So, who do you see top 10 this fall? [Archive] - SoonerFans.com Message Boards

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goingoneight

1/19/2007, 01:19 AM

Unfortunately, I think they'll tab us way up there again... usually that has bad implications on work ethic for anyone with a pulse. While I don't see us dropping out of the top 20, I say we're a legit top 10 team by season's end as always. Here's hope that we top the nation in the end!!! :O

Wild guess, USC #1... Why? Because if there's one thing Pete Carroll's teams constantly provide college football admirers, it is highlight reels. JD Booty (heh, Booty!) was more than solid at QB and in my opinion, will be Carroll's third QB to go NFL'n. Provided his newcomers at WR step up, and 5 stars per guy says they will, he will be a Heisman favorite. Unless he really chokes, and I mean, REALLY chokes. Like Burger Queen did against LSU in the Sugar Bowl chokes. Like Troy Smith (biggest Heisman a$s-kicking Heisman race EVAR) choke. Defense is finally a solid unit again after two questionable units in 2005 and 2006, the youthful squad won't be so young in the fall. Schedule looks too easy to not put them at numero uno. But that could bite them in the as$ in the end of things (see: Troy Smith comment above). Most intriguing matchup: Oregon at Autzen Stadium.

I know it sounds wrong, but Michigan No. 2... Why? Because the Big Teneleven is very weak and Ohio State at home will be their only "test." If Lloyd Carr and the Wolverines make it to New Orleans in early 2008, don't bother printing up MU National Champs T-shirts and hats. Well, not unless there are Wolverine fans in Afganistan. Michigan will ride their name, their history, and their easy schedule if they go all the way to the title game. Most intriguing matchup: ESPN says Ohio State... will likely be at Wisonsin. Just hope that when Oregon comes to Ann Arbor, they keep their refs away.

Defense Wins Championships... but Colt McCoy wins high-scoring shootouts Mack Brown will be put in the perfect position to screw up and lose to Oklahoma again in 2007. Why? The nation, and all of Texas' opponents witnessed what Colt McCoy did as a freshman. He didn't just manage the team, he was the reason Texas didn't finish 7-5 or worse. If McCoy is healthy from start to finish, his WRs are back and the better of the two backs, Jamaal Charles returns. The Texas offense can and will be a threat, book it. Most intriguing matchup: Duh, OU at Dallas.

Blegh, now that I've puked all over myself...

LSU No. 4 As much as he irritates the media and his opponents, Les Miles is doing marvelous work in the nation's toughest conference. LSU stays at Number Four until they lose, or until someone above them loses. The defense is there, the offense is there (see: 2005 Peach Bowl for preview). LSU's only problem in 2007 is their win-loss record at the end of the season, they will likely be snubbed from the title game if there are undefeateds ahead of them. Most intriguing matchup: Battle for the boot, or Florida at home.

This is only a prediction... but it seems about right that every preseason poll will have us about here based on the Bob Stoops factor (good coaching, improvement, athletic talent) OU No. 5 Why? Because you can't go wrong picking a powerhouse team with a powerhouse coach returning 22 2006 starters in your top five. It will be assumed that the quarterback situation is fine as the Sooners make their way through one of the easiest schedules of the Bob Stoops era. If OU gets through North Texas without biting their nails off to win, and someone steps up under center (minimum at least three TD passes, maximum 1 INT), OU will stay at or around No. 5 until Cotton Bowl time. Most intriguing matchup: Miami in Norman or Texas at Dallas, tossup either way. Solid D, talented weapons on O... Number 5 seems legit.

BIG TENELEVEN STRIKES AGAIN!!! Wisconsin No. 6 Solid defensive team with tricksy offense, gave SEC runner up a smackin' in the Capital One Bowl. John Stocco won't be hard to replace. He was a product of the system, not natural QB ability. See: Texas Tech quarterbacks 2000-2006. Most intriguing matchup: Meatchicken at home.

Big Aggy East gets one top ten preseason berth, West Virginia No. 7 Why? Because everyone has some strange hard-on for Steve Slaton and Pat White. When did college football get to a point where beating the likes of Pittsburg and Marquette meant BCS contention? Is there a college football draft I'm not aware of? Most intriguing matchup: Come onnnnnn Coach Kragthorpe!!!

No 8, not the eleventy thousand time National Champion Alabama, but rather the team they couldn't make so much as an extra point against... You guessed it, Arkansas Why? Any team that runs as effectively as they did and plays that kind of lights out defense is going to be top 10 material. Hogs are really slacking in the passing efficiency department, which will keep them fro rolling in high scoring games where your defense just flat out gets tired.

No. 9, Urban Myer will really have to cry his way farther up this year No that he didn't do a good job in 2006, congrats and hats off to him. But Tim Tebow isn't going to lead you to the promised land if all he knows is the quarterback draw. If Tebow hooks up with Vince Young's 2005 off-season QB coach and develops a passing game worthy of respect, the spread-attack will work all the way back to the SEC Title game. Retooling a defense could cost them an early loss or two. Wins/Losses column, as always in the SEC could hurt this every solid team from BCS contention. Most intriguing matchup: LSU at Little Sister University. Let R' Rip!!!

Until they lose one, Ohio State remains firmly grasped around ESPN's leg screaming "PLEEEEASE!!!" This is just a preseason poll, and much media love will tend to favor traditional powers and has-beens from previous years. Much like Oklahoma's situation in 2005, after an All-American team got thumped by a team which we do not speak of in a game just the same, people tabbed Oklahoma as a preseason BCS title contender while having to replace OL, Senior AA WR's and a Heisman Trophy winning QB.

Just guessing, so what are your top ten? Just because I said Tejas was ranked higher doesn't mean I think they'll beat us, BTW. So don't go neggin me for that or anything else ghey like that. This is just a thread to ask what you think will show up in the pre-season mags and polls of 2007.

