Less than 4 weeks till the kickoff of the 2008 season, and the hype is just beginning. Many teams have started their fall camps this week, and EVERY fan has huge expectations for their team(s) at hand.
Can we stay on top? Can we get better? Who will be the guys that step up? Who will fall on their face?
The eternal questions entering any College Football season. In this post I'll take a peek at the 10 teams I believe that could step up and surprise........and may even.... win it all?
10. Colorado: Dan Hawkins returns 14 starters from last year, but more importantly 8 on defense, and his own son as the starting QB. Unfortunately for Buffs fans, they play one of the toughest schedules in the country. On the bright side, they bring in the AA blue-chip RB recruit Darrell Scott. We should also expect the WR corps to be much better in Hawkins 3rd year at the helm. If the defense can stop anybody on a regular basis, they have a good enough offense to score 30 or more per game. Games against West Virginia, Florida State, Texas, @ Kansas, @ Missouri, and @ Nebraska look to be some big cogs to overcome. If they get hot...... they could go 4-2 against that tumultuous schedule. IF NOT? They could go 4-8. Either way, it should be an exciting year in Boulder with virtually a quality opponent lining up against them each and every week.
9. Pittsburgh: Dave Wannstedt has been under some heat to produce in Pittsburgh. He has also enjoyed some of the best recruits in the BIg East over the past few years to matriculate to the Pennsylvania campus as well. The QB competition is a bit of a concern, but the return of both WR Derek Kinder, and AA candidate LeSean McCoy at RB should help that postition out tremendously. With 15 starters returning, and what looks to be a much improved defense in tow, the Panthers could be a solid surpise Big East conference champion. WIth a manageable non-conference schedule ( Bowling Green, Buffalo, Iowa, @ Navy, @ Notre Dame), Pitt has an honest chance to run the table with a couple of upsets over South Florida and West Virginia. (Not asking for much, am I?) They should be favored in 8 games this year. Throw in some good mojo and solid special teams play, and this team could definitely surprise some people.
8. Notre Dame: Yeah, give me some heat. I should probably deserve it on this one. But.......the 'Domers have one of their easiest schedules we have seen for quite some time. Even including their BCS years when Brady was at the helm. To start out the season with 2 solid wins would go a long ways. A loss to a rebuilding Michigan team at home could also spell their doom in week 2. Throw in road games to Michigan State, North Carolina, Washington, and USC, and it is HIGHLY unlikely the Irish can pull off 10 or more wins. But I don't think there is a single person in the country that honestly believes the Irish will be one of the worst offenses in the country again in 2008. WIth 16 starters returning, including 9 on offense, the Irish should expect to see some huge strides gained this year. Can they return to BCS bowl game notoriety? If they can win 9 games, they could very likely return to that echelon. The real question is whether they can win 9 games. I'll give them a 33% chance of doing just that.
7. North Carolina: Butch Davis can coach. Just not in the NFL. The job he did at Miami has to be respected, and the recruiting, thus far, that he has done at Carolina also shows much promise for the Heels in '08. Throw in the fact that the Tar Heels lost 6 closely contested games last year, and the future looks to be bright in Chapel Hill. TJ Yates is one of the better QB's that most people don't know about, and they return 18 starters from last years much improved team. If they simply split the close games that they had last year they were 7-5. Keep in mind, in the same ACC conference, Virginia WON 6 games by a grand total of 12 points last year. Speed and playmakers have been the biggest influence that Butch has brought to North Carolina. Look for that speed and talent to start to take hold this year. With their 5 road games involving Rutgers, Miami (FL), Virginia, Maryland, and Duke, the Heels should be able to compete in every single game in 2008. In a much depleted ACC conference this year, don't be surprised if the Tar Heels make some serious noise, and a possible run to a conference championship. The 3 game stretch (after the opener against McNeese State) @ Rutgers, vs. Virginia Tech, and @ Miami (FL), will likely go a long ways in proving just how good the Tar Heels could be this year. A solid start, and this team could be a serious contender.
