Why start negative, huh Frazier? Because I enjoy rooting against teams, hate pundits, and laugh at the concept of a preseason poll. Seriously, it's just ridiculous. All you need to look at is last season's preseason poll, or any seasons, and you'll understand why.

So what makes an overrated team? Well, it isn't just rankings, it is also general hype. It is expectations. A team like Maryland, for example, can't be overrated, simply because they aren't rated. They can really go up in the eyes of a national audience. Notre Dame, well, they have a long way to fall (and I believe that they will). The following is a list of meticulous research, and gut instincts. Some teams just "feel" wrong to me. I don't trust their coach, their stars, their conference, or something else about them gives me a bad feeling in the gut. One last thought, I know our lists look somewhat similar. Well, we are essentially picking five teams from the top twenty, since anything lower than that and it's hard to be overrated (see: the Maryland example). So of course they look similar. Also, some teams are getting way more hype than they are due, and they should be called out for it. Now, on to the prognosticating:

5) Clemson. Why the mighty Tigers? Well, it may have something to do with my general hatred with this team, and it's redneck, asshole, malicious fan-base. (It's sort of a long story, but apparently the best bar in Clemson, S.C. is a former gas station filled a bunch of creeps and lowlifes who are stupid, violent, and vicious. The type of folks who will purposely point you in the opposite direction of the parking lot, and will then cruise around hoping for the chance to drive you into a ditch. Bastards.) It also has something to do with the team being ranked so highly despite the fact that their quarterbacks' career includes 4 passes against Texas A&M and mop-up chores against the likes of Temple and Duke, two of the worst teams in all of college football, in any division really. It also has something to do with the fact that Tommy Bowden has been nothing if not an underachiever. He has allegedly been on the edge of "breaking through" for at least five seasons. Nothing here tells me that this year will be any different. Not to mention the fact that his teams have always played their worst when expectations were highest. Add to this the fact that Clemson plays brutal games AT Boston College, AT Florida St. And AT Virginia Tech. Two of those places are some of the hardest to win at in the country, and BC is always tough, especially at home. Oh, and they have to play in a bitter rivalry game against the brilliant Steve Spurrier, and his overachieving gang of Gamecocks (sounds like a creepy visor-filled porn). Anyways, so Clemson, you guys are probably in for a long year. Oh, and fuck you.

4) Georgia. If Georgia couldn't break through the last couple of years, there is absolutely no reason to think that this one will be any different. Especially if you saw the "performance" starting QB Joe Tereshinski III put up against Florida last year (38% completions, 100 yds, 1 INT, costing them the close game, their first loss of the year, virtually ruining their season.) Now, I was never a big D.J. Shockley fan, but he brought something to this offense. Joe has to not mess up, and I don't think he is capable of it. He doesn't have good legs, a good arm, or good decision-making. Seriously, you think he is going to walk in to Auburn and come out with a win? No way. No reason to think Florida won't rough him up. And, frankly, the rest of the SEC is tough enough that it will punish a weak quarterback, especially for a team that perennially underachieves. The Bulldogs aren't good enough elsewhere to have sub-par quarterback play, and that is exactly what they are going to receive. Oh, and if they start hot, just remember that the end of their schedule is infinitely tougher. We are predicting overrated teams for the season, not for some meaningless win over Western Kentucky in September.

3) Florida. Look, the SEC is too tough to allow for mediocrity. They have to play the SEC schedule, including tough away games against Tennessee (a team I don't necessarily love, but Knoxville isn't exactly friendly) and Auburn, and a visit to Florida St. Is this team really much better than the one that lost to S. Carolina towards the end of last year? Chris Leak doesn't get it, and he'll have Tim Tebow looking over his shoulder. The schedule is tough, and I'm just not seeing significant improvement. Their head coach and their QB just don't suit eachother, and they have really lost some swagger in the last few years. Let's call them 8-4.

2) West Virginia. WHAT?! You think I'm insane. That's fine. I'm cool with that. Do they have a great coach? Yes. Especially offensively. Do they have a soft schedule? Undoubtedly. Do they have great playmakers? In spades. So what the hell is wrong here? I guess a couple of things in my mind. First, it is very easy for them to become "overrated". Really, they don't have any excuse to lose more than one game this year, and they might actually be favored in every single game they play. So even a slight slip-up will absolutely ruin their season. Also, I am a little concerned with how they blew open the Sugar Bowl against Georgia, really had the game in hand, and almost managed to screw it up. That should remind everyone of how very young this team is. Young teams + national champion expectations = disaster. Also, the national title picture is a tough one to squeeze into. The teams at the top are perennial powers. The USC's the LSU's, and Oklahoma's, or Florida State's. I am reminded of those Virginia Tech teams with huge expectations and soft schedules, and how they never managed to put it all together. Being 10-1 in anonymity is different than playing with the whole country watching, not to mention the expectations of their rabid fan-base. Finally, I am always concerned with teams that do two things. The first is run gimmicky defenses. If the other team needs a yard on them, they won't stop it. They are small, they gamble, and they try to confuse teams. This will work against the Rutgers of the world, and they have plenty of them on the schedule, but better teams will take advantage, like when Georgia started running roughshod over them, before they finally pulled it together. Or when Louisville hung 44 points on them in another shootout. Their defense is keyed to getting a lead, then being aggressive and putting the game away. This leads to my other concern. They are a MUCH better running team than passing team. This is a major problem. If they get behind, they could be in serious trouble. Also, if you are a running team, you need a defense that can hold you in 10-7 ballgames, but that's not how their defense works. Nebraska could run because they never got behind by more than 3 points, because they rarely gave up any points until the game was essentially decided. LSU and Auburn were defense-first, conservative offense teams that needed just enough points to win. WVU's defense is more than capable of giving up big points and big plays. If some team comes in, slows them down some, and gets ahead 14-0, which is entirely possible, WVU might be cooked. I think they will have a season that would be considered a great year in any other year, but with expectations this high, I think they make just enough mistakes, fall behind just enough times, let the pressure get to them just enough, that they end up with a very disappointing season. That could STILL equal a Big East title in that weak conference.

1) Notre Dame. You know what, for all the talk of their "resurgence" last year, they really didn't do much. They beat overrated teams, generally at home, and lost to every good team they played, as well as a Michigan St. team that wasn't really good at all. While they played an epic against USC, they still couldn't win the game despite being at home, having a perfect game plan run to perfection, making multiple 4th downs, and having USC experience an off-day. Now that USC team was an absolute Titan, make no mistake, but Notre Dame essentially did the same thing that Fresno St. did, and no one is talking about Fresno St. being the best team in the country. Look, Notre Dame has a great QB, and a great coach. Their schedule is as good as can be expected (they are never going to have a soft schedule) although that USC game will be brutal, especially since it is at the end of the year when the young players on that team will have matured. You need to catch USC early, not late. Their best win last year was what, at a Michigan team that ended up 7-5? They also lost to the eventual 5-6 Spartans. In their bowl game I thought that a month to prepare an offensive game plan for Ohio St. would be a showcase. It was, for Ohio St. They got run all over that field. They lost an excellent #2 receiver in Stovall, and I think they might begin to believe their own hype. Quinn, Samardzija, and Zbikowski have all received a ton of press this offseason, but they need to do a lot more on the field. These guys are supposed to be in the same league as Ohio St. this year, but they got pasted by them, and lost one of their most valuable offense weapons. Oh, and they can't defend against the pass. That's how Michigan St. beat them, and it's the recipe for success this year as well. Notre Dame is an easy choice here. They are pretty much always overrated, because they have the national TV contract, the revered name and legacy, and the national following. But last year they didn't beat anybody. They just didn't. Totally unimpressive, and I don't think they are really any better on either side of the ball. Don't believe the hype. Even Touchdown Jesus himself can't save this team from having the kind of expectations they will never be able to live up to.

