I'll merge this with the other preseason polls in a few days.
These are power rankings, not accounting for schedules.
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These are power rankings, not accounting for schedules.
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<TABLE id=table1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]2006 Preseason Rankings[/FONT]
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3. Ohio StateOhio State PreviewPredicted Finish: 10-2 2005 Predicted Finish: 10-1 2005 Record: 10-2
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2. TexasTexas PreviewPredicted Finish: 10-2 2005 Predicted Finish: 8-3 2005 Record: 13-0
The backfield is loaded with talented backs, there's plenty of experience and next-level ability in the receiving corps, and the line will once again be among the best in the country despite losing All-Americans Jonathan Scott and Will Allen. The defensive cupboard is hardly bare with a tremendous end tandem of Tim Crowder and Brian Robison sure to be among the best in the country and more than enough talent in the back seven to fill up the All-Big 12 team. Oh yeah, quarterback. If Jevan Snead and Colt McCoy can be merely adequate, the Longhorns could be back in the national title game.
Relative Strengths: offensive line, running back Relative Weaknesses: quarterback, backup linebacker
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1. USC [/SIZE][/FONT]USC Preview[FONT=verdana, arial,
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Predicted Finish: 11-1 2005 Predicted Finish: 12-0 2005 Record: 12-1
Remember, these rankings are based on how good the teams appear to be going into the season and NOT where they're going to end up. There isn't a more talented roster in America with a who's who of high school all-stars brought in by Pete Carroll, but how many of those top prospects will even play? It's hard to fall too far when you have the best recruiting class in the country two years in a row, but there are big things to worry about like the health of quarterback John David Booty, the issues in the running back corps from injuries to inexperience, and the loss of most of the key players in the secondary. Even with all the question marks, the Trojans should be in the mix for yet another national title appearance thanks to great coaching, great players, and a great schedule that's tailor-made for a championship. Then again, the same was said about Miami going into the 2004 season.
Relative Strengths: receiver, linebacker Relative Weaknesses: secondary, special teams
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National Title Contenders - No. 1 to No. 10The best teams in the nation 
There's one very important distinction in the CFN preseason rankings: these are based on how good the teams are going into the season and NOT how they're going to finish. Some teams have easier schedules than others, some get tougher road games and some will need a little bit of time to jell meaning they might be better than their final record might indicate. Going into the year, these are how good the teams appear to be from No. 1 through 119. The predicted finishes don't take into account possible bowl games or conference championships.
29. ArkansasArkansas PreviewPredicted Finish: 9-3 2005 Predicted Finish: 6-5 2005 Record: 4-7
While the addition of a top-shelf quarterback Mitch Mustain might do wonders for the passing game, it's the ground attack that'll make headlines. True sophomores Darren McFadden and Felix Jones form one of the nation's best 1-2 rushing punches, and small, quick Michael Smith is healthy and ready to be part of the mix. Add a fullback in Peyton Hillis who led the team in catches last year and returns punts, and an offensive line with, for all intents and purposes, five returning starters, and the Hogs should run wild. The defense won't get a lot of publicity, but it'll be strong led be undersized, but talented linebacker Sam Olajabutu and with a strong line to work around. Chris Houston and Matterral Richardson are talented corners who'll both see time in an NFL camp, and the safeties are improved with speedy Michael Grant taking over the free safety job.
Relative Strengths: running back, offensive line Relative Weaknesses: receiver, quarterback
For the first time under head coach Mike Leach, a quarterback has to be developed to shine right away with sophomore Graham Harrell and redshirt freshman Chris Todd battling it out for the honor of being one of the nation's top statistical players. Also, for the first time under Leach, he has potential NFL talents running his system with three marvelous wide receivers in Jarrett Hicks, Joel Filani and Robert Johnson almost certain to combine for over 200 catches. The line will provide plenty of help the four starters returning. The defense won't be up to snuff like last year when several veterans came through with big seasons, but the linebacking corps should be solid and there's speed to burn in the secondary.
Relative Strengths: receiver, offensive line Relative Weaknesses: running back, secondary
27. MarylandPredicted Finish: 6-6 2005 Predicted Finish: 6-5 2005 Record: 5-6
Rarely do teams get a shot in the arm talent-wise the way Maryland gets one this season. 2004's top rusher Josh Allen is back after missing all of last year with a knee injury. One of the team's top offensive tackles, Stephon Heyer, is back, as is rising linebacker Erin Henderson, brother of former Terp star, E.J. Those three alone help an already good foundation that might be bowling without them.
