[mofome]

There will be some big names on new sidelines this fall after an off season that saw Coach Bobby Petrino leave the NFL for the University of Arkansas, Coach Rich Rodriguez leave the West Virginia Mountaineers for Michigan, Head-Man Houston Nutt move within his own division from Arkansas to Ole Miss, Rick Neuheisel take over his alma mater, Bo Pelini make the move to Nebraska and the unheralded Paul Johnson leave his position with the Naval Academy to take over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. A lot will be learned early on in the football season as these new coaches get acclimated to their new positions. Clearly, some things have changed from since the conclusion of the 2007, but some things have stayed as they were; here is SBR's top 25 NCAA Football teams heading into the 2008 campaign.

No. 1: Ohio State Buckeyes
No. 2: USC
No. 3: Georgia
No. 4: Florida
No. 5: West Virginia
No. 6: Clemson
No. 7: Missouri
No. 8: Texas
No. 9: LSU
No. 10: Oklahoma
No. 11: Tennessee
No. 12: Auburn
No. 13: Texas Tech
No. 14: Wisconsin
No. 15: Virginia Tech
No. 16: Arizona State
No. 17: South Carolina
No. 18: BYU
No. 19: Illinois
No. 20: Oregon
No. 21: Utah
No. 22: North Carolina
No. 23: Penn State
No. 24: Oregon State
No. 25: Kansas

[Deuce]

lol

No Michigan. Ok. Guaranteed top 25 next season.

[MJFtheGenius]

Georgia is #1

it's really not an arguement

[mofome]

lol

No Michigan. Ok. Guaranteed top 25 next season.

We shall see. Without a QB and with a new HC, i think they will struggle. They open against a very strong Utah squad and, overall, they have a pretty tough schedule.

Here is the Michigan schedule and their possible losses:
Aug. 30 Utah
Sept. 6 Miami Univ.
Sept. 13 at Notre Dame
Sept. 20 OPEN DATE
Sept. 27 Wisconsin
Oct. 4 Illinois
Oct. 11 Toledo
Oct. 18 at Penn State
Oct. 25 Michigan State
Nov. 1 at Purdue
Nov. 8 at Minnesota
Nov. 15 Northwestern
Nov. 22 at Ohio State

Michigan will not finish this season in the top 25 imo.

[rjt721]

No. 6: Clemson

Bowden's boys will disappoint. Again.

I think OU has to be in the top 5, if not the top 3.

[mofome]

Georgia is #1

it's really not an arguement

Aug. 30 Georgia Southern
Sept. 6 Central Michigan
Sept. 13 at South Carolina
Sept. 20 at Arizona State
Sept. 27 Alabama
Oct. 4 OPEN DATE
Oct. 11 Tennessee
Oct. 18 Vanderbilt
Oct. 25 at LSU
Nov. 1 Florida (Jack.)
Nov. 8 at Kentucky
Nov. 15 at Auburn
Nov. 22 OPEN DATE
Nov. 29 Georgia Tech

Only 2 cupcakes on that schedule and vandy has played UGA tough a few times recently.

[mofome]

Bowden's boys will disappoint. Again.

I think OU has to be in the top 5, if not the top 3.

Yeah, but things are aligned for them to win the ACC. Clemson is not the 6th best team in the country, but they will be helped by their schedule more than anyone.

[guitarjosh]

Where do you have Fresno State?

[chandler1981]

Yeah, but things are aligned for them to win the ACC. Clemson is not the 6th best team in the country, but they will be helped by their schedule more than anyone.

Mo,

I am a big South Carolina fan so I probably know more than I should about Clemson.

I agree that there schedule should set them up for a ticket to the ACC championshp, but you should know that with their talent they should have been there in one of the past two years.

I think they are a top 20 team. But, they are no better than that. They have some of the worst coaches on the sidelines. Their playcalling is beyond miserable, because of Rob Spence. The QB's numbers should always be good because of their dink and dunk routes for 5 to 10 yd gains. It sets them up well to go downfield, but they ralely accomplish the big plays thru the air.

James Davis is a Great RB, but his horrible OC renders his ability. CJ Spilller is a scared RB who will only run East to West and is scared to turn it upfield.

I think Cullen Harper (QB) is more than servicable, but they always fall short in a few games a year. As soon as they start running well, they forget what got them yards and begin a stupid pass attack.

I think their opening game against a decent Alabama team shows their weaknesses and never allows them to run like they are capable.

Other than their 6th place, it looks good to me.

They have the talent and the recruiting, but thank God they don't have the coaching to get them past their mediocre conference.

They are looking to begin their season without their top 4 LB's and it will definitely show.

Enjoyed your picks though. Good work, and this is only my opinion.

[mofome]

Mo,

I am a big South Carolina fan so I probably know more than I should about Clemson.

I agree that there schedule should set them up for a ticket to the ACC championshp, but you should know that with their talent they should have been there in one of the past two years.

