College Football Pre-Season Top 25

• Tweet
• Email

OK, I know it’s early. In fact, it’s probably WAY too early. But then again, it’s never too early to talk college football.

I originally compiled this list in early January but have revised it to reflect early entries into the NFL Draft, injuries and player dismissals. My top 25 for the 2008 season takes into account returning starters, including the vile creatures known as punters and kickers. In addition, I’ve factored in each team’s schedule and coaching changes.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

Returning Starters: Offense – 9, Defense – 9, Punter, Kicker

Early Draft Entrants: 1, DE Vernon Gholston

The returning starters provide the Buckeyes with perhaps the best core group of any team in the nation. The defense returns several future first day NFL draft picks, led by LB James Laurinaitis and CB Malcolm Jenkins. The offense features the outstanding RB tandem of Chris Wells and Maurice Wells running behind a line that returns four starters, including OT Alex Boone. Head coach Jim Tressel has done a phenomenal job keeping the Buckeyes in the forefront of the national title hunt. The overall depth and talent on the roster will give Ohio State fans every reason to believe their team will contend once again in 2008. The only drawback to the coming season is a schedule filled with potential land mines. The Buckeyes travel to USC, Wisconsin and Illinois, all of which could result in a loss. Home games against Purdue, Penn State and Michigan figure to cause some problems as the Buckeyes seek their third straight Big 10 title. If the Buckeyes can keep their core group of star players from jumping early to the NFL, Ohio State could be playing for its fourth BCS title in the past seven seasons.

2. Southern California Trojans

Returning Starters: Offense – 4, Defense – 7, Punter, Kicker

Early Draft Entrants: 1, OG Chilo Rachal

The Trojans will enter 2008 with uncertainty at the QB position for the first time in recent memory. Mark Sanchez played sparingly in 2007, and in the process, struggled at times with interceptions. Quarterback aside, the Trojans boast the most talented roster in the nation, with arguably the best set of skill players of any team in college football. The defense will return a core of players that helped the Trojans rank in the top 10 in most defensive categories last season. The schedule features what should be the game of the year when Ohio State visits the Coliseum on September 13. The bulk of the toughest contests the Trojans have will be at home, with the only road dates presenting any potential problems being at Virginia and Oregon State. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Trojans in the national title game, but that will only come as a result of resolving their QB issue and the young but unproven talent developing.

3. Florida Gators

Returning Starters: Offense – 8, Defense – 8, Punter

Early Draft Entrants: 1, DE Derrick Harvey

This is an easy decision based upon one very simple fact: Tim Tebow. When your starting quarterback returns another year wiser and just happens to be the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, it’s hard not to like the Gators. The overall talent on the roster is second only to USC, and the Gators possess a wealth of skill players that gives defensive coordinators heartburn. Percy Harvin is one of the most dangerous and versatile players in all of college football. The offensive line is solid, led by G Jim Tartt. The young defense of 2007 will have a year of maturity, led by LB Brandon Spikes, a future NFL draft pick. The schedule is very competitive with home games against Hawaii, Miami (FL), and LSU. The road games including the annual neutral site game against Georgia, is manageable, with dates against Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida State. The expectations will be off the charts in Gainesville next season and justifiably so. Look for the Gators to be in the thick of the national title chase.

4. Georgia Bulldogs

Returning Starters: Offense – 8, Defense – 8, Punter

Early Draft Entrants: None

Since losing to Tennessee in early October of the 2007 season, no team has improved more than Georgia. With key returning starters in QB Matthew Stafford and RB Knowshon Moreno, the Bulldogs will battle Florida for supremacy in the SEC. The Bulldogs offensive line improved dramatically during the 2007 campaign, and should be the strength of this team. The defense is extremely fast and is anchored by a trio of very solid LB’s. Geno Atkins is a budding star on the defensive line that helped the Bulldogs become the 19^th best defensive unit in 2007. The roster is full of talented replacements that will have the fans in Athens hunkering down for a run at a national title. The major concern for this team is its schedule, with tough road games against South Carolina, Arizona State, LSU and Auburn. The Bulldogs annual game against Florida in Jacksonville, and home dates against Tennessee and Alabama could prevent the Bulldogs from appearing in the SEC championship, much less the BCS title game.

