It's that time of year again folks. Football season is just around the corner and my preview is finally ready. Let's start with the BiT's 2010 Preseason Top 25. Note that this is how I see the teams finishing (so for example, my preseason ballot will have Ohio State at #2 instead of Virginia Tech).
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
Key Departures: Rolando McClain, Javier Arenas, Kareem Jackson, Terrence Cody.
Key Returning Players: Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Julio Jones, Mark Barron, Greg McElroy, Marcell Dareus, Dont'a Hightower.
The Crimson Tide are back and ready to begin their quest to repeat as National Champions. The offense will feature arguably the best tandem of running backs in the nation, led by reigning Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and super sophomore Trent Richardson. Expect the carries to even out a bit this year between two to make them the scariest 1-2 punch at RB in the nation. Quarterback Greg McElroy returns as well along with his top two WR targets in Julio Jones and Marquis Maze. Jones has the ability to be one of the best WRs in the nation but must be more consistent in 2010. The offensive line should be good again led by All-SEC tackle James Carpenter. The one area of unknown on the Tide's offense will be at tight end with the departure of the SEC's second-best tight end in 2009, Colin Peek. Sophomore Michael Williams looks to fill that void. At 6'6, look for him to use his size to his advantage to give McElroy another option to add to his slew of weapons. The talk of this offseason in Tuscaloosa was how Alabama would replace nine defensive starters. Well Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart were smart and rotated guys out at various positions, so it's not nearly as bad as it sounds. Two of the lineman on Bama's front three, DE Marcell Dareus and NT Josh Chapman have already seen significant playing time (Dareus is one of the best DE's in the SEC). The key on the D-line will be how the other end, Luther Davis performs, as he has not seen as much playing time as the other two. The Tide's strongest point of their defense may be their linebackers, even with the loss of McClain. Dont'a Hightower, back from an injury, will lead the way along Nico Johnson and Courtney Upshaw. The secondary is the one spot that looks shaky. Aside from 1st-Team All SEC safety Mark Barron, the secondary is very young and inexperienced. New corners Dre Kirkpatrick and B.J. Scott will be tested early and will be the biggest question mark on the defense until they get settled in. When that happens, watch out.
Two Games That Will Make or Break the Season:
9/25 at Arkansas and 10/2 vs. Florida. The Razorbacks' high-powered passing attack will provide a tough early season test for the young Bama secondary, while the Gators will be looking for to avenge their loss last year to the Tide the very next weekend.
Prediction: SEC Champions, National Champions (14-0, 9-0)
2. Virginia Tech Hokies
Key Departures: Ed Wang, Cody Grimm, Jason Worilds.
Key Returning Players: Ryan Williams, Tyrod Taylor, Rashad Carmichael, Darren Evans.
The Hokies enter the 2010 season as the favorite to win the ACC and a contender to return to their first national championship game since 1999. On offense, the rushing attack of the Hokies is the best in the ACC and second to only Alabama in the nation. Super sophomore Ryan Williams will try to put even better numbers than he did in his breakout Freshman campaign (1,655 yards and 21 TDs) and could be a legitimate Heisman candidate by season's end. He'll have help from 2008 starter Darren Evans who is primed to make a statement after being injured in 2009. At quaterback, Senior Tyrod Taylor looks to be the key to how far the Hokies will go. After improving as a passer last year (13 TDs/5 INTs compared to 2 TDs/7 INTs in '08), Taylor will try to make his final season as a Hokie his best. Along with 3 lineman returning, the stellar running game, and his top 2 receivers back (Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale), Taylor should put up his best numbers yet. Taylor will have to be a bit more aware of backside pressure this year with the loss of LT Ed Wang, but his ability to get away from pressure should help in that regard. On defense, the Hokies lose seven starters, but as long as defensive coordinator Bud Foster is roaming the Hokie sidelines the defense will be top notch. The talent on the defensive side is there, but it will be a young group overall. That is why returning starters such as CB Rashad Carmichael (6 interceptions in '09) and LB Darquell Rivers (32 solo tackles in '09) will need to step up and bring leadership to the defense. Foster will have his guys ready though and I expect this group to improve as the season goes on.
Two Games That Will Make or Break the Season: 9/6 vs. Boise State at FedEx Field, 11/20 at Miami. A win vs. Boise State in the opener could set the tone for a special season in Blacksburg, and the late season matchup versus the Hurricanes could decide the Coastal Division title.
Prediction: ACC Champions, National Championship Game loser (13-1, 9-0).
3. Ohio State Buckeyes
Key Departures: Jim Cordle, Kurt Coleman, Thaddeus Gibson, Anderson Russell.
