College Football Insider

CFB Insider 2006 All-Americans

2006-07-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

1st Team Offense

QB - Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
- The "Golden Boy" looks to lead the Golden Domers back to college football prominence.

RB - Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
- Simply put, Peterson is the best player in the nation.

RB - Marshawn Lynch, California
- The top back on the west coast headlines an explosive Cal offense.

WR - Dwayne Jarrett, USC
- With the exodus of Leinart, Bush, and White, Dwayne Jarrett is now the main weapon in the Trojan offense.

WR - Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
- Can dominant a game from the receiver position like no one else.

TE- Zach Miller, Arizona St.
- A real threat in the Sun Devils passing game.

C- Dan Mozes, West Virginia
- Mozes will continue to open up holes for Pate White and Steve Slaton.

T- Sam Baker, USC
- The top lineman on possibly the nation’s best line.

T- Justin Blalock, Texas
- The Longhorn tackle has started 38 straight games.

G- Will Arnold, LSU
- Arnold will be the leader of the Tigers retooled offensive line.

G- Mike Jones, Iowa
- Will be the key to the Hawkeyes promising offensive line.

K- Mason Crosby, Colorado
- Made five kicks from 50 yards or beyond last year.

KR- Ted Ginn Jr., Ohio St.
- Inherits the throne of "most electrifying player in the nation" from Reggie Bush.

CFB 2006 All-Americans

2006-07-13T12:53:00.000-07:00

1st Team Defense

DE-Lawerence Jackson, USC

DE-Quinton Adams, Georgia

DT-Brandon Mebane, California

DT-Justin Harrell, Tennessee

LB-Paul Posluszny, Penn State

LB-Patrick Willis, Ole Miss

LB-Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma

CB-Daymeion Hughes, California

CB-Leon Hall, Michigan

S-LaRon Landry, LSU

S-Brandon Meriweather, Miami

P-Mike Hughes, San Diego St.

PR-Rafael Little, Kentucky

Northwestern coach Randy Walker dead at 52

2006-06-30T00:25:00.000-07:00

Northwestern head football coach Randy Walker died Thursday night of an apparent heart attack, the school announced early Friday. Walker was 52.

Walker came to Northwestern in 1999, after 9 years at Miami(Ohio). At Northwestern, Walker compiled a record of 37-46, and guided the Wildcats to a share of the 2000 Big Ten title. Walker was the first Northwestern coach to lead the team to four seasons with at least six wins since C.M. Hollister in 1899-1902.

Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Tammy, and his two children, Abbey and Jamie," Northwestern athletic director Mark Murphy said in a statement released by the school. "This is a devastating loss, not only for our athletic program, but for the entire Northwestern community. Randy truly embraced Northwestern and its mission, and cared deeply for his student-athletes, both on and off the field."

Northwestern will hold a news conference Friday at 10 a.m. ET.

Recruiting Update

2006-06-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

Saint Bonaventure HS(CA) tight end Blaine Irby has commited to play football for Texas. Irby, one of the top players in California chose Texas over Arizona St. Irby is the 22nd committment for the Longhorns.

Don't Miss: 2006 Top Games

2006-06-19T16:06:00.000-07:00

1. Notre Dame at USC, Nov.25th
- After last year's game for the ages, The Trojans and Irish and will meet in Los Angeles for an encore with possible national championship aspirations on the line.

2. Ohio St. at Texas, Sept. 9th
- Last year's national champs face off against this year's favorite in Austin. Just like last year's game the winner will be thrust to the head of the BCS race.

3. LSU at Auburn, Sept. 16th
- The two top teams in the SEC west, and quite possibly the two best teams in the entire SEC square off at Jordan-Hare. The winner will be in the driver's seat for the SEC west crown.

4. Texas at Oklahoma(in Dallas),Oct. 7th
- Don't forget Mack Brown has only beat Bob Stoops twice. But after watching Texas win last year's national championship the pressure will be on Oklahoma to regain supremacy in this bitter rivalry.