I think they are a top 20 team. But, they are no better than that. They have some of the worst coaches on the sidelines. Their playcalling is beyond miserable, because of Rob Spence. The QB's numbers should always be good because of their dink and dunk routes for 5 to 10 yd gains. It sets them up well to go downfield, but they ralely accomplish the big plays thru the air.

James Davis is a Great RB, but his horrible OC renders his ability. CJ Spilller is a scared RB who will only run East to West and is scared to turn it upfield.

I think Will Procter (QB) is more than servicable, but they always fall short in a few games a year. As soon as they start running well, they forget what got them yards and begin a stupid pass attack.

I think their opening game against a decent Alabama team shows their weaknesses and never allows them to run like they are capable.

Other than their 6th place, it looks good to me.

They have the talent and the recruiting, but thank God they don't have the coaching to get them past their mediocre conference.

They are looking to begin their season without their top 4 LB's and it will definitely show.

Enjoyed your picks though. Good work, and this is only my opinion.

Rob Spence is a well respected offensive mind in the College football world. Clemson has ridiculous talent on the offensive side, but they'll need their oline to gel.

here is clemsons schedule:
Aug. 30 Alabama (Atlanta)
Sept. 6 The Citadel
Sept. 13 NC State
Sept. 20 SC State
Sept. 27 Maryland
Oct. 4 OPEN DATE
Oct. 9 at Wake Forest
Oct. 18 Georgia Tech
Oct. 25 OPEN DATE
Nov. 1 at Boston College
Nov. 8 at Florida State
Nov. 15 Duke
Nov. 22 at Virginia
Nov. 29 South Carolina


If they are able to get past Bama, they set themselves up well to be 5-0 before an open date and a trip to wake. GT will be tough, but they get them at home. BC will be a challenge in what should be a low scoring game in Massachusetts, and then the next week will be a challenge once again when they see the Noles. There is not likely to be a spot where Clemson is a dog of more than 4 all season...you've got to like how that shaped up for them. I think Clemson will lose 2, win the ACC, and find a spot in the BCS.

Enjoyed the reply Chandler.

[guitarjosh]

Rob Spence is a well respected offensive mind in the College football world. Clemson has ridiculous talent on the offensive side, but they'll need their oline to gel.

here is clemsons schedule:
Aug. 30 Alabama (Atlanta)
Sept. 6 The Citadel
Sept. 13 NC State
Sept. 20 SC State
Sept. 27 Maryland
Oct. 4 OPEN DATE
Oct. 9 at Wake Forest
Oct. 18 Georgia Tech
Oct. 25 OPEN DATE
Nov. 1 at Boston College
Nov. 8 at Florida State
Nov. 15 Duke
Nov. 22 at Virginia
Nov. 29 South Carolina


If they are able to get past Bama, they set themselves up well to be 5-0 before an open date and a trip to wake. GT will be tough, but they get them at home. BC will be a challenge in what should be a low scoring game in Massachusetts, and then the next week will be a challenge once again when they see the Noles. There is not likely to be a spot where Clemson is a dog of more than 4 all season...you've got to like how that shaped up for them. I think Clemson will lose 2, win the ACC, and find a spot in the BCS.

Enjoyed the reply Chandler.

They play 2 AA teams!?!?!

[mofome]

They play 2 AA teams!?!?!

Embarrassingly enough.

[chandler1981]

Rob Spence is a well respected offensive mind in the College football world. Clemson has ridiculous talent on the offensive side, but they'll need their oline to gel.

here is clemsons schedule:
Aug. 30 Alabama (Atlanta)
Sept. 6 The Citadel
Sept. 13 NC State
Sept. 20 SC State
Sept. 27 Maryland
Oct. 4 OPEN DATE
Oct. 9 at Wake Forest
Oct. 18 Georgia Tech
Oct. 25 OPEN DATE
Nov. 1 at Boston College
Nov. 8 at Florida State
Nov. 15 Duke
Nov. 22 at Virginia
Nov. 29 South Carolina


If they are able to get past Bama, they set themselves up well to be 5-0 before an open date and a trip to wake. GT will be tough, but they get them at home. BC will be a challenge in what should be a low scoring game in Massachusetts, and then the next week will be a challenge once again when they see the Noles. There is not likely to be a spot where Clemson is a dog of more than 4 all season...you've got to like how that shaped up for them. I think Clemson will lose 2, win the ACC, and find a spot in the BCS.

Enjoyed the reply Chandler.

I hope they lose them all but in reality I think they lose to Wake, BC, and maybe GT in conference. Other than those three, I hope the SEC represents and Bama and South Carolina beat them.

You are correct though, there schedule is set up nicely for them. I saw somewhere that their schedule was ranked 75th in the nation. NO SEC team is capable of playing that easy of a schedule. I would rather play the best 6 teams in the ACC rather than have to play the worst 6 teams in the SEC.

