ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Unit Rankings:
<LI>Offense | QB | RB | WR | OL
Defense | DL | LB | DB Check out who's #1 for linebackers
Defense:
1. Miami (FL)
The only concern is with a run defense that was surprisingly soft last year, allowing 155 yards per game. If that's tightened up, which it should be thanks to one of Miami's best linebacking corps in a long time, this will be a killer D — with 11 players returning who started six or more games last year. That doesn't include superstar Devin Hester, who'll likely take over the full-time job at one of the corner spots.
2. Penn State
The nation's 10th-best defense and fifth-best scoring D should be even better with almost all the parts returning and safety Chris Harrell coming back after missing all of last year with a neck injury. The defense didn't allow more than 21 points per game, coming up with a shockingly good season. The corners will be among the best in the nation; as will the starting linebackers. Overall depth and a lights-out pass rusher are the slight weaknesses, but that's nitpicking.
3. Alabama
Nine starters return to a defense that finished No. 2 in the nation last season in total defense and seventh in scoring — allowing 15.75 points and 245.5 yards per game. Only injury can prevent a repeat as the D gets even better with Wallace Gilberry taking over a full-time role at defensive end and the linebacking corps reshuffling to be even more productive. The secondary doesn't have any All-Americans, but it'll be in the team photo of the nation's best. The only thing missing is depth in the back seven.
4. Tennessee
Eight starters (and that doesn't include LB Kevin Simon) return to a defense that will be among the best in America. If Simon's injured knee is fine, the front seven will finish among the top five in the country and will be one of the leaders in sacks and quarterback hurries. The secondary finished last in the SEC last year, but there will be a big turnaround with the freshmen starters of last year now seasoned veterans. The cornerbacks will be outstanding with former safety Jason Allen — a sure Thorpe Award candidate.
5. Ohio State
Nine starters return to a defense that was its typical bend-but-rarely-break self for most of the year, but it has to deal with defensive coordinator Mark Snyder moving on to take Marshall's head coaching gig. The nation's best linebacking corps leads the way with A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter, Anthony Schlegel and Mike D'Andrea — all sure to be making a ton of dough next year at this time. The secondary will be solid if it can find a second corner across from Ashton Youboty, and the line will be good if it can find a killer pass rusher.
6. Auburn
All eyes will be on new defensive coordinator David Gibbs. Can he can keep Auburn No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense and in the top five in total D? As a former secondary coach for the Denver Broncos, Gibbs will be a big help to the defensive backs; the one area that needs a bit of help after losing Carlos Rogers and Junior Rosegreen. The front seven will be tremendous, with a frighteningly good front four and an emerging linebacking corps. This will be an aggressive defense that'll crank out about 40 sacks — helped most by ends Stanley McClover and Quentin Groves.
7. LSU
The nation's third-ranked defense only loses four starters, but they're big ones (DE Marcus Spears, LB Lionel Turner, CBs Corey Webster and Travis Daniels). The corners will be fine thanks to Colorado transfer Sammy Joseph, while the pass rush will take care of itself with all four starting linemen able to get into the backfield. The linebacking corps isn't flashy, but it's solid. Led by former Nebraska and Oklahoma defensive coordinator Bo Pelini, don't expect any sort of drop-off from the Nick Saban era.
8. Georgia Tech
It'll be a shock if this isn't one of the nation's best defenses. Eight starters (10 if you include DT Mansfield Wright who moved to offensive guard and CB Dennis Davis who returns from shoulder problems) come back from a defense that was a brick wall against the run and only allowed 18.9 points per game. The defensive front is tremendous, with four starters who can do it all and four reserves ready to step into the rotation. Gerris Wilkinson leads a good linebacking corps that's missing experienced depth. The secondary will be better than ever with Chris Reis moving from linebacker to safety and Davis returning to man the corner spot opposite of Reuben Houston.