6. Michigan State: Another coach that I like is Mark Dantonio. In his 1st year in East Lansing he improved a Spartan squad from a 4-8 disaster, to a 7-6 bowl team. He also returns 13 starters including underrated QB Brian Hoyer. With him on offense will be another underrated player in RB Javon Ringer. Look for Dantonio to open up the Spartan offense a bit more this year, and if the defense can improve in the secondary, this is another team that can surprise some people in '08. The schedule is tough, and if they can pull off the 'upset' in California in week 1, this team will gain a ton of confidence to start the year. Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Penn State are all on the schedule, but the Spartans don't see them until their 8th, 10th, and 12th games respectively. Other important clashes include Notre Dame at home, Iowa at home, and Michigan on the road. Those games are all winnable. A 9 or 10 win season isn't out of the realm of possibilities......... could it be more?
5. Kansas: Kansas? Yes, Kansas. A pre-season ranked top 15 team is fully expected to fall on their face by many pundits. Self-included. But one has to greatly appreciate the job that Mark Mangino has done in Lawrence, KS. Proverbial bottom-feeder Kansas has just come off of a spectacular 12-1 season including an Orange Bowl win over Virginia Tech. They also return 9 starters from one of the stingiest defenses in the country from last year including one of the most underrated LB corps and secondaries in the nation. What the 'Hawks will have to overcome is their defenciencies in the trenches this year. Road games at South Florida, Oklahoma, and Nebraska loom. Along with dates against Colorado, Texas Tech, Texas, and Missouri. Outside of Nebraska and Colorado, those are all teams with top 10 and possible National Championship aspirations. Many people are predicting 5 or 6 losses for Kansas this year. But, the Jayhawks have every right to expect that last year was not a fluke. You don't average over 42 ppg on offense and 16 ppg on defense because you were a 'bad' team; regardless of your schedule. You may laugh at this being a surprise team, but I'm sure most would be more surprised if the Jayhawks ended up with 8 or more wins this year in the regular season. Thus the reason I peg them in here.
4. Auburn: Should Auburn be considered a surpise? Maybe not. But when I can see them running the table and going undefeated, I don't think so. Yes, the coaches and media predicted them to win the SEC West, but most don't consider them LEGIT National Title contenders. I do. The loss of Brandon Cox may prove to be a blessing at QB, and the influx of a rejuvenated 'spread' attack could spring some life into an often criticized Tiger attack. The defense will be stellar as always, and the special teams will be top notch once again. Hard to put a team considered by many as an SEC contender into the mix, but when you consider they are not ranked in most pre-season top 10's, and the Tigers could very well end up playing for it all this year. That to me, means they are a surprise team.
3. South Florida: I'll put it to you this way; you SHOULD NOT be surprised if South Florida is undefeated heading to Morgantown, WV on December 6th. The toughest games facing USF before then? Kansas at home, Pittsburgh at home, @ Louisville, and Rutgers at home.South Florida will likely be favored in every contest before they travel to West Virginia. Throw in 17 returning starters and one of the best defenses you give absolutely no credit to, and the Bulls SHOULD be absolutely no surprise. But they will be. Most pre-season polls don't have them ranked in their top 20. George Selvie is a stud on defense, and Matt Grothe and Mike Ford should be formiddable on offense. This offense could average more than 40 points this year, and the defense could give up less than 20. That is a pretty good recipe for success. Throw in a very unheralded coach in Jim Leavitt, and the Bulls are a force to be reckoned with in 2008.
2. Oregon: Sure, we all know about Dennis Dixon's injury last year and the fall from grace of the Ducks. Sure, Jonathan Stewart is gone. But what makes the Ducks special this year is their 'Gang Green' defense. With nothing less than 4 AA candidates on that side of the ball including stud DE Nick Reed and S Patrick Chung, the Ducks should be in every game due to their ball-hawking defense. They only return 12 starters, but with a solid OL, and a QB tandem that will be better than most expect, the Ducks should be considered as dark horse title contenders. Jaison Williams is a stud WR, and Jamere Holland should relieve some of the double coverage thrown his way. And at RB we should not see a huge dropoff, if any. Remember the name LeGarrette Blount. The JUCO transfer could prove to be very special. If the Ducks can get any consistent play out of their QB, they will be very feisty to say the least. Throw in a VERY manageable 1st 5 games before a visit to USC and the Ducks should be contenders.