Collier11

1/19/2007, 01:38 AM

1. USC-loaded on D, bringing back booty but must replace smith and jarrett
2. FLorida- The fighting Tebows will be dynamite on O, lose some studs on D
3. Florida State- Always tough on D, fisher will help tons on offense
4. Wisconsin-yes I know they are in the big 10, but they return like 17 starters off of a 12-1 team
5. OU or texas
6. texas or OU
7. Michigan-loaded on O, lose good players on D
8. LSU- tough tough tough
9. west virginina-if they can just stop someone on D
10. Louisville- Brohm is back, kragthorpe there to work his magic

tigepilot

1/19/2007, 09:00 AM

Waiting in line at the grocery store the other day I saw SI magazine (I normally don't read this) that said on the cover they have a prediction of the preseason top ten. I flipped through to find it and I was surprised that OU was NOT on it.

sooner518

1/19/2007, 09:09 AM

yea I havent see OU on too many pre-season top -10 lists and I am fine with that

Rock Hard Corn Frog

1/19/2007, 09:59 AM

Few humans have more noses than Don Rickles. My best guess.

1. USC (I think ESPN has already awarded them the title)
2. Florida Odds are they won't repeat but the still look like the class of SEC
3. Michigan Get Ohio St at home
4. LSU
5. West Virginia mostly based on schedule, really should be closer to 10-12
6. OU
7. Ohio St
8. Texas
9. Cal
10. Va Tech

Also looks out for TCU as a big sleeper team for next year. Probably not as a NC contender but they have almost everyone back and they play the Whorns next year.

trey

1/19/2007, 10:19 AM

Booty will be Pete Carroll's 4th QB to go to the NFL. Leinart's backup, Matt Cassel, now backs up Tom Brady in N.E.

birddog

1/19/2007, 12:08 PM

I'm the magazine predictions will vary as often as usual.

uh, what?

aurorasooner

1/19/2007, 12:19 PM

waiting in line at the grocery store the other day I saw SI magazine (I normally don't read this) that said on the cover they have a prediction of the preseason top ten. I flipped through to find it and I was surprised that OU was NOT on it. I wouldn't put OU in the top-10 next year...new QB, basically a whole new set of LBs, questions on the DL, etc. perhaps if we had the 2000 coaching staff it would be different, but with expecially how long it took our defense to play as was expected, yet imo, they still had a lot of holes, we may struggle to make the top 20 or we may end up like this year close to the top 10...if we get back to basics in the off-season...1)teaching our guys how to form tackle 2)catch the ball 3) get schmitty to pick it up in the off season with the OL and DL. 4) if KW can actually design and implement a quality running game that take the pressure off our new QB and give him time to develop. we have way too many questions going into preseason to be rated in the top 10 imo.

cvsooner

1/19/2007, 12:39 PM

Then there's this jerkwad, posted at

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16528337/page/2/

The “Florida State” of 2007: Oklahoma. They won’t fall to the depths of playing in anything equivalent to the Emerald Bowl, but Bob Stoops and his program will slide next season after coping with a headache that will last for the entire offseason.

The dramatic nature of their loss to Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl almost masks the fact that the Sooners’ only bowl win since the 2002 season was a 17-14 victory over Oregon at the 2005 Holiday Bowl. Yes ... Oregon ... oops, sorry to bring up another Sooner sore spot.

John Tamanaha writes regularly for MSNBC.com and is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles.

Interestingly enough, based on his address, he figures the Trojans are the ones to beat...:rolleyes:

CincySooner

1/19/2007, 01:20 PM

The dramatic nature of their loss to Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl almost masks the fact that the Sooners’ only bowl win since the 2002 season was a 17-14 victory over Oregon at the 2005 Holiday Bowl. Yes ... Oregon ... oops, sorry to bring up another Sooner sore spot.

apparently that writer doesnt see beating a 10-1 Oregon squad in 2005 as a good win.

OH NOES!!! OU HAS A ONE GAME BOWL-LOSING STREAK!11!!ONE!!!!1ELEVEN!111!!

I wonder what he thinks about NDs bowl losing streak.

EDIT: After reading the article I found another funny bit. USC is apperently the team of the decade, never-mind that 2000 and 2001 were part of this decade on the majority of calendars.

shavedmarmoset

1/19/2007, 01:59 PM

Our LB's will be fine. Curtis Lofton is coming into his own and I think as a starter, he will take it to the next level. Ryan Reynolds will be back and he was the most promising of that recruiting class. We don't have to worry about that.

Our DE's will be adequate. John Williams and Alonzo Dotson are excellent. They will be able to hold their own as starters in '07.

I think we will be top 10. QB is a question, but I have faith in the Hype and in Kevin Wilson to play to his strengths, whoever we choose.

Rock Hard Corn Frog

1/19/2007, 02:04 PM

uh, what?

Exactly.:D

Desert Sapper

1/19/2007, 03:41 PM

Anything before Spring is way too freaking early.
Anything before Summer is too freaking early.
Anything before September is freaking early.
Anything before October is early.

That being said, I think suc will be very good. I think we will be better than most will say early (offense is a big strength and defense won't be far off). Michigan has a good shot at taking the Big 11. Florida looks to have a decent shot, but you never can tell with the SEC. West Virginia is easily going to be the #1 in the Big Easy. I think FSU rebounds in the ACC.

Mark Schablach on ESPN had a decent Top 25 with explanation:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=2725188

The 2006 college football season isn't even 48 hours behind us, but it's never too early to look ahead to this fall. This preview might be altered by the early exodus to the NFL, but we're fairly certain about a couple of things: The Trojans are No. 1 and Notre Dame isn't ranked.

1. USC Trojans (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=30)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/30.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=30) Why: Quarterback John David Booty (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=145168)'s stellar performance (391 passing yards, four touchdowns) in the Trojans' 32-18 win over Michigan in the Rose Bowl presented by Citi showed he's among the best passers in the country. The Trojans played a boatload of underclassmen this season; if junior defensive end Lawrence Jackson and defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis return, they could have 10 starters back on defense.
Why not: Booty's two primary targets -- Dwayne Jarrett (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=161084) and Steve Smith (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=145169) -- will be gone next season. Are young receivers Vidal Hazelton (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=183226) and Patrick Turner (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=175345) ready to step up? Junior left tackle Sam Baker could join senior center Ryan Kalil in the NFL draft. The 2006 schedule flips in 2007 with road games at Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oregon, California and Arizona State.

2. Florida Gators (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=57)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/57.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=57) Why: Have you seen the talent Gators coach Urban Meyer has stockpiled in Gainesville? Florida's 41-14 annihilation of Ohio State in the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game was no fluke. The Gators are in the top five to stay. Meyer and offensive coordinator Dan Mullen believe heralded quarterback Tim Tebow (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=183484) will run their offense better in his sophomore year than graduating quarterback Chris Leak (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146526). A national championship repeat isn't out of the question -- the 2007 schedule is more favorable with home games against Tennessee, Auburn and Florida State and additional nonconference games against I-AA Western Kentucky, Troy and Florida Atlantic.

