Campus Confidential

By Adam Abramson

Here's how I would have ranked them.

25. Hawaii
24. Arkansas
23. Virginia Tech
22. Texas A&M
21. Louisville
20. Alabama
19. South Florida
18. Nebraska
17. Kentucky
16. Purdue
15. Ohio State
14. South Carolina
13. Wisconsin
12. Clemson
11. Boston College
10. West Virginia
9. Texas
8. Cal
7. Oregon
6. Penn State
5. Rutgers
4. Florida
3. Oklahoma
2. Southern California
1. LSU




Click below for more

By Adam Abramson

It's game week. Finally. I wrote a little thing in the print edition of the paper on Virginia Tech. The editors used my Top 10 teams, players and Big East outlook. Pretty neat stuff.

Also, some exciting news. You'll be able to hear me on the radio this fall. I'll follow with details when I have them. Stay tuned (pun intended).

Let's wrap up the conference rankings. We'll start with No. 1, scroll down to see No. 2.

I can't emphasize my excitement: It's game week!

SEC

No real surprise here. The Southeastern Conference's dominance continues and doesn't appear to be going anywhere as programs like Kentucky blossom. With Nick Saban at Alabama, it's just another program that's back in the mix.

Even the teams lurking at the bottom of the standings can't be slept on. Ask LSU about its 2006 overtime scare against the Rebels or Georgia about its home loss to Vanderbilt.

There's five teams who can pitch a fit for the SEC title this year and three others who could sneak in if the big boys beat each other up enough (Auburn, Kentucky and South Carolina).

I don't know what else to say about the SEC that I haven't said this summer. Almost a quarter of my Top 25 is from the SEC, same goes for the AP and Coaches polls.

Actually, I will say watch out for Kentucky quarterback Andre' Woodson. The senior is getting a fair amount of preseason hype after a monster 2006 season. He's the best signal caller in the conference, sorry Tim Tebow. If you need a refresher, think back to his 299-yard, 3TD bowl game outing against Clemson.

And, just a news note: LaMarcus Coker has been reinstated by Phil Fulmer. Tennessee should be fine running the ball this season with he, Arian Foster and Montario Hardesty.

Predicted order of finish:

Champion: LSU

Big XII

Considering I spent a week defending my praise for Texas A&M and Nebraska and my lack of faith in Oklahoma, I've spoken at length about the Big 12.

The conference is really solid this year and it's not getting enough credit. Why, Adam, why do you say this?

It's simple. There are four legitimate contenders for the conference title. Compared to the conferences we've look at thus far, the Big XII appears more top heavy with Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas A&M:

Big 10: Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State
Pac 10: Southern California, Cal
Big East: West Virginia, Louisville, Rutgers
ACC: Virginia Tech

If you want to argue schools like Wake, Florida State, Georgia Tech and Miami are up for the ACC title, then they have to hope a very talented Tech team falters. They don't qualify as legitimate. As far as the conferences with three contenders, the Big 10 and the Big East, they lack the depth that the Big XII has.

The maturation of programs like Kansas, Texas Tech and Missouri, coupled with the quick turnaround at Kansas State gives the conference a lot of depth. Also, don't sleep on Colorado this year, the Buffs are somewhere in the middle of taking baby steps and strides. Whatever, just don't be surprised if Colorado is back in the bowl mix this year.

What intrigues me most is whether any of these conference contenders could pitch a fit in a national title game. I think Texas has the offensive weapons in Colt McCoy, Jamaal Charles and Limas Sweed to keep any defense honest, but we'll see what happens when they face a prolific offense. Can Mack Brown's 11 hold up against a grinding rushing attack in the Red River Shootout or regular season finale in College Station?

As much as I raved about Texas A&M two weeks ago, the team that everyone should be most scared of is Nebraska. The offensive pieces are in place and have a great coach steering that ship and the defense might just be good enough this season. Bill Callahan's team has the advantage playing in the weaker North division, which could spell BCS for the Huskers.

But enough about the big wigs, we've driven them into the ground the last month. It's teams like the Jayhawks, Wildcats and Tigers who are going to make the conference interesting.

Kansas: After a valiant 6-6 campaign, the Jayhawks have a serious shot at winning 7 or 8 games this season. What's missing this year is running back Jon Cornish (1,457 yards), but Jake Sharp was promising in limited action as a freshman last year. A bowl game is a must for Mark Mangino's boys.

Kansas State: When Ron Prince was hired everyone expected a quick turn around, and that's exactly what happened. After nine combined wins in '04 and '05, Prince came in, went 4-4 in the conference, picked up seven wins and made it to a bowl game. All of this was with a highly touted true freshman who threw four touchdowns and 12 INTs. Now that his head is not spinning 700 mph, Josh Freeman should lead the Wildcats to a similar season, but perhaps a bowl win this time around.

Missouri: The Tigers might have the best quarterback in the conference this year. Chase Daniel completed 64% of his passes, had 26 total touchdowns and led his team to an 8-win season (a nose hair from nine). If he continues to improve and running back Tony Temple has a big senior year, 10 wins is not out of the question (can't afford one slip up and they have to beat the two teams directly above them in this short list).

Predicted order of finish:

Predicted order of finish:

I know, the North looks the same as last year.

Champion: Nebraska

By Adam Abramson

I spent the morning talking to Virginia Tech quarterback Sean Glennon. Entering his junior season, I think he's poised for a big year. Tech has a great ambassador in him and his face should be in front of every TV camera that rolls through town. Well spoken, good answers, generally honest (as opposed to a cliche machine).

The Hokies announced that stud freshman Tyrod Taylor is now the backup and former back up Ike Whitaker has moved to wide receiver. I propose a few wrinkles be added to the playbook: end around pass, WR screen pass or line up with Ike at WR, running back Branden Ore at QB, then motion Ike to the backfield and give it a go. I guess it's easy to be a keyboard coach.

I'm working on a VT story for the college football preview this weekend, I'll post a link when it runs.