1. Nebras...... No I'm not that big of a homer. This year my #1 surprise team is.........??
1. Florida State: Talent. Talent. Talent. The 'Noles have a ton of it. They also lose the disastrous debacle of the two-headed QB chase in Xavier Lee and Drew Weatherford. They will finally have a clear cut #1 (maybe). In all, the Seminoles return 15 starters, and more importantly 8 on defense, including Derek Nicholson. Look for a monster year out of the MLB. Along with Nicholson is what I consider will be one of the best stop units in all of College Football. The secondary, will likely be the most unheralded bunch in the country. The LB's will be one of the nation's best, and the front 4 should return to some of the dominance of years past. On offense, Drew Weatherford can only get better knowing that he no longer has to look over his shoulder at #2. He is THE #1. Preston Parker is a twin of Percy Harvin, and Antone Smith should enjoy a solid Senior campaign at RB. The big ticket will come down to solid OL play. There is absolutely no doubt about it. But....... the 'Noles enjoy a VERY manageable schedule. Much more than they have enjoyed in season's past. Starting at home with Western Carolina, followed by Chattanooga. They then get Wake Forest (a team who has embarrassed them the last 2 years, at home), and confidence should be running abound in Tallahassee. From there they get Colorado at home, and a road trip to Miami. A 5-0 start should not be out of the realm of possibility (and should likely happen). Then? @ NC State, vs. Virginia, @ Georgia Tech and the 'Noles could very well be 8-0 with Clemson rolling into town. IF........ and I mean IF they win that game they have Boston College and @ Maryland before.......... THE GATORS......AT HOME. Don't be shocked if the 'Noles are 10-1 or maybe even 11-0 when their in-state rival Gators come calling. And if that is the case, "Katie bar the door."
The Seminoles. My top team to surprise this year in 2008 College Football.
Nostra--Good artical.And even tho I'm tempted I won't make a comment on ND.But why did you have to let the cat out of the bag about Oregon's talent?We wanted to stay under the radar so all those tough road games(USC,ASU,CAL)would take us for granted as a win--Dang it Nostra--LOL just kidd'n.Most of your picks are possible--ND??AW never mind.
Pitt can make a move in the Big East this year. The QB sitution should be as big of a question as most think it is. Bill Stull is going to get his job back, and he would have had it all of last year had he not been injured in the first game and missed the rest of the year. Look out for LeSean McCoy, a serious gamebreaker that is going to turn some heads. The defense is going to be solid, and Scott McKillop is the best LB in the country that nobody has ever heard of.
Wanny needs a break through year. He got an extension largely on the recruiting he has done, not the on-field results which have been scant. That talent that he has been accumulating has to show through this year.
Howdy Nos, Time for my homerism to come out. You're right about my Ducks, our question mark was at QB but it really seems to be falling in place. Our defense shoud be awsome with some real talent coming back in the secondary. Chung won't be the only one. Good write and I'm looking forward to the season and seeing what you have to say.
Nos,
Good post and very good list of teams. Anyone of these could surprise and make a run.
Auburn will be tough, however I think getting used to a new offensive system will come into play more than once costing them. Then again I am a Bayou Tiger so you know I'm pulling for them to fail miserably.
As an Alabama fan, I unfortunately agree with you on Auburn. I don't think the new OC is going to be as big of a factor as everyone thinks. Trotter, one of their newbies ran that offense in high school and they're saying in camp that he's doing awesome to be so young. I just won't be able to handle 7 in a row though.
Wait... Oregon? Aren't they perpetually ranked anyway? The Knight Ducks will surprise only if they actually live up to their ranking for once. So much money flooded into a program for 8 win seasons is a constant disappointment for any real Duck Fan.
The Beavers have dominated the Ducks for the last two years in conference play and head-to-head under lofty rankings. Duck fans are the worst coulda, woulda, shoulda's in the country- crying over their Dennis Dixon tragedy. Real teams re-load. Oregon is stacked with a bunch of returning under-achievers.
Lastly, when did Jaison Williams become a stud receiver? He's dropped as many passes as he's caught in his career.
Kudos for sporting the Oregon selection, the biggest surprise is the talent loaded behind center this year. And I am def not like Coach Bellotti... I believe that swagger is earned and brandished.
~~~
Orman ~
wtf you talking about... Beavs have NOT dominated the Ducks. Last year, the Ducks fifth string QB played part of the second half, led the Ducks to a tie, then sent the game to 2 OT's before a rookie mistake timeout call gave the win to OS. The year before... how bout the Ducks ... inside scoring range ... as time expires... leaving the Beavs with a heart stopping win. Dominated? What are you smoking?
