Draft Zoo

DraftZoo College Football Players of the Decade: Wide Receivers

Hunter Ansley — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:49:30 +0000

Hold still, Calvin. There's a bug on your arm, and you're doing the Egyptian wrong.

The decade is over. Has been since January 1st if you’re not a big calendar guy. So it’s time to take a look back at the aughts, or double-Os, or 2000s, or whatever.

For the next two weeks, we’ll be glancing out of our college football car windows at the ‘objects closer than they appear’ and giving you a rundown of the top ten players at every position over the last ten years. Of course, this next part is very, very important to remember.

This has NOTHING to do with the NFL. It’s not about how well they’ve performed in their pro careers thus far or how they projected as prospects for the next level. This is purely about College Football. Nothing else. And oh yeah, guys that played only one season in this decade don’t count (Sorry Ladainian). Basically, anyone from the 2002 NFL Draft on is eligible.

So, without further ado, here are the ten best college wide receivers of the aughts (yeah, I’m going with aughts). Enjoy, discuss, and please, for the love of all sanity, tell me why I’m wrong by visiting our CONTACT page.

10.) Josh Reed, LSU
2867 yards, 17 TDs, 18.03 ypc
This seems like a nice spot to remind everyone that this list is not about stats. Not solely anyway. But if you got to watch Josh Reed play, you saw one of the most consistent receivers this decade. He had an uncanny knack for settling into the open spots in the zone, and his 18.03 ypc average speaks volumes about his open-field running ability (he was a running back coming into LSU, and it showed). Reed set the SEC record for receiving yards in a game with 293, and in a season with 1740. And he rounded it out with a Biletnikoff Award despite only playing the position for two seasons.

09.) Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina
2840 yards, 21 TDs, 15.69 ypc
Again, if you’re looking at pure production, Nicks might not make the list. But I’ll readily admit I was influenced by his Meineke Bowl performance. That was impressive. No one’s going to forget that one handed, around the back, under the legs, somersault catch. And that’s part of why Nicks made the list — he had incredible hand-eye coordination. His time at UNC saw him break 14 school receiving records and earn first-team All-ACC honors in his final season. And the real kicker that makes all of this even more impressive: TJ Yates was his QB. Yeah, TJ Yates. Imagine what he could have done with competence at the point.

08.) Dwayne Jarrett, USC
3138 yards, 41 TDs, 17.74 ypc
Maybe Jarrett deserves a loftier ranking, but as productive as he was, somehow his career is forgettable. Maybe it’s the plethora of talented USC wideouts this decade, or maybe it was the insane skill around him, but he’s a solid fit here. Only one guy on the list caught more TDs, and he managed to keep his deep threat status alive, racking up the second best ypc. A two-time All-American, Jarrett holds USC’s career receptions record and the Pac 10’s career receiving TDs record. He was ineligible for a little while because he somehow messed up by living with Matt Leinart, but when he was on the field, he was absolutely integral to USC’s dominance.

07.) Roy Williams, Texas
3866 yards, 36 TDs, 16.04 ypc
Williams started 40 games for the Longhorns and owns school records for receiving yards, receiving TDs, and just plain receptions. He’s one of only two Texas-Exes with two 1000 yard receiving seasons, and physically he was one of the best of the last ten years, no doubt. His performance in a Cotton Bowl win over LSU was one of the most insane I’ve ever seen from a receiver (I was at the game). In Dallas that day, Williams recorded his fifth consecutive 100-yard game with 142 yards, 1 TD, and a 39-yard reverse for a score. He pretty much single-handedly brought the Longhorns back from a serious first-half deficit. But one of the most impressive Roy feats was his amazing start. He was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, and led all true freshman wideouts with 73.5 yards per game.

06.) Rashaun Woods, Oklahoma State
4414 yards, 42 TDs, 15.16 ypc
If this list was all about stats… Woods was the first Big 12 receiver to shed light on the fact that this had become a passing league. His yardage and TD totals are tops on this list, yet he seems to have been forgotten in Dez Bryant’s wake. He owns Big 12 records for receptions, yards, and TDs. He was a two-time All-American, only the eighth player to record three 1000+ yard season, and only four guys have ever caught more scores. Of course, he wasn’t done. He also set the NCAA record for most TD receptions in a single game with seven (yeah, seven) against Southern Methodist in 2003. His legacy allowed for two younger brothers to follow him at OSU, and he always showed up against big brother OU, catching a game winner one year, followed by a three TD performance the next.

05.) Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
2425 yards, 29 TDs, 16.5 ypc
Yeah, I’m doing it too. Nodding Dez over Rashaun. And while Rashaun definitely owns the advantage in career statistics, Bryant wins the talent battle. As physically gifted as any wideout to play the game over the last decade, Bryant could’ve challenged for the top spot had it not been for that whole suspension fiasco this year. Still, in fewer than three seasons of action, he made some waves. He set an OSU freshman record with 155 yards in one game, won the coveted “Wide Receiver Trophy” as a sophomore, and was a first-team member of six prestigious All-America teams in 2008. It’s difficult to project what he could’ve done with a full junior year, but even in his short time on the field last season, he managed to earn National Punt Returner of the Week. Strong hands, great leaping ability, and one of the best red zone threats to play the game.

04.) Percy Harvin, Florida
1929 yards, 13 TDs, 14.5 ypc
From a pure “line up wide and be traditional” standpoint, Harvin doesn’t cut it. But you want Harvin on your team. Badly. He was a blur to defenses, lining up all over the field and flat-out dominating linebackers and defensive backs. His speed was elite, his vision was elite, and his toughness was unquestioned. At less than 100%, he almost single-handedly crippled the OU defense in the 2009 BCS Title win. For his career, he earned 1852 rushing yards for 19 TDs on an unbelievable 9.55 yards per carry. He added another 1929 yard through the air, for 13 additional scores, and basically gave the Gators a weapon that no one could defend. If there’s any doubt about his impact on an offense, just check out UF’s numbers from his final season compared to what they did without him.

03.) Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
2927 yards, 28 TDs, 16.44 ypc
Freak. Just a damn freak. No other receiver carried 230+ pounds 40 yards in only 4.35 seconds. I don’t think any receiver will again. Toss in the fact that he’s 6-05, and you have the perfect prototype for a devastating pass-catcher. Like Nicks, his numbers were hindered by inconsistent QB play, but his talent was so great that he often overcame it. His stop-on-a-dime, leaning away from the ball snag has become a YouTube legend, and he routinely made impossible catches seem pedestrian. He holds school records for receiving yards, TDs, and 100+ yard games (13), and was a first-team All-ACC member in 2004, 2005, and 2006. As a freshman, he earned the conference’s Rookie of the Year Award, and topped that with an ACC Player of the Year Award in 2006. He even managed to finish 10th for the Heisman from a position that has become a pre-req for not winning it. As far as pure talent is concerned, there might never be another like him.

