2010 College Football Top 25
A year removed from one of college football’s most exciting seasons ever, the landscape has never been more wide open. Approximately nine schools enter this season with a legitimate chance of playing in Glendale, Arizona, the site of the 2010 Bowl Championship Series title game, next January.
Leading the pack are the usual cast of characters: Oklahoma, Ohio State, Alabama, Virginia Tech and Florida; all with the talent to hoist the national championship trophy. But what makes this year special is that for the first time in the BCS era, a team outside the ‘system’ could actually win it all.
It has been 26 years since a team from a non-BCS conference (BYU in 1984) hoisted the championship trophy. This can be the year history repeats itself. TCU and Boise State, who are clamoring for a playoff system, are set to stake their claim as a national power this fall. Each has some road blocks, but if they manage to overcome them then this will be a season for the ages.
Two historic programs which had been on a downturn for nearly a decade are looking for big time comebacks in 2010. Both Nebraska and Miami, Fla, teased us last year, now its time for them to take the next step in the long road back towards respectability. The Husker and the Canes have the talent level and depth to mount a serious run at the title.
The dark horse this year could be USC. The Trojans will stay home this bowling season no matter how they do on the field because a plethora of NCAA sanctions, but they have the talent and moxie to run the table and finish undefeated (remember Auburn in 2004?) causing a nightmare scenario for the BCS committee.
1. Oklahoma Sooners
If history is used as a parameter, then this should be the year Bob Stoop hoists the not-so mythical national championship trophy. The sources of optimist are plenty in Norman. First, there’s of course, a historical background. The last time OU ended a season with five losses, in 1999, they went on to win the title the very next fall.
Second is the expected improvement of quarterback Landry Jones. The 6-foot-4 sophomore was thrown into the fire last season as a true freshman substituting for an injured Sam Bradford for most of the year. He had his moments, but he never seemed comfortable with the offense. That is until the Sun Bowl. He entered the game as second fiddle to Stanford’s Andrew Luck. But all he did was outplay the more highly regarded Cardinal signal caller with a record-breaking performance. Now, with a year under his belt, he should be much better, especially if the All American candidate Ryan Broyles continues his development as one of the nation’s top wide receivers.
The defense lost All Everything DT Gerald McCoy, but the line should be well manned by DE Jeremy Beal who led the team with 11 sacks last year. Supplementing him is one of the best linebackers units spearheaded by WLB Travis Lewis, another projected All American candidate.
Unlike last season, the 2010 schedule is more than manageable. They have a tough, early game against a perennial underachiever, this decade at least, Florida State (September 11th). But after that, the Sooners should be on cruise control. Both Cincinnati and Texas are in a rebuilding mode, so a 12-0 regular season is well within reach.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
Easily the class of a weak league, the Buckeyes are primed for more than ruling the Big Ten in 2010. Multi threat quarterback Terrelle Pryor will look to join the elite ranks, and possible win the Heisman and the national trophies along the way. He resurrected a somewhat lethargic career with a big Rose Bowl performance versus an athletic Oregon defense. Everyone knew he could run, but in Pasadena, he showed the country he can pass too. If he can sustain that momentum, OSU will be difficult to stop.
One thing to know about the Buckeyes is that they will always play tough defense. But unlike previous season, this version will relay more on athletic prowess than schemes and determination to shut down opponents. Safety Jermale Hines has a chance to be real good. In a reserve role last fall, the 6-1 senior made 57 tackles while picking up two passes. Now that he has the starting gig all by himself, the numbers should go up.
The heart and soul of OUS’s defense resides on the line. DE Cameron Heyward is flying high on many NFL draft boards. If fellow end, Nathan Williams, develops as Coach Jim Tressel hopes, the front will be difficult to handle.
Miami, Fla, is the only non-conference foe on the schedule that scares the Buckeyes. Dates with Wisconsin and Penn State are always tricky as does the annual meeting with Michigan. Yes, the Wolverines are down and almost out, but they have a dynamic offense and, after years of meritocracy, are primed for an upset.
2. Texas Christian University
The Horned Frogs, not Boise State, are the cream of the non-BCS conferences crop. They returns 54 lettermen and 17 starters from a team that finished 12-1 last season. QB Andy Dalton is as solid as they come. He will never put up eye-opening numbers, but another 2,756 yards, 23 TD campaign will be good enough for HC Gary Patterson’s dream of playing in the BCS title game. RB Matthew Tucker and WRs Jimmy Young and Jeremy Kerley have the ability to be difference makers every time they have the ball. To make matters worse for the Frogs’ competition, the offensive line, lead by center Jake Kirkpatrick, is poised to be among the best in the nation.