On to business.

Big 10

Having your own network doesn't get you any extra credit points with Campus Confidential.

If Ohio State had a roster similar to last year's (especially on offense), they could pitch a serious argument why they're the toughest conference in the country. But the loss of that powerhouse this year has bumped the Big 10 down some. Don't get too down, Big 10ers, third place still gets a spot on the medal stand.

One theme about the conference is that all the major players have questions concerning the depth chart.

Can Michigan rebound from the defensive overhaul? Can Ohio State rebound from the offensive overhaul? How will a new quarterback do up in Wisconsin this year? Can Penn State be elite 22 guys they put on the field this year (they've been good, not great)?

But the questions don't stop there. How good is the depth?

What is life in Iowa going to be like with Drew Tate graduated? Is this the year for Illinois to break out under Ron Zook? Can Purdue string together a season of solid performances? How will Indiana fare without Coach Hep as a guiding force? Can Michigan State and Minnesota quickly adapt to their new coaches? What's going on at Northwestern…in any sense?

Teams like Minnesota and Iowa have to put up better records than .500 if they want to give their conference more bragging rights. The Hawkeyes avoid Michigan this year, but travel to Wisconsin and Penn Sate to make up for it.

In Champagne, it's no surprise that Zook is recruiting his tail off, as he did in Gainesville. It might take another year for Juice Williams to become a consistent threat, but having a guy like Arrelious Benn as a target will help. It has to be better than a two-win season for Illinois. The Illini should shoot for six wins, seven would be a huge step forward.

Purdue could win 10 games this season. You heard it here. In order to do such, the following games are must-win: at Penn State, vs. Notre Dame, vs. Iowa and at Indiana.

Speaking of Indiana, we've asked if they'll be fine without Coach Hep. The answer is yes. Indiana went 5-7 last year and I wouldn't be surprised to see that the other way around this year (meaning 7-5…yup).

As far as Michigan State and Minnesota, I'm not expecting much from either. One of them has to finish .500, otherwise it could be a down year for the Big 10 when bowl season runs around.

It would look like: Michigan, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue and two of Indiana, Iowa, Michgian State and Minnesota. If three of those last four can make a bowl and six of those eight win their bowl games, you have to argue that it's the best, or second-toughest conference in the land. We'll see.

Can we just add a team and get a championship game, please?

Predicted order of finish:
1. Michigan
2. Penn State
3. Wisconsin
4. Purdue
5. Ohio State (crazy, I know)
6. Indiana
7. Minnesota
8. Michgian State
9. Iowa
10. Illinois
11. Northwestern

By Adam Abramson

I'm back. Here's No. 4 in the conference rankings. And, I promise I really took the whole West Coast Bias into account.

Pac 10

I've read and seen a lot of outlets say it's the second best conference in the country. However, there's nine other schools not named Southern California.

It's a pretty strong group, but I question the depth. Southern California is good enough to represent two good schools in any other conference, I think this was proven when the running back depth chart took no hit with Emmanuel Moody transferred. The problem is, at least it's a problem for the Pac-10, the talent on that roster only counts for one school (naturally).

Cal is strong. UCLA is good, but not great. Oregon is good, but not great. Arizona is continually improving, but not there yet. The same goes for Oregon State. And Arizona State will be good again, but not this year. Stanford and the Washington schools are as dormant as Cal's mascot during the winter months.

Again, there's a lot of promise, but there's a lot of questions. Can UCLA win more than one big game in a season? Can Oregon?

Big steps have been taken in improving the depth of the conference. Thank Jeff Tedford, Mike Stoops, Mike Bellotti and Pete Carroll.

Every year the Pac-10 is improving. This year it'll be better than 2006 (3-3 in bowl games, with some impressive wins).

And I give the nod to the Pac-10 over the Big East because of depth, in case you were curious.

Predicted order of finish:
1. Southern California
2. Cal
3. UCLA
4. Oregon
5. Arizona
6. Oregon State
7. Washington State
8. Arizona State
9. Washington
10. Stanford

By Adam Abramson

So I dropped the ball.

I should have released two conferences on Monday so I could unveil the Top 4 solo. But, I didn't think ahead even though I wrote ahead.

So, this morning I'll bring you the conference that is...next to weakest? Later today I'll drop another conference on you. Two-fer Tuesday.

But before that, I want to share some Charlie Weis quotes about his prized recruit at quarterback, Jimmy Clausen.

Clausen was nabbed outside of a liquor store and cited for...well, breaking the law. Apparently he was with someone of age who was purchasing liquor. Maybe he's just a nice guy and was giving someone a ride. But then again, he's a college freshman.

Here's his coach's take:

"So was (Clausen) in the wrong place at the wrong time? Absolutely. But I think it's out of ignorance, and by ignorance I mean lack of knowledge. I don't think he was defiantly trying to get himself in trouble with the law."

Huh? Two key things here:

1. Defiantly trying to get himself in trouble with the law...who defiantly tries? Rioters. Assuming Jimmy is guilty, he's like everyone else who breaks the law: In the wrong place in the wrong time.

2. Lack of knowledge? Of the law? I was busted by an RA for something similar my freshman year of college. I didn't defiantly try to get myself in trouble with the law. But I knew what the H-E-double hockey stick what I was doing. I was breaking the rules and I got caught.

To Weis' credit, he did say "You can't sit there and say, when something happens, that nothing happened."

Thanks, coach.

Moving on...

Big East

Huh? The conference has three teams in the Top 16!

Yeah, but who else? South Florida has proven it's a program to be reckoned with, but I wouldn't say it's at the next level, yet. Connecticut is improving, but still has a bit of work before it can talk a big game. Syracuse has fallen off the map (and really needs to get the people in place to get it back on…). Pitt is once again teetering on the map, but I think it's going to be another year or two.

Last year, the Big East proved it can play tough defense and run the ball and it will do the same this season. It's a very young and promising conference that has rebounded in the wake of the ACC's liquidation.

