[bigboydan]

Spring practices have wrapped up, so it's time to take another look at the preseason top 25. Injuries, suspensions and dismissals littered the spring, but how did they affect the rankings? Well, to start things off, there's been a change at the top.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes
Raise your hand if you want to see the Buckeyes back in the BCS title game … didn't think so. But with an extraordinary number of juniors and seniors returning, Ohio State seems poised to become the first team in the 112-year history of the Big Ten to win three straight outright league titles. Even if the Buckeyes lose at USC on Sept. 13, they might end up playing in the BCS title game in Miami on Jan. 8.

2. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia might be more explosive and talented than Ohio State, but the Bulldogs' schedule is much tougher. The Bulldogs play consecutive road games at South Carolina and Arizona State, then play at LSU and against Florida in Jacksonville. Throw in back-to-back home games against Alabama and Tennessee and a road game at Auburn, and it might be the toughest schedule in the country. If Georgia can navigate its way through the schedule with only one loss (or maybe two), Ohio State could be waiting for the Bulldogs in Miami.

3. Oklahoma Sooners
It's all about what's up front for the Sooners. Oklahoma has the country's top offensive line, led by Duke Robinson and Phil Loadholt, and one of the better defensive lines in the Big 12. With coach Bob Stoops switching to a no-huddle offense, the Sooners could be even more explosive than last season, when they led Division I-A with 80 touchdowns. Oklahoma doesn't have to play Missouri and gets Kansas and Texas Tech at home.

4. USC Trojans
Even after losing 10 players to the NFL draft, the Trojans still have future draft picks stacked up like cordwood. Quarterback Mark Sanchez might be better than the departed John David Booty, and Arkansas transfer Damian Williams will become a big-play threat at wide receiver. Trojans coaches believe Allen Bradford has a chance to become the next great USC tailback. The Trojans will be even better on defense than they were last season.

5. Florida Gators
Last year's 9-4 record was pretty humbling for the Gators, especially after they won the BCS title in coach Urban Meyer's second season in 2006. Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Tim Tebow won't be the only Gator running the football in 2008. USC transfer Emmanuel Moody and speedy freshman Chris Rainey will help alleviate some of the pressure on Tebow. Eight starters are back from what was a very young defense last season, and end Carlos Dunlap looks like a premier pass-rusher. The Gators play only one really tough road game: at Tennessee on Sept. 20.

6. Missouri Tigers
With quarterback Chase Daniel and speedy kick returner/receiver Jeremy Maclin back, the Tigers should be explosive again on offense. New starters at left tackle and center must play well. Missouri also returns 10 starters from a very underrated defense, but linebacker is a concern after injuries and defections depleted the unit during the spring. Missouri doesn't play Oklahoma, Texas A&M or Texas Tech.

7. Clemson Tigers
The Tigers appear to be the best team in the ACC, but how many times have we heard that during coach Tommy Bowden's tenure? The Tigers haven't won an ACC title since 1991, but this might be their best chance in a long, long time. Quarterback Cullen Harper, tailbacks James Davis and C.J. Spiller, and receiver Aaron Kelly lead what could be a very good offense -- if four new starters play well on the line. Replacing three starting linebackers also is a big concern. Clemson plays four of its first five games at home, but the opener against Alabama in the Georgia Dome will decide how the season goes.

8. Texas Longhorns
Coach Mack Brown continues to haul in top-five recruiting classes each year, but bringing in defensive coordinator Will Muschamp from Auburn might have been his biggest addition in 2008. Muschamp wants the Longhorns to be meaner and more aggressive this season after they allowed 371.2 yards per game in 2007. On offense, Texas still hasn't settled on a starting tailback to replace Jamaal Charles, who led the Big 12 in rushing before bolting for the NFL draft.

9. West Virginia Mountaineers
The Mountaineers appear to be the team to beat in the Big East, especially with Rutgers and South Florida each having big holes to fill. Quarterback Pat White and tailback Noel Devine give the Mountaineers the potential to have an explosive offense, and new coach Bill Stewart is very excited about his team's fast linebackers.

