Best bowl impression has Georgia looking like 2008's top Dawg
Jan. 15, 2008
By Dennis Dodd
CBSSports.com Senior Writer

Stop twiddling your thumbs. Here is your outrageously early top 25 for 2008.

1. Georgia: Last time we checked Colt Brennan had dropped a couple of rounds in the draft after facing Georgia's NFL-like defense in the Sugar Bowl. Knowshon Moreno will be the offensive centerpiece. Matthew Stafford's slow, steady improvement should continue. The offensive line is going to be young but that's why it's so easy to like these guys. They're No. 1 and only a handful of senior starters are returning.
Why here? Georgia left the best lasting impression
Defining game: Nov. 1 vs. Florida

2. Oklahoma: We're among those who don't believe they're going to give up football in Norman after the Fiesta Folly. It was a bad night, sure, but these guys are the two-time defending Big 12 champion and enter '08 absolutely loaded. There might be no better offensive line. Let's worry about the bowl game later. This is a team that could go undefeated in the regular season.
Why here? How about eight all-conference returning starters (as of Tuesday)?
Defining game: Oct. 11 vs. Texas

3. Ohio State: If you're tired of watching the Buckeyes win the watered down Big Ten again, skip this paragraph. The Bucks should sleepwalk through the conference schedule. That's the problem. Jim Tressel will have all kinds of All-Americans and maybe even a Heisman contender (Beanie Wells?) but how bowl ready will his Bucks be? We'll find out early in a third-week trip to USC.
Why here? This is still a damn good team. Eighteen returning starters including (shockingly) two-time All-American James Laurinaitis.
Defining game: Sept. 13 at USC

4. Missouri: Give a Heisman finalist another shot at No. 1 with an easier schedule and what have you got? Chase Daniel with a chance to run the table. Even if tailback Tony Temple (281 yards in the Cotton Bowl) loses his NCAA appeal for an extra year, the Tigers will be loaded. They will win one, if not both, of the tough road games against Nebraska and Texas.
Why here? Just like last season, only Oklahoma is better in the Big 12
Defining game: Nov. 29 vs. Kansas

5. USC: There was too much wrong in '07. The coaching staff couldn't settle on a tailback. John David Booty was injured. The defense was great most of the time, except late against Stanford. The Trojans are ready to make another run in '08 with Joe McKnight entrenched at tailback and seven starters back on defense. No matter who wins the quarterback battle between Mitch Mustain and Mark Sanchez, the Trojans might be better at the position.
Why here? Six consecutive BCS bowls, two national championships and no sign of Carroll letting up or leaving.
Defining game: Sept. 13 vs. Ohio State

6. Florida: How good is USC? Emmanuel Moody was one of many tailbacks at Troy. At Florida, the USC transfer is being counted on to take part of the load off Tim Tebow. The defense can't be as bad as it was against Michigan, especially with nine returning starters.
Why here? Having the best player in the game isn't a bad place to start.
Defining game: Nov. 1 vs. Georgia

7. LSU: The defense has to be rebuilt after the departure of all those All-Americans and defensive coordinator Bo Pelini. The quarterback position might be more dangerous with Ryan Perrilloux taking over for Matt Flynn. If Perrilloux falters there are plenty of tailbacks to take over.
Why here? There's plenty left from the national championship team. Who else is ready to step up in the SEC West?
Defining game: Oct. 25 vs. Georgia

8. Kansas: Having the best record (12-1) of any BCS conference team should count for something a year later. The schedule gets tougher but so do the Jayhawks. Nine starters return on defense. National Coach of the Year Mark Mangino will hardly notice the loss of corner Aqib Talib. Sophomore corner Chris Harris was the Big 12 defensive newcomer of the year. And there's this guy Todd Reesing.
Why here? Missouri is still the class of the Big 12 North but Kansas will have a head-to-head say.
Defining game: Nov. 29 vs. Missouri

9. Wisconsin: The Badgers look like the new Ohio State in the Big Ten ... if Ohio State ever slips up. Everything is in place for a national championship run. They are double-barreled at tailback (P.J. Hill, Zach Brown). Nine starters are back on defense. An underrated dual-threat quarterback, Allen Everidge, takes over. Bret Bielema is the northern version of Les Miles, 21-5 in his first two seasons (Miles was 22-4). Now all he has to do is win it all.