Key Returning Players: Cameron Heyward, Terrelle Pryor, DeVier Posey, Ross Homan, Justin Boren.
Expectations are high in Columbus for 2010 coming off a Rose Bowl victory against Oregon this past January. On offense, the Buckeyes are strong and experienced. At RB, the Buckeyes are very deep and have many players that could contribute. Senior Brandon Saine and Junior Dan Herron should get the most touches, while Redshirt-Freshman Jamaal Berry, Freshmen Carlos Hyde and Sophomore Jordan Hall will battle for the rest of the work load. At quarterback, Terrelle Pryor looks to take the next step as a passer. Already a gifted athlete, Pryor showed signs of development in the Rose Bowl and should be much improved this year throwing the ball. Pryor has his top 2 WRs (DeVier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher) and a tight end Jake Stoneburner to throw too. The offensive line returns 4 starters led by Justin Boren at guard. The 2010 Buckeye defense should be one of the best overall units in the nation led by DE Cameron Heyward and LB Ross Homan. LB Brian Rolle, DT Dexter Lairimore, and DE John Simon will make up a stout front 7. The secondary returns two starters and another with significant playing time (Chimdi Chekwa, Devon Torrence, and Jermale Hines). The two holes that need to be filled will be at SS, where Orhian Johnson replaces Anderson Russell, and at strong-side LB, where Etienne Sabino steps in for Austin Spitler.
Two Games That Will Make or Break the Season: 10/16 at Wisconsin, 11/20 at Iowa. Ohio State plays their two main challengers for the Big Ten title on the road. If they win both and they should win the Big Ten.
Prediction: Big Ten Champions, Rose Bowl Champions (12-1, 7-1)
4. Oklahoma Sooners
Key Departures: Gerald McCoy, Dominique Franks, Trent Williams, Ryan Reynolds.
Key Returning Players: Ryan Broyles, Jeremy Beal, Travis Lewis, Frank Alexander, Landry Jones, DeMarco Murray.
After a disappointing year lingered by injuries and close games not going the Sooners way in 2009, Oklahoma looks to return to the top of the Big 12 in 2010. On offense, the Sooners return RB DeMarco Murray, who has had injury problems throughout his career at OU, but has proven to be explosive when healthy. QB Landry Jones returns for his second year on the job after filling in for the injured Sam Bradford last year as a freshman. Expect him to cut down on his 14 interceptions last year after having a year of experience under his belt. Jones will have a solid group of WRs to throw too, including All-American candidate Ryan Broyles and Junior Dejuan Miller. The key on offense will be the line. After going through some rough growing pains in 2009, the line should be improved as a whole from last year even with the loss of LT Trent Williams. On defense, the Sooners front seven should be one of the best in the nation. On the line, DEs Jeremy Beal and Frank Alexander will provide a heavy pass rush of the edge. At LB Travis Lewis and Ronnell Lewis provide a great 1-2 punch that could be even better depending on how Redshirt-Freshman Tom Wart does. The secondary looks solid at safety with Quinton Carter and Sam Proctor returning, but shaky at cornerback with two new starters coming in. Jonathan Nelson and Demontre Hurst will need to step up for the loss of Dominique Franks.
Two Games That Will Make or Break the Season: 9/11 vs. Florida State, 10/2 vs. Texas. The Red River Rivalry should once again decide the South Division as the Sooners look to win their first game against the Longhorns since 2007. An early OOC test vs. a much improved Florida State team should give the somewhat young secondary a test early on from FSU QB Christian Ponder.
Prediction: Big 12 Champions, Fiesta Bowl Champions (13-1, 8-1).
5. Florida Gators
Key Departures: Tim Tebow, Brandon Spikes, Joe Haden, Maurkice Pouncey, Aaron Hernandez, Carlos Dunlap.
Key Returning Players: Mike Pouncey, Janoris Jenkins, Jeff Demps, Ahmad Black, Deonte Thompson, Will Hill.
Life after Tebow begins in Gainesville in 2010, and some are expecting a bit of a drop off for the Gators. I am one that doesn't see that happening. Even with losses the Gators endured on defense and the departure of Tebow, this team still is the best in the SEC East both talent and depth wise. John Brantley takes over for 3-year starter Tim Tebow at QB. While he may not be the dual-threat playmaker that Tebow was, Brantley has had 2 years learning the system and is more of a polished passer than Tebow. He will have a slew of weapons at his disposal, led by Deonte Thompson and Chris Rainey, who converted from RB. Andre Debose looks to be the next Percy Harvin-like gamebreaker for the Gators after coming off an injury that sidelined him for all of 2009. The offensive line is one of the best in the SEC with four returning starters. They will need to perform at their best to give Brantley time to throw. On defense, the Gators lost some key players (Spikes, Haden, Wright, Dunlap) but still have an abundance of talent all over that side of the ball. The front four will be relatively new and will need Lawrence Marsh, Omar Hunter, and William Green to step up with the departures of Dunlap and Cunningham. The linebackers will be solid with A.J. Jones and Brandon Hicks leading the way. The strength of the Gator defense lies in the secondary, where CB Janoris Jenkins, SS Ahmad Black, and FS Will Hill form arguably the best secondary in the SEC.