But, when we finally win the SEC it will only be that much sweeter. If we can only get to ATL!

[mofome]

I hope they lose them all but in reality I think they lose to Wake, BC, and maybe GT in conference. Other than those three, I hope the SEC represents and Bama and South Carolina beat them.

You are correct though, there schedule is set up nicely for them. I saw somewhere that their schedule was ranked 75th in the nation. NO SEC team is capable of playing that easy of a schedule. I would rather play the best 6 teams in the ACC rather than have to play the worst 6 teams in the SEC.

But, when we finally win the SEC it will only be that much sweeter. If we can only get to ATL!

Other conferences are very weak compared to the SEC, but the ACC is going to improve a lot in the next 3-4 years if the coaches stay put. Miami and UNC are going to be contenders in the league soon enough.

Ive got your SC squad 17th and my vols 11th....that should be another good one b/w Fulmer and the Old ball coach.

[chandler1981]

Yes, I think BD will improve the Heels greatly. Also, I appreciate the love for my boys and of course I gotta respect the Vols. I can't wait for the season and I think our game will be one of many GREAT SEC clashes this season. It can't get here soon enough.

I just hope our OL plays good enough to run our offense, and that our RB's are able to move the ball. I really like EJ as our DC. His "in your face" attitude should wake up our D, and I can only hope our OL gets a swagger that it takes to dominate a few games.

[mofome]

Yes, I think BD will improve the Heels greatly. Also, I appreciate the love for my boys and of course I gotta respect the Vols. I can't wait for the season and I think our game will be one of many GREAT SEC clashes this season. It can't get here soon enough.

I just hope our OL plays good enough to run our offense, and that our RB's are able to move the ball. I really like EJ as our DC. His "in your face" attitude should wake up our D, and I can only hope our OL gets a swagger that it takes to dominate a few games.

If you guys can get pressure out of your front 4, your defense will be tough. I really like what you guys have in the secondary. Also, with Brink back in the middle, SC should be a bit better against the run and its always better to have your leader on the field. Jasper is one of my favorite few players in the entire league.

NCST
Wofford
UAB
Ole Miss
Vandy

Those are 5 of their first 6 opponents; USC needs to start the season 5-1.

[gm2022]

lol

No Michigan. Ok. Guaranteed top 25 next season.

wow ill bet on even money they dont go above .500 7-6 would be great for them.

[5 star bomb]

Illini will be a top 10 team

[SECfan23]

Clemson hasent done what they "should" have done in a long time. They should win the ACC and they should only lose 2 games. But they will choke....and I will laugh. Bowdung will probably have a few meaningless injuries and blame the dissapointing season on that....history repeats itself.

[mofome]

Clemson hasent done what they "should" have done in a long time. They should win the ACC and they should only lose 2 games. But they will choke....and I will laugh. Bowdung will probably have a few meaningless injuries and blame the dissapointing season on that....history repeats itself.

Thats certainly a possibility.

[Dsethi]

Notre Dame #1

[mofome]

Notre Dame #1

We're not ranking the sexiest coaches in college football, we're ranking the teams.

[5 star bomb]

Notre Dame #1

HOMER

[Dsethi]

ND goin to the 'ship

[5 star bomb]

ND goin to the 'ship

Better watch out for Navy again this year.

[Dsethi]

Navy paid off 10 ND players

No big deal, we should have lost to them a couple years ago too

ND going undefeated

[mofome]

ND goin to the 'ship

an awful schedule will get them 7+ wins.

[pokernut9999]

Mo , we need to have a friendly wager on the Ga/Tenn game this year.

[Illusion]

What's your college team 5 star? I thought most Chicago guys (myself included) were Irish fans.

[5 star bomb]

What's your college team 5 star? I thought most Chicago guys (myself uncluded) were Irish fans.

Oh yeah ND is huge in Chicago but I have always hated them. I am a BIG TEN guy. I am a big Illini fan

[mofome]

Mo , we need to have a friendly wager on the Ga/Tenn game this year.

Count me in. We're up about 75 points on UGA over the last 2 seasons. Last year the vols only played their starters for about a half.

[pokernut9999]

Count me in. We're up about 75 points on UGA over the last 2 seasons. Last year the vols only played their starters for about a half.

The 1st half last year combined with the 2nd half the year before was as bad as I have ever seen Ga handled.

[mofome]

The 1st half last year combined with the 2nd half the year before was as bad as I have ever seen Ga handled.

hard to figure out what exactly has made that matchup so good for us, but our lines have dominated yous for some reason. UGA and TN will have the two best o-lines in the league this season, i think we're likely to see a healthy number of points scored in that game.

[Dsethi]

Notre Dame hates you too so it's all good

we goin to the 'ship

[mofome]

Notre Dame hates you too so it's all good

we goin to the 'ship

That's a lot to chew on. Give me a moment to log these thoughts and then I'll reconsider my opinions.