Why here? Ohio State is still the Big Ten favorite ...
Defining game: ... but will have to prove it on Oct. 4 during a trip to Madison.


10. Texas: The 'Horns took another step back defensively (five opponents scored at least 30 points). That led to their second consecutive three-loss season. There's nothing to suggest Mack Brown won't have to lean on his powerful offense to outscore opponents again. Quarterback Colt McCoy had a sophomore slump but still has 50 touchdown passes in his first two seasons.
Why here? Benefit of the doubt. With Texas Tech on the rise and Oklahoma still powerful, Texas is a borderline top 10 team this season.
Defining game(s): Oct. 11 vs. Oklahoma, Nov. 1 at Texas Tech

11. Virginia Tech: We can't wait to see dual-threat quarterback Tyrod Tharp, now armed with a year of experience. As of Tuesday tailback Branden Ore was considering leaving early for the draft. Either way, Frank Beamer remains one of the best coaches in the game. The Hokies will be favored to win the ACC again.
Why here? The schedule isn't that difficult. The Hokies don't face Clemson, until perhaps the ACC title game.
Defining game: vs. Virginia, TBA

12. West Virginia: Steve Slaton unwisely left early for the NFL. Bad for him, good for West Virginia. The Mountaineers might be more dangerous. Noel Devine ran harder and better than Slaton down the stretch. There's always Patrick White. No matter what Bill Stewart does, he should get a one-year emotional bump after taking over for Rich Rodriguez. The players want to prove the administration made the right choice.
Why here? Richie Rich left enough behind for the Mountaineers to still be the class of the Big East.
Defining game: At Pittsburgh TBA.

13. Illinois: Don't sweat the departure of Rashard Mendenhall. If you watched the Ohio State game, you got a taste of Daniel Dufrene. This is still one of the faster teams in the Big Ten (no jokes!). Juice Williams will be a better thrower as a junior. You know about his running.
Why here? USC reminded the Illini that they're not ready to compete for a national championship. But they are ready to challenge in the Big Ten. How hard can that be?
Defining game: Oct. 25 at Wisconsin

14. BYU: Bronco Mendenhall has quietly won 22 games (including two bowl games) the past two seasons. With 10 starters back on offense, the Cougars are the early favorite to reach the Orange Bowl as the latest non-BCS entry. Mendenhall has won three of his last four against BCS-conference teams.
Why here? Big guys, back from missions on the offensive line. Experienced quarterback. Typical BYU.
Defining game(s): Sept. 6 at Washington, Sept. 13 vs. UCLA

15. Texas Tech: The No. 1 passing offense returns 10 starters including All-American Michael Crabtree at receiver. This might be Mike Leach's best team but the Red Raiders always seem to get beat by someone they shouldn't. Watch out for the opener against Tulsa. The top two teams in 2007 in total offense (combined 149 touchdowns!) open in Lubbock.
Why here? Being runner-up in the Big 12 South depends on the Texas game.
Defining game: Nov. 1 vs. Texas

16. Auburn: This is not the Tommy Tuberville powerhouse of old. The coach will have to break in a new quarterback (Kodi Burns) which is welcome news for Brandon Cox haters. There wasn't a 1,000-yard rusher last season. Once again the defense will have to carry the Tigers. It's hard to envision Auburn winning the West but Tuberville has achieved stranger things in the past.
Why here? With Tuberville's coaching, Auburn should be the second-best team in the West and will upset someone along the way.
Defining game: Sept. 6 at West Virginia

