Only 10 AP preseason #1 ranked teams have ever won the National Championship – the most recent squad atop the rankings in August to take home the title was USC in 2004.
Ahead of the pack to start off this season’s College Football campaign at #1 – the highly potent Georgia Bulldogs, who are seeking to win it all for the first time since the days of Herschel Walker. Mark Richt’s program at Georgia possesses two of the best offensive players in the land – QB Matthew Stafford and RB Knowshon Moreno. Couple the two Heisman candidates along with the momentum they carry coming off a blowout victory over Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl, you can see why Georgia is ranked ahead over the likes of Ohio State, Southern Cal, Florida, and the reigning Champion LSU Tigers.
While they sit atop the AP Top 25, Georgia has some difficult obstacles to face, as they have the tough & distinct honor of taking on six ranked teams. Along with playing in the nation’s toughest conference, the Southeastern Conference (SEC), I believe Georgia will not be the last team standing come January 8 for three simple reasons: 1. Tim Tebow 2. Percy Harvin 3. The Swamp/Coach Meyer’s Offensive Expertise – you get the picture. I just cannot see Georgia outlasting the SEC schedule, mainly their brutal four-game stretch from October 25-November 15 when they challenge LSU, Florida, Kentucky, and Auburn in consecutive weeks. Better yet, they will have to travel on the road to challenge all but Florida. Keep in mind, they just lost their left tackle Trinton Sturdivant for the year.
My Elite-Fave Five:
1. Florida Gators (AP: 5) – Give me Tim Tebow & Percy Harvin any day of the week. I’ll take my chances with the Florida’s offensive firepower, an improved running game (Emmanuel Moody, USC transfer), and a young, returning defense that has a year under their belt. Toughest Test: November 1st @ Georgia
2. USC Trojans (AP: 3) - Joe McKnight will lead an explosive offense that will team up with an NFL-ready LB tandem of Brian Cushing & Rey Maualuga. QB questions will arise but this team has all of their biggest contests right in their own backyard at the Coliseum. Toughest Challenge: September 13 vs. Ohio State
3. Georgia Bulldogs (AP: 1) – I always like a team coming off of a strong Bowl game after feeling like they got snubbed. A motivated, inspired bunch with lots of offense to contend for title. Stafford/Moreno form the best 1-2 punch at QB & RB. Toughest Test: October 25 @ LSU
4. LSU Tigers (AP: 7) – The “Fearsome Fivesome” of DB’s Chad Jones & Jai Eugene, LB Darry Beckwith, and DL Tyson Jackson & Ricky Jean-Francois lead one of the top, most feared defenses in the nation. LSU has three excellent returning running backs but has yet to decide who’s going to start August 30 in Death Valley against Appalachian State. Rocket Arm QB Jordan Jefferson is a true freshman who reminds me of a young, quicker version of JaMarcus Russell. Toughest Challenge: October 11 @ Florida
5. Ohio State Buckeyes (AP: 2) – OSU brings back everyone but Vernon Gholston (replacement: Lawerence Wilson, considered to be just as talented as Gholston) on a defense that includes two All-American standouts (LB James Laurinaitis/CB Malcom Jenkins) and Chris Wells, who is a legitimate Heisman candidate and a possible #1 pick in next April’s NFL Draft. QB remains a considerable concern, though freshman sensation dual-threat Terrelle Pryor (#1 rated prospect, 6-foot 6, 235-pound speedster) might have something to say about that, as he’s expected to help give a major boost, if Coach Tressel feels it’s necessary (it really is). The offensive line figures to be the team’s biggest strength once again – one of the finest in the country. Biggest question still brought up, worth mentioning in Columbus: Can they beat a team with a spread offense, superior speed on defense? Toughest Battle: September 13 @ USC
Keeping A Close Eye On These 3 Teams (Tigers):
1. Clemson Tigers – Spiller/Davis combo at RB is second to none. Reminiscent of Auburn’s duo of Cadillac/Ronnie Brown – expect both to be selected in the Top 10 of ‘09 Draft. Downfall: Offensive Line/Lack of Big-Game Experience
2. Mizzou Tigers – Jeremy Maclin is my #1 rated playmaker in all the land at the wideout position. QB Chase Daniel will be up for Heisman once again. Downfall: Too much emphasis/pressure put on offense – can they win a close, grind ‘em out type of battle?
3. Tennessee Volunteers/Auburn Tigers – Look for one of these SEC schools to make some noise come late November/early December. Don’t expect anyone to get too excited when traveling to Jordan-Hare or Neyland Stadium against Tommy Tuberville/Phillip Fulmer’s squads. Make sure you watch Tennessee/Auburn protect their house – it’s Upset City Alert! Downfall: Not too many teams get respect, national attention, and high ranking with three losses on their resume – despite an impressive strength of schedule. It’s going to be difficult to overcome the three powerhouses which are ahead of ‘em. Inexperienced QB’s will not help the cause. Games will have to be won fighting in the trenches more than ever before on the ground, not via the aerial attack.
BCS Championship Game: Florida Gators over USC Trojans
If you’re going to the USC v. Stanford game, consider making the trip by train! The USC train takes fans and alums from LA to an away game every year. Last year I had so much fun, I would definitely suggest it! It’s really a first class trip! The website is http://usctrain.org
Fight On Trojans!!
I am constantly ammazed that a team (USC) that has only played two non-conference teams, is still ranked #1 after 4 weeks of play. How many teams are 4-0? Who said Ohio State was so great that when USC beat them they suddenly belonged on the top of the heap? Come on people get real. At least wait until they beaten some teams in their own confernce. The AP pole has become a farce and everyone else is just following that lead. We should rank teams based on their performance this year. Not what they may do, what they are doing.