02.) Larry Fitzgerlad, Pittsburgh
2677 yards, 34 TDs, 16.63 ypc
What’s there to say about Fitz? His illustrious NFL career has almost hidden his record-breaking time in college, but he did so much from the receiver position that it’s impossible to ignore his impact on the game. He only played in 26 games, but managed to average over 100 yards per contest for his career, setting Pitt records with 34 TDs, back-to-back 1000+ yard seasons, and 14 100+ yard games. In 2003, he was a unanimous first-team All-American, and actually finished second to Jason White in Heisman balloting… as a receiver for a decent team. That’s an amazing accomplishment in itself, but the most impressive career mark Fitzgerald holds is his NCAA record of 18 straight games with at least one TD catch. That one won’t be broken anytime soon.

01.) Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
3127 yards, 41 TDs, 13.54 ypc
Don’t let the ypc fool you. In case you missed the greatest college WR of all-time (maybe) play his ball down in Lubbock, he averaged a little less because of a funky offense and the fact that he caught two or three passes on every play, seemingly. Crabtree was a receiver like none we’d ever seen. Excellent body control, innate high-pointing ability, a knack for finding holes in the defense, extremely strong and soft hands, and a commanding presence not usually seen from the position. He was an offense all by himself at one of the most difficult positions for consistent production. His herculean catch and score to knock off #1 Texas is one of, if not the, most determined and spectacular plays you’ll ever see. He intended to get in that damn end zone.

For a guy who moved to WR from QB as he entered college, he made the switch look frighteningly easy. He was a two-time unanimous All-America selection, two-time Paul Warfield Award winner, and a two-time Biletnikoff Award winner. And he only played two seasons. Pretty sweet way to bat 1.000. And if that weren’t enough on it’s own, he caught 134 balls in his redshirt freshman season, setting the NCAA record for a rookie by 36 receptions, and his 22 receiving TDs from that year are the most ever by a Big 12 player. Simply put, there are too many records and too many All-America selections to list. And in case you didn’t catch it earlier, he did it all in only two seasons. He wins.

Honorable Mention: Braylon Edwards (Michigan) — Braylon probably deserves to be top 10, but he just missed, Jeremy Maclin (Missouri), Charles Rogers (Michigan State), Lee Evans (Wisconsin), Michael Clayton (LSU), Reggie Williams (Washington), Golden Tate (Notre Dame), Terrence Edwards (Georgia)

DraftZoo College Football Players of the Decade: Running Backs

Hunter Ansley — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:44:25 +0000

Mike Hart was never any easy tackle. Especially if you weren't looking low enough.

The decade is over. Has been since January 1st if you’re not a big calendar guy. So it’s time to take a look back at the aughts, or double-Os, or 2000s, or whatever.

So, without further ado, here are the ten best college running backs of the aughts (yeah, I’m going with aughts). Enjoy, discuss, and please, for the love of all sanity, tell me why I’m wrong by visiting our CONTACT page.

10.) Mike Hart, Michigan
5040 yards, 41 TDs, 4.97, 566 receiving yards, 2 TDs
The guy played in 43 games at one of the most punishing positions in the sport for a team that leaned on him more often than not. And he responded. Despite his lack of height, Hart was the definition of a bowling ball back, and a nose for the end zone. His average is hurt a little bit by the fact that he carried the ball in so many short-yardage situations, but when you look at how successful he was in the clutch, he may deserve a higher ranking. Nothing wrong with being a two-time Doak Walker Award Finalist and a three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection.

09.) Willis McGahee, Miami
2067 yards, 31 TDs, 5.92 ypc, 348 receiving yards, 0 TDs
McGahee didn’t play for very long. And it’s not exactly inspiring that his most memorable involves his knee escaping from the back of his leg. But when McGahee was on the field, he was a rare blend of punishing strength and deadly speed. McGahee played in two championship games (winning one), and broke all sorts of Miami records in 2002 with 1753 rushing yards and 28 TDs on the ground. Only three people have put up more scores on the ground in a single season. And you’ve got to admire the guts to gamble on himself and pass on that $2.5M insurance policy to enter the draft. Worked out pretty well.

08.) Cadillac Williams, Auburn
3831 yards, 45 TDs, 5.17 ypc, 342 receiving yards, 1 TD
When he was healthy, he was fun to watch. A real running back, Cadillac was pure on the ground, but powerful enough to get the tough yards. What his makes his totals even more impressive is the fact that he missed the last six games of the 2002 season with a broken fibula. Of course, he bounced back from that snap to star for another two seasons, breaking Bo Jackson’s school rushing TD record, and earning nine SEC Player of the Week honors, the most in conference history.

07.) Knowshon Moreno, Georgia
2734 yards, 30 TDs, 5.49 ypc, 645 receiving yards, 2 TDs
I’m sure I’ll get some detractors here. But even with only two seasons of play, Moreno made some noise. He earned first team All-SEC honors in both of his seasons, scored 30 touchdowns, and found some really innovative ways to throw himself into the endzone. He was stopped at times, but always seemed to find his legs in a big way the following week. His versatility was never a question, and he might have been the best screen back of his era. Moreno may not have the stats or trophy cases of some other guys on the list, but from a pure talent standpoint, he was special.

06.) Ray Rice, Rutgers
4926 yards, 49 TDs, 5.41 ypc, 334 receiving yards, 1 TD
Greg Schiano gets a lot of credit for breathing life into the Rutgers program, and he deserves some, but Ray Rice was the on-field impetus in New Jersey. He owns just about every Rutgers rushing record, but what’s more impressive is that he continually broke his own records throughout his career, capping it off with a 280 yard performance in the Toronto Bowl that finalized his top status. Perhaps more than any other player on this list, Rice was the reason for his team’s success. He was a two-time second-team All-American, and a finalist for the Doak Walker Award largely because of his three 100+ yard seasons, 25 100+ yard and six 200+ yard performances.

05.) DeAngelo Williams, Memphis
6026 yards, 55 TDs, 6.22 ypc, 723 receiving yards, 5 TDs
Maybe the guy that holds the all-time NCAA career all-purpose yardage record should be higher, but I can’t get past the fact that playing for Memphis helped just a little. Still, only four running backs in history have gained more yards on the ground, and no one has eclipsed his mark of 34 100+ yard games on the ground. Despite coming from C-USA, Williams finished seventh in Heisman voting in 2005, and second only to Reggie Bush in Doak Walker voting the same year. Like some of the other backs on this list, he gets a bump from producing at such a high level for so many years. Doesn’t hurt that he scored 60 offensive TDs on a 6.22 ypc average.