Green looks good on you... envy boy... last year the Ducks pasted the top teams in the league last year until DD went down. How'd the Beavs do? I'll clue you in through the smoky haze... LOST to UCLA... LOST to ASU... LOST to USC...
Free shoes U number#1 How long have u had that blunt trauma to the head....1 linebacker, no d-line, turnstiles for an o-line, questions at saftey...two headcoaches....a qb that won't take a chance....questions on a healthy rb...and u see 10-1...need to get that check up at your local neurosurgeon...you have some bleeding on the brain....
Last edited by optimasprime on August 7th at 5:30 AM.
Being a Nole fan, this article really made me happy. I would love to see the season play out in the scenario you mentioned (11-1) but won't jump on that hype-wagon just yet. It's possible, but I'll wait and see. I agree that they will surprise this year but I'm not sure that it will be on that scale (I'd love to have to come back and eat those words in December).
SROregon.. Ahem... Sounds like a lot of excuses. Bottom Line:
1. Oregon State finished ahead of your rubber-ducks in conference play (with a 2nd string quarterback) for the last two years.
2. Oregon State is 2-0 in head-to-head competition during the last two years.
Now, why don't you settle down and humbly state that it'll be different this year. At Oregon State- we don't throw millions of dollars at our program for 8 win seasons and bowl losses. OH YEAH- what are your rubber-duckies record in Bowl Games the last two years (ahem- clearing throat- ahem- 0-2)!! What is the Beav's bowl game record (ahem... 2-0). Now, go drink some of that fine Eugene Kool-Aid with the swoosh while we at OSU know that with our pathetic facilities, we are happy with knocking off a one or two ranked team each year (USC and CAL), finishing ahead of the quacks and beating them in the Civil War while winning any bowl game we're blessed to be in). If Oregon wasn't so soft and continually underachieving- they might just reload like any powerhouse in the country.
Lastly (again)- EVEN if the Knight Ducks finish well this year, put together a couple of nice years before running your green and gold (grilled- as in toast) mouth.
Odorman1006--If your going to post something at least TRY to get it correct.You said Oregon was 0 & 2 in their bowl games the last 2 years.Well DA Oregon destroyed USF in the Sun Bowl last year with our 3rd string QB.You might not look so much as a homer if you use facts before you post.Good luck this year--except in the Civil War.Quack Quack.
FSU has had some down years since the ACC got bigger. but the Noles have stayed on top of recuting. im 19 and for the first 15 years of my life i had never heard of USC being a power house. But look what they have again rose to. the seminoles will do the same thing and be back on top of college football in three years max.
Yes FSU will surprise us this year, with their ability to find another crappppyyy QB. Long live the like of Peter Tom, Charlie Ward, Thad Busby, Chris Rix, Drew Weatherford, Xavier Lee and now Christian Ponder. Mediority at its best, only at FSU.
I'm not buying Oregon. Remember....They look bad without Dennis Dixon last year. And, they will be OK! at best this year. The rest of list looks great though. The team I would put to replace ,Oregon, is my gamecocks of South Carolina.
Kudo's to the classy comments. Good to see some intelligent banter on here again.
Marty: Dantonio is a winner, and if Auburn can find an offense they could be special. Always good to see a comment from ya'.
Mattp908: Auburn is always good. Can they make that 'elite' step like they did in '04? That is the real question. Thanks for stopping by.
hook'emhorns: Colorado is starting to scare me. Hawkins can coach, and he is now starting to get some serious big-time talent. And with the tough schedule CU plays every year, if he can get them back in the spotlight again, they could be a serious 'pain' in the Big 12' arse once again.
quakattac: Sorry, but the Ducks do have talent. But I really like the defense, and defense is what wins championships. If your QB's can simply let the talent around them prevail, and avoid big mistakes, your Ducks should be VERY tough.
Burcham: Appreciate the comments. Your 'Noles will be back. Will it be this year?
Last edited by Nostradomus on August 8th at 5:04 PM.
buckles: I think you are right about Stull, and he should be the starter. I think they are just 'making' it a competition to be honest. Scott McKillop is a great LB, but there are plenty that are as good or better. LeSean McCoy on the other hand, is about as good as anybody in the country. Wanny does need to win this year. Will 7 wins keep his job?
wils: Time for the 'Noles to step up.
defraff: Chung is far from the only one. Phil Steele has Oregon's secondary ranked #1 in the nation. I can't disagree. Thurmond and Byrd may comprise the best CB tandem in the country. I spotlighted Chung because he is the best o####REAT bunch.
gambit: LSU will be tough, I don't think we are real concerned about it. But Auburn could be a serious thorn.