5. Michigan at Ohio State, Nov. 18th
- After last year's disappointing season, and losses to Ohio St. 4 out of the last 5 year's Lloyd Carr will need a win against the rival Buckeyes to keep the Michigan faithful happy.

6. LSU at Florida, Oct. 7th
- Battle of two of the most talented teams in the SEC. Could be a preview of the SEC championship game.

7. Nebraska at USC, Sept. 9th
- This is one of the first statement games of the college football season. If the Trojans win the rest of the nation will be put on alert. If the Cornhuskers can pull off the upset they will re-emerge as a contender on the national scene.

8. Florida St. at Miami, Sept. 4th
- The ACC's top 2 teams face off in front of a national television audience on Monday night. Should be interesting to see how Miami adapts to six new assistant coaches.

9. Oklahoma at Oregon, Sept. 16th
- The Ducks will look for revenge when the Sooners come to Autzen. If the Ducks can pull off the upset they will be a legitimate title contender.

10. West Virginia at Louisville, Nov. 2nd
- West Virginia's only tough game of the year. If the Mountaineers can get past Louisville on the road they should go undefeated.

11. Florida at Florida State, Nov. 26th
- After getting embarassed by the new kid on the block(Meyer) 34-7, Bobby Bowden and the Seminoles will be looking to make a statement this year against the Gators. Both teams could enter the game with national championship in their sights.

12. Virginia Tech at Miami, Nov.4th
- Virginia Tech comes into the year with some questions, especially at quarterback. And Miami has brought in six new assistant coaches, but the winner of this game should still win the Coastal Division of the ACC.

13. Texas at Nebraska, Oct. 21st
- Nebraska appears to be a team on the rise. And Texas will once again compete for the national championship. This game could be a preview of the Big 12 championship.

14. Ohio St. at Iowa, Sept. 30th
- Iowa returns 16 starters from last year's 7-5 team and should give the Buckeyes a real run for the Big 10 title.

15. Georgia at Auburn, Nov. 11th
-In one of last year's most memorable games, Auburn pulled off a 31-30 win over the Bulldogs in Athens. This year's game should be just as exciting.

16. Michigan at Notre Dame, Sept. 16th
- A week after facing Penn State, the Irish play host to another tough Big 10 opponent in South Bend. An early win against the Irish will take some pressure off of Michigan coach Lloyd Carr.

17. CAL at USC, Nov. 18th
- The top matchup in the Pac-10 in the last few year's has been Cal against USC. This year's game at the Coliseum should be no different.

18. Alabama at Auburn, Nov. 18th
- This classic SEC rivalry has created some of the best moments in college football history. This year's game will live up to the hype.

19. Penn St. at Ohio State, Sept. 23rd
- A classic Big 10 matchup. The Nittany Lions will provide one of the toughest challenges in the Buckeye's quest for a national championship.

20. South Carolina at Florida, Nov. 11th
- When the "Ol' Ball Coach" returns to Gainesville the "Swamp" will be rockin'. This game has all the ingredients to become an instant classic.

21. Cal at Tennessee, Sept. 2nd
- In one of the most intriguing games of the year Cal travels to Neyland Stadium to take on the Vols. The contrasting styles of play should make for a great game.

22. Arizona St. at USC, Oct. 14th
- If anyone in the Pac 10 is going to dethrone SC, which we don't see happening, Arizona State with its potent offense may have the best chance.

23. Tennessee at Georgia, Oct. 7th
- After last year's disappointing year, a win on the road against SEC rival Georgia would re-establish Tennessee as an SEC East power.

24. Penn St at Notre Dame, Sept. 9th
- Both teams returned to glory last year, and after great recruiting classes both will look to sustain their success in the future. The Nittany Lions will have to play a great game to upset the Irish.

25. Clemson at Florida State, Sept. 16th
- Tommy Bowden may have his best team since arriving at Clemson. This year's Bowden bowl will determine the top team in the Atlantic Division of the ACC.