03.6) Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
4045 yards, 41 TDs, 5.41 ypc, 198 receiving yards, 1 TD
Yeah, that’s supposed to read “3.6″ I just can’t decide between Peterson and McFadden, but I’m giving McFadden the slight nod. Peterson was amazing as a freshman. His 1925 rushing yards that year set a freshman record, and he led the nation in carries with 339. After that, his career was a mix of bruising runs finalized with elite speed. He was always one of those guys that no one wanted to tackle, unless it was around the ankle. Despite missing multiple games as a sophomore and junior, AD managed to squeeze over 2300 yards and 26 rushing touchdowns into his final two seasons. No other freshman has come as close to winning the Heisman as Peterson, who finished second to Matt Leinart in 2004.

03.4) Darren McFadden, Arkansas
4590 yards, 41 TDs, 5.85 ypc, 365 receiving yards, 2 TDs
This might get a few double-takes, but there was some stiff competition, and although McFadden was amazing, I think he slides into the three spot. Of course, his mastery of the Wild Hog formation is an added bonus considering it earned him seven TD tosses. He was slightly better than Peterson in my opinion, and certainly healthier. His career rushing yards rank second only to Herschel Walker in the SEC. He was a two-time runner up for the Heisman Trophy, a feat no other player can claim, a two-time AP All-American, and he became only the second two-time winner of the Doak Walker Award in his final season

02.) CJ Spiller, Clemson
3547 yards, 32 TDs, 5.85 ypc, 1420 receiving yards, 11 TDs
You can argue all you want, but Spiller’s yardage and TD totals are impressive. He played most of his career attached to James Davis in the Clemson backfield, but that makes his totals even more impressive. His ypc of nearly 6 yards is a true testament to his ability to make the most out of any play, and for a guy not considered much a red zone runner, he found the endzone 32 times on the ground. He was the only player in the nation to score a touchdown in every game of the 2009 season, and he added two scores with his arm over his last two seasons. But Spiller’s most valuable asset was his versatility. He finished his career with 3547 rushing yards (32 TDs, 1420 receiving yards (11 TDs), and 2621 return yards (8 TDs).

01.) Reggie Bush, USC
3169 yards, 25 TDs, 7.32 ypc, 1301 receiving yards, 13 TDs
Well, he used to have a Heisman. Regardless of anything the NCAA does, Bush was the best running back of the 2000s. There’s no doubt in my mind. He was absolutely amazing every time he touched the ball, averaging 10.25 yards per touch over his entire career. He made highlight play after highlight play, whether he was returning (4 TDs), running (25 TDs), or receiving (13 TDs). Unfortunately, one of his most fabled plays, a 65-yard game of hide-and-seek with the Oregon State defense in the densest fog I’ve ever seen on a football field, came in a losing effort.

Bush took home the 2005 Heisman in a landslide over Vince Young. He received the second most first-place votes in history at the time. In the same year, he won the Doak Walker Award, Walter Camp Award, and earned the Pac 10 Offensive Player of the Year Award. Yes, he only started 14 career games, but he was an absolute enigma to defensive coordinators, and there was no more electrifying running back this decade, as evidenced by his 7.32 yards per carry average. And, you’ve got to admit, that flipping into the endzone thing was pretty cool.

Honorable Mention, Steven Jackson (Oregon State), Dexter McCluster (Ole Miss), Cedric Benson (Texas), Jahvid Best (California), Larry Johnson (Penn State), Chris Wells (Ohio State), LL Cool J (Any Given Sunday)

DraftZoo College Football Players of the Decade: Quarterbacks

Hunter Ansley — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:56:59 +0000

Maybe the Cardinals should move to Los Angeles. The city was kind to Leinart before.

The decade is over. Has been since January 1st if you’re not a big calendar guy. So it’s time to take a look back at the aughts, or double-Os, or 2000s, or whatever.

So, without further ado, here are the ten best college quarterbacks of the aughts (yeah, I’m going with aughts). Enjoy, discuss, and please, for the love of all sanity, tell me why I’m wrong by visiting our CONTACT page.

10.) Rex Grossman, Florida
9164 yards, 77 TDs - 36 INTS, 61% Completion
Yeah, he had a pretty pedestrian senior season. The Gators weren’t anything special in Ron Zook’s first year, and Grossman got right in line with that trend. But he did play an amazing game against Auburn, pulling out a come-from-behind win in overtime on a bum leg. But it’s his sophomore season that lands him here. Before fellow-Gator Tim Tebow became the first sophomore to win the Heisman, Grossman’s second-place finish was quite the taboo. In fact, there are plenty that believe his sophomore totals of 3896 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 66% completion percentage were good enough to win the trophy. His NFL prospects haven’t helped, but Grossman under Steve Spurrier was a top ten quarterback for the aughts.

09.) Pat White, West Virginia
6049 yards, 56 TDs - 23 INTS, 65% Completion
White isn’t your typical quarterback. But you know that. His career passing yardage total won’t wow anyone, especially considering his lengthy career, but this guy did some amazing things. Leading West Virginia into national prominence and a puncher’s chance at the National Title Game is a bigger deal than some think. Then there’s the fact that no other QB in the sport’s history has ever won four bowl games. White was always a nightmare for defensive coordinators with his legs (4480 rushing yards, 47 rushing TDs), and his habit of breaking highlight runs and just plain winning earns him the ninth spot.

08.) Philip Rivers, North Carolina State
13,582 yards, 95 TDs - 34 INTs, 64% Completion
No one on this list threw for more yards than Rivers. And only two guys tossed more touchdowns, so maybe Rivers deserves a loftier ranking. But this is a competitive sport, and a competitive list (it’s pretty damn prestigious, too. Right?). Rivers was a gritty passer in college, who fueled a great run for the Wolfpack, and only once in four years of starting passed for fewer than 3000 yards. Had he won on a bigger stage, he’d be higher, but making NC State relevant is an accomplishment in itself.

07.) Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
8403 yards, 88 TDs - 16 INTs, 68% Completion
Who knows how high Bradford could have risen if he hadn’t dinged his wing as a senior. His freshman season was eye-popping, and I’d venture to say that no frosh has ever been as good from the git go. Then, we all know the sophomore story — 50 TDs, only eight picks, nearly 5000 yards through the air. He became the second second-year player to take home the Heisman, and led OU back to the BCS Title Game. He was a great one, and might have challenged for the top spot with a healthy junior season.

06.) David Greene, Georgia
11,528 yards, 72 TDs - 32 INTs, 59% Completion
That below 60% deal sticks out like a sore thumb, but Greene made up for it… in spades. Anytime you break a record held by Peyton Manning, you’re doing something right, and before Colt McCoy ruined it, Greene was the NCAA’s career leader in wins with 42, eclipsing Manning’s mark. Greene also led the Bulldogs to a 13-1 record as a sophomore, including an SEC title and a Sugar Bowl victory. The Dawgs hadn’t been that good since winning it all in 1980, and they haven’t been as good since.