9. Texas
Nine starters return, but the two losses are huge with Derrick Johnson off to the Kansas City Chiefs and coordinator Greg Robinson off to coach the Syracuse Orange. Gene Chizik comes over from Auburn and should do a great job combining with Duane Akina. Even with the loss of the nation's best defensive player, the defense will be better, led by tackles Rodrique Wright and Larry Dibbles anchoring a phenomenal line that should shoot for 25 sacks. Outside linebacker is a bit of a question mark, but Aaron Harris is a good man in the middle to work around. The secondary is rock solid. 10. Florida State
The linebacking corps is among the best in America, and safety Pat Watkins is a first round draft pick. But the rest of the defense is a major question mark after finishing seventh in the nation — fourth in scoring defense. The loss of rising star NG Clifton Dickson to academic problems and CB Antonio Cromartie to a knee injury is a huge hit for the rest of the D. The secondary will turn out to be fine if the star recruits of last year can quickly progress.
Offense:
1. USC
Find the weakness. USC has a Heisman winning quarterback returning (Matt Leinart), a Heisman finalist running back (Reggie Bush) and top workhorse in the backfield (LenDale White), one of the nation's best 1-2 receiving punches in Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith and a line that has six players with starting experience returning. There's only one thing missing: Norm Chow. The star offensive coordinator left for the Tennessee Titans, meaning Lane Kiffin and former BYU quarterback Steve Sarkisian will be in a no-win situation. If the offense is the best in the country, everyone will say it's because of the talent. If it slips, the coaches will get the blame. Don't expect any problems with good backups everywhere in case injuries strike.
2. LSU
Every offensive starter, whatever the depth chart turns out to be, will be on an NFL roster, or at least be in NFL camp. Not only that, every second teamer, whatever the depth chart turns out to be, will likely be on an NFL roster, or at least be in an NFL camp. That's how loaded the LSU offense is with talent. Now it all has to come together and produce more than the 28.67 points and 396 yards per game it chalked up last year. With few exceptions, this was an inconsistent attack hurt most by average quarterback production. Now, there's a three man race between JaMarcus Russell, Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux for the right to direct all the stars. If one of those three isn't sharp, the offense will be one of the nation's most disappointing, considering all the elite players it boasts. If one of the quarterbacks shines with a huge season, the team could be headed to Pasadena.
3. Tennessee
The Tennessee offense was impressive last year, considering the concerns at quarterback and the question marks at receiver. The freshmen quarterbacks came through with huge seasons, the receiving corps grew into a strength and the offense got better and more explosive as the year went on. Now, the attack should be downright nasty with one of the best groups of receivers the Vols have ever had, a burgeoning star quarterback in Erik Ainge, another great quarterback option in Rick Clausen and a back in Gerald Riggs Jr. who will put up huge numbers. The line is a concern if injuries hit, but the starting five should be strong.
4. Florida
Urban Meyer has always produced big-time offenses, but the NFL isn't exactly stocked with former Utah Utes (other than Alex Smith) and Bowling Green Falcons. Now he has some big-time talents to work with, and the results are expected to be nothing less than incredible. QB Chris Leak appears to be ready to handle the responsibility of leading the new spread attack, even if he's not the perfect fit for it. The receiving corps should explode with Dallas Baker, Andre Caldwell and Chad Jackson — all home run hitters. If RB DeShawn Wynn can play up to his talent level, the backfield will be a strength. The starting five on the line will be great.
5. Michigan
On straight talent, it'll be hard to beat the Wolverines if QB Chad Henne and RB Mike Hart improve at all on their fantastic freshman years. The loss of all-everything receiver Braylon Edwards will hurt worse than many will have you believe. However, Jason Avant and Steve Breaston are very, very good. The line will have three All-Big Ten performers in guard Matt Lentz and tackles Adam Stenavich and Jake Long. Now, the pass protection has to be better.
6. Minnesota
If all the parts stay healthy and QB Bryan Cupito improves on his consistency and accuracy, the offense will be one of the top 10 in America. The left side of the line, along with center Greg Eslinger, will dominate. The receiving corps looks like an NBA backcourt with size, speed and athleticism. Of course, the star of the show will be junior Laurence Maroney — who should be a lock for at least 1,500 yards.