The 5 Most Overrated Teams in America

#5 - Oregon (preseason #20 in coaches poll)

In a nutshell, the Ducks lost too many good players and play too many good teams (the Pac-10 is loaded this season) to be ranked in the preseason top 25. Let's start with the schedule. The Ducks play 6 away games this season: at Fresno State, at Arizona State, at California, at Washington State, at USC, and at Oregon State. Realistically, the Ducks should be the underdog in all 6 games and could legitimately be looking at an 0-6 road record this season. Furthermore, the Ducks have to play their two most physical games of the season in back-to-back weeks at Fresno State and then at home against Oklahoma. Both Fresno and Oklahoma come from conferences that emphasize physical defense, and a pounding running game, something which Oregon will not be accustomed to playing against.

But what about the personnel? I cannot deny that I love their running game with true Sophomore Jonathan Stewart (who was spectacular at times as a kick returner last season). Oregon also returns all 5 O-Lineman from last season, but this unit struggled in 2005 running the ball consistently. There has also been major turnover at QB where stalwart Kellen Clemens has graduated, leaving either Dennis Dixon (the likely starter) or Brady Leaf to take over. While Dixon showed flashes last season, it is a safe bet that the Ducks are not going to get the type of production they are used to out of the QB spot, especially without a clear go-to receiever. The defense also lost its three best players from last season in DT Haloti Ngata, and CB's Justin Phinisee and Aaron Gipson, and do not have the same type of athletes ready to step in.

Bottom line: It's never a good thing when a Leaf is prominently involved (Brady is Ryan's little brother). Oregon looks to be at least a season away from replicating the 10 wins of 2005. I would be moderately suprised if Oregon won 7 games this season, and I think a 6-6 record is more likely.

#4 - Tennessee (preseason #23 in coaches poll)

Unlike Oregon, I believe the Vols actually have the talent to justify, or perhaps even surpass, their preseason ranking. They don't have a killer schedule with most of their toughest games coming in Knoxville (California, Florida, Alabama and LSU), though road trips to Georgia, South Carolina, and Arkansas will not be easy. So then why do they find themsevles on the overrated list? Well it's simple, I just don't believe in either Phil Fulmer or Erik Ainge.

Let's start with Fulmer. It's difficult to argue with his record at Tennessee, although the fact that his SEC success has gotten him mentioned in the same breath as Bear Bryant is a travesty. True Fulmer won a national title with the Vols, but has there ever been a coach who has done less with more talent. Even the national title team was an inexplicable Clint Stoerner fumble away from ruining their season. And I still contend that Fulmer and the Vols lose to Florida State by 30 points if the Seminoles have either of their top 2 quarterbacks healthy for the title game (you'll remember FSU started the eminently forgettable Marcus Outzen). In my view, Fulmer's problem is a lack of imagination. Blessed with unbelievable athletes, Fulmer exhibits no offensive creativity whatsoever. No matter who he has on the outside, Fulmer would rather run it up the gut on 2nd and 3 then take a shot downfield. Perhaps bringing in former Ole Miss. coach David Cutcliffe will temper Fulmer's uber-conseravative philosophy, but even if he is finally ready to open up his playbook, I'm not sure he has the personnel to do it this season.

Which brings us to Ainge. Ainge burst onto the scene as a true freshman and played way over his head that year. That he failed to improve at all last season has to be a major concern for the Volunteers. Perhaps more troubling though, is the lack of depth behind Ainge should he falter. Unlike past seasons where Ainge had experienced (Ric Clausen) or talented (Brent Schaeffer) backups, the entire fortunes of the Tennessee offense fall on Ainge's shoulders. This is a totally different Volunteers offense than the one Ainge thrived in as a freshman, and one that is far less talented (the Vols do not have any skill position players who are All-SEC caliber). In order for this team to win Ainge will have to be far better than he was last season or as a freshman, and I am not sure he has it in him.

Bottom line: It would be ironic and unfortunate if this is the season Fulmer finally gets creative on offense, because it is one of the few years he doesn't have the talent to succeed. The schedule is not a killer so 8-4 is within reach, but I say the Vols lost at least 2 games they are supposed to win and finish 7-5.

#3 - Georgia (preseason #14 in coaches poll)

If I were a betting man, and whose to say I'm not, I would wager that the Bulldogs end the season with a 10-2 record and ranked almost identically as they are now. So how then, you may ask, can I put them on my list of most overrated teams? Well consider it a preemptive strike. Looking at Georgia's schedule and personnel, assuming they survive a trip to South Carolina in week 2 (which is not a given mind you), the Bulldogs could roll into the World's Biggest Cocktail party sporting an 8-0 record and a top 5 ranking. Am I buying Georgia as a potential national title contender? You bet I'm not. Although Mark Richt is a pheonomenal coach, and perhaps the most underrated in the nation, the Bulldogs are not ready to take the leap this season. Despite the easiest schedule int he SEC, I predict the Bulldogs will fade down the stretch (as they seemingly do every season) losing to the two best teams on their schedule: Florida, and at Auburn. Though they will start 8-0, they will probably finish 10-2, and they will no doubt fall out of the top 5.

So is it a cop-out to consider a team overrated based on a predicted 8-0 start and top 5 ranking? I don't think so. This edition of the Bulldogs should never be ranked in the top 5. Though they have some individual talent, they lack the gamebreakers on offense, and complete players on defense. On offense, Richt is counting on Senior Joe Tereshinski who looked way out of place in a division 1 game when he started against Florida last season. Richt would be wise to work true freshman Matt Stafford in as much as possible. On defense, the Georgia hype machine (patented for David Pollack) has latched onto Quentin Moses. Moses is a Jevon Kearse type player who can rush the passer, but will do little else to help his team win. He is a one dimensional player that can and will be easily exploited by SEC coaches. Moses' counterpart, Junior Charles Johnson, is a much more complete player and could end up with a superior NFL career.

Bottom line: This Georgia team is not as good as last season's edition. Though they will finish 10-2, that will seem like a disappointment given where this team will be ranked by midseason.

Fearless Prediction - Georgia will enter the 2007 season as the preseason number 1.

#2 - Florida (preseason #8 in coaches poll)

Is Florida one of the 5 most talented teams in America? Yes. Do they have one of the brightest offensvie minds in the game as head coach? Yes. Do they have a Heisman caliber QB who is experienced enough to win big games? Yes. Doesn't sound like an overrated team to me, does it? Well, yes. For all the accolades showered upon Urban Meyer and Chris Leak, the Gators are just not ready to challenge for a national title this season. Last year Leak looked uncomfortable in Meyer's spread offense. Even the most ardent Gator supporter would concede that watching Leak fit his skills into Meyer's offenses evokes images of a square peg and a round hole. Meyer has to be given time to recruit his own players and fill the positions in his own offense as he sees fit. Landing top recruit Tim Tebow was a huge step for Florida, as he is generally regarded as a QB born to play in Meyer's spread offense. But this process takes time, and expecting the Gators to compete for a national title this eason is unfair, especially with games at Tennessee, Auburn, and Florida State on the schedule.

For the first time in as long as I can remember, the Florida offense is a step behing the defense. For reasons stated earlier, the offense needs time (as in years, not days) to grow under Meyer. That said, these Gators should have an opportunity to win every game because of a strong defense led by a dominating group of linebackers headlined by junior Brandon Siler and senior Earl Everett. If the Gators played in the Big 12 or Big 10, I would agree that an undefeated season might be within reach. However, in the SEC you need to be able to execute your offense and make huge plays in both the running and passing game. While Leak will be steady if unspectacular, the Gators have major holes at RB, O-Line, and WR. And no matter how good he is, a QB can't break big plays all by himself (well unless his name is Vince Young).