10. Auburn Tigers
LSU has dismissed quarterback Ryan Perrilloux, which might open the door for Auburn in the SEC West. New offensive coordinator Tony Franklin still hasn't settled on a starting quarterback for his spread offense, but the Tigers will still be able to run the football. The Tigers will play Tennessee, LSU and Georgia at Jordan-Hare Stadium, and Florida rotates off the SEC schedule.

11. Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Red Raiders bring back record-setting quarterback Graham Harrell and receiver Michael Crabtree, but coach Mike Leach is most excited about his team's improved defense. Texas Tech is deeper and bigger up front on defense and the addition of a few key juco transfers makes it a big sleeper in the Big 12.

12. LSU Tigers
Even without Perrilloux, the Tigers are still good enough on the offensive line and in the backfield to contend for an SEC title. Redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee doesn't have to make a lot of big plays at quarterback; he just can't make too many mistakes. LSU's defense is still going to be very good, even without All-America tackle Glenn Dorsey and coordinator Bo Pelini, who left for Nebraska.

13. Arizona State Sun Devils
The Sun Devils aren't standing pat after last year's surprising 10-3 record. Coach Dennis Erickson has installed more four- and five-receiver sets on offense and a lot more blitzes on defense. Erickson is counting on a few juco transfers to help his offensive line, which struggled to protect quarterback Rudy Carpenter and gave up a school-record 55 sacks last season.

14. BYU Cougars
The Cougars look like the best bet from a non-BCS conference to crash the big boys' party this coming season. BYU returns 10 starters from an offense that averaged 442.8 yards and 30.1 points per game. Quarterback Max Hall is surrounded by a myriad of playmakers and should be better in his second full season under center. The defense must replace three of four starting linebackers, but the Cougars will easily be the class of the Mountain West Conference (and might even finish unbeaten).

15. Tennessee Volunteers
Coach Phillip Fulmer overhauled much of his coaching staff and brought in Richmond's Dave Clawson to install a spread offense. New quarterback Jonathan Crompton looked good running the attack this spring, but he underwent elbow surgery shortly after practices ended. Safeties Eric Berry and Demetrice Morley are star players in the secondary, but replacing linebacker Jerod Mayo won't be easy. The Volunteers might be third-best in the SEC East behind Georgia and Florida.

16. Illinois Fighting Illini
The Illini are going to really miss tailback Rashard Mendenhall, who left school after his junior season to enter the NFL draft. Quarterback Juice Williams will have to become more of a passing threat and receiver Arrelious Benn will have to become more involved on offense. Coach Ron Zook has signed three straight nationally ranked recruiting classes, so the Illini's talent continues to get better and better.

17. Kansas Jayhawks
The Jayhawks lost several of the key pieces -- tailback Brandon McAnderson, receiver Marcus Henry, offensive tackle Anthony Collins and cornerback Aqib Talib -- from last year's remarkable 12-1 season. But quarterback Todd Reesing returns to lead what should be another good offense, and new defensive coordinator Clint Bowen inherits nine returning starters. The schedule is much tougher than a year ago, including road games at South Florida and Oklahoma and home games against Texas and Texas Tech.

18. Wisconsin Badgers
Neither Allan Evridge nor Dustin Sherer played well enough to win the quarterback job, so coach Bret Bielema will wait until preseason camp to name a starter. Regardless of who starts, the Badgers will rely heavily on a quartet of running backs, led by Zach Brown and P.J. Hill. A defense that has a lot to prove under new coordinator Dave Doeren really needs to have top defensive end Matt Shaughnessy, who broke his right leg during spring practice.

19. Pittsburgh Panthers
Bill Stull, who injured his thumb in the 2007 opener and missed the rest of the season, moved ahead in the battle for the starting quarterback job. Stull came back with a stronger arm and better mobility. If the Panthers can establish a passing game to balance LeSean McCoy's running, the offense could be pretty explosive. Linebacker Scott McKillop, the top tackler in Division I-A in 2007, leads a defense budding with confidence after upsetting West Virginia 13-9 in last season's finale.

20. Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies were able to rely heavily on Bud Foster's defense last year and still win the ACC and play in the Orange Bowl. But without defensive end Chris Ellis, linebackers Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall, and cornerback Brandon Flowers, it won't be as easy for Virginia Tech this season. Coach Frank Beamer still hasn't decided how to use quarterbacks Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor, and top tailback Branden Ore was kicked off the team.

21. Fresno State Bulldogs
The Bulldogs bring back 10 starters on offense, including quarterback Tom Brandstater and tailback Ryan Mathews. Coach Pat Hill will have to replace 2007 WAC Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Riley. The Bulldogs play a typically tough nonconference schedule with games against Rutgers, Wisconsin and UCLA, so there won't be much room for error.

22. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Can Jim Grobe do it again? Wake Forest again seems as strong as any team in the ACC, where Florida State and Miami continue rebuilding. The Demon Deacons return 14 starters, including quarterback Riley Skinner and tailback Josh Adams. Replacing All-America center Steve Justice and wide receiver Kenneth Moore are top priorities. Wake Forest gets ACC foes Boston College and Clemson at home.

23. Oregon Ducks
The Ducks won't fall off the map after losing tailback Jonathan Stewart and quarterback Dennis Dixon. Sun Bowl hero Justin Roper and three other quarterbacks are battling for the starting job, and juco transfer LeGarrette Blount eased the Ducks' concerns about replacing Stewart. The running game might be really good again if Jeremiah Johnson recovers from a knee injury. The schedule might be pretty difficult with road games at Purdue, USC, Arizona State, California and Oregon State.

24. Michigan State Spartans
The Spartans were very close to accomplishing really big things in coach Mark Dantonio's first season, losing five games by six points or less. If Michigan State can rebuild both of its lines and replace top receivers Devin Thomas and Kellen Davis, they might win those close games in 2008. The Spartans open the season at California and play Michigan and Penn State on the road, but Notre Dame, Iowa, Ohio State and Wisconsin each go to East Lansing, Mich.

25. Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State suffered a big blow during spring practice when All-America candidate Sean Lee tore the ACL in his right knee, but 16 other starters are expected back. Quarterback Daryll Clark should be more mobile than departed starter Anthony Morelli and there's a boatload of talented receivers coming back. Road games at Ohio State and Wisconsin are tough tests.

[mofome]

OSU would finish 5th in the SEC east.

[BuddyBear]

It's better that OSU start #1 then finish #1 or #2 at the end of the regular season and have them play in the championship game. That might honestly be why they are putting them #1 now.

[mofome]

Originally Posted by BuddyBear

It's better that OSU start #1 then finish #1 or #2 at the end of the regular season and have them play in the championship game. That might honestly be why they are putting them #1 now.

When USC punished them they'll drop to 2.

[Baron_Mynd]

Go Bucks! OSU will beat USC in Southern California I don't believe Mark Sanchez has it yet, buckeyes have too much experience and alas USC is not a SEC team : )

[mofome]

Originally Posted by Baron_Mynd

Go Bucks! OSU will beat USC in Southern California I don't believe Mark Sanchez has it yet, buckeyes have too much experience and alas USC is not a SEC team : )

Why don't you believe Mark Sanchez has it yet? OSU is not as talented as USC despite the fact that USC lost 10 players to the draft. Add to that the fact that OSU went to the title game over USC and its in California?

OSU 0-1

[Baron_Mynd]

Originally Posted by mofome

Why don't you believe Mark Sanchez has it yet? OSU is not as talented as USC despite the fact that USC lost 10 players to the draft. Add to that the fact that OSU went to the title game over USC and its in California?

OSU 0-1

Lol, ok maybe it's just me who thinks this...or the fact that the title of this thread is what, "USC even though 10 starters lost will beat Ohio State at home"...might want to re-read the thread title guy, it pretty much sums everything up! OSU #1, USC #4...guess the professionals always get it wrong though

[mofome]

Originally Posted by Baron_Mynd

Go Bucks! OSU will beat USC in Southern California I don't believe Mark Sanchez has it yet, buckeyes have too much experience and alas USC is not a SEC team : )

What makes you think that Mark Sanchez 'does not have it yet'?

