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NCAA College Football Preseason Top Ten: 1-5
July 28, 2010 By John Skomra
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For you college football fans, the opening week is quickly approaching. Stadiums packed with 100,000 fans will once again rule Saturdays this fall.
A crazy off-season has lead to four memberships changes for the 2011 and 2012 season. The Colorado Buffaloes of the Big 12 and the Utes of Utah from the Mountain West announced in June their move to the PAC-10 Conference by 2011. WAC favorite Boise State will battle in the more competitive Mountain West Conference while Nebraska has agreed to move to the Big Ten. However, for the 2010 season, all teams will remain in their respected conferences.
Here is a look at the top five teams according the AP Poll:
1) Alabama is the preseason #1. They are coming off their BCS Championship win against Texas so it would make sense they remain in the top spot. However, that's not the main reason. Who they are bringing back is what puts them the heavy favorite going into 2010. With Heisman winner Mark Ingram and his crew including McElroy, Maze, Richardson, McClain, Jones and Barron, The ‘Tide offense is extremely well balanced and will give any defense nightmares. Tough games versus Penn State and Florida may give the Crimson Tide all they can handle but look for another perfect season this year. A top offense combined with a top-notch coach in Nick Saban and his highly talented recruiting, ‘Bama will inevitably be back in the BCS Championship Game.
2) The Long Horns of Texas have lost their star quarterback in Colt McCoy. But their future remains bright on the right arm of Garrett Gilbert. He was thrown into the national title game against a frenetic Alabama pass rush but proved to be brilliant in giving Texas a chance. Texas owns the best defensive backfield in the nation even with the loss of Earl Thomas to the NFL. Look for dynamic plays from their defense and continuous victories in the turnover battle to push Texas at a run to another National Title.
3) Cincinnati was no match for the Gators in last years Sugar Bowl. However, major losses of Florida personnel that made the Gators successful the past two year have brought worries to UF fans. But of all the things Urban Meyer does it, the best may be recruiting. So expect to see some serious talent from the squad from Gainesville this season. John Brantley is in line to follow in Tim Tebow ‘s shoes, which is a tall order to fill. However, with the SEC East taking a step back this season, look for Florida to be the favorite once again. With a quality set of top speed demons in the backfield and a great line upfront, Florida should have no problem scoring. Their major contest will be at Byrant-Denny Stadium as they battle top-ranked Alabama.
4) Boise State could be considered for the top spot in the nation. However, with no parity in the WAC, the Broncos have fell to the fourth in the country. This team did not lose anyone and have its star passer Kellen Moore back for his junior season. Two All-Conference receivers, an all-conference running back and an offensive line that led the nation in fewest sacks allowed are all back in 2010. The Broncos ‘weakness' - if you want to call it that - is their defense. Their opening matchup at Lane Stadium against the Hokies will prove to be their toughest test. Next year may be quite different as they battle in the more revered Mountain West Conference.
5) Arguably the deepest, fastest, and most efficient team in the nation this year is Ohio State. The AP Poll has placed them as number five but look for some big victories in highly competitive Big Ten this year to find them in the two or three spot. A strong running threat of Pryor, Saine and Herron along side tenacious defense anchored by Cameron Heyward will lead the Buckeyes this year. The passing attack has to step it up this year, as it was one of the lowest in the country last season. The offensive line is returning all four starters and hopefully will give time for an efficient air attack. The Buckeyes may find themselves in trouble if they are to fall behind. Another BCS bid seems probable but games against Miami and Wisconsin may prove to be costly if they are overlooked.