5. Oklahoma Sooners

Returning Starters: Offense – 9, Defense – 6, Punter

Early Draft Entrants: 3, WR Malcolm Kelly, LB Curtis Lofton, CB Reggie Smith

The Sooners could easily be number one in this pre season poll, with a strong cast returning for the 2008 season. But the fact the Sooners have been beaten in their last two BCS appearances, including a thumping at the hands of West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl earlier this year, leaves questions whether this team is capable of winning the big game. QB Sam Bradford returns and has the passing skills to get the ball to a host of playmaking WR’s and TE’s. The offensive line is tremendous with OT Phil Loadholt and OG Duke Robinson anchoring what is perhaps the best front 5 in college football. The defense isn’t too shabby either with a defensive line that’s quick and hard hitting, led by DE Auston English. The schedule doesn’t pose too many problems in 2008, with the most difficult home dates being Cincinnati and Kansas. The annual Red River Shootout against Texas in Dallas figures to be the only real road test the Sooners will face. If OU can avoid losing their core group of starters to the NFL, and begin to fully live up to their potential, look for the Sooners to be in the national title game.

6. Missouri Tigers

Returning Starters: Offense – 6, Defense – 9, Kicker

Early Draft Entrants: None

The Tigers return Heisman Trophy finalist Chase Daniel and that is reason enough for Mizzou to compete for the Big 12 and BCS titles. A solid core of WR’s and the possibility of TE Chase Coffman returning for his senior season will give Daniel plenty of weapons to utilize in 2008. The defense returns nine starters but must improve against the pass for the Tigers to take the next step. The success the Tigers enjoyed in 2007 won’t let them fly under the radar and they’ll have to find capable replacements at two OL positions and TB. We’ll find out very quickly if the Tigers 2007 season was an aberration when they face Illinois in St. Louis on August 30. The remaining schedule is very manageable, especially considering the two losses of 2007 were against Oklahoma, a team they will not face in 2008. Aside from Illinois, road dates against Texas and a neutral site game against Kansas appear to be the only potential losses of the 2008 campaign.

7. Clemson Tigers

Returning Starters: Offense – 8, Defense – 9, Punter, Kicker

Early Draft Entrants: None

Expectations will be high for the 2008 version of the Clemson Tigers. With an outstanding RB duo of James Davis and C.J. Spiller, and steady QB Cullen Harper, the Tigers are more than capable of winning the ACC championship. The Tigers possess a solid core of WR’s, and the only concern on offense is finding replacements along the offensive line. The defense will feature NT Dorell Scott and future NFL safety Michael Hamlin. The Tigers biggest problem in recent past have been the mid season let downs that have prevented them from appearing in the ACC title game. If the Tigers are to avoid another mid season crash, they’ll have to do so by winning on the road. The schedule has a brutal stretch with four straight road dates against Florida State, Boston College, Virginia, and Georgia Tech. The Tigers have enough talent to win at least three of those games, but multiple losses through that stretch will have the Tigers playing in a game other than a New Year’s Day bowl.

8. Louisiana State Tigers

Returning Starters: Offense – 8, Defense – 4, Kicker

Early Draft Entrants: None

The defending SEC and BCS champions will have their work cut out for them in 2008 if they want to repeat. The bulk of the defense has graduated leaving seven starters to replace. Returning on the defensive line will be seniors Tyson Jackson and Marlon Favorite, along with LB Darry Beckwith and FS Curtis Taylor. There is plenty of talent residing on the roster for the Tigers to replace the departed with players capable of performing admirably. Several of the new defensive starters saw substantial playing time in 2007, including DT Drake Nevis, CB Jai Eugene, and FS Chad Jones. On offense, LSU dismissed Ryan Perrilloux from the team and will need to find a starting QB. The offensive line returns four starters, and the RB and WR positions are loaded with playmakers. Special teams’ maven Trindon Holliday is a TD waiting to happen every time he touches the ball. The home schedule isn’t sexy, with the feature games being against Georgia and Alabama. The road schedule is more difficult, with dates against Auburn, Florida and South Carolina. If the Bayou Bengals can get by Auburn on September 20, they could put themselves in excellent position to win the SEC West and appear in the championship game again.