05.) Colt McCoy, Texas
13,253 yards, 112 TDs - 45 INTs
No one else on the list even broke the 100 TD passes barrier, but no one else tossed 45 picks either. Still, the most impressive part of McCoy’s resume will always be the record-setting mark of 45 career wins. That might never be broken in a 12-game season. Then there’s his NCAA single-season record of completing 76.6% of his passes. Colt never managed to win the Heisman, and fate cruelly dismissed him from his only title game appearance, but no one has ever won like this. He’s an all-timer at the college level.

04.) Matt Leinart, USC
10,693 yards, 99 TDs - 23 INTs, 65% Completion
Had Leinart beaten Texas in that fateful Rose Bowl, he might be the top guy on this list. But, alas, he’ll have to settle for fourth. Not bad. He led USC to one national title, and another top-ranking in the AP Poll. We’ll give him 1.5 titles. But his amazing command of the USC offense was more important than most think. Sure, his squads smacked of raw talent, but Leinart’s ability to run the point and fully utilize those skill players made the Trojans the most dangerous team of his era. He ranked in the top 10 in the nation in passer efficiency every year he started.

03.) Vince Young, Texas
6040 yards, 44 TDs - 28 INTs, 62% Completion
Okay, so I’ll admit I’m basing this ranking off of only one season, and really one game. But if you saw Young’s performance against USC in the Rose Bowl, you know I’m on track. Heck, even his first visit to Pasadena was scintillating as Young ran for four scores and tossed another in a one-point win. But his last season saw him put an entire team on his back and make them inVincible. He was the Texas attack that year, and he finished his career with over 3000 rushing yards in three seasons with 37 rushing TDs. He was indomitable, electric, and determined on every play. And there’s no doubt in my mind he deserved that Heisman he didn’t get.

02.) Ken Dorsey, Miami
8758 yards, 76 TDs - 26 INTs, 58% Completion
It’s going to take some real brain-stretching from the younger guys reading this list, but anyone conscious for the Dorsey era in Miami knows why he’s sitting at second. The guy played with ice water in his veins, and judging by his unflappable demeanor, maybe a little bit of valium in his system. Dorsey was the quintessential leader by example and was rewarded for it by presiding over a 34-game winning streak, the sixth-longest in history (and the longest since 1971). His stats weren’t drool-worthy at all times, but he never lost focus on his way to two Heisman finalist seasons, one Maxwell Award, three first team All-Big East selections, and two Offensive Player of the Year awards. Miami still hasn’t fully recovered from his departure.

01.) Tim Tebow, Florida
9285 yards, 88 TDs - 16 INTs, 66% Completion
Yeah, who’d you expect? This will likely be the last time I write about Tim Tebow the college football player, and considering the extensive explaining I’ve already done in this area, I won’t go on for two long. First sophomore to win the Heisman? Check. Only player to run and throw for over 20 TDs in one season? Check. Two national titles? Check. A Babe Ruth-style calling of his shot in a heated speech known only as “The Promise”? Check. Delivering on that promise? Check.

There has never been a player like Tebow before, and it’ll be a long while before we see anyone like him again, if ever. He was a leader, a teammate, a battering ram, a magician, and a champion. He changed the quarterback position in college football with his punishing style and unparalleled determination. He had some great talent at UF, but so did Grossman, Wuerffel, and Leak, and out of the four Tebow’s the only one to ever lead the Gators to an undefeated regular season. He struggled in the SEC Championship loss to Alabama as a senior, but his Sugar Bowl send-off against Cincinnati was the best passing performance I’ve ever seen by an NCAA QB. There’s not a team or coach in the country that wouldn’t have welcomed his presence.

Okay, I lied earlier. I went on too long.

Honorable Mention: Joey Harrington (Oregon), Carson Palmer (USC), Byron Leftwich (Marshall), Eli Manning (Ole Miss), Colt Brennan (Hawaii), Alex Smith (Utah), Troy Smith (Ohio State), Eric Crouch (Nebraska), Chris Leak (Florida), Chad Henne (Michigan)

Mike’s Take on the College Football Super Conference Identity Crisis

Mike Harman — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:44:44 +0000

"Alright, that's it. We're moving to the Pac 10. Leave him here."

It was just one year ago that we were sitting in the college football world and debating whether the Big 12 Conference was on the same stage as the SEC. Now the conference is in shambles and likely dead. With half the league moving to the Pac 10, and Nebraska moving to the Big 10, speculation is open as to what college football will be in the future.

The common fan likely believes that this is one more step to a playoff system in college, but I believe it is one step farther away. For college to adapt to a playoff system it needed to fix three things. It needed to have the Big 10 add one team to form a championship game. The Pac 10 needed to add Boise State and Utah to form their own championship conference, while also eliminating the Mountain West argument. Finally the Big East needed to add four teams to make their own championship. Six conference champions needed to join together with two at large teams to create a simple bracket. Essentially the BCS doesn’t get ruined, but rather it gets improved. That is what college needed.

But to have college football jumble this badly does nothing to help a playoff. With the new formation of the Pacific 16, the Big 16 and the SEC (16) we will now have three money hungry, powerful entities. College football is currently a 2-tier setup that is divided by the BCS. But with the new formation there will be four tiers. The top three conferences will have all the power and all of the glory, and the 2nd tier (ACC, Big East leftovers) will look like the Mountain West does now. The Mountain West will still stand as the best of the bottom and the spoils (see: Sunbelt Conference) will still be powerless.

The three major conferences will never want to have a playoff system because they have found a way to get a one in three chance of a championship game ticket. The fact of the matter is that the distance between the BCS and a playoff system has not come closer, but has grown much farther away. In fact the historical presence that you remember from the bowl games in the past is gone. Remember the 2005 championship game where Vince Young beat USC? That game never would have happened. And what about the future of a historical duo like the Rose Bowl. Nobody will be excited to see Nebraska and Oklahoma State in the Rose Bowl Parade.

What about the geographic division between conferences. Could we really see a Pac 16 South conference that had Texas, Oklahoma and USC against each other? And the winner of that battle gets to destroy the North Division’s best combo of Washington State and Colorado? Could the Big 16 really be split up to have the current Big 12 North, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin taking on Ohio State each year? There will be no perfect way to split up divisions, but there definitely isn’t going to be a winner in a 16-team conference.

You keep hearing about the money potential that the three major conferences are playing with, but at this point it is monopolizational greed. I haven’t heard anything about the college football world being corrupt and greedy, until now. College football had a place everyone’s hearts that couldn’t be touched. That was of course until college football sold itself out this week. We haven’t gotten anywhere closer to a playoff system, but rather have gotten closer to hating college football for all the same reasons that some hate the NFL. Tradition, history and heart were all sold out this week, and the Big 12 unfortunately was the conference that had to suffer.

