What’s the excitement in the air about this week? No, it’s not the Democratic Convention! It’s that time of year when late summer arrives and the kids go back to school. Autumn is near, so get your fireplaces ready, ah, the smell of wood burning chimneys. It’s here, and I can almost smell it in the air. Ladies and Gentlemen, the 2008 College Football Season is upon us! Every team in the country loves this time of year and loves the excitement before their first game of the season. Every team is undefeated and has dreams of winning the National Championship. I am going to give my preseason top ten analysis and picks for the 2008 season. I will start with the #1 team in the country.
1. Georgia Bulldogs
In my opinion the Bulldogs take home the hardware this year. They return a bunch of starters on both sides of the ball. If they can stay clear of off- the- field problems and take care of business in the classroom, they should win it all. They did take one big hit in camp when starting OT Trinton Sturdivant blew out his left knee and was lost for the season. Knowshon Moreno may be the best RB in the nation in 2008 and strong armed QB Matthew Stafford is one of the best in the SEC. They have enough depth to replace Sturdivant. My prediction is, if they win the SEC with one loss or none, they will be in the Orange Bowl playing for the BCS National Championship in Miami.
Prediction: 13-1, 7-1 SEC
2. Florida Gators
The Gators return all-everything Heisman winner, Tim Tebow. Florida suffered some preseason injuries, but they have the depth and maybe the most talent in the nation to replace injured people. I perceive them as the team that is going to be Georgia’s toughest challenge of the season. I also predict that they will beat Georgia but lose two other games in the SEC, the best conference again this year. Look for WR Percy Harvin to be an all-american this year.
Prediction: 12-2, 6-2 SEC
3. USC Trojans
The team with, probably, the most talent in the last five or so years will be in the hunt again. Mark Sanchez takes over as the QB but has had some nagging injuries during preseason camp. He should fit the bill, if healthy, for the Trojans. RB Joe McKnight draws comparisons to Reggie Bush and is explosive and talented, if he is as good, look out! The Trojans go about 5 or 6 deep again at RB. The defense, maybe Pete Carroll’s best yet, led by LB Rey Maualuga is dominating. The game with Ohio State is the most anticipated of the season, and if the Trojans prevail, it could springboard them to the national championship. I am banking on that scenerio.
Prediction: 12-1, 8-0 PAC 10
4. Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes have to prove to the nation they belong. This starts with beating Southern Cal in LA, and if they don’t, the skepticism begins. They have to win the big game and haven’t yet. I am assuming it won’t happen again this year against USC until they prove me wrong. The Buckeyes probably have the most returning talent in the country led by RB Beanie Wells and QB Todd Boeckman. The defense is spearheaded by LB James Laurinaitis and lockdown CB Malcolm Jenkins. I see either Wisconsin or Illinois tripping up the Buckeyes in conference play.
Prediction: 11-2, 7-1 Big Ten
5. Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners have been as bad as Ohio State at the BCS Bowls the last few years. They just haven’t been playing for the National Championship which has kept the negitive publicity down a notch nationally. In Norman, though it is well known, Bob Stoops is on the hot seat. Until the Sooners prove me wrong, I am predicting another failure on the national stage in a BCS Bowl in 2008. The Sooners are led by SO QB Sam Bradford and the electrifying RB DeMarco Murray who is coming off a knee injury from last year. Murray is said to be healthy, and a nasty defense returns that should have the Sooners challenging again for the Big 12 Championship.
Prediction: 12-2, 7-1 Big 12
6. Clemson Tigers
My darkhorse pick for the National Championship is Clemson. I think this is finally Clemson’s year. The best RB dynamic duo in the nation is back in James Davis and C.J. Spiller. A favorable schedule and less than steller ACC make Clemson a definite contender. Also, the talent is there defensively. QB Cullen Harper returns and should be one of the conferences best.
Prediction: 12-1, 7-1 ACC
7. LSU Tigers
The defending National Champions lost a lot, but talent abounds all over the roster. The Tigers have some young and inexperienced players. After some seasoning, I think the Tigers, will round into form and play spoiler this year, another solid season for Les Miles and the Tigers. RB Keiland Williams returns as does speedster WR Trindon Holliday; they look to bolster the offense. Jarrett Lee looks to take over as the new QB. WR Demetrius Byrd, hero of last year’s Auburn game returns at WR.
Prediction: 10-3, 6-2 SEC
8. Missouri Tigers
Was last year’s Tigers season just a fluke? I don’t think so. Missouri should have another solid season and be a top 10 team, led by Heisman hopeful QB Chase Daniel. The Tigers look to challenge Oklahoma for top conference honors. WR Jeremy Maclin is Daniel’s top returning target and should be one of the best in the nation. WR Danario Alexander also figures into the equation this year. The Tigers should boast a solid defense to keep them in all games. I have the Tigers losing to Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship game.
Prediction: 11-3, 7-1 Big 12
9. West Virginia Mountaineers
Heisman hopeful, Pat White is back for what feels like his tenth year. Pat White and RB Noel Devine, and a solid defense, should be enough for West Virginia to repeat as Big East Champions. This team isn’t quite as talented overall as last years, but new Coach Bill Stewart really inspired the team in the upset Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma. I predict that will carry over and West Virginia, again, will be in the hunt but lose one game in conference. They lost WR Marc Renaud to graduation which could hurt until they find another game breaking WR.
Prediction: 11-2, 7-1, Big East
10. Auburn Tigers
I think Auburn is underrated this year. Actually, I probably underrated them too! The Tigers upset Florida on the road last year and had LSU on the ropes until the last play of the game. They finished strong by beating Clemson in the Peach Bowl. They could be my other surprise pick besides Clemson, although I have USC vs. Georgia in the BSC National Championship. Enough, let’s talk Auburn. RB Ben Tate is talented and as tough as they come. He is complimented by RB’s Mario Fannon and Brad Lester. This should take the pressure off new starting QB Chris Todd by breaking him in slowly. As always, Auburn’s defense is really good and talented and headed by future NFL defensive linemen Sen’Derrick Marks, Antonio Coleman, and Antoine Carter. They have a favorable schedule with LSU, TN, AR, and GA at home.
Prediction: 12-2, 7-1 SEC
Orange Bowl BCS Championship: USC vs. Georgia, Bulldogs win 31-27!
By Wayde in Sports