An early look at some Heisman favorites

Alright all you Kinneybroz fans. As you can see we are doing a little changing around on our blog and we are working on a new name. We are still going to post and keep all our information up to date and keep adding our thoughts to the great sport of college football. 

That being said here are our early favorites for the Heisman, with a couple dark horse picks. As always let us know what you think and if you do not like what we say let us know we always love the conversation. Drop a comment on the blog or tweet at us @307CollegeFB on twitter. 

Thanks for reading and check back soon as we unveil our preseason top five and our season conference predictions. Enjoy!

Alabama Quarterback A.J. McCarron, Sr.

McCarron has the chance to be the best player on the best team, but his problem is he will be contending with a teammate in tailback T.J. Yeldon. Last season he led the nation in passing efficiency and has won two national titles. Good thing for him his team is the best in the country and he has some serious weapons to help him put up big numbers. If Alabama makes a serious run, which I am sure it will, at the national championship McCarron should be at least invited to New York for the Heisman Presentation. I think McCarron is a top three candidate to start the season.

Ohio State Quarterback Braxton Miller, Jr.

Miller is a great player and great rusher, but for him to have a serious chance at the Heisman he is going to have to learn how to throw the ball. Ohio State will probably still go 12-0, but his numbers and furthermore his chances at winning the trophy are going to be totally dependent on how well he can throw the ball. I am sure he will pile up the yards on the ground, but for a quarterback to win this award they need at least 2,500 yards passing and 25-plus touchdowns. As with McCarron he could be the best player on the best team and is not competing with a teammate, but I would call him an outside favorite at this point in time.

Texas A&M Quarterback Johnny Manziel, So.

I know that everyone and their dog and even their cat is calling a repeat for Manziel, but I just do not see it this season. No doubt he has the talent an ability to rack up 3,700 yards passing and 1,400 yards rushing with 47 total touchdowns, but those SEC defensive coordinators have had an entire offseason to study and game plan for him (they didn’t have that last season). Manziel will put up some serious numbers again but I just don’t see the video game type numbers again. People are forgetting what loss of left tackle Luke Joeckel will mean for Manziel. Because he is the reigning winner I call Manziel a top three candidate so far.

South Carolina Defensive End Jadeveon Clowney, Jr.

It is tough to even make this list as a defensive player but when you have a season like Clowney did last season it is pretty hard to leave him off the list. He had 13 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss last season. No doubt he is the best defensive player in the country and if he puts up those numbers again he could be walking away from New York with some hardware. What could really help his stock is if, the Gamecocks could get on a roll and have a chance at the SEC and national title. If they get that fare he has had a major impact on it.

Georgia Quarterback Aaron Murray, Sr.

Murray has had one hell of a career at Georgia, he is going to be on top of a lot of SEC passing records when he leaves after 2013. So far he has more than 10,000 yards passing and 95 touchdowns. Good thing for him also his Bulldogs are loaded this season. Here is another player that could really benefit from his team having a big season. If the Dawgs are on a roll that means Murray has been on a roll. Same as with Clowney if the Dawgs are challenging for an SEC or national title he could be very close in the mix for this trophy at the end of the season. Right now I call him top five.

Louisville Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, Jr.

One thing Bridgewater will benefit from in his run at the Heisman this season is a pathetically soft schedule. He had a breakout season last year with 3,700 yards passing and 27 touchdowns to go along with a 68 percent completion percentage. He is one of the best quarterbacks in the country and if he plays like it this season leading his team to an undefeated regular season he should at least make it to New York as a finalist. I think Bridgewater is on the outside of the top five looking in right now and could be called one of the dark horse candidates for the Heisman.

Clemson Quarterback Tajh Boyd, Sr.

Boyd put up huge numbers last season and has a chance to put up even bigger numbers this season. He tossed for 3,800 yards last season and more than 30 touchdowns while leading his team to an 11-win season and a huge victory over LSU in The Chick-fil-A bowl. If Boyd can replicate those huge, huge numbers from last season his team will be looking at another double-digit win total and he will be a finalist for the Heisman. I like to call Boyd a top five candidate to start the season.

Notre Dame Defensive End Stephon Tuitt, Jr.

Tuitt is the true dark horse out of this group, but if the Irish make another run at the national championship he will have a lot to do with it. Tuitt is as important to the Notre Dame defense as Clowney is for the South Carolina defense. Tuitt had 12 sacks and 13 tackles for loss last season. He has a chance to do that again this year and have an even bigger year. Tuitt is a stud and one of the best defensive ends in the country. It would be really hard for him to surpass Clowney to win this award, but you never know how each players team could play. He is a real dark horse and it would be tough for him to make it to New York for the presentation, but stranger things have happened.

Arizona Running Back Ka’Deem Carey, Jr.

Carey is a stud and returns as an All-American and the nation’s leading rusher after nearly racking up 2,000 yards last season and scoring 23 touchdowns. Carey rushed for 148 yards per game last year in Rich Rod’s high-flying offense. Problem for Carey is his team is not really going to be that good and most of the time you will see the Heisman go to the best player on the best team in the country. Other problem is he is not the best player in the conference behind Mariota. If he can replicate last season and even get to 2,000 yards he could very well be in the conversation for the Heisman.  I think to start the season Carey has an outside chance at the Heisman and could be just out of the top five.

Oregon Quarterback Marcus Mariota, So.

Mariota threw for 2,677 yards last season and tossed 32 touchdowns all while completing 68.5 percent of his passes. He can also do it on the ground with 752 yards last season and five touchdowns. No doubt he has a chance to do that again if not better. First-year offensive coordinator Scott Frost said he would like the Ducks offense to run even faster than it has in previous years (if that is even possible). Mariota no doubt has the weapons and the line to make a run at the Heisman. Look out if this kid and the Ducks get on a roll. Mariota is like Carey, outside chance at the Heisman to start the season.

The 307's 6-10

The countdown continues for KinneyBroz preseason Top 25.  Before we get into numbers 10-6, let's take a quick look back at numbers 25-11.

Jeremy's 

25- Washington

24- Miami
23- Northwestern

22- Texas

21- Louisville
20- Oregon State
19- UCLA
18- Nebraska
17- Boise State
16- LSU
15- Michigan
14- Oklahoma
13- Oklahoma State
12- TCU
11- Florida

No. 10- Notre Dame

In previous drafts of my top 25, I’ve had the Irish higher and in each draft since I seem to drop them a little lower and a little lower.  Not so much because of the loss of quarterback Everett Golson but more just looking at how they played and won last season.  Had a few bounces not gone their way Notre Dame could just as easily have been 8-4 as 12-0 and I think this year will be somewhere in the middle.  The loss of Golson hurts some but the reality is Tommy Rees was the guy Brian Kelly brought in when the pressure was on and the Irish needed a big play or a last minute drive.  Rees isn’t a star but he’s been in the system for four years now and has plenty of in-game experience. 

