#1. USC

Pete Carroll and USC have dominated the PAC 10 and national landscape since 2002. In fact, they have finished in the top five each of the last five years and this year they should make it six.

USC will be returning 10 starters from a defense that looked great at the end of 2006. Brian Cushing is going to lead USC's dominating defense at linebacker. I remember seeing film of Brian Cushing in high school when he played receiver and his athleticism jumped out then just like it does now.

The offense will be key to USC surviving a not-so-easy-schedule unscathed. They have a stable of young and talented runningbacks returning led by experienced Sophomores Emmanuel Moody and C.J. Gable (993 combined rushing yards as Freshmen). Do not be surprised if both of these backs gain near or over a thousand yards in '07.

John David Booty could be a Heisman candidate but who will he throw to? Patrick Turner and Vidal Hazelton are expected to lead a young receiving group. The hope is that they pick up where Smith and Jarrett left off. Hazleton was one of 15 true freshmen to see play time a year ago but only played in 2 games, with 1 reception for 8 yards. USC is loaded with unproven 5 star recruits that will be heavily relied upon. How well these high school phenoms step up this year will determine if they can remain consistent enough to win a championship. Pete Carroll relying on young phenoms - what else is new?

Tough Away Games could spell DOOM

Their schedule will not be easy. In the second week of the season they go on the road to face Nebraska. This is a Nebraska program that has been inching its way to a legitimate Big 12 title contender. By beating USC they can accomplish even more.

They will also play @Washington, @Notre Dame, @Oregon, @Cal and @ Arizona State. This is not a good thing for a team that has lost 2 out of the last 3 on the road. There road opponents may not all be world beaters but none of the are easy wins either.

To top it off, they play UCLA at home to finish off the year. UCLA may be their toughest opponent and beat USC last year, costing them the opportunity to play in last year's BCS National Championship game.

Other Teams Poised to Make Title Run

#2. LSU

LSU is going to be clickng on all cylinders in 2007. It sucks that JaMarcus Russel left but that should be expected. Backup Matt Flynn has experience an Ryan Perriloux is an amazing talent so the QB position should be solid. Their defense should be one of the best in the nation.

#3. West Virginia

Every year a cloud hangs over Big East teams that are ranked highly to start the pre-season. Are you ranking them high because they are in a bad conference or because they are actually that good? In this case, both.

First off, the Big East is getting better with West Virginia, Louisville, Pitt, Rutgers and even teams like South Florida and Cincinnati making waves. Plus, one of these years a Big East team will "catch up" with the leaders and emerge on top. This could be that year.

West Virginia's offense IS that good. Their defense is what worries me. Will they finally catch up to the offense or are they going to continue to be the sideshow?

#4. Florida

Part of me want to rank them a little lower considering they lost the majority of their offensive and defensive starters from a year ago. The simple fact that they totally kicked ass the last time they played makes me put them in the top 5.

While Urban Meyer is no longer a "myth" and has solidified himself as a legend, other questions persist. Can Tim Tebow throw the ball in college? Can they find replacements on defense? A repeat title should be difficult.

#5. Wisconsin

They were the only 12 win Big Ten team to play well in a Bowl Game (and not a BCS game), surviving against Arkansas 17-14. After a two year break from playing against Ohio State, they will have to travel to Columbus this year. The Badgers beast OSU the last time 2 times they played. They will play at home against Michigan.

Bret Bielman did a fabulous job in his first year last year, taking over for Barr Alvarez. He should continue that momentum and get Wisconsin into their first BCS game.

#6. Virginia Tech

The majority of their starters return from a team the went 9-3 last season. Florida State and Miami could still struggle this year, leaving the door wide open for the Hokies to step up. Plus, everyone will be rooting for Virginia Tech in light of the recent tragedy. Go Hokies!

#7. Georgia

Georgia returns the meat of their team just like Virginia Tech. Their running game and defense will make things easy. Playing in the SEC will not be. Still, I like their returning lineup and proven talent. They could make a run.

#8. Ohio State

Chris Wells will be the focal point on an offense that lost the majority of its production. The QB battle will likely go to Todd Boeckman. Their defense should be deeper and tougher in every phase. No doubt Jim Tressel will give the starting job to the QB who makes the fewest mistakes.

#9. Texas

Colt McCoy impressed the hell out of me a year ago.He seems to have "it". He also needs to stay healthy. Last year it looked like D-Lineman were trying to see if they could snap him in half. Adding weight, strength and experience should help alleviate some of these growing pains. As long as Texas finds some DB's they should be fine.

#10. Michigan

Michigan returns QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart and WR Mario Manningham from an explosive offense a year ago. Their defense loses more, though, and they really looked bad the last 2 games of the season. National title hopes seem premature until they find guys who can tackle.

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DantheLib said:

	No way 3 big ten teams finish in the top 10. Michigan and Ohio State were completely exposed last year.
	report abuse vote down vote up

May 29, 2007
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