As most people know, we as analysts in the college football ranks absolutely love the sport so much that we are constantly trying to figure out what teams might do well and what teams might disappoint for forthcoming seasons. This is the only way that we can still truly enjoy the sport without actually watching it. Having said this, here are my truly early and truly bold conference predictions for the upcoming season in college football.

Big Ten:

1. Ohio State: The Buckeyes absolutely have all the pieces in place for another run at the national title. As long as Todd Boeckman produces like he did last year, there should be no problems winning the Big Ten easily for the Buckeyes. James Laurinaitis, Malcolm Jenkins, Anderson Russell and super sophomore Cameron Heyward all lead a defense that should be one of the toughest to score against in the entire nation. Look for sophomore Chimdi Chekwa to also be a sleeper player in the secondary. On offense, they also return three senior linemen, a senior receiver in Brian Robiskie, and possible Heisman contender Chris Wells who is a beast of a running back. The Wolverines, Badgers, and Fighting Illini will all be sniffing dirt this year.

CB Malcom Jenkins

2. Michigan

3. Illinois

4. Michigan State

5. Wisconsin

6. Purdue

7. Penn State

8. Iowa

9. Indiana

10. Minnesota

11. Northwestern

Big 12:

South

1. Oklahoma: The Sooners have struggled in the last couple of years come bowl season, however, they will once again be in the national title hunt. Sam Bradford is not as flashy of a QB as some, but he simply gets the job done when needed and will be the team's catalyst. The Sooners will also get it done in the trenches with one of the best and most hefty offensive and defensive lines in the country. Most football fans may not know some of the names in the secondary, however, the guys running behind that massive offensive line such as DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown will be stars and provide enough offensive firepower to help out the fairly young defensive unit.

2. Texas

3. Oklahoma State

4. Texas Tech

5. Texas A&M

6. Baylor

North

1. Missouri: With most of the extremely potent Tiger offense returning as well as a vastly underrated defense, Missouri should end up right back at the Big 12 championship game again by the end of this upcoming season. Chase Daniel is a legitimate Heisman candidate and he has all the weapons at his disposal to work with including Jeremy Maclin, Chase Coffman, and two playmaking running backs in Jimmy Jackson and Derrick Washington. The Tigers also return three senior defensive linemen, two senior linebackers, and William Moore, one of the most explosive safeties in the nation last year. Don't be surprised if this team makes a run at the national title as well.

2. Colorado

3. Kansas

4. Nebraska

5. Kansas State

6. Iowa State

QB Cody Hawkins

Big East

1. Louisville: The Cardinals should be much, much better in year two of the Steve Kragthorpe era. The addition of Ron English at defensive coordinator will be the primary reason why. The Cardinals were abysmal last season on defense, but the talent it definitely there to be much better. Hunter Cantwell is basically a veteran and will finally get his chance to shine on the national level. He has already shown flashes of brilliance at times while Brian Brohm was injured. The receivers and offensive line are very talented and the secondary will be a particularly strong area for the team as well. Earl Heyman at defensive end could be a pro prospect in the making. I'm certainly not suggesting that the Cardinals will be in the hunt for the national title, but they definitely have the talent to contend for the Big East which will be yet again the toughest conference in the nation to win. With the help of English, the Cardinals could be playing in another BCS bowl game right away.

2. West Virginia

3. Cincinnati

4. South Florida

5. Pittsburgh

6. Rutgers

7. Connecticut

8. Syracuse

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Lisa Horne said:

hey....I have a question for you...why Wisky at #5? I think Fresno State will give them a hard time, and they do have a tough stretch, but still, if they can win almost all of their games, they should be ranked highly. I think it's 'tween the Bucks and the Badges for the BT championship. I just don't see RR getting Michigan comfortable in a no-huddle spread with the pro-set type players they have. It's going to be a rough year. Illini are no longer flying under the radar, and Mich State could be a sleeper. But Wisky and OSU are the two contenders. Nice blog...115 days and counting....

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May 07, 2008
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