1. Ohio State - I'm an avid Michigan fan but have to admit returning 18 starters from a already solid 2 year run is pretty tough to beat. The talent at OSU is at or above every elite level program in the country for this season and this should finally be there year.
* Win it all If....They pass a early season test @ USC (9/13). This could very well be the first of two meetings between the Trojans and Buckeyes in '08-'09, However the loser of Game 1 is going to have to hope for a shaky Top 5 like this past year. Win or Lose for the Buckeyes they will still have a shot at the end of the season to be in the NC Game.
* Potential Roadblocks...@Wisconsin, @MSU, and @ Illinois, with all 3 of them improved this season, could be tough as well as the final game at home vs. Michigan.
2. Florida - A Rematch of the '06-'07 game ends the opposite way for the gators, allowing OSU to knock off some of that SEC Supiority. (However I strongly feel the SEC is the best conference in the Country but thats for a different day.) Tebow, Harvin, Moody, Gainey and Co. will have an explosive offensive year and a still youthful defense will cause fits throughout the year.
* Win it all if...Its Simple, Beat Miami (Fl), Tennesee, LSU, FSU, Georgia, and Arkansas.
* Potential Roadblocks...The Schedule, Tebow's durability. IMO this offense will not be stopped, but there could be potential lapses I suppose.
3. Georgia - Its very tough to pick against the Bulldogs this season, They return almost everyone, 15+ I believe, the schedule could be the downfall. Matthew Stafford, Knowshon Moreno will dazzle once again. Massaquoi will finally become a star alongside AJ Green for the big play threats. The defense will be very fast and hard hitting, I love Coach Richt as well, he always has his teams ready. Some of the big time recruits will have great freshman seasons. Tyson, Harmon, and Jackson will all boost the D-Line.
* Win it all if...They beat Florida on Nov. 1st, IMO Winner of the SEC East will be a lock for the NC game, barring an upset in the SEC title game.
* Potential Roadblocks...@ASU,@LSU, and @ Auburn is tough to overcome, as well as Florida, 'Bama, and Tennessee at home.
4. Clemson- I will hear it for this pick I think, but I really like this Clemson team, with a very favorable schedule and game breakers such as CJ Spiller and James Davis. Bowers on the defensive side will have a large impact as well Spencer Adams (S) and Brandon Thompson (DT).
* Win it all if...They don't stumble. They should be good if they pass Game 1 vs. Alabama, that is, until the ACC title game. VT and possibly Miami could be the difference between BCS Champ Game or the Orange Bowl.
* Potential Roadblocks...Alabama, @ FSU, ACC Title game and a lack of focus or preparation for any other games, It's happened before which is a criticism of head coach Tommy Bowden.
5. USC - 5 is most likely too low for this extremely talented squad. QB Mark Sanchez (Or possibly Mitch Mustain) inherits more offensive weapons than one could dream of, the only problem is the amount of pressure that brings as well.
* Win it all if...They get solid play from their QB. Both are experinced and very talented, they need to be leaders not playmakers. OSU at home, typical Cal and Oregon tough games, and then the showdown with New-UCLA.
* Potential Roadblocks...Complete meltdowns from both QB's, Trap games vs. ASU Cal Oregon and Notre Dame. Very easily could be playing for the title though.
6. Oklahoma - A very scary team, 1 of about 8 teams with a legit title oppurtunity. Bradford and Co. will be huge again on offense, and Coach Stoops' Defenses never seem to fail. A lot of talent returning from last years youthful squad. The annual showdown with Texas is the biggest test, but Kansas, KSU, Nebraska, Texas A&M, and Cincinnati all will pose as dangerous. And never count out Texas Tech either.
* Win it all if...They are consistent, they were all of last season until that dreadful Texas Tech game, A Dangerous Mizzou squad could await them in the Big 12 Title game.
* Potential Roadblocks...Not many, just learn from their mistakes last season. Play Stoops' ball and dont let up vs. Texas and any others.
7. Texas - Could flip with Oklahoma. One of the two will win the Big 12 South, a lethal defense will need to carry the load in the big games for them to have a chance in a very offensive Big 12 this season.
* Win it all if...They win the Big 12 Title, its do-able, but unlikely this year. McCoy will be huge though.
* Potential Roadblocks...Colorado, Oklahoma, Mizzou, Tech, Kansas, and Texas A&M, Big 12 Title game. Thats 7 very tough games. Easily could slip up.
8. WVU - They are for real, I did not think they were until the bowl game last season. This time will score many points, they just need to stay motivated and not get bitten by Pitt or any other "underdog." Bill Stewart will not let this program drop off. Pat White will have a Heisman Longshot, Noel Devine will be the real deal.
* Win it all if...They don't faulter. The midseason Auburn contest is huge for this team, but they played with the best of em last season vs. Oklahoma and showed they belong.
* Potential Roadblocks...Cincinnati will be a tough game again, The Bearcats will be better, Auburn as well, The Backyard Brawl is clearly always going to be interesting as well.
9. Missouri - They return a boatload of starters and Chase Daniel + Jeremy Maclin are the best 1-2 punch in the country on any given day. The defense will be able to win a game or two if needed, the potential downfall could be injuries, which we all hope never happens, but a lack of depth could hurt.
* Win it all if...They win the Big 12 Title, whoever comes out of the Big 12 could have a very serious NC game bid.
* Potential Roadblocks...Game 1 vs. Illinois in a rivlary game, Nebraska, Texas, Colorado, and Kansas.
10. Michigan - I have to do it. Im a big fan of the Wolverines and my optimism is really high at this moment. (Although I think 2010 is a real title shot). Rich Rod will have this team stronger, faster, and hungrier, as well as more potent. A lot of incoming speed and more playmakers in Ann Arbor. A young, Fast, and swarming defense is now in place as well.
* Win it all if...They won't but 10-2 is easily reachable, however that could quickly also be 6-6,7-5 type season as well.
* Potential Roadblocks...Notre Dame, Illinois, Wisconsin, MSU, OSU, and PSU all lurk.
Heisman Trophy: Chris "Beanie" Wells
Kimbo Nyce is a huge college football fan and loves to participate in ncaa football talk at sports talk website RootZoo.
No comments:
Post a Comment