Holding on to Greg Schiano and Rich Rodriguez was really important for the state of the conference this year and the years to come. Keeping Bobby Petrino around would have gone a long way, especially in the near future.

One program to keep an eye on is Cincinnati. The Bearcats won eight games in 2006, despite playing five against the Top 25. It might be a tough year with a new coach and offense in place. Brian Kelly is going to take a very balanced offense and turn it into a very pass-heavy attack. It's tough to implant that in Year One. But overall, the Bearcats could be winning bowl games in the near future (as they did in 2006).

Speaking of bowl games, the Big East was 5-0 last year. Not too shabby for an eight-team conference. And one of those teams, Pitt, is fast-growing and could be making waves as early as next season.

Once left for dead, the Big East is making moves and isn't a group to sleep on.

Predicted order of finish:
1. West Virginia
2. Rutgers
3. Louisville
4. South Florida
5. Pittsburgh
6. Cincinnati
7. Connecticut
8. Syracuse

By Adam Abramson

This week we're going to take a look, rank and discuss the BCS conferences. Considering we've talked a lot about players lately, I want to look at the conference as a whole. I'm throwing tradition out the window, because we're looking at who is the best THIS YEAR.

Let's start with the weakest and we'll work our way forward.

Atlantic Coast Conference

There's just too many questions in this year's Atlantic Coast Conference to give them respect. For starters, it's not very top heavy. Virginia Tech is practically the unanimous favorite to take the cake and it's rather unimpressive after that.

Wake Forest winning the ACC title 9-6 over Georgia Tech in 2006 pretty much sums of the state of the conference the last three years (2007 included). I know I said tradition is out, but it shouldn't be much of a surprise that the ACC is not ranked higher. Don't think I should hate on Wake Forest? Wins over Duke and North Carolina State last year were by the same total as the two schools had in the win column, combined…3. A 14-13 home thriller over 0-12 Duke and a 25-23 hair raiser over 3-9 NC State. Yup.

I actually think Miami and Florida State have a fighter's chance this year to turn some heads and win 8 games, but a lot of good things have to happen in the Sunshine State, a lot. After those two schools and VT, the cream of the crop is pretty stale.

It's kind of weird to say that a conference with Miami, Florida State and Virginia Tech is the weakest of all BCS conferences, but there's very little depth. Clemson is sure to provide some, but the jury is out on Boston College and Georgia Tech.

I doubt it's going to stay like this for very long, however. This could actually be the ACC's last "down year" for a while. Things are looking way up in Blacksburg, Tallahassee, Miami, Raleigh, Boston, Clemson and Chapel Hill. All said towns have promising young quarterbacks and fantastic staffs that are in the process of rebuilding programs (sans VT rebuilding).

With respect to non-BCS games, The Gator Bowl might be the one conference pundits and officials keep a close eye on. The alliance with The Big East or Notre Dame could be a good measuring stick for what the ACC truly has to offer. I'd say Chick-fil-A Bowl, but the SEC is just too powerful right now.

Predicted order of finish:

Champion: Virginia Tech

By Adam Abramson

This was tough. I wanted to rank the two studs below 1 and 1A. They're both that good.

I'll just explain the rest below.

2. Brian Brohm
The Louisville field general passed up some serious scratch and returned for his senior season and his reward should be the honor of being the first QB taken in the 2008 Draft. He's ready for Sundays now. I'm a little worried that his numbers will suffer some with coach Bobby Petrino now in Atlanta. However, with Vick in the proverbial doghouse, perhaps he's the future of the Falcons. Brohm has all the intangibles: size, patience, decision making, leadership, etc. Sometimes his throwing motion has me doing a double take (almost like he short-arms it), but I think much of that could be related to a lightning-quick release. Whatever it is, the ball is usually on point and in the hands of his dangerous receivers. It's fun to watch Brohm take his five-step drop, go through his read progressions, step up and fire a strike because he does it with great poise. Brohm has the tendency to check down to a tight end, back or short pattern, but he has the arm and the receivers in Harry Douglas and Mario Urrutia to let it fly - something he should do all season long. Assuming he plays in every game this year, there's no reason he shouldn't have 400 attempts, 3,600 yards, 25 TDs and no more than five or six INTs. However, he has the skill set that he should be aiming to improve his completion percentage to the neighborhood of 70 (63 in 2006).

1. Darren McFadden
I watched run after run and the result was the same: Extreme efficiency from the very first step. The Arkansas junior doesn't waste a tenth of a second on any play. His eyes are constantly moving. On one play he can follow his blocks and spring a 20-yard run and the very next play create his own lane with his vision and pick up 40. At 6'2, 205, McFadden generally chooses to run right by you, but has no problem throwing the forearm shiver and sending a defender haplessly to the ground. I'm not going to go bananas about the fact he throws for touchdowns. He's a running back who has a solid arm and as much credit should go to Houston Nutt and his staff for calling his number to throw when they do. There's a reason he was the Heisman runner up, especially when you consider the level of defense he faces week in-and-out. Better enjoy the country's best college football player this year, 'cause Momma says it's all we'll see of him in Fayetteville. And finally, one of my favorite TV-watching moments came last week when he was on ESPN's First Take. Jay Crawford asks what's on his iPod and he replies simply with "Boosie and Webbie." Jay Crawford didn't know what to say really…but Boosie is what's hot right now. He needs to get with it…WIPE HIM DOWN.

Less than two weeks......

By Adam Abramson

I decided to unveil Nos. 1 and 2 on Friday instead of just one. If I left it with just one, there'd be no suspense. It would be like them released the Heisman runner ups the night before they crowned the winner, it just doesn't make sense.

Here we go.