Bottom line: The Gators are two years away from returning to national prominence. This 2006 team looks like an 8-4 squad to me, and I would not be surprised to see Tebow take over for Leak at some point.

#1 - Notre Dame (preseason #3 in coaches poll)

Even I ranked Notre Dame too high in my preseason poll (#5). I suppose the allure of all that NFL offensive talent is too much to ignore. Offensive firepower notwithstanding, the Irish cannot be taken seriously as a potential undefeated team and national title contender for two reasons. First, their schedule makes it nearly impossible to go 12-0. I understand that the Irish make a ton of TV revenue by not affiliating with a conference, but such action also leads to a murderous schedule that looks like an unholy cross between the Big 10 and Pac-10. The Irish have 5 road games and not a single one is a gimme: at Georgia Tech, at Michigan State (who always play up to their competition), at Navy (a bowl winner last season and a potential top 25 team in 2006), at Air Force (CO Spings is never an easy place to play), and at USC (no explanation needed). Add home games against Big 1o powers Michigan and Penn State, as well as Pac-10 teams UCLA and Stanford, and Notre Dame is playing the toughest schedule top to bottom in America.

The second reason this team cannot be taken seriously as a national title contender is that they simply do not play defense. More specifically, they cannot defend the pass. Their best defensive player, safety Tom Zbikowski, is more linebacker than defensive back. Though they return all 4 starting defensive backs, I am not certain that is a good thing. Notre Dame was consistently torched last season by mediocre pasing offenses such as Michigan State and Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. In addition, the Irish will be breaking in two new outside linebackers who will probably provide little help covering the flats and curl areas. The Irish pass defense has to be a whole lot better this season, especially with the likes of Calvin Johnson, Dwayne Jarrett, Derrick Williams, and Steve Breaston on the schedule.

Bottom line: If the Irish go 12-0 it will be one of the more remarkable seasons in recent memory. More likely, though, the Irish lose at USC and at least one other against Penn State, Michigan, or Michigan State. But, if Notre Dame loses its opener against Georgia Tech they could be headed for a big time collapse.

So who IS the best fullback in Nebraska history? It's a school renowned for blue collar, hard-hitting guys. People who enjoy delivering a slobberknocker between the tackles. And, who thanks to an innovative running offense, often found surprising amounts of room right up the gut. These are the guys who kept defenses honest by forcing linebackers to look inside. They also opened massive holes, led the play, caught short passes (a necessity with quarterbacks better suited to run than pass) and provided leadership on and off the field. Nebraska is corn-fed offensive linemen, the blackshirts, and fullbacks. So who's the best? Who is number one?

Let's take a look at those who fell just a bit short:

-Cory Schlesinger. He came up huge in the first national title game, and was a stellar performer for a team that almost won 3 titles in a row. He had a rather uneventful pro career, and his college statistics are nothing eye-opening. Still, he gets serious consideration for his ability as a blocker, opening holes for Frazier and Phillips, his excellent hands, and his ability to come up big when it mattered most. He is also renowned for breaking facemasks, which speaks to his strength and intensity, and willingness to give literally everything he had.

-Joel Makovicka. The classic Nebraska walk-on. He came from a small town in Nebraska, and followed in his brother's footsteps by walking on to Nebraska. He ended up as a multiple Academic All-American, and the Nebraska career touchdown leader for the position. He also holds the individual game record for fullbacks, and, of course, has a national title to boot. He averaged over 5 yards/carry, and could be absolutely dominant at times.

-The older folks. This includes guys like Tony and Dick Davis. Two runners with lots of yards, and solid careers, who probably mean more to an older generation. Sorry to show the bias, boys, but I didn't even know you existed until I started doing the homework. Can't give you the award based on some numbers, the Nebraska FB position is about mystique. You guys just don't have it.

So who's #1? It's actually easier than you might expect. It's Tom Rathman, of course.

Rathman not only has the best individual season for any 'Husker FB, with over 800 yds and a staggering 7.5 yds/carry. But he also ended up redefining the position at the pro level. He led all RB's in receptions in the NFL in 1989 with 70, and had 600 yds receiving. His contribution to the success of Roger Craig, Joe Montana and the West Coast offense will never be forgotten. When you say "fullback" a lot of people immediately think of Rathman. Great runner, great hands, solid blocker. He definitively gets the nod from this end. He is the guy you'd want if you had one game, and your life depended on it. While I'd love to give it to Schlesinger, the most clutch, or Makovicka, the most determined, sometimes you have to give it to the guy who was simply the best, most lethal weapon. No matter what you needed him to do, Rathman could do it. Congrats Tom!

A valid point by my esteemed co-blogger. My top 10, admittedly, does not necessarily reflect those virtues espoused by a traditional top 10. That said, it certainly does take into account personnel and coaching. Does this mean I believe Auburn has the best players and coaches in America? No, but it does mean that I believe they have enough coaching and playing talent to win every game on their schedule as currently constituted. Given that none of these teams have played a single down of football yet, it would seem superfluous to try and rank them based on dominance and/or momentum. The USA Today poll came out a few days ago and had Ohio State and Texas ranked first and second in the nation (as most polls will I am sure). What is the point of those rankings? Since the teams play each other in the 2nd week of the season, the likelihood that those two teams will be 1 and 2 at the end of the season seems slim to none. The same could be said of ranking both USC and Notre Dame in the top 2. Given that the whole notion of a preseason poll runs contrary to that which the poll is supposed to stand for, I think my approach is more valid and telling than those taken by the AP, Coaches, and USA Today (to name a few). If and when we do weekly polls or power rankings (which I assume will be done) the top 10 will no doubt look nothing like what I have now. That said, if the goal is to get to the BCS Championship game, shouldn't a preseason poll take into account ALL factors that go into getting a team there? I guess the main point I am making is this: In my view the goal of weekly polls is to show which teams are playing the best (because there is actual empirical evidence-i.e. the games-on which to base the rankings). The goal of a preseason poll should be to predict the final outcome of the season (since we have no idea what teams can actually do yet).

I will be creating my own top ten at some point, and we'll keep a weekly top ten or fifteen (25 is kind of irrelevant, we need to talk about contenders, not about teams in the CarQuest Bowl). But first I have to respond to the big man's list.

You've got to respect taking a new approach to the whole thing, and the focus on schedules is quite innovative. But it's not so much as a "Top Ten" as a gambling device. It's like creating odds on who has the best chance to win the title. What you're really telling us is that Auburn's odds are probably pretty good, since they are more likely to be playing for a title. Not that they are necessarily the best team. Also, even if Auburn made the title game, they'd eventually have to beat another excellent team, so you're not necessarily predicting the Champion, but more closely prognosticating the BCS standings leading into the bowls.

It's an interesting exercise, and definitely worthwhile, but it's not really about the Top Ten teams in the country.

What follows is my first attempt at a preseason top 10. However, it would be somewhat inaccurate to describe what follows as a true preseason poll as the teams are not ranked in order of skill, potential, or dominance, but rather in the order that I believe represents the likelihood each team possesses of making it to the championship game.

Methodology: So how did I come up with this rather unorthodox looking preseason top 10? And what does it mean? Well, as I explained earlier, the following poll lists the teams, in order, that possess the best chance of making it to the championship game. While many factors went into the equation that produced this list, essentially it can be boiled down to the reconciliation of a team's talent against its schedule.

Step #1 - I chose the 20 teams who are realistically in the discussion for the national championship this season. All of these teams came from the BCS conferences, because, frankly, as much as I love Fresno State, Boise State, and everyone from the MAC (by far my favorite college conference), those teams do not have a realistic opportunity to play for the BCS championship.

Step #2 - Based on a 12 game season, I flat out gave each of these 20 teams 8 wins over their 8 weakest opponents. This 8-0 record (7-0 for teams who only play 11 games) represents the best-case scenario for a team with national title aspirations. Basically, it assumes that each of these 20 teams is not going to lose a game that they are supposed to win. Now I concede that this is an imperfect science, but this list is all about comparative chances and not mathematical precision.