7. Georgia
For all of last year's talent, Georgia's offense wasn't nearly as dominant as it should've been. That should change this year with an interesting mix of players. The running game will be one of the nation's best as long as the passing attack can be merely adequate. D.J. Shockley takes over the quarterbacking job, providing experience and plenty of mobility and excitement. What he doesn't have is Fred Gibson or Reggie Brown to throw to as the receiving corps was less than stellar in spring ball. Fortunately, the backfield is five-deep in great runners, while the line, led by Max Jean-Gilles, will be among the nation's best.
8. Louisville
Talk about reloading. Louisville loses all-star quarterback Stefan LeFors, NFL-caliber, 20-touchdown running back Eric Shelton and 73-catch receiver J.R. Russell, but should be just as strong as the offense that was the nation's best last year. There's plenty of talent returning and several great options among the reserves to keep the party rolling. QB Brian Brohm will instantly become one of the nation's top quarterbacks now that he's the full-time starter. The Cards are loaded with talented running backs and receivers and blessed with one of the nation's deepest and most athletic lines. However, the party could crash if Brohm gets hurt with no experience behind him. 9. Virginia Tech
The offense was efficient last year, but it didn't move the ball much, averaging almost 31 points per game despite only averaging 366 yards. However, the Hokies should have a devastating attack as long as Marcus Vick plays like he's supposed to. There are two great quarterback prospects (Sean Glennon and Cory Holt) also in the mix, but Vick is the type of player who can make this loaded attack special. There's too much talent at running back and receiver for one football, and the line is big and will be fine in time. Expect big, explosive numbers, but the question is whether or not someone can pick up the leadership slack left by Bryan Randall.
10. Texas
All of the focus is on Vince Young's passing abilities as everyone is looking for him to take another step in his development to become more than just a superstar runner. While improving the air attack is nice, don't look for too much of a change from a rushing offense that averaged close to 300 yards per game and finished No. 2 in the nation. There isn't a Cedric Benson, but Selvin Young, Ramonce Taylor and Chris Ogbonnaya will be more than fine running behind one of the nation's best offensive lines. Limas Sweed and Nate Jones are talented young receivers who have to come through in a big way to take the heat off Young and the ground game.
11. Ohio State
http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/4032284
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<LI>Offense | QB | RB | WR | OL
Defense | DL | LB | DB Check out who's #1 for linebackers
Defense:
1. Miami (FL)
The only concern is with a run defense that was surprisingly soft last year, allowing 155 yards per game. If that's tightened up, which it should be thanks to one of Miami's best linebacking corps in a long time, this will be a killer D — with 11 players returning who started six or more games last year. That doesn't include superstar Devin Hester, who'll likely take over the full-time job at one of the corner spots.
2. Penn State
The nation's 10th-best defense and fifth-best scoring D should be even better with almost all the parts returning and safety Chris Harrell coming back after missing all of last year with a neck injury. The defense didn't allow more than 21 points per game, coming up with a shockingly good season. The corners will be among the best in the nation; as will the starting linebackers. Overall depth and a lights-out pass rusher are the slight weaknesses, but that's nitpicking.
3. Alabama
Nine starters return to a defense that finished No. 2 in the nation last season in total defense and seventh in scoring — allowing 15.75 points and 245.5 yards per game. Only injury can prevent a repeat as the D gets even better with Wallace Gilberry taking over a full-time role at defensive end and the linebacking corps reshuffling to be even more productive. The secondary doesn't have any All-Americans, but it'll be in the team photo of the nation's best. The only thing missing is depth in the back seven.
4. Tennessee
Eight starters (and that doesn't include LB Kevin Simon) return to a defense that will be among the best in America. If Simon's injured knee is fine, the front seven will finish among the top five in the country and will be one of the leaders in sacks and quarterback hurries. The secondary finished last in the SEC last year, but there will be a big turnaround with the freshmen starters of last year now seasoned veterans. The cornerbacks will be outstanding with former safety Jason Allen — a sure Thorpe Award candidate.
5. Ohio State
Nine starters return to a defense that was its typical bend-but-rarely-break self for most of the year, but it has to deal with defensive coordinator Mark Snyder moving on to take Marshall's head coaching gig. The nation's best linebacking corps leads the way with A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter, Anthony Schlegel and Mike D'Andrea — all sure to be making a ton of dough next year at this time. The secondary will be solid if it can find a second corner across from Ashton Youboty, and the line will be good if it can find a killer pass rusher.
