1. Georgia
This team's got the whole package. Knowshon Moreno is an All-American back, and Matthew Stafford, talent-wise, is being mentioned as a top five draft pick. Stafford, however, has not always lived up to his full potential. Now would be the time to unleash that golden arm of his, with plenty of talent around him to distribute the ball to.
Georgia has a typical strong, fast SEC defense anchored by tackle Jeff Owens. Unfortunately, the schedule is brutal, so even being the most talented team may not be enough for the Bulldogs.
The home slate is tough but manageable, but it isn't between the hedges that Georgia should worry about. The Dogs visit one of the better Arizona State teams in years early in the season, and after October 18 have four straight tough games away from home.
If they survive this schedule unscathed, I would give Georgia the championship without actually playing the title game.
2. Oklahoma
Oklahoma often played like the best team in the country last season, and I expect them to continue that play with more consistency this year. Sam Bradford is the most accurate passer in the country, and he is joined in the backfield by Demarco Murray, who is quite frankly a class up from last season's leading rusher Allen Patrick.
There's no more Curtis Lofton to anchor the defense, but Oklahoma has never had trouble replacing linebackers, and I don't expect that to change.
The toughest test will always be Texas, but this year the Longhorns are far from the only obstacle. The Sooners travel to A&M, and although Texas Tech comes to Norman, this is definitely not the typical Red Raider team.
Still, the Sooners will be the best team on the field the entire season—it is up to them to play like it.
3. USC
For once, a Trojan team is more proven on the defensive side of the ball. Even in the offensive-minded Pac-10, teams should have trouble moving the ball on this unit led by linebackers Brian Cushing and Ray Maualuga.
There is just as much talent on offense, but no one worthy of the title of star...yet. Mark Sanchez will be the starting quarterback. Talent-wise, he is better than above-average-but-nothing-more quarterback John David Booty—we'll see if he plays better.
I believe Joe McKnight needs to assert himself as the true starting tailback if this team is to succeed, instead of the by committee system they had going. The Trojans feature plenty of underachieving, potentially All-American receivers too.
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6 months ago
Big 12 has 3 teams in top 10, with Missou pounding hard at the door. Now, tell me again why the Big 12 is not the best (or second-best) conference in the NCAA?
6 months ago
Good point. Mizzou would probably be my #11 and Kansas and A&M are also top 25. I'm ready for the SEC to finally shut up. Props to the big 12 from a big 10 fan
from 6 months ago
Re "Props to the big 12 from a big fan" of lowly Baylor, Oklahoma State, Colorado, Iowa State, yesteryear Nebraska, one-trick pony Texas, johnny-come-lately K-State, Texas A&M, ya-da, ya-da, ya-da. The only problem with teams in preseason polls is that they have to perform on the field. Let's wait until after the season to count our Big 12 chickens. In the meantime, rock on to the best NCAA athletic conference on this planet...SEC.
6 months ago
Roger - Big 12 has 3 teams in top 10, with Missou pounding hard at the door.Now, tell me again why the Big 12 is not the best (or second-best) conference in the NCAA?
Because this is a preseason poll. They still have to play the 08 season. DUH!!!! SEC is rock solid, before, during and after the season is over!
6 months ago
If Alabama beats Clemson will you drop them out of the Top 10 since that is an out of conference game?
5 months ago
If Georgia remains healthy, count on them playing in the title game. Speed, defense, offense, veterans, experience....power running back, veteran QB, wide out weapons arsenal.....need you say more
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