[mofome]

Originally Posted by Baron_Mynd

Lol, ok maybe it's just me who thinks this...or the fact that the title of this thread is what, "USC even though 10 starters lost will beat Ohio State at home"...might want to re-read the thread title guy, it pretty much sums everything up! OSU #1, USC #4...guess the professionals always get it wrong though

1) more often than not the professionals do get it wrong. Or so it seems.

2) USC is loaded, OSU plays in a mid-major conference.

anything more?

[Baron_Mynd]

1) You must not have seen that alongside USC, OSU is loaded as well can't see why they both are top 5 recruiting classes in the past 5 years, can't be too much of a difference NOT to mention OSU returns 3 All-Americans, and 1 is a heisman front-runner..but i guess that doesn't mean too much..weird...

2) Big-Ten against Pac-10 teams last year 1-0, guess records don't mean anything..mid-major?..well guess that doesn't say too much about the Pac-10, not too mention you can glance at the article above ....Big Ten, 5 teams in the top 25, Pac-!0...3....

Anything else?

[mofome]

Originally Posted by Baron_Mynd

1) You must not have seen that alongside USC, OSU is loaded as well can't see why they both are top 5 recruiting classes in the past 5 years, can't be too much of a difference NOT to mention OSU returns 3 All-Americans, and 1 is a heisman front-runner..but i guess that doesn't mean too much..weird...

2) Big-Ten against Pac-10 teams last year 1-0, guess records don't mean anything..mid-major?..well guess that doesn't say too much about the Pac-10, not too mention you can glance at the article above ....Big Ten, 5 teams in the top 25, Pac-!0...3....

Anything else?

Factually, OSU has not been in the top 5 in recruiting in any of the last 5 years; not one. In fact, they've haven't been in the top 8 in any of the last 5 years. I just got any idea, how about instead of making up facts, you actually read and learn a little something? perhaps then you'd be able to have a semi-productive conversation and i wouldn't have to explain things to you. or, if you just don't know anything, ask a question instead of replying like a smart ass without actually having any knowledge.


The rest of what you said is meaningless. preseason rankings mean little and USC is in a different class than the rest of the pac-10. USC had 10 players drafted this season and they'll have 3 in the first 10 in 09, OSU will not. Mcknight is the better RB, Sanchez will be the best QB in the game, USCs defense is the better defense, and USC is at home.

you ask, 'anything else'? im still waiting for your first valid point.


for future reference, kido...here is where OSU finished in recruiting in each of the last 5 seasons:

2007:15
2006:12
2005:12
2004:9
2003:41


lata

[Baron_Mynd]

Lol, funny man...I'll be the first to admit I'm wrong, and I was with the recruiting argument OSU is in the top 5 this year at #4 while USC stands at #8, but other than that...your right..

Your USC is better than the Pac-10 argument is invalid sir, because I can sit here and make the same argument about Ohio State...you're the one who brought up the whole mid-major argument i was just pointing out your ridiculous statement is all.

LOL at Mcknight being better than Beanie Wells...but i guess he's proven as much..goodness

same with mark sanchez

USC's defense is good, not great...and I'm not arguing that OSU's is for future reference

AND.. 10 players drafted this year from USC and 3 more next year in the top 10 has nothing to do with anything these petty side arguments amuse me...Because I'm here to discredit your faulty logic...geesh..http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7999670 ..check the top 5 lol...guess you got USC mixed up with OSU...

Guess you might want to take your own advice and not talk as much and read up!, because you actually are doing nothing but making yourself look less knowledgeable..

try harder guy!

[mofome]

Originally Posted by Baron_Mynd

Lol, funny man...I'll be the first to admit I'm wrong, and I was with the recruiting argument OSU is in the top 5 this year at #4 while USC stands at #8, but other than that...your right..