Step #3 - I determined the 4 most difficult opponents for each of the 20 teams based on four factors: (1) the strength of the opponent's returning players, (2) the strength of the opponent's recruiting class and/or transfers, (3) where the game is going to be played, and (4) any significant history between the two teams.

Step #4 - I made a list with each of the 20 teams in one column, and their 4 toughest opponents in an adjacent column. I then used process of elimination to divide the 20 teams into 4 categories: national title contenders who could realistically go undefeated, national title contenders despite the fact that they are likely to lose 1 game, teams that are likely to lose more than 1 game, and pretenders.

Step #5 - I arranged the teams in each category in the order which I believe best represents their preseason chances of going to the national championship game. This determination was based on the relative skill and talent of each team, and the relative difficulty of their 4 toughest games. Voila, a preseason top 10 that is likely to look different than any you have seen so far.

#1 - Auburn

Someone upstairs loves Auburn. The Tigers return a core group of players led by a potential All-SEC backfield comprising of Kenny Irons and Brandon Cox (one of the more underrated signal callers in the conference, if not the country). Though Auburn was hurt some by graduation and defection to the NFL, they return their two best offensive weapons, and their two best defensive players in converted safety Will Herring and CB David Irons.

What vaults this team into the top spot, though, is a schedule that has seemingly been touched by the hand of God. Of their 4 toughest opponents, the three best teams (LSU, Florida, and Georgia) have to travel to Auburn, and the games are spread out with at least two weeks in between each of these contests. The only difficult road game Auburn has this season will be the finale against Alabama in the Iron Bowl. While this game is always a war, this is not the magical Alabama team of last year. Auburn has the talent to dominate the Crimson Tide, and will be especially amped for the game if they enter it 11-0. Two games to watch out for: the opener against a strong Washington State team (although after losing the opener a season ago, my money is on Auburn demolishing the Cougars), and their Oct. 7 date with Arkansas (who is an SEC sleeper) which has the look of an obvious trap game the week before Florida comes to town. Tommy Tubberville has proven that he is one of the best in the business, and I say he has his troops ready each week.

#2 - Louisville

Another surprising selection, but perhaps they shouldn't be given their talent, conference, and schedule this season. Assuming star QB Brian Brohm is healthy, the Cardinals boast three of the best at their positions in all of college football in Brohm, RB Michael Bush, and most importantly head coach Bobby Petrino (who is, along with Dan Hawkins and Rich Rodriguez, one of the finest offensive minds in the college game today). Though the defense is not star studded, they always seem to get their explosive offense the ball just enough to win.

Like Auburn, Louisville has an amazingly favorable schedule. Of their four toughest games, only two are on the road: at Syracuse (a very poor team whose presence on the list of Lousiville's toughest games speaks to the decline of the Big East), and at Pittsburgh (who is maddeningly inconsistent). Home dates against clearly the two best teams they play all season, Miami (Sept. 16) and West Virginia (Nov. 2), will determine if Lousiville takes the next step towards becoming a national power. Louisville played inspired football at the Orange Bowl last season, serving notice that they would not be intimidated by Miami. The smart money is on Brohm and Co. taking care of Miami in Kentucky, setting the stage for a battle of unbeatens, and a possible spot in the national title game, when a very strong West Virginia team comes to town Nov. 2. Louisville gets the nod playing on its home turf.

#3 - USC

While it seems almost impossible to rank USC so high based on the amount of talent they lost to the NFL draft, it is even more impossible to think about how much talent they still have on this team. They still boast the best receiving duo in the nation in Dwayne Jarrett (who looks like a #1 overall pick if ever I saw one), and Steve Smith. The much-maligned defense should be much stronger this year with double digit sack man Lawrence Jackson, and as young and talented a LB corpse as there is in the country led by super Soph Rey Maualuga. While the loss of all of their backfield could potentially derail this dynasty, both John David Booty and Matt Sanchez were former #1 overall recruits (!!!!), so they clearly have the ability to succeed. The development of whichever one wins the starting QB battle will determine just how far USC falls this season (if at all).

Thanks to what appears to be a loaded Pac-10 this year, USC's schedule is by no means easy (road games at much improved Arizona, Washington State and Stanford will be a chore). It is, however, favorable in that their the two toughest opponents, Notre Dame and California, have to travel to the land of Troy. Even though ND and Cal represent two of the most offensively talented teams in the country, I have to believe that USC will be favored to win both of them based on their defensive superiority. Their other two toughest games, Nebraska at home and at UCLA, are tremendous steps down in terms of competition. Though I loved what Nebraska was able to do in the second half of last season, they are not ready to step on the field with the athletes USC can throw at them quite yet. Ditto for UCLA who appears to be heading backwards already, after a surprising 2005 season (although BYU transfer Ben Olson may be the most highly sought after QB by NFL teams by the end of the season). One other game that USC needs to watch out for: their opener at Arkansas. Houston Nutt is a fantastic coach and I think Arkansas could be a real sleeper in the SEC. Given that USC will be traveling across the country, and playing their first game in three seasons without Matt Leinart, it could have the making for an early season shocker.

#4 - West Virginia

A second Big East team in the top 4, how can that be? Well, it's easy. If the chips fall as they should and Louisville holds serve against Miami, they will meet on Nov. 2 for the Big East title and a shot at a national championship. While West Virginia's schedule is a joke, their team is far from one. RB Steve Slaton and QB Pat White form an explosive backfield, both capable of taking it to the house from anywhere on the field. Head coach Rich Rodriguez has installed the perfect offense for these two playmakers, and they should be even better with another year under their belts. The real question is going to be whether White can throw the ball more consistently if teams stack the line against Slaton. Sadly, save for their games against Louisville and maybe Pittsburgh, it won't matter.

There is no doubt that WVA has the easiest road to the BCS of any contending team. That said, its not as if there aren't landmines along the way (hence their #4 ranking). Aside from their trip to Louisville (where they will not be favored), WVA has to travel over 200 miles north to play a much improved UConn team (with a great coach who will be ready for them) and travel to Pittsburgh for their rivalry game known as "The Backyard Brawl." While WVA will be favored in both, the Mountaineers aren't balanced enough on either side of the ball to overcome a sub par performance on the road.

#5 - Notre Dame

While fifth might seem awful low for Notre Dame, to be honest I was hesitant to even rank them this high. Yes 2005 was a wonderful season for Notre Dame. And yes Charlie Weis is a great coach who has seemed to turn this program around. And yes they have the best offense on paper in the country. But for all the ballyhoo surrounding Notre Dame's "resurrection" last year, I find it interesting that they only beat one team of consequence the entire season (Michigan). In fact, Notre Dame received more accolades for almost beating USC than they did for any single win the entire season. I just wonder how well they will fare with a much tougher 2006 schedule.

All that said, the Irish offense is stacked. Brady Quinn is hands down the best QB in the country, and Jeff Samardzjia has transformed himself from a third or fourth college wideout into a top 10 NFL pick. Though they lost Marice Stovall to the NFL, many believe that his replacement, Rhema McKnight (who was actually starting over Samardzjia before getting hurt last season), may actually be a better natural receiver. While there is no arguing that the offense will put up world class numbers, I fail to see any improvement in a defense that was consistently outclassed last season, especially in the secondary. Safety Tom Zbikowski is a great player, but he is at his best near the line of scrimmage making tackles. The bottom line is that the Irish defense doesn't have anyone that can cover. They were torched last season by mediocre passing offenses such as Michigan State (44 pts), Ohio State (34 pts), and Stanford (31 pts). At some point, this defense is going to need to make some plays and I am not certain they can consistently do it.