9. Auburn Tigers

Returning Starters: Offense – 8, Defense – 8, Kicker, Punter

Early Draft Entrants: 1, DT Pat Sims

A recurring fact among those sitting in the top 10 is the number of defensive starters returning. Auburn will return eight of their starting 11 from 2007 and may end up being the best defensive unit in the nation. The War Eagles defensive speed is off the charts; the swarming and gang tackling Tiger defense will make life miserable for offenses in 2008. Offensively the Tigers boast what should be the best offensive line in the SEC, and that will be important for new starting QB Kodi Burns. If the 2007 Chick-Fil-A Bowl was any indication, Burns is a dual threat QB that will make new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin a very happy man. A bevy of solid RB’s return, making Auburn the favorite to claim the SEC West and a spot in the SEC championship. The schedule is more manageable this season, with Florida coming off the rotation. The Tigers must travel for a key non-conference game against West Virginia on September 6. Aside from WVU, the only road dates the Tigers may have trouble is against an improved Mississippi State team, and Alabama. The home schedule is solid, with back to back contests against LSU and Tennessee which should decide the Tigers SEC title hopes before we reach October.

10. Kansas Jayhawks

Returning Starters: Offense – 6, Defense – 9

Early Draft Entrants: 2, OT Anthony Collins, CB Aqib Talib

Without question the Jayhawks were the surprise team of 2007. Just like their Big 12 counterpart Missouri, the Jayhawks will be out to prove that 2007 wasn’t a fluke. QB Todd Reesing returns to lead Mark Mangino’s offense that will have a solid group of WR’s returning. The offensive line returns four starters providing the Jayhawks with a strong group up front. Capable replacements will need to step into the RB position, with Jr.’s Jake Sharp and Angus Quigley looking to fill the roles. The defense returns 10 starters, including six of the front seven that was ranked 7^th in run defense last season. Three of the four starters return in the secondary. The schedule gets more difficult this season with road games against South Florida and Oklahoma, and a home date against Texas, the games against the Sooners and Longhorns are two that didn’t appear on the 2007 slate. The Jayhawks close out the regular season with their annual neutral site game against Missouri. If Kansas wants to appear in the Big 12 title game, they’ll have to beat the heavyweights of the conference to earn the right.

11. Texas Tech

Returning Starters: Offense – 10, Defense – 8, Punter

Early Draft Entrants: None

No, you’re not reading this wrong. The Red Raiders will be very scary in 2008 returning 10 starters to an offense that was the number one passing offense in the nation during the 2007 season. QB Graham Harrell is another in a long list of very capable signal callers in the Big 12. With all of the starters returning on the offensive line and the RB positions, along with a solid group of WR’s, the Red Raiders will light up scoreboards across the nation again in 2008. The Red Raiders came back from a 14 point deficit with less than six minutes to play in the Gator Bowl against Virginia. Another marquee win against Oklahoma showed the men from Lubbock had the moxie needed to take the next step towards the Big 12 title. The defense returns eight starters, including six of the front seven. They won’t wow anyone with their speed or athleticism, but they’re capable of performing at an acceptable level to keep the Red Raiders in every game. The schedule features a very manageable home slate, with the most difficult test coming against Texas. The road slate has two potential losses against revenge seeking Oklahoma and Kansas. If the Red Raiders want a shot at the Big 12 title, they’ll have to win two of those three.