Why not: The defense -- the Gators' strength during their run to the BCS national title -- will be hit hard with personnel losses. At least five starters will leave and star safety Reggie Nelson and linebacker Brandon Siler also could bolt for the NFL draft. The Gators still don't run the ball very well and leading rusher DeShawn Wynn (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=134551) is leaving.

3. Michigan Wolverines (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=130)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/130.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId130) Why: Quarterback Chad Henne (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=160898), tailback Mike Hart (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=160897) and All-America left tackle Jake Long already have declared they'll be back, along with receiver Mario Manningham (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=180763). The Wolverines play most of their tough games at home -- against Oregon, Notre Dame, Penn State and Ohio State -- and don't play at Wisconsin until Nov. 10.

Why not: As many as eight defensive starters might be leaving, including junior tackle Alan Branch, who decided to enter the NFL draft. Defensive ends LaMarr Woodley and Rondell Biggs and All-America cornerback Leon Hall also are gone. Three starters are leaving on the offensive line.

4. West Virginia Mountaineers (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=277)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/277.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=277) Why: Mountaineers coach Rich Rodriguez turned down a lucrative offer from Alabama to stay at his alma mater. Quarterback Pat White (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=159846) and tailback Steve Slaton (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=174468), two of the most electrifying players in the country, return for their junior seasons. The road to the Big East title gets easier with Bobby Petrino leaving Louisville.

Why not: The Mountaineers lose center Dan Mozes, the heart and soul of their offensive line, and starting receivers Rayshawn Bolden (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=134803) and Brandon Myles (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146475), who were valued as much for their blocking as pass catching. Seven starters should be back on defense, but linebackers Kevin "Boo" McLee and Jay Henry are leaving. Three of West Virginia's toughest games in 2007 are on the road -- at Rutgers, South Florida and Maryland.

5. Wisconsin Badgers (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=275)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/275.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=275) Why: The Badgers should return 19 starters from a team that finished 12-1 in coach Bret Bielema's first season. Rising sophomore P.J. Hill (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=180057) ran for more than 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns, and speedy wide receiver Marcus Randle El (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=160477) returns from a knee injury. All-Big 10 cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu and outside linebacker Jonathan Casillas return to lead an improving defense.

Why not: The Badgers should lose only two starters on offense, but they're important ones -- quarterback John Stocco (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=133680) and All-America left tackle Joe Thomas. Tyler Donovan (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146220) played well in two emergency starts for Stocco, but he'll have to hold off Kansas State transfer Allan Evridge for the starting job. The schedule gets tougher, as the Badgers trade out Northwestern and Purdue for Michigan State and Ohio State in the Big 10 rotation.

6. Oklahoma Sooners (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=201)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/201.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=201) Why: The Sooners were among the youngest of the elite teams and still won the Big 12 Conference and played in a BCS bowl game. As many as nine starters could be back on offense and seven on defense. Rising senior Allen Patrick (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=174570) ran for 761 yards and four touchdowns in Adrian Peterson (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=161717)'s absence, and proved he can carry the load in 2007 if Peterson leaves.

Why not: Oklahoma will have an inexperienced quarterback with Paul Thompson (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=136735) leaving. Either junior college transfer Joey Halzle (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=183421), redshirt freshman Sam Bradford (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=188934) or incoming freshman Keith Nichol will get the nod. Leading tacklers Rufus Alexander and Zach Latimer and pass-rushing linemen Larry Birdine and C.J. Ah You are leaving.

7. Virginia Tech Hokies (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=259)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/259.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=259) Why: The Hokies played better than any ACC team down the stretch and might return eight starters on offense and eight on defense. Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall are as physically gifted as any linebackers in the country, and tailback Branden Ore (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=156722) emerged as the league's best runner.

Why not: Quarterback Sean Glennon (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=156724) struggled throwing the football in his first season as a starter, but the Hokies don't have a viable option behind him. Kicker Brandon Pace and punter Nic Schmitt, two of the country's best specialists, are leaving. Virginia Tech plays at LSU on Sept. 8 and picks up Florida State in the ACC rotation.

8. Texas Longhorns (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=251)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/251.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=251) Why: The Longhorns should score plenty of points with quarterback Colt McCoy (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=175772) and receivers Quan Cosby (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=175767), Billy Pittman (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=145641) and possibly Limas Sweed (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=145643) coming back. Tailback Jamaal Charles (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=175766) might run for 1,000 yards when he's not sharing carries with Selvin Young (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=135105) anymore.

Why not: Three starters are leaving on the offensive line, including All-America guard Justin Blalock. There will be even more losses on a defense that got torched by Texas Tech and Kansas State: defensive ends Tim Crowder and Brian Robinson, safety Michael Griffin and cornerbacks Tarell Brown and Aaron Ross, the Thorpe Award winner. Defensive coordinator Gene Chizik was named coach at Iowa State.

9. Ohio State Buckeyes (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=194)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/194.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=194)Why: The Buckeyes were exceptionally young this past season, starting 10 sophomores and freshmen. If Antonio Pittman (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=160722) returns for his senior season, he'll form one of the country's top tailback tandems with rising sophomore Chris Wells (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=183932).

Why not: For starters, Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=133648) is leaving. Receivers Ted Ginn Jr. (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=156844) and Anthony Gonzalez (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146166) also could bolt for the NFL draft, leaving fewer proven targets for the new quarterback, either Todd Boeckman (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=156811) or Rob Schoenhoft (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=174008). Also, the schedule gets tougher with road games at Washington, Penn State and Michigan and a home game against Wisconsin. Was the BCS meltdown an aberration, or did Florida expose the Buckeyes' lack of speed? 10. Cal Bears (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=25)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/25.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=25) Why: Despite losing Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year Marshawn Lynch (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=163361), the Bears return a plethora of skill players on offense. DeSean Jackson (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=174193) is a big-play threat at receiver and punt returner. Quarterback Nate Longshore (http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=163360) was much-improved in his first season as a starter, and Justin Forsett (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=163355) and freshman James Montgomery (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=188425) are in line to replace Lynch.

