Unlike last season, there is one clear cut team that is favored to win the national title. That team is the USC Trojans. A lot of people are also picking the Texas Longhorns to be their opponent in the BCS title game. Well, I agree with half of that assessment. I’m sticking to my guns and taking the Trojans to win the 2007-2008 national championship. I picked them to win it all last year, and everybody laughed but in the end they almost had an opportunity to compete for the title. For their opponent I’m going with a surprise pick in the defending champion Florida Gators

1. USC Trojans

            Everybody is picking the Trojans to win the title this year. I guess I was a year early for the bandwagon, but as I said last year the Trojans are the most talented team in the nation. It holds again this year because head coach Pete Carroll is the best recruiter in the country. If you look at the starting offense and defense then you will see about seven rivals.com five-star recruits, and about ten rivals.com four-star recruits. That is a potential that is unmatched across the country. John David Booty is now an established performer at quarterback and should be one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. With ten starters returning to the 20th best defense in the nation expect a tough time for opponents. The Trojans lost two games by a total of six points last season so don’t expect too many losses this year. The Pac-10 is very talented this season, but I fully expect the Trojans to run the table.

2. Florida Gators

            I know that you probably think I’m nuts now, but I don’t care. I’m picking the Gators to get back to the National Title game. Sure, the Gators lose 16 starters overall—including 10 on defense—but I picked USC to win it all the year after Leinart and Bush left. The Gators are defending champions, but I don’t think Urban Meyer has really even begun to hit his stride yet. Meyer has just started getting players who fit his system, he has just started getting the best talent in the nation, and this year should be the first one in which he fully unleashes his amazing offense. Look for sophomore Tim Tebow to contend for the Heisman Trophy and post a season similar to Alex Smith’s at Utah a couple of years ago. Tebow is the perfect fit for Meyer’s system and with playmakers like Percy Harvin and Andre Caldwell, plus four of the five offensive line starters returning the Gators will have plenty of offense. A tough schedule bodes for the Gators with games at home against Tennessee and Auburn, on the road against LSU, and in the world’s largest cocktail party against Georgia, but if the defense can come along quickly then don’t be surprised if the Gators return to the BCS National Championship game.

3. Michigan Wolverines

            I’m going with the Wolverines as my third ranked team. I think Michigan has a good chance to make the National Title game. The Wolverines return Chad Henne at quarterback, Mike Hart at running back, Mario Manningham at wide receiver, and Jake Long at left tackle. Look for an offense that will score more than 30 points per game. The only question is the defense which only returns four starters. If defensive coordinator Ron English can put together another coaching job like he did last season then we shouldn’t have to worry. The Wolverines have tough games against Notre Dame, Penn State, Ohio State, and at Wisconsin but with the second best talent base in the nation don’t expect more than two losses at the most.

4. LSU Tigers

            The Tigers lose a number one pick overall in JaMarcus Russell, two first-round wide receivers in Dwayne Bowe and Craig Davis, and a top-ten safety in LaRon Landry, but these Tigers are still going to be tough to tame. LSU will return eight starters from the third best defense in the land last season. So expect the Bayou Bengals to have the one of the very best defenses in the country this year. The Tigers have plenty of question marks at wide receiver and running back, but quarterback shouldn’t be a problem. Senior Matt Flynn and sophomore Ryan Perrilloux are very talented and very good. They should provide more than enough at the quarterback spot to keep the offense running. The LSU-Florida game on October 6 should be the best game of the year. One loss should be all the Tigers have this season. 

5. Wisconsin Badgers

            It’s been a long time since the Badgers have been ranked this high, but you shouldn’t be shocked. Wisconsin went 12-1 last season and return 16 starters from that squad. The Badgers worked very hard for first-year head coach Bret Bielema and if they continue that work ethic in season two then another one loss season should not be out of the ordinary. P.J. Hill is a force at running back, but the Badgers must face Ohio State this season as well as Michigan. If the Badgers can get through the Horseshoe unscathed then expect a BCS Bowl berth.

6. Ohio State Buckeyes

            The Buckeyes have lost a ton of talent, but don’t expect the good times to stop rolling. Heisman winner Troy Smith, and first-round picks Ted Ginn Jr. and Anthony Gonzalez will be gone, so the offense is a big question mark. However, Bronko Nagurski award-winner James Laurinatis returns to lead the defense. The Buckeyes have been good every year under Jim Tressel, so don’t expect a rebuilding year but instead more of a reloading year. Tressel will have the Buckeyes in good shape, but expect at least two losses.

7. Texas Longhorns

            I have the Longhorns pretty low compared to most people, but they didn’t really impress me much last season. Colt McCoy played well most of the season, but I can’t get past his injury late in the season and how he performed afterwards. McCoy didn’t look the same as he threw two touchdowns and three interceptions in his last two games—a loss against Texas A&M and a close win over a disappointing Iowa team. If McCoy can rebound then Texas could finish higher. The Longhorns return 14 starters and have an easy schedule. The only tough games will be against Oklahoma and TCU, so anything short of a Big 12 championship is ridiculous.  