Cheesehead: Good to see 'ya young lady! Your 'Bama boys will be back. Just give Saban some time. They just don't have the Junior and Senior talent that LSU, Florida, Georgia, and Auburn do right now. It'll come.
ed: Indiana? I nearly had your BYU boys in here, but a lot of people expect them to run the table and be in a BCS game. Is that a surprise team?
Orman: The Ducks are ranked 20th in the pre-season coaches poll. I'm saying that they could make a serious run at a National Title. Don't you think that would be a surprise?
SROregon: Thank you. I do believe your QB's got some valuable experience when Dixon went down. It will pay off this year.
optimasprime: Bash on my prediction all you want. Any of your own you'd like to express other than hate and venom towards FSU?
fieldsbp: Remember, this is a 'suprise' team blog. In all honesty I don't think they will win the ACC, but if things come together they have the pieces to make a serious run to elite status again this year.
gamecocks: Your '####' have had 1 10 win season in the ENTIRE history of the program. That will NEVER win a BCS title. Spurrier has proven time and time again that he cannot win without superior talent. The '#### have 2nd if not 3rd tier talent in the SEC. Are you telling me they are going to beat Georgia, @ Ole Miss, LSU, Tennessee, @ Florida, and @ Clemson this year. You'd be very lucky to go 3-3 in those games. That still equates to a 9 win season. Far from a 'surprise' team in my eyes.
UFgreat: Crappy QB's? How about Noah Brindise, Doug Johnson, Ingle Martin, Jesse Palmer, and I wouldn't say that Chris Leak exactly lived up to the hype? National Championship as your argument? Leak couldn't even throw for 3,000 yards that year, and is NOT playing in the NFL right now.
Filmer26: Remember, this is a 'surprise' team list. Thanks for the comment.
I think that FSU could suprise some people if they stay healthy. If Drew Weatherford gets hurt, they will fall quickly. He is th only experienced QB, since Xavier Lee is GONE. Also, the noles are NOT deep in the Offenseive line or Defensive line. All it is going to take is a couple injuries on either side of the ball an you can say BYE BYE seminoles. My other suprise teams are: Auburn, South Florida, Missouri, Kansas, and Clemson.
Champs3gator: Appreciate the comments. But as you add, I have already addressed Auburn, South Florida, and Kansas. You added Missouri and Clemson. Both are top 10 teams in most publications. How would they be a "surprise" this year?
Nostra, in all fairness Ingle martin could do it all, pass, punt, and kick. Leak was just better.
FSU had a great qb in Dan Kendra, but they screwed that up too. Grossman Wuerrful Matthews all made the NFL and played several seasons. Hell Doug Johnson and Jesse Palmer did too. Busby, Rix, Kandell and Ward barely saw the grass. And wienke has not played any significant playing time since his last college bowl game.
UFgreat: Did Ingle win the "Pass Punt and Kick" competition as young 'un? I'll be quiet if he did.
The only QB you have 'playing' in the NFL is the most 'bashed' QB in the league in Grossman.
You don't have AN single argument against the 'Noles QB's of lore. Charlie Ward was awesome as was Wuerffel in the 'Fun n' Gun' attack.
Tebow looks like the Trump card, but how many Championships has FSU and Florida won? Looks like a toss up to me. It would be nice to see Southern schools give some much needed 'RESPECT' to one another once in a great while instead of bashing.
Nos,
Keep an eye on the Ducks. See ya in the blogs
orman!?!?!
WTF? I have no clue what you are saying...
It is very clear that you are envious of money that goes to another school.
It is painfully clear that OSU can only recruit up to 2 QB's, while the Ducks went all the way to the fifth QB on the depth chart to find a winner.
And it is clear that you have no facts to back your mouth, Beaver boy. What was last years Sun Bowl score? Ducks beat a former #2 ranked team 56 - 21. Everyone online can google that one... 'cept you. Uh, did you forget to boast about your sad Emerald Bowl win against a gimpy 6-6 Maryland team? Barely won by a TD.... and you only scored 21 points against a team that allowed far more on average than 21...