Why not: For starters, the Bears open the 2007 season against Tennessee and must fare better than in the '06 opener. Cal must replace all its key parts on defense -- tackle Brandon Mebane, linebacker Desmond Bishop and cornerback Daymeion Hughes. The transition will be easier if the NCAA grants another year of eligibility to cornerback Tim Mixon, who missed all of 2006 with a knee injury.

Desert Sapper

1/19/2007, 03:43 PM

continued...

11. Arkansas Razorbacks (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=8)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/8.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=8) Why: Tailback Darren McFadden (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=170928) might be the Heisman Trophy favorite in 2007 after running for nearly 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore. Tailback Felix Jones (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=170926) was nearly as productive. The Razorbacks relied largely on freshmen and sophomores in winning the SEC West in 2006.

Why not: The Hogs won despite failing to throw the football consistently all season. Neither Casey Dick (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=170906) nor Mitch Mustain (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=189757) was very good, allowing opponents to focus on stopping McFadden and Jones. Coach Houston Nutt seemed reluctant to turn his offense over completely to new coordinator Gus Malzahn, which might cause more tension down the road. The Razorbacks struggled defending the pass, and cornerback Chris Houston and defensive end Jamaal Anderson both entered the NFL draft as juniors. Road games at Alabama, Tennessee and LSU are hazardous.

12. Nebraska Cornhuskers (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=158)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/158.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=158) Why: All of the pieces are in place for coach Bill Callahan to return the Cornhuskers to their place among the country's elite teams. Arizona State transfer Sam Keller (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=144960) might be the perfect trigger man for Callahan's passing offense. Tailbacks Brandon Jackson (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=162707) and Marlon Lucky (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=175283) are both capable runners, and junior college transfer Maurice Purify (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=189594) was a big-play threat. Four offensive linemen return.

Why not: The Cornhuskers struggled to stop opponents, and all four defensive linemen and leading tackler Stewart Bradley must be replaced. The Cornhuskers can't go through another season without a capable kicker. The nonconference schedule will be more than demanding with home games against Nevada and USC and a road game at Wake Forest.

13. LSU Tigers (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=99)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/99.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=99) Why: The Tigers played like one of the best teams in the country down the stretch, winning their last seven games and beating Notre Dame 41-14 in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. LSU annually has stockpiled talent, starting with former coach Nick Saban and continuing with Les Miles.

Why not: The Tigers will be hit hard by defections: junior quarterback JaMarcus Russell (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146755) has declared his intention of entering the NFL draft, and defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey is expected to do the same. Senior wideouts Craig Davis (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146741) and Dwayne Bowe (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146735), defensive end Chase Pittman and safeties Jessie Daniels and LaRon Landry also are leaving. Offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher left for the same position at Florida State.
14. Penn State Nittany Lions (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=213)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/213.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=213) Why: The Nittany Lions' 20-10 win over Tennessee in the Outback Bowl showed they're not too far from returning to where they were two years ago. Quarterback Anthony Morelli (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=164344) showed signs of being able to lead the offense, and Derrick Williams (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=145142), Deon Butler (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=169347) and Jordan Norwood (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=174273) are all playmakers. If junior linebacker Dan Connor returns, the defense should be just as good after allowing 14.4 points per game in 2006.

Why not: Penn State must replace tailback Tony Hunt (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=152310), who ran for more than 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons. Left tackle Levi Brown also leaves. Three starting defensive linemen must be replaced, along with All-America linebacker Paul Posluszny, the school's all-time leading tackler.

15. Texas A&M Aggies (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=245)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/245.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=245) Why: The Aggies return a lot of firepower in quarterback Stephen McGee (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=156336), tailbacks Mike Goodson (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=191666) and Jorvorskie Lane (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=177381), and blossoming tight end Martellus Bennett (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=177364). Texas A&M lost three games by a combined six points before beating Texas 12-7 in the regular-season finale, so perhaps the Aggies finally have learned how to win close games.

Why not: Coach Dennis Franchione, who finally seemed to be off the hot seat by finishing 5-3 in the Big 12 and beating Texas, lost a lot of momentum when the Aggies were thumped 45-10 by California in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl. The Bears found plenty of cracks in defensive coordinator Gary Darnell's 4-2-5 scheme, and leading tackler Justin Warren and safety Melvin Bullitt are leaving.

16. Auburn Tigers (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/2.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=2) Why: Nick Saban's arrival at Alabama will light a fuse under Tigers coach Tommy Tuberville, whose team went 11-2 in 2006, but never found its rhythm on offense. Auburn is still very talented on defense, and end Quentin Groves and tackle Sen'Derrick Marks can become dominating players.

Why not: The Tigers lose four offensive linemen, including second-team All-America guard Ben Grubbs, as well as leading receiver Courtney Taylor (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=134996) and leading rusher Kenny Irons (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=134884). Quarterback Brandon Cox (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=134972) was inconsistent throughout the season and didn't receive much help from his receivers.

17. Georgia Bulldogs (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=61)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/61.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=61) Why: The Bulldogs salvaged an otherwise mediocre 2006 campaign by finishing with victories over nationally ranked Auburn, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. Freshman quarterback Matthew Stafford (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=183518) improved throughout the season and showed great arm strength. The receiver corps improved and should be better with the return of senior Sean Bailey (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146652), who missed all of 2006 with a knee injury. Running backs Kregg Lumpkin (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146665) and Thomas Brown (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=160061) return, along with highly regarded freshman Knowshon Moreno (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=189614).

Why not: Georgia will rely heavily on junior college transfers in rebuilding its offensive and defensive lines. The biggest losses will be defensive ends Charles Johnson and Quentin Moses and linebacker Tony Taylor. Road games at Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia Tech, along with playing Florida in Jacksonville, are daunting.

18. TCU Horned Frogs (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2628)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/2628.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=2628) Why: The Horned Frogs finished the 2006 season with a flourish, winning their last seven games and thumping Northern Illinois 37-7 in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl. TCU outscored its last four opponents 172-35. All but two starters, including end Tommy Blake, an All-America candidate, return to a defense that should be among the best in the country. The defense will be tested early -- the Horned Frogs play at Texas on Sept. 8.

Why not: TCU loses quarterback Jeff Ballard (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=137461), who threw 13 touchdowns and only five interceptions in 2006. He should be replaced by redshirt freshman Marcus Jackson (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=175616), who has thrown 44 passes in his college career.

