1. Georgia
2. Oklahoma
3. Florida
4. Missouri
5. USC
6. Ohio State
7. Texas
8. LSU
9. Clemson
10. Arizona State
11. Virginia Tech
12. Texas Tech
13. Wisconsin
14. West Virginia
15. Kansas
16. Auburn
17. Penn State
18. Oregon
19. BYU
20. Virginia
21. Michigan
22. Pittsburgh
23. Illinois
24. South Carolina
25. Fresno State


And the team-by-team breakdown...

1. Georgia
The Bulldogs return all but five starters from a team that won its last seven games to finish 11-2 in 2007. Tailback Knowshon Moreno, who will be a sophomore during the 2008 season, should be a Heisman Trophy candidate (redshirt freshman Caleb King might be just as good), and quarterback Matthew Stafford was much improved in his second season as a starter. The Bulldogs must find a pass-rusher to replace Marcus Howard, and the loss of strong-legged kicker Brandon Coutu can't be underestimated. Georgia plays a difficult schedule -- an early road test at Arizona State on Sept. 20 and consecutive games against LSU and Florida in midseason are potential stumbling blocks -- but no team in the SEC has as much returning talent and depth.


2. Oklahoma
With nine starters eligible to come back on offense and seven on defense, the Sooners should be favorites in the Big 12. Now, if Oklahoma just didn't have to play in a bowl game. The Sooners should be explosive on offense, even after losing 1,000-yard rusher Allen Patrick. Tailback DeMarco Murray ran for 764 yards and 13 touchdowns as a freshman, and quarterback Sam Bradford threw 36 touchdowns with only eight interceptions in his first season as a starter. Oklahoma is expecting leading receiver Juaquin Iglesias back, but deep threat Malcolm Kelly might turn pro. Guard Duke Robinson also is a candidate to leave early. The defense will have to replace two starters in the secondary and must find a bona fide pass-rusher. The nonconference schedule is somewhat demanding with home games against Cincinnati and TCU and a road game at Washington. Oklahoma doesn't play Missouri in Big 12 play and gets Kansas and Texas Tech at home.


3. Florida
The 2006 national champions took a big step back in 2007, primarily because of their youth on defense and lack of a running game. The Gators had to replace nine starters on defense and the young replacements didn't play well in losses to Georgia and Michigan. The secondary will remain a concern going into next season, but the defensive front should be improved. Coach Urban Meyer has to find a running back to complement Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, and USC transfer Emmanuel Moody might be that guy. Losing receiver Andre Caldwell and possibly tight end Cornelius Ingram will hurt, but rising junior Percy Harvin is one of the best players in the country. The Gators will play nine of their 12 games in the state of Florida, including a key Nov. 1 date against Georgia in Jacksonville and a Nov. 29 finale at Florida State. The nonconference schedule includes home games against Hawaii and Miami to start the season.


4. Missouri
The Tigers should have played in a BCS bowl game this season, but they'll get to one in 2008. Quarterback Chase Daniel is coming back for his senior season, along with 10 starters on defense. The Tigers will be hit hard on offense, with tailback Tony Temple, left tackle Tyler Luellen, All-American center Adam Spieker and tight end Martin Rucker leaving. Tailback Derrick Washington will have to be as good as advertised, and the Tigers will have to find more ways to get Jeremy Maclin the football. Missouri will play Kansas' schedule from 2007 (or lack thereof), as the Tigers won't play Oklahoma, Texas A&M or Texas Tech. The season starts with a suddenly daunting game against Illinois in St. Louis on Aug. 30 and also includes home games against Division I-AA Southeast Missouri, Nevada and Buffalo.


5. USC
The Trojans played like the best team in the country in their final four games of 2007, but will go into 2008 with plenty of questions. USC will lose quarterback John David Booty and tight end Fred Davis on offense, along with three very good players on the offensive line. The heart of the defense also will be gone, with tackle Sedrick Ellis, end Lawrence Jackson and linebacker Keith Rivers leaving. But coach Pete Carroll still has plenty of talent on hand. Freshman Joe McKnight looked spectacular against Illinois in the Rose Bowl presented by Citi. Mark Sanchez, a redshirt junior next season, is Booty's heir apparent, but Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain will battle for the starting job in the spring. Another Arkansas transfer, Damian Williams, should boost the receiving corps. The Trojans' schedule includes two difficult nonconference games (at Virginia on Aug. 30 and home against Ohio State), but the Pac-10 schedule flips with Oregon, Arizona State and California coming to the Coliseum.


6. Ohio State
The Buckeyes will have all the pieces in place for yet another run at the BCS title game, especially if All-American linebacker James Laurinaitis returns for his senior season. Tailback Beanie Wells is the Buckeyes' next superstar, and receivers Brian Hartline and Brian Robiskie are both coming back. Quarterback Todd Boeckman has to continue to improve throwing the football, and right tackle Kirk Barton will be a big loss. The defense could be even better in 2008, with end Lawrence Wilson coming back from a broken leg and promising rising sophomore Cameron Heyward adding weight and getting stronger. After playing a light nonconference schedule in 2007, the Buckeyes travel to USC on Sept. 13 and play Big Ten road games at Wisconsin, Michigan State and Illinois.


7. Texas
Longhorns fans are getting a little bit restless, after Texas finished its second straight season without a berth in a BCS bowl game. But the Longhorns' 52-34 win over Arizona State in the Holiday Bowl should give fans some confidence heading into the 2008 season. If Texas can find a replacement for running back Jamaal Charles, who turned pro after running for 1,619 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior, the offense should have pretty good firepower. Quarterback Colt McCoy needs to cut down on his 18 interceptions, but showed better mobility as a sophomore. Texas will have heavy personnel losses on defense, including tackles Derek Lokey and Frank Okam and linebackers Robert Killebrew and Scott Derry. Three starters will be gone from the secondary. Coach Mack Brown hired Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp to improve a defense that struggled in 2007.