Next Best
Miami at Louisville, Florida at Georgia, Oregon at Cal,

*Do you agree with our rankings, or did we miss the mark? Let us know what you think. Post a comment or email us at cfbinsider@gmail.com Voice your opinion.

Weekly Roundup

2006-06-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

Schedule Update

- Oklahoma and Miami have agreed to play a home-and-home series in '07 and '09. The Sooners will host Miami in Norman, Oklahoma on Sept. 8th, 2007. The Sooners will travel to Miami to play the Hurricanes Sept. 12th, 2009.

- Nebraska and UCLA have finalized a home-and-home series for 2012-13. The Bruins will host the Corhuskers at the Rose Bowl on Sept. 8th, 2012, and the Bruins will travel to Lincoln to face the Cornhuskers on Sept. 14th, 2013.

News and Notes
UCLA and Nebraska have agreed to a two-year, home-and-home series. UCLA will host the Cornhuskers at the Rose Bowl on Sept. 8th, 2012. The Bruins will travel to Lincoln to play the Cornhuskers on Sept. 14th, 2013...Notre Dame WR Jeff Samardzija agreed to a 5 year contract with the Chicago Cubs worth up to $7.25 million. Samardzija went 8-2 with a 4.33 ERA this year as a starting pitcher for the Irish...Thomas Clayton, Kansas State's leading rusher has been suspended for the season opener against Illinois St..Clayton was convicted on a misdemeanor battery charge...USC WR Dwayne Jarrett violated NCAA rules by not paying enough rent for an apartment that he shared with teammate Matt Leinart. Jarrett has been declared ineligible and must apply for reinstatement with the NCAA before he can play this season...Arkansas will install new field turf at Memorial Stadium for the upcoming season. The new turf will replace the AstroPlay turf that was installed just four years ago...Former Iowa St. quarterback Chris Love died of cancer Wednesday in Houston. Love lettered for Iowa St. in 2003 and 2004 and had 5 career touchdown passes. Love was 24.

Recruiting Watch
Saint Bonaventure HS (CA) tight end Blaine Irby is one of the top TE in the west and has received offers from Texas, Michigan, UCLA, CAL and Arizona St. among others. Irby will make his choice this week and is expected to chose between Arizona St. and Texas.

Oaks Christian HS (CA) safety Marshall Jones committed to USC. Jones, the top rated safety in the west follows teammate Marc Tyler, who committed to the Trojans last week.

Recruiting Update: Tyler is a Trojan

2006-06-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

Oaks Christian HS (CA) Tailback Marc Tyler has committed to USC. Tyler, regarded as the top back in California chose USC over Notre Dame. Tyler will make his choice official tomorrow on ESPNU at 4:05et. USC also received a commitment from DE Michael Reardon of Orange Lutheran HS (CA)

Top 10 College Football Uniforms

2006-06-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

1. Michigan
- No uniform is as recognizable as the maize and blue of Michigan

2. Notre Dame
- Notre Dame's helmets, painted by students symbolize the tradition and history of college football.

3. Penn St.
- The Nittany Lions uniforms are as classic and old school as Joe Paterno.

4. Ohio St.
- The scarlet and gray uniforms of Ohio St. and helmets filled with leaf decals are some of the best ever. Buckeye fans have been rightfully angered at the unveiling of new uni's for the 2006-07 season

5. USC
- Since changing back to their retro uniforms the Trojans have been nearly unbeatable.

6. Texas
- The Texas white uniforms may be the best looking in college football.

7. Alabama
- Nothing represents southern football like Bear Bryant and the Bama helmets.

8. LSU
- The purple and gold colors, first worn by LSU in 1893, gives the Tigers a very distinctive look.

9. Nebraska
- The Cornhuskers scarlet jersey's and white helmet with the "N" are simple and stylish.

10. UCLA
- The Bruins powder blue and gold is the perfect contrast to the Trojans cardinal and gold.

Honorable Mention: Oklahoma, Florida St., Air Force, Auburn, Ole Miss, Arkansas, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Cal

Bottom 10: Oregon, Arizona St., San Diego St., Hawaii, Iowa St., Indiana, Marshall, East Carolina, Illinois, Minnesota

*Do you agree with our rankings, or did we miss the mark? Let us know what you think. Post a comment or email us at cfbinsider@gmail.com Voice your opinion.

