[gummo]

An early '07 Top 10:



1. USC: The Trojans' defense will be downright scary, with 10 starters returning from last week's Rose Bowl clinic and U.S. Army All-American standouts Everson Griffin and Chris Gallipo on the way. QB John David Booty could be a Heisman contender, assuming Patrick Turner and Vidal Hazelton become dependable receivers.

2. LSU: The Tigers will be loaded on defense once again, and freshman RB Keiland Williams is poised for a breakout. Losing QB JaMarcus Russell hurts, but it's not like there's no one behind him. Matt Flynn was MVP of the '05 Peach Bowl and Ryan Perriloux was the top QB recruit in the country two years ago.

3. FLORIDA: See above.

4. OHIO STATE: With Heisman winner Troy Smith gone, the Buckeyes will lean more on running backs Antonio Pittman (should he return for his senior season) and Chris "Beanie" Wells. Touted freshman LB Ross Homan will join a core of defensive veterans led by LB James Laurinaitis and CB Malcolm Jenkins.

5. WEST VIRGINIA: Next season may be better suited for a national-title run than this year was for the highly-touted Mountaineers. Offensive stars Pat White and Steve Slaton are back for another go-around, the secondary that struggled this season will be more experienced and Louisville comes to Morgantown.

6. WISCONSIN: Sixteen starters return from the nation's most unheralded 12-1 team, though departing All-America T Joe Thomas will be the tough to replace. Star freshman RB P.J. Hill returns, new QB Tyler Donovan has gotten playing time in the past and the defense will be solid all around.

7. MICHIGAN: Lloyd Carr will have the most talented and experienced offense of his tenure with QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart and WRs Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington all returning. The question is what to make of a defense that got destroyed in its last two games and loses nearly every key starter.

8. LOUISVILLE: The Cardinals are the biggest enigma in the top 10 due to the mass uncertainty following coach Bobby Petrino's exit. If QB Brian Brohm and RB Michael Bush both return, however, the Cardinals will remain very much in the BCS mix. Orange Bowl star Harry Douglas returns as well as the heart of the O-line.

9. TEXAS: Texas will once again have one of the most lethal passing games in the country with sophomore QB Colt McCoy back and healthy, as well as Limas Sweed and every other key receiver. The 'Horns' challenge will be patching up its secondary under a new defensive coordinator.

10. VIRGINIA TECH: The Hokies went 10-3 in their "rebuilding year." As many as 17 starters could return, including the bulk of the nation's top-rated defense. RB Branden Ore will be back along with several veteran receivers. Sean Glennon needs to improve dramatically or a QB change could be in order.

Keep an eye on: Rutgers, Georgia, Boise State, Penn State, UCLA.

From Sports Illustrated.

[Razz]

Thanks gummo. I have a hard time seeing how they have anyone other than LSU #1. Now that Russell is out of the way, this team should realize its full potential.