19. Tennessee Volunteers (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2633)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/2633.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=2633) Why: The Volunteers improved from 5-6 in 2005 to 9-4 this season, but coach Phillip Fulmer isn't satisfied, especially after a 20-10 loss to Penn State in the Outback Bowl. Erik Ainge (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=161062) should return for his senior season after offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe transformed him into an SEC quarterback again. Tailback LaMarcus Coker (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=175656) showed signs of being the runner the Vols have needed the last few seasons.

Why not: All three of Ainge's main weapons -- Robert Meachem (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146890), Bret Smith (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146893) and Jayson Swain (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146894) -- are leaving. Center David Ligon and Arron Sears also are departing. The Volunteers open the season at California and play at Florida and Alabama. Tennessee plays Georgia, South Carolina and Arkansas at home.

20. UCLA Bruins (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=26)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/26.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=26) Why: The Bruins won their last three regular-season games, including a 13-9 upset of USC, before losing to Florida State 44-27 in the Emerald Bowl. UCLA could start 10 seniors on defense next season, and coordinator DeWayne Walker proved to be a great tactician in the upset of the Trojans. Likewise, the Bruins should lose only one starter on offense -- center Robert Chai -- and two experienced quarterbacks, Patrick Cowan (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=159805) and Ben Olson (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=135256), will battle for the starting job.

Why not: This will be a very important season for coach Karl Dorrell, who seemed to be on his way out until UCLA upset rival USC. The Bruins lose only three regulars, but two of them were All-Americans: first-team kicker Justin Medlock (28-for-32 field goals) and second-team defensive end Justin Hickman (12½ sacks).

Desert Sapper

1/19/2007, 03:44 PM

continued...

21. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=164)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/164.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=164) Why: The Scarlet Knights will keep chopping away in Piscataway, N.J., after coach Greg Schiano turned down Miami to stay at Rutgers. Tailback Ray Rice (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=176934) should be among the leading contenders for the 2007 Heisman Trophy, and quarterback Mike Teel (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=161913) continued to progress throughout the 2006 season. Wide receivers Kenny Britt (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=191160) and Tiquan Underwood (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=176941) are emerging big-play threats.

Why not: The loss of senior running back Brian Leonard (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=135382) can't be understated. He was a bruising blocker, a fabulous receiver out of the backfield and formed a great running tandem with Rice. The Scarlet Knights also must replace five starters on defense.

22. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=154)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/154.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=154) Why: The Demon Deacons figure to stay near the top of the ACC as long as Clemson, Florida State and Miami continue to underachieve. Remarkably, Wake Forest was able to keep coach Jim Grobe after he led the Demon Deacons to an 11-3 record, ACC title and BCS bowl game.

Why not: Wake Forest won't sneak up on opponents this season. The Demon Deacons will have eight starters back on offense and seven on defense. But cornerback Riley Swanson and safeties Patrick Ghee and Josh Gattis will be missed from a secondary that helped the Demon Deacons intercept 22 passes in 2006. The passing game must get better, and Ben Mauk (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146037) will challenge Riley Skinner (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=169077) for the starting job.

23. Boise State Broncos (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=68)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/68.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=68) Why: Who can doubt the Broncos after they finished 13-0 and beat Oklahoma 43-42 in overtime in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl with a heavy dose of razzle dazzle at the end? Tailback Ian Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=170016) returns after leading the country with 25 rushing touchdowns and 1,714 rushing yards in 2006. He'll have four offensive linemen back in front of him. Quarterback Jared Zabransky (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=134778) leaves, but coach Chris Petersen will have four quarterbacks competing to replace him, including Nick Lomax (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=174756), son of former NFL quarterback Neil Lomax.

Why not: A big reason Boise State finished unbeaten was its defense, which improved to 14th in Division I-A in total defense and 21st in scoring defense (compared to 51st in each category in 2005). Star linebacker Korey Hall, the heart and soul of that defense, is leaving, along with three starting defensive linemen.

24. Alabama Crimson Tide (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=333)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/333.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=333) Why: It won't take Nick Saban long to turn the Crimson Tide into a winner, but it won't happen overnight. Alabama should return nine starters on offense, including promising tackle Andre Smith and guard B.J. Stabler. Receiver DJ Hall (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=164559) is coming back, along with quarterback John Parker Wilson (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=169602), who must improve for the Tide to be effective on offense.

Why not: The Crimson Tide loses six starters on defense, including linebacker Juwan Simpson and tackle Jeremy Clark. The schedule is difficult with home games against Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee and LSU and road games against Florida State (in Jacksonville) and Auburn.

25. Louisville Cardinals (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=97)
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/97.gif (http://college.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=97) Why: Before coach Bobby Petrino bolted for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, the Cardinals were hoping junior quarterback Brian Brohm (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=164609) would return. If Brohm leaves for the NFL draft, Hunter Cantwell (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=169219) is ready to take over. Petrino said he believed Cantwell could develop into an NFL prospect. Anthony Allen (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=191010) showed he's ready to replace Michael Bush (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=149846), who announced Tuesday that he will leave for the NFL draft.
Why not: Maybe this is why Petrino left. Besides Bush, Brohm amay also enter the draft. Defensive tackle Amobi Okoye, cornerbacks William Gay and Gavin Smart and linebacker Nate Harris are definitely leaving the defense.

Collier11

1/19/2007, 06:38 PM

Thats funny, on Penn St.'s explanation, he gave a link to the wrong Derick Williams. I still wish that guy had come to OU instead of PSU, and I also wish Myron Rolle had made the wiser decision.

starrca23

1/19/2007, 06:44 PM

That espn top 25 actually makes sense. Not saying that it is right just saying it is at the very least somewhat logical.

SouthCarolinaSooner

1/19/2007, 10:23 PM

1. USC- A very good 2006 squad returns for a 2007 season that should be spectacular. No Jarret? No problem! The wide receiving corps will reload and Booty will find the open man. Don't go thinking Heisman for Booty... at least not yet.

2. Michigan- Nearly everyone is back from 2006's overrated team. Don't overlook the Big Blue in '07 or you shall make a fool of yourself! The defence takes some hits but the D will still be rock solid. Look for Michigan to rip through a weaker Big Televen, minus a 10 point win over Ohio State at home.

3. West Virginia- Run, run, run and Slaton for Heisman? Or Pat White? The Mountaineers explosive running game can only get better with the return of White, Slaton and most of the O-line. If West Virginia can get by Louisville...