8. Oklahoma Sooners

            This is the same spot I put Oklahoma last year. The Sooners will return 14 starters from a team that finished 11-3, barely lost against Boise State, and was robbed at Oregon. The Sooners do have question marks at quarterback, but senior running back Allen Patrick is a monster. This kid would run through a brick-wall if he had to. I love watching him run, but he’s not as flashy or as explosive as Adrian Peterson. However, Patrick does seem more durable. The defense finished 16th in the nation and will once again be a force. The Sooners have tough games against Miami and Texas, but one loss should be all that is expected.            

9. West Virginia Mountaineers

            The Mountaineers have the fastest quarterback (Pat White) and running back (Steve Slaton) in the nation and that doesn’t bode well for opposing defenses. The Mountaineer defense, with seven starters returning, should also be better than 62nd overall this season. West Virginia returns 13 starters overall and their only hard games will be against Louisville and at Rutgers. The Mountaineers could theoretically run the table, but the Big East talent level overall is not extremely high so expect an upset somewhere along the way. With that said, anything short of a Big East title and BCS Bowl bid would be a disappointment.

10. Louisville Cardinals

            The biggest question marks for the Cardinals are their new head coach, Steve Kragthorpe, and their defense. With Brian Brohm returning at quarterback I wouldn’t expect to see any drop off due to Kragthorpe until next season. Brohm is the best returning quarterback in the nation. The defense will have to work out some kinks, but I would expect the Cards to run through the Big East. Their only tough games all year are at West Virginia and at home against Rutgers. One loss is all Kragthorpe should have on his record at the end of the season.

11. Penn State Nittany Lions

            Joe Paterno is back for yet another season. So what can the ancient coach serve up this year? He should serve up a quality team. The Nittany Lions have all the parts returning to be a solid team. PSU returns 13 starters including eight on offense and they return one of their best defenders in linebacker Dan Connor. Connor is an absolute beast and should be a favorite for linebacker of the year. If Anthony Morelli can reach his vast potential as a senior then watch out for the Nittany Lions. JoePa will face tough games at Michigan, but he gets Notre Dame, Wisconsin, and Ohio State at home. With the 20-10 momentum-building win over Tennessee to end last year the Lions are looking good heading into ’07-’08. If JoePa can get his team to lose less than three games then that should qualify for an excellent season in what will be a very top-heavy Big Ten.

12. Auburn Tigers

            The Tigers lose a lot on offense with Kenny Irons and six other starters leaving, but expect Auburn’s defense to help carry them. The Tigers do return one key offensive starter in senior quarterback Brandon Cox. Cox had a disappointing year last season as he threw for only 14 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, but don’t expect that in 2007. Cox should be unleashed and quickly help return the Tiger offense to good times. The Auburn defense returns seven starters including three of the four starters on the defensive line and in the defensive backfield. The Tigers finished 19th in total defense last season and should be even better this year. The Tigers have a very tough schedule with games at Florida, Arkansas, LSU, and Georgia. The Tigers have big-time bust potential, but they could also get out of the season with only two losses.

13. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

            When you talk about Rutgers then you talk about one thing—Ray Rice. Rice is a dynamic offensive force as he finished 2006 with 1,794 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns. Without Rice the Scarlet Knights are nothing. With Rice they are Big East title contenders and dark horses for a BCS bid. With 13 starters returning, Rutgers should be a solid team overall and their defense actually finished 4th overall last year. Of course they did play Howard, Illinois, Ohio, and North Carolina in 2006 non-conference games. The schedule isn’t much harder in ’08 and Rutgers should have no more than two losses overall.

14. California Golden Bears

            The Golden Bears are returning plenty of offensive talent in quarterback Nate Longshore, running back Justin Forsett, and uber-wideout DeSean Jackson. The defense, however, returns only five starters but they did finish 91st last season in total defense. That means they should have nowhere to go but up. Cal should average about 35 points per game on offense; but with tough games at UCLA, and at home against Tennessee, Oregon State, and USC; the Golden Bears will need every point they can get. Cal could still only lose one game and another second-place finish in the Pac-10 should be expected.

15. Tennessee Volunteers

            The Volunteers bounced back with a 9-4 season last year. Expect even more improvement in the second season under offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe. Erik Ainge returns at quarterback and will hopefully be able to stay healthy. Ainge threw for 19 touchdowns and 9 interceptions last season but he battled injuries throughout. Back-up Jonathan Crompton didn’t look quite ready when he had to take over for Ainge so Vols fans better hope Ainge can stay healthy. The Vols only return 11 starters overall and playing in the tough SEC definitely hurts, but only two losses shouldn’t be a surprise. The Vols have a top-10 talent base and if they can reach their potential then they should be a very solid team.

