FanNation

The First 2008 Post- Part V

Rankings #21 - #25.

#1 - #5
#6 - #10
#11 - #15
#16 - #20
(see previous blogs, I'll post the links once the Fannation Glitches stop)

#21 - Michigan State.
Michigan State could be a darkhorse Big Ten challenger for 2008. Just take a look at their 2007 schedule, and note how their games went. All 6 losses, where by 7 points or less. Against the "powers" of the Big Ten, they fared even better. They lost by 3 at Wisconsin, by 7 at Ohio State, on a last minute drive at home against Michigan, and took ACC Champ participant Boston College down to the wire in their bowl game. Mind you, they played 8 bowl teams (Bowling Green, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio State, Michigan, Purdue, Penn State, and Boston College in the bowl game). Two more of the teams on their schedule went 6-6, and would have been bowl bound if not for inexplicable losses (Iowa, who lost to Western Michigan; Northwestern, who lost to Duke). They also had a rather productive offense, most of which returns (those running backs...). I think Mark D is an excellent coach (he proved his ability as an assistant at Ohio State and a coach at Cincinnati) - and will have the Spartans a true force come 2008.

The First 2008 Post- Part IV

Move over, world wide leader of sports. Continuing my premature preseason rankings of 2008.

#1 - #5
#6 - #10
#11 - #15

#16 - Tennessee.
I had a hard time choosing whether to put the Vols at 16 or Penn State. Since both teams do lose their starting QB (which actually helps Penn State in my opinion...) - but any rational fan knows Tennessee will have a generally better slate of athletes to reload with than will Penn State. Or, you can throw the SEC - Big Ten - Superior Athlete argument garbage out the window like I did, and compare their recruit classes the last 4 years. Here's a clue - Tennessee wins hands down. I can't wait to see who Big Phil puts in as the starter for 2008, but I wouldn't be surprised if UT had a few growing pains on offense (especially with the division being rather stout next year).

The First 2008 Post- Part III

Monday featured #1 - #5.
Tuesday featured #6 - #10.
Today features #11 - #15.

#11 - West Virginia.
Like I said before, I felt that WVU and Kansas were a virtual draw for the #10 spot. So my tiebreaker in this case was the coaching situation. West Virginia will remain dangerous on offense with playmakers White and Devine, but the vastly improved defense from 2007 will suffer heavy losses. Florida showed what happens to a team with a dangerous offense yet young, inexperienced defense this past season, and I expect WVU to be a similar team. Add in the fact the Big East could be in the upswing, and there could be several "trap" games along the way for the 'Eers. Add into the fact WVU faces a significant schedule upgrade in facing Auburn at home, I highly doubt the 'Eers go undefeated in 2008, but they should again be the face of the Big East with their third conference title in four years. (Schedule is not yet finalized)

9/6, Auburn (a stout SEC defense versus an explosive offense)

The First 2008 Post- Part II

So I continue, with my #6 - #10 ranked teams for 2008 in probably the most premature preseason ranking of all time. Regardless, draft day declarations have continued to make these flexible, and coaching staff changes and recruiting progress will make these rankings fluid until the day after signing day in February. So if you're team isn't as high as you think it should be, don't go to getting in an uproar. Just passing the time until August 30, 2008. Without further delay...