Two Games That Will Make or Break the Season: 10/2 at Alabama, 10/30 vs. Georgia at Jacksonville. The Gators will be looking to pay back the whipping the Tide put on them in the 2009 SEC Championship Game, while the Bulldogs look to be the top challenger to Gators throne atop the SEC East.
Prediction: SEC Runner-Up, Sugar Bowl Champions (12-2, 7-2).
6. Southern California Trojans
Key Departures: Taylor Mays, Damian Williams, Jeff Byers, Anthony McCoy.
Key Returning Players: Matt Barkley, Ronald Johnson, Chris Gallipo, Jurrell Casey, Kristofer O'Dowd, Allen Bradford.
Some may think this is too high for the Trojans and I may have them a bit lower in my first ballot of the season, but I see the Trojans playing with a chip on their shoulder with all the drama that has gone on in Los Angeles this year. The schedule isn't too difficult and with no clear favorite in the Pac-10 thanks to Mr. Masoli, the Trojans could be set up to have a nice year even with the bowl ban. On offense, Sophomore Matt Barkley returns for his second year on the job after going through and up and down Freshman year. Expect him to make better decisions as long as the offensive line, which returns three starters, plays better than they did in 2009 and gives Barkley time to throw. He'll have returning WRs Ronald Johnson and David Ausberry to throw too. As usual, the Trojans are deep at running back. Allen Bradford should be the starter, but C.J. Gable, Marc Tyler, and Dillion Baxter could all see playing time as well. The front seven on defense could turn out to be one of the best in the nation if they can play to their potential (which didn't happen consistently last year). DE Jurrell Casey and NT Christian Tupou anchor the line, while LBs Chris Gallipo and Devon Kennard provide a solid 1-2 punch at linebacker. The secondary is talented but will be very inexperienced after losing all four starters. That's why the front four must get pressure on opposing QBs to ease the pressure off the young secondary.
Two Games That Will Make or Break the Season: 10/30 vs. Oregon, 11/20 at Oregon State. The two teams expected to challenge USC for Pac-10 supremacy will be the two toughest games for the Trojans. Fun fact, USC has not won in the state of Oregon since 2005. Will they break the streak against the Beavers this year?
Prediction: First place in the Pac-10, ineligible for a bowl game (12-1, 8-1).
7. Texas Longhorns
Key Departures: Colt McCoy, Jordan Shipley, Sergio Kindle, Lamarr Houston, Earl Thomas.
Key Returning Players: Sam Acho, Aaron Williams, Keenan Robinson, Kheeston Randall, James Kirkendoll, Tre Newton.
The departure of many departed key players will not be easy, but the Longhorns depth and stellar past recruiting classes will make the loss of some players not look so bad in 2010. On offense it starts with Sophomore QB Garrett Gilbert. Gilbert showed sings of inexperience but also signs of greatness during last year's national championship game. All of the receivers from 2009 return with the exception of leading pass catcher Shipley, who will be sorely missed. Texas has depth at that position with James Kirkendoll, Malcolm Williams, Marquise Goodwin, and John Chiles, but one of these returning receivers must step up with the production loss of Shipley. The line returns only two starters but the replacements filling those voids have had game experience and are ready to step in (such as center David Snow). Texas will look to establish a running game that has not been used frequently over the past couple of seasons. Tre' Newton will be the starter but Fozzy Whittaker and Cody Johnson should see plenty of carries as well. On defense, the front seven loses three players, but the players filling those voids have solid game experience. The one big question will be at DE where Sophomore Alex Okafor gets his first year as a starter. He is young but has the potential to be great for the Longhorns this year. The secondary once again will once again be one of, if not the best, units in the country even with the loss of Earl Thomas. Keep an eye on CB Aaron Williams. He was overshadowed a bit by Thomas last year, but he is a shutdown corner and will be poised to be the next great Texas defensive back.
Two Games That Will Make or Break the Season: 10/2 vs. Oklahoma in Dallas, 10/16 at Nebraska. Not much needs to be explained about how big the Red River Rivalry is as the two teams have won the Big 12 South twelve times in the fourteen year history of the Big 12. The Nebraska game already has tons of hype built up since last December, and this could be the Huskers last shot at Texas for a while.
