Sports Collision’s Pre-Season College Football Top 25 (10-6)
Continuing Sports Collision’s College Football Preseason Top 25 we have 10 through 6.
10. LSU Tigers
Analysis:
LSU is once again loaded, but they might just play in the best division in the best conference in the country. Charles Scott is back to lead the rushing attack for the Tigers, but their QB play MUST be better if they want to win the SEC West. Jordan Jefferson should be the starter, and incoming freshman Russell Shephard is a mobile threat and might give defenses some different looks. The LSU defense is known for being strong and fast. This year is no different, but the strengths and weaknesses might be in different places. Last year the secondary was beaten many times and this year they might be the most experienced section of the D. The line is solid, but not experienced and they will have to grow up in a hurry to deal with the SEC offenses.
Schedule:
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Record Prediction:10-2 (losses to Florida and Alabama) 3rd in SEC West Bowl Prediction:LSU will come out on the short end of the stick in a tie for the SEC West….. (See explanation later in Top 5) The boys from Baton Rouge will play in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. |
9. Ole Miss Rebels
Analysis:
Ole Miss has very high expectations this year and look for them to live up to some of them. Known last year as the team that beat Florida, the Rebels are out to set the world on fire this year. Jevan Snead is back at QB and leads a powerful passing attack which features its own explosive threat in Dexter McCluster. The RB situation is solid as well with a two headed monster of Bolden and Eason. The defense is what could be making big noise this season. DE Greg Hardy is one of the best in the nation and looks to be healthy this year. The d-line is absolutely solid with Hardy and the two returning starters who were ahead of him last year. The secondary struggled last year and will have to improve this year if they want to win the SEC West.
Schedule:
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Record Prediction:10-2 (losses to South Carolina and LSU) 1st in SEC West Bowl Prediction:The Rebels will be very lucky and despite a late loss to LSU will still be ahead of the Tigers in the BCS rankings to give them the title (See OU-TX last year). After losing in the SEC title game, the Rebels will play in the Capitol One Bowl. |
8. Virginia Tech Hokies
Analysis:
The loss of Darren Evans for the season at RB is a HUGE loss for the Hokies. Tyrod Taylor is experienced at QB, but will have to hope that the other RB’s will emerge in the place of Evans. The receiving corp is talented, but young. They will need to flourish this year if the Hokies are going to contend for a national championship. Bud Foster’s defense is always nasty, and this year is no different. DE Jason Worilds is an absolute monster and might even lead the nation in sacks. Though there have been departures in the secondary, there are still plenty of talented guys in the area as well as speedsters. The only area that could be questionable could be to see if Worilds can get a counterpart on the line and stay healthy. If he doesn’t, then Nekos Brown will have to be the man all alone.
Schedule:
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Record Prediction:9-3 (losses to Alabama, Miami, Ga. Tech) 2nd in ACC Coastal Bowl Prediction:The loss to the Jackets in October will hurt and send them on their way to the Chick-fil-A Bowl. |
7. Alabama Crimson Tide
Analysis:
If you are looking for one of the best WR’s in the country…Alabama’s Julio Jones will gladly fit that bill. QB is an area of concern, but Greg McElroy had a good spring and with a target like Jones, things could be worse. RB Mark Ingram is powerful and quick and has a bevy of backs behind him including freshman Trent Richardson. The offensive line lost 3 starters and could make all the difference for Saban’s boys. Terrence Cody is an absolute LOAD on the d-line and returns to stop all rushing attacks that come his way. The Tide returns 8 starters on defense and should be strong but the offensive firepower in the SEC might be difficult for the replacement of FS Rashad Johnson.
Schedule:
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Record Prediction:10-2 (losses to Ole Miss and Auburn) 2nd in SEC West Bowl Prediction:Alabama will lose the SEC West crown on the last game of the season. The loss will send them back to an old favorite and the Cotton Bowl. |
6. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Analysis:
Robinson, Bryant, Hunter….oh my. HAHA I know that is cheesy and dumb, but that is exactly what defenses in the Big 12 will be thinking this year. The Cowboys offense is back and EXPLOSIVE. Dez Bryant is the best WR in the country and Zac Robinson is a Heisman candidate at QB. Hunter is a Doak Walker candidate and they have a great TE in sophomore Jamal Mosley. The only problem will be to see if another receiver can emerge to help Bryant. Now the defense is another story. There are not many stars at all on this side of the ball and they struggled to stop people last year. They only had 15 sacks all of last year and will have to improve on that this year unless they want to force the offense to outscore everyone in shootouts.
Schedule:
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Record Prediction:10-2 (losses to Texas and Oklahoma) 3rd in Big 12 South Bowl Prediction:Okie State will look in great shape to maybe cause a 3 way tie for the Big 12 again, but a late tumble in Norman will dash those hopes. The Pokes will end up playing in the Holiday Bowl in what promises to be one of the highest scoring bowls of the season. |