12. West Virginia Mountaineers

Returning Starters: Offense – 8, Defense – 4, Kicker, Punter

Early Draft Entrants: 1, RB Steve Slaton

Despite the departure of RB Steve Slaton the Mountaineers will have QB Pat White and RB Noel Divine returning, giving the WVU offense plenty of punch in 2008. With the departure of head coach Rich Rodriguez, the Mountaineers will enter 2008 with more questions than usual. Aside from the offensive line returning intact, WVU must find replacements at the FB and TE positions. The core of WR’s appears capable and there’s no reason to believe the Mountaineers will have trouble putting points on the board. The defense however, must find seven new starters for the 2008 campaign. The LB core is very good, led by Reed Williams and Mortty Ivy, but the defense will be the reason this team doesn’t compete for the BCS title in 2008. The schedule gets much better as well, and we’ll find out very quickly if WVU is ready to succeed without Rodriguez. Auburn visits Morgantown for the season opener on September 6. The Mountaineers will host Cincinnati, Rutgers and South Florida while road games include another interesting non-conference match up against Colorado. Also on the road slate are games against Louisville, UConn, and the team that prevented them from playing for the BCS title in 2007, Pittsburgh.

13. Virginia Tech Hokies

Returning Starters: Offense – 7, Defense – 5, Punter

Early Draft Entrants: 1, CB Brandon Flowers

During Frank Beamer’s tenure at VT, the recipe for success has focused on strong defense and fortuitous special teams play. The 2008 season won’t be any different as the Hokies look to defend their ACC crown. The offense will feature two very capable QB’s in Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor. The offensive line returns four starters, and RB Branden Ore has the ability to rush for over 100 yards every game. The defense will have to replace three of the front four, but the LB’s and secondary will be very strong. The Hokies secondary will be one of the best in the nation, led by CB Victor Harris. The schedule has an interesting match up against Nebraska in Lincoln on September 27. The Hokies will also travel to Florida State, Boston College and Miami (FL). The home schedule is down right ugly, with the only interesting games being against Virginia and Maryland. The Hokies have enough to play for another ACC title but will have to do so by winning the tough road games.

14. Wisconsin Badgers

Returning Starters: Offense – 9, Defense – 9

Early Draft Entrants: 1, CB Jack Ikegwuonu

Why is a team that has won over 20 games the past two seasons with essentially the same cast of characters ranked this low? Because the Badgers haven’t been able to finish any higher than third in the Big 10. This cast, which includes outstanding RB’s in P.J. Hill and Zach Brown, a powerful offensive line, and skill players that are more than capable haven’t been able to get over the hump. Until they do, the Badgers are destined to appear in a game other than a BCS bowl on New Year’s Day in 2009. The departure of gutsy QB Tyler Donovan opens the door for Kansas State transfer Allan Evridge. In reality, Evridge will be called upon to manage games giving the rushing attack time to get on track. Mix in some play action, a few screens, and occasionally stretch the defense and you have the staples of the Badger offense. The defense returns every player from the 2007 squad except DT Nick Hayden. The Badgers have the speed to play with the better offenses in the country. The LB core led by Jonathan Casillas is very good and the defensive line has the strength to stand up against the run. The schedule has a brutal stretch of 5 games that will make or break the Badgers 2008 season. Road dates against Fresno State and Michigan, and home dates against Ohio State, Penn State and Illinois will determine if the Badgers are BCS bound by the end of October.

15. Illinois Fighting Illini

Returning Starters: Offense – 7, Defense – 6, Punter

Early Draft Entrants: 1, RB Rashard Mendenhall

Despite getting their lunch handed to them against USC in this past Rose Bowl, the Illini improved dramatically in 2007. Led by QB Juice Williams and WR Arrelious Benn, the Illini possess two of the best skill players in the nation. The offensive line returns three starters along with TE Michael Hoomanawanui. The recent recruiting success by Ron Zook’s staff has capable replacements on the roster ready to step in and contribute. For the Illini to build upon their 2007 season they’ll have to find replacements at LB and the secondary will need new starters at both safety positions. The defensive line will be the strength of this unit in 2008, returning three of four starters led by DE’s Doug Pilcher and Will Davis. The schedule is very competitive, with the season opener against Missouri giving us an idea of how the Illini will fare during 2008. Road dates against Penn State, Michigan and Wisconsin will determine the Illini’s Big 10 title hopes by the end of October. The premier home game is against revenge seeking Ohio State, the Illini’s marquee win of the 2007 season. If Illinois is going to appear in a BCS bowl, they’ll have to earn their way.