Prediction: 2nd in the Big 12 South, Orange Bowl Champions (11-2, 6-2)
8. Iowa Hawkeyes
Key Departures: Brian Bulaga, Pat Angerer, Amari Spievey, Tony Moeaki, Kyle Calloway.
Key Returning Players: Tyler Sash, Adrian Clayborn, Ricky Stanzi, Adam Robinson, Marvin McNutt.
After an excellent '09 campaign that ended with an 11-2 record and Orange Bowl win over Georgia Tech, Iowa has many key pieces returning to make a run at the Big Ten title. On offense, almost all the skill position players remain intact. QB Ricky Stanzi returns and will have his two of his top three WR targets back in Marvin McNutt and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos. A stable of proven running backs return including Sophomores Adam Robinson and Brandon Wegher, as well as Jewel Hampton, who missed all of 2009 with an injury. The biggest question on offense will be the the line, where the Hawkeyes must replace four starters. Kirk Ferentz is one of the best in the business at producing great offensive lineman, but if the redone line does not hold up it could hurt the Hawkeye's chances at a Big Ten title greatly ('09 Oklahoma is a perfect example of this). On defense, the Hawkeyes will have another unit that is worthy of a top 10 defensive ranking. Defensive end Adrian Clayborn is arguably the best returning pass rusher in the country this year and could be poised to have a milestone season. The linebackers are the biggest question mark of the unit with two new starters, Tyler Nielson on the outside and Jeff Tarpinian in the middle. The secondary has 3 returning starters, including one of the most versatile safeties in the nation in Tyler Sash. The back four could turn out to be the best unit in the nation by season's end.
Two Games That Will Make or Break the Season: 10/23 vs. Wisconsin, 11/20 vs. Ohio State. The Hawkeyes top two challengers for the Big Ten crown come to Iowa City in the second half of the season. If Iowa can pull those two games out, the Big Ten title should be their's.
Prediction: 2nd place in the Big Ten, Orange Bowl loser. (10-3, 6-2)
9. TCU Horned Frogs
Key Departures: Jerry Hughes, Marshall Newhouse, Daryl Washington, Joesph Turner.
Key Returning Players: Andy Dalton, Jeremy Kurley, Jimmy Young, Tejay Johnson, Wayne Daniels.
After a 12-1 campaign in 2009 that included an undefeated regular season, the Horned Frogs will try once again to bust their way into a BCS bowl. The offense returns nine starters and will once again score many points. It starts at QB where Senior Andy Dalton looks to end his career at TCU with a bang. His stats should be even better than last year with four returning starters on the offensive line and his top 3 WRs back in Jimmy Young, Jeremy Kurley, and Antoine Hicks. The only question on the offensive side of the ball will be at running back, where Joseph Turner must be replaced. Look for Sophomore Ed Wesley to fill that void. On defense, the Horned Frogs lost their star Jerry Hughes, but the unit returns 7 starters and should be one of the best in the nation again. On the front 4, look for Senior Wayne Daniels to be the next great TCU defensive end. The secondary should be good again as well, led by free safety Tejay Johnson, who is the best defensive back you've never heard of and could become a star by season's end. The key to the defense being great instead of good will be the play of linebackers Tank Carder and Tanner Brock, who's play will be critical in head coach Gary Patterson's 4-2-5 defense.
Two Games That Will Make or Break the Season: 9/4 vs. Oregon State at Arlington, Texas, 11/6 at Utah. The season opener against will be a good first test for the defensive line as they face one of the premier backs in the country in Jaquizz Rodgers. The game at Utah should decide the Mountain West, as these two teams have played some great games between each other as of late.
Prediction: Mountain West Champions, Sugar Bowl losers (12-1, 8-0).
10. Pittsburgh Panthers
Key Departures: Ben Stull, Oderick Turner, Joe Thomas, Robb Houser, Adam Gunn, Dorin Dickerson.
Key Returning Players: Dion Lewis, Jonathan Baldwin, Greg Romeus, Lucas Nix, Dom DeCicco.