4. LSU- The nation's best backup QB Matt Flynn will head an explosive offence and oh so frightening physical defence. The SEC West wont be quite as strong this time around, watch for an LSU-Florida SEC championship game.

5. Oklahoma- A young talented group returns, the Sooners were even better at times with out Adrian Peterson. (Prays to God). Once again the Red River Shootout ***SHOULD*** determine the Big XII champion.

Awards
Heisman: Darren Mcfadden, Arkansas
Most Overrated Player: Tim Tebow, Florida
Most Overrated Team: Florida
Most Underrated Player: PJ Hill, Wisconsin
Most Underrated Team: South Carolina [Pukes]

franklinjake

1/19/2007, 11:33 PM

I think if we have a decent quarterback with the threat of a passing game, we can be a National Championship team. We will have a great O-Line, a great secondary, awesome recieving corps, AP is a freaking stud, etc. Weakness will be our defensive front 7, but I think Stoops and company will get them playing well. If we can just get a freaking Q-Back that can hit a wide open reciever with the long ball (what we were missing all year long), we will be in business.....

If we don't have a decent Qback, we will be like this year IMHO...

sooneron

1/20/2007, 09:43 AM

If we can just get a freaking Q-Back that can hit a wide open reciever with the long ball (what we were missing all year long), we will be in business.....

If we don't have a decent Qback, we will be like this year IMHO...
:rolleyes:

Yeah, too bad we didn't have a decent qb this year.

OSUAggie

1/20/2007, 09:50 AM

That espn top 25 actually makes sense. Not saying that it is right just saying it is at the very least somewhat logical.

Besides the fact Alabama is #24 for absolutely no reason other than Jesus is their new coach, it makes perfect sense.

PLaw

1/20/2007, 11:07 AM

EDIT: After reading the article I found another funny bit. USC is apperently the team of the decade, never-mind that 2000 and 2001 were part of this decade on the majority of calendars.

Sorta goes with the what have you done for me lately thinking.

At this point, my All-Decade Top 5:

1. USC
2. OSU
3. OU
4. LSU
5. UTex

GO SOONERS

Ash

1/20/2007, 11:07 AM

15. Texas A&M Aggies
Why: The Aggies return a lot of firepower in quarterback Stephen McGee, tailbacks Mike Goodson and Jorvorskie Lane, and blossoming tight end Martellus Bennett. Texas A&M lost three games by a combined six points before beating Texas 12-7 in the regular-season finale, so perhaps the Aggies finally have learned how to win close games.

that is just a funny, and frightening, phrase

IronHorseSooner

1/20/2007, 11:13 AM

1. USC- Why rated here: Returns good QB and have loads of talent:(
2. Michigan- See USC; however, we must account for the Lloyd Carr factor. If they get to the BCS title, they will be exposed by whomever they play (USC, FLA, OU,etc.)
3. WV- Living now in Big East country, I get to see these guys on TV regularly. They are better than what you give them credit. In a BCS game, however, they would lose to an OU, Michigan, USC, LSU, etc. by 2 touchdowns. They are number three until some other teams show that their weak areas aren't that weak (Wisc, OU, UT, etc.)
4. Fla: They need to prove that Tebow can be a good STARTER! They lose a boat load of talent on the D-side. They are this high due to overall talent and how Meyer can coach.
5. OU: Bottom line, if they can find a good QB, they are better than any other team here. That's not homerism, that's a fact. Their schedule is very favorable, and should give them time to break in the new QB. Remember, AP has never lost as a starting RB. Just a thought. They will likely pass WV, especially after beating Hook 'em
6. Wisconsin
7. UT
8. Arkansas
9. Ohio State
10. LSU

starrca23

1/20/2007, 12:02 PM

Aggie, I guess I missed Bama, I agree though.

FaninAma

1/20/2007, 12:38 PM

USC will not win the national championship next year. Basing their performance next year on a win over an exposed and overrated Michigan in the Rose Bowl is a mistake. They continue to lose assistant coaches and JD Booty is no Matt Leinert. Their running game is average and they finally will have to play some difficult road games. They wilol win 10 games because they play in the pathetic PAC 10.

OU has a tremendous amount of talent returning. The Sooners will be better at QB next year and our schedule is very favorable.

Wisconsin will win the Big 10 if they can replace their QB.

It's funny that OU's loss in OT to a very good, senior dominated, unbeaten team is supposedly worse than Ohio State getting blwon away in the Natioanl Title game or Michigan looking pathetic against a 2 loss USC team.

Collier11

1/20/2007, 12:49 PM

The Sooners will be better at QB next year and our schedule is very favorable.

:confused: :confused: :confused:

So a guy who has never taken a college snap(bradford or nichol) or halzle who has thrown 2 D1 passes I think are going to be better than paul thompson (11-3 as a starter this year and a 2 to 1 td/int ration. I dont know about that. They may be able to make some throws that Paul couldnt, but I dont see any of our qbs having 22 tds and only 11 int next year. I hope im wrong but I dont see it

josh09

1/20/2007, 01:34 PM

SouthCarolinaSooner

1/20/2007, 02:15 PM

Sorta goes with the what have you done for me lately thinking.

At this point, my All-Decade Top 5:

1. USC
2. OSU
3. OU
4. LSU
5. UTex

GO SOONERS
Pfft. USC didnt have a winning record in '00 or '01.

1. Oklahoma
2. Miami
3. USC
4. Ohio State
5. Texas

FaninAma

1/20/2007, 02:15 PM

:confused: :confused: :confused:

So a guy who has never taken a college snap(bradford or nichol) or halzle who has thrown 2 D1 passes I think are going to be better than paul thompson (11-3 as a starter this year and a 2 to 1 td/int ration. I dont know about that. They may be able to make some throws that Paul couldnt, but I dont see any of our qbs having 22 tds and only 11 int next year. I hope im wrong but I dont see it

PT was great because of his leadership skills not his QBing skills. Teams that recognized that Paul could not throw down field with any accuracy past 10-15 yards, especially over the middle, were able to shut down our passing game by zoning the the short-middle routes and stacking the line of scrimmage.

Replacing PT's leadership will be hard. Replacing his down-field accuracy and ability to read defenses and find the open receiver will not be hard to replace.

The handwringing over the QB position next year is ,IMO, unwarranted.