College Football Re-Alignment: Hypothetical Super Conferences

Hunter Ansley — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:52:54 +0000

Damn sly Bevo and his conference games in Oregon.

Don’t laugh. Apparently, anything’s possible in college football. With the Pac 10 eyeing a +6 move, the other regions of the country might want to consider beefing up their own leagues. Maybe not. But in a world where Colorado can play in a conference named for the Pacific Ocean, an explosion of Power Conferences isn’t out of the question.

True, this scenario likely won’t play out. But it’s fun to do a little re-aligning of my own. So here’s a look at what the College Football landscape might look like tomorrow morning. Maybe. Maybe not.

The Not-so-Pacific 16

North Division

California Golden Bears

Oregon Ducks

Oregon State Beavers

Stanford Cardinal

UCLA Bruins

USC Trojans

Washington Huskies

Washington State Cougars

South Division

Arizona Wildcats

Arizona State Sun Devils

Colorado Buffaloes

Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma State Cowboys

Texas Longhorns

Texas A&M Aggies

Texas Tech Red Raiders

The Really, Really Big Ten

North Division

Indiana Hoosiers

Michigan Wolverines

Michigan State Spartans

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Northwestern Wildcats

Ohio State Buckeyes

Purdue Boilermakers

Wisconsin Badgers

South Divison

Illinois Fighting Illini

Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa State Cyclones

Kansas Jayhawks

Kansas State Wildcats

Missouri Tigers

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Penn State Nittany Lions

The SEC Plus Four and Maybe Even Better, But Maybe Not

West Division

Alabama Crimson Tide

Arkansas Razorbacks

Auburn Tigers

LSU Tigers

Mississippi State Bulldogs

Ole Miss Rebels

Tennessee Volunteers

Vanderbilt Commodores

East Division

Clemson Tigers

Florida Gators

Georgia Bulldogs

Kentucky Wildcats

South Carolina Gamecocks

Virginia Cavaliers

Virginia Tech Hokies

West Virginia Mountaineers

The Obviously Weakest Super Conference

North Division

Boston College Eagles

Cincinnati Bearcats

Connecticut Huskies

Louisville Cardinals

Maryland Terrapins

Pittsburgh Panthers

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Syracuse Orange

South Division

Duke Blue Devils

Florida State Seminoles

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Miami Hurricanes

North Carolina Tar Heels

North Carolina State Wolfpack

South Florida Bulls

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

The Mid-Majors That Would Pretty Much Have To Unite, Plus Baylor

West Division

Baylor Bears

Boise State Broncos

BYU Cougars

Fresno State Bulldogs

Hawaii Warriors

Houston Cougars

Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Utah Utes

East Division

East Carolina Pirates

Central Florida Golden Knights

Miami Ohio Redhawks

Nevada Wolfpack

SMU Mustangs

Southern Miss Golden Eagles

TCU Horned Frogs

Troy Trojans

2010 College Football Schedule Breakdown: Miami and North Carolina

Hunter Ansley — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 22:20:29 +0000

You might want to wear both sleeves in Columbus. And Pittsburgh.

You’re not going to believe this, but I’m going to tell you which teams will win EVERY SINGLE GAME in the 2010 College Football season. Every one. Okay, maybe you believe it. But if you’re tired of waiting until your fourth Thanksgiving-leftover turkey sandwich to find out how your club missed that one damn kick or your coach made that amazing headphone dismount seconds before the Gatorade bath, you’re welcome. Enjoy our schedule predictions and projections.

And that’s not all. I’m providing a detailed look at each stanza of the season. The first four, the middle four, and if you’re a scheduling savant like USC, the last five (they play 13 games this season. Thanks a lot, Hawaii). So sit back, stop cursing at your copy of NCAA Football ‘10, turn down the shades and dive right into the 2010 College Football season. Game by game. In June.

Miami Hurricanes

9/2 — Florida A&M — W

9/11 — @Ohio State — L

9/23 — @Pitt — L

10/2 — @Clemson — W

Thankfully, there’s a local tuneup before the trip to Ohio State. Don’t expect the score to run away too much, as QB Jacory Harris and anyone else necessary for the Buckeyes game won’t play past the first half in all likelihood. Even in early September, when it won’t be nearly as cold, Ohio State is just too powerful defensively, and should hammer out a win, which spells a 1-1 start. Getting a week off before heading to Pitt is going to make this one interesting. I’m just not sure if Miami’s offensive line can handle two dominant D lines in a row, on the road. For now, I’ll give it to Pitt as the hosts. The final road chance of the month will be a chance for revenge, and Clemson could be in for a beating with another bye week lead-in for Miami.

10/9 — FSU — W

10/16 — @Duke — W

10/23 — UNC — L

10/30 — @Virginia — W

Not an impossible October, but it’s no cakewalk. Hosting FSU after traveling to Clemson makes for a tricky week, but this is a rivalry game, and even after a tough hypothetical win over the Tigers, the Canes should get up just enough to win a home tilt. Playing at Duke should provide an opportunity to rest some players late before the UNC game. But this one’s coming against a defense similar to Ohio State’s and Pitt’s, and might have more talent than both. It’ll be a fight, but I think the Tar Heel defense can hold. Another simple road game closes out the month, and Virginia won’t pose enough of a threat.

11/6 — Maryland — W

11/13 — @Georgia Tech — W

11/20 — Virginia Tech — W

11/27 — USF — W

The schedule never really provides any major breaks after the September byes, but November opens easily enough. Maryland just seems lacking this year, and I think they’ll be a whipping boy for some weary conference opponents. Plus, it’s another home game. Going to Georgia Tech won’t be easy, and while I think the Miami offense should feast on a weakened Tech D, the athleticism and physical nature of Paul Johnson’s team should make for a difficult following game. Getting Virginia Tech and USF at home to close out the season helps, and the Hokies will be coming off of a tough road game at UNC that should leave them just bruised enough to lose to the U. South Florida will be stingier with Skip Holtz at the helm, but they’re a few years back with their program’s recent problems. This one won’t matter for the conference, but Miami will want to make 10 wins a possibility.

FINAL RECORD: 9-3 (7-1) 2nd Place in the ACC Coastal

North Carolina Tar Heels

9/4 — vs. LSU* — L

9/18 — Georgia Tech — W

9/25 — @Rutgers — W

10/2 — ECU — W

The most exciting game of the opening weekend continues a recent matching of SEC and ACC teams in Atlanta. These are two of the most talented defenses in the nation with CB Patrick Peterson of LSU and DE Robert Quinn of UNC both likely top 10 picks in the 2011 NFL Draft. The Tigers’ offense will be much better prepared for an early season game, however, and I think that spells the difference in this one. Hosting Georgia Tech is a nice advantage, and the home team has won each of the last three games in the series. The Rutgers trip won’t be easy, but this defense and this team is too experienced to lose to a young Scarlet Knights squad. I don’t have a lot of faith in East Carolina after losing Skip Holtz and a load of talent along the D line. Ruffin McNeill should be fine eventually, but it’ll take some time to make the program his.