As I referenced earlier, the Irish schedule is significantly more difficult this year. Two of their four toughest games require trips to teams that beat them last season (Michigan State and USC). While Notre Dame will probably be favored against the Spartans, Michigan State always seems to play up to (and down to) the level of their opponents. When the Irish travel to East Lansing they will be coming off a brutal opening schedule which includes home games against their other 2 toughest opponents: Penn State and Michigan (though they get both of them at home), and a season opening trip to Georgia Tech (who happen to have the best WR in the country not playing for the Irish in Calvin Johnson to test their secondary early and often). Add creative Michigan State QB Drew Stanton to the mix and that game has the makings of a potential shocker early in the season. If the Irish somehow manage to get through their early schedule without a loss, their finale at USC still looms. I cannot foresee any circumstances where Notre Dame would be favored in that game, although if they are playing for an undefeated season and a chance at the national title I wouldn't bet against them. Overall, Notre Dame just has too many difficult road games to be considered as a team likely to go undefeated.

#6 - Ohio State

Ohio State is in a nearly identical situation to Notre Dame. They possess all the talent in the world, but have as tough a schedule as you can find. Offensively, the Buckeyes look imposing. Troy Smith became a bonafide heisman contender last season, and Ted Ginn Jr. finally realized that he plays for a division 1A powerhouse. That said, 5 games does not a career make, and neither Smith nor Ginn have the pedigree that guys like Quinn and Samardzjia have. This could be troubling for Ohio State because they will need those guys to be dominant every game. The defense was decimated by graduation, especially to the LB corpse. OSU should be typically strong up front with all world DT Quinn Pitcock, but it has been four years since they played a game without AJ Hawk, and the OSU LB corpse is the most reconstructed unit in the nation. The defense could struggle early.

Like Notre Dame, Ohio State's schedule is murderous. Three of their four toughest games are on the road, including a trip to defending national champion Texas in the second week of the season (at Iowa and at Michigan State being the others). Its true that some guy named Vince Young is gone to the NFL, but Austin is a tough place to play no matter who they are trotting out there, and I would be shocked if OSU was not at least a field goal underdog in that game. The Buckeyes do catch a break, though, getting Michigan at home, but that's one of those rivalry games and it wouldn't be the first time that an undermanned Michigan team ruined Ohio State's season in the last game. Ohio State, like ND, has the ability to win each of those tough road games individually, however it’s hard to imagine that they could play all three without slipping up along the way.

#7 - Texas

It's amazing just how quickly a team's fortunes can change. When I originally posted this top 10, Oklahoma occupied this #7 spot based primarily on the presence of Adrian Peterson and the anticipated improved play from the quarterback position. While Texas and Oklahoma are very evenly matched in other aspects of the game, the Sooners got the nod based on experience under center. With Rhett Bomar being dismissed from school, so to was Oklahoma's major advantage over their Red-River rival.

While Oklahoma does boast the best player on either team (Peterson), the Longhorns appear to be a more balanced team. If line play wins championships, the Longhorns could be looking at a chance to repeatdespite the fact that they have zero experience at QB. I consider Justin Blalock to be overrated as an NFL prospect, but like most highly touted Texas lineman, you cannot argue with his college production. Blalock and fellow Sr. Kasey Studdard provide Texas with the best tackle-guard combination in all of college football. And as dominating as the Texas O-Line could be, their D-Line should be even stronger. Their defensive line depth chart reads like a whose who of potential high NFL picks. Seniors Tim Crowder and Brian Robinson are the best bookends in the country, both of whom look like first day NFL draft picks. Add Junior tackle Frank Okam (who may be the most talented of the bunch) and you have by far the best defensive line in the country. But it's a good thing that the Longhorns are so strong up front, as they will have to make up for a young linebacking corpse, and a secondary ravaged by the NFL draft (Mike Huff-1st rd., Cedric Griffin-2nd rd.).

This Texas team is as talented as anyone in the nation. That said, the fact that Oklahoma is a far weaker team today than they were 10 days ago makes an astronomical difference for the Longhorns. Prior to Bomar's dismissal I stated that I beleived Texas had the toughest set of 4 games in the country: Ohio State at home, Oklahoma in Dallas, at Nebraska and at Texas Tech. Taking nothing away from those other teams, if the Longhorns can take care of business against the Buckeyes in Austin, they could be lookingat an undefeated season. The Ohio State game will really be the test though. The Longhorns went into Columbus and beat Ohio State last season so the Buckeyes will be primed for some revenge. Given that the game will be only the second collegiate start for the Texas QB and it could be a difficult game. I fully expect the winner of that game, though, to be ranked #1 and play in the BCS championship game.

#8 - Miami

If it's possible, I think Miami is being a little bit underrated this season. Though they may not have some of the explosive athletes on offense as in years past, Miami has as much talent as any team in America. The Hurricane's season will really come down to 2 things: (i) how healthy is Tyrone Moss, and (2) whether Kyle Wright can develop into a more consistent player. If Moss is healthy he gives the Canes the offensive gamebreaker they lacked last season, and instantly becomes one of the top 5 backs in the country. As for Wright, he showed a lot of promise in his first season as a starter. He has a live arm, and showed he can be productive at times. In WR Ryan Moore, and "the next big thing" TE Greg Olsen, Wright has plenty of options. As usual, though, the strength of Miami will be their defense. They have the best set of safeties in the country in Brandon Meriweather (who I absolutely love as a football player) and Kenny Phillips. Add NFL quality lineman Baraka Atkins and Bryan Pata, and Canes should give up very few points once again.

Playing in the ACC, Miami has a very tough schedule, and that was before they signed on the play Louisville at Louisville. The good thing for Miami is that aside from their trip to Kentucky, they get Boston College, Florida State and Virginia Tech all at home, and should be favored in all three games. If Miami can somehow beat Louisville (which it's clear I don't think is going to happen), they will have the opportunity to hold serve at the Orange Bowl and play for a national title.

#9 - FSU

Like Miami, Florida State will get the opportunity to prove that the reports of their demise have been greatly exaggerated. Unfortunately, since both teams' opportunity comes when they meet at the Orange Bowl on Sept. 4, only one will be able to prove the pundits wrong. To me, FSU looks like Miami's doppelganger. They are loaded on offense (whereas Miami is loaded on defense), but inexperienced on defense (whereas Miami is inexperienced on offense). Personally, I believe in Sophomore Drew Weatherford. He has the chops to be an excellent college passer, but more importantly he has the teammates. RB Lorenzo Booker steps into the lead role for the departed Leon Washington and should be as good running the ball while also adding something to the passing game. Weatherford also finds himself throwing to perhaps the most talented trio of WR in the nation in Greg Carr, Chris Davis and De'Cody Fagg. On the flip side, the FSU defense was hit hard by graduation. Losing Brod Bunkley, Ernie Sims, AJ Nicholson, and Antonio Cromartie represents an extreme exodus of talent. LB Buster Davis is a stud, as is DT Andre Fluellen. But for the most part, FSU will be relying on guys like Freshman Myron Rolle and Sophomore Tony Carter to get the ball back.

Florida State catches a break in that they play their toughest game of the year in week 1 at Miami. This gives them an opportunity to get extra preparation (which will be critical for the young players). Also, even if they lose, it gives the team ample time to climb back into the BCS picture. Outside of that game, the schedule is very favorable as FSU gets Clemson, BC and Florida all in Tallahassee.

#10 - California

It pains me to put Cal so low on this list because I have so much respect for Jeff Tedford, and I truly believe they are the most talented offense in the country (even more so than Notre Dame). RB Marshawn Lynch is the best back in the country not named Peterson, and Justin Forsett may also be in the top 5. QB Nate Longshore is unproven, but come on, we all know there is no better QB guru in the world than Tedford (See Rodgers, Aaron; Harrington, Joey; Smith, Akili). Add last season's #1 overall recruit Desean Jackson and Cal has an offense to rival anyone's.

