3afan
08-01-2006, 07:19 AM
http://collegefootballnews.com/2006/Rankings/Preview2006_1_10.htm
5. Miami
Predicted Finish: 11-1 2005 Predicted Finish: 10-1 2005 Record: 9-3
Why Miami should be No. 1 ... The defense will once again be among the best in the nation with size, speed, and backups that would start for about 100 other teams. The safeties are among the best in Miami history with Brandon Meriweather and Kelly Phillips each deserving of All-America consideration and Anthony Reddick and Lovon Ponder more than good enough to step in without missing a beat. There isn't a deeper linebacking corps in the ACC. The defense will be among the best in the country, but ...
Why Miami isn't No. 1 ... ... Miami can't win every game if there are offensive issues like there were throughout last season. This year's team has enough talent to think about the national title, but there are just enough holes to keep it from happening with an offensive line that doesn't look to be appreciably better than last year's disaster and not enough overall skill level among the stars on offense to overcome the potential problems up front.
Relative Strengths: secondary, linebacker Relative Weaknesses: offensive line, backup quarterback
4. Oklahoma
Predicted Finish: 11-1 2005 Predicted Finish: 9-2 2005 Record: 8-4
Why Oklahoma should be No. 1 ... Adrian Peterson, Adrian Peterson, Adrian Peterson. The ultra-talented running back is the type of star good enough to carry the team on his back against a relatively average schedule. The defense should be among the best in America even though there aren't too many sure-fire, household name All-Americans. The pass rush should be unstoppable with too many good ends to get on the field at any one time.
Why Oklahoma isn't No. 1 ... After a down year, there are still too many question marks on the offensive line and with QB Rhett Bomar to assume it’ll be an easy run to a third championship game in four seasons. What happens when Peterson has 150 carries by midseason? If he goes down for any time, forget about a national title. 2007 is when the team should be truly ready to explode and become a juggernaut again.
Relative Strengths: running back, defensive line Relative Weaknesses: offensive line, special teams
3. Ohio State
Predicted Finish: 10-2 2005 Predicted Finish: 10-1 2005 Record: 10-2
Why Ohio State should be No. 1 ... QB Troy Smith should make the spread offense sing making big play after big play with his legs as well as his arm. The receivers are big, fast, and talented with Ted Ginn Jr. appearing to be ready to blossom into a superstar wideout. The backfield is full of talent with star freshman Chris Wells ready to push possible All-Big Ten runner Antonio Pittman. The line might be the best in the Jim Tressel's six years in Columbus with a world of talent, especially at tackle. There's no reason whatsoever to worry about the defensive back seven that has to replace all its starters. The line needs to come up with a steady pass rush, but that's nitpicking; All-America tackle Quinn Pitcock and the boys will be a rock against the run.
Why Ohio State isn't No. 1 ... It's one thing to look great in practice; it's another to be consistent under fire. The Buckeye defensive back seven will eventually be unbelievable, but how long is it going to take?
Relative Strengths: quarterback, offensive line Relative Weaknesses: defensive experience, linebacker
2. Texas
Predicted Finish: 10-2 2005 Predicted Finish: 8-3 2005 Record: 13-0
Why Texas should be No. 1 ... The backfield is loaded with talented backs, there's plenty of experience and next-level ability in the receiving corps, and the line will once again be among the best in the country despite losing All-Americans Jonathan Scott and Will Allen. The defensive cupboard is hardly bare with a tremendous end tandem of Tim Crowder and Brian Robison sure to be among the best in the country and more than enough talent in the back seven to fill up the All-Big 12 team.
Why Texas isn't No. 1 ... Oh yeah, quarterback. If Jevan Snead and Colt McCoy can be merely adequate, the Longhorns could be back in the national title game. However, neither appear to have anywhere near the magical quality Vince Young possessed.
Relative Strengths: offensive line, running back Relative Weaknesses: quarterback, backup linebacker
1. USC
Predicted Finish: 11-1 2005 Predicted Finish: 12-0 2005 Record: 12-1
Why USC is No. 1 ... You're forgetting what a recruiting factory USC is. If John David Booty's back isn't ready and he can't take over for Matt Leinart, Mark Sanchez (with his legal troubles behind him) will step in and be a star. Reggie Bush and LenDale White are out, Chauncey Washington, who's finally academically eligible, and true freshmen Emmanuel Moody and Stafon Johnson, are in. Star receiver Dwayne Jarrett is currently ineligible, but he's supposed to be back by the start of the season. If not, no biggie. Steve Smith returns to join NFL-caliber freshman Vidal Hazelton along with veterans Chris McFoy and Patrick Turner. Those are only the high profile players. The second team linebackers and safeties would start for at least 100 other teams. The offensive line should be solid and the pass rush will be tremendous.
Why USC shouldn't be No. 1 ... Matt, Reggie and LenDale were all-timers. You don't just replace three of the greatest college players of all-time, do you? There's still a question about the overall experience while the secondary has to rebound after a underwhelming 2005. Miami also thought it could simply reload after 2002.