Weekly Roundup

2006-06-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

News and Notes

Notre Dame safety Tom Zbikowski knocked out Robert Bell in 49 seconds in his professional boxing debut at Madison Square Garden...USC quarterback Mark Sanchez has been reinstated to the team after all sexual assault charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence...Iowa quarterback Drew Tate sunk a hole-in-one at a charity golf tournament, and was entitled to the prize of $25,000 towards the purchase of a car. But NCAA Rules kept Tate from accepting the money...Tennessee quarterback Jim Bob Cooter was suspended indefinitely after being picked up by police for drunk-driving...Alabama safety Chris Keys has been dismissed from the team by coach Mike Shula for violating team rules...Miami quarteback prospect Daniel Stegall has decided to put his college football career on hold. And has instead signed a contract with the New York Mets... Texas quarterback Colt McCoy saved the life of his neighbor Ken Herrington. Herrington was having a seizure in his backyard, when McCoy heard the commotion and swam 300-yards across a lake and flagged down emergency crews. Herrington spent a week in the hospital before returning home.

Recruiting Watch

Oaks Christian High School(CA) RB, Marc Tyler is expected to make his college choice this week. USC, Notre Dame and Tennessee are three schools still in the running. Considered by most as the top back in California, Tyler is said to be leaning towards the Trojans, but with teammate Jimmy Clausen already committed to Notre Dame, fans of both teams will be sweating it out.

Home Sweet Home: college football's top stadiums

2006-05-31T17:13:00.000-07:00

1. Neyland Stadium (Tennessee)
Built: 1921
Capacity: 104,079

- The third largest stadium in all of college football, perfectly situated along the Tennessee River. Vol fans arrive hours before kickoff to enjoy the festivities and tailgating. Once inside this massive stadium you are greeted by the sounds of the Pride of the Southland Band playing Rocky Top and 104,079 screaming fans.

Good day to be in the stands... Nov. 14, 1998 In front of 106,365 stunned Tennessee fan's the Arkansas Razorbacks led the no.1 ranked Vols 24-22, with just 1:43 to play and possession of the ball. It looked as if the Razorbacks were poised to pull of the upset. But then the Razorbacks quarterback Clint Stoermer tripped and fumbled. The Vols recovered, went on to win the game and the national championship.

2. Notre Dame Stadium (Notre Dame)
Built: 1930
Capacity: 80,232

-Home to the Irish program that boasts 11 national championships, seven Heisman Trophy winners, and legends like Knute Rockne, the Four Horsemen, and George Gipp. Notre Dame Stadium has a mystique that is unparalleled in college football. Notre Dame fans from around the nation arrive in South Bend to enjoy the wonderful setting and historical sites like the Grotto, Golden Dome, and Touchdown Jesus.

Good day to be in the stands... Oct.15, 1988 Emotions were high in South Bend when the defending national champion Miami Hurricanes came calling. After getting into a pre-game fight in the tunnel, the two teams battled to the bitter end. Scoring a touchdown to pull within 1 point with 45 seconds to play, the Hurricanes missed a two-point conversion and the Irish prevailed 31-30. With the victory the Irish ended the Hurricane's 16-game winning streak.

3. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (Florida)
Built: 1930
Capacity: 90,000

- Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is better known as "The Swamp". Given its name by legendary coach Steve Spurrier, "The Swamp" maybe the most intimidating place in the nation for opposing teams to play. Combine the heat and humidity with possibly the loudest crowd in college football and many visiting teams have cracked under the pressure.

Good day to be in the stands... Nov.22, 1997 After winning the national championship the previous year. Florida entered the game against rival Florida St., with two losses and no shot at the SEC championship. But that didn't stop the Gators from spoiling the Seminoles chances for a national championship. Gator running back Fred Taylor scored his fourth touchdown late in the fourth quarter to hand the Seminoles their only loss of the season.