That said, they have a very difficult schedule. As I have said already, I believe the Pac-10 is the most difficult conference in the nation this year, top to bottom. So much so that games against Arizona State, and at Washington State don't even make their top 4 toughest games. I may be giving Arizona too much credit, but I believe playing at Arizona is one of Cal's toughest games, although they should be favored going into Tuscon. Cal should also be favored when they travel across the country to play Tennessee, although the next easy game at Knoxville will be the first. I sincerely hope that Cal can somehow navigate their Pac-10 season undefeated until Nov. 11 when they head to USC as the last team to beat the Trojans on their turf. If both teams enter that game undefeated, the winner could find themselves playing for a national title.

Just Missed:

Oklahoma - The Sooners were originally ranked #7, but Rhett Bomar's dismissal drops them from the top 10. Still, this team might not fall as far as one might expect. Paul Thompson actually beat out Bomar for the starting job last season, and the Sooners still have the best player and coach in America. Peterson is very capable of carrying this team for an entire season, and if they can beat Texas in Dallas they could legitimately go undefeated. However, with the inexperienced Thompson under center, the early season game at Oregon looms larger.

Clemson - I love this team to be a big time sleeper this season. They have top 10 talent but road games at BC, Florida State and Virginia Tech are just too much to overcome.

Nebraska - Again, I love what Bill Callahan has done, and they should take the weak Big 12 North. However they look like they are a year away, especially with games at USC, at Oklahoma State, and at Texas A & M.

Georgia - Will probably start the season 8-0, raising hopes in Athens, before dropping at least 2 of their last 4 which includes visits from Florida and Georgia Tech, and a trip to Auburn.

Michigan - Talented team, but I would be surprised if they didn't drop at least two of their three road games at Notre Dame, Penn St., and Ohio State.

Not Even Close:

LSU - At Auburn, at Florida, and at Tennessee. They also didn't do themselves any favors by scheduling the always tough Pat Hill coached Fresno State Bulldogs.

Florida - At Auburn, at Florida State, at Georgia, and LSU at home. For a soft team to begin with this looks like way too much to overcome. Seeing as they also go to Tennessee, and get Alabama and South Carolina in Gainesville, this looks like a 6-5 team to me.

Quarterback: Brady Quinn, Sr. Notre Dame

While I have been accused of having a flair for the dramatic (perhaps evidenced by my preseason ranking of Auburn #1), this selection is as pedstrian as they come. By no means do I intend to denigrate Mr. Quinn with this statement. If anything, it should be viewed as laudatory, serving notice that he is so far superior to all other quarterbacks in the nation so as to remove all doubt as to the 1st team all America selection. Brady Quinn is a prototypical NFL quarterback. He has the size to stand in the pocket, the arm to make every throw, and the intelligence to know where, and perhaps more importantly when, to deliver the football. With two years directing an NFL style offense under the tutelage of Charlie Weis, we may be looking at the most NFL ready college quarterback since Peyton Manning.

NFL Comparison - Jim Kelly

Runner Up - Drew Stanton, Sr. Michigan State

Stanton is my favorite college QB. His toughness, mobility, and improvisation reminds me of Matt Hasselbeck. He thrives against the best competition, and revels in carrying his team.

Running Back: Adrien Peterson, Jr. Oklahoma

Another essential position, another obvious selection. To be perfectly blunt, Peterson is the most natural rusher I have ever seen. Every run of his is a work of art, whether it's a short burst up the middle, or Oklahoma's patented stretch sweep which he runs better than anyone this side of Larry Johnson. Peterson is so fluid on the field, and plays the game so effortlessly that even a football novice would recognize his greatness almost immediately. Sure Peterson has the size and the speed, but more importantly he has a seemingly preternatural understanding of the running back position. Not only does Peterson have the vision and patience to wait for a play to develop, but he has the instincts to delay his cut or slightly alter his route to the hole to give his blockers better angles on defenders. Despite his tremendous size (6'2'') and powerful build (220 lbs.), Peterson has the ability to never get hit squarely by a defender and avoid most of the punishment that shortens the careers of tall backs (see George, Eddie; Campbell, Earl). Should he enter the NFL draft after this season, he would most likely be the number one pick overall.

NFL Comparison - Eric Dickerson

Runner Up - Garrette Wolfe, Sr. Northern Illinois

With all due respect to the more talented backs like Marshawn Lynch, Steve Slaton, and Michael Bush, I have to give some love to the MAC and it's best (and perhaps littlest) player. Wolfe is a Warrick Dunn clone, though he does not catch as many passes as the Seminole great.

Wide Receivers: Dwayne Jarrett, Jr. USC; Jeff Samardzjia, Sr. Notre Dame

Assuming he is academically eligible to play, Jarrett might be the best overall offensvie player in the country not named Peterson. Jarrett is a massive target (6'5'') and as physical a receiver as there is in the country. His stature and production beg comparisons to former USC receiver Mike Williams, although Jarrett's production and work ethic in his two seasons for the men of Troy indicate that he is a far better NFL prospect. Though he has had some off the field issues this offseason, between the lines Jarrett is everything a coach could want and plays hard on every down (as evidenced by his excellence as a downfield blocker). It will be interesting to see how Jarrett performs without his partner in crime Matt Leinart, although he and alter-ego Steve Smith could make me look decent at QB.

NFL Comparison - Michael Irvine

Samardzjia is another huge target (6'5'', 220 lbs.) who is coming off a wildly productive 2005 season. Unlike Jarrett, Samardzjia was resigned to the bench for his first two seasons in South Bend before exploding as a junior. As such, he is not nearly as polished as Jarrett when it comes to route running and reading defensive backs. However, Samardzjia is just as physical going after the ball as Jarrett is, and may possess the best hands in all of college football. Because he lacks elite speed, Samardzjia is at his best against zone defenses and may open his NFL career as a slot reciever. However, the more he plays the more he will learn to use his size against smaller defensive backs in man coverage and truly become a complete reciever.

NFL Comparison - Cris Carter

Runner Up - Calvin Johnson, Jr. Georgia Tech

A better blend of size (6'4'', 235 lbs.) and speed (4.4) than either Jarrett or Samardzjia, Johnson just misses because he has not produced as consistently as either. That said, physically he projects as the best NFL prospect, although his inconsistency begs the question of whether he is more Terrell Owens, or JJ Stokes.

Tight End: Joe Newton, Sr. Oregon State

While Juniors Zach Miller (Arizona State) and Greg Olsen (Miami) get most of the attention, it is Newton who is the most complete TE in the nation. Newton was outstanding as a Sophomore catching 56 balls for 687 yards and 7 touchdowns, but seems to get lost in the shufle of promising tight ends because he missed all of last season with a leg injury. Newton is massive at 6'7'' and 260 lbs. He does not have great speed, but he catches everything thrown his way and is a better blocker than most tackles. Newton will never put up eye popping combine numbers like Vernon Davis or Tony Gonzalez, but he is the type of player that winning teams rely on.

NFL Comparison - Dave Casper

Runner up - Brian Leonard, Sr. Rutgers

Technically Leonard is a fullback, but he deserves mention on this all America team. A rugged runner with deceptive speed, Leonard contributes in every aspect of the game (blocking, running, and catching). He executes screen passes as well as anyong since Keith Byars.

Tackles: Joe Thomas, Sr. Wisconsin; Levi Jones, Sr. Penn State

Thomas is a prototypical left tackle with his 6'8'' frame, and long arms to keep defensive lineman away from his body. He is a shade over 300 pounds, but is not really an overpowering run blocker in the mold of an Anthony Munoz. Thomas has outstanding balance and footwork which helps him excel in pass protection, the most important trait for the man guarding the quarterback's blind side. A former defensive lineman, Thomas knows all the defensive techniques and pass rush moves, and he has the instincts to anticipate counter moves and defensive line stunts. Joe Thomas projects as a long term left tackle in the NFL.