4. Dan Connor
While everyone was going bananas for now-Buffalo Bill Paul Posluszny, Penn State's Dan Connor was doing as much as his elder, if not more. In 2006, Posluszny had 116 tackles, Connor had 113. Posluszny had 9.5 tackles for loss, Connor had nine. Posluszny had three sacks, Connor had five. Connor also had two interceptions (Poz had none) and three forced fumbles (two for the senior). He also had a safety…consider that the cherry on the sundae. After a sick freshman year, Connor missed some games in '06 but still put up great numbers. Last year he took on All-American form but patiently waited in the wings for his mentor to move on. Well he's gone. It's Connor's show and he won't disappoint. If anyone in State College has lived up to the five-star billing he's had coming out of high school, it's Connor. The No. 1 linebacker ranking he had coming out of high school in 2004 holds true today as he suits up for his senior season. My two favorite things about Connor: He's a former running back (imagine trying to tackle 6'3, 230 pounds of man) and the extended neck roll he sports during games. I don't think there's anything more intimidating.

3. John David Booty
I thought for a long time as to where I should put Booty on this list. Then it hit me. If I had the weapons that Booty has then I would rank somewhere about 9 or 10 on the list. Since the USC gunslinger is a lot better than I am, he's just fine being ranked No. 3. In all seriousness, his body of work last season speaks for itself - it doesn't matter who he was throwing to or who was blocking for him. Booty should be in New York for Heisman night this winter because he's good at two things: winning and putting up insane numbers while winning. 3,300 yards, 29 touchdowns, 144 passer efficiency, 12 wins. Those were his numbers as a first-year starter. It's almost unfair to think what's going to happen assuming he matures as a leader, decision maker and raw passer going into his senior season. If he can throw for 3,800 yards and 35-40 touchdowns, it's gonna be real hard to keep from winning that said Heisman. They say three's a crowd, but I don't think Pete Carroll is complaining when the crowd is Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart and John David Booty.

By Adam Abramson

Pat Bostick watch: He's getting ready to compete (and earn, I presume) for the starting job, again.

Otherwise, Tuesday was a bad day for wide receivers. Bostick lost his top target in Derek Kinder for the season with a torn ACL. Percy Harvin is being hampered by an achillies. Indiana receiver James Hardy is out two weeks with a broken finger. And Arkansas stud Marcus Monk is out 4-6 weeks with a knee.

At UConn, JUCO transfer Tyler Lorenzen will start and transfer Jarrell Miller (linebacker) must sit. I'll post more about Miller later, for all the Huskies reading.

On to the player list. No objections to 10-8, so I guess I did something right.

Here's 7-5. Discuss.

7. Jake Long
Michigan's left tackle has 27 starts under his belt and should be a Top 10 pick in next year's draft. What else is there to say about a dominating offensive lineman? He's really good and after this season he'll be really wealthy and probably have a Lombardi Award. He's on the same level as this year's No. 3 pick from Wisconsin, Joe Thomas. Chad Henne and Michael Hart should walk over and give Long huuuge hugs after every game and thank him profusely for his mastery protecting their be-hinds.



6. Ray Rice
Why not Steve Slaton? Well, I think the West Virginia back is a complete stud, but having Pat White's legs really complicates things for opposing defenses and creates tons of opportunities for No. 10. However, No. 27 up in Piscataway has to create a lot on his own - with no mobile quarterback or much of a passing attack to compliment him. Rice rumbled to 1,794 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns last season and left me grumbling when he was not invited to the Heisman ceremony. This year he will be asked for the same kind of production in his junior campaign and like numbers better earn an invite. I think the Rice/Slaton debate can be summed up like this: much of Rutgers' seasons hangs on the shoulders of Rice while WVU would notice Slaton's absence, but could make do without him.

5. Glenn Dorsey
The ability to take over a game from the defensive tackle position is no easy task and not many can say they're capable of such. Glenn Dorsey is one of these rare athletes that combines the size, speed and strength to dictate how an opponent will draft up their rushing attack. At 6'2, 300 lbs., Dorsey is a bad, bad man who could be suiting up on Sundays this fall but chose to come back. On the average snap, Dorsey must fight through about 600-pounds of opponent and yet he finished third on an outstanding defense with tackles last season. He's on virtually every All-American list in existence, so everyone's noticing what No. 72 can do.

15 days 'til kickoff...

By Adam Abramson

This list may have you thinking it's April, but it's the other A-month.

Unlike my Top 25, I don't care who will have the best numbers at the end of the year. If I'm recruiting players, I guess we'll call this the "Big Board."

I'm going to unveil three a day and the final on Friday.

Let's start with 8-10.

10. DeSean Jackson
I thought for a while about choosing Limas Sweed over Jackson to round out this year's list of top players. However, Jackson's versatility and domination of the return game has to put him on this list. Jackson was good for 18 yards per catch last year and 13 touchdowns when you count his four punt return scores. At receiver, Jackson No. 1 weapon is his speed. As far as his return style goes, he's not going to Dante Hall you by making 600 moves. Tthe country's top returner beats you one of two ways: he picks a route and just outruns everyone or he reverses field as his blockers set up a wall to run behind. Either way, it's a treat to watch. If his quarterback, Nate Longshore, improves as expected, he could put up very dangerous numbers.

9. Calais Campbell
Much is made of that imaginary amusement park-like sign that exists for quarterbacks. "You must be at least 72 inches or else people will say you can't see over your own linemen." Well, that's not entirely true because quarterbacks under the height requirement often find ways and end up like the punk kids who cut the line and are in the front row. But, I really feel bad for those vertically challenged signal callers who have to bob and weave for a view around 6'8" Calais Campbell. While most guys his size are dunking on a hoops court, he's manhandling tackles and sacking quarterbacks at an alarming pace. Gaines Adams, last year's top defensive linemen selected in the draft, had numbers that hardly eclipsed the Hurricane bear (actually, Campbell had more tackles and tackles for loss). With his size and speed, you have to think Julius Peppers all over again.

