1.
Oklahoma, in my opinion has the most complete offense in all of college football. The backfield is deadly. QB Sam Bradford led the nation in passing efficiency last season, and had 36 TD's against only 8 picks. Expect Bradford to be a Heisman candidate this season. At RB DeMarco Murray returns after missing 3 games last season. He had over 6 yards per carry, nearly 900 yards, and 15 total TD's. Healthy this season, he should explode for well over 1,000 yards, and 15 -20 TD's. Behind him Chris Brown is one of the more underrated backs in the game. Brown had 611 yards and 9 TD's a year ago, and should continue to perform in his backup role. At WR this team returns last years leading receiver Juaquin Iglesias, who had over 900 yards and 68 catches. Expect better numbers this year from the one of the nations best. After him a host of players who have played, but never significantly should perform. Manuel Johnson, Adrian Tennell, and Quinten Chaney should all receive playing time. The TE is Jermaine Gresham one of the best in the game who had 11 TD's last year. The "O" line is dominant paving the way for the number 5 offense in the nation last year, and all 5 starters, including all-americans Duke Robinson, and Phil Loadholt, return.
2.
Florida's offense may be the most dynamic in the nation. They return the Heisman trophy winner, in Tim Tebow, who had over 4,000 total yards, and 55 TD's a year ago. He is one of the best players in the nation, and has proven himself as a legit offensive weapon for the Gators. At RB a stable of backs should see the field. Emmanuel Moody, a USC transfer should be the featured back, followed by spring star and speedster Chris Rainey. Rainey is a great kick returner as well. Last is the starter from a year ago, Kehstan Moore. Moore may be third on the depth char this year, but is still a solid back. The WR's are loaded behind all-purpose stud Percy Harvin. In only 11 games Harvin had 764 yards rushing, at over 9 yards a carry, and 6 TD's, and 858 yards receiving and 4 TD's. Harvin is the most explosive player in college football, and is a Heisman Contender. After Harvin, watch for WR Louis Murphy. Murphy is a good #2 receiver and had 548 yards and 5 TD's last year. Riley Cooper is also a good WR, and should have a breakout year, in more of a starring role. TE Cornelius Ingram is one of the best in the buisness, with 508 yards and 7 TD's last year. The "O" line is very good, and if it lives up to it's potential can be among the best in the nation, behind Mike Pouncey, and Phil Trautwein.
3.
Missouri's offense is very much one that can beat you in numerous ways. The leader, and star is QB Chase Daniel. Daniel was Big 12 player of the year, and a Heisman finalist last season, throwing 33 TD's against only 11 picks, and averaging more than 300 yards a game. Daniel is exceptionally good, because he has the mobility to escape pressure and keep plays alive, much like Troy Smith. Daniel is the second best QB in the nation, and if he continues to improve could become the best. Though this team lost a leader in Tony Temple, I think the running game will be improved this season. Jimmy Jackson has experience with over 600 yards and 10 career TD's, and is a solid back who is consistent, but the back to watch is sophomore Derrick Washington. Washington is a big back, with great vision and strength. I feel he has the potential to be a 1,000 yard back, and should break out this year. At WR this team has one of the best in the business in Jeremy Maclin. Maclin had 1,055 yards receiving, but get the rest of these numbers. 1430 yards from scrimmage, 2776 total yards, 198.3 total yards a game, 16 TD's. He is one of the most dangerous players in the game, and can beat you in dozens of ways. After Maclin this team still has talented wideouts. Danario Alexander had 37 receptions, in only 10 games a year ago, and should step up big time this year, into a big time role. Junior Tommy Saunders also had a solid season a year ago, recording 41 catches. Both are talented, and big receivers who compliment Maclin nicely. The second leading receiver on the team should be TE Chase Coffman, who despite sharing catches with Martin Rucker had 52 catches and 7 TD;s last year. The offensive line for Mizzou, doesn't get the credit it deserves, returning 3 starters including all-Big-12 contender massive tackles Colin Brown. They do a great job of protecting Chase Daniel, and should continue to do that this year.
4.