The offense overall might be better this year than it was in 2012 and I actually think consistency at the quarterback position will help.  Running backs Theo Riddick and Cierre Wood are gone and with them 1,709 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns.  Filling those shoes will be Jr. George Atkinson (378 yards and 5 TD’s) and USC transfer Amir Carlisle could be a wildcard.  The Irish are set in the passing game with TJ Jones and Davaris Daniels (combined 1,193 rec. yards and 4 TD’s) but replacing All-American Tyler Eifert will be a tall task.  The line should be one of the best in the nation led by returning starters LT Zack Martin, LG Chris Watt and RT Christian Lombard. 

Despite the losses of Te’o and DE Kapron Lewis-Moore the defense could also be better in 2013.  Louis Nix and Stephon Tuitt anchor what could be the best defensive line in the nation.  The linebacker corps is deep and experienced led by Prince Shembo and Jarrett Grace and will welcome one of the best HS linebackers in the nation last year, Jaylon Smith.  The secondary returns three of four starters and corners Bennett Jackson and KeiVarae Russell are solid.

The schedule proves to be tricky and the Irish won’t be able to take a breath from week 2 through week 6 (@Michigan, @Purdue, vs. Mich. St, vs. Oklahoma, @ASU-in Arlington, and vs. USC).  That’s a tough stretch for anyone and going six for six doesn’t seem likely.  Follow that stretch up with their final three matchups @Pitt (who they needed a miracle to beat in South Bend last year), vs. BYU and a season finale @Stanford and there are probably two or three losses there.  9-3 seems pretty realistic but 10-2 or 11-1 isn’t out of the question for this battle tested group. 

No. 9- Florida State
Coming off their first ACC title since 2005 and their fist BCS Bowl win in 13 years, expectation are once again very high in Tallahassee.  Coach Jimbo Fisher has been an ace recruiter and his roster is beginning to resemble the ones fielded by Bobby Bowden throughout the ‘90’s.  That depth will be tested this year as FSU replaces seven starters on defense and four on offense, including last year’s starting quarterback EJ Manuel.

Despite the loss of Manuel, the 2013 FSU offense shouldn’t slip far if at all.  With much hype and fanfare, rFr. Jameis Winston will take the reins of the offense and has a plethora of weapons to work with.  Starting with an offensive line that brings back four starters from 2012 this unit should be one of the strongest in the country and will road grade for a dynamic stable of running backs.  Juniors James Wilder Jr. and Devonta Freeman combined for over 1,300 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2012.  Add in rFr. speedster Mario Pender and this group forms what could be one of the most dangerous backfields in all of college football.  In addition to a nasty ground game, Winston will have ample targets at receiver.  The ‘Noles return three of their top four pass catchers from 2012 and a combined 120 receptions, 1,768 yards and 13 touchdowns.  The leaders of this group are Rashad Greene and Kenny Shaw but don’t sleep on SO. Kelvin Benjamin who has ‘Mega-Tron’ like potential.

Few teams could lose three NFL draft picks at one position (Bjoern Werner, Tank Carradine and Brandon Jenkins) and seven overall starters and not miss a beat.  The 2013 FSU defense has the potential to be more dynamic and more dominant then the 2012 version that ranked 2^nd in total defense and 7^th in scoring defense.  First year coordinator, Jeremy Pruitt will bring a more aggressive, attacking scheme that I think will play more to the strengths of such an athletic group.  Despite the losses from a year ago, the only position that will likely take a step back is at defensive end.  Stepping into those roles are Mario Edwards Jr., who played a lot a year ago showed flashes of his vast potential.  Chris Casher, Giorgio Newberry, Dan Hicks and potentially Fr. DeMarcus Walker will battle to fill the other end spot.  Timmy Jernigan and Demonte McAllister or Eddie Goldman should upgrade the tackle position and help ease the transition of their young ends.  FSU boast two of the most athletic linebackers in the country in Christian Jones and Telvin Smith and Pruitt would be wise to unleash their aggression on opposing quarterbacks.  The secondary is an embarrassment of riches.  The ‘Noles look about five deep at corner led by Lamarcus Joyner (who moved over from safety), Ronald Darby and Nick Waisome and the safeties, Karlos Williams and Terrence Brooks are battle-tested and can play with the best of them. 

Jimbo Fisher and his Florida State Seminoles took a giant leap forward in 2012 and they’ll need six new coaches and a redshirt freshman quarterback to come together quickly if they plan on matching or improving on last year’s success.  The schedule pretty much sets the ‘Noles up for a shot at the division with their biggest tests coming in road trips to Clemson on Oct. 19^th and Florida Nov. 30^th.  The Clemson game will likely decide the Atlantic division of the ACC.  They get NC State and Miami at Doak Campbell making those games very winnable.  With the soft schedule and wins at Clemson and Florida, the ‘Noles could be looking beyond just an ACC title and zeroing in on a potential BCS Title shot.  A lot must go right for FSU for that to happen but it seems closer now than ever before.

No. 8- Texas A&M

I tend to agree with Nick that Texas A&M will likely take a bit of a step back in their sophomore season in the SEC and each time I review my top 25 I seem to slide them down just a little further.  Few professional quarterbacks can perform under the pressure Johnny Manziel will face this season both on and off the field and I just don’t have a good feeling about it.  I can look past the up and down offseason Manziel has had, but he’s still stepping back into a conference that, top to bottom, plays the best defense in college football.  Kevin Sumlin says that his offense will be another year more experienced, but don’t discount the defensive coordinators in this conference.  Year two will have a few bumps.

Manziel is the key that keeps this A&M offense firing but he’s going to have to break in some new pieces to the puzzle in 2013.  For starters, three of his top four receivers have moved on taking with them 128 receptions, 1,737 yards and 16 touchdowns.  Even with leading receiver, Mike Evans back, that’s a lot of production to account for.  Ben Malena (826 yards and 8 TD’s) and Oklahoma transfer Brandon Williams will lead what will again be a very potent rushing attack.  The line should be solid again, despite the loss of Luke Joeckel and C Patrick Lewis. 