NFL Comparison - Gary Zimmerman

Whereas Joe Thomas should be described as more of a technician, Levi Jones in an old school road paver at left tackle. At 6'5'' 330 lbs., Jones is one of the biggest and most powerful lineman in America. While he lacks Thomas' elite pass protection skills, Jones is a true mauler in the running game who can hold his own against the best pass rushers in the nation. As the lone returning starter along the offensive line, Jones will be asked to carry the load for the Nittany Lions this season. Jones projects as a capable left tackle in the NFL, though his size and lack of ideal footwork may cause him to struggle against the new bread of NFL speed rushing ends/linebackers. I would not be suprised to see Jones shift to the right tackle spot where he can used his power and nastiness to dominate in the running game.

NFL Comparison - Jon Runyan

Runner Up - Justin Blalock, Sr. Texas

Blalock is a bit overrated in my opinion, but still remains one of the top lineman in the nation. He is big and strong, but struggles in space like almost all recent Texas o-lineman (see Davis, Leonard; Williams, Mike). Blalock will most likely have to play guard in the NFL but projects similar to former Longhorn Leonard Davis.

Guards: Josh Beekman, Sr. Boston College; Mike Jones, Sr. Iowa

Like all BC lineman, Beekman is a poweful, nasty, and smart blocker. While many believe his permanent position is center, I love Beekman as a long term left guard in the NFL. While Beekman is an outstanding run blocker, what makes him a top flight prospect are his left tackle caliber pass protection skills. At 325 lbs., Beekman is strong enough to stalemate even the most powerful defensive tackles, and he possesses uncanny balance and footwork for a guard.

NFL Comparison - Chris Snee

Jones is not quite as powerful as Beekman (who is), but at 308 lbs. he is certainly no slouch. Jones' best attribute is his intelligence, as he lined up at both tackle spots for the Hawkeyes last season before settling at guard. While it is possible that Jones could play tackle in the NFL, he should be a dominant guard, capable of playing in any system. Look for Jones to start from day 1 in the NFL, as he has been the beneficiary of four years of coaching from one of the best offensive line coaches on the planet in Iowa head man Kirk Ferentz.

NFL Comparison - Mike Wahle

Runner Up - Ken Quarterman, Sr. Louisville

My favorite O-Lineman in the nation, Qarterman is dominant inside at 6'5'' and 336 lbs. Easily the best straight ahead run blocker in the nation, Quarterman projects as an NFL right guard in the mold of former Viking David Dixon.

Center: Dan Mozes, Sr. West Virginia

While there are no truly dominant centers in America this season, Mozes gets the nod based on his consistency and leadership. Mozes has been a four year starter for the mountaineers, and is excellent in space taking on quicker linebackers. At only 290 lbs. Mozes can struggle at times with more powerful defenders. While he has played some guard for Rich Rodriguez in the past, Mozes is much more suited for the center position where he can sift through at the point of attack and take on scraping linebackers.

NFL Comparison - Mark Stepnoski

Runner Up - Ryan Kalil, Sr. USC

Another veteran leader, Kalil is a technically sound center who does not possess incredible natural power or explosion. However, he has bulked up to 285 lbs. and his coaches love his wortk ethic and intelligence. He looks like a late round pick who could find himself as an NFL starter by the end of his rookie season. His profile fits that of a Dan Koppen type.

Defensive Ends: Gaines Adams, Sr. Clemson; Adam Carriker, Sr. Nebraska

At 6'3'' and 265 lbs. Adams is the prototypical college "tweener". Lucky for him, he plays on a loaded Clemson front seven, which allows the coaching staff to move him between end and linebacker (technically called the "bandit" position). Adams is a pure disrupter, posting 55 tackles and 9.5 sacks last season. His 15 tackles for a loss and 29 quarterback pressures in 2005 evidence his adept ability to play on the opposite side of the line of scrimmage. Because of his smallish frame and outstanding speed, Adams projects as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. Though he will need to learn to play more consistently in pass coverage, there is little doubt that he has the speed, quickness, and agility to develope into a top flight curl-flat defender.

NFL Comparison - Roosevelt Colvin

Though not blessed with the pure talent of Adams, Carriker is a far more complete defensive end, and one of the best all around defensive players in the nation. Not only is Carriker one of the best pass rushers in the Big 12 (9.5 sacks in 2005), but he is also stout against the run. Built like an offensive tackle, Carriker stands 6'6'' and 295 lbs. He is exceptional at leveraging his body and maintaining the outside by keeping offensive lineman off of him, making it almost impossible to run sweep plays to his side. Carriker owns a non-stop motor, which is typical of Nebraska defensive lineman. He projects as a dominant defensive end in either a 3-4 or a 4-3 system.

NFL Comparison - Trevor Pryce

Runner Up - Quentin Moses, Sr. Georgia

The 6'4'' 250 lbs. Moses is the best pure pass rusher in the nation. However, his slight frame and tendency to get upfield make him somewhat of a liability against the run. He will probably be chosen too high in the NFL draft as he projects as another in the long line of one dimensional, speed rushing defensive ends such as Jevon Kearse, and Leonard Little.

Defensive Tackles: Quinn Pitcock, Sr. Ohio State; Brandon Mebane, Sr. California

Pitcock is not your typical Ohio State tackle. He doesn't rack up huge numbers like Ryan Pickett, or Dan Wilkinson, but he is every bit as valuable. In 2005 Pitcock consistently ate up 2 or even 3 blockers, allowing the Buckeyes' star studded linebacking corpse to run around and make plays. With AJ Hawk, Bobby Carpenter, and Anthony Schlegl all playing in the NFL, it would not be suprising to see Jim Tressel ask Pitcock to make more plays in the backfield (something he is more than capable of doing). At 6'3'' and 300 lbs., Pitcock is a true run stuffing tackle. He has adequate speed to play the 3-4 end in the NFL, but projects as more of a 1 technique tackle in a 4-3 defense.

NFL Comparison - Rod Coleman

Though he is bigger than Pitcock, Mebane is a protoype 3 technique, pentrating tackle. At 6'3'' and 306 lbs. with tremendous quickness, Mebane is built like a 3-4 defensive end. His 7 sacks and 9.5 tackles for a loss in 2005 only serve to further emphasize Mebane's ability to wreak havoc in the opposing backfield. With a more talented California defense surrounding him in 2006, Mebane should be able to put up much more dominant numbers and establish himself as the premier pass rushing tackle in the country.

NFL Comparison - Kevin Williams

Runner Up - Jay Alford, Sr. Penn State

While I love his game, Alford just misses because of his slight size (only 6'2'', 280 lbs.). Alford is probably quicker than any other tackle in the country, and is an excellent pass rusher. Unless he makes the move to defensive end in the NFL, he projects as a situational pass rusher in the mold of Jarvis Green. Although the same thing was said about another 6'2'' 280 lbs. tackle coming out of college......John Randle.

Middle Linebacker: Patrick Willis, Sr. Mississippi

Willis flies under the radar since he plays for Ole' Miss., but he has proven to be one the best players in the entire SEC. Willis lacks elite speed and is a bit undersized for a middle linebacker at 6'2'' and 230 lbs. Still, he is a tackling machine and a ferocious hitter. Willis is outstanding at reading keys and anticipating the play. He plays under control so he rarely overpursues and is almost never out of position. Willis is a smart enough player that with time he could develop into an adequate pass defender, making him a 3 down linebacker in an NFL 4-3 scheme.