At number 10 this may be a bit of a surprise, but remember that this is how I see the Top 25 shaking out at the end of the season. While Pitt may not be top 10 material as of now, by the end of the year they may very well be. On offense, the Panthers will be looking for a new quarterback to replace the departed Bill Stull. The Panthers will look to Sophomore Tino Sunseri to step in. Sunseri will have the luxury of throwing to wide receiver Jonthan Baldwin, who could be in contention for the Biletnikoff Award (given to the best receiver) by season's end. However, the Pitt offense will revolve and start around the running game, where the reigning Big East Offensive Player of the Year Dion Lewis returns. Lewis rushed for 1,640 yards and 17 touchdowns as a Freshman and is one of the most complete backs in the country. Expect him to build on his fabulous Freshman campaign with an even better Sophomore year. The offensive line returns two starters and another lineman with solid experience, led by tackle Jason Pinkston. The other two spots will be key in how successful Pitt will be this year. If the two new lineman gel enough with the three veterans, this line could be one of Pitt's best in a long time. On defense, Pitt's strength lies in their front four, where All-American candidate Greg Romeus returns at defensive end. The other defensive end Jabaal Sheard could be suspended for some games following an incident this past offseason, so while Pitt has talent on the line, they must play well and stay healthy until Sheard is potentially back. The linebacking crew returns two starters in Max Gruder and Greg Williams who anchor an underrated linebacking core. The secondary is the biggest question mark on the Pitt defense. They return safety Dom DeCicco, who is arguably the best safety in the Big East, but while the rest of the secondary is not lacking talent, it is also thin on experience. Jared Holley will get his shot at the other safety position, while Juniors Antwuan Reed and Saheed Imoru will get their shot at corner. The play of the secondary will be key in how good Pitt's defense can be this year.
Two Games That Will Make or Break the Season: 9/2 at Utah, 9/23 vs. Miami (FL). The Panthers will have some tough matchups in the Big East that include traveling to Connecticut and Cincinnati and the Backyard Brawl vs. West Virginia, but these two out of conference games, along with the October 9 road trip to South Bend to take on Notre Dame, will set the tone for this season. If Pitt comes out with a losing record going into Big East play it could spell trouble, but a 4-1 record could get the Panthers rolling to their first BCS bowl since 2004.
Prediction: Big East Champions, Fiesta Bowl losers (10-3, 6-1).
The Rest of the Top 25:
11. Wisconsin
12. Georgia
13. Nebraska
14. Oregon State
15. Florida State
16. Arkansas
17. Oregon
18. Miami (FL)
19. Boise State
20. North Carolina
21. Auburn
22. Penn State
23. LSU
24. West Virginia
25. Stanford
Right on the Edge: Clemson, Georgia Tech, Texas A&M, Arizona, Connecticut.
Conference Predictions:
SEC:
| East: |
West: |
| 1. Florida |
1. Alabama |
| 2. Georgia |
2. Arkansas |
| T3. South Carolina |
T3. Auburn |
| T3. Tennessee |
T3. LSU |
| 5. Kentucky |
5. Mississippi State |
| 6. Vanderbilt |
6. Ole Miss |
SEC Championship Game: Alabama over Florida
ACC:
| Coastal: |
Atlantic: |
| 1. Virginia Tech |
1. Florida State |
| 2. Miami (FL) |
2. Clemson |
| T3. North Carolina |
3. Boston College |
| T3. Georgia Tech |
4. N.C. State |
| 5. Virginia |
5. Maryland |
| 6. Duke |
6. Wake Forest |
ACC Championship Game: Virginia Tech over Florida State
Big 12:
| South: |
North: |
| 1. Oklahoma |
1. Nebraska |
| 2. Texas |
2. Missouri |
| 3. Texas A&M |
3. Kansas State |
| 4. Texas Tech |
4. Kansas |
| 5. Oklahoma State |
5. Colorado |
| 6. Baylor |
6. Iowa State |
Big 12 Championship Game: Oklahoma over Nebraska
Big Ten:
1. Ohio State
T2. Iowa
T2. Wisconsin
4. Penn State
5. Michigan State
T6. Michigan
T6. Northwestern
8. Purdue
9. Minnesota
10. Illinois
11. Indiana
Pac-10:
1. Southern California
2. Oregon State
3. Oregon
4. Stanford
T5. Arizona
T5. Washington
7. California
8. UCLA
9. Arizona State
10. Washington State
Big East:
1. Pittsburgh
2. West Virginia
3. Connecticut
4. Cincinnati
5. Rutgers
6. South Florida
7. Syracuse
8. Louisville
Mountain West:
1. TCU
2. Utah
3. BYU
4. Air Force
5. Wyoming
6. San Diego State
7. Colorado State
8. UNLV
9. New Mexico
WAC:
1. Boise State
2. Nevada
3. Fresno State
4. Idaho
5. Hawaii
6. Louisiana Tech
7. Utah State
8. New Mexico State
9. San Jose State
Conference USA:
| East: |
West: |
| 1. Southern Mississippi |
1. Houston |
| 2. Central Florida |
2. Tulsa |
| 3. East Carolina |
3. SMU |
| 4. Marshall |
4. UTEP |
| 5. UAB |
5. Rice |
| 6. Memphis |