8. LSU
Tigers fans might want to really enjoy their national championship because coach Les Miles will have to overhaul his team's roster. All-American defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey is leaving, along with free safety Craig Steltz, quarterback Matt Flynn, tailback Jacob Hester and receiver Early Doucet. Miles will have to replace defensive coordinator Bo Pelini, who is leaving to become Nebraska's head coach. Ryan Perrilloux should take over at quarterback, and either Keiland Williams or Charles Scott will succeed Hester. LSU's nonconference schedule in 2008 isn't very demanding (North Texas, Troy, Tulane and a yet-to-be-determined opponent), but Georgia rotates onto the SEC slate.


9. Clemson
Tigers fans are waiting for coach Tommy Bowden to win his first ACC championship and get his team to a BCS bowl game, and he'll have the team to do it in 2008. Tailbacks James Davis and C.J. Spiller should be back, along with quarterback Cullen Harper and receiver Aaron Kelly. Four starters will have to be replaced on the offensive line, but nine starters could be back on defense. Clemson has to improve its kicking game, which has been a trouble spot the past few seasons.


10. Arizona State
The Sun Devils made tremendous strides in coach Dennis Erickson's first season, but they have a long way to go to challenge USC in the Pac-10. Quarterback Rudy Carpenter returns after throwing for 3,202 yards and 25 touchdowns as a junior. Four of his top five pass catchers also should be back. Tailback Ryan Torain leaves, along with a couple of starters from an offensive line that didn't protect Carpenter very well. The losses on defense could be heavy, too, with safety Josh Barrett and linebacker Robert James slated to leave. Georgia goes to Arizona State on Sept. 20, and the Sun Devils play Pac-10 road games at California, USC and Oregon State.


11. Virginia Tech
The Hokies will retain much of their firepower on offense, with quarterbacks Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor and tailback Branden Ore expected to return to Blacksburg, Va. But much of the Hokies' vaunted defense is leaving, including linebackers Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall and cornerback Brandon Flowers, a junior who is entering the NFL draft. Three starters will leave the defensive line and three veteran receivers will have to be replaced. A Sept. 27 trip to Nebraska highlights the nonconference schedule and the ACC slate includes trips to Boston College, Miami and Florida State.


12. Texas Tech
Mike Leach has led the Red Raiders to a bowl game in each of his eight seasons as coach, and Texas Tech might be poised to reach a BCS bowl game in 2008. Quarterback Graham Harrell returns to the record-setting offense, along with receiver Michael Crabtree, who had 134 catches for 1,962 yards and 22 touchdowns as a freshman. Just as important, each of the five offensive linemen protecting Harrell will return. The Red Raiders hope to have eight starters back on defense, but kicker Alex Trlica will have to be replaced. Texas Tech's schedule opens against Tulsa and includes road games at Texas A&M, Kansas and Oklahoma.


13. Wisconsin
The Badgers didn't meet lofty expectations in 2007, but they'll have a chance to be better in 2008. Replacing quarterback Tyler Donovan will be the most pressing concern, but Kansas State transfer Allan Evridge battled Donovan for the job in 2007. Tailback P.J. Hill, who will be a redshirt junior, battled injuries last season, allowing Zach Brown and Lance Smith to become quality backups. The offense will be pretty good if tight end Travis Beckum returns for one more season. Cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu already has decided to leave for the NFL draft. The Badgers' schedule includes a road trip to Fresno State and consecutive games against Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Iowa and Illinois in midseason.


14. West Virginia
The Mountaineers should have plenty of weapons coming back on offense, including quarterback Pat White and possibly tailback Steve Slaton. Noel Devine, who will be a sophomore in 2008, returns as well. But how will new coach Bill Stewart fare now that he's not on an interim basis? He had the Mountaineers ready to play in the Fiesta Bowl, but now Stewart has to prove he can recruit and motivate on a weekly basis. Coaching transitions are never easy, even with a boatload of talent coming back (ask Louisville's Steve Kragthorpe). At least seven starters will have to be replaced on defense, and fullback Owen Schmitt and receiver Darius Reynaud also are leaving.



15. Kansas
The Jayhawks will learn maintaining success might be more difficult than obtaining it. Coming off the best season in school history, Kansas will have to replace a few of its stars, including cornerback Aqib Talib and offensive tackle Anthony Collins, each of whom is passing up his senior season to enter the NFL draft. Four other starters on offense will be gone, including 1,000-yard runner Brandon McAnderson. But quarterback Todd Reesing and nine starters on defense are expected to come back. The schedule gets much tougher than it was in 2007, with a road game at South Florida on Sept. 13 and Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech rotating back onto the Big 12 schedule.


16. Auburn
The Tigers expect to return eight starters on both offense and defense, but there figures to be a transition because of coaching changes. Offensive coordinator Al Borges resigned before the Chick-fil-A Bowl, and coach Tommy Tuberville hired Tony Franklin from Troy to install the spread offense. Then defensive coordinator Will Muschamp left for the same position at Texas. Replacing quarterback Brandon Cox will be the top priority in the spring, with Kodi Burns, who will be a sophomore in 2008, expected to take over. Defensive end Quentin Groves and tackle Josh Thompson are the biggest losses on defense. The Tigers play at West Virginia, but play LSU, Tennessee, Arkansas and Georgia at home.