6. Auburn
All eyes will be on new defensive coordinator David Gibbs. Can he can keep Auburn No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense and in the top five in total D? As a former secondary coach for the Denver Broncos, Gibbs will be a big help to the defensive backs; the one area that needs a bit of help after losing Carlos Rogers and Junior Rosegreen. The front seven will be tremendous, with a frighteningly good front four and an emerging linebacking corps. This will be an aggressive defense that'll crank out about 40 sacks — helped most by ends Stanley McClover and Quentin Groves.
7. LSU
The nation's third-ranked defense only loses four starters, but they're big ones (DE Marcus Spears, LB Lionel Turner, CBs Corey Webster and Travis Daniels). The corners will be fine thanks to Colorado transfer Sammy Joseph, while the pass rush will take care of itself with all four starting linemen able to get into the backfield. The linebacking corps isn't flashy, but it's solid. Led by former Nebraska and Oklahoma defensive coordinator Bo Pelini, don't expect any sort of drop-off from the Nick Saban era.
8. Georgia Tech
It'll be a shock if this isn't one of the nation's best defenses. Eight starters (10 if you include DT Mansfield Wright who moved to offensive guard and CB Dennis Davis who returns from shoulder problems) come back from a defense that was a brick wall against the run and only allowed 18.9 points per game. The defensive front is tremendous, with four starters who can do it all and four reserves ready to step into the rotation. Gerris Wilkinson leads a good linebacking corps that's missing experienced depth. The secondary will be better than ever with Chris Reis moving from linebacker to safety and Davis returning to man the corner spot opposite of Reuben Houston.
9. Texas
Nine starters return, but the two losses are huge with Derrick Johnson off to the Kansas City Chiefs and coordinator Greg Robinson off to coach the Syracuse Orange. Gene Chizik comes over from Auburn and should do a great job combining with Duane Akina. Even with the loss of the nation's best defensive player, the defense will be better, led by tackles Rodrique Wright and Larry Dibbles anchoring a phenomenal line that should shoot for 25 sacks. Outside linebacker is a bit of a question mark, but Aaron Harris is a good man in the middle to work around. The secondary is rock solid. 10. Florida State
The linebacking corps is among the best in America, and safety Pat Watkins is a first round draft pick. But the rest of the defense is a major question mark after finishing seventh in the nation — fourth in scoring defense. The loss of rising star NG Clifton Dickson to academic problems and CB Antonio Cromartie to a knee injury is a huge hit for the rest of the D. The secondary will turn out to be fine if the star recruits of last year can quickly progress.
Offense:
1. USC
Find the weakness. USC has a Heisman winning quarterback returning (Matt Leinart), a Heisman finalist running back (Reggie Bush) and top workhorse in the backfield (LenDale White), one of the nation's best 1-2 receiving punches in Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith and a line that has six players with starting experience returning. There's only one thing missing: Norm Chow. The star offensive coordinator left for the Tennessee Titans, meaning Lane Kiffin and former BYU quarterback Steve Sarkisian will be in a no-win situation. If the offense is the best in the country, everyone will say it's because of the talent. If it slips, the coaches will get the blame. Don't expect any problems with good backups everywhere in case injuries strike.
2. LSU
Every offensive starter, whatever the depth chart turns out to be, will be on an NFL roster, or at least be in NFL camp. Not only that, every second teamer, whatever the depth chart turns out to be, will likely be on an NFL roster, or at least be in an NFL camp. That's how loaded the LSU offense is with talent. Now it all has to come together and produce more than the 28.67 points and 396 yards per game it chalked up last year. With few exceptions, this was an inconsistent attack hurt most by average quarterback production. Now, there's a three man race between JaMarcus Russell, Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux for the right to direct all the stars. If one of those three isn't sharp, the offense will be one of the nation's most disappointing, considering all the elite players it boasts. If one of the quarterbacks shines with a huge season, the team could be headed to Pasadena.