10/9 — Clemson — W

10/16 — @Virginia — W

10/23 — @Miami — W

10/30 — William & Mary — W

This is where UNC has to make a serious run. If they want to utilize this defense and win the 10 regular season games they’re capable of winning, they’ll do it here. Clemson’s offense won’t suffer as badly as some think after losing CJ Spiller and Jacoby Ford, but they’ve got no advantages at any skill spot, and the UNC offense should be coming around by this point. The fact that they catch Miami after a brutal Hurricanes run, and after knocking off Virginia on the road themselves, they should do just enough to contain Jacory Harris and come away with a win. The William & Mary game looks like a glorified practice, and it comes at the perfect time.

11/6 — @FSU — L

11/13 — Virginia Tech — W

11/20 — North Carolina State — W

11/27 — @Duke — W

As talented as this defense will be, FSU has the two ingredients required to frustrate enough points from the Tar Heel defense — the ‘Noles will be playing at home in front of a great crowd, and by this point an offense returning all 11 starters and their coordinator should be hitting on all cylinders. Virginia Tech gets extended time off before visiting, but HC Butch Davis has been very good coming back home after a tough road loss. This defense has the potential to be that good. Shutting the door with a home game against NC State and a trip down the road to Duke is enough of a break to finish strong. This defense might be the best in the country by this point, and they’ll be playing for 10 wins and pride. Davis knows how important this season is, and he’s got the talent to deliver.

FINAL RECORD: 10-2 (7-1) 1st Place in the ACC Coastal

2010 College Football Schedule Breakdown: Duke and FSU

Hunter Ansley — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 04:02:38 +0000

Who Am I?

Duke Blue Devils

9/4 — Elon — W

9/11 — @Wake Forest — W

9/18 — Alabama — L

9/25 — Army — W

With David Cutcliffe entering his third year at Duke, the program should take another step forward. The Blue Devils haven’t been bowling yet, but they’ve shown more teeth in the last two seasons than the previous 15 combined. Early games against Elon (should be pretty one-sided) and at Wake should get Duke off to a nice start before hosting Alabama. Improved or not, that won’t be pretty. Getting Army at home the next week will be tough after the Bama beating (physically and mentally), but Duke should get just enough spark from WR Donovan Varner (1047 yards, 8 TDs) and they seem to believe that sophomore QB Sean Renfree has everything it’ll take to get over losing Thaddeus Lewis.

10/2 — @Maryland — W

10/16 — Miami — L

10/23 — @Virginia Tech — L

10/30 — @Navy — W

October steps it up a bit. Even on the road, the Blue Devils should take care of one of the best Navy teams in recent memory. It’ll be close, and could go either way, but the talent level at Duke is better than it has been in years, and stealing one road game is known necessity for making a postseason appearance. Maryland really looks like the 2010 ACC cellar-dweller, and Duke should be the better team, plain and simple. Of course, the Canes game looks insurmountable, and even at home, I see Duke dropping that one after the bye. Miami is just a better team right now. Going to Blacksburg the following week is just cruel, and after an expected emotional loss that could be closer than predicted, Duke should fall to the Hokies.

11/6 — Virginia — W

11/13 — Boston College — L

11/20 — @Georgia Tech — L

11/27 — UNC — L

At this point in the hypothetical season, Duke knows bowl eligibility is one win away. With four chances, they should be motivated enough to knock off Virginia or Boston College, both home games. Virginia will be coming off of a big-time game against Miami and should be drained enough to drop a game on the road. Boston College might get the same benefit the following week with Duke suffering a possible “bowl-eligibilty hangover.” Going to Atlanta is a tough spot and the motivation might not be as high. UNC will be looking to cap a double-digit win season, and has a nice head-start on Duke in talent and experience. If six wins gets the Dukies to the postseason, the celebration will still be small. It’s Duke football…

FINAL RECORD: 6-6 (3-5) 5th Place in the ACC Coastal

Florida State Seminoles

9/4 — Samford — W

9/11 — @Oklahoma — L

9/18 — BYU — W

9/25 — Wake Forest — W

For the second straight year, the Seminoles play a primetime game on the road against a likely top 15 team. That’s going to ruin an otherwise perfect September. Oklahoma just has too much firepower on offense to lose to an FSU defense that will need some time to adjust. The games against Wake and Samford are at home, and should be laughers considering the stark difference in talent with Samford and the expected drop-off from Wake. BYU was a much better team last season and couldn’t handle the ‘Noles away from Doak. I don’t see any chance of the Cougars putting up a better fight in Tallahassee.

10/2 — @Virginia — L

10/9 — @Miami — L

10/16 — Boston College — W

10/28 — @North Carolina State — W

It’s the middle portion of the schedule that could really go either way for first-year headman Jimbo Fisher. I think he’ll be a great coach, but this program is farther behind than some believe. That’s why I see the UVA game as a trap. The Noles will be coming off of a two-game homestand and might be overconfident. Could go either way. The visit to Miami shouldn’t end well. If it were in Doak, I’d give it to FSU, but it’s not. Boston College will be no match for a team looking to reassert themselves at home. That one looks like a blowout to me. The trip to Raleigh is interesting, but I think with all 11 starters back on offense, the Noles can win at least one decent road game.

11/6 — UNC — W

11/13 — Clemson — W

11/20 — @Maryland — W

11/27 — Florida — L

This will be the year that FSU really believes they can be Florida. Tebow’s gone. Spikes is gone. Haden’s gone. Dunlap, too. But I still think the Florida State program is lacking enough to fall to a Gators team that should be well-gelled by late November. The road test at Maryland could be a major trap after tough home games against Clemson and UNC. It might be closer than expected, but the Seminoles are too good to lose it. The win over the Tigers should feel good after dropping five of the last seven former Bowden Bowls. First time since it started that no Bowden will be heading either team. This defense be tight enough by November to hold up against a suspect UNC offense, and I see the Tar Heels dropping at least one unexpected game. Getting both of those games in Tallahassee is huge for the final push.

FINAL RECORD: 8-4 (6-2) 1st Place in the ACC Atlantic

Mike’s Last Look Back at the 2010 NFL Draft

Mike Harman — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:43:12 +0000

Wonder if anyone asked Spiller what grade he'd give Buffalo's first pick...

With the 255th pick the Detroit Lions select, Tim Toone, WR, Weber State.