16. Georgia Bulldogs

            The ‘Dawgs should be back to their outstanding ways this year. Georgia disappointed people last season when they finished 9-4, including four losses in five games, but this season should be different. The Bulldogs won their final three games of 2006 and should be positioned for more good things in 2007. Sophomore quarterback Matthew Stafford made great strides at the end of last season and should be somebody to keep an eye on. Overall, the talent on offense is very good with seven starters returning. The defense finished eighth overall last season, but only returns three starters. The ‘Dawgs open the season with Oklahoma State, South Carolina, and Western Carolina at home so they might be able to buy some time in finding good defenders. Look for the Bulldogs to be a force by the time they play at Tennessee. Another four-loss season would be a disappointment in Athens.

17. Virginia Tech Hokies

            The Hokies are my biggest dark horse to have an amazing season. Virginia Tech returns 16 starters from a team that lost only three games. I still wasn’t extremely impressed with VT last season, especially quarterback Sean Glennon, so that is why I place them 17th. The defense is a beast, though, as they finished first overall in 2006. If VT can improve on offense and remain great on defense then watch out. The biggest reason VT is a darkhorse, however, is what happened this spring. The VT shootings were horrendous, but I would look for that to somehow bond this team together and maybe produce a great season. Anything short of an ACC title is a huge disappointment for these Hokies.

18. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

            The Fighting Irish sure did lose a lot from last season’s ten-win team. Gone are quarterback Brady Quinn, wide receivers Jeff Samardzija, Rhema McKnight, and running back Darius Walker. Overall, Notre Dame brings back only nine starters, plus the Fighting Irish always play one of the most difficult schedules in the nation. So right now you probably think I’m crazy, but I just have faith in Charlie Weis. I think Weis will surprise people and do a great job coaching. Weis has recruited well and has a top-10 caliber talent base to work with. Safety Tom Zbikowski returns on defense and should be a great leader for the young defense. If true freshman Jimmy Clausen starts at quarterback as expected then look for some rough patches but also look for no more than three losses.

19. Boise State Broncos

                The Broncos had a dream season in ’06. Their popularity couldn’t be any higher after the amazing Fiesta Bowl, but their potential for the upcoming season could be. The Broncos should be good with running back Ian Johnson returning, but with Jared Zabransky and 10 other starters missing a repeat undefeated season will be hard to accomplish. Never-the-less the Broncos should win the WAC and have a small chance at doing the near-impossible and going undefeated again.

20. Miami Hurricanes

            The Hurricanes have certainly had their troubles over the last couple of years, but you just can’t deny the talent. I do have questions about the hiring of somebody in-program when the program has sank so much the past few years, but you can’t really say it was because of Randy Shannon. Shannon has done his part and kept the defense at the very top of the nation each and every year. Look for Shannon to bring accountability to the rest of the team and also don’t be surprised if quarterback Kyle Wright and wide receiver Lance Leggett finally reach their vast potentials. A two-loss season should be the perfect way to bounce back from last season’s horrible 7-6 record.

21. Arkansas Razorbacks

            The Razorbacks got a little bit of momentum going last season with their 10-4 record and then their fans and the program wanted to throw it all away. Houston Nutt was dogged by fans all off season and then lost his offensive coordinator and his five-star quarterback. This program could be on the verge of going in the toilet, but lucky for the ungrateful fans and coaches they have a superstar at running back. Darren McFadden is a great tailback and his back-up Felix Jones is a good back also. Arkansas’ fate rests on these two backs’ shoulders. I trust them and I expect the Razorbacks should have no problem reaching nine wins.

22. TCU Horned Frogs

            Texas Christian is year in and year out one of the very best mid-major programs. The Horned Frogs have a great coach in Gary Patterson and they should once again be a good team in ’07. The Horned Frogs return monster defensive end Tommy Blake as well as eight other starters from the second-ranked defense in the country. The offense returns only four starters, but one of them is dynamic tailback Aaron Brown. The Horned Frogs will be very good and should easily win the Mountain West Conference. Don’t be surprised if the Horned Frogs only lose one game and that would be their match up against Texas, but also don’t be surprised if they surprise the Longhorns. That would make a good upset.

23. UCLA Bruins

            Look who is back in the top 25. It is the UCLA Bruins. Karl Dorrell finally has everything in place to bring the Bruins back to the national spotlight. UCLA beat USC 13-9 last year, but finished the season 7-6. With a whopping 20 starters returning they should win many more games this year. Quarterback Ben Olsen returns and should be an upgrade over Patrick Cowen so look for at least nine wins and maybe more.

24. Boston College Eagles  

            Steady and consistent Tom O’Brien is gone as BC’s head coach, but will the program still stay steady and consistent? It is up to Jeff Jagodzinski to find out. The former Green Bay offensive coordinator will try to keep things running smoothly and with past ties to the program expect that to happen. The Eagles return 16 starters including senior quarterback Matt Ryan, and senior tailbacks L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callender. Don’t expect a drop off in the program until next season. BC should get at least nine wins this year.

25. Oregon State Beavers  

            Oregon State finished with a surprising 10 wins last season including a shocking 33-31 win over USC. Expect the good times to keep rolling for the Beavers. With 15 starters returning and stud tailback Yvenson Bernard back, the Beavers should win at least nine games.

Other teams to watch: Nebraska, Georgia Tech, Hawaii, Texas A&M, Wake Forest, and Brigham Young