16. Tennessee Volunteers

Returning Starters: Offense – 9, Defense – 6, Kicker, Punter

Early Draft Entrants: 1, LB Jarrod Mayo

If the Vols are going to repeat as SEC East champions, new starting QB Jonathan Crompton must perform up to his abilities. Crompton has played sparingly, and actually got more playing time in 2006 as a result of an ankle injury to Eric Ainge. The Vols return the bulk of their offense, including their top two RB’s, five WR’s that saw substantial playing time in 2007, and four starters on the offensive line. The defense improved steadily throughout the 2007 season, and the Vols will return one of the better LB corps in the SEC. Rico McCoy is solid and spot starter Elix Wilson is better than departed starter Ryan Karl. The defensive line will need to improve to shut down the run, something the Vols didn’t do very well in 2007. The DE positions should be anchored by Wes Brown and Robert Ayers, both of which saw plenty of action in 2007. The secondary was young and routinely burned in the early half of 2007, but those young players have begun to develop. CB/FS Eric Berry is a future top 15 NFL draft pick, and CB Brent Vinson possesses all the talent needed to cover the best WR’s in the SEC. The schedule, particularly the road dates, is formidable. The Vols visit UCLA, Auburn, Georgia and South Carolina while the home schedule includes Florida and Alabama. As usual, the SEC East champion will be determined by how the Vols, Gators and Bulldogs fare against each other. If Tennessee wants to return to the SEC championship game, they’ll need to improve defensively and win the majority of their road games.

17. Texas Longhorns

Returning Starters: Offense – 8, Defense – 4, Punter, Kicker

Early Draft Entrants: 1, RB Jamaal Charles

Texas has become a bit of an enigma since winning the BCS championship in 2005. The Longhorns can score points – lots of points. The problem is they give up a lot of points as well, with five opponents topping the 30-point barrier in 2007. The offense returns the bulk of the lineup, led by QB Colt McCoy. The offensive line returns four starters, and the receivers are a solid veteran crew. The defense only returns four starters, and that doesn’t bode well if the Longhorns are going to enjoy any success in 2008. Mack Brown has continued to recruit well over the years, and he will need some big time help on the defensive side from his stable of talented youngsters. The schedule doesn’t help matters either, with home dates against Arkansas and Missouri, The road slate features games against Colorado, Texas Tech and Kansas, and the annual Red River Shootout against Oklahoma in Dallas. Don’t look for Texas to compete for the Big 12 title for at least another season.

18. Penn State Nittany Lions

Returning Starters: Offense – 9, Defense – 7, Kicker, Punter

Early Draft Entrants: 1, CB Justin King

When Joe Paterno became the head coach of Penn State over 40 years ago, the Nittany Lions have been playing hard nose football ever since. The 2008 season has already started badly for PSU with Justin King leaving to play in the NFL and standout LB Sean Lee blowing out his knee in spring practice. Despite those losses, Penn State will still have one of the better defensive units in the nation. The strength of the team will be the defensive line will be anchored by Josh Gaines and the secondary, which returns three of four starters. Penn State has never been about flash, and the offense will continue to pound the football in 2008. New starters must be found at the QB and RB positions, with the most likely candidates competing for those jobs being Daryll Clark and Evan Royster. The offensive line returns intact, and there is a strong core of WR’s led by Derrick Williams. The schedule features three home games against tough competition with Oregon State, Illinois, and Michigan visiting Happy Valley. The Nittany Lions travel to Wisconsin and Ohio State to highlight an otherwise manageable road slate. If Penn State is going to win the Big 10 the defense will have to play exceptionally well while the offense has time to break in a new QB.