The defense could be what does in the Aggies in 2013.  The unit was solid a year ago but must replace four of their top six leading tacklers and will have to find a pass rush.  2012’s sack leader, Damontre Moore (12.5 sacks) leaves a major void and the Aggies must make up for about 20 sacks lost from a year ago.  Easing the loss should be the return of NG Kirby Ennis and they're hopeful Julien Obioha can become the Damontre Moore of 2013.  Howard Matthew returns at safety and corner Deshazor Everett is one of the country’s best.  

With all the new pieces Texas A&M will need every minute of their first two games (Rice and Sam Houston State) to get in sync as the ‘Tide come rolling into College Station on Sept. 14^th along with the attention of all of college football.  After Alabama, things ease up (by SEC standards) for A&M until their Nov. 23^rd trip to Death Valley to face LSU.  A potential upset could be an Oct. 12 trip to what should be an improved Ole’ Miss team that gave the Aggies trouble last year.  

No. 7- Clemson

Expectations have never been higher for the Clemson Tigers.  The return of 2012 ACC Player of the Year, quarterback Tajh Boyd, brings with it ACC Championship and BCS Bowl expectations.  Boyd, the best qb in the ACC and among the best in the nation, threw for 3,896 yards and 36 touchdowns while completing 67.2% of his passes a year ago.  The experienced quarterback will need to call on all of his skills as three of his top four receivers from a year ago have moved on, including the incredibly productive, DeAndre Hopkins.  The return to form of Sammy Watkins could help ease the transition along with the continued development of potential stars, Charone Peak and Martavis Bryant.  The loss of Andre Ellington and his 1,100 rushing yards stings a bit but they return Roderick McDowell (461 yards and 5 TD’s) and Boyd is always a threat on the ground (769 rushing yards and 10 rushing TD’s).  The Tigers return four of five starters along the line and should be very solid.

Though not great, the Clemson defense showed signs of improvement last year under first year coordinator Brent Venables.  I hesitate to credit the defense too much in their victory over LSU (seriously, LSU’s offense was a joke) but there are signs that the defense will be better in year two with Venables.  The Tigers should be strong up front led by a trio of juniors DE Corey Crawford and tackles Josh Watson and Grady Jarrett.  Linebackers Spencer Shuey and Stephone Anthony (combined 170 tackles) return to what should be a very athletic and experienced group of linebackers.  The big question mark on this defense will be on the back end, in a secondary where three of last year’s starters have moved on.  The lone returnee is FS Travis Blanks who had 51 tackles and 7 pass breakups.  With the offensive firepower Clemson possesses, opposing teams will likely go to the air early and often.

Clemson gets thrown to the wolves early with a visit from the Georgia Bulldogs in week one of the season.  BCS hopes could be dashed with a week one loss and it we’ll learn a lot about the true state of the program depending on how they handle such adversity- previous Clemson teams would likely pack it in.  Win or lose, the ACC is theirs for the taking. An Oct. 19 game against FSU at Death Valley gives the Tigers a distinct advantage and clear path in the Atlantic division.  Wrapping up the season is their annual rivalry game at South Carolina. 

There are some obstacles ahead but this Clemson team might be the most capable ever to handle such challenges.  Undefeated and a BCS Championship don’t seem likely as I don’t see them going three for three against UGA, FSU and S. Carolina.  But, and ACC title and BCS bowl berth are certainly within reach.

No. 6- Ohio State

Oh, the Buckeyes…  Love ‘em or hate ‘em they’re going to be in the BCS Title picture this season even if it’s for their schedule alone.  I know, I know, you can call me a hater all you want but is this for real?  See my post earlier this week (8 Straight for the SEC... not so fast)about how I feel about their ‘strength of schedule’.  Now that I’ve got that out of the way, difficult schedule or not Ohio State will be the class of the B1G once again and you can pretty much punch their ticket to the Rose Bowl at a minimum. 

Urban Meyer (34-4 combined in his second years at Bowling Green, Utah and Florida combined) is enough to take a team seriously and give him the most talented quarterback he’s ever coached and you’ve got a recipe for success.  Braxton Miller accounted for 3,310 total yards and 28 touchdowns leading the Buckeye’s in rushing as well as passing.  His top two receivers, Corey Brown and Devin Smith return and should help Miller improve upon his 58.3% completion percentage from a year ago.  With Miller at quarterback the ground game returns its leading rusher (he led the team with 1,271 and 13 TD’s) but after that it gets a little murky.  Running back Carlos Hyde (995 rushing yards and 16 TD’s) has been suspended (or dismissed) and the drop off behind him is pretty significant.  Filling Hyde’s role will likely fall to a combination of Sr. Jordan Hall, Jr. Rod Smith and So. Bri’onte Dunn.  Easing the burden in the ground game will be should be a more experienced offensive line that returns four starters from last season.

The big question mark for Ohio State going into 2013 will be on defense.  The Buckeyes lose seven starters from a year ago including all four defensive linemen, a pair of linebackers and a corner.  The secondary is in good shape, led by corner Bradley Roby and safeties Christian Bryan and C.J. Barnett.  At linebacker All-Big Ten standout Ryan Shazier returns with his 115 tackles and 17 tackles for loss.  He’ll have his work cut out for him with so much inexperience around him at linebacker and the d-line.  Sophomore defensive ends Noah Spence and Adolphus Washington are cause for excitement in Columbus but they’ll have to grow up fast.

Despite the question marks on defense, Ohio State is Ohio State, and there are always 5-star recruits ready to step in and produce.  The youth will have ample time to get settled as the Buckeyes don’t face a B1G foe (or quality team for that matter… sorry Cal) until a Sept. 28 visit from Wisconsin.  The only real potential pitfalls from start to finish for OSU look like road trips to Northwestern on Oct. 5 and their season finale at rival Michigan on Nov. 30.  While those will be challenges, I don’t really see the Buckeye’s slipping up in either game, leaving Nebraska, or a rematch with Michigan or Northwestern in the B1G Championship game as the only other barriers.  Book your tickets to Pasadena, Buckeye fans and tip your hat to Jim Delaney on your way.

Nick's

No. 25-Wisconsin

No. 24-Fresno State

No. 23-Michigan

No. 22-Texas

No. 21-Nebraska

No. 20-Oregon State

No. 19-Kansas State

No. 18-Oklahoma State

No. 17-Oklahoma

No. 16-Louisville 

No. 15-Northwestern

No. 14-Texas A&M

No. 13-TCU

No. 12-Florida State

No. 11-Florida

No. 10-Clemson

            Clemson has the chance to be very good this season with the possibility to making a run at the ACC title and even maybe a chance at the National Title. It has some serious hurdles to clear though. Its schedule is very tough with an opening date with (my No. 2) Georgia. If the Tigers can make it past that game the next few weeks are all winnable, but with Florida State coming into Death Valley on Oct. 19 and a trip to rival South Carolina on Nov. 30 this team has some tough games. If they can find a way through all three of those major games they will be playing for the national title. Returning 12 starters from a team that won 11 games last season is a good start for this team.