8. James Laurinaitis
When you're an All-American linebacker as a sophomore, you're doing something right. I'd say it's highly unlikely that Laurinaitis regresses this season - or ever, for that matter - so this is a no-brainer. If he puts up a season like did last year, will he go pro? It's a tough call, but I might guess he would say. If he leaves this year, he could be the third or fourth linebacker taken, purely based on potential. However, if I'm a GM, I seriously think about taking him first. Why? Dad was a pro wrestler, mom was a power lifter. Bruiser family. I can't stress this enough: in his first year as a starter, he had 115 tackles, four sacks, five interceptions and All-American honors.

By Adam Abramson

Allow me to follow up.

First, great comments and insight left by the OU faithful. Their insight is very fair and full of knowledge.

I did know about DeMarco Murray and actually think he is your most talented back of the bunch. I understand your thought on having a stable of able backs and I think that's fine. But I think it may be just that I'm from the school of thought where three solid backs don't add up to the best back in college football because your featured back is probably going to need two series to get into a groove. So while he's gearing up, your other guys are no longer fresh.

I tried to say earlier today I wasn't knocking Patrick, I think he's a fine back and can also be "All Day." Before I posted this morning's entry, I was talking OU football with a friend who reminded me that OU won all of its games with AP out, but I think having a senior at quarterback didn't hurt, even if it's from a leadership standpoint. It's not like the Sooners will have the worst rushing attack in the country or anything, I'm sure it will be fine. What I am saying is that I expect to see some form of a dropoff because they've had a one-of-a-kind back. If AP is getting the ball 30 times a game and AP2 is getting it 30 times a game, I expect Peterson to put up 175 and I hope Patrick will get 150 (which he did last year).

To me, it all goes back to quarterback. Now, the chances of me eating crow are high if one of these guys comes in and can be a stud right away, because as someone said, get Malcolm Kelly the ball. As we saw last year with Calvin Johnson and a terrible quarterback, it can still work. But, again, you're talking about THE BEST college football player around. So, time will tell at quarterback. I think this is the determining factor. As I said last month, all but FOUR passes were thrown by a non-Paul Thompson arm in 2006.

Now, let me take a deep breath before this one...OK. YES, the Big 12 North is pretty much a joke (and I gave props to the South this morning). BUT, Nebraska is fortunate enough to call the XII North home. Here's where the breath comes in. I really believe Nebraska is better than Oklahoma when you look at the total package. Oklahoma has a better defense, but year-by-year the Black Shirts are improving. So, if the trend continues, NU's defense will be good enough.

Now, there's no way I can be a Franchione supporter, because then I'd have to be institutionalized. When A&M and OU meet, coaching is where OU will have the biggest advantage.

I thought they said don't mess with Texas, but it might need to change to "Don't mess with Texas, and brace yourself if you mess with Oklahoma."

I appreciate everyone's comments. I appreciate the nasty emails I received, they were fun. This is the beauty of college football and sports in general. But I have to say, the informed insight was a breath of fresh air. Keep it coming, I'll talk all day!

But for now, I'm going home.

By Adam Abramson

First, the Pat Bostick watch is over in Pittsburgh. His father has come out and said he should be back in Pitt's camp by this weekend or early next week, so all the Panthers can exhale and continue their safety dance. And, I have to say I love the Wannstedt bashing -- sounds like we have ourselves a little anti-Pitt coup...keep up the heat!

But, to what I really wanted to get into today...Everyone has their britches in a bunch because I didn't rank Oklahoma in the Top 10. There's been a lot of hating going on so I want to back up my stance even further.

1. Let's review my top 10: USC, Michigan, Florida, LSU, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, Texas A&M and Tennessee. With the exception of Wisconsin, all of those schools have a solidified starting quarterback -- all of whom have some form of experience. Oklahoma does not. Oklahoma does not have an option with a lick of experience. "Yeah? So what about Wisconsin?" Well, Wisconsin will run the ball down your throat with P.J. Hill. I know Oklahoma will as well, but there's going to be a drop off in the running game this year. Allen Patrick is good, but Adrian Peterson was the second-best player in college football last year (Calvin Johnson being first). You don't just lose the best running back in the game and stay the course. Patrick will be fine, he'll average over four yards a carry, but he's not AP. Sorry, that's just the way it is. And finally, if you look at the two quarterback battles, I really think Wisconsin will come out with a more favorable option, no matter who Brett Bielema picks, than whoever Bob Stoops settles with.

   

2. Oklahoma is arguably the fourth-best team in their conference. Yeah, there are only four good teams in the league, but the stronger side of the bracket is the Big 12 South, where Oklahoma calls home.

3. Do I really think Texas A&M is that much better than Oklahoma? Yes. I do. We went over this, but we'll go over it again. If Texas A&M's defense improves in the slightest fashion, the Aggies will control football games with their rushing attack. Oklahoma has better receivers than aTm and a better offensive line, but it's not like A&M's line is weak: It paved the way for a Top 10 rushing offense last year.

4. September 8 is huge for Oklahoma. If the Sooners can top Miami at home, then maybe I'll take a bite of crow (but there's no way I'd eat the whole thing that early). However, I think Miami has a great chance of winning that game if a quarterback decided to show up. I honestly see Miami winning this game, and that could set the tone for a very long season in Norman.

5. "The coaches obviously don't agree with you. The poll shows it." So what? The poll had Florida State as the preseason No 10., and we all know how that turned out (look up 6-6 in the dictionary).
   

If I wanted my poll to look like the coaches poll, I would have waited until this month to be talking Top 25. But, that clearly wasn't my motive. So while all of you chant Boomer Sooner, I'll be at Yell Practice.

And stop hating.

By Adam Abramson

Happy Wednesday,

We had another violent storm this morning here. NFL columnist Bob Glauber called to tell me he's been sitting on the Belt Parkway and has gone one mile in the last hour. What a dagger. Hope it's dry where you are.