19. Michigan Wolverines

Returning Starters: Offense – 5, Defense – 7, Kicker, Punter

Early Draft Entrants: 2, WR Mario Manningham, WR Adrian Arrington

New head coach Rich Rodriguez will assume command of a very talented Wolverine team in 2008. In order to erase the bad memory of the 2007 season, the Wolverines began doing just that in the Capital One Bowl by defeating the heavily favored Florida Gators. The Wolverines offensive will have a new look regardless if Rodriguez fully implements the spread option offense. With RB Mike Hart graduating, the Wolverines may look similar to the 2007 version offensively until the type of players needed can be brought in to run the spread option. The offensive line returns three starters but the Wolverines will need to find replacements at WR for the departed Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington. The defense returns seven starters and must improve if the Wolverines are going to compete for the Big 10 title. The defensive line returns intact, led by DT Terrance Taylor. Replacements will need to step up at LB and in the secondary, with CB Donovan Warren being the best of the back seven. The home schedule is tough, with games against Big 10 title hopefuls Illinois and Wisconsin. The road slate is very difficult, with games against Notre Dame, Penn State and Ohio State. The Wolverines have talent, but Rich Rodriguez is going to need a year or two before the Maze and Blue are back in the BCS title hunt.

20. Arizona State Sun Devils

Returning Starters: Offense – 7, Defense – 7, Kicker, Punter

Early Draft Entrants: None

What Dennis Erickson did in his first season at ASU was remarkable. He has instilled excitement back into this program but will have the daunting task of trying to catch USC for Pac 10 supremacy during the 2008 season. QB Rudy Carpenter returns, as do all of the skill position players. Replacing most of an offensive line that struggled to protect Carpenter will actually be a blessing in disguise. If the Sun Devils can find five linemen that can create holes for RB’s Keegan Herring and Dimitri Nance, and give Carpenter time to throw, the Sun Devils will score tons of points. Defensively, the Sun Devils ranked 13^th against the run and returns the core of that group. The secondary will be an area of concern heading into 2008, and in the Pac 10, that spells trouble. For ASU to duplicate last season’s success, some holes obviously need to be filled at DB. The schedule starts off slowly, but on September 20, the Sun Devils host Georgia in a marquee non-conference match up. Also dotting the home slate are Oregon and UCLA, and the road schedule includes a date against USC which should determine the Pac 10 championship.

21. Florida State Seminoles

Returning Starters: Offense – 8, Defense – 8, Punter

Early Draft Entrants: 2, DT Letroy Guion, LB Geno Hayes

There may not be a team in the nation that has caused more head scratching than the Seminoles of late. The roster is full of talent, the recruiting has been very good and the coaching staff is one of the most experienced in all of college football. Has the game really passed Bobby Bowden? With the player cheating scandal that took place just before the Music City Bowl, the Seminoles looked like a team spiraling out of control. However, Florida State, despite 36 players not participating in that game, availed themselves very well giving Kentucky all they wanted. The biggest issue Florida State must address in 2008 is the QB position. Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee have had ample opportunity to seize the starting role, but neither have performed consistently enough to remain number one on the depth chart. Another concern is the inconsistent play of the offensive line, which resulted in a virtually non-existent running game in 2007. The RB and WR positions are well stocked and capable of producing solid numbers. If the QB and OL can be solidified, the Noles will put a respectable amount of points on the board. The defense is going to be very good, with perhaps the best LB core in the nation. Derek Nicholson will lead a defense that returns eight starters and has the speed to shut down opposing offenses. The schedule is difficult, with home games against non-conference foe Colorado, along with Clemson, Boston College, Virginia Tech and Florida. The only real road test looks to be against Miami (FL). Look for the Seminoles to be much improved and compete for an ACC championship in 2008.