Relative Strengths: running back, offensive line Relative Weaknesses: defensive line, quarterback
There are holes to fill, especially on offense. The line has to get healthy before Dan Hawkins and the new coaching staff can properly figure out what it has to work with. The quarterbacks were inconsistent this spring, partially because they were under pressure thanks to the banged up line, and the running game has little to no proven power. There is depth and talent in the backfield and at receiver with enough options to play around with once the quarterback situation is settled. The defense is much better than it'll likely be made out to be with Thaddaeus Washington and Jordon Dizon leading a strong linebacking corps, Terrence Wheatley returning at corner to join All-Big 12 talent J.J. Billingsley in a deep secondary, and potential on the ends with several good players to rotate.
Relative Strengths: special teams, offensive line Relative Weaknesses: quarterback, running back
The defense had to rebuild last year, and all the inconsistencies should pay off in a big way with a speedy, talented front seven that should camp out in opposing backfield. The secondary has the most work to do, but there are big, athletic prospects to expect big things out of playing around star safety David Overstreet. QB Brad Smith might be gone, but replacement Chase Daniel is a good young quarterback who'll do just fine. Now the rest of the offensive playmakers will get more of a shot to shine since the attack can't be more reliant on Smith, and that's a good thing with four good, quick backs, a fast receiving corps, and a tremendous tight end tandem of Chase Coffman and Martin Rucker to catch everything in sight.
Relative Strengths: defensive line, offensive line Relative Weaknesses: secondary, quarterback
Now the real work begins for head coach Mike Shula as he needs to replace seven fantastic starters from a defense that was among the best in the game, has to find a steady starting quarterback, and needs to quickly develop depth at just about every position. Meanwhile, the two teams that tagged the Tide last year, LSU and Auburn, appear to be just as good, if not better, while the tough early road trips are at Arkansas, Florida and Tennessee. Bama is a year away from making an honest run for the SEC title, but that doesn't mean this can't be another successful season.
Relative Strengths: running back, receiver Relative Weaknesses: quarterback, special teams
23. Georgia TechGeorgia Tech PreviewPredicted Finish: 9-3 2005 Predicted Finish: 7-4 2005 Record: 7-5
A few more big plays from the offense should mean a realistic shot at the Coastal Division title, and they should come this season with nine returning starters and one of the league's best offensive lines. QB Reggie Ball doesn't have to be Vince Young, but it's not a stretch to think the four-year starter can't be what Bryan Randall was to Virginia Tech a few years ago. Defensively, help is needed in the secondary, but the pass rush should ease the burden. Besides, few ACC teams can kill you with a passing game. The front seven should be a rock against the run led by a deep and talented line that'll get better and better as the season goes on.
Relative Strengths: defensive line, offensive line Relative Weaknesses: secondary, running back
This isn't last year's team, but it's certainly not going to slip enough to be lousy again. If everything can come together right away and all the new starters can play like consistent veterans, things could get interesting because of a not-that-bad schedule. New quarterback Anthony Morelli will be fine. Tony Hunt is an unsung producer who should crank out another 1,000-yard season even with Austin Scott getting a little more work. Derrick Williams, Deon Butler, and Jordan Norwood forms one of the nation's best young receiving corps. The offensive line will be an issue with only one returning starter. The D only returns four starters, but the linebacking corps will be incredible.
Relative Strengths: linebacker, receiver Relative Weaknesses: secondary, offensive line
The offense will have few problems moving the ball with Drew Tate back to lead the attack for a third straight season and tailback Albert Young a burgeoning superstar running behind a talented, veteran line. The hole? The receiving corps. It's very fast and should be great by the end of the year, but it'll need time to develop. The defense has the same issues. The defensive line that was a concern last season will be one of the Big Ten's best this year, but the linebacking corps won't be nearly as good and will need a few games to get rolling. The safeties are excellent, but the corners are green. All the problems on both sides of the ball aren't that big a deal and will all be fine; it's just going to take a few games. By that time, Iowa could be out of the hunt yet again.
Relative Strengths: quarterback, running back Relative Weaknesses: secondary, linebacker
20. Arizona StateArizona State PreviewPredicted Finish: 9-3 2005 Predicted Finish: 8-3 2005 Record: 7-5
On both sides of the ball, head coach Dirk Koetter has assembled a team that can run, hit, throw, and catch as well as anyone in the nation. It'll be a major disappointment if this isn't one of the nation's five most productive offensive attacks with the addition of coordinator Roy Wittke to work with the quarterbacks. The passing game will be deadly with Sam Keller and Rudy Carpenter each able put up All-America numbers with a speedy receiving corps to work with an a huge, experienced line to play behind. The special teams will be tremendous with Terry Richardson back returning punts and kicks, and the defense should see some improvement with the addition of several good JUCO prospects along with Northwestern transfer Loren Howard and BYU transfer Michael Marquardt on the line.