Anyway, I wanted to talk a little more about Pat Bostick leaving Pitt. One thing jumped out at me when I was reading about it yesterday. Head coach Dave Wannstedt talked about the probable starter Bill Stull:

“I think he’s one of those guys who seems to perform better when the lights come on as compared to just in practice,” Wannstedt said of Stull, a former star at Seton-La Salle High near Pittsburgh. “If you go out and just watch Billy in practice, he may not be the most impressive guy, but he’s kind of a gamer."

Seriously? That has to be discouraging to hear if you're Bill Stull. Not impressive, but kind of a gamer. Thanks for the vote of confidence, coach.

Wannstedt has recruited his tail off in his first two seasons. Yeah, the record has been 11-12 over that time, but maybe when his guys mature he can get Pitt to some respectable bowls. That is if he doesn't shatter the confidence of his starters with lines like "He may not be the most impressive guy."

You can't love your chances if your coach doesn't fully endorse your starting quarterback.

I can't see it being a good season for the Panthers. Seven wins has to be a success.

By Adam Abramson

Happy Monday,

So, let's look back at Campus Confidential's Top 25 and I'll give you some more thoughts on it.

• Teams that almost made the cut: Miami, TCU, Auburn, Oregon State. If I had known Brian Toal would be out for the season with injury, I would have ranked TCU in the Top 25.
  
• Ordering Nos. 2-5 was not easy. It could have easily been No. 5 LSU, No. 4 Michigan, No. 3 Florida, No. 2 Texas. This actually was the toughest part of the countdown.
  
• Again, USC is head and shoulders above everyone else.
  
• The most glaring disparities between Campus Confidential and the Coaches' Poll was the placements of Oklahoma and Texas A&M. I knew I would catch heat for the Aggies, but I really believe they will surprise the doubters this year. As for Oklahoma, I can't argue that they're a Top 10 team.
  
• Virginia Tech's right tackle broke his leg in practice and will miss about half the season. Honestly, I think this could bump them out of the Top 10. We'll see how the new depth chart looks. But if someone else goes down on that line, it's in big, big trouble.
  
• So the coaches really don't like Oregon's football team, but they like Auburn. I honestly think if Auburn and Oregon played on a neutral field, Oregon would rake up a lot of points -- more than the Tigers could match.
  
• We'll talk Heisman as we get closer to September 1, but naturally Darren McFadden will be up there. So will John David Booty. But I think names you might not be expecting: Limas Sweed and Chris Wells.
  

I'm working the day shift for the next two weeks, so drop me an email or comment to talk football. It's slower during the days here!

By Adam Abramson

Good afternoon. The first edition of the Coaches' Poll was released today. On Monday I'll talk more about my rankings and what to expect for August. Fall practice has finally arrived. Feels good, doesn't it?

By Adam Abramson

This isn't pee-wee football, so you're allowed to say anything less than a national title is a disappointment.

Forget having fun. Forget about what's politically correct. The standard is all or nothing for Southern California. They are that good.

This week we've looked at a lot of great teams with noticeable weaknesses. We talked about the exodus of talent on LSU's offense and Florida and Michigan's defenses (and the non-existence of Texas' pass defense). But there's no real weakness about USC. Let's try to find one.

Quarterback: John David Booty is a legitimate Heisman candidate. He's coming off his first year as a starter, so expect his impressive numbers from last year to improve (67.1% completions, 3,347 yards, 29 TDs, 9 INTs).

Running back: The top four guys on USC's depth chart could start at almost any school in the country. I guess Pete Carroll has to spread the wealth, but I hope he gives senior Chauncey Washington 200 carries and lets guys like C.J. Gable and Emmanuel Moody step in as needed. This was the policy last year, for the most part, and it worked well. With all the talent through the air, USC won't go bananas running the ball, but they should strive for more. While this isn't the strength of the offense, it's anything but a hindrance.

Wide receiver: You would think there is cause for concern now that Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith are gone, but there's none at all. Patrick Turner, David Ausberry and Vidal Hazelton have enough talent to induce a Keith Jackson cranial explosion. His head really might explode watching these three play.

Tight end: Fred Davis, a senior, has plenty of experience. Any team would be happy to have him as a tight end. He had 38 catches last year and is a fantastic blocker.

Offensive line: Sam Baker is on the same page as Jake Long, who we discussed just yesterday. He's a two-time All-American, that is until this year's over. Then he'll be a three-time All-American. Overall, the line has experience and versatility. Drew Radovich will start at right tackle, but can slide back to guard and dominate just as well. If Jeff Byers can stay healthy, we'll be likening him to Sam Baker at this time next year.

Defensive line: Sedrick Ellis is a bad motha-shut yo mouth. Seriously, the Trojans' nose tackle is a returning All-American will set the tone for the seven guys playing behind him. The dude has a V-12 for a motor. Ends Lawrence Jackson and Kyle Moore are just big guys to have rushing a quarterback (both stand over 6'5"). The first 2:05 of the video are pointless, but the last 3 minutes are worth it.

Linebacker: This is the best trio in the country. There might be some better duos, but you won't find a linebacking corps this good. Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing all bring pain.

Defensive backs: Taylor Mays dressed for his first game as a Southern California Trojan last year in the season opener. He watched Josh Pinkard injure himself, stepped in and dominated one of the toughest positions to play on the field for the rest of the season. The experience gained last year can only make him better, which is scary to think about. What will also make him better is playing with a veteran group consistent of returning starters at corner in Cary Harris and Terrell Thomas and returning strong safety Kevin Ellison. You getting the drift here? They're strong everywhere.

Kicker: The guy's last name is Buehler.

I rest my case. It's all set up for a lot of hardware to be brought through the security gates at LAX. This team is nasty.

Player I would shred you with on NCAA Football 2008: Patrick Turner

80s theme song: "For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)" … AC/DC (1981)

Save the date: Sept. 15 at Nebraska … this is a very important test.

By Adam Abramson

Things might seem a little different in Ann Arbor this year.

Michigan's stifling defense was more than enough to garner an at-large BCS berth, be it a trouncing to Southern California in the Rose Bowl. Lloyd Carr's boys gave up just 564 yards for the entire season. And if you can somehow take away the 187 yards that Ohio State shredded them for, it'd be even more insane.

