| Preseason Top 30
Compiled by Jeff Breese
1. Southern Cal
Despite playing a schedule that
includes four Top 25 teams and an underrated Notre Dame, the only
team that can beat USC is USC.
2. Texas
This will be Texas' year. Well,
at least until the Rose Bowl. Seriously, Longhorn fans will finally
celebrate that victory over Oklahoma in football.
3. Louisiana State
Les Miles replaces Nick Saban on
the sidelines, but the Tigers return 18 starters and 47 lettermen
from a talented team that lost by only 1 point to Auburn.
4. Michigan
The Wolverines have the advantage
of playing in The Big House seven times this season, including
the always crucial battle with Ohio State.
5. Tennessee
It's near impossible for the Vols
to beat Florida, LSU, and Georgia in three of the first five weeks
of the season. Even harder would be beating LSU in the SEC Championship
game after that grueling year.
6. Miami (Florida)
Look for the Canes to step up after
a solid Š but sub-parŠperformance in their debut ACC season. They'll
break Bobby Bowden's heart twice in one season.
7. Oklahoma
Adrian Petersen can still run a
defense to death, but a new QB and a less than amazing group of
receivers will keep Oklahoma from continuing its dominance in
the Big 12.
8. Virginia Tech
The Hokies are a solid team all-around,
but even with Marcus Vick, they will not be special enough to
repeat as ACC champs.
9. Ohio State
Ohio State has talent all over the
field; unfortunately for the Buckeyes, Texas and Michigan have
more talent all over the field.
10. Purdue
Purdue was very good last year until
a Kyle Orton fumble turned their season upside down. A favorable
schedule and the memory of last year's collapse will help this
team turn the corner.
Best of the rest:
11. Florida
12. Iowa
13. Louisville
14. Georgia
15. Auburn
16. California
17. Boise State
18. Fresno State
19. Florida State
20. Virginia
21. Oregon
22. Texas Tech
23. Arizona State
24. Utah
25. N.C. State
26. Georgia Tech
27. Penn State
28. Iowa State
29. Pittsburgh
30. Miami (Ohio) |
