WVU is underrated, IMO. They should at least be Top 15 considering they return a good nucleus of players and a competent coaching staff. [/ QUOTE ] VT overrated, WVU underrated. I wouldn't have guessed. [/ QUOTE ] Hey I spoke positively of VT.....as usual a good ST and Defense will keep them in the top 15....The offense may surprise us....but I dunno. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMan 3,569 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 That Top 25 lost all credibility when I got to #21... Also, Clemson at #9 and VT at #11 is wishful thinking at best...top 25 teams for sure but I don't think either will break the top 10... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GHS06 10 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 Truth is, WVU could be the 20th best team in nation and go to a BCS game... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GetMoney55 11 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 this is my personal top 5 1- Georgia 2- Oklahoma 3- USC 4- Florida 5- Clemson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beano5 14 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 [ QUOTE ] IMO OSU, UF, TEXAS, WVU, FRESNO are all wrong. 1. OSU.. come on , haven't they proved that playing the jr. high's of Ohio doesn't constitute as a strong OOC? 2. UF? not until the defense straightens out and stops someone and they find a running game other than Tebow. 3. Texas.....Not the strongest of the Big XII 4. WVU....please , they are losing a lot in Slaton, Reynaud, and Dingle....and RRod, but they only had have of that combo for the bowl game and looked fine. 5. Fresno........why are deserving of 25? [/ QUOTE ] how can you say Texas is not deserving..they destroyed a very good Arizona State team...and oh yeah...Colt McCoy found his game during that bowl game...Texas ONLY lost Charles..which does hurt them yes...but they will be fine with always having good running backs no one ever heard of...they should be top 10 as long as they beat K. State who has had their number the last few years and if they beat Oklahoma...they are NC game bound... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rabidbeaver 90 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 [ QUOTE ] Truth is, WVU could be the 20th best team in nation and go to a BCS game... [/ QUOTE ] Truth is not how you get to a BCS bowl but the trick is how to win a BCS bowl game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GetMoney55 11 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 saying that Texas is ONLY losing Charles is an understatement. the kid is a three year starter, national champion, pro prospect running back. he alone accounted for 3-4 wins for Texas last year. they are losing a lot in him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beano5 14 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 but that is the only thing they are losing...they are fine on D this year with most returning and they will have a RB by the seasons start next year...they will be just fine...they can get a RB to fill in for Charles...and like i said...Colt McCoy really stepped it up in the ASU game...so im hoping that carries on into next season...like i said...RB or not...if they beat K. State and Oklahoma...they are in the NC game...if they go into the Texas A&M game undefeated...they will leave the field that way... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beano5 14 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 oh...and you are telling me this like i dont know who Charles is...the kid is spectacular...but they will have someone back there who can run the ball and get close to 100 a game... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GetMoney55 11 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 yeah they are losing Charles, but he is not just some regular runner. He will not be easy to replace because there probably isnt another guy in college football history or future who will run for 200 yards in one quarter, twice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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