            The Tiger offense will only go as far as All-American quarterback Tajh Boyd will take it. Boyd had a huge 2012 season tossing for nearly 4,000 yards and 36 touchdowns. He also added 500 yards and 10 touchdowns with his feet. He has a great chance to make those numbers even bigger this season. With stud wide out Sammy Watkins returning to lead a somewhat inexperienced receiving corps. Watkins returns from an injury but still had 50-plus receptions and 700 yards in 2012. At the other skill position Rod McDowell will step into the running back position as a senior. The Tiger offensive line is solid and will only get better this season with four returning starters led by senior tackle Brandon Thomas and senior guard Tyler Shatley. The Tigers offense was top 10 in scoring (No. 6, 41 ppg) and top 10 in total offense (No. 9, 512 ypg) and I expect them to surpass both of those numbers this season with Boyd at the helm.

            Second-year defensive coordinator Brent Venables has a chance to improve is inconsistent defense that was only top 50 in one category (scoring defense, No. 48, 24.6 ppg), with five starters returning to his front seven. Leading the defensive line is junior nose guard Grady Jarrett and tackle Josh Watson. Also looking for another great season is junior defensive end Vic Beasley who led the Tigers in sacks last season with 8.5. Senior linebackers Quandon Christian and Spencer Shuey will be the leaders of this defense as Shuey led with 93 total tackles last season. The secondary has some holes to fill especially at safety, but freshman All-American Travis Blanks should fill that position and be the leader of this unit. Senior cornerback Darius Robinson should be solid on the outside with great speed and cover skills. This defense will need to gain consistency quickly if the Tigers are going to compete for a title, but they have the right pieces to be solid.

            The Tigers are looking to build off an 11-win season and have a great chance to do that. With three very tough games on the schedule if they can find a way through those they should be on their way to an ACC Title and maybe even an appearance in Pasadena for the National Title. This team goes as far as Boyd and if he has another 4,000-plus-yard season look out.

No. 9-Boise State

            I realize this is a bold pick for a team that only returns nine starts from a season ago, but never bet against head coach Chris Petersen’s ability to reload his team. An opening contest against Washington on Aug. 31 should be a great measuring stick for this team. Three weeks later it travels to Fresno for a matchup of probably the best two teams in the Mountain West. Other than that there are not a lot of tough games on the schedule and if the Broncos can avoid the upset bug they should have another 10-win season.

            Leading the offense is senior quarterback Joe Southwick who is in his second season as the starter. Through most of last season I was unimpressed with his play, but toward the last part of the season he made some very big strides. Southwick is ready for a big year his experienced offensive line should be able to keep him clean to find some big playmakers down the field. Junior Matt Miller leads a very experienced group of receivers that doesn’t have underclassmen. Sophomore tailback Jay Ajayi had a solid freshman season and should be able to build on that behind the tough offensive line. This Bronco offense had one of its tougher seasons in its DI history last season, but expect it to be a lot better this year.

            Only four defensive starters return from last season that was top 15 in almost every category. The Broncos were top 10 in scoring (No. 8, 15.8 ppg) and top five in passing (No. 5, 169 ypg). I do not expect them to be that solid again this season, but they should still be top 25 in all those categories. Leading the defense will be the line made up of MW sack leader junior Demarcus Lawrence, Freshman All-America Sam Ukwuachu and senior Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe. The line will need to take blocks for an inexperienced group of linebackers. Redshirt freshman Ben Weaver had a solid spring season and will join juniors Blake Renaud and Corey Bell. Returning junior safety Jeremy Ioane will be the key to a young secondary, which is looking to replace two corners from last season. I do not see the Broncos as a top 10 defense this season, but they could be top 25 by seasons end if some young players grow up and gel fast.

            This is a pretty bold pick in the top 10, but I think the strides the Broncos will make on offense will help them overcome the losses on defense. A pretty favorable schedule also helps with just two really tough games on the slate. Boise State has a great chance to run the table if it can get around trips to Washington and Fresno State.

No. 8-LSU

            I am still no 100 percent sure about this ranking for LSU because it has so many holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball. Not to mention a really tough schedule with such an opening day test against a vastly improving TCU team. The Tigers also have to travel to Athens on Sept. 28 before a home date with Florida on Oct. 12. They have a really tough stretch to end the season with a trip to Tuscaloosa on Nov. 9, that is sure to be another classic, followed by welcoming Texas A&M to Death Valley on Nov. 23. I have the Tigers so high in the rankings because I can never bet against the Mad Hatter with an 85-21 record in eight years, it is tough not to expect this team to win 10 games again.

            On offense the Tigers have six returning starters and a upper-class laden group with just two underclassmen on the offensive line. Leading the Tiger charge is quarterback Zach Mettenberger, who as you will all recall I was very skeptical about last season, and I remain that skeptical about him this season. I really don’t think he is the kind of quarterback to lead this team to the promise land, but with some solid weapons around him he should not be asked to do a lot. Senior running backs J.C. Copeland and Alfred Blue are both poised for big seasons. Returning receiver Odell Beckham Jr. should lead an experienced receiving group. The line welcomes two new faces, but are both upperclassmen and with three returning starters the line should be solid. I think the Tiger offense should improve a little from their pretty poor season last season, but I do not expect it to be top 25.

            As always the strength of the Tigers will be their defense. Although they are young and a little inexperienced there are still all world players all over this defense. Senior linebacker Lamin Barrow should be the key to this defenses success after leading the team with 104 tackles and 7.5 sacks. The line should also be solid, although it is all new starters they all had solid playing time last season and have a chance to make some noise this season. The Tiger secondary is a little young, but senior safety Craig Loston should be able to anchor this unit to a solid season. Sophomore corner Jalen Mills is also a returning starter who has the potential to be lockdown on one side. Last season the Tigers were top 15 in almost every major defensive category, do not expect them to be that good again this season, but they have the chance to be solid still.

            We will find out a lot about the Tigers after their first game this season playing TCU in Arlington, Texas. If the Tigers find a way past a solid TCU team it does not get any easier down the road and they will need to grow up really fast to try and win 10 games again. I think the offense will improve and as always the defense should be solid. This team always finds a way to win games that it should not be winning (Texas A&M and South Carolina last year) so I think it will find its way through a very tough schedule.