While the offense is good, the defense should be great. DE Wayne Daniels, MLB Tank Carder and roaming defensive lineman Braylon Broughton are three of the best players at their positions. Look for FS Tejay Johnson (3 INTs in 2009) to take a major leap this year.
Outside the opener against Oregon State, a very winnable contest, the schedule is manageable. If the defeat the Beavers and do not stumble against a scary Utah in early November, TCU should play for the national champion on January 10th.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
Any other reigning national champion with five potential All Americans candidates and a Heisman trophy winner returning would have been ranked number one in most polls. But ‘Bama plays on the always tough SEC which add extra pressure to any repeat attempt. On the plus side, Nick Seban’s club welcome back RB and Heisman winner, Mark Ingram (1,658 yards 17 TDs), a veteran QB, Greg McElroy, and the best lien outside Florida.
On the negative, the defense is in overhaul mode. The interior line is in flux with only DE Marcell Dareus, the Most Valuable Defensive Player in the BCS title game, as a possible game changer. The linebacker corps is in worse shape. WLB Nico Johnson sprained his MCL during spring practicing and MLB Don’t’a Hightower is coming off knee surgery, so the unit will need time to adjust. The secondary will feel the lost of S Robby Green (suspended for academic reasons). SS Mark Barron is a potential All American, but he can not cover the entire field by himself.
As always, the schedule looms large in Tuscaloosa. Besides their tangle with Florida, the Tide faces off against the always dangerous Penn State, the explosive Razorbacks of Arkansas and a dark horse to win the SEC, South Carolina. If Seban can pull out another undefeated season, 2010 would be his crowning coaching achievement.
4. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Husker Nation is back in full swing. It has been nine years since Nebraska football has been relevant to the college world. But the wait is over in Lincoln. The backbone of Nebraska’s comeback is a stud defense. DT Jared Crick may not be as dominant as the departed Ndamukong Suh, but he is more than adequate replacement. DE Pierre Allen is an underrated athlete who should flourish in 2010. Will Compton and Sean Fisher are solid as they come. The ‘Husker’s biggest asset is their secondary. That’s where cornerback Prince Amukamara made his living. The wild card on the backfield could be Alfonzo Dennard who played with abandon the second part of the 2009 campaign. With two possible shut down corners, teams will find it hard to throw against Nebraska.
QB Zac Lee returns as the starter, but his hold on the job is shaky at best. Pushing the limited Lee is sophomore Cody Green. Regardless which player is under center, expect the ‘Huskers to move towards a more dynamic offense. Last year’s unit finished a pedestrian 99th nationally in total offense. Something must be done and quickly. Look for more running plays out of a speedy backfield. RBs Roy Helu and Rex Burkhead have the ability to make plays outside the containment.
An improving Washington team (ask USC) and the always dangerous Texas are the only two road blocks before the Big XXII championship game.
5. Boise State Broncos
Twenty one (21) starters back, including a Heisman contender, one of the hottest coaches in the country and an underrated defense is the correct recipe for a title run. Everything thing starts with the quarterback. Junior Kellen Moore amazing two year run as a starter should continue in 2010. The offense he directs is filled with all conference playmakers. Leading the way are RBs Jeremy Avery (1,151 yards) and Doug Martin. The wide receivers are athletic and fast with Austin Pettis and Titus Young gaining much of the catches.
What sets Boise apart from the pass happy WAC is their defense. LBs Aaron Tevis and J.C. Percy are agile enough to cover the entire second level. Despite the loss of CB Kyle Wilson, the secondary could even be more productive this year. S Jeron Johnson is a potential All American and high NFL draft pick. The corners are well staked with Jerrel Gavins and Brandyn Thompson.
Head coach Chris Peterson is 49 and 4 in his four years at the helm of the Broncos which bold well for 2010, because never in his tenure has expectations being so high. So high in fact that nothing less than a BCS title run would be viewed as a disappointment. But if the Broncos managed to upset Virginia Tech in their opener, the Blue Express could well be on its way to fulfill them.
6. USC Trojans
One word, Auburn! In 2004 the Auburn Tigers were besiege by NCAA sanctions and believed to be in a emotional free fall. Instead, they went 13-0 running wild through the SEC. And by the end of the year they were arguable the best team in the land, outside this same Trojans.