SouthCarolinaSooner

1/20/2007, 02:20 PM

PT was great because of his leadership skills not his QBing skills. Teams that recognized that Paul could not throw down field with any accuracy past 1-2 yards, especially over the middle, were able to shut down our passing game by zoning the the short-middle routes and stacking the line of scrimmage.

Replacing PT's leadership will be hard. Replacing his down-field accuracy and ability to read defenses and find the open receiver will not be hard to replace.

The handwringing over the QB position next year is ,IMO, unwarranted.
Fixed that for you.

franklinjake

1/20/2007, 03:46 PM

:rolleyes:

Yeah, too bad we didn't have a decent qb this year.

Don't get me wrong, I like Thompson, he did well with the talent he has and is a classy kid. He just wasn't "great". He did well in short passing plays, but when you don't have a deep ball threat, it keeps the defenders up towards the line of scrimmage and doesn't really open up the running game, like in the Fiesta Bowl. Wide open recievers all game down field and we couldn't capitalize on it.

franklinjake

1/20/2007, 03:48 PM

Replacing PT's leadership will be hard. Replacing his down-field accuracy and ability to read defenses and find the open receiver will not be hard to replace.

I agree with your analysis on PT, well put.

goingoneight

1/20/2007, 04:22 PM

Don't get me wrong, I like Thompson, he did well with the talent he has and is a classy kid. He just wasn't "great". He did well in short passing plays, but when you don't have a deep ball threat, it keeps the defenders up towards the line of scrimmage and doesn't really open up the running game, like in the Fiesta Bowl. Wide open recievers all game down field and we couldn't capitalize on it.

To be fair, two of PT's INT's were tipped before they were picked. And Quentin Chaney was a dumb choice by Sumlin/Wilson to utilize as Malcom Kelly's replacement. QC is again, a good kid, but he is a four for speed and size, while MK is a 10 for the whole package, size, speed, hand-eye coordination, knowledge of the offense, etc. QC didn't fight for the ball at all if you ask me and that really hurt PT's stats until the final minutes when they decided to use QC in the short routes.

... and... if you look at www.soonerstats.com in the record book, PT is top five in passing season yardage. At a school like OU, that says he's a more than capable QB.

Collier11

1/20/2007, 08:39 PM

PT was great because of his leadership skills not his QBing skills. Teams that recognized that Paul could not throw down field with any accuracy past 10-15 yards, especially over the middle, were able to shut down our passing game by zoning the the short-middle routes and stacking the line of scrimmage.

Replacing PT's leadership will be hard. Replacing his down-field accuracy and ability to read defenses and find the open receiver will not be hard to replace.

The handwringing over the QB position next year is ,IMO, unwarranted.

I agree completely with you that he couldnt get the ball down the field very accurately and there were some throws he just couldnt make, but I disagree with him being able to read defenses. He doesnt have the second half of the fiesta bowl that he had and he doesnt play the way he did in the big 12 game, especially at the end without being able to read the defenses. What the new guys make up for in overall skill they will lack in on-field trust and leadership(atleast for parts of the early season if not longer) and that is a big big deal

franklinjake

1/20/2007, 08:43 PM

goingoneight - I agree that PT was very good at competion % and at the short passing game. I love PT to death, he is a great kid and has a heart of a champion. I just want to see a QB come in that can throw the long ball. I agree on your opinion about QC, but still he wasn't the only guy getting open deep all game.

I know the thing that really helped out our run game with Jason White, was that the defenses couldn't come up on us all the time to stop our running game because JW would go deep on them for a huge pass. I think the lack of a threat of a deep pass killed us all year, because opposing defenses could crowd the line of scrimage because it was either going to be a run or a short pass.

Collier11

1/20/2007, 08:49 PM

Another thing to consider is if KW and Stoops will let a new qb thrown downfield much...Stoops seems to have put the clamps on lately and I dont know if that was due to our line, our qb, or what...hopefully our new guy will be given a little playmaking freedom

sooneron

1/20/2007, 10:08 PM

tommie15

1/20/2007, 10:34 PM

1. USC

I think this is pretty clear. I don't think Booty is that great, but the wide receivers will make up for that. The o-line wasn't that great this year and running game was pretty average. No matter. The defense will be out of this world. Ellis can dominate a game from the tackle position and their linebackers may be one of the best units EVER assembled. The secondary will be excellent too. Early test in week 3 when they come to Lincoln.

2. LSU

Maybe the best defensive line in the country, which is where games are won. Flynn or Perrilleux will step in and lead a very good offense. The offensive line might be the best in the country, also. Florida and Aurburn at home this year makes for an easier schedule. VT also visits Baton Rouge early in a game that will show us what each team is all about.

3. Florida

Lose a lot of defense, but the offense will be outstanding. Those folks that don't believe Tebow can throw will be in for a rude awakening. Meyer has proved he is as good of a gameday coach as anyone in the country. Must travel to LSU.

4. Louisville

Kragthorpe will not miss a beat. Petrino has the defensive side pretty well stacked and Brohm will lead a very good offense. Must go to WV this year, so the schedule is more difficult.

5. Texas

Colt McCoy is good. The oline pipeline continues to flow. Chizik leaving, IMO, is good for the horns as I was never that impressed with his defenses. The new guy from SF will be a major upgrade in my opinion. The d line will be pretty good and the secondary graduates, which is also a good thing.

6. West Virginia

If the defense learns to tackle, you can move them up a few spots. White and Slaton will come into their own in their junior seasons and lead a very good offense. Some key losses on the o line must be replaced, but that is Rodriguez's speciality.

7. Wisconsin

Bielema is proving to be quite the coach. The schedule is tougher as they go to Ohio State and Penn State. Penn State may be the sleeper this year.

8. Tennesee

Ainge returns to lead a very good Vol offense. The defense will be much improved with the maturation of several young players. Must go to Florida this year.

9. Virginia Tech

Return most of the defense which was ranked first in the country in 2006. The ACC will be down again next year. The offense is a question mark, but if the Hokies get above average QB play, they will be very good.

10. Nebraska

This is Callahan's make or break year. Keller provides a noticeable upgrade in physical ability over Taylor, but is he as tough? The secondary and linebacking core will be improved but 4 starters must be replaced on the o line. We'll know how good they are early with a trip to WF and a visit by USC.

On the fringe-

UGA - Stafford may be the best QB in the country, but will the defense be able to fill in the gaps?