6. Tulane |
Conference USA Championship Game: Houston over Southern Mississippi
MAC:
| East: |
West: |
| 1. Temple |
1. Northern Illinois |
| 2. Ohio |
2. Central Michigan |
| 3. Bowling Green |
3. Western Michigan |
| 4. Kent State |
4. Toledo |
| 5. Buffalo |
5. Ball State |
| 6. Akron |
6. Eastern Michigan |
| 7. Miami (OH) |
MAC Championship Game: Northern Illinois over Temple
Sun Belt:
1. Middle Tennessee State
2. Troy
3. Florida Atlantic
4. Arkansas State
5. Florida International
6. Louisiana-Lafayette
7. Louisiana-Monroe
8. North Texas
9. Western Kentucky
BuckeyeinTexas's BCS Bowl Predictions:
Rose Bowl: Ohio State over Oregon State
Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma over Pittsburgh
Orange Bowl: Texas over Iowa
Sugar Bowl: Florida over TCU
BCS National Championship Game: Alabama over Virginia Tech
BuckeyeinTexas's 2010 Preseason All-American Teams:
1st Team:
Offense:
QB: Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
RB: Mark Ingram, Alabama
RB: Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State
WR: A.J. Green, Georgia
WR: Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
WR: Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
TE: Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame
C: Mike Pouncey, Florida
G: Rodney Hudson, Florida State
G: Justin Boren, Ohio State
T: Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
T: Anthony Castonzo, Boston College
Defense:
DE: Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
DE: Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
DT: Stephen Paea, Oregon State
DT: Marvin Austin, North Carolina
LB: Greg Jones, Michigan State
LB: Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
LB: Dont'a Hightower, Alabama
S: Rahim Moore, UCLA
S: Mark Barron, Alabama
CB: Patrick Peterson, LSU
CB: Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
Special Teams:
PK: Blair Walsh, Georgia
P: Chas Henry, Florida
PR/KR: Jeremy Kerley, TCU
2nd Team:
Offense:
QB: Andrew Luck, Stanford
RB: Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh
RB: Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech
WR: Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh
WR: Julio Jones, Alabama
WR: James Rodgers
TE: D.J. Williams, Arkansas
C: Kritstofer O'Dowd, USC
G: Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State
G: Thomas Claiborne, Boston College
T: Matt Reynolds, BYU
T: Marcus Cannon, TCU
Defense:
DE: Robert Quinn, North Carolina
DE: Greg Romeus, Pittsburgh
DT: Jurrell Casey, USC
DT: Allen Bailey, Miami (FL)
LB: Bruce Carter, North Carolina
LB: Von Miller, Texas A&M
LB: Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina
S: DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson
S: Tyler Sash, Iowa
CB: Brandon Harris, Miami (FL)
CB: Aaron Williams, Texas
Special Teams:
PK: Kai Forbath, UCLA
P: Drew Butler, Georgia
PR/KR: Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
Top 10 Out of Conference Games for 2010:
1. Boise State vs. Virginia Tech at Landover, MD(September 6th)- An early season matchup on Labor Day that should grab the attention of the nation. Will Boise State's defense be prepared to handle the great Hokie running game. For the Hokies, will a talented but inexperienced defense be able to hold their ground and avoid mistakes on assignments?
2. Miami at Ohio State (September 11th)- Great early season matchup at the 'Shoe. Should be a good game as I think the Canes will make it close. Who wants to set the over/under on how many times they talk about the PI call from '03?
3. Penn State at Alabama (September 11th)-Great to see these two programs play each other again. Penn State will be a bit down this year but I expect them to overachieve for the first 2 and a half quarters before the Tide pull away.
4. Florida State at Oklahoma (September 11th)- An early test for the young OU secondary in week 2. OU has only lost 2 home games under Stoops, but this 'Noles team is capable of pulling off the upset.
5. Florida at Florida State (November 27th)- While Florida is still the favorite in the SEC East, this is the best Florida State team since the 2005 squad that won the ACC. Florida has won six in a row and will most likely be favored, but at some point the streak will end right?
6. North Carolina vs. LSU at Atlanta (September 4th)- A tough schedule for the Tigers in 2010 doesn't start out easy. North Carolina's defense has 4 guys in their front 7 that are first round material. Jefferson needs to be able to make his decisions quick or else the Tar Heel front 4 will eat him alive. The UNC offense will also need to be able to move the ball at least moderately to win.
6. Nebraska at Washington (September 18th)- The nation will get to see how good the Huskers's D without Suh is early on vs. Jake Locker and his slew of WRs.