17. Penn State
The Nittany Lions could return 18 starters if cornerback Justin King returns for his senior season. Penn State will have to replace quarterback Anthony Morelli and tailback Rodney Kinlaw. With Daryll Clark, who'll be a senior next season, slated to replace Morelli, offensive coordinator Galen Hall might opt for a spread attack in 2008. Penn State returns top receivers Deon Butler, Jordan Norwood and Derrick Williams. Replacing inside linebacker Dan Connor will be a priority on defense, and Sean Lee might move inside to succeed Connor. The nonconference schedule includes home games against Division I-AA Coastal Carolina, Oregon State and Temple and a road game at Syracuse. The Nittany Lions play Illinois and Michigan at home, but play at Wisconsin and Ohio State.


18. Oregon
The Ducks have hope after blasting South Florida 56-21 in the Sun Bowl. Justin Roper played well at quarterback as a redshirt freshman and goes into spring practice as the No. 1 candidate to replace Dennis Dixon. Tailback Jonathan Stewart will probably turn pro, so the Ducks have to hope Jeremiah Johnson, a senior next season, recovers quickly from a torn ACL in his right knee. Two starters will be lost on the offensive line, including right tackle Geoff Schwartz. The defensive front loses its two tackles and two linebackers. The Ducks' nonconference schedule includes games at Purdue and home against Boise State, along with road games at Arizona State, Cal, USC and Oregon State during Pac-10 play.


19. BYU
The Cougars have won 11 games in each of the past two seasons, as well as consecutive Mountain West titles under coach Bronco Mendenhall. With quarterback Max Hall and tailback Harvey Unga coming back, expect similar results in 2008. BYU will have to rebuild its defense, with heavy losses at linebacker and in the secondary. The nonconference schedule includes games against Washington and UCLA.


20. Virginia
Cavaliers coach Al Groh went from the hot seat to ACC Coach of the Year after leading the Cavaliers to a 9-4 finish. Virginia returns most of its firepower on offense, with quarterback Jameel Sewell and tailback Mikell Simpson returning. Tailback Cedric Peerman (foot) and receiver Kevin Ogletree (knee) also are coming back from injuries, but three starters on the offensive line and tight end Tom Santi will have to be replaced. All-American defensive end Chris Long is a huge loss, but Jeffrey Fitzgerald was a great pass-rusher on the other side. The Cavaliers open the season against USC in Charlottesville, Va.


21. Michigan
There will be a lot of uncertainty at Michigan, as new coach Rich Rodriguez tries to install his spread offense. The Wolverines lose quarterback Chad Henne, left tackle Jake Long and tailback Mike Hart. Top receivers Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington might forgo their senior seasons and enter the NFL draft. Will Rodriguez persuade quarterback Ryan Mallett to stay, and can the new coach recruit highly regarded prospect Terrelle Pryor to run his offense in Ann Arbor? The Wolverines will suffer heavy personnel losses on defense, too, with linebacker Shawn Crable and both safeties leaving. Tackle Terrance Taylor is still undecided on whether he'll return for his senior season.


22. Pittsburgh
The Panthers have reason for optimism after upsetting West Virginia 13-9 in the regular-season finale, a loss that cost the Mountaineers a chance to play for the BCS championship. Dave Wannstedt failed to produce a winning record in his first three seasons as coach of his alma mater, but the Panthers seem ready to turn the corner in 2008. Pitt lost four games by seven points or fewer in 2007. Seven starters are expected back on both offense and defense. Tailback LeSean McCoy ran for 1,328 yards and 14 touchdowns as a freshman, and freshman quarterback Pat Bostick was much improved by season's end. Receiver Derek Kinder and defensive tackle Gus Mustakas will return from season-ending knee injuries. Linebacker Scott McKillop led the country with 151 tackles and led a defense that showed bite in 2007.


23. Illinois
A 49-17 loss to USC in the Rose Bowl presented by Citi showed the Illini still have a lot of work to do in coach Ron Zook's rebuilding job. Quarterback Juice Williams and receiver Arrelious Benn will be back, but the loss of tailback Rashard Mendenhall is potentially devastating. Mendenhall was one of the best running backs in the country and a major part of Illinois' offense. All-American linebacker J Leman and four other defensive starters, including both safeties, will have to be replaced. But Zook continues to recruit very well and there is a boatload of talented young players coming back.


24. South Carolina
The Gamecocks collapsed after a 6-1 start to finish 6-6 in 2007. South Carolina couldn't stop the run and couldn't run the football, a recipe for disaster in the SEC. But Steve Spurrier doesn't like to lose, so figure the Gamecocks to be much improved in 2008. If linebacker Jasper Brinkley receives a medical redshirt from the NCAA, after missing much of the 2007 season with a knee injury, South Carolina could be pretty good on defense. The hiring of defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder was a good start. Quarterback Chris Smelley will get the first chance to replace departed starter Blake Mitchell, but Spurrier is excited about the potential of Stephen Garcia, a redshirt freshman next season.


25. Fresno State
The Bulldogs rebounded from a 4-8 disaster in 2006 to finish 9-4 this season, including a 40-28 win over Georgia Tech in the Humanitarian Bowl. Fresno State's offense showed a lot of firepower, scoring 30 points or more in eight of its last nine games. Tom Brandstater was one of the country's most improved passers, throwing 15 touchdowns with only five interceptions. The Bulldogs will lose speedy Clifton Smith, who ran for 625 yards and five touchdowns and caught 33 passes. But Ryan Mathews ran for 866 yards and 14 touchdowns as a freshman. Eight starters are expected back on offense and seven on defense. Replacing linebacker Marcus Riley will be a priority on defense.

Pitt 22?

doubtful

That list is whacked.


Most have WVU ranked in the top 5. Jessee Palmer's top 25 has WVU preseason #1.