Relative Strengths: quarterback, receiver Relative Weaknesses: secondary, linebacker
There's talent to burn on offense, but it isn't fully developed. The team's best quarterback is a true freshman, Matthew Stafford, and the receiving corps needs at least a few warm up games before it becomes dangerous. The offensive line has no depth whatsoever and has to replace several key starters, while the running game, considering all the talent in the backfield, has to be better than 43rd in the nation. The defense has even more issues with a thin linebacking corps that can't stay healthy, a slightly undersized line, at least for Georgia, that likely won't be better against the run, and a secondary that needs to develop the corners and has to replace three starters. For all the problems and all the concerns, there's still no reason whatsoever for Georgia to shoot for anything less than a ten-win season.
Relative Strengths: running back, special teams Relative Weaknesses: receiver, quarterback
Relative Strengths: running back, special teams Relative Weaknesses: receiver, quarterback
Yes, this is the lowest you’ll see the Irish ranked anywhere and yes, the potential is there for a huge year. However, this is a tremendously flawed team with average corners, a limited pass rush from the front four, and no developed depth anywhere meaning the machine might quickly grind to a halt if injuries hit the skill positions. The secondary didn't get any faster in the off-season, and the overall athleticism and talent level, which was exposed in the Fiesta Bowl by Ohio State, is a year or two away from being up-to-snuff for a national title-caliber powerhouse. There's a whole boatload of talent on the way, but not all of the stars are in South Bend quite yet.
Relative Strengths: quarterback, receiver Relative Weaknesses: linebacker, secondary
17. NebraskaNebraska PreviewThe defensive front seven will be as good as any in America with talented backups at each spot, too many good linebackers to get on the field at any one time, and, perhaps, the nation's best defensive ends in Adam Carriker and Jay Moore. If the secondary is merely competent, there's no reason the Huskers can't have a top ten D. The offense should be even better now that QB Zac Taylor knows what he's doing and with an improved line in front of him, speedy backs, and a receiving corps full of veterans and superstar newcomers to work with.
Predicted Finish: 9-3 2005 Predicted Finish: 8-3 2005 Record: 8-4
Relative Strengths: defensive line, linebacker Relative Weaknesses: offensive line, secondary
16. Virginia TechPredicted Finish: 10-2 2005 Predicted Finish: 9-2 2005 Record: 11-2
The lines will take a big hit replacing some key all-stars with unproven talents, there isn't the running back depth of past years, and the quarterback situation is still a question mark. That's not to say there isn't hope for all the parts to come together, but in a league as good as the ACC has become, everything needs to be clicking to win the title. The Hokies led the nation in total defense last season and finished second in scoring defense. While there are some major losses to overcome, the same blitzing, attacking style that made the D so successful last season should work again.
Relative Strengths: linebacker, receiver Relative Weaknesses: quarterback, offensive line
15. West VirginiaWest Virginia PreviewPredicted Finish: 10-2 2005 Predicted Finish: 7-4 2005 Record: 11-1
There's no more exciting backfield tandem in America than quarterback Pat White and running back Steve Slaton. The offensive line that flat-out pantsed the Georgia defensive line in the Sugar Bowl should be almost as good this season. The underrated and unnoticed defense should be fantastic up front, and the kicking game should grow into one of the best in the country with two terrific young specialists. Outside of the showdown at Louisville, the schedule is perfect for a huge year.
Relative Strengths: running back, offensive line Relative Weaknesses: secondary, receiver
14. LouisvilleLouisville PreviewPredicted Finish: 11-1 2005 Predicted Finish: 10-1 2005 Record: 9-3
Rev up the engine again as the nation's No. 9 offense and No. 3 scoring attack should be just as good again as long as star quarterback Brian Brohm is fully healthy after tearing his ACL late last year. Considering his mobility could be a problem early on, it's not a positive that the Cards have to break in two new tackles. The backfield is one of the best in the nation going three deep with pounder Michael Bush coming back for his senior year and speedsters Kolby Smith and George Stripling as good as any backups in the country. Mario Urrutia leads a big, fast, and very talented receiving corps. Nine starters return on defense with plenty of depth everywhere.