4. Michigan Stadium (Michigan)
Built: 1927
Capacity: 107,501

- Michigan Stadium, dubbed "The Big House" by legendary announcer Keith Jackson is one of the most recognizable stadiums in all of sports. Since it was built in 1927 over 35 million fans have packed Michigan Stadium. Including 170 consecutive crowds of at least 100,000.

Good day to be in the stands... Nov. 22, 1969 In Bo Schembechler's first year as head coach at Michigan, the 17-point underdog Wolverines shocked rival Ohio St. by pulling off a 24-12 win in front of 103,588 delighted fans. The Michigan victory snapped the Buckeye's 22-game winning streak.

5. Kyle Field (Texas A&M)
built: 1929
Capacity: 82,600

- There is no crowd like a Texas A&M crowd. When the Aggies score a touchdown the fans have a unique way of celebrating, they snuggle up to their date and make out. And that is not even the best part of being an Aggie fan. At A&M the fans really are The 12th Man. Every year students try out to become a member of the kickoff coverage team. The A&M student that makes the team wears jersey number 12 in honor of the Aggie fans.

Good day to be in the stands... Nov. 9, 2002 The Aggies pulled off a remarkable upset over the top ranked Oklahoma Sooners. Trailing 10-0, freshman quarterback Reggie McNeal took over the game. Throwing four touchdown passes and leading the Aggies to a 30-26 victory at Kyle Field.

6. Tiger Stadium (LSU)
Built: 1924
Capacity: 91,600

-There are few things in college football as exciting and intense as a Saturday night in "Death Valley." After spending all day tailgating on the beautiful LSU campus, Tiger fans are ready to rock by kickoff. And rock they do, so much in fact that in a 1988 game against Auburn the crowd noise registred as a tremor on a LSU Geology Department seismograph.

Good day to be in the stands...Oct.31, 1959 On Halloween, Billy Cannon and the LSU Tigers handed Ole Miss their only loss of the season, 7-3. With his 89 yard punt return in the 4th quarter Cannon not only won the game, but the Heisman as well. The thrilling victory dashed the Rebels hopes for a national championship. And made Cannon an instant legend.

7. Camp Randall (Wisconsin)
Built: 1917
Capacity: 80,000

- Wisconsin games have a party atmosphere that you can only find in Camp Randall. Camp Randall may take the crown for best student section in any college stadium. The Badger fans have such a good time at games that they stick around for the traditional "5th Quarter," in which fans sing and dance as the band performs stadium classics like "On Wisconsin."

Good day to be in the stands... Nov.13, 1999 A great day to be a Badger fan. In a 41-3 blowout of Iowa, the Badger's offense gained over 600 yards. 271 yards of which belonged to Ron Dayne. With the 271 rushing yards Dayne passed Ricky Williams as the NCAA's all-time leading rusher. The victory also secured Wisconsin's second straight Rose Bowl appearance.

8. Memorial Stadium (Nebraska)
Built: 1923
Capacity: 74,031

- Cornhusker fans hold the NCAA record for most consecutive sell outs. The Huskers have sold out every game since 1962. Memorial Stadium erupts on Saturdays as the Huskes do their traditional "Tunnel Walk" before kickoff. And the intensity at Memorial Stadium last til the final whistle. Following hard fought games the Cornhusker fans have been known to stay and respectfully appluad their opponent as they exit the field.

Good day to be in the stands... Nov.11, 1978 Having never beaten rival Oklahoma in his first five years as Nebraska head coach, Tom Osborne came into the 1978 matchup with something to prove. And prove himself he did. Facing the no.1 ranked Sooners led by Billy Simms, the Nebraska defense forced nine fumbles and recovered six. Including the recovery of a Simms fumble at the 3-yard line by Jim Pillen to preserve the Huskers 17-14 win. This marked Tom Osborne's first win over rival Oklahoma and head coach Barry Switzer.