OU - Who wil be under center? Is the o line ready to take the next step?

Cal - Will they underachieve again?

Michigan - Way too much hype for this team. Too slow on d and Henne is nothing but an average QB.

Ohio State - Offense will be a work in progress and defense was exposed in BCS game.

Arkansas - Key losses on D but DMc returns.

FSU - should be much improved.

FaninAma

1/21/2007, 12:28 AM

Tommie15, you're showing your Bugeater colors just a bit with that list. OU has to replace their QB but so does Wisconsin, Nebraska, Florida and LSU.

Tennessee still has Fulmer as their coach.

Chizik leaving is good for the Horns? Having their 4th defensive coordinator in 5 years is a good thing for the Horns? And if the backup DB's in AUstin are so good why weren't they starting this year? Your glossing over of the Horn's losses makes me chuckle.Whatever.

LSU loses their starting QB and their offensive coordinator and even with them they struggled to score at times.

And USC's unproven WR's are going to step up? Despite losing their top 2 WR's the Trojans will roll Nebraska in Lincoln.

I'll bet my last dollar that OU finishes ahead of Nebraska and Texas.

I will admit that your list gave me a good laugh, though.

goingoneight

1/21/2007, 11:10 PM

I would love nothing more than to see the media dogg us to death in 2007. Like skip airing OUr spring game, rank us outside the top 15, tell us we're overrated, call us Chokelahoma... that stuff. This kind of stuff does miracles in motivating young, unsettled talent, which is exactly what OU has in 2007. I think as long as they're focused, the running game will dominate the likes of Utah State and North Texas, giving OUr man under center an oppurtunity to throw a few from time to time for practice. Miami will be a punishing rush defense; so OUr defense, ST, and receiving corps better be ready from day one.
With guys like Malcom Kelly, who is vastly underrated in the eyes of the media, and IMHO an All-American in training... RB's like Allen Patrick, whom over seven games played Adrian Peterson quite well in some damn tough venues like Collie Station, OUr offense is a loaded gun in need of a decent to average triggerman. Everyone on this board would love to see another Jason White or Josh Heupel or (insert QB name here), but realistically speaking, we won't have a start under center until the middle of the season when he's settled in. See: 2005 and 2006, young, or inexperienced guys take over for legends.

These facts, put up with Miami and Texass, and a tough game in Lubbock (we all know it will be), puts OU in the top ten, but doesn't top the charts. Now if PT got a medical RS, or Rhetony Brhomaro wasn't such an idiot, we'd be a guaranteed #1 or 2.

VolinArizona

1/22/2007, 02:59 PM

1. USC
2. Michigan
3. LSU
4. Oklahoma
5. Texas
6. Penn State
7. West Virginia
8. Miami
9. Tennessee
10. Florida

shavedmarmoset

1/22/2007, 03:39 PM

PT was great because of his leadership skills not his QBing skills. Teams that recognized that Paul could not throw down field with any accuracy past 10-15 yards, especially over the middle, were able to shut down our passing game by zoning the the short-middle routes and stacking the line of scrimmage.

Replacing PT's leadership will be hard. Replacing his down-field accuracy and ability to read defenses and find the open receiver will not be hard to replace.

The handwringing over the QB position next year is ,IMO, unwarranted.

Right, because Paul Thompson didn't throw that 35 yard TD against Washington with any accuracy, or that 73-yard pass to MK against Mid Tenn or that 32-yard TD to Manuel Johnson against Tech or the 40-yarder to MK to start our comeback or that 57-yard pass to MK against Baylor. No, those were awful throws, you're right.

footballfanatic

1/22/2007, 03:42 PM

Theskipster

1/22/2007, 04:23 PM

"AP never lost as a starting RB." Guess the two straight losses to Texas, where he started both games, don't count, for some strange reason.

A.P. != A.D.

FaninAma

1/23/2007, 10:53 PM

Right, because Paul Thompson didn't throw that 35 yard TD against Washington with any accuracy, or that 73-yard pass to MK against Mid Tenn or that 32-yard TD to Manuel Johnson against Tech or the 40-yarder to MK to start our comeback or that 57-yard pass to MK against Baylor. No, those were awful throws, you're right.

I don't think you're going to convince even the most ardent PT supporters that Thompson was even an average deep ball threat. How many of those deep completions were due to acrobatic catches by Kelly? And for the half dozen or less examples you threw out there I could give you three times the number of instances when PT overthrew, underthrew, threw behind or simply didn't see wide open receivers.

Check our scoring average with PT as QB compared to our scoring averages with Huepel, Hybl, and White. And don't try to tell me the offensive talent surrounding Paul wasn't as good as those previous years.

Again, PT was the consumate leader and teammate, but he was an average, at best, QB.

goingoneight

1/23/2007, 11:08 PM

N8 and Jason had four damn-good NFL receivers on their roster. We've yet to see who outside of Kelly, will go to the next level with PT's WR's. NTM, N8 and Jason had better OL, TE's and J.D. Runnels. You all aren't paying attention to the fact that PT has passed the ball better than 90% of the QB's in Switzer's days and ranks 5th all-time OU single season, I believe. The wide open receivers are a designed play every time you run an I-formation offense. If your WR's don't get open, the defense reads the run easily, and doesn't bite on play-action. PT was just fine, folks. I'd rather have PT on roster than 10 of the other BIG 12 QBs.

Desert Sapper

1/24/2007, 12:07 PM

So what we all pretty much agree on is that the next QB needs to have:

PT's leadership ability
JW's mid-long range passing ability
JH's decision making and quick release
Jamelle's agility and speed
and Jack Mildren's toughness

Does that about sum it up?

The QB (whoever that may be) will have the most experienced line we've had in 3 years, 3 of the best WRs in the Big XII, two good TEs, and a solid run game. I'm pretty sure the coaches can figure somebody out of the three front-runners that can make it happen, given what we have coming back.

Collier11

1/24/2007, 07:48 PM

MojoRisen

1/24/2007, 07:51 PM

Go ahead and add nate hybl to the toughness and character sections. That guy was the toughest SOB ive seen from a qb, he took some monster hits and kept going back out there

I used to make fun of him being a linebacker and all when he got wobblie in the kneees but the Kstate blitzed every play game - I do have too give him credit for this! he was able too sit in the pocket take a monster hit and know that he had enough accuracy to hit the deep fade.... hell yeah like it was yesterday!