On a side note, Pittsburgh should be pretty decent next year. I don't know if I would have them in the top 25, though.



The best non BCS teams as it was this past year will once again be BYU. BYU is a legitimate top 10 team and not a poser like Hawaii is.


It's time to give the MWC a BCS Auto Big berth. They have outstanding depth and the best tradition of all the non-BCS leagues.




Oh yeah, another year, and another ACC loss in the BCS Bowl games.


The ACC is now officialy 0-8 in their last 8 BCS bowl games. Maybe the MWC should have their bid.

Jesse Palmer? You mean the guy that went on a TV reality show to find a wife? THAT Jesse Palmer? Well if he thinks WVU is number one, then it shall most assuredly come to pass.

Jesse might not know how to pick 'em, but he sure is easy on the eyes.

I've been meaning to comment on Jesse Palmer for a few weeks now ...he's on TV every-frickin'-day it seems. UGH. He's got a phenomenal agent, that's all I can say. I'd rather see/hear from Joey Harrington. Maybe Joey should talk to Jesse's agent.

Anywho, the Big East NEEDS Pittsburgh to show up next year. West Virginia, South Florida and Rutgers can't bear the burden to Big East credibility ...Louisville? Cincy? I don't care who it is, but we NEED another Big East team in the mix next year, so if pundits think it's Pitts, I'll take it, just as long as the Big East is getting some ink.

I just can't get on the BYU bandwagon like I can other schools. BYU is unashamedly homophobic in policy and practice, and I know, this is sports, and it's different, but at least Southern Methodist University offers domestic partner benefits... I blather, though. As we discussed in another thread, there are a few candidates for "spoiler" school next year, and I know most people think BYU will be the one, but let's not forget/overlook Boise, Utah, Fresno, UCF and others... I'm not saying they'll all run the table, but several of these schools are sure to notch an upset.

Mark May of ESPN has already picked Fresno State as next year's BCS spoiler, which could very well be the kiss of death. But... one thing about the Bulldogs is that, unlike Hawaii, Fresno State schedules very tough non-league games every year and would be prepared to win a BCS bowl. However, going unbeaten against next year's schedule would be very difficult and I don't see it happening. The schedule includes the following: road games against UCLA, Kansas State and Boise State; home games against Wisconsin and Hawaii. Fresno State does return 17 starters though from last week's bowl win over Georgia Tech. The Bulldogs are now 3-0 all-time vs. the ACC in bowls.

Homophobic or not, BYU has some hot mormon boys who can play some mean football.

Yeah. Pitt at #22? Not seeing that one. If a Big East team at #22, isn't South Florida more deserving? Be nice to see Pitt play well next year, but top 25? Also, South Carolina at #24 should be replaced with Tennessee. BYU is ranked way too high. Florida is ranked too high. But more shocking than anything: USC and WVA are ranked WAY TOO LOW; especially WVA.

I wasn't going to say anything about WVU being ranked so low but since others are

we're going to be a top 10 team again, possibly top 5

AGREED! With someone else calling the plays, and Stew coming up with new ones, other teams will not be able to prepare for the "O" like before. Same killer speed, new way of dealing with it. My boy Reed will be anchoring the young D, but with Casteel staying, I look for it to jell quickly.

Where do all these gay WfVU fans come from??

New Martinsville, West Virginia for myself. Same as Coach Stew!

Bluefield, WV for me! Wrestled for two years and cheered the other two.


GymMountaineer is from Charleston originally. He grew up in Knoxville, TN, though.

Btw, Great Picture of Reed Williams. He's smokin hot.

Bluefield....you were a Beaver?

The Big East owes a lot of grattitude toward WVU for saving Big East football. Louisville will bounce back and has done it's fair share. Now, it's time for others to make a statement in big games. USF did well at Auburn. That helped. However, USF chocked against Oregon in the Sun Bowl.


The Big East plays a terrific OOC schedule next year with outstanding top matchups. With most of the Big East star power coming back, the Big East should compete with possibly the SEC as the nation's premier conference if all teams play as expected.


Oh, and speaking of BYU being a " spoiler" that's just ridiculous. BYU is a major college football program in a non BCS league. BYU football traditiona supercedes Fresno, UCF, and Boise combined. BYU plays a tough OOC schedule next year and is capable of winning those games. If BYU wins those games and goes undefeated, BYU will be in the race for the national championship. That's the difference between a program like Boise, Hawaii, or Fresno and BYU. BYU has the respect of the nation for bigtime wins for decades and isn't seen as a "mid major". BYU gets 1-1 deals with the elite of college football because it's a national program.


Let's keep it real folks. Some of these points are just not accurate.




Class of 1992.

Go Beavers!

That's a really good question, we must have 4 of the 6 gays in WV posting here.

Haha, now that's ironic.

We are pretty easy on the eyes, too.

LOL!

YAWN!! I didn't even need to open this thread. I knew just by the title that it would be full of WVU lackies trying to tell us how good WVU is going to be next year and that they are ranked too low. For the past 2 years, these same posters have told us how WVU was going to win the national title and yet the MountainREARS always find a way to choke it away. These 2008 "rankings" at this point are nothing but one persons opinion. And this season should have been a lesson about how little rankings and expectations about a team mean even 2 weeks in advance, much less 11 months. So here's my pre-season TOP 10:
1. West Virginia
2. Florida
3. Missouri
4. Arizona St
5. Georgia
6. West Virginia (so good, they'll be in the top 10 twice)
7. Texas
8. Clemson
9. Michigan
10. Oklahoma




Illini, are you counting each screen personality as one or just each actual person?

Stop the West Virginia cracks immediately. You all know that has caused trouble here and on other boards. There is no need for it.