No. 7-Notre Dame

            Notre Dame is looking for another run at the BSC title game in head coach Bryan Kelly’s fourth year at the helm. As always it has another tough schedule, but what else is new for the Irish. The second game of the season in the Big House will show us where this team is and if it is ready to compete. Back-to-back home games against Michigan State and Oklahoma to end the month of September should also be tough tests. Other than that a trip to Stanford to end the season is really the rest of their really tough games. Good thing for this team is they return 13 starters from last season’s national runner-up finish, which includes eight from a dominant defense.

            The Irish are really going to have to improve on offense if they want to be successful this season. The offseason suspension and departure of quarterback Everett Golson will be a tough loss, but senior Tommy Rees should be able to step in and fill that void after he and Golson split time last season. Behind Rees are three capable backs with junior George Atkinson III getting the majority of the carries. At receiver, senior TJ Jones should lead a pretty talented group, but the loss of tight end Tyler Eifert will be a tough loss. The line is defiantly experienced with three returning starters led by senior tackles Zack Martin and Christian Lombard, as well as senior guard Chris Martin. Rees should be able to fill in for Golson at quarterback well if Kelly will trust him back there, but I think this offense will improve slightly over its middle of the road performance last season.

            Good thing for the Irish is their defense is going to be unreal again. The No. 2 scoring defense (12 ppg) and the No. 7 total defense (305 ypg) returns eight starters from last season’s dominant team. Leading the way is junior defensive end Stephon Tuitt who could challenge USC’s Jadeveon Clowney for the best defensive end in the country. Tuitt was a beast last year and should be even better this season. Also anchoring the d-line is guard Louis Nix III who will return for his senior season. At linebacker there is a major hole to fill with the loss of the most decorated player in college football Manti Te’o leaving. Those are huge holes to fill but seniors Prince Shembo, Dan Fox and Danny Spond should help junior Jarrett Grace as he slides into that starting middle spot. The secondary returns three of four starters from a season ago with corners KelVarae Russell and Bennett Jackson building on solid 2012 campaigns. Free safety Matthias Farley should be a stud behind Russell and Jackson and help sophomore Elijah Shumate grow up on the strong side. This defense was unreal good last season and it should be just as good if not better again this season. The loss of Te’o hurts, but no way this team does fill that hole and keep right on trucking.

To really compete for a national title again this season the Irish are going to have to make some strides on offense, but good thing for them their defense is going to be all world again. Their schedule as always is tough and the season finale at Stanford could have major national title implications. I think it is safe to say folks, Notre Dame is back and with a defense like this look out.

No. 6-Oregon

            Oregon has some serious talent returning and did the right thing hiring Mark Helfrich after the departure of Chip Kelly. With 16 starters returning from the Fiesta Bowl Championship squad of 2012, this team has the talent to make another BSC run. Looking at the Ducks schedule there is really not a lot of games that stand out, its non-conference slate is weak with one road game at Virginia and home games against Nicholls State and Tennessee. The conference schedule is also weak (what is new in the Pac 12) with the only really tough contest coming at Stanford on Nov. 7. The Stanford game will probably be for the Pac 12 title and has the possibility to have national title implications. Other than that a road trip to a newly renovated Huskies Stadium in Seattle in October should be a decent test but nothing they cannot handle.

            This offense can be summed up as ready, set, go! Nine starters return to this squad with first-year coordinator Scott Frost putting this offense from overdrive to hyper drive. Orchestrating the offense is quarterback Marcus Mariota, who is looking to build of an impressive freshman season of 3,200 total yards and 37 total touchdowns. Mariota makes this offense go but running back De’Anthony Thomas and receiver Josh Huff are the serious playmakers that keep it going. Sophomore running back Byron Marshall will help Thomas in the backfield by committee. Tight end Colt Lyeria is also a great down field and dump off threat for Mariota. With three offensive linemen returning and two seniors stepping in for departed guards this offense should easily replicate the nearly 50 points per game (No. 2 in the country), 315 rushing yards per game (No. 3), and 537 total yards per game (No. 5). This offense should move right a long as it always has with Helfrich at the helm and expect big things from it.

            On defense this team is super experienced and super deep. Seniors Wade Keliikipi and Tylor Hart are the heart of the defensive line. Senior linebacker Boseko Lokombo will lead a reasonably young linebacking corps. The secondary is the most experienced group on this defense with all four starters returning and two juniors and seniors in the group. Leading the secondary are safeties Brian Jackson and Avery Patterson. Corner Ifo Ekpre-Olomu is a stud at the corner position with 16 PBUs and four picks last season. This defense should be improved last season, but I am not total sure where it will finish. It was barley top 50 last season and is going to need to be top 25 for this team to really challenge Stanford for the Pac 12 crown.

            No doubt the Ducks will not miss a step with the departure of Chip Kelly to the NFL. This team has loads of talent and is as fast as any team in the country. If it gets on a roll look out it has the ability to run the table, but a trip to Palo Alto to start the month of November could be the lone loss on this teams schedule. The Ducks have a chance at the Pac 12 and even the national title, but only if they can get around Stanford.

Check back next week for our top 5 as well as conferences breakdowns.  You can follow us on twitter @307CollegeFB  Thanks for reading!

8 straight for the SEC... not so fast

History says the SEC should win yet another (and final) BCS Championship.  Well, let's have some fun and look at their biggest challengers...

#1- Soft AQ Scheduling

Exibit A- Ohio State- Call me a hater but this is a joke.  I know Ohio State has tried to beef up a non-conference schedule and Cal, San Diego State, Buffalo and Florida A&M were ‘really solid five years ago when they were scheduled.’  I can look past that, but the B1G as a whole is pretty weak but hey, they can’t control that either.  Can Urban Meyer lead this team to consecutive 12-0 seasons?  Why not, who’s going to stop them?  The only games that even look like they might be a bit of a challenge are Oct. 5 at Northwestern and the season finale Nov. 30 at Michigan.  Urban Meyer isn’t going to let his team lose to Northwestern and I just don’t think Michigan isn’t ready.  That leaves, Nebraska perhaps in the B1G Championship?  Eh…  There’s no excuse for the Buckeye’s not to go undefeated and regardless of their strength of schedule, Ohio State won’t be left out of a BCS Title if they go undefeated.