But LaMarr Woodley, Alan Branch, David Harris (now with the Jets), Prescott Burgess, Leon Hall and Willis Barringer -- all impact players -- have since skipped town.

Who didn't skip town are most important parts of the Wolverine offense. Quarterback Chad Henne, running back Mike Hart, left tackle Jake Long and wide receiver Mario Manningham have come back to be the front line of a very deep attack.

Henne enters this year with one last shot to show he's matured into the quarterback that Michigan will need to make a national title run. He was thrown into the fire back in 2004 as a freshman and put up numbers very similar to what he posted as a junior. The Michigan faithful can't be unhappy with Henne's body of work, but I really think he's been capable of so much more and hasn't climbed the ladder the way quarterbacks should in college. After his freshman year, you had to expect he'd be in the running for a Heisman down the road. But then again, it's not too late. It's funny to say that a third-team All American is just not getting the job done as he should, but that's the case.

Henne will have a ton of support this year, though. Having your rear protected by the best offensive linemen in college certainly helps. I'll go as far as saying Jake Long coming back for another season could be the difference between a win and a loss at some point during the season. If not for a foot injury during his sophomore year, he would have about 35 starts under his belt. Instead he has a measly 27. With Adam Kraus lining up to Long's right, strong side is definitely left side.

If I'm Mike Hart, I'm finding Nos. 77 and 57 and letting them plow the way for me. Michigan fans have to love their tailback -- he's a symbol of consistency and toughness. He's started all but four games of his career, that includes playing much of 2005 hobbled. His team is 17-2 when he eclipses the century mark in yards, so get Hart the ball this season. And the beautiful thing is the depth behind him. Brandon Minor had flashes of brilliance last year and will be a solid two-punch all fall long.

At receiver, Mario Manningham showed what he's capable of when he lit up Notre Dame last year. Remember the stat line: 4 catches, 137 yards, 3 TDs. If he can play in every game this year, there's no reason he should miss marks of 60 catches, 1,050-1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns. He has that much talent and Adrian Arrington to keep all eyes from being on him when Henne takes a five-step drop. Also helping matters is tight ends Mike Massey and Chris McLaurin -- both are very athletic tight ends who can get 15 yards down field and complicate matters.

But we all know Michigan made it's bread with that defense. Despite the exodus, hope is not entirely lost. Safety Jamar Adams, linebacker and sack master Shawn Crable, tackle Terrance Taylor and corner Morgan Trent form a very solid foundation. Guys like tackle Will Johnson, linebacker Chris Graham and corner Johnny Sears have waited for this year and need to make an impact for this defense to succeed.

I don't know if there's experience and cohesiveness for them to be in the Top 10 again, but there's no reason it can't be a Top 25 unit.

The schedule isn't out of hand. I would be more concerned with the Sept. 8 date with Oregon, but it's at home. That will be a great test for the defense, however. The schedule makers finished it up quite nice with at Wisconsin and home for Ohio State ... that's just not right.

Player I would shred you with on NCAA Football 2008: Mike Hart

80s theme song: "Runnin' Down a Dream" - Tom Petty (1989) … This is probably the most important senior class in the land, better catch that dream this year.

Save the date: Nov. 10 vs. Wisconsin ... Probably will be more important than the following week's game.

By Adam Abramson

So, I get into a discussion with some LSU followers on a message about why I decided to rank Florida ahead of LSU to start the season.

As I did in my write-up, I raved about the defense. I even said that if LSU is one of three teams to be undefeated at the end of the year, they'll be one of the two playing for all the marbles. But, I also said that Florida's best day on offense could score on LSU's best day on defense. I think that Urban Meyer's offensive system will create a lot of wrinkles in the hard-nosed SEC.

A guy like Percy Harvin, who really showcased his ability as a true freshman, will only have more opportunities to make things happen as the offense will take on a much more fluid look this year. The thought of Tim Tebow lining up with five dangerous reads with the option to take off running through a gaping hole made by practically the same offensive line as last year wasn't enough for the Tiger fans I was bantering with.

I was countered with the fact that Florida lost almost everyone on defense. That's very true, the Gators lost huge names like Jarvis Moss, Reggie Nelson and Ryan Smith. Like I was reminded, that stifiling defense did hand Meyer a national title last year. But I reminded them, as I discussed in my write-up, that JaMarcus Russell, Craig Davis, Dwayne Bowe and two senior running backs are gone.

I even went on to say that youngsters such as Brandon Spikes, Jermaine Cunningham and Markus Manson can step up as much as guys like Keiland Williams, Matt Flynn and Brandon LaFell. But maybe that's where I went wrong. Despite the fact that I was entirely diplomatic and reminded them that it was only my opinion, the entire thread on the message board was zambonied by a moderator. I couldn't believe it. I thought this was America. Whatever, here's me getting my last say.

These names are the most important Gators come September: Phil Trautwein, Jim Tartt, Drew Miller, Carlton Medder and Maurice Hunt. The first four names are the returning offensive linemen from last year. They'll be crucial in implement the firestorm of an offense that led Utah to a Fiesta Bowl win in 2005.

In addition to Harvin, Florida has two of the best "other" receivers in the country in Andre Caldwell and Cornelius Ingram. Kestahn Moore will see a lot of action, especially catching balls out of the backfield as a safety valve. Before I move on, I just want everyone to know that Harvin had 41 carries last year and was good for 10.4 yards per carry. So, just give him the ball about eight times and you'll score a touchdown, right?

But, as everyone knows, Tebow is the guy who will make this offense better than last year's and help carry that defense through the season. We know he can run - he had 89 carries last year for almost 500 yards and eight touchdowns - but can he pass? Well, I'll go out on the short limb and say yes. I'll even say he can pass well enough to earn Florida another SEC title. I can't imagine he'll be asked to do much in his first year with the offense on his shoulders. Expect a lot of swing passes, slants, drags, etc. But I'd love to see them employ the Adam Abramson offense and run posts, flags and fly patterns play after play. They have enough speed to do it.