22. South Florida Bulls

Returning Starters: Offense – 9, Defense – 7, Kicker, Punter

Early Draft Entrants: None

One of the surprise teams in 2007, the Bulls found out very quickly what is was like being in the forefront of the college football landscape. Upsetting Auburn on the road and defeating West Virginia at home, the Bulls rose to #2 in the nation in 2007. From that lofty perch, things turned ugly for the Bulls and ultimately they fell completely out of the top 25 at one point. South Florida eventually got back into the top 25 – barely, but they were promptly smoked by the Oregon Ducks in the Sun Bowl. The talent is there for the Bulls to merit a top 25 ranking in 2008, especially on defense with future first round draft pick George Selvie anchoring the defensive line. Tyrone McKenzie will lead the LB core, and the secondary will need to replace both corners. Offensively, QB Matt Grothe returns in hopes the Bulls can put together a respectable ground game. Grothe led the Bulls in rushing last season, and that doesn’t bode well for the long term health of a QB. The offensive line returns four starters, and the WR core easily goes five deep. The schedule is manageable, with an early season test against non-conference foe Kansas at home. The Bulls road slate includes West Virginia, which will be seeking revenge for the 2007 loss.

23. Virginia Cavaliers

Returning Starters: Offense – 7, Defense – 7

Early Draft Entrants: 1, OG Branden Albert

The Cavaliers have become consistent winners under head man Al Groh, and the 2007 campaign highlighted more close game victories than any team in the country. Virginia won five games by two points or less in 2007, and that’s the way the Cavs win – ugly. The Cavs have enough talent to compete for the ACC championship, but they’ll need to get more consistent play from QB Jameel Sewell. Virginia boasts a bevy of RB’s led by Cedric Peerman, and an offensive line that returns three starters, led by future NFL draft pick Eugene Monroe. The defense will need replacements at two defensive line positions, but the LB core will be very strong, led by Jon Cooper. The secondary returns three starters and is capable of covering well enough to keep the Cavs from getting rung up in the passing game. The schedule is very difficult, with an early season home test against the mighty Trojans. Other home dates feature Clemson and Miami (FL), and the road dates include games against Connecticut and Virginia Tech.

24. Colorado Buffaloes

Returning Starters: Offense – 7, Defense – 8, Punter

Early Draft Entrants: None

The Buffs took a big step back towards respectability by defeating Oklahoma during the 2007 season. Dan Hawkins is starting to get things turned around but if they are going to take another step forward in 2008, they’ll have to do so against one of the toughest schedules in the nation. Colorado will be led by QB Cody Hawkins, son of the head coach, who is a capable passer with enough athleticism to make plays out of the pocket. The Buffaloes have a solid group of WR’s returning, led by Patrick Williams, and two TE’s led by Riar Greer. The defense returns eight experienced starters, but they’ll have to improve upon their 2007 season to compete in the Big 12. The defensive line is led by DT George Hypolite, and the unit as a whole has the potential to stuff the run and put pressure on opposing QB’s. The back seven will get plenty of opportunities to display their cover skills this season. The LB’s will be led by Jeff Smart, and FS Ryan Walters will anchor the secondary. The schedule isn’t for the faint of heart. Road games against Florida State, Kansas and Missouri will pretty much decide the Buffs 2008 fate. The home slate features games against West Virginia and Texas. If the Buffaloes can win three of those five, it’s possible they could appear in a New Year’s Day bowl game.

25. Alabama Crimson Tide

Returning Starters: Offense – 8, Defense – 6, Kicker, Punter

Early Draft Entrants: None

With an annual salary of $4 million, Nick Saban had better get the Tide back into the top 25 and competing for an SEC title. Why not start the quest in 2008? The Tide have quality players, especially along the offensive line, led by future top 15 NFL draft pick Andre Smith. The line returns four starters and will be the strength of this team. That’s good news for QB John Parker Wilson, because the Tide will depend on their running game with Terry Grant and Glenn Coffee until replacements can be found for a depleted WR core. The defense has some talent along the defensive line, led by Brandon Deaderick, and the LB core is strong led by Ezekial Knight. The secondary will need two new starters but there’s enough talent on the roster to fill the voids. The home schedule isn’t sexy, with the only marquee game being the season finale against Auburn. The road schedule is more daunting, with dates against Georgia, Tennessee and LSU.

Other teams deserving consideration are Ball State, Boise State, Brigham Young, Central Florida, Central Michigan, Connecticut, Fresno State, Hawaii, Maryland, Miami (FL), Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, South Carolina, and Texas A&M.