It has been nearly two months since the 2010 draft came to a close, and it seems like everyone has dissected every single pick to the point that every grade has been cemented in time. That’s just not the case, however, because many things have changed over the last two months that would make some of these picks look much better. Or much worse.

Some players have changed positions, while some players have been cut to free space for the rookies. Some of the picks teams made were because of steals, while others were out of necessity, and all of these things are much more visible now that time has passed. In fact just about every single pick, whether good or bad, has a different meaning today than it did two months ago.

CJ Spiller, RB, Buffalo Bills
Original 2010 draft grade: D-

I originally gave the Spiller pick a D- because he was essentially a Reggie Bush prototype that would be a 3rd down back and a pass catcher. Since then it has been reported that he will be a 3rd down back and a pass catcher that will see 12-carries a game. Spiller is what I thought he was, but because the Bills still have Marshawn Lynch on the team it is evident that this pick was a mistake. The team also hasn’t brought in a lot of talent to make the team relevant, so Spiller as a top-10 pick is slightly worse than it was two months ago.

New 2010 draft grade: F+

Patrick Robinson, CB, New Orleans Saints
Original 2010 draft grade: B

I actually got a lot of complaints about the Patrick Robinson grade being too high when my grades came out, but now this pick looks top notch. Malcolm Jenkins was officially moved to safety to help take some of the pressure off of Darren Sharper. That means that Patrick Robinson as a nickel corner fills a huge need, and at the bottom of the 1st round he turns out to be a huge value. Overall this pick turns out to be a very good one for the Saints; however the translation from corner to safety still will need to be proven by Jenkins.

New 2010 draft grade: A-

Jared Odrick, DE/DT, Miami Dolphins
Original 2010 draft grade: B

Many people hated this pick because the team didn’t need a defense end, but Randy Starks has been moved to nose tackle. This seemed to quiet the critics, but I don’t like the move at all. Starks is not heavy or stout enough to fill the nose tackle spot naturally, and he is coming off a season where he recorded seven sacks. That might not sound like that many, but as a 3-4 end seven sacks in amazing. I just don’t see the upside in moving a top notch threat to nose to bring in Odrick. If you consider the fact that the team could have gotten another receiver or a nose tackle with the pick (or the early 2nd round pick), then I would believe that the Dolphins were a bigger force in 2010.

New 2010 draft grade: C

The Denver O-Line
Zane Beadles original grade: C+
JD Walton original grade: B
Eric Olsen original grade: C

This is kind of a difficult one to go into, but the Broncos selected three offensive linemen in the draft and I was strangely confused on their use after the fact. With a little bit more time, however, it has all become a little bit clearer. Zane Beadles (taken in the 2nd round) is currently sitting as a backup RT to the very decent Ryan Harris. Beadles can play just about anywhere on this line, but a 2nd round reach on a backup is iffy. JD Walton (3rd round) is currently sitting as the top center on the depth chart which makes this pick a very good one. Walton also was a great value in the draft. Finally, Eric Olsen (6th round) is currently a backup RG behind Chris Kuper who just got a 5-year extension. The team still needs some major support at LG, and unless someone falls into place there these three picks seem like a small waste.

New Zane Beadles original grade: C-
New JD Walton original grade: A
New Eric Olsen original grade: D+

The Jaguars 2010 Draft
Original 2010 grade: “Please don’t buy tickets to our games”

Looking back at the Jags draft I still can’t see this as even an average class. The team took four straight defensive linemen, a position that isn’t often productive for rookies. For a team that has a coach on the hot seat it doesn’t seem like a good draft at all. The team then took a kick-returner and a backup RB that likely won’t sniff the playing field. That’s it. The Jags essentially drafted nothing that will significantly help them in 2010, which means that the team that won only seven games in 2009 will struggle to do so again. In fact the only bright point about the 2010 season for the Jags is that Tim Tebow will be visiting from his new team in week one.

New 2010 grade: “Moving to Los Angeles”

2010 College Football Schedule Breakdown: Boston College and Clemson

Hunter Ansley — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:05:34 +0000

That's a pretty big fish, Mark. I'm not sure if I believe you.

Boston College Eagles

9/4 — Weber State — W

9/11 — Kent State — W

9/25 — Virginia Tech — L

10/2 — Notre Dame — W

It would be difficult for any team to stumble out of the gate with a schedule like this. Weber State is an FCS team, and Kent State might as well be. Neither squad should give the Eagles much trouble at home. Expect a lot of cheering when LB Mark Herzlich takes the field for the first time since the 2008 season. And considering how frightening and surprising that much cheering will be for the Irish, the Notre Dame game should be a win as well. The Irish just aren’t that special anymore. Of course, the flip-side of such an easy two-game initiation is that the trip to Blacksburg will be that much more daunting by comparison. The Hokies are just too talented, and their defense (even an inexperienced one) should feast on an anemic Eagles’ offense.

10/9 — @North Carolina State — L

10/16 — @FSU — L

10/23 — Maryland — W

10/30 — Clemson — L

Ouch. This is easily the toughest part of the season for BC. Two conference road games after an emotional and hard-fought rivalry game in the comfy confines of Alumni Stadium is tough enough, but it’ll be even worse going up against the likes of NC State and FSU. The Wolfpack won’t be world-beaters, and they’ll actually be coming off of a tougher game (hosting Virginia Tech), but they should have enough offensive oomph to win this one at home. The FSU game might get ugly. Again, the trip from Boston to Raleigh to Boston to Tallahassee might do the Eagles in. The Maryland hosting should be a hosing, but even getting Clemson at home won’t be enough to knock off the reigning ACC Atlantic division champs.

11/6 — @WF — L

11/13 — @Duke — W

11/20 — Virginia — W

11/27 — @Syracuse — W

November is much smoother, despite the need for luggage in three of the four games. I think BC can beat Wake this year, but with the Eagles coming off of a brutal October stretch, the Demon Deacons could be catching them at the perfect time. Wake always beats a few stronger teams. Of course, the home stretch plays out like the dodgeball game in Billy Madison. BC will be bigger, stronger, faster, and more attractive to Bridget Wilson. I don’t see any slip-ups in a steaming pile of Duke, Virginia, and Syracuse.

FINAL RECORD: 7-5 (3-5) 4th Place in the ACC Atlantic

Clemson Tigers

9/4 — North Texas — W

9/11 — Presbyterian — W

9/18 — @Auburn — L

10/2 — Miami — L

Talk about a tale of two seasons in the first four games. I don’t think there’s a single team in all of the FBS that could drop both games to North Texas and Presbyterian. And Clemson fits in the 85% that would/will win both. Of course, that sloppy tune-up probably won’t be enough to have the purple Tigers ready for the Auburn Tigers… in Auburn. There’s a history here, but Auburn’s homefield advantage should be too much. Getting Miami at home after a bye week is HUGE, but still probably not enough. I’ve seen Auburn teams beat people into two- or even three-week bouts of laziness, and Clemson has long been full of expectations and light on performance.