This could be very well the case of USC this season. Talent, as always, is in abundance in Pasadena. QB Matt Barkley was impressive, despite mediocre numbers, as a true frosh starter last fall and after seeing him this spring where he looked more relaxed and in better control of the offense, a big year for him is more than a possibility, especially with quarterback guru Lane Kiffin running the show. RB Allen Bradford (5.8 ypr) should provide the outside running the team has become accustomed to have. The wide outs are young and inexperience but they are talented and capable of big plays in the open field, something the team has lacked the past two years despite having such a player as Damian Williams manning the position.
The defense should be much improved despite losing several key pieces. DTs Christian Tupou and Jurrel Casey are more than capable of taking over a game. The linebackers are set with Malsom Smith, Michael Morgan and Chris Galippo returning. The backend losses S Taylor Mays and the two corners, but the replacements, TJ Bryan, Shareece Wright and TJ McDonald, have all played extensively the past two years.
The PAC 10 is in a rebuilding mode this year so an undefeated season is very plausible.
7. Miami, Fla. Hurricanes
Miami put on a solid, 9-4, campaign last year in front of one of the toughest schedules in the country. The ‘U’, as Miami is commonly refer to, started the year facing four straight top 20 teams. They were 3-1 on those games. But that frenetic stretch may had been too much to cope because the ‘Canes struggled accentually in the second half. Still, the inspire play has many believing Miami will be back among the elite programs.
That believe is center on the figure of QB Jacory Harris. The 6-foot-4 gunslinger is poise to take a big leap forward in his second season as a full time starter. Nobody threw the deep ball better last fall than Harris and with a year under his belt, the rest of his game should be much improved. Damien Berry, who average 6.6 a carry, will give the team the home run threat they have not had since Frank Gore carried the football.
Miami returns eight starters on defense, including All-Conference defensive end Allen Bailey. The secondary is better-than-average with Brandon Harris being possible ‘The Next ‘Cane Great Corner’.
The biggest test for Miami will come on September 11th when they travel to Columbus for a match up of Top 10 teams. A win there, and Miami can actually claim that they are ‘BACK’.
8. Virginia Tech Hokies
A chic pick to win it all in 2010 mainly because of a deep and experience roster. It all starts on the backfield where senior QB Tyrod Taylor, who after two years struggling to find his grove, has become a solid, all around player. Even his passing has improved to the point where defenses had to respect it. But make no mistake about it VT is still a running team. RBs Ryan Williams, a potential All-ACC honoree, and Darren Evans, are two of the best backs in America. Opening holes for the backs is the best offensive line in the conference. OT Blake DeChristopher, OG Jaymes Brooks and the rest of the bunch are athletic enough to pull and strong enough to seal the inside.
It’s a deplete defense which probably will keep the Hokies out of the BCS championship game. This is not to say that there’s no talent around. In fact, this unit could be even more explosive than pass editions. The problem reside on a lack of experience and with a tough opening game against a high fly (Boise State) offensive club, there could be a problem.
9. Florida Gators
Winners of two (2006 & 08) of the last four national championships, the Gators enter 2010 on a rebuilding mode. Gone is arguable the best college football player of all time (Tim Tebow), one of the best TE in the country (Aaron Hernandez) and three quarters of the most athletic defense the school has seen in a decade. But not to worry, this is still Florida. Ultra competitive Head Coach, Urban Meyers has done an outstanding job recruiting.
Look for Meyers to feature the passing game more in 2010. Junior John Brantley is a more polish passer than Tebow. He lacks experience and Tebow’s unmatched competitiveness, but he is a better thrower. Don’t be surprise if the offense actually picks up this year. If WRs Frankie Hammond, Jr, Deonte Thompson and David Nelson can get open deep, Florida will light up the scoreboard.
The Gators defense is another matter with up to six new starters. The team will relay on DE Justin Trattou and S Ahmad Black to hold the proverbial fort before talented but inexperience youngsters such as DT Sharrif Floyd and DE Ronald Powell are ready to contribute.
Expectations are low in Gainesville this year so this is why this team can easily overachieve. They have the talent and desire to be the best. Its only experience which keeps them out of the top 5.