Relative Strengths: running back, quarterback Relative Weaknesses: offensive line, secondary
There appears to be more of a mean attitude this year in the IBM-like corporate program. The goal is to be more aggressive, make more big plays, and break out of the maddening vanilla mold. The defensive line should be among the best Lloyd Carr has ever had. There's enough speed in the back seven to run with anyone, and the offense has the firepower to hang punch-for-punch with anyone on its slate. In other words, there's no acceptable reason for another down year.
Relative Strengths: running back, special teams Relative Weaknesses: backup quarterback, linebacker
12. ClemsonClemson PreviewPredicted Finish: 10-2 2005 Predicted Finish: 6-5 2005 Record: 8-4
Clemson is in a great position to not only do great things this year, but to also be solid for years to come with a ton of productive and talented sophomores at just about every position mixing in with a strong group of veterans. The offensive line gets everyone back, the backfield has four good running backs, the receiving corps gets Chansi Stuckey and Aaron Kelly back, and the defense has two potential NFL first rounders in end Gaines Adams and linebacker Anthony Waters to build around. Throw in one of the nation's best kickers, Jad Dean, and the mix is just right to win the Atlantic Division.
Relative Strengths: running back, offensive line Relative Weaknesses: special teams, quarterback
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There's way too much speed and way too much returning talent to not be more consistent on offense. It all stems from the offensive line, which was never healthy last year but has just about all the key parts returning. Only four starters return on a defense that gave way too many of its players to the big league this last year. Yeah, Florida State reloads as well as anyone, but it's still asking a lot to replace so many top-notch performers. Depth will be an issue with big problems at end and corner if injuries strike early on.
Relative Strengths: receiver, linebacker Relative Weaknesses: secondary, starting defensive experience
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10. TennesseeTennessee PreviewPredicted Finish: 9-3 2005 Predicted Finish: 9-2 2005 Record: 5-6[/FONT]
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There are few teams in America that can match the overall speed and athleticism of the 2006 Vols, but all the skills have to translate into better overall play and, of course, wins. The offense can't be any worse, and should be a force with new/old offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe taking back his offensive coordinator job. The running backs can fly, the receivers are even faster, and the line is bigger than more NFL front walls. If quarterback Erik Ainge is merely competent, and the defense can avoid falling off the map after losing six of the starters on the front seven, the Vols should be back in the SEC title hunt. The hope has to be for all the top recruiting classes to pay off in a big way on defense with six of the starters on the front seven needing to be replaced including the entire linebacking corps.
Relative Strengths: running back, receiver Relative Weaknesses: linebacker, offensive line
Are the pieces starting to fit well enough for Florida to be SEC champions and in the hunt for national title? That will be the focus all season as fans are waiting for the Gator offense to explode, but considering the potential issues on the offensive line and the mediocre corps of running backs, it'll be the defense that carries the team. The D finished ninth in the nation and allowed a mere 18.8 points per game, and it should be even better if injuries don't strike early at linebacker and corner. There's enough talent on the line to fill out the All-SEC team without a problem. Brandon Siler and Earl Everett form one of the nation's best linebacking tandems, and the safeties, led by Reggie Nelson, should be fantastic. National title dreams might have to be put on hold for a while, but that doesn't mean the Gators can't take the next step in the Urban renewal plan and win the SEC championship and get to the BCS.
Relative Strengths: defensive line, quarterback Relative Weaknesses: running back, offensive line
There are few teams with more speed among the starters with an array of talents that would litter the All-America lists if it played in one of the other
BCS conferences. DT Brandon Mebane, CB Daymeion Hughes and LB Desmond Bishop will be among the best in the nation at their respective positions, and RB Marshawn Lynch deserves Heisman consideration from day one. The quarterback situation will sort itself out with Nate Longshore ready to steady the four-man race, Lynch and Justin Forsett combine to form one of the nation's top tailback duos, and the receivers might not be the best in America, but they're in the top three when it comes to speed. The defense will be a sack machine with too many good ends for one team, Mebane an all-star in the middle, and one of the best linebacking corps in the nation. The slight concerns are on the offensive line and at safety, but those won't turn out to be any big deal as the season goes on.