7. Oregon State vs. TCU at Arlington, Texas (September 4th)- The Beavers should be in contention for the Pac-10 10 title this year, while TCU looks to make another run at the BCS and looks like the best of the Mountain West. Will be interesting to see how well Rodgers can run on the TCU D and how well the new Beaver QB will play as well.
8. Notre Dame at USC (November 27th)- Both teams will be breaking new coaches going into 2010. USC has won eight in a row versus Notre Dame and with the exception of two games ('05 and '09) they have dominated The Fighting Irish during that span. Will Brian Kelly be able to lead the Irish to their first victory of USC since 2001?
9. Miami at Pittsburgh (September 23rd)- A great early season Thursday Night matchup featuring 2 teams expected to contend for their respected conference titles. Will Dion Lewis be able to run the ball on the 'Canes D?
10. Arkansas vs. Texas A&M at Arlington (October 9th)-Two of the top offenses in the nation meet up at Cowboys Stadium for an exciting midseason out of conference matchup. Many many points will be scored.
Top 10 Conference Games for 2010:
1. Florida at Alabama (October 2nd)- A potential preview of the SEC Championship Game, the past two national champs square off in primetime. Bryant-Denny Stadium will be rocking, but you know Florida is looking for redemption from last December.
2. Texas vs. Oklahoma (October 2nd)- This games looks once again like it will decide the Big 12 South. The Sooners will try to regain control of the rivalry which has swung in favor of the Longhorns over the past five years.
3. Ohio State at Iowa (November 20th)- The two teams met last year to decide the Big Ten with the Buckeyes prevailing in the 'Shoe. Even bigger implications could be on the line when the two teams collide in Iowa City.
4. Texas at Nebraska (October 16th)- There will be tons of hype and storylines coming into Mid-October matchup. Nebraska would like to improve on their 1-8 record vs. Texas since the formation of the Big 12 before they leave.
5. Georgia vs. Florida at Jacksonville (October 30th)- This game should once again decide the SEC East. Florida has dominated the series as of late with a 17-3 record over the past 20 meetings. Florida did lose talent and Georgia's -16 turnover margin should improve right?
6. Oregon at Oregon State (December 4th)- With the Trojans ineligible for postseason play, this game could decide who goes to the Rose Bowl for the second straight year. Oregon won a hard-fought battle in Autzen last year. Will the Beavers return the favor at Reser?
7. Alabama at Arkansas (September 25th)- The young Crimson Tide secondary (save Mark Barron) will face a huge test early on against the top notch passing attack of Arkansas. The offensive line for the Razorbacks must give Mallett enough time to throw or else it could be a long day for the Hogs.
8. Virginia Tech at Miami (FL) (November 20th)- This game should decide the the ACC Coastal Division. Will Miami's front four be able to contain the dynamic backfield duo of Ryan Williams and Darren Evans?
9. Ohio State at Wisconsin (October 16th)- The Badgers gave the Buckeyes all they could handle the last time the two met at Camp Randall. Ohio State is national championship-good this year but Wisconsin is good enough to upend the Buckeyes in Madison.
10. Florida State at Miami (Ocotber 9th)- Both teams play tough out of conference schedules leading up to this game. Logic says whoever is rolling by then will have the upper-hand in this year's game.
Five That Could Surprise:
Arkansas Razorbacks:
Why They Could: The Razorback offense is going to put up a lot of numbers this year with the best QB in the SEC in Ryan Mallet along with some experienced targets at WR. They also get Bama at home early in the year (which is better than late because by the end of the year Bama's D should be clicking on all cylinders.
Why They Won't: As great as the offense is, the defense needs to step it up. It is supposed to be improved from last year but they will need to be better for Arkansas to win in the SEC. Also, the expectations and predictions for this year's Razorback team sounds eerily familiar to Ole Miss of last year (who by some was projected to win the West).
Purdue Boilermakers:
Why They Could: After beating Big Ten Champ OSU last year and some close losses that ended with a 5-7 season, I think the Boilermakers could finish in the top 4 or 5 in the Big Ten. They have also upgraded at QB from transfer Robert Marve. With some breaks they could pull of some shockers.
Why They Won't: The program has been down for a while now, and even with the great win over OSU last year they still finished 5-7. The Big Ten should also be better than it has been since the earlier part of the decade, so it could be more difficult for Purdue to make that climb in 2010.
Oregon State Beavers:
Why They Could: With the off-field troubles at Oregon and the dip USC took in '09, Oregon State has a realistic shot at winning the Pac-10 10. Everybody knows about the Rodgers brothers, but they have a very underrated O-line led by Stephen Paea. They also get both USC and Oregon in Corvallis.