I think it is sad that a beaver fan pretends that the success of a program is wrapped around 2 weak wins against the Ducks (1 at the end o####ame, the other in 2 OT's) and 1 against USC (when a 2pt USC attempt to win the game went incomplete) ... Are you actually gloating that the last two suspect wins against an in state rival makes your team all that? You are more pathetic than the Husky fans...
BTW, I was at the Cal v Oregon game... not much of a loss. Cam Colvin fumbling the ball into the endzone mouth with :16 seconds left is hardly reason for pain. It was a hard fought game on both sides and Cal fans were all commenting how lucky they felt.
Envy boy, slow your roll, get your facts right and have a little more substance than your weak azzzed arguments. BTW, even in Corvallis this year, the Ducks will roll all o
Last edited by SROregon on August 8th at 11:13 PM.
yea orman one of those i wishers??? hey i didnt cry because our QB got hurt.... you would of big shott....and see you cant things right either beavers havent beat us all the time.... either get the facts straight or ????UP
SR apparently orman isnt ganna give up wrong or right so no use in trying to convince this person at anything.....typical beavo..... tell this dude MR reser should make more sandwiches???? oyea orman in closing ok its just a damn game!!!! take a pill ooyea lastly orman.... oregon is bringing back baseball hint why doesnt OSU bring back basketball!!!!!!
Last edited by kellyscott on August 9th at 2:35 AM.
Butch Davis is the worst coach and talent evaluator that we ever had in Cleveland. He got his Brown's job partly by "Forrest Gumping" on the coat tails of Jimmy Johnson in Dallas, and partly because Carmen Policy is an ####. The same "genius" who brought Dwight Clark to Cleveland also brought Butch. The best move that Randy Lerner made was allowing Policy to go stomp grapes in California. Butch owes Jimmy everything he has and should thank him daily. As far as winning in Dallas is concerned, I'm sure everyone realizes that Butch wasn't picking the players there. And Jimmy had the Vikings to help him out on that one, all those players and draft choices for Hershel Walker made that dynasty. Down at the U they are always stocked with top talent, not because of their coaches recruiting effort but because all of the top talent wants to play in the Florida sun. The tanned coeds help in the recruiting effort also. Even a complete #### could win there, and Butch did. Another case of how easy it is to win in collegiate football in Florida, even Steve Spurrier couldn't win in the pros when he wasn't guaranteed getting a stable full of talent every year.
On talent evaluation, Butch drafted Gerard Warren with the 3rd pick in the draft, bypassing Tomlinson who the Brown's despirately needed. And if he wanted a DT, there was always the guy taken by New Engand...what is his name...been to several pro bowls...hmm. But instead Butch took Warren, one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history. All you had to do was look at the draft guides that said that Warren rarely put for
Nostra, a lot of good stuff to think about there. My one criticism is that I'm looking at another article where FSU is highlighted, and it, too, is not placed in the context of the Notice of Allegations the NCAA handed down on June 10th or the impending October hearings. I think that any discussion of FSU's future without at least a mention of the serious sanctions they face is incomplete. The charges the university faces with respect to failure of institutional control and coverup of an an academic scandal are serious enough that the school is delaying the release of the NOA (under the guise of privacy concerns) in order to protect recruiting. I don't begrudge FSU for trying to protect itself (a lot harder to get the top recruits with the prospect of fewer scholarships and no post-season play), but the national media also seems to be a little complicit in not reporting basic facts about this NOA, maybe because everyone likes Coach Bowden. Right now you can find it buried in local stories only. For example:
Pitt is ranked on average #24 so I don't think they can be considered a surprise at this point.
I've heard some people talk up ND. I'll believe it when I see it, but I'd take USC -35 right now.
Michigan State is a good bet. Ringer is a really good lead rusher. They're not beating Cal at Strawberry Canyon to open and yes it would be an upset you can take the parenthese away. The Bears ripped the Illini not too long ago in this stadium and have invited OSU into the building although the Buckeyes chickened out.
KU... no. Other way around. This is an 8-4 team. They won't beat the Tampa heat at USF and the heavyweights will wear them down. Love the D but I don't see it. They ran up those numbers against weak teams.
I can get behind Auburn and I agree with the "surprise" because they get so little attention.
Oregon should go #2 in the Pac-10 because the conference is down. Jeremiah helps ease the pain of Stewart at RB.