9. Ohio Stadium (Ohio St.)
Built: 1922
Capacity: 101,568

- Ohio Stadium is more popularly known as "The Horseshoe" because of its unique horseshoe structure. With crowds as large as 103,432 the Buckeyes enjoy a home field advantage like few others. And with traditions like the dotting of the "i" in ohio, performed by "The Best Damn Band in the Land ," the pageantry on a Saturday in Columbus is hard to top.

Good day to be in the stands... Nov.23, 2002 In another epic game between two of college football's most bitter rivals. The Ohio St. Buckeyes escaped with a narrow victory over the Michigan Wolverines 14-9. Buckeye cornerback Will Allen intercepted a pass in the endzone as the clock expired to seal the Buckeye win. With the victory the Buckeyes went on to play and beat Miami for the national championship.

10. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (USC)
Built: 1923
Capacity: 92,000

- When it comes to big games the Coliseum never disappoints. The Southern California sun shines down on the Peristyle. The Spirit of Troy Marching Band blasts "Conquest." Tommy Trojan and his majestic white horse, Traveler roams the Trojan sidelines. And who can forget the Song Girls in their tight white sweaters. Only in Hollywood can you have such a perfect scene.

Good day to be in the stands... Nov. 30, 1974 The Irish came into the Coliseum and quickly jumped out to a 24-0 lead. With six seconds left before the half Trojan tailback, Anthony Davis scored a seemingly meaningless touchdown. Davis then opened the second half by returning the kickoff 102 yards for another touchdown. The Trojans proceeded to score 41 more unanswered points. When the dust cleared the Trojans had scored 55 unanswered points in 17 minutes in one of the biggest swings of momentum in the history of sports.

College Football's Leading Men

2006-05-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

1. Pete Carroll, USC
- In 5 years at USC Pete Carroll's resume includes 2 National Championships, 4 BCS Bowl appearances, 3 Heisman Trophy winners and a 34 game win-streak. Oh and he is the games best recruiter. Any questions ???

2. Mack Brown, Texas
- Everyone knew he could recruit and after last years Rose Bowl win over USC, everyone now realizes he can coach. With Brown at the helm, Texas will compete for the National Championship from here on out. The only remaining question is can Brown win a National Championship without Vince Young?

3. Bob Stoops, Oklahoma
- With his trademark toughness Stoops has lead the Sooners to 3 BCS Championship Games, 3 Big XII Championships, 1 National Championship and winning percentage of .824. And with a healthy Adrian Peterson, look for the Sooners to make another run at the National Championship.

4. Jim Tressel, Ohio St.
- In his 5 seasons as the head man at Ohio St., Tressel has led the Buckeyes to a 50-13 overall record while winning the 2002 National Championship. Maybe most important to Buckeye fans Tressel boasts a 4-1 record against rival Michigan.

5. Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech
- After taking over one of the worst programs in college football 19 years ago Beamer has led the Hokies to 13 consecutive bowl appearances. With Beamer's expertise in Defense and Special teams, VA. Tech has become one of college football's most feared programs.

6. Mark Richt, Georgia
- Since coming over from Florida St. Richt has brought a family atmosphere and 2 SEC Championships to the Georgia Bulldogs. In 5 years as the Bulldogs head coach Richt has won 52 games, which is the sixth most wins in that time. Richt has quickly become one ot the top young guns in coaching.

7. Charlie Weis, Notre Dame
- In his first year as head coach at Notre Dame, Weis led the Irish to a BCS Bowl and nearly ended rival USC's 27 game win-streak. If Weis can keep up his offensive wizardry and impressive recruiting he will rise up the charts. Look for many coaching battles between Weis and Carroll in the years to come.

8. Bobby Bowden, Florida St.
- Coach Bobby Bowden has been on the winning side of 359 college football games. The most of any coach in major college football. In his 30th season at Florida St., Coach Bowden is still one of the games best recruiters and motivators. Bobby Bowden along with Joe Paterno will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in December.