Your USC is better than the Pac-10 argument is invalid sir, because I can sit here and make the same argument about Ohio State...you're the one who brought up the whole mid-major argument i was just pointing out your ridiculous statement is all.

LOL at Mcknight being better than Beanie Wells...but i guess he's proven as much..goodness

same with mark sanchez

USC's defense is good, not great...and I'm not arguing that OSU's is for future reference

AND.. 10 players drafted this year from USC and 3 more next year in the top 10 has nothing to do with anything these petty side arguments amuse me...Because I'm here to discredit your faulty logic...geesh..http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7999670 ..check the top 5 lol...guess you got USC mixed up with OSU...

Guess you might want to take your own advice and not talk as much and read up!, because you actually are doing nothing but making yourself look less knowledgeable..

try harder guy!

other than that? OSU was in the top 5 once, but those players aren't even on campus yet. Clearly you're not suggesting that those are the kids who are going to make a difference vs. USC, are you?

btw, usc actually had the 2nd best class, they just didnt offer all that many players. OSU was 3rd in stars per recruit this season. Impressive to say the least.

You could make that argument about OSU if OSU had won the big-10 title as many times in a row as USC.

Wells has had more opportunity and hes a great back, but Mcknight can do things that Wells can not. Wells is a phenomenal talent, no knock on him. imo, McKnight has a chance to be a better college player while Wells is a future pro-bowler in the league.

As for the QBs, Todd Boeckman wouldn't make USC's roster, so I'll stick with Sanchez. Mark was 16 of 24 with 3 Tds and over 200 yards in the USC spring game and he beat out another 5 star QB for the starting job.

USC's defense will be better than just good. They'll have the best two LBs in the country, a top 5 safety, a top 5 DE. They have a first round pick, or more, at every level.

As for the draft, Cushing, Mays, Maualuga and Mola could all be top 10 picks. This is not from a draft service, this is from an NFL scout. No need to read when i can just speak with people who work in the league.

So, hopefully you've taken a moment to learn a bit. Thanks for the recruiting tidbits. Maybe you should follow recruiting first and then talk about it?

[Baron_Mynd]

Like I said before...i guess being gracious does not really get you anywhere but I was wrong about the recruiting...but i mean hit a guy when he's down is very classy I must say...


Those guys you talk to in the league about drafting will probably tell you Laurinitis, Jenkins, Wells, and maybe even Boone COULD be in the top 10, and i only bring this up because you said OSU won't have any players in the top 10...once again just talking sir not really thinking....

OSU has the BEST LB in the country first of all lol, a guy named Laurinitis you might have heard of him, Probably the top CB in Jenkins....Like I said USC's defense is good they had as many good defensive players last year and lost to Stanford is all ...but i guess that's another story

Todd Boeckman....I don't like him so no argument there....I only hope we mix it up with Antonio Henton and maybe even Tyrelle Pryor...but who knows...

Mark Sanchez and Mcknight obviously are predicted to be very good, at least mcknight, I'm only saying i'll believe it when i see it....Wells, and Boeckman have proved something...and i usually go off proof than assumptions..

In the end...if USC wins it won't be the end of the world I just figure that OSU has a might good chance and USC is always bound to lose being however big the gians people want to believe they are, either if it Oregon St..or Stanford.. I seen your a Tennessee fan well you guys might want to start rebuilding for the upcoming years were going to play y'all. We gotta beat some SEC teams sometime : )

[mofome]

Originally Posted by Baron_Mynd

Like I said before...i guess being gracious does not really get you anywhere but I was wrong about the recruiting...but i mean hit a guy when he's down is very classy I must say...


Those guys you talk to in the league about drafting will probably tell you Laurinitis, Jenkins, Wells, and maybe even Boone COULD be in the top 10, and i only bring this up because you said OSU won't have any players in the top 10...once again just talking sir not really thinking....

OSU has the BEST LB in the country first of all lol, a guy named Laurinitis you might have heard of him, Probably the top CB in Jenkins....Like I said USC's defense is good they had as many good defensive players last year and lost to Stanford is all ...but i guess that's another story

Todd Boeckman....I don't like him so no argument there....I only hope we mix it up with Antonio Henton and maybe even Tyrelle Pryor...but who knows...