BYU's offense is among the most balanced in the nation, and should be explosive this season. QB Max Hall returns, after throwing for 26 TD's against only 12 picks, and 3848 yards as a sophomore last year. If BYU goes unbeaten, Hall could be a Heisman candidate, much like Colt Brennan. Behind Hall is one of the most underrated backs in all of football, Harvey Unga. Last year as a Frosh, Unga had 1,227 yards rushing and 13 TD's. Thats not all, he is a great receiver and had 44 catches for 655 yards and 3 TD's as well last year. Unga should play even better in year 2 of starting. The WR's are also much underrated. Austin Collie leads the group with 56 catches for 946 yards and 7 TD's last year. Collie is very tough to stop especially as a deep threat, because of his soft hands, and size. After Collie, Michael Reed should be the #2 target for Hall, recording 41 catches and 4 TD;s last year, though those numbers should leap up this season. The TE Dennis Pitta, may be the star of the group though. Pitta at 6-5 230 is built like an undersized TE, but plays like a WR, with 59 catches, and 814 yards last year. The "O" line may be the strength of this team. The stars are guard Rey Feinga, and tackle Dallas Reynolds. Both are all-american candidates, and neither gave up a sack last season.
5.
Texas Tech may only be a 1-dimensional team, but boy are they good at the one thing they do. QB Graham Harrell orchestrates the offense, and his been called the best QB ever to play under Mike Leach, which is saying something, because QB's such as Kliff Kingsbury, BJ Symons, and Sonny Cumbie all played at TTU under Leach. Harrell had a 71% completion rate last year which was all the more impressive considering he threw 714 passes last year. He also had 5705 yards passing, and 48 TD's against only 14 picks. In fact many of the all-time passing records are within Harrell's reach this year. Watch out though, if TTU wins 11 or 12 games Harrell could be a serious Heisman contender. At TTU, RB's are mostly used to block, and catch swing passes, but Shannon Woods, Kolby Lewis, and Aaron Crowford all do that very well. Last year the 3 combined for 841 yards and 14 TD's on the ground and 96 receptions, so they all make impacts on game. The WR's are the strength of this team, led by obviously Michael Crabtree. Just look at the numbers, 134 receptions 1962 yards, 22 TD's. Oh and it was only his second year playing WR. I think that this year the numbers should be very similar to the ones he put up last year. Behind him Ed Britton returns after recording 48 catches for 631 yards. Britton is a speedster, who should have bigger numbers this year. The other real good receiver for TTU is Eric Morris. Morris is very small, but does a great job, and reminds me a lot of another former Red Raider receiver, Wes Welker. Last year Morris had 75 catches and 9 TD's. The offensive line is among the best in the nation, returning 4 starters including all-american candidate Guard Louie Vasquez.
Just Missed
WVU-Pat White, Noel Devine, Ryan Stancheck
OSU-Todd Boeckman, Chris Wells, Brian Robiskie, Alex Boone
Georgia-Matt Stafford, Knowshon Moreno, Trinton Sturdivant
Clemson-Cullen Harper, James Davis, CJ Spiller,Aaron Kelly
Tennessee-Jon Crompton, Arian Foster, Lucas Taylor, Anthony Parker
Wisconsin-Allan Everidge, PJ Hill, Travis Beckum, Kraig Urbik
USC-Mark Sanchez, Joe McKnight, Stafon Johnson, Patrick Turner
LSU-Jarrett Lee, Keiland Williams, Coron Black, Dimitrious Byrd,
Top Defenses
1.