17. Clemson: This might seem too high for the underachieving Tigers but Tommy Bowden can count on the return of a Heisman-worthy quarterback (Cullen Harper) and nine defensive starters.
Why here? The Tigers would have been higher had not tailback James Davis entered the draft.
Defining game: Nov. 29 vs. South Carolina

18. Oregon: There's a reason Mike Bellotti gets all those calls for job openings. He just blew out South Florida in the Sun Bowl using a fourth-string (or was it fifth-string) quarterback, Justin Roper. Jonathan Stewart is gone but the Ducks will be a factor in the Pac-10.
Why here? There's enough talent left for the Ducks to stay in the top 25.
Defining game: Nov. 22 at USC

19. Tennessee: We're through doubting Phil Fulmer. Even without Erik Ainge, the Vols should be an annoying presence in an SEC East that is expected to be ruled by Florida and Georgia. Watch out for tailback Arian Foster.
Why here? Like we said, we're through doubting Phil Fulmer.
Defining game(s): Sept. 20 vs. Florida, Oct. 11 at Georgia

20. Arizona State: Lots of experience on offense. Like last year, the season will be determined by how good the Sun Devils are on defense.
Why here? The schedule is tougher but Dennis Erickson is too good. ASU will win at least eight.
Defining game: Sept. 20 vs. Georgia

21. South Florida: The Bulls' defense lost a lot of credibility at the end of the season giving up an average of 30 points over the last seven games. But any team with Matt Grothe and George Selvie is going to be a factor.
Why here? Maybe they were overrated at No. 2 but the Bulls look like regular residents of the top 25.
Defining game: at West Virginia, TBA

22. Pittsburgh: Momentum from the West Virginia win carries over. So do two stars from the future -- tailback LeSean McCoy and linebacker Scott McKillop, the Big East Defensive Player of the Year.
Why here? Sure, it's a reach but Dave Wannstedt is making great strides in recruiting.Defining game: TBA vs. West Virginia

23. Penn State: Even with the loss of Dan Connor, the defense should carry JoePa to another bowl. Motor City anyone?
Why here? We're hoping no one gets injured in the spring.
Defining game: Oct. 25 at Ohio State

24. Fresno State: The Bulldogs certainly have the schedule to make an Orange Bowl run -- or finish 5-7. They start out with UCLA, Kansas State and Wisconsin. Pat Hill has won nine games four times since 2002. Make it five in 2008 with a WAC title to go along.
Why here? Fifteen returning starters. Watch for the return of 2006 leading receiver Chastin West and '07 leading rusher Ryan Mathews.
Defining game: TBA vs. Boise State

25. Wake Forest: Jim Grobe was one of the hottest names in the job market for the second straight year. The fact that he stayed and has won 20 games the past two seasons is good enough to get in the top 25.
Why here? Until further notice, the Deacons are a factor in the ACC race every year.
Defining game: vs. Clemson, TBA

http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootbal...y/10578831

Once again UC dissed... and I have a feeling UL will be back in 2008.

As for Pitt.... well, I've heard it before. Remember Tyler Palko? I seem to recall they were in alot of pre-season Top 25 polls prior to his senior year. If Pitt turns it around, I'll be surprised. Not saying it won't happen, but Wanny hasn't shown the ability to do anything yet with the good recruiting he's pulled in.

Except outcoach DickRod, of course.

As usual, The BEast gets no respect. Cincinnati should be represented there, as should UConn.

I also think the elevation of Pitt into the top 25 is a bit premature. Wanstedt has never shown me he can utilize talent over the long haul to be more than mediocre. He's gotten great talent for years, according to rivals and scout. But he has yet to finish with more than a mediocre record. Until he does, I reserve their spot for someone else.

UC was killed 3 years ago because they started a lot of freshman…this past season they were juniors and 3 year starters and the results were good. Next year the Bearcats return 16 starters, including all-Americans in Mike Mickens, Terrill Byrd, and Kevin Huber. And if Mauk gets another year, UC just might become BE champs next year…a lot of different sceneries could unfold, but I still think this team is talented enough to be a top 25 team.