Here's a little reminder of what the 2007 preseason pollsters were saying. (I don't know for sure, but I think they were the same ones who predicted that Hillary's presidential campaign was over.)

Sporting News now weighs in with its 2008 Preseason Top 25. Here it is (with commentary... theirs not mine):


1. Oklahoma: I know, I know, the Sooners can't win a BCS game. The trio of QB Sam Bradford, TB DeMarco Murray and WR Juaquin Iglesias, and a bulldozing offensive line, however, will translate to the best offense in the country.

2. Georgia: Talented 'Dawgs need QB Matt Stafford to take the next critical step in his development: the ability to carry a team in big games. TB Knowshon Moreno is a Heisman Trophy candidate.

3. Missouri: Want to know why Mizzou arrived this fall? Defense. Nine starters return from a unit that learned how to finish games in the second half of the season. Two Heisman candidates return, too: QB Chase Daniel and WR Jeremy Maclin.

4. USC: Can't wait to see the QB battle between Mitch Mustain -- a scout team beast this fall while sitting out as a transfer -- and Mark Sanchez, who didn't play as poorly as it looked in a tough spot against Oregon.

5. Texas: New D-Coordinator Will Muschamp will shape up a unit that lacked intensity and gave up too many big plays. If QB Colt McCoy can limit turnovers and poor decisions, the Longhorns will move up.

6. LSU: Tigers have some serious rebuilding on both sides of the ball, but the key pieces are there for another 10-win season. Watch how well QB Ryan Perrilloux plays as the full-time starter.

7. Ohio State: If the Buckeyes go to USC in Week 3 and win on the road, they're not that far away from winning the Big Ten and getting to the national title game again.

8. Clemson: Best news for Clemson: TB James Davis chose to leave for the NFL. Now, finally, the Tigers can get dynamic TB C.J. Spiller 25 touches a game. Cullen Harper is the nation's most underrated quarterback.

9. West Virginia: The adjustment to Bill Stewart as the full-time head coach -- and not a guy everyone rallies around -- will be intriguing, to say the least. When healthy, there's not a better player in the nation that QB Pat White.

10. Florida: Gators have plenty on offense with returning Heisman winner QB Tim Tebow and electric WR Percy Harvin. The defense has problems -- anyone see a legit tackle or rush end? -- to address before Florida moves up into the top five.

11. Penn State: Eighteen starters return and QB Anthony Morelli doesn't. A nice combination.

12. Virginia Tech: Hokies have become too erratic and unpredictable in big games.

13. Arizona State: The offense will be ridiculously good -- and may have to outscore everyone.

14. Wisconsin: QB Allen Evridge steps in, Wisky rolls to another 9- or 10-win season.

15. Auburn: How quickly do the Tigers pick up the new wide-open offense -- and how easily does coach Tommy Tuberville veer from his grind-it-out philosophy?

16. BYU: Bronco Mendenhall is one of the top five coaches in the game.

17. Kansas: The schedule is beefed-up, but the defense and gutty QB Todd Reesing are too hard to ignore.

18. Oregon: Even if QB Justin Roper doesn't continue to develop, Ducks have other options at the position -- including freshman Darron Thomas.

19. Illinois: The loss of TB Rashard Mendenhall will be big, but coach Ron Zook's top recruiting classes are quickly developing.

20. Fresno State: Bulldogs will be the most talented non-BCS team, but non-conference schedule is brutal (at UCLA, at Kansas State, Wisconsin).

21. Virginia: Here's a new twist: Cavs' offense, not defense, will lead the way in '08.

22. Alabama: Tide has talent; has everyone bought what coach Nick Saban is selling?

23. Texas Tech: 500 points on offense and a questionable defense. What's new?

24. Michigan State: Sparty coach Mark Dantonio is changing the culture; tough defense and gritty TB Javon Ringer good for eight wins.

25. Pittsburgh: Believe it: Exciting TB LeSean McCoy carries the Panthers -- and beleaguered coach Dave Wannstedt -- into the elite of the Big East.

Here is what the final rankings will be in January 09 if WVU's WR Reynaud stays at WVU. If he leaves, WVU won't be #1, but will still contend for a national championship.


Before anyone takes this post as a moment for me to talk about WVU, I wanted to say yup, you were right again. HA! I do have a point in all this. As I glanced at reasoning for the rankings it occured tome this guy's hardly a bigtime college football fan . if he was, he would know it's fools goal to make such predictions this early especially with so many top teams depending on players who might go to the NFL, get injured, suspended, or have an off season because his team lost a lot of talent. Coachng changes come into play, too. Sometimes for the best see WVU and sometimes for the worst- se Rodreguiez as he pays 4 million to WVU, is now being investigated for criminal acts of destroying WVU property and computers to keep training, plays, and other materials Richyfraud thought was his, but were actually WVU's. Seems like Strength Cordinator Mike Barwis whose headed to Michigan with RR is considered the ring leader of the theft of all of WVU's oustanding weight traning program that's been one of the nations best for 20 years. In one single raged night RR and Barwis have evidently deleted all files, records, and info related to all of WVU athletics. Now all you little fools want to cry for this moneywhore? ANy fans would be lik us, when one of our attempts to destory us, we dont allow it to happen. Make no mistake about it, he's contacted WVU verbals and is giving anyone and everyon an interview that WV fans pick on his family. That's comical and untrue. Im surre some kid in her 4th grade class mouthed off to her but a death threat? LOL Great PR job Rich. I guess WVU should advertise his affairs while in Morgantown since we are airing dirty laundry. That is what big hair fake boobs over tanned Rita wanted out last year and this year. She got dick of seeing Miss Real Estate smilling at everyone in Morgantown.