10/9 — @UNC — L

10/16 — Maryland — W

10/23 — Georgia Tech — W

10/30 — @Boston College — W

Whoever it is scheduling these mid-season runs for Clemson and BC should get a medal, or at least whatever it is that Reggie Bush got from SoCal boosters. The road trip to UNC after the Miami and Auburn games will be too much. This offense has that typical Clemson potential, but they won’t be able to move the ball against a stout Tar Heel defense. Maryland is the joke of the conference this year, but Georgia Tech has loads of offensive firepower. Still, I think the rest the offense will get playing against a non-existent Yellow Jacket defense spells a win. Clemson is just flat-out more talented than BC, and at this point in the season, the Tigers will be desperate for a win to improve upon a hypothesized 4-3 record.

11/6 — North Carolina State — W

11/13 — @FSU — L

11/20 — @Wake Forest — W

11/27 — South Carolina — L

This back-end could go a few different ways for Coach Swinney. They’ve found a way to beat at least one of the FSU and South Carolina squads in each of the last eight seasons (they’ve beaten both three times in that span). So calling for a double-loss is a somewhat dicey. But the FSU game is on the road after a tough stretch against the Carolinas, and this could be Steve Spurrier’s best Gamecock team yet. NC State is a great test for Clemson this year, but nabbing them in Death Valley helps. Wake Forest, as stingy as they’ve been recently, might be in for a down season. Clemson should split the final four, assuring themselves of a seven-win season.

FINAL RECORD: 7-5 (5-3) 2nd Place in the ACC Atlantic

June 2010 College Football Top 10

Hunter Ansley — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 23:34:35 +0000

Check it out. It's a Wisconsin quarterback throwing the ball.

1.) Alabama Crimson Tide
Offense: 8, Defense: 4
The Tide leaned on their defense a few times last season, but it’ll be the offense shouldering the full load this fall. Eight starters, including QB Greg McElroy, RBs Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson, and WR Julio Jones, are back to lead what should be the SEC’s most potent offense. Defensively, DE Marcel Dareus flashed major potential in the title game and should spear a raw but talented group.

2.) Boise State Broncos
Offense: 11, Defense: 10
It’s hard not to like a team returning 21 of 22 starters from a squad that went undefeated and capped it all off with another BCS Bowl win. Of course, the lone loss was All-America CB Kyle Wilson, and that’ll hurt some, but there’s more talent in Boise right now than there’s ever been. QB Kellen Moore just capped an incredible season with 39 TDs against only three picks. And, yeah, all of his linemen and all of his weapons are back.

3.) Ohio State Buckeyes
Offense: 10, Defense: 7
Did Ohio State really turn a corner in the Rose Bowl? Can finally winning another BCS Bowl be the salve the program has been dying to find? We’ll find out early. Hosting the ‘Canes is better than crashing Coral Gables, but it’s still a chance for the Buckeyes to win two prime-time games in a row for the first time in ages. If Pasadena Pryor shows up in the fall, the Buckeyes could get another shot at the belt.

4.) Iowa Hawkeyes
Offense: 6, Defense: 8
This might be the best defensive line in the nation, even if they’ll appear to all play under the name Adrian Clayborn. Clayborn put on a show in the Orange Bowl, and he’ll get some help on the other side of the ball from QB Ricky Stanzi who teased fans all season with flashes of brilliance but always seemed to show up in clutch situations. Replacing the losses at LB won’t be easy, but getting all four starters back up front will ease the transition.

5.) Texas Longhorns
Offense: 7, Defense: 7
The losses are there, sure. Colt McCoy was a record-setting quarterback who won’t be easily replaced, but Garrett Gilbert played pretty well for a true-freshman thrown into unexpected action in the National Championship Game. And Sergio Kindle and Earl Thomas were top draft prospects, but this secondary could be the nation’s best with S Blake Gideon and CBs Chykie Brown, Aaron Williams, and Curtis Brown.

6.) Florida Gators
Offense: 6, Defense: 6
There won’t be a more scrutinized pair of shoes to fill in the entire country. Tim Tebow was good. Apparently, so is John Brantley. I’m not as sold that he can walk in and produce even half of the current expectations, but RBs Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey should give defenses fits as the fastest duo in the game. The defense lost a lot of leadership and savvy, however, and should need a few games to find their footing. If Brantley doesn’t step up, that might be too many to give.

7.) Wisconsin Badgers
Offense: 10, Defense: 6
If you’re looking for a serious National Title dark horse, I hear Madison’s a fun town. The Badgers continued to honor a Wisconsin tradition last season with a strong ground game led by RB John Clay’s 1517 yards and 18 TDs. But it was the play of QB Scott Tolzien that makes this a dangerous team. I’m not as sold on him as some, but his 998 yards over the last four games are intriguing considering his talented set of pass-catchers.

8.) Nebraska Cornhuskers
Offense: 10, Defense: 7
Losing Ndamukong Suh, Phillip Dillard, and Larry Asante is tough to swallow. But even though Suh was a once-in-a-decade talent, this defense hasn’t improved on talent alone. Bo Pelini is a heck of a defensive coach, and he’s not going anywhere anytime soon. QB Zac Lee must improve and take advantage of the nine other returning starters around him, including WR Niles Paul, TE Mike McNeill, and RB Roy Helu, Jr. DT Jared Crick was great last season, but needs to prove his success wasn’t auxiliary to Suh’s presence.

9.) Virginia Tech Hokies
Offense: 8, Defense: 4
Like the Crimson Tide, the Hokies will have to adjust to leaning on the offense. The defense was gutted by graduation, and they’ll miss the pass-rushing of Jason Worilds. But this offense might be the best since the Vick days, or at least the most exciting. QB Tyrod Taylor is entering his fourth season as the starter, and RB Ryan Williams will challenge the Alabama backs for best in the nation. RB Darren Evans will be back as well after missing all of 2009 with an injury, but it’ll all come down to Taylor’s consistency while the fresh faces on defense learn the scheme.

10.) North Carolina Tar Heels
Offense: 10, Defense: 9
I’m drinking the UNC Kool-Aid. Again. I was burned pretty hard by doing the same exact thing last season, and I think that’s the definition of insanity, but I’m having a hard time ignoring the talent on this defense. DT Marvin Austin, DE Robert Quinn, LBs Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant, CB Kendric Burney, and S Deunta Williams all have legitimate first-round aspirations in the 2011 NFL Draft. If QB TJ Yates can finally figure out this whole football thing, the talent around him should score the required 17 points to win at least ten games. It’s all on HC Butch Davis now. This is his fourth season.