The defense will carry you through if Mauk is unable to play.

If Kansas and Wisconsin can be rank in the top-10 West Virginia should be at least in the top-5. The outrageous is not that it’s early but how they rank some of these teams.

bitcruncher Wrote:The defense will carry you through if Mauk is unable to play.

Not against teams like Oklahoma, you guys, and maybe USF/UL. Mauk would be the difference between UC being very good and great.

Minor details.

A UC victory over Oklahoma would be so sweet!

That it would. 2 straight losses to The BEast for the Sooners would be just great.

bitcruncher Wrote:That it would. 2 straight losses to The BEast for the Sooners would be just great.

And correct me if i'm wrong, but a WVU win over Auburn would be either 7 or 8 straight wins by WVU against the SEC.

4 in a row. WVU beat Ole Miss in 2000, UGA in the Sugar Bowl, Miss. State in 2006 and 2007.

MichaelSavage Wrote:4 in a row. WVU beat Ole Miss in 2000, UGA in the Sugar Bowl, Miss. State in 2006 and 2007.

^^ you're correct. I'm getting ahead of myself!

A win over Auburn would make 5. You are correct on 4 being current. But a win over Auburn will make it 5 in a row.

WVU is 13-15-1 overall against the SEC. A couple more wins will put us at .500.

Here's a list of BEast teams winning percentage, and their NCAA rank, over the last 4 years...

stasson.com Wrote:Rank / Team / Percentage / Won / Lost / Tied / Played
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Southern Cal 0.90385 47 5 0 52
2 Texas 0.86275 44 7 0 51
3 Boise State 0.84314 43 8 0 51
4 Louisiana State 0.82692 43 9 0 52
5 Auburn 0.82353 42 9 0 51
6t Ohio State 0.82000 41 9 0 50
6t West Virginia 0.82000 41 9 0 50
8 Virginia Tech 0.79245 42 11 0 53
9t Georgia 0.78431 40 11 0 51
9t Wisconsin 0.78431 40 11 0 51
11 Louisville 0.77551 38 11 0 49
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30t Rutgers 0.61224 30 19 0 49
36t Cincinnati 0.59184 29 20 0 49
43t South Florida 0.57143 28 21 0 49
57 Connecticut 0.54167 26 22 0 48
61 Pittsburgh 0.51064 24 23 0 47
109 Syracuse 0.27660 13 34 0 47

bitcruncher Wrote:The defense will carry you through if Mauk is unable to play.

Won't need them to, Demetruis Jones is an even more highly regarded transfer than Mauk was last year.

A top 20 team with 16 starters returning not being ranked is beyond ridiculous.

CBS sportsline loses any respect i had for them...How do you not put the team ranked 17th returning 16 starters with or without Mauk??? The schedule is brutal so maybe that is the reason.

Cincinnati, Rutgers, and Louisville will all have something to say about the Top 25 at some point next season. For that matter, UConn and maybe even Syracuse might make some noise of their own, you really never know. CBS Sportsline once again churns out the same list of tired old names, with a couple of small tweaks, and casual fans eat it up as though the words were penned by Nostradamus or something. Whatever.

Krocker Krapp Wrote:CBS Sportsline once again churns out the same list of tired old names, with a couple of small tweaks, and casual fans eat it up as though the words were penned by Nostradamus or something. Whatever.

But no Michigan, that is a shocker.

The BEast will show the rest OOC.

WVU will find out how their season will go soon enough. Auburn comes to Morgantown on Sept. 6th, and the Mountaineers head out to Bolder, Colorado Sept. 27. That should tell us quite a bit about how West Virginia will do under Stewart. If they play as well as they did against Oklahoma, we'll be fine. And if Johnson takes over the strength coaching role, they won't suffer from any lack of effort. He's as tough as Barwis.