Why They Won't: They must replace long-time starter Sean Canfield, who was pretty good in his final season at Oregon State. The defense also needs to be more consistent as well for them to win the Pac-10. Early OOC tests against TCU and Boise State won't be easy either.
Kansas State Wildcats:
Why They Could: After a major decline since Bill Snyder left after the 2004 season, Snyder returned to coach the Wildcats in 2009 and went 6-6 to finish 2nd in the Big 12 North. With one of the most underrated RBs in the nation in Daniel Thomas, who led the Big 12 in rushing, and both Texas and Nebraska at home, K-State could surprise some folks.
Why They Won't: Nebraska is still the clear-cut favorite in the North, and while they may be able to compete with the other teams in the North, Missouri has an established QB in Blaine Gabbert, something K-State lacks. The QB play for the Wildcats will be the X-factor in how much success they've had.
Clemson Tigers:
Why They Could: Kyle Parker will be back at QB for Clemson which is a huge break for the Tigers. Their defense is one of the most underrated units in the nation led by defensive end DeQuan Bowers and safety DeAndre McDaniel.
Why They Won't: How much did 2009 ACC Player of the Year C.J. Spiller mean to the Clemson offense? The return of Parker is key but will Clemson be able to move the ball effectively enough without the big-play threat of Spiller?
BuckeyeinTexas's 2010 Heisman Trophy Predictions:
Winner: Jaquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State- He will have his best season statistically and will be the C.J. Spiller of 2010.
Runner-Up: Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
3rd Place: Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh
4th Place: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
5th Place: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
12 Predictions for the 2010 College Football Season:
1. The USC Trojans play with a chip on their shoulder from the offseason hoopla that surrounded the program and finish with a 12-1 record and a 1st-place finish in the Pac-10.
2. Ohio State loses a heartbreaker in Madison to Wisconsin to give the Buckeyes their only loss of the season. However, they win the Big Ten outright with a road win over Iowa that will once again decide the Big Ten.
3. Florida does not drop off with the loss of Tebow and other playmakers from the '09 squad. New quarterback John Brantley will make his mistakes, but by the end of the year will become a playmaker in the Gator offense. Florida will only lose two games, both to Alabama (the 2nd one being in the SEC Championship game).
4. Nebraska keeps improving under Bo Pelini and goes undefeated against the Big 12 North. However, the Huskers go 1-3 against the South, with losses to Texas, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship Game.
5. Florida State starts their ascension towards becoming an elite team. They will not be national-title good in 2010 but they will win the ACC Atlantic Division and play their best game against the Gators in 6 years. Florida still pulls out a close one in Tallahassee.
6. Oregon State goes to their first Rose Bowl since 1965 and finishes second in the Pac-10 behind only USC. Jaquizz Rodgers seals the deal on his Heisman campaign with his best performance of his career vs. rival Oregon on the last Saturday of the season and wins the Heisman a week later.
7. TCU goes undefeated through the regular season for the second year in a row. This time, they get rewarded with a Sugar Bowl birth vs. SEC Runner-Up Florida. John Brantley has his coming-out party in New Orleans as the Gators dominate the Horned Frogs in a blowout win.
8. Oklahoma wins their seventh Big 12 title and finishes the season 13-1 capped of by a win over Pitt in the Fiesta Bowl. The Sooners only loss will be a game they should've won, and they stop their 2 game losing streak vs. Texas with a win over the Longhorns in Dallas.
9. Ohio State defeats Oregon State in the Rose Bowl. The Buckeye defense will be the only team to contain Heisman winner Jaquizz Rodgers as the Buckeye front four dominates the Oregon State offensive line.
10. Texas finishes 10-2 and is selected as the last at-large team over Nebraska, who finishes 10-3 and loses to Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship Game. Garrett Gilbert has his best performance of the year against a stiff Iowa defense in the Orange Bowl, and leads the 'Horns to their fourth BCS bowl victory.
11. Virginia Tech goes through regular season play undefeated and wins the ACC. The Hokies begin the season with a 27-10 win over Boise State that propels them to the ACC Championship and their second BCS National Championship appearance.
12. Alabama's young defense experiences growing pains early, but the Tide pull out tough early season victories against Arkansas and Florida in route to their 3rd straight undefeated SEC regular season. The Tide beat the Gators again in the SEC Championship Game that will be much closer than the 2009 edition and roll their way into the BCS National Championship Game against Virginia Tech. The Hokies present the Tide with a formidable challenge, but the rushing duo of Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson and a dominating defense that will be all grown up by season's end help the Crimson Tide prevail and become the first ever back to back BCS National Champions.