FSU? Ooh, lay down the pipe. I am not feeling them at all.
Naturally I'd have Cal on the list. Gone are their top 3WR + TE + RB, but back they have the best C in the biz, two QBs meaning one will emerge stronger and a very experienced D. 3rd in conference plus they'll be overrated after beating BCS "Big Six" teams MSU/Maryland who are good, not great teams.
Utah/BYU/Fresno State should have a place on this list, especially the Bulldogs. Cougs might not qualify coming off 11-2 nor the Utes with 7 straight bowl wins and a 9-4 campaign.
Oregon Fans United!! Great. Read well crybabies. I'm proud of our team and a win is a win is a win. We won. I'm proud of that. We don't have much and still have the exact same record in wins and losses over the last five years as the quackers (do your research). I concede and humbly admit my error in your bowl win. Great job. I also humbly admit that Ducks have tanked the past two years when my Beavo's haven't. I also humbly admit that the quackers have more money. No problem. As for the quarterback crying KellyScott- we have lost our starting QB and still beat the ducks in conf play and head-to-head the last two years- even if by the slimmest of margins. Quit making excuses and best of luck this year.
Orman, it sounds like you are the only one making excuses, SR is simply stating fact. We lost 2startin wide out , our top 3 QB's, one of our starting tailbacks. Its not an excuse its fact. We looked horrible trying to find chemistry but we did get it together for the bowl game.
SR, 3 weeks and the Fuskies come to town. You know as well as I that the Rodent fans are so jealous they can do nothing but bash. The fact that most Duck fans acually root for our ugly redheaded step child up north on most occasions. See ya at Autzin.
FSU has gone to great lengths to punish all involved in academic scandal. It was self reported. They may lose several scholarships across the board. It wasn't related to the football program per se.
That said, staying healthy up front and improving every week are the Noles biggest obstacles. If they don't improve evry week, in victory or defeat, they will finish with no more than 8 wins.
They will go young early in an effort to build a season rather than just playing week to week. Weatherford has to become a playmaker in that he has to get the ball out to the open man.
FSU is now over the speedbump they have been stuck on for the last few years and have an open highway ahead. All lights are green and they have a full tank of gas. The new coaches and players have had some time to adjust to eachother's talents and are making it exciting to be a Nole fan again. Gators, you've had a nice run, but like all runs, it will come to an end (this year). You still don't know what it's like to rule a decade or more. Why are you all talking about who has the best academic school on a football website? The national championship comes down to the school with the best football team, not the highset average GPA. Florida is a great state to live in if you like college football - Noles, Bulls, Canes, Golden Knights, and all of the smaller schools (too many to mention). Oh, sorry, I forgot to mention one, no, wait, that's all. Bobby still has some gas left in his tank, don't let his age fool you. Any other school out there have a coach with as many wins? Didn't think so. It's hard to catch up when he won't retire and keeps winning enough to stay ahead of Jo Pa. More to come. In closing, great article Nos, great to see somebody print thoughts of many fans who madly agree - GO NOLES - ANOTHER UNDEFEATED SEASON??? WAIT AND SEE. Oh, and to all the people who comment after me, like it or not, our dust will fill your mouths as we pass you and hold the trophy at the end of this road and many to come.
islandguy: "FSU has gone to great lengths to punish all involved in academic scandal. It was self reported."
I understand that is the university's position, and I understand why that is their position. The problem, and frankly the news, here is that the NCAA is not accepting that position or the self-imposed punishment. I don't know what's in the NOA and neither does anyone else outside of the top officials of the university, but the bottom line is that it's probably not good news or we would know what was in it. A lot of people feel the same way you do, that this academic scandal is behind FSU, and it's time to move on. That clearly is not so, and not discussing it in the context of FSU's future is borderline dishonest. Remember, it's not the cheating on a stupid online music appreciaion exam that brought down the attention of the NCAA. It's the appearance (which may not be true) that there was institutional coverup that caused most of those other athletes to be caught and punished right away, while -- oops -- the football players weren't caught until just after the last game of the regular season, months after the others. You have to pretend you're talking about a university you don't love or hate (and that isn't relevant nationally). If we were talking about North Dakota A&M, you'd probably have no issue saying, "Yeah, this doesn't look good." This scandal isn't going away until the October hearings at the earliest, and the bad news may not be over.