10. Texas Longhorns
‘Back to basics’, that’s the motto adopted by Head Coach Mack Brown as he prepares for the 2010 season. The concept ‘basis’ in Austin means going to the running game more until sophomore QB Garret Gilbert is ready to assume total control of the offense. Many are high on the talented Gilbert and with good reason. His performance late in the BCS title game could be an indication he is ready for the spotlight. If he is not, then the Longhorns will relay on RBs Tre’ Newton and Fozzy Whittaker. Defense will carry the day for Texas until the offense finds its identity. Corners Curtis Brown and Aaron Williams are solid as they come. The linebacker unit is young but with talent to spare.
Texas will make a run, but they are simply too inexperience to win it all.
11. Iowa Hawkeyes
Is there a better coach than Kirk Ferentz? Nobody does more with less than the Iowa head man. Last year may have been his best effort yet. Going 11-2, including wins over two (Penn State and Georgia Tech) top ten teams, with a roster deprived of top tier talent have to be considered a miracle. With 14 starters back, this year edition should be at least as solid, if not better.
QB Ricky Stanzi may not be a flashy playmaker but he gets the job done. He needs to cut down on his mistakes (15 INTs) for Iowa to remain viable on offense. The ground game should be better in ’10 thanks to the return of RB Jewel Hampton who missed 2009 with a torn ACL. His substitute, Adam Robinson (834 yards, 4.6 ypc) was just average with little breakaway speed to keep the defenses honest.
Speaking of defense, 8 of those 14 returnees are on that side of the ball. Leading the charge is All American candidate DEs Adrian Clayborn (11.5 sacks) and underrated Broderick Binns. Safety Tyler Sash anchors a deep secondary.
As good as this team could be the schedule probably prohibits anything more than 8 to 9 wins.
12. North Carolina Tar Heels
Same old story, great defense, a mediocre offense. DT Marvin Austin, end Robert Quinn, LBs Bruce Carter, Quan Sturdivant and S Deunta Williams are all NFL first round material. The rest of the unit is better than solid. The problem, and it is a big one, rest on the other side of the ball. QB TJ Yates, a marginal athlete with limited upside, lead an unimagined offense. Look for freshman Bryn Renner to take snaps, and the job eventually out of Yates’ hands.
If the offense can be at least functional, averring more than the pedestrian 23.8 ppg it average last season, HC Butch Davis and company will be playing for something bigger than a Meineke Car Bowl trophy, which by the way, they haven’t won it in two (2008 and 09) straight tries.
13. Oregon Ducks
The loss of its QB and offensive catalyst, Jeremiah Masoli, un-officially ended Oregon’s bid for a second straight PAC-10 title. Neither Nick Costa nor Darron Thomas are the playmaker Masoli is, so the offense is bound to take a step backward. While the passing attack may struggle, HC Chip Kelly can count of superb sophomore running back LaMichael James (1,546 yards, 6.7 ypc) to shoulder the load.
Defense will carry the Ducks in 2010. As unlikely at this may sound, the statement is probably true. Lead by LBs Spencer Paysinger and Casey Matthews, Oregon will be ball hawking team. The defensive line is big and strong while the secondary has the chance to be one of the best in the conference.
The schedule is not that tough. Tennessee is in virtual rebuilding mode, so is Arizona State. Road blocks include visits to USC and Washington as well the annual Civil War against the always unpredictable Oregon State.
14. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
This ranking is more a testament to new head coach Brian Kelly’s ability to quickly change fortunes than to anything the Irish project coming in 2010. Say what you want about departed HC Charlie Weis, but he did one thing very well: recruiting. ND offense is filled with top 50 prep standouts ready to take the stage. Tight end Kyle Rudolph and wide receiver Michael Floyd are two of the top playmakers in the nation. Rudolph, an All American candidate, has a chance to be the first TE drafted next April. The team will miss QB Jimmy Clausen. Incoming starter, Dayne Crist is above average but he did not seem to have Clausen’s swagger and flair for the dramatic. The backs are good, but not great. That label belongs to the offensive line. Dan Wenger, Trevor Robinson, Chris Stewart and Taylor Dever form what should be Notre Dame’s best O-line in a decade.
The short comings are on defense where the lack of size up front has forced the coaches to be creative. New defensive coordinator Robert Diaco will try to solve the ‘beef’ issue by moving players such as Lanne Clelland from tackle to end. The secondary does not lack size but they are flat footed.
