NCAAF Preseason Top 25 - Inside the Game

[Dr. Jack]

NCAAF Preseason Top 25 - Inside the Game - Bet Jamaica

By David Harrison

The college football season kicks off tonight, so it’s time to pick the best in the nation before the teams hit the field. The No. 1 team in college football before a down has been played is Ohio State. The Buckeyes are solid on both sides of the ball and will garner national attention win or lose, with at least two Heisman Trophy candidates in Troy Smith and Ted Ginn Jr.

Just about everyone who hasn’t picked Ohio State to win the national championship this season has gone with the No. 2 team, Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish have another tough schedule ahead of them, but another year under head coach Charlie Weis could finally mean a national championship for Notre Dame. Rounding out the rest of the preseason Top 5 are reigning champs Texas, Auburn and West Virginia.

Here’s a quick rundown of the entire Top 25 with their Week 1 opponents. The team records listed are from last season.

1. Ohio State (10-2) – Led by Heisman candidates Troy Smith and Ted Ginn Jr., the Buckeyes begin the season as the top-ranked school in the nation thanks to what should be an explosive offense and a young but talented defense. The Buckeyes open their season Saturday versus 7-5 Northern Illinois.

2. Notre Dame (9-3) – The Fighting Irish begin their second season under Charlie Weis with national championship expectations and a solid Heisman contender in QB Brady Quinn. Notre Dame takes on 8-4 Navy at home on Saturday.

3. Texas (13-0) - The Longhorns are the defending national champions, but their repeat attempt will be made without star QB Vince Young. Even without Young, the Longhorns are stacked with talent and should have no problems with 2-9 North Texas on Saturday.

4. Auburn (9-3) – The Tigers have all the pieces in place to run over the rest of the SEC, while what looks like a favorable schedule could give them a shot at the national championship. Auburn kicks off the season of Saturday versus 4-7 Washington State.

5. West Virginia (11-1) – With QB Pat White and running back Steve Slaton still in the fold, the Mountaineers should easily rule the Big East again this season with the only obstacle in their way possibly being Louisville. West Virginia starts the season at home on Saturday versus 4-7 Marshall.

6. USC (12-1) – The Trojans saw a lot of talent move on after last season, but their new power performers are all ready to step in. After USC takes care of 4-7 Arkansas on Saturday, you should be more familiar with the future Trojans’ stars.

7. Florida (9-3) – The Gators head into the second year under head coach Urban Meyer with a solid QB, Chris Leak, what looks to be a strong defense, and big expectations from fans and supporters. Florida should at least get the season started off right with their opener at home Saturday versus 7-5 Southern Mississippi.

8. LSU (11-2) – The Tigers should at least be confident heading into the season after they ended last year with a 40-3 whipping of Miami in the Peach Bowl. With QB JaMarcus Russell fully healthy, the Tigers should have no trouble with 6-5 Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday.

9. California (8-4) – The Golden Bears saw most of their offense return this season, including star running back Marshawn Lynch. However, what could make them a real powerhouse this season is their defense. California gets thrown into the fire right away with their opener on the road versus No. 23 Tennessee.

10. Oklahoma (8-4) – The Sooners took a hit before the season began after the dismissal of starting QB Rhett Bomar. With running back Adrian Peterson healthy, the offense should still be in good shape. Oklahoma starts the season at home on Saturday versus 5-6 UAB.

11. Florida State (8-5) – The Seminoles have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, but they need QB Drew Weatherford to limit his mistakes this season to see an improvement. Florida State is in tough from the start in their opener against No. 12 Miami (FL) on the road Monday night.

12. Miami (FL) (9-3) – The Hurricanes need QB Kyle Wright to have a breakout season if their offense is going to match what should be a punishing Miami defense. Miami gets a home game versus rival No. 11 Florida State to start their season on Monday night. Hurricanes running back Tyrone Moss will miss this game due to a one-game suspension.

13. Louisville (9-3) – The Cardinals have a Heisman darkhorse in QB Brian Brohm and a strong back in Michael Bush that makes them a standout in the Big East. Louisville goes up against 3-8 Kentucky at home on Sunday.

14. Michigan (7-5) – The Wolverines have a potent duo in QB Chad Henne and RB Mike Hart, if they can both stay healthy this season. Michigan gets things started at home on Saturday versus 5-6 Vanderbilt.

15. Georgia (10-3) – The Bulldogs' season could heavily depend on how well QB Joe Tereshinski takes over from departed starter D.J. Shockley. Georgia will get their first look at Tereshinski on Saturday versus 6-5 Western Kentucky.

16. Iowa (7-5) – The Hawkeyes go up against 8-4 Montana at home on Saturday.

17. Virginia Tech (11-2) – The Hokies start their season at home on Saturday versus 2-9 Northeastern.

18. Clemson (8-4) - The Tigers get underway on Saturday versus 2-9 Florida Atlantic.

19. Penn State (11-1) – Joe Paterno begins his 41st season as the Nittany Lions' head coach versus (7-6) Akron on Saturday.

20. Nebraska (8-4) – The Cornhuskers play host to 7-4 Louisiana Tech on Saturday.

21. Oregon ( 10-2) – The Ducks are at home to 5-6 Stanford on Saturday.

22. TCU (11-1) – The Horned Frogs hit the road for their opener at 5-6 Baylor on Sunday.

23. Tennessee (5-6) – The Volunteers get a tough start to the season with a home game against No. 9 California on Saturday.

24. Arizona State (7-5) – The Sun Devils get started earlier than most with a Thursday home game versus 3-8 Northern Arizona.

25. Texas Tech (9-3) – The Red Raiders take on 5-6 Southern Methodist at home on Saturday.