Now to football talk on why I think WVU can finish anywhere from #1 to 3 LOSS @14 TEAM NXT YEAR.

West Virginia - Best QB-RB combo in America in Slaton and Devine. Great incoming talent and the staff defections to Michigan following " I got a bad hair transplant" Rod were OL 375 lb Coach Frew, QB Coach Smith, and 5-4 TOny Gibson ( secondary coaches). The rest of WVU's better staff stayed and WVU landed some big time assitants rewarding some of them twice as much as Rod's assistants. One thing is for sure I am happy the donought eating ex SF coaches Smith and Frey left with "Should have gone to Bosley instead " Rodregueiz. Who has a 325 lb QB coach anyway? Evidently Michigan does now to go along with it's 375 lb OL coach. Throw in Rod's hair and height challenged GIbson and WVU exported the uglies off to Michigan as these coaches will become the face of Michigan football. Just as SF fans congratlated us on taking the CHocolate loving Assistant coaches from them, WVU fans thank Michigan, as well.

Back to football, Pat WHite is simply college football's best player in America when not injured- Period. Dont expect him to be injured this year. Different coaching styles. Look for phenom Devine to have 1800 yards after colllecting 700 last year as a backup. All of WVU's line and line subs returns. Productive fresman Jock Sanders and Brandon Hogan each had 20 catches last year. Look for 4-4 speedster 6 foot 8 wes lyons to get untracked next year and show why USC, LSU, and Ohio State begged for his services. Coach Stew promises to throw 10-15 balls 15 yards or more in the vertcal game next season. WIth the influx of 6-3 235 bruising fullback/RB Kerns being one of WVU's top 5 most touted RB/FB of all time. He was a scout 5 star and rivals 4 star. JUnior Reynaud ( 14 td's is testing the draft). If he comes back, WVU is easily my #1 pick next season.

THe defense should be very good next year. THE DL took a hit losing Senior dykes and junior Dingle to the NFL draft. Freshman DT All American Scooter Berry returns as does NT Neilds who played a lot filling in for Berry and Dykes. WVU's landed some outstanding JUCO all americans for the DL. Look for Larry Ford to become this years version of Dingle and create havock. WVU's LB corp might be the best in the nation. Senior Reed Williams ( he is so hot) anchors a very athletic and powerful unit compiling 110 tackles this year. Jr. MOrty Ivy has outstanding athleticism and disrupts anything up the middle by air oe ground. The other lB will be JT THomas who could be a top 5 NFL pick in a couple of seasons. He had an off the field incident early in the year and didn't work himself back into major minutes until after Rodreguiez's depature. THomas is a name America will know very soon. Other LB stars that give outstanding almost unmatched depth is mega gifted Johny Holmes, stud freshman Pat Lazear, and Anthony Leonard provide one of AMerica's best, if not best, Line backing unit. I didn't even mention Virginia's #1 LB prospect Donavon Miles will be onboard next season. Too bad when Florida, UVA, VT, and Tennessee called after RR left for Michigan they asked if he would decommit and take visits. He said " nope". Aside from Florida's one national championship year, WVU's had a better team those programs listed above. Gotta love a kid with heart.

The Secondary won't be as stellar as this year, but look for an athletic flying buzzing team with one of America's best defenses if the secondary is just solid and the DL adjusts and is plaing eith the poise and talent.


Btw, the kicker and Punter return. The punter mcafee averaged 62 yards in the Fiesta Bowl on 4 kicks.





Here's the deal with the nimrods or anyone else that makes preseason lists in the first two weeks of January in which we are belesed half ass research on the teams/ OKlahoma #1, yet WVU #9 That makes a lot of sense. That's like rankng Hawaii ahead of Georgia or Illini over USC. The first thing this fool needs to do is agree an attempt at a top 25 right now is illogical. He needs to add a little logic into this attempt and say it's way to premature to rank teams. Players will test the waters, some will have change of hearts, and others want to win a NC and/or Heisman. Some players will be hurt or kicked off in the spring ball. Some players will transfer to other schools. Some uncertainties willprovide erasers to erase uncertanties of the casual mainstream fan like this writer who took a shot at Coach Stew because of Hearsay, yet because it's better tobelieve hearsay instead of putting stock into one of arguable college football's top 3 t Bowl performers of all time and the oustanding talent around him would just to logical for a writer that wants his opinion heard. What's comical? Many teams still have a game or two to schedule, as well. BC at Rutgers looks probable. There are somemore interesting match ups of upper echelon schols that's being finalized for next season, yet this fool thinks his poll has value more than a tabloid?


Talk to me in May and possible this debate might have a better league to stand on other than sn obligstory " what's next?" Wait, I know. "what?" Let's do a preseason 2008 poll. " Perfect Fabulous Idea.


While we are at it, lets do a 2009 top 25. Wait, why stop here. Let's get a pink little outsports steel Box and have the 2345 top 25.


Leaving this early trigger predicting padre alone for a second, here is where I believe WVU stacks up after it's 2 BCS Bowl wins and 1 NYD Bowl win in the last 3 years ranking WVU as a top 5 program during this durition. [color=#CC0000]

Here is the bottom line. We all need to see who comes out and who comes in. Whose stock drops and whose rockets. WVU has 3 players departing early. Of those two, Reynaud and Dingle will graduate as Reynaud was WVU's last prop ever / No doubt he is the role model student athlete and the Big East needs to look in the mirror at itself ( especially the basketball schools who voted no who believe academically they would lose unfairly to the Louisville, WVU, Pitt, UCONN, Rutgers, amd so forth. Reynaud is the essence of college football. The other player leaving is Steve Slaton who rushed for almost 4,000 yards and 55 TD'[s in just three years. He wasn't a redshirt either. Slaton's stocked dropped, but is expected to be a middle 1st to middle 2nd round draft pick. He needs to lose 10 lbs of muscle and he wil be back to the Slaton of old. He lost some speed with the 224 lbs of muscle he attempted to carry this season.