Ohio State, is the best defense in the country this year. On the "D" line this team has loads of talent especially at the ends. Cameron Hayward was a Freshman-All-American last year, and is a budding star. On the other end is Lawrence Wilson. Wilson was actually expected to be a better DE then Vernon Gholston last year before his injury. Wilson is back, and should record a double-digit sack season. Pass rushing specialist end Thad Gibson is also primed for a breakout year. In the DT's this team will use the same rotation they used last year. Doug Worthington, and Dexter Larimore, appear to be the two who will receive the most playing time, though Nader Abdullah, and Todd Demlinger should also see significant playing time. All are talented, but someone needs to step up and become the star, and get heat on the QB. At LB this team is loaded. They return a star at MLB in James Laurinaitis. "The Animal" is a two time-reigning all-american, and a winner of the Nagurski and Butkus award. Over the last 2 seasons he has 240+ tackles, 7 picks, and 17 tackles for loss, watch out though, he is back, and should be headed for another huge season. Marcus Freeman is also back. Freeman had over 100 tackles last year, and makes a lot of plays in the backfield, and around the line of scrimmage. Both are all-american candidates, with great skills. The last spot should go to Curtis Terry, who will double at fullback. The secondary is also top notch behind 3 year starter, and lockdown corner Malcolm Jenkins. Jenkins had 4 picks and 47 tackles a year ago, and should receive many all-american honors this season. The other spot should go to Donald Washington, a player who has great potential, and is among the best in the Big Ten. Expect Washington to start of he gets out of the doghouse, but otherwise last years nickel corner Chimidi Checkwa should start. The safeties are Kurt Coleman, and Anderson Russell. Coleman is great in coverage, and Russell is a big hitter.
2.
USC's defense may be the most talented in the nation, and has great players at every position. On the line the starting ends should be Kyle Moore, and Everson Griffin. Griffin had 5.5 sacks last year, and is among the best ends in the game potential wise. Expect a breakout season, and double-digit sacks. The tackles will be led by Fili Moala. Moala is a projected top 10 pick, and 3 year starter, who has great ability, and should become more well known, not playing under Sedrick Ellis' shadow. At ILb this team has one of the scariest defenders in the game in Rey Maualuga. Maualuga layed the biggest hit I had ever seen, when he blew up Patrick Cowan in the SC, UCLA game, 2 years back. He was the Rose Bowl defensive MVP against Illinois, and ended last year with 78 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Expect a big leap in production, and a career year from Maualuga. Next to him is another all-american candidate in the speedy Brian Cushing. Cushing was nicked up last year, but 2 years ago, at full strength had 14.5 tackles for loss, and 1 Rose Bowl defensive MVP award. The third spot could go to any host of players. It will most likely be Kaluka Maiva, though this team has players like Clay Matthews, who could also see time. In the secondary this team will be led by a pair of big time safeties, Kevin Ellison, and Taylor Mays. Mays is every NFL draft scouts dream. 6-4 225 safety, with 4.24 40 speed, and some of the most bone-jarring hits in the game. He needs to become more consistent against the pass, but is an all-american caliber safety. Next to him is a more complete safety Kevin Ellsion. Ellsion, is also big at 6-1 215, but is great in coverage too. Last year he had 9 tackles for loss,and 2 picks. The returning CB is Cary Harris, who was very good last year, who had 48 tackles,. The other spot should be either the speedy Sharecce Wright, or the big, but athletic Josh Pinkard's.
3.
LSU is loaded up front, so much so that the secondary only needs to be average, because of the pass rush this team should get. At one end is one of 3 projected top 20 picks on this line Tyson Jackson. Jackson is a great athlete, who struggled last year, but has great talent. Jackson, if he plays as well as he can, should have double digit-sacks. The other end will be Kirston Pittman, who led the team with 8.5 sacks a year ago. Pittman should have another big year with teams constantly doubling Jackson. In the middle any of these 4 players could start, though most likely it will be Ricky-Jean-Francois,and Al Woods. Francois, seems poised for a huge season, after showing what he could do in winning the national title game defensive MVP award. Francois, is versatile enough to also play end so expect to see him at both positions, through out the season. Al Woods, has never started a game at LSU, but has so much potential, NFL scouts are falling all over him. Woods has great size and speed for a DT, and has looked very good in a reserve role for LSU. The 2 other tackles who should also see time this season, are Charles Alexander, and Marlon Favorite, both significant contributors to the team last year. LB will be the weak spot for this defense, but ILB Darryl Beckwith should lead the way. He had 65 tackles a year ago and will be the leader of the defense. Next to him Perry Riley, and Ryan Baker will start, and both need to play very well to keep LSU in contention. In the secondary this team only returns 1 starter, but should be very good this year. CB Jai Eugene seems primed for a big year, as a starter, and has very good potential to become a star for this "D". The safeties are where LSU is stacked. Chad Jones is 6-3 222, and had 34 tackles in a backup role last year. By the end of the year, he should be a household name. Next to him Curtis Taylor returns, and should build off of his 54 tackle 3 pick campaign last year.