Mark Sanchez and Mcknight obviously are predicted to be very good, at least mcknight, I'm only saying i'll believe it when i see it....Wells, and Boeckman have proved something...and i usually go off proof than assumptions..

In the end...if USC wins it won't be the end of the world I just figure that OSU has a might good chance and USC is always bound to lose being however big the gians people want to believe they are, either if it Oregon St..or Stanford.. I seen your a Tennessee fan well you guys might want to start rebuilding for the upcoming years were going to play y'all. We gotta beat some SEC teams sometime : )

The best LB in the nation is Maualuga. If Cushing is healthy, he will be the first LB taken. His number will be great, but what he'll do at the combine will lock him up as the #1 LB to go off the board. James is an amazing player, we'll see how things pan out.

What was gracious, btw, was me correcting you. You admitting you were wrong was not gracious, perhaps it was a bit humbling though. It's not good that i know more about your team than you do.


Jenkins only concern ive heard about is off the field stuff. Im not sure that there is much to it, but i've heard there were some concerns. He's a lock down guy and someone i wanted my Redskins to get if he had come out this season.

Did you just reference a loss to standford? well lets reference the single common opponent the two teams had last year, shall we?

If you only go off what you've seen, and never off of the word of the best scouts/coaches in the country, you'll find yourself late on value. I trust people who have proven to know what they're talking about. Pete Carroll for instance. Sanchez was the #1 QB coming out of HS, so im not sure why you would say McKnight is 'predicted' to do big things but then you seem less certain about Mark. Each is predicted to do 'big things', I'd venture to guess that Sanchez will finish higher in the Heisman running than Boekman.

I remember the last time we played OSU, what a day what a day. Nice option pitch off the helmet of Eddie George and the Vols were in business. Not sure what kind of play they were running, but it was brilliant. The vols will have the best secondary in the nation, a great oline, great wrs, great, rbs, and good Lbs....but we'll see how Crompton does and if we can find a way to get pressure on the opposing QBs. As of now, we'll have to blitz every play or risk leaving our secondary in coverage for hours at a time.

[Baron_Mynd]

I knew the Illinois card would be pulled once i brought up Stanford...thought I'd throw it out there anyways : )

Mark Sanchez might have been the #1 recruit, but than again I'm going off of personal experience by a guy named Justin Zwick who was the #5 QB recruit of his class....didn't pan out too well, AND we got a #1 QB recruit ourselves in Terelle Pryor so going off your thought's we might as well put him up against Mark and see them dual out their potential!

[mofome]

Originally Posted by Baron_Mynd

I knew the Illinois card would be pulled once i brought up Stanford...thought I'd throw it out there anyways : )

Mark Sanchez might have been the #1 recruit, but than again I'm going off of personal experience by a guy named Justin Zwick who was the #5 QB recruit of his class....didn't pan out too well, AND we got a #1 QB recruit ourselves in Terelle Pryor so going off your thought's we might as well put him up against Mark and see them dual out their potential!

Not sure what that means. A true freshman QB has nothing in common with Sanchez. USC's back up was the #2 QB in his class, either would start for OSU right now. Then again, I'd take Pryor as a freshman over either one of them as freshman.

haha the Illinois game had to come out. Not only did i win both of those games (ill ml over osu and usc -13 over ill) but i had to fight fire with fire.

As for Zwick, what a turd he was.


Now, send Dorian Bell our way and i promise to say something nice about OSU in the near future.

[Baron_Mynd]

Nope were keeping Dorian, him along with Etienne Sabino this year...our linebacker core will be a solid as usual for the future!

[mofome]

Originally Posted by Baron_Mynd

Nope were keeping Dorian, him along with Etienne Sabino this year...our linebacker core will be a solid as usual for the future!

I thought the vols had a legit shot with Sabino last year, i was surprised to see him get plucked out of the south. Williams, kid from texas, is one of the more impressive LBs on film and the vols are on his list, but he seems like an LSU lock to most.