All in All, WVU should be a 11-1 team next yearin the regular season. I look for WVU to wax Auburn in Morgantown WVU will have it's hands full in Boulder against Colorado. IN the Big East, WVU's toughest games are at home- Rutgers, USF, and CIncy. The game at Pitt, louisville, and UCONN could be tricky. I look for WVU to beat Colorado and Auburn and lose to Louisville behind Hunter Cantwell. Cantwell would start at 90 percent of colllege football's teams as he's been menored by Brian Brohm. I look for Louisville to bounce back big time next year especially with it's talent filled roster than was injutrd or ineligible last year.

Look for WVU to be #2 next year in the final poll with a 11-1 record losing to Louisvillle if Devine and WR's have their breakthrough yeas.

If Reynaud returns, WVU goes undefeated and is #1 heading into the National Championship game versus Georgia.

If Reynuad is gone, defense is good, but not great, and WVU's vertical passing didn't happen, WVU goes 9-3 or 10-2 losing to Louisville, Auburn, or Colorado and making the Gator Bowl.


Just so everyone knows, I gave WVU's forecast next year. This fool below could maybe name 20 players in all of college football if the internet didn't have a serch engine. The above is how things fall out depending on circumstances.


I won't comment on the predictions below. I browsed a few than chuckled to myself. My favorite Bobby Knight quote was " Some of us learn to write in the 2nd grade while others evolve further accomplishing the greatness of life.


I always think of good old Boby anytime I see a hack piece of journalism and chuckle.







1. Oklahoma: I know, I know, the Sooners can't win a BCS game. The trio of QB Sam Bradford, TB DeMarco Murray and WR Juaquin Iglesias, and a bulldozing offensive line, however, will translate to the best offense in the country.

2. Georgia: Talented 'Dawgs need QB Matt Stafford to take the next critical step in his development: the ability to carry a team in big games. TB Knowshon Moreno is a Heisman Trophy candidate.

3. Missouri: Want to know why Mizzou arrived this fall? Defense. Nine starters return from a unit that learned how to finish games in the second half of the season. Two Heisman candidates return, too: QB Chase Daniel and WR Jeremy Maclin.

4. USC: Can't wait to see the QB battle between Mitch Mustain -- a scout team beast this fall while sitting out as a transfer -- and Mark Sanchez, who didn't play as poorly as it looked in a tough spot against Oregon.

5. Texas: New D-Coordinator Will Muschamp will shape up a unit that lacked intensity and gave up too many big plays. If QB Colt McCoy can limit turnovers and poor decisions, the Longhorns will move up.

6. LSU: Tigers have some serious rebuilding on both sides of the ball, but the key pieces are there for another 10-win season. Watch how well QB Ryan Perrilloux plays as the full-time starter.

7. Ohio State: If the Buckeyes go to USC in Week 3 and win on the road, they're not that far away from winning the Big Ten and getting to the national title game again.

8. Clemson: Best news for Clemson: TB James Davis chose to leave for the NFL. Now, finally, the Tigers can get dynamic TB C.J. Spiller 25 touches a game. Cullen Harper is the nation's most underrated quarterback.

9. West Virginia: The adjustment to Bill Stewart as the full-time head coach -- and not a guy everyone rallies around -- will be intriguing, to say the least. When healthy, there's not a better player in the nation that QB Pat White.

10. Florida: Gators have plenty on offense with returning Heisman winner QB Tim Tebow and electric WR Percy Harvin. The defense has problems -- anyone see a legit tackle or rush end? -- to address before Florida moves up into the top five.

11. Penn State: Eighteen starters return and QB Anthony Morelli doesn't. A nice combination.

12. Virginia Tech: Hokies have become too erratic and unpredictable in big games.

13. Arizona State: The offense will be ridiculously good -- and may have to outscore everyone.

14. Wisconsin: QB Allen Evridge steps in, Wisky rolls to another 9- or 10-win season.

15. Auburn: How quickly do the Tigers pick up the new wide-open offense -- and how easily does coach Tommy Tuberville veer from his grind-it-out philosophy?

16. BYU: Bronco Mendenhall is one of the top five coaches in the game.

17. Kansas: The schedule is beefed-up, but the defense and gutty QB Todd Reesing are too hard to ignore.

18. Oregon: Even if QB Justin Roper doesn't continue to develop, Ducks have other options at the position -- including freshman Darron Thomas.

19. Illinois: The loss of TB Rashard Mendenhall will be big, but coach Ron Zook's top recruiting classes are quickly developing.

20. Fresno State: Bulldogs will be the most talented non-BCS team, but non-conference schedule is brutal (at UCLA, at Kansas State, Wisconsin).

21. Virginia: Here's a new twist: Cavs' offense, not defense, will lead the way in '08.

22. Alabama: Tide has talent; has everyone bought what coach Nick Saban is selling?

23. Texas Tech: 500 points on offense and a questionable defense. What's new?

24. Michigan State: Sparty coach Mark Dantonio is changing the culture; tough defense and gritty TB Javon Ringer good for eight wins.

25. Pittsburgh: Believe it: Exciting TB LeSean McCoy carries the Panthers -- and beleaguered coach Dave Wannstedt -- into the elite of the Big East.
[/quote]

And now CBS Sportsline has released its 2008 Preseason Top 25:

1. Georgia
2. Oklahoma
3. Ohio State
4. Missouri
5. USC
6. Florida
7. LSU
8. Kansas
9. Wisconsin
10. Texas
11. Virginia Tech
12. West Virginia
13. Illinois
14. BYU
15. Texas Tech
16. Auburn
17. Clemson
18. Oregon
19. Tennessee
20. Arizona State
21. South Florida
22. Pittsburgh
23. Penn State
24. Fresno State
25. Wake Forest

We Mountaineer fans are everywhere. So be afraid. Be very afraid.