Exibit B- Louisville- Seriously, I know it sounds crazy but they’ve still got their AQ status and if they’re 12-0 with a bunch of 11-1’s will they get skipped over?  Maybe, but like Ohio State, it’s still another sure-shot 12-0 for the SEC to compete with.  Louisville is a solid team with arguably the best quarterback in the nation in Teddy Bridgewater and there isn’t a single team on that schedule they shouldn’t beat. 

#2- The ACC

This should get the SEC’s blood boiling but who better to end the SEC’s run than little brother, ACC.  Well, the ACC has two very strong candidates in Florida State and Clemson.  Granted, for an ACC team to be taken into consideration they’ll have to be undefeated and both teams have some major obstacles in their way.  For Clemson it’s SEC foes Georgia and South Carolina and Atlantic rival, FSU.  For the Seminoles a mid-season visit to Clemson and their annual matchup with Florida are two pretty major road blocks but both are winnable.  These teams both have a legit shot at BCS Title runs, narrowing the chances for the SEC even further.

#3- The SEC

Look, at some point this conference is just going to beat itself, isn’t it?  There’s no arguing that this is the best conference in college football and there are probably six teams capable of winning a national title and there’s my point.  In the SEC West, you’ve got ‘Bama, A&M and LSU.  In the East, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida are all solid contenders.  With some light schedules for some of the big boys in the other BCS conferences there might not be room for a one loss team.  Assuming that, take a quick look at the schedules and you can pretty much cross off LSU, Georgia, Florida and Texas A&M (I’m picking ‘Bama in their Sept. 14 game).  That leaves South Carolina and Alabama.  A closer look at the Gamecocks schedule and undefeated seems unlikely.  They open and close the regular season with non-conference games against North Carolina and Clemson, play at Georgia in week two, have a three game road stretch against Arkansas, Tennessee and Missouri (not exactly murderer’s row, but this isn’t traditionally a good road team) and finally a Nov. 16 matchup with Florida.  South Carolina’s isn’t going undefeated.  That leaves Alabama.  Undefeated in the regular season is a definite possibility with their only real tests coming Sept. 14 at Texas A&M and Nov. 9^th against LSU.  Should the Tide run the table there’s still that pesky SEC East champ standing in the way.

 

At the end of the day, there’s no question that the SEC is the best conference in the nation and clearly has some of college football’s best teams.  What are the odds two non-SEC teams go undefeated?  Probably pretty slim, but don’t punch the SEC ticket just yet. 

 

Kinney's 11-15 Preseason Rankings

Back at it this week with our teams ranked 15-11.  Check it out, comment if you like and as always, follow us on Twitter @KinneyBrozCFB. 

Thanks for reading!

Jeremy's

No. 15- Michigan

2013 marks the end on one era and the beginning of another for the Wolverines.  With the graduation of quarterback Denard Robinson, Michigan can pretty much put the RichRod era in the rear-view mirror.  Devon Gardner steps in a quarterback and seems to fit the mold of what Brady Hoke and Co. want out of the position.  While still a solid athlete, Gardner is a much more refined passer than Robinson and will be much more effective working from under center.  The quarterback position is set, unfortunately, the rest of the offense is a bit in flux.  Tackles Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield are solid but the middle of the line is a little unsettled.  There is some talent at receiver but no stand out playmaker for Gardner to lean on when a play needs to be made.  The situation is much the same at running back.  Toussaint Fitzgerald played well when healthy last year, but a broken leg ended his season early and sidelined him through the spring.

Al Borges has his hands full with the defense this year.  The Wolverines finished 13^th in total defense in 2012 but it seems unlikely they’ll be that good again this year.  Last year’s leading tackler, Jake Ryan suffered an ACL injury in the spring and will miss the 2013 season causing a ripple effect at linebacker and defensive end.  Though two other starters return at LB, they’re going to be thin at the position.  The defensive line should be solid up the middle with Quinton Washington and Jibreel Black but the pass rush could be an issue.  The secondary must replace both corners but the return of Blake Countess from and ACL injury should make that less of an issue. 

Michigan’s progress is evident but better their 8-5 mark from last year will be a challenge.  They’re set at quarterback and that will make a big difference.  That said, the Wolverines have their work cut out for them.  They get Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio State at ‘The Big House’ but even at home, that’s no picnic.  Couple that with the fact that they’re at Penn State, Michigan State and Northwestern and it looks like Michigan may be a year away from really contending for the B1G.

No. 14- Oklahoma

For the first time in six years there’s a big fat question mark at quarterback for the Sooners and three players with very little game (well, passing game) experience to choose from.  Combine that with a defense that slipped late in the season (38 points to Baylor, 49 to West Virginia, 48 to OK St. and 41 Texas A&M) and you get Oklahoma starting the season outside of the top 10. 

We’ve seen a lot of the “Bell-dozer” as a runner but the junior has attempted a total of 16 passes in his time at Oklahoma.  Bell is competing for the starting job with RFr. Trevor Knight and So. Kendal Thompson and Stoops says a starter will be named when one wins the job.  The fact that one of these guys didn’t settle the dispute in the spring is a little unsettling.  Whoever wins the job will get some relief from a deep stable of running backs led by Damien Williams (946 yds and 11 TD’s) and Brennan Clay (511 yds and 6 TD’s) and a solid set of receivers.  The line returns four starters from 2012 and the Sooners will need to lean on a solid line and ground game while the qb position develops. 

The Sooners traditionally strong defense was a liability last year and really struggled as the season wore on finishing 64^th in total defense.  That’s not going to cut it if the Sooners expect to win the Big 12 this year.  The offenses in the conference are getting more and more explosive and with an inexperienced quarterback, more will be expected of Mike Stoops defense.  Only four starters return from 2012 and there are some good players here, but they’ll have to get up to speed in a hurry for the Sooners to have a chance in this conference.

With all the inexperience OU will have to grow up quick as the schedule looks daunting.  A week 2 visit from West Virginia will test the defense early and a three game stretch at Notre Dame, versus TCU and their annual game against Texas will be a big challenge.  The Sooners will finish 2013 with many of the same challenges they faced on the schedule in 2012.  The final month of the season has OU on the road at Baylor, at Kansas State and at Oklahoma State… yikes. 

No. 13- Oklahoma State

An up and down season with plenty of growing pains in Stillwater last year could make for a pretty special one this year.  Assuming the quarterback situation doesn’t go like last season, Oklahoma State might just be the best team in a wide open Big 12.  Despite the transfer of quarterback Wes Lunt, plenty of talent remains with quarterbacks Clint Chelf and JW Walsh who combined for 3,152 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and just 9 interceptions.  Regardless of who wins, or simply plays quarterback, weapons abound in the receiving corps with four of their top five receivers returning from 2012.  They’re led by Josh Stewart (101 catches, 1,210 yards and 7 TD’s) and fans are excited about the potential of Charlie Moore (35/502/6 last season) and Blake Jackson (30/598/3 last year).  The Cowboys are a bit unproven along the offensive line with three starters gone from last season as well as leading rusher Joseph Randle. 