Relative Strengths: receiver, linebacker Relative Weaknesses: secondary, special teams
5. Miami
Predicted Finish: 11-1 2005 Predicted Finish: 10-1 2005 Record: 9-3
Why Miami should be No. 1 ... The defense will once again be among the best in the nation with size, speed, and backups that would start for about 100 other teams. The safeties are among the best in Miami history with Brandon Meriweather and Kelly Phillips each deserving of All-America consideration and Anthony Reddick and Lovon Ponder more than good enough to step in without missing a beat. There isn't a deeper linebacking corps in the ACC. The defense will be among the best in the country, but ...
Why Miami isn't No. 1 ... ... Miami can't win every game if there are offensive issues like there were throughout last season. This year's team has enough talent to think about the national title, but there are just enough holes to keep it from happening with an offensive line that doesn't look to be appreciably better than last year's disaster and not enough overall skill level among the stars on offense to overcome the potential problems up front.
Relative Strengths: secondary, linebacker Relative Weaknesses: offensive line, backup quarterback
4. Oklahoma
Predicted Finish: 11-1 2005 Predicted Finish: 9-2 2005 Record: 8-4
Why Oklahoma should be No. 1 ... Adrian Peterson, Adrian Peterson, Adrian Peterson. The ultra-talented running back is the type of star good enough to carry the team on his back against a relatively average schedule. The defense should be among the best in America even though there aren't too many sure-fire, household name All-Americans. The pass rush should be unstoppable with too many good ends to get on the field at any one time.
Why Oklahoma isn't No. 1 ... After a down year, there are still too many question marks on the offensive line and with QB Rhett Bomar to assume it’ll be an easy run to a third championship game in four seasons. What happens when Peterson has 150 carries by midseason? If he goes down for any time, forget about a national title. 2007 is when the team should be truly ready to explode and become a juggernaut again.
Relative Strengths: running back, defensive line Relative Weaknesses: offensive line, special teams
3. Ohio State
Predicted Finish: 10-2 2005 Predicted Finish: 10-1 2005 Record: 10-2
Why Ohio State should be No. 1 ... QB Troy Smith should make the spread offense sing making big play after big play with his legs as well as his arm. The receivers are big, fast, and talented with Ted Ginn Jr. appearing to be ready to blossom into a superstar wideout. The backfield is full of talent with star freshman Chris Wells ready to push possible All-Big Ten runner Antonio Pittman. The line might be the best in the Jim Tressel's six years in Columbus with a world of talent, especially at tackle. There's no reason whatsoever to worry about the defensive back seven that has to replace all its starters. The line needs to come up with a steady pass rush, but that's nitpicking; All-America tackle Quinn Pitcock and the boys will be a rock against the run.
Why Ohio State isn't No. 1 ... It's one thing to look great in practice; it's another to be consistent under fire. The Buckeye defensive back seven will eventually be unbelievable, but how long is it going to take?
Relative Strengths: quarterback, offensive line Relative Weaknesses: defensive experience, linebacker
2. Texas
Predicted Finish: 10-2 2005 Predicted Finish: 8-3 2005 Record: 13-0
Why Texas should be No. 1 ... The backfield is loaded with talented backs, there's plenty of experience and next-level ability in the receiving corps, and the line will once again be among the best in the country despite losing All-Americans Jonathan Scott and Will Allen. The defensive cupboard is hardly bare with a tremendous end tandem of Tim Crowder and Brian Robison sure to be among the best in the country and more than enough talent in the back seven to fill up the All-Big 12 team.
Why Texas isn't No. 1 ... Oh yeah, quarterback. If Jevan Snead and Colt McCoy can be merely adequate, the Longhorns could be back in the national title game. However, neither appear to have anywhere near the magical quality Vince Young possessed.
Relative Strengths: offensive line, running back Relative Weaknesses: quarterback, backup linebacker
1. USC
Predicted Finish: 11-1 2005 Predicted Finish: 12-0 2005 Record: 12-1
Why USC is No. 1 ... You're forgetting what a recruiting factory USC is. If John David Booty's back isn't ready and he can't take over for Matt Leinart, Mark Sanchez (with his legal troubles behind him) will step in and be a star. Reggie Bush and LenDale White are out, Chauncey Washington, who's finally academically eligible, and true freshmen Emmanuel Moody and Stafon Johnson, are in. Star receiver Dwayne Jarrett is currently ineligible, but he's supposed to be back by the start of the season. If not, no biggie. Steve Smith returns to join NFL-caliber freshman Vidal Hazelton along with veterans Chris McFoy and Patrick Turner. Those are only the high profile players. The second team linebackers and safeties would start for at least 100 other teams. The offensive line should be solid and the pass rush will be tremendous.
Why USC shouldn't be No. 1 ... Matt, Reggie and LenDale were all-timers. You don't just replace three of the greatest college players of all-time, do you? There's still a question about the overall experience while the secondary has to rebound after a underwhelming 2005. Miami also thought it could simply reload after 2002.
Relative Strengths: receiver, linebacker Relative Weaknesses: secondary, special teams