NFL Comparison - London Fletcher

Runner Up - HB Blades, Sr. Pittsburgh

Blades has been a highly productive linebacker at Pitt, twice earning all Big East honors. Blades started his career as a strong side outside linebacker, but shifted to middle in 2005. He has the speed and size to make all the plays, although his is not as polished as Willis. Blades projects as a strong side NFL linebacker in the mold of Jamie Sharper.

Outside Linebackers: Paul Posluszny, Sr. Penn State; Rufus Alexander, Sr. Oklahoma

Posluszny, the reigning Butkus Award winner, is flat out the best defensive player in America. He is blessed with the size (6'2'' 230 lbs.), speed (4.5), and smarts you want in your defensive leader. Had he not hurt his knee in last year's Orange Bowl, he would have been an early first round pick and should be a man among boys playing in the college game this season. The most impressive thing about Posluszny, though, is his ability to stay within the scheme and still make as many tackles as he does. Unlike former Nittany Lion Lavar Arrington, Posluszny never freelances, and always finds himself in the right position. He has great closing speed, and is the best backside pursuit linebacker I have seen.

NFL Comparison - Jesse Armstead

Physically, Alexander is similar to, perhaps even a step ahead of, Posluszny. At 6'3'', 230 lbs. he has the frame to add more weight should an NFL wish to move him to the strong side or into the middle. However, if I drafted him I would leave him on the weak side where his tremendous speed and instincts allow him to roam free and make plays in the backfield. The only area where Alexander's game is lacking is discipline. While he made a mind-boggline 17 tackles for a loss last season, Alexander can get caught out of position by patient runners. With so many zone blocking schemes in the NFL, Alexander is going to have to learn how to play the cutback better. He could learn a thing or two from Posluszny.

NFL Comparison - Takeo Spikes

Runner Up - Sam Oljabutu, Sr. Arkansas

At 5'9'' and 230 lbs., Oljabutu is a kamikaze on the football field. He is a ferocious hitter who plays with a chip on his shoulder. A great college player, he reminds me a lot of former Clemson standout Keith Adams who has carved out a niche for himself in the NFL as a special teams gunner and occasional nickel linebacker.

Cornerbacks: Antoine Cason, Jr. Arizona; Daymeion Hughes, Sr. California

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Cason is the second Stoops coached player on my preseason all America defense. Cason is not as high a profile player as Oklahoma's Rufus Alexander, but then again Mike Stoops is not as high profile a coach as his brother Bob. Though his teams have struggled record wise, Mike Stoops has quietly turned the University of Arizona into a very formidable opponent. Like his elder brother, Mike Stoops relies on a hard hitting, physical defense to torment the opposition. Cason fits that mold perfectly. A tremendous athlete, Cason is one of the few cornerbacks in America capable of playing both man-to-man coverage and zone. He has safety like tackling skills, racking up 120 stops in his first two seasons in Tuscon. Playing in the "air it out" Pac-10, Cason has had to develope quickly and projects as an NFL corner, ready to start from Day 1.

NFL Comparison - Antoine Winfield

Hughes is probably the most physically gifted cornerback in America. Blessed with outstanding size at 6'2'' and 180 lbs., Hughes has the athletic ability to dominate most opponents in man-to-man coverage. Though he can struggle in zone at times, there is no reason to think that Hughes cannot improve on his recognition skills will more time. You can teach a player to read coverages in a zone, you can't teach the kind of athletic ability Hughes sports. Though he is not as sure a tackler as Cason, Hughes never shies away from contact and is willing to come up in run support. If Hughes is drafted into the right NFL system, he could blossom into an absolute superstar lock-down corner.

NFL Comparison - Shawn Springs

Runner Up - Leon Hall, Sr. Michigan

Hall gets the nod because of his overall potential. At 5'11'' and 190 lbs. Hall is a compact corner in the mold of former Wolverines Ty Law and Marlin Jackson. While Hall has the potential to be the best cover corner in the country, he has yet to show that he can consistently play at a high level. How Hall harnesses his ability this season will determine whether he develops into a perennial all-pro like Ty Law, or a disappointment like Jackson.

Free Safety: Brandon Meriweather, Sr. Miami

I remember watching Miami-FSU early last season, and wondering who the Miami kid was who was flying all over the field making plays. I also remember wondering why the Seminols didn't go away from him. Well the player was Brandon Meriweather, and the reason they didn't go away from him was they couldn't. Technically a strong safety at Miami, Meriweather has the speed and instincts to play either safety spot. Meriweather may not be as flashy as former Hurricane Ed Reed, or as big of a hitter as Sean Taylor, but I prefer his game to either. Too often safety prospects are overrated because they make big interceptions like Reed, or big hits like Taylor. Meriweather is a steady safety, who may not make as many interceptions as Reed, but is far superior in deep coverage (Reed's highlight reel interceptions mask his shortcomings covering the deep pass). Similarly, Meriweather is not a 235 lbs. behemoth like Taylor, but he is a willing, sure tackler who knows his role as last line of defense. Overall, Meriweather is a technically sound safety who just makes plays.

NFL Comparison - Darren Sharper

Strong Safety: Tom Zbikowski, Sr. Notre Dame

While Zbikowski does not have the natural ability of some of the other defensive backs in the country, he more than makes up for it in leadership and toughness. A part time boxer, Zbikowski is easliy the best player on a weak Irish defense and probably the toughest player in the nation. While he can struggle in coverage at times, there is no denying that he is one of the surest tacklers in the nation and is never afraid to stick his nose into a fray. Like Meriweather, he is a smart player who uses his instincts and desire to make up for his less than adequate speed. Comparing him to John Lynch may be a bit generous, but Zbikowski is smart enough and tough enough to succeed as a cover 2 strong safety in the NFL.

NFL Comparison - the late Pat Tillman

Runner Up - Mike Griffin, Sr. Texas

Griffin earns the nod by a hair over LSU's LaRon Landry because of his versatility. Like former Longhorn great Mike Huff, Griffin can line up at either safety spot, corner, and can even cover the slot man in a nickel set. To think that the Longhorns had the trio of him, Huff, and Cedric Griffin in the same secondary last season is scary.

Like my counterpart, I am 24 and a Boston native and current resident. I work in government and am more than happy to waste your taxpayer dollars talking about college football, and debating questions like "Who is the greatest Nebraska fullback?"

As a graduate of the University of Virginia I am completely devoted to my beloved Hoos. However, they drive me completely insane, and the team has no direction, a terrible coach, overrated recruits, and no semblance of a plan. So we probably won't be discussing them much.

I'm pretty much just a rabid fan, although I don't have the football background of the big man. I've been addicted to the game since Alabama beat Miami in the Sugar Bowl, and George Teague made one of the most ridiculous plays you'll ever see, but since it was called back on a penalty, it never even happened. I watch the game, I love the game, I debate the game. And some of the best times of my life have either been at a college football game, or watching one at home. I don't know if I'll ever be happier than I was when Tommie Frazier and the 'Huskers rolled through the despised Gators for the title. For now, it's time to don the blackshirts and start talking some football.

About me: I am a 24 year old law student who was born and raised in Boston, MA. I love football in all of its forms, but college football is my favorite. I played three years of varsity football in high school, but a severe injury precluded me from playing in college. A few years after hanging up my cleats, I picked up a whistle and have coached high school football for past three seasons.

My idol is the great Bear Bryant. This blog is my homage to him (323 being his career win total). I consider Bear Bryant to be the greatest coach in the history of team sports, but perhaps more important were his social and economic contributions to the state of Alabama.

Why do I think I am qualified to have my own college football blog? Well, basically I watch and study more football than anyone. I have blue books strewn across my bedroom, filled with offensive plays and defensive schemes. I attend games from all levels (NFL, College and High School-which happens to be my favorite). I have broken down hundreds of hours of game film. I know this great game better than anything else in my life.......if I didn't think I was qualified for this, I'd have a big problem.