On paper, ND has no business being ranked this high, but Kelly is that good, plus, the schedule is relative easy. If the defense can hold opponents to 24 points or less, the Irish can improve its win total from 6 to 8 or even 9.
15. Florida State Seminoles
Do not count the Seminoles in the same, ‘We are Back’ list as Nebraska and Miami. The hopes of FSU rest on quarterback Christian Ponder. And although he had a good season, a closer look at his performance reveled what he really is: a great athlete but a pedestrian passer with a mechanical-type release. The schedule does not help either. After what should be an easy win over Samford in the opener, head man Bobby Fisher and the Seminoles will travel to Norman to take the number one ranked Sooners. That game will set the pace for the rest of FSU season. A seven or eight win campaign is a nice beginning for Fisher and the new Seminole regime.
16. Auburn Tigers
A dark horse to make some noise in the ultra competitive SEC, the Tigers have the offense, if they can settle on a QB by August, and the defense to scare the big boys. No matter who is quarterbacking this team, they will be handling the ball to speedy RB Mario Fannin (8.4 ypc) early and often. The strength of the team is in the defense where linebacker Josh Baynes will continue to stamp his mark on the school history books. The schedule is manageable, within the parameters of the SEC. But to expect an improvement from a year ago (8 wins) with uncertainties at QB and DT, is too much to ask.
17. Georgia Bulldogs
Head coach Mark Richt is at a cross road entering his 10th year at the helm. He needs to rebuild a defense that allowed 25.9 ppg in 2009. Gone is the 4-3 alignment favored by former defensive coordinator Willie Martinez. New DC, Todd Grantham, quickly installed the 3-4 in oder use the strength of the unit, its linebackers. Justin Houston, a converted DE, should find the outside a more suitable place for his talents. The offense stands to be better thanks to the project play of new quarterback Logan Gary and the explosiveness of wide receiver A.J. Green.
Its have been eight long years since Georgia last won the SEC, but this could be the year they mount a serious run. The schedule is not that daunting with just one game (Florida) against a possible top 5 team.
18. South Carolina Gamecocks
If Stephen Garcia ever grows to be the quarterback Steve Spurrier thought he will be, the Gamecocks will become a powerhouse in the SEC. Quarterback play has been the only keeping this underrated program from making a big splash. The running game, ineffective for most of 2009, should make a comeback thanks to the addition of RB Marcus Lattimore, one of the nation’s top recruits. The schedule is loaded making it almost impossible for this team to improve on last year’s (7) win total.
19. Penn State Nittany Lions
This will be a very different Penn State team without the versatility of QB Daryll Clark. Sophomore Kevin Newsome has all the attributes to be a top notch signal caller. But he is inexperience, so in the beginning, looks for the Lions to hand the ball off early and often to tailback Evan Rosyter. With major losses among the defensive line (Jared Odrick) and linebacker corps (Navorro Bowman), PSU will have a difficult time stopping the run early and that can be problematic with a September visit to Iowa.
20. Pitt Panthers
Someone have to win the diluted Big East this year, so why not Pitt. Quietly but surely, coach Dave Wannstedt has built a winning and thriving program in Pittsburgh. Running back Dion Lewis is one of the nation’s best backs, as is wide out Jonathan Baldwin. The problem is Tino Sunseri will be throwing the football.
21. Arkansas Razorbacks
Ryan Mallet will try to make his case for being the first quarterback drafted next April. He leads a high octane offense which could set a numbers of SEC records before 2010 is over. Unfortunately, as prolific as the offense could be, the defense could allow even more yards than last year (401.8 ypg).
22. Wisconsin Badgers
Picked by many to content for the Big Ten title, Wisconsin is more of a marginal team than a serious title contender. QB Scot Tolzien did lead the league in passing efficiency, but most of his throws never made as far as the ten yard mark. This is strictly a running team, you stop RB John Clay (1,517 yards, 5.3 ypc) you stop the Badgers.
23. LSU Tigers
The Tigers are an interesting team to project. They have the talent to win the SEC, but for some reason they seems to lack chemistry. The offense had become too one dimensional, with the forward pass almost relegated. Much of the blame is on QB Jordan Jefferson, but Coach Les Miles is also at fault for producing a boring offensive schemes.
24. Stanford Cardinals
When all is set and done, Cardinals QB Andrew Luck may be the best offensive player in the nation. The 6-foot-4 gunslinger will have to throw the football more than he did in 2009 because of a suspect running attack. The defense is the club’s Achilles Heels.