The question for the Cowboy’s won’t be whether or not they can score points.  The question, once again is will they be able to stop anyone.  Oklahoma State was 82^nd in total defense last season and 72^nd in scoring defense, giving up almost 30 points per game.  They were especially bad in game against Arizona, Texas, K-State, Oklahoma and Baylor where they simply could not come up with stops giving up an average of 47.2 points and 531 yards.  New defensive coordinator plans to increase the intensity and aggressiveness of the 2013 version and there are some nice players to work with including DT Calvin Barnett, DE Tyler Johnson and S Lyndell Johnson. 

With no clear-cut number one, things seem to be in place for Oklahoma State to take the Big 12.  Their schedule might be the easiest in the conference as they get K-State, TCU, Baylor and Oklahoma in the friendly confines of Boone Pickens Stadium.  If they stay healthy at quarterback and the defense comes together the conference and more are there for the taking for the Cowboy’s.

No. 12- TCU

Call me crazy, but I think this is the best team in the Big 12.  2012 was a long season for a team that expects to win 10 games a year but I think the trial-by-fire of 2012 will give way to a special season in 2013.  That said, this pick hinges on one thing- Casey Pachall.  The star-crossed quarterback, who left the program after week 4 last season, is back and they’ll need him at his best to take the thrown in the Big 12.  Pachall will have a solid supporting cast with receivers Brandon Carter, LaDarius Brown and Cam White and the ground game gets a boost with Waymon James and last year’s leading rusher BJ Catalon.  Add in the potential of Trevone Boykin as an ‘X’ Factor on offense and this unit could be dangerous. 

Since Gary Patterson arrived 14 years ago, the name of the game for TCU has been defense.  A young unit that returns nine starters played well last year leading the league in total defense and rushing defense (nationally they finished 35^th in scoring defense and 18^th in total defense).  The youth of last year should give way to major talent and experience this year.  There are potential All-Americans in So. DE Devonte Fields (10 sacks) and Sr. CB Jason Verrett (63 tkls and 6 INT).  TCU returns, perhaps it’s deepest LB corps in recent memory and it should be a good one, led by Loel Hasley and Deryck Gildon.

The schedule is going to be a challenge for the Horned Frogs any favors as they open with LSU and must go on the road for Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and K-State but I think this team is ready to compete.  Conference title… why not?

No. 11- Florida

It’s been in interesting two years for Will Muschamp, going 7-6 in year one and then rolling to an 11-2 mark last year.  I think the 2013 version will be somewhere in the middle.  The Gators lose five starters on offense, perhaps most importantly leading rusher Mike Gillislee and lineman James Wilson and Xavier Nixon.  Quarterback Jeff Driskel is going to have to make marked improvement if the Gators even want to dream about repeating their 11 wins from a year ago.  The offense was completely anemic finishing 74^th in scoring offense and 102^nd in total offense.  Driskel finished the season with a mere 1,646 passing yards and 12 touchdowns.  That won’t cut it two years in a row.  Driskel should have a little better supporting cast this season, despite losing Gillislee and their top losing three of their top four receivers.  Matt Jones has the potential to surpass Gillislees 1,187 yards and he should have a solid running mate in Fr. Kelvin Taylor.  Receiver has been a point of emphasis in recruiting and those efforts should begin to pay off.  The Gators are excited about the potential of Quinton Dunbar and we could see a lot of all-everything Loucheiz Purifoy catching passes as well.

The Gators owe their 11 wins in 2012 to a defense that literally won games for them.  Ranking 5^th in total defense and 3^rd in scoring defense, Florida beat its opponents into submission.  Though they should be solid in 2013 they lost a lot of talent to the NFL (five of their top six in tackles) and a repeat of last year’s dominance seems unlikely.  Gone are Sharrif Floyd, Omar Hunter and Lerentee McCray up front.  They also must replace leader Jon Bostic and his running mate Jelani Jenkins at linebacker.  Losing safeties Matt Elam and Josh Evans leaves major holes in what was one of the best secondary’s in the country.  Despite the losses, there is still great talent here with Dominique Easley, Marcus Roberson and Purifoy and Florida usually has a 5-star recruit waiting in the wings.

With the big question mark at quarterback and the turnover on defense, it seems likely for the Gators to take a step back this year.  Florida will need their youngsters to grow up fast with a week two trip to Miami.  Road games at LSU and South Carolina will be tough, as will their annual neutral-site with Georgia.  Their home slate is a little easier but they do host a pesky Vanderbilt team and “That Team Up North” (FSU) could have a lot to play for by the time their Nov. 30 matchup rolls around. 


Nick's

No. 15-Northwestern

I know a lot of you maybe looking a this ranking very skeptically, but I really like what Pat Fitzgerald has done with this team in the past seven years. The Wildcats have a very favorable first four games of the season before a major showdown with Ohio State on Oct. 5 in Evanston. The only tough conference game on the road for this team is a date in Lincoln with Nebraska on Nov. 2. The Cats final two home games are both Michigan and Michigan State, which are winnable if they can get on a roll. I think this team has a chance this season in the B1G.

The Wildcats return eight starters from the 2012 team that finished top 20 in rushing on the season and top 50 in scoring offense. This team has every skill player back including quarterback Kain Colter, who will share time with Trevor Siemian. The best player returning on this offense is Venric Mark at running back who led the B1G in rushing last season with 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns. Expect the same this season. All three receivers return for this team led by senior Rashad Lawrence. The Wildcats line is going to be the question mark on the team with just two returning starters. If this offense can over come some questions on the line it could have another solid rushing season.

On defense, the Wildcats return seven starters from a top 30 scoring defense and top 50 ranked total defense. Defensive end and B1G sack leader Tyler Scott leads a defensive line that will welcome two new faces. Junior Sean McEvilly anchors the middle of the line at tackle. The linebackers of this team are very deep with leading tackler senior Damien Proby returning, followed by Chi Chi Ariguzo who had 10-plus tackles for loss last season. The secondary of this team is a little young but returns three starters from last season and should be able to mess just fine.

I like the way this stacks up this season with 15 returning starters from a team that won 10 games. This teams toughest games all are at home and with some luck this team could be making a run at a B1G title. Not ready to call it for them yet, but I think with some luck it could happen.