4.
Georgia, if this list was ranked on talent, would be at least in the top-3, but they are young, and need to prove more. Watch out for Junior DT Geno Atkins on the line. Last year he had 41 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks, all very good numbers for a DT, and Atkins is among the best in the nation. Next to him is another great talent Jeff Owens. Owens had 27 tackles a year ago, but has the talent to be among the best DT's in the game. The ends will be Jeremy Lomax, and Roderick Battle. Neither did very good at rushing the passer last year, and both need to improve in that category. The LB crew is very, very good led by senior ILB Dannell Ellerbee. Ellerbee led the team with 93 tackles a year ago, and also had 12 tackles for loss. Ellerbee is among the best in the nation, and should be a contender for SEC defensive player of the year. Next to Ellerbee are a pair of talented sophomores. Rennie Curran was very impressive as a frosh recording 53 tackles and 9 tackles for loss. Expect big leaps in those numbers in year 2 from the speedy Curran. Akkem Dent is also back for year #2, after a solid first year in which he had 36 tackles. The secondary is also very good, returning all 4 starters. CB's Prince Miller, and Asher Allen, both have the potential to be shutdown corners, especially Allen, who had 64 tackles and 3 picks last year. The safeties are also very good, especially another youngster sophomore Reshad Jones. Jones had 57 tackles and 2 picks last year, and should improve more this season. Next to him CJ Byrd also is a talented player. The senior had 44 tackles last year.
5.
Wake Forest has one of the most underrated defenses in the nation. The "D" line is the weakness of the team, and needs to improve. DT Boo Robinson had 8 tackles for loss and 4 sacks last year, and has the size, and skill to make a lot of plays in the backfield. Next to him end Matt Robinson, should be solid as well, though he had 20 tackles, a year ago, he had little pass rush. The 2 new starters will be John Russell, and Anthony Davis. Both have potential, but need to get a pass rush going to allow Wake to be successful this year. The LB corps is led by one of the best in the game OLB Aaron Curry. Curry had 99 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and 4 picks last year, Here is the amazing stat, 3 picks returned for TD's. Curry is a top LB and should produce well this year as well. in the middle Stan Arnoux returns. Last year Arnoux had 66 tackles, 2 picks, and 8.5 tackles for loss, and is one of the best MLB's in the ACC. On the other outside spot Hunter Haynes should start. Last year as a Frosh Haynes had 41 tackles and 2 sacks. In year 2 he should see significant improvement, though Chanz McClinic should also see time. The secondary is the real strength of this Wake team. CB Alphonso Smith is among the best in the nation. Though small, he had 44 tackles, 8 picks, 3 sacks, and 3 TD's last year. Nest to Smith is corner Brandon Ghee. Ghee does a great job around the line of scrimmage recording 63 tackles, and 6.5 tackles for loss last year. One of the more underrated players in the country is safety Chip Vaughn. Last year Vaughn had 105 tackles and 14 passes defended, and is among the ACC's best. Next to him is Kevin Patterson. Patterson had 52 tackles and a pick last year, and though he is small, is a very good safety.
Just Missed:
Florida-Brandon Spikes, Joe Haden, Carlos Dunlap
Michigan-Donovan Warren, Obi Ezeh, Terrance Taylor
Clemson-Ricky Sapp, Chris Clemons, Michael Hamlin
USF-George Selvie, Tyrone McKenzie, Nate Allen
Tennessee-Eric Berry, Demitrice Morley, Rico McCoy
Auburn-Trey Blackmon, Sen'Derrick Marks, Antonio Coleman
Illinois-Martez Wilson, Vontae Davis, Brit Miller
Oklahoma-DeMarcus Granger, Auston English, Nic Harris
Missouri-William Moore, Carl Gettis, Sean Weatherspoon
Kansas-Joe Mortenson, Mike Riviera
BC-Brian Toal, BJ Raji, Mark Hezrlich
Oregon-Patrick Chung, Walter Thurmond, Nick Reed
Melanie Fitzpatrick
Kayla Oberg
Did You See That?
College Football Top 25 Review
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