9. Lloyd Carr, Michigan
- Mr. Consistency has led the Wolverines to a bowl game every year he has been the coach. Michigan has won the Big Ten Championship 5 of the last seven years. After a disappointing season last year, Carr will have the Wolverines poised to make another run at the Big Ten title.

10. Steve Spurrier, South Carolina
- After a very average run with the Washington Redskins, Spurrier has returned to the SEC. In his first year at South Carolina the "Ol' Ball Coach" created a buzz with big wins at Tennessee and Florida. Once Spurrier gets some of his own recruits in Columbia look for the Gamecocks to contend for the SEC Championship.

Next Best: Jeff Tedford, California - Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
Underrated: Mike Price, UTEP
Overrated: Tommy Bowden, Clemson
Living Legend: Joe Paterno, Penn St.

Six Pack
3 On the Rise: Rich Rodriguez, Dan Hawkins, Urban Meyer,
3 Falling off : Larry Coker, Phil Fulmer, Tyrone Willingham

Post-Spring College Football Top 10

2006-05-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

1. OHIO ST.
- With offensive weapons like Ted Ginn Jr, Antonio Pittman, and Troy Smith the Buckeyes young defense will have time to develop.
don't be surprised if... Incoming Freshman RB Chris Wells emerges as a star.

2. OKLAHOMA
- Adrian Peterson could be the best player in all of college football, and the Sooners defense will be tough. If QB Rhett Bhomar can continue to improve the Sooners will be tough to stop.
Don't be surprised if... The Sooners fall to the Ducks in Autzen Stadium on Sept. 16th

3. NOTRE DAME
- Brady Quinn, Darius Walker, and Jeff Smardzija lead an explosive, veteran offense. The defense has some questions, but a good recruiting class should add some much needed speed to both sides of the ball.
Don't be surprised if... Lackluster secondary play keeps the Irish from winning a National Championship

4. USC
- The Trojans loss a ton of talent from the best offense college football has ever seen. But with the recruiting Pete Carroll has put together the Trojans still have the best talent in the Pac-10.
Don't be surprised if... Rey Maluaga becomes the next great Trojan linebacker

5. TEXAS
- Coming off last years magical run the Longhorns will really miss Vince Young. But with loads of talent surrounding their two young quarterbacks(Jevan Snead and Colt McCoy) Texas will battle Oklahoma for the Big XII crown.
Don't be surprised if... Inexperienced QB play costs the Longhorns a win against Ohio St. on Sept. 9th.

6. WEST VIRGINIA
- With West Virginia's spread offense hitting on all cylinders and a very favorable schedule, Rich Rodriguez and the Mountaineers have a legitimate shot at making it to the BCS Championship game.
Don't be surprised if... Louisville is the only ranked team the Mountaineers will play all year.

7. LSU
- After enduring a chaotic season last year due to the Hurricane Katrina tragedy. The Tigers should enjoy a return to normalcy and the return of many talented stars like JaMarcus Russell and Justin Vincent. When healthy the Tigers are the SEC's most talented team.
Don't be surprised if... Tough SEC road schedule keeps LSU from winning the SEC(at Florida, Auburn, and Tennessee)

8. CAL
- With Nate Longshore taking over at quarterback the California offense should be explosive. Marshawn Lynch and Desean Jackson give the Bears home run power on offense. The Bears also have an experienced defense that will allow them to battle USC for the Pac-10 title.
Don't be surprised if... Marshawn Lynch is the best all-around running back prospect in the nation.

9. AUBURN
- Tommy Tuberville returns a very deep and talented team that has a real chance to win the SEC. The Tigers also have a favorable SEC schedule playing LSU, Florida, and Georgia all at home.
Don't be surprised if... Kenny Irons leads the SEC in rushing for the second straight year.

10. FLORIDA ST.
- Last year was somewhat of a down year for Florida St., and they still won the ACC and made it to the Orange Bowl. With Drew Weatherford coming back with a year of experience and Lorenzo Booker at tailback the Seminoles offense should be improved. And the defense shold be as nasty as always.
Don't be surprised if... The Seminoles game against Florida on Nov.25th becomes an Instant Classic.