No. 14-Texas A&M

I am sure I will get some hate-filled comments for this one, but I am just not ready to call this team a top-10 squad. It lost 14 starters from last season including six on offense. This team has a pretty favorable schedule hosting Alabama, but it being the third game of the season it will depend on which team is ready to go. And be ready to bet that The Tide wants revenge for last season. A tough trip to Death Valley on Nov. 23 is also another big game on this teams schedule.

I am not sure if Johnny Manziel can replicate his miracle season from a year ago. I will give it to him no doubt he is one of the best players in the country, but I don’t want to underestimate the loss of Luke Joeckel at tackle. Manziel will have a great season there is no question, but not another Heisman run. The load of this offense will have to be carried by Manziel, senior running back Ben Malena and receiver Mike Evans. Returning on the line is all-world tackle Jake Matthews along with junior guard Jarvis Harrison. The Aggies will have to replace the complete right side of the line and center. I think they should be able to do that, but some young faces at the skill positions are going to have to step up.

Not sure what to think about this teams defense since it was a little better than average last season (57^th in total defense) and lost seven starters from that squad. There are eight upperclassmen returning including senior nose guard Kirby Ennis, and senior linebacker Steven Jenkins. This team has a very quick secondary with solid safeties Howard Matthews and Floyd Raven. The Aggies defense should be ok stopping the pass but when it comes to the run against some of the big boys not sure if I see it.

I know this is probably a little low to rank this team to start the season, but I just cannot rank them in the top 10. Manziel’s childish offseason has made me a little wary of anointing him as the best player in college football. I think Texas A&M has a really good chance to make some more early noise in the SEC. I just think this teams schedule with an early date against the Tide will be tough to over come.

No. 13-TCU

TCU could be the best team in the conference, but it depends on how quarterback Casey Pachall can handle himself in his return to the team. The other test for this team is an opening contest against LSU and tough conference games on the road against Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Kansas State. If the Horned Frogs can make it through some tough road games they could be hoisting the Big 12 Championship in December.

The return of Casey Pachall from drug and alcohol rehab is the number one story line for this team on offense. He has some serious weapons returning in running back Waymon James and receivers Brandon Carter and LaDarius Brown. Those three should give him a lot of options to spread the ball around the field. With three upperclassmen including both tackles and center Eric Tausch returning on the line they should be able to open some holes for James and keep Pachall off his back. The problem with this line is some inexperience at the guard position, but I don’t see that as a major problem as long as the tackles and center can keep this a cohesive unit.

Look out for this team on defense. If Pachall and the offense can put up even 10 points in most games that should win them some games. Shocker that Gary Patterson has another solid defense, right? The Frogs return nine starters from last season. They have three starters back on the line and will be starting senior Jon Koontz at one end so there will be no experience lost there. Juniors Joel Hasley and Marcus Mallet should be fine handling this 4-2-5 defense from the linebacker position. The Frogs five defensive backs are led by senior Jason Verett who will be an early round NFL draft pick in 2014. This unit is one of the best in the country and I expect them to play like it to start the season. There is no defense in the conference that is better than this one and they should be top five in the country in all major categories by the end of this season. This could very well be the best defense in the country come years end also.

If TCU can some how find a way past LSU in Cowboys’ Stadium to open the season, look out that could be the spark they need to win their first Big 12 Championship. Some tough road conference games will really force this team to show its grit, but they are my early favorite for the Big 12 title.

No. 12-Florida State

This is about middle of the road for where the Noles have been picked this season, but I think they have the opportunity to win another ACC crown. The real bumps in the road on their schedule could be a trip to Clemson and Death Valley on Oct. 19 and a date in Gainesville at Florida on Nov. 30. If they can get through that game they could be on their way to their second-consecutive ACC title.

Offensively, the loss of quarterback E.J. Manuel will be difficult to overcome, but redshirt freshman Jameis Winston looks like he has the ability to easily to step in and take the reins of this program. Helping Winston will be all upperclassmen returning at the skill position led by senior wideout Greg Dent and junior Rashad Greene. Running backs Devonta Freeman and James Wilder Jr. are studs running the ball and should take some pressure off Winston. The offensive line is very experienced with four returning starters. The road graters should open up some big holes for Freeman and Wilder and keep Winston clean to get the ball down the field. I like the way this offense shapes up and I expect it to be top 20 if not better this season.

The Noles defense is solid a lot of the great prospects Jimbo Fisher signed in his first couple years are now juniors and seniors and should anchor this defense. The leader of this defense will be will be corner Lemarcus Joyner and he will lead one of the nations best secondaries. The secondary is super fast and hard hitting. The line will be all new players, but with two seniors in Dan Hicks and Demonte McAllister they should be just fine experience wise. Sophomore End Mario Edwards is a stud and could have a breakout season. At linebacker senior Christian Jones will lead the group and has a chance to lead one of the nations best defenses. Even though the Noles will be breaking in some new players on this defense it will still be a top 10 defense again if not the best in the country.

I like the way the Noles schedule sets up this season and a win in Death Valley and a win at Florida to end the season could put this team in the running for the national title. If Winston can have a solid season and quarterback and if the defense can play like it is capable watch out this could be a very dangerous squad.

No. 11-Florida

I teetered back and fourth putting the Gators in the top 10, but with an offense that really struggled last year and a defense that lost seven starters I just could not do it. The Gators schedule is a bear also with road tests at Miami, LSU and South Carolina and a neutral site game against Georgia. The home schedule is pretty easy with only one tough game against Florida State.

Offensively, the Gators welcome back junior quarterback Jeff Driskel who had a solid sophomore season and should be able to make some more strides in his junior campaign. Running backs Matt Jones and Trey Burton should be solid for the Gators with Jones getting the majority of the carries. Receiver Quinton Dunbar will lead an inexperienced group of wide outs. The offensive line is very solid and experienced and should be fine keeping holes for Driskel, Jones and Burton.

On defense the Gators should be top 15 at least but have some holes to fill. Senior Dominique Easley should lead the defensive line as three new players will step in around him. Juniors Nerion Bell and Michael Taylor will lead a new set of linebackers, but both of those players have solid game experience. Florida has two great corners in Marcus Roberson and Loucheiz Purifoy, but the rest of its secondary is a little unproven.

Overall I think the Gators have a really great chance to contend for an SEC title, but with such a tough road schedule I do not see it this year. I expect another top 10 finish and 10-win season, but I don’t see the Gators player in Atlanta for the SEC title or in the Rose Bowl for the National Title.