3. Tennessee
The Tennessee offense was impressive last year, considering the concerns at quarterback and the question marks at receiver. The freshmen quarterbacks came through with huge seasons, the receiving corps grew into a strength and the offense got better and more explosive as the year went on. Now, the attack should be downright nasty with one of the best groups of receivers the Vols have ever had, a burgeoning star quarterback in Erik Ainge, another great quarterback option in Rick Clausen and a back in Gerald Riggs Jr. who will put up huge numbers. The line is a concern if injuries hit, but the starting five should be strong.
4. Florida
Urban Meyer has always produced big-time offenses, but the NFL isn't exactly stocked with former Utah Utes (other than Alex Smith) and Bowling Green Falcons. Now he has some big-time talents to work with, and the results are expected to be nothing less than incredible. QB Chris Leak appears to be ready to handle the responsibility of leading the new spread attack, even if he's not the perfect fit for it. The receiving corps should explode with Dallas Baker, Andre Caldwell and Chad Jackson — all home run hitters. If RB DeShawn Wynn can play up to his talent level, the backfield will be a strength. The starting five on the line will be great.
5. Michigan
On straight talent, it'll be hard to beat the Wolverines if QB Chad Henne and RB Mike Hart improve at all on their fantastic freshman years. The loss of all-everything receiver Braylon Edwards will hurt worse than many will have you believe. However, Jason Avant and Steve Breaston are very, very good. The line will have three All-Big Ten performers in guard Matt Lentz and tackles Adam Stenavich and Jake Long. Now, the pass protection has to be better.
6. Minnesota
If all the parts stay healthy and QB Bryan Cupito improves on his consistency and accuracy, the offense will be one of the top 10 in America. The left side of the line, along with center Greg Eslinger, will dominate. The receiving corps looks like an NBA backcourt with size, speed and athleticism. Of course, the star of the show will be junior Laurence Maroney — who should be a lock for at least 1,500 yards.
7. Georgia
For all of last year's talent, Georgia's offense wasn't nearly as dominant as it should've been. That should change this year with an interesting mix of players. The running game will be one of the nation's best as long as the passing attack can be merely adequate. D.J. Shockley takes over the quarterbacking job, providing experience and plenty of mobility and excitement. What he doesn't have is Fred Gibson or Reggie Brown to throw to as the receiving corps was less than stellar in spring ball. Fortunately, the backfield is five-deep in great runners, while the line, led by Max Jean-Gilles, will be among the nation's best.
8. Louisville
Talk about reloading. Louisville loses all-star quarterback Stefan LeFors, NFL-caliber, 20-touchdown running back Eric Shelton and 73-catch receiver J.R. Russell, but should be just as strong as the offense that was the nation's best last year. There's plenty of talent returning and several great options among the reserves to keep the party rolling. QB Brian Brohm will instantly become one of the nation's top quarterbacks now that he's the full-time starter. The Cards are loaded with talented running backs and receivers and blessed with one of the nation's deepest and most athletic lines. However, the party could crash if Brohm gets hurt with no experience behind him. 9. Virginia Tech
The offense was efficient last year, but it didn't move the ball much, averaging almost 31 points per game despite only averaging 366 yards. However, the Hokies should have a devastating attack as long as Marcus Vick plays like he's supposed to. There are two great quarterback prospects (Sean Glennon and Cory Holt) also in the mix, but Vick is the type of player who can make this loaded attack special. There's too much talent at running back and receiver for one football, and the line is big and will be fine in time. Expect big, explosive numbers, but the question is whether or not someone can pick up the leadership slack left by Bryan Randall.
10. Texas
All of the focus is on Vince Young's passing abilities as everyone is looking for him to take another step in his development to become more than just a superstar runner. While improving the air attack is nice, don't look for too much of a change from a rushing offense that averaged close to 300 yards per game and finished No. 2 in the nation. There isn't a Cedric Benson, but Selvin Young, Ramonce Taylor and Chris Ogbonnaya will be more than fine running behind one of the nation's best offensive lines. Limas Sweed and Nate Jones are talented young receivers who have to come through in a big way to take the heat off Young and the ground game.
11. Ohio State
http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/4032284
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