The spread will take those insane front sevens that schools like LSU, Tennessee, Auburn and Georgia feature and force them to thin out.

But, we have to get back to this defense before anything so bear with me for a second. Coming in as true freshmen: #9 safety, #15 SLB, #5 DT, #4 safety, #4 DE, #5 DE, #1 WLB, #2 DT and #8 MLB. Meyer's guys who came in as 2006 recruits: #15 LB, #6 LB (played as true frosh - Spikes), #19 safety, #13 DE (Cunningham), #16 DT and a couple of four-star corners from both years I won't mention. You have to think that at least half of those guys will contribute on a level that Florida can use to its advantage. If that's the case, the defense will be fine.

Cunningham and Derrick Harvey will have no problem putting pressure on backfields all season long. Brandon Spikes has the talent, size and speed to handle any ball carrier in space and Tony Joiner can cheat up into the box and do a fine job of providing run support.

When you sit down on your couch this fall and you see Florida on CBS playing at 3 p.m., think of it as a fireworks show. You generally don't have to pay much to see it (think of the cable bill as the parking fee), it's loud, bright, in your face and makes everyone go "whoaaaa" (all characteristics of the spread) and when you're done you'll be ready to see it happen all over again (except you don't have to wait until the next July, just next Saturday).

Player I would shred you with on NCAA Football 2008: Percy Harvin

80s theme song: "Rock This Town" - Stray Cats (1981) … As Steve Miller said at his concert on Saturday night "We're gonna take a little trip through Swingtown." And as the Stray Cats said "Florida's offense is gonna rock this town, rock it inside out."

Save the date: Oct. 6 at LSU

By Adam Abramson

On paper, LSU can trade blows with any team in the country, but there will be a few questions when September rolls around that keeps LSU from being No. 1 or 2 on the list.

For starters, the No. 1 overall pick is now an Oakland Raider. JaMarcus Russell is nothing but a memory and the subject of many great Baton Rouge tales I'll hear when I'm there on September 8. Matt Flynn is this year's BMOC (big man on campus) and I think he'll do just fine at the position. However, while I can't speak for everyone, I think the hopes might be a little high for Flynn -- he's started one game. Yeah it was the Peach Bowl against Miami and he led the Tigers to a runaway win, but that was two years ago. I don't think it's fair to take one game and expect 12-13 repeat performances from the guy.

I like Flynn's chances to succeed this year because he's throwing to Early Doucet, one of the best targets in the country. I'd feel much better about those chances if the Tigers didn't lose two first-round picks at receiver, but that's how it goes. Sophomore Brandon LaFell has some big shoes to fill and he only has five catches of experience. Put it this way, on the depth chart behind Doucet is a combined eight receptions. However, you have to think one of the young guys is going to explode this year and help matters, given LSU's track record of producing phenomenal receivers. Just as a side note, I read on Monday that Les Miles will reinstate Ryan Perrilloux on Aug. 1 -- he'll be Flynn's backup this year.

I was actually down in Baton Rouge in June and was talking to some LSU alum and asked "So, who's carrying the ball this year." Every time, I was returned with a very confused, uneasy look. Well, last year it was running back by committee, with no player eclipsing the century mark in carries, but I expect more stability this year. Keiland Williams will be the featured back with Jacob Hester often lining up with him. Hester brings a ton of versatility to the backfield and is the key cog that makes it all go -- think former Rutgers back Brian Leonard. Last year, while starting seven games at fullback, he led the team in yards and carries while catching 35 passes and picked up 9 total touchdowns. At minimum, LSU needs these numbers from him this year. And Williams should get at least 165 carries.

Up front, the Tigers are strong enough to put Flynn on their backs and carry him to at least a 10-win season. Brett Helms, Ciron Black and Will Arnold anchor a unit that you shouldn't hear much about, which is always a great sign for an OL.

The Tigers will go as the defense does. Nobody should be able to run on that LSU front seven, that includes six returners. The pair of Texas defensive tackles I talked about yesterday could only be bested by LSU's tandem of Glenn Dorsey and Charles Alexander. Dorsey might be one of the best players in all of college football, and definitely the most athletic 300-pounder on the block. Alexander has enough talent to earn every start this year, but so does Marlon Favorite, so that tandem I just mentioned, we'll call it a trio.
The video has explicit lyrics, but whoever put it together did an awesome job. I might watch this every day until college football starts.

It's scary to think that this year's linebacking unit will be better than last years, but that should be the expectation as Ali Highsmith, Luke Sanders and Darry Beckwith all return with a year of playing together. If Dorsey actually lets running backs get beyond the line of scrimmage now and again, I wouldn't be surprised to see the trio turn in over 225-235 tackles this year. That's extreme production.

In the backfield, LaRon Landry (another Top 10 pick) is gone and safety Curtis Taylor is asked to replace college football's premier safety. While that's not exactly easy, Taylor had a spring that left the coaches raving and the fans optimistic. Taylor won't have to do it all on his own, though. Chevis Jackson, Jonathan Zenon and Craig Steltz are all top-notch defenders. And keep an eye on redshirt freshman Jai Eugene, he's one of those guys who was born to lock down receivers.

LSU will again have a Top 3 defense, which it has had since the 2003 season. Not too shabby.

Player I would shred you with on NCAA Football 2008: Glenn Dorsey

80s theme song: "Eye of The Tiger" - Survivor (1982) … No explanation necessary.

Save this date: September 8 vs. Virginia Tech … If LSU wants to reach the title game, a win here goes a long way.

By Adam Abramson

I wonder if Texas fans were prepared for the rollercoaster that was 2006 at this time last year. It started with a home loss to Ohio State, then it was a two-point win at Nebraska, that wild game was directly followed by a four-point win at Texas Tech. To finish up the regular seaso