I don't believe in preseason rankings but as part of my duty I must give my preseason rankings. Before I do please note that I believe in putting the National Champion from the previous year first in my rankings with the runner-up second. All the rest will be based on last year's final ranking and their protential for this year.
1. Florida Gators - The Gators won the National Championship last year beating Ohio State 41-14. Tim Tebow takes over full-time this year for the departed Chris Leak. Tebow was used mostly in a running role but did have 5 touchdown passes in only 33 attempts. The Gators are very young and inexperienced, especially on defense. I expect a step back for the defending champs with a predicted record of about 9-3.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes - The Buckeyes lose Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith and alot of other offensive weapons so expect a stepback from this year. I predict a 3rd place finish in the Big Ten with losses to Michigan and Penn State.
3. USC Trojans - The Tojans are everybody's preseason National Championship winner and I tend to think they have the protential to be standing at the top when the smoke clears. But those 2 Pac-10 losses to Oregon State and UCLA could mean the rest of the conference is finally starting to catch up to them. Expect a dogfight in the season finale against UCLA this year with UCLA hoping to end the Trojans NC hopes for the 2nd year in a row.
4. Texas Longhorns - The Longerhorns hopes this year hinge on QB Colt McCoy staying healthy. If he stays healthy than the Longhorns are legit NC contenders but if he doesn't the Longhorns are gonna have their hands full.
5. Michigan Wolverines - Michigan has everything you need to make a run at a NC. Seniors at the most important positions, QB and RB. Mario Manningham is a huge playmaker at WR and Senior OT Jake Long anchors the OL. If they can find replacements on defense for DE LaMarr Woodley, DT Alan Branch, LBs Prescott Burgess and David Harris and CB Leon Hall than the Wolverines should be right in the hunt.
6. LSU Tigers - The Tigers are everybody's preseason SEC Champs but I don't necessarily believe in that. I believe the Tigers will have a tough time replacing WRs Dwayne Bowe and Craig Davis aswell as defensive standout LaRon Landry.
7. Virginia Tech Hokies - I believe the Hokies will be nearly unstoppable this year in the wake of that tragedy last April in Blacksburg. They will dedicate this season to those that lost their lifes. It also helps that they have a very good football team.
8. West Virginia Mountaineers - What can you say about the Mountaineers other than wow? The Pat White and Steve Slaton combination have been nearly unstoppable and there is no reason to think they won't continue that success this year.
9. Louisville Cardinals - If the Cardinals adjust well to having a new HC than there is no reason to think they won't continue to win games in 2007. Brian Brohm has to stay healthy though.
10. Rutgers Scarlet Knights - The Scarlet Knights had a magical run last year and their hopes this year hinge on the improved play from QB Mike Teal. Ray Rice is back at RB and should once again allow the Knights to be a force in the Big East. I just don't think the Knights have enough to complete with West Virginia or Louisville and yes I remember Rutgers beating Louisville last year but they were home and than went on the road and was run over by Cincinnati.
11. Oklahoma Sooners
12. Penn State Nittany Lions
13. Wisconsin Badgers
14. Auburn Tigers
15. Nebraska Cornhuskers
16. California Golden Bears
17. TCU Horned Frogs
18. Tennessee Volunteers
19. Georgia Bulldogs
20. Texas A&M Aggies
21. South Carolina Gamecocks
22. UCLA Bruins
23. South Florida Bulls
24. Hawaii Warriors
25. Missouri Tigers
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