Relative Strengths: running back, linebacker Relative Weaknesses: offensive line, secondary
The quarterback situation has to be settled and air-tight shut after this fall. Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux are more than capable of leading LSU to an SEC title, but if JaMarcus Russell has to look over his shoulder every time he tried to throw into triple coverage, the offense won't run smoothly. Running back is a question mark with the top two backs coming off of torn ACLs, the lightning fast receiving corps has to make even more big plays and live up to all of its talent, and the offensive line has to deal with the loss of three stars while trying to get more push for the running game. The defense will be amazing as long as tackles Glen Dorsey, Charles Alexander and Marlon Favorite do a spot on impersonation of Wroten and Williams, and as long as the starting linebackers stay healthy. LaRon Landry and Jessie Daniels are NFL safeties spending time in the college ranks, and corner Chevis Jackson is an All-SEC playmaker waiting to break out.
Relative Strengths: secondary, quarterback Relative Weaknesses: offensive line, linebacker
Auburn loses several good starters, but none of them, not even four of the top five receivers or All-American offensive tackle Marcus McNeill, will hurt that much. Out with the old, in with near mirror images of the players who left. In other words, Auburn should be even better than last year good enough to be ranked among the ten best in America with a schedule that makes a great team a national title contender. The defense is a bit shaky at tackle and safety hoping good prospects can produce right away. The offense needs WR Courtney Taylor to regain his 2004 form and is in huge trouble if there's an injury problem on the offensive line, but that's all nitpicking.
Relative Strengths: running back, secondary Relative Weaknesses: special teams, receiver
This year's team has enough talent to think about the national title, but there are just enough holes to keep it from happening with an offensive line that doesn't look to be appreciably better than last year's disaster and mot enough overall skill level among the stars on offense to overcome the potential problems up front. The defense will be among the best in the country, but it can't win every game if there are offensive issues like there were occasionally last season.
Relative Strengths: secondary, linebacker Relative Weaknesses: offensive line, backup quarterback
So is this a national title caliber team? Yes, but there are still too many question marks on the offensive line and with QB Rhett Bomar to assume it’ll be an easy run to a third championship game in four seasons. 2007 is when the team should be truly ready to explode and become a juggernaut again. Even so, it might turn out to be a two-game season with a trip to Oregon and the battle with Texas the likely only roadblocks.
Relative Strengths: running back, defensive line Relative Weaknesses: offensive line, special teams
QB Troy Smith should make the spread offense sing making big play after big play with his legs as well as his arm. The receivers are big, fast, and talented with Ted Ginn Jr. appearing to be ready to blossom into a superstar wideout. The backfield is full of talent with star freshman Chris Wells ready to push possible All-Big Ten runner Antonio Pittman. The line might be the best in the Jim Tressel's six years in Columbus with a world of talent, especially at tackle. There's no reason whatsoever to worry about the defensive back seven that has to replace all its starters. The line needs to come up with a steady pass rush, but that's nitpicking; All-America tackle Quinn Pitcock and the boys will be a rock against the run.
Relative Strengths: quarterback, offensive line Relative Weaknesses: defensive experience, linebacker
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The backfield is loaded with talented backs, there's plenty of experience and next-level ability in the receiving corps, and the line will once again be among the best in the country despite losing All-Americans Jonathan Scott and Will Allen. The defensive cupboard is hardly bare with a tremendous end tandem of Tim Crowder and Brian Robison sure to be among the best in the country and more than enough talent in the back seven to fill up the All-Big 12 team. Oh yeah, quarterback. If Jevan Snead and Colt McCoy can be merely adequate, the Longhorns could be back in the national title game.
Relative Strengths: offensive line, running back Relative Weaknesses: quarterback, backup linebacker
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Predicted Finish: 11-1 2005 Predicted Finish: 12-0 2005 Record: 12-1
Remember, these rankings are based on how good the teams appear to be going into the season and NOT where they're going to end up. There isn't a more talented roster in America with a who's who of high school all-stars brought in by Pete Carroll, but how many of those top prospects will even play? It's hard to fall too far when you have the best recruiting class in the country two years in a row, but there are big things to worry about like the health of quarterback John David Booty, the issues in the running back corps from injuries to inexperience, and the loss of most of the key players in the secondary. Even with all the question marks, the Trojans should be in the mix for yet another national title appearance thanks to great coaching, great players, and a great schedule that's tailor-made for a championship. Then again, the same was said about Miami going into the 2004 season.
Relative Strengths: receiver, linebacker Relative Weaknesses: secondary, special teams
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. The CFN-USC love affair continues. Remember, this is the website that said USC should not be punished even if it is conclusively proven that Bush's family received improper benefits simply b/c they think OSU must have committed violations in and around '02. Great journalism. 