I'm not about to make any predictions as to where WVU will finish next season. Slaton, Reynaud and Schmitt are gone, but White and Devine are coming back. We've also got a tough out of conference schedule with games at Colorado and at home vs. Auburn. Then there's the whole coaching situation. It's anyone's guess how a completely new staff - especially on the offense side - will jell. On paper, the team should still be loaded, but there are just too many outside factors.

Speaking of the coaching situation, looks like the sainted Rich Rodriguez is a bigger snake than anyone could have imagined. He's now been accused of shredding documents and players' records before bolting to Michigan. Lawsuits have been filed and this whole situation will likely get very, very ugly. I, for one, hope WVU takes him for everything he's got. I also have to wonder if the folks at Michigan are starting to second-guess themselves over the hiring. As a co-worker who went to Michigan said, "Bo must be rolling over in his grave."

SI's preseason Top 25:

Early look at '08
Georgia holds top spot with maturing offense, feisty D
Posted: Thursday January 17, 2008 9:56AM; Updated: Thursday January 17, 2008 1:42PM
Now that college football's most talented juniors (and third-year sophomores) have answered that weightiest of questions -- Should I Stay or Should I Go? -- we have a clearer sense of the national pecking order heading into 2008.

Ohio State fans, for instance, received a much-needed infusion of good news with the announcements that stars James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins (among others) are returning for their senior seasons, meaning the Buckeyes will return a staggering 39 of the 44 players on their season-ending two deep.

For Oklahoma followers, however, the indignity of a Fiesta Bowl rout by West Virginia was followed by news that the Sooners' three brightest stars -- receiver Malcolm Kelly, linebacker Curtis Lofton and defensive back Reggie Smith -- are all opting to take their skills to the next level.

These decisions will significantly impact those teams' fall prospects, as will those of such other standouts as Texas RB Jamaal Charles (gone), Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall (ditto), LSU defensive end Tyson Jackson (back), Kansas tackle Anthony Collins and cornerback Aqib Talib (both gone) and USC linebackers Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga (both back).

It's time to update and expand on the preseason top 10 that I filed last week, so here's an absurdly early stab at the top 25 teams for next season.

Note: * Indicates underclassmen who have declared for the draft.

NCAA Football Power Rankings
Rank LW Team

1 1 Georgia Bulldogs (11-2 in 2007)
Who's back: QB Matthew Stafford, RB Knowshon Moreno, DT Geno Atkins, LB Dannell Ellerbe, CB Asher Allen.
Who's not: RB Thomas Brown, WR Sean Bailey, DE Marcus Howard, S Kelin Johnson.
Skinny: Eight starters return for an offense that will be far more experienced, led by Moreno. The same defense that shut down Hawaii QB Colt Brennan will be loaded again.

2 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (11-2)
Who's back: RB Beanie Wells, WRs Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline, LB James Laurinaitis, CB Malcolm Jenkins.
Who's not: T Kirk Barton, DE Vernon Gholston*, LB Larry Grant.
Skinny: OSU was the unquestioned winner of the NFL derby, with likely first-rounders Laurinaitis and Jenkins opting to return. Wells is a potential Heisman winner.

3 4 USC Trojans (11-2)
Who's back: RBs Stafon Johnson and Joe McKnight, LBs Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga, S Taylor Mays.
Who's not: QB John David Booty, T Sam Baker, G Chilo Rachal*, DT Sedrick Ellis, LB Keith Rivers.
Skinny: Johnson and McKnight will form USC's most potent rushing tandem since Bush-White. Mark Sanchez will battle Mitch Mustain for the quarterback job.

4 7 Florida Gators (9-4)
Who's back: QB Tim Tebow, WRs Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy, LB Brandon Spikes, S Major Wright.
Who's not: WR Andre Caldwell, DE Derrick Harvey*, S Tony Joiner.
Skinny: Tebow, Harvin and USC transfer RB Emmanuel Moody help form a scary offense, but last year's young defense will need to make strides.

5 5 Missouri Tigers (12-2)
Who's back: QB Chase Daniel, WR/KR Jeremy Maclin, TE Chase Coffman, LB Sean Weatherspoon, S William Moore.
Who's not: RB Tony Temple, WR William Franklin, TE Martin Rucker, DT Lorenzo Williams.
Skinny: Heisman finalist Daniel and the speedy Maclin will be the core of what should be another explosive spread attack. The defense will be far more experienced.

6 9 LSU Tigers (12-2)
Who's back: QB Ryan Perrilloux, WRs Brandon LaFell and Demetrius Byrd, DE Tyson Jackson, LB Darry Beckwith.
Who's not: QB Matt Flynn, RB Jacob Hester, DT Glenn Dorsey, LB Ali Highsmith, CB Chevis Jackson.
Skinny: Perrilloux should have no problem stepping in, but the Tigers' defense was laden with seniors and several young players will have to step up.

7 3 Oklahoma Sooners (11-3)
Who's back: QB Sam Bradford, RB DeMarco Murray, G Duke Robinson, DE Auston English, DT DeMarcus Granger.
Who's not: RB Allen Patrick, WR Malcolm Kelly*, LB Curtis Lofton*, DB Reggie Smith*.
Skinny: No team was hit harder by NFL defections than OU, which lost its three best players. The offense is still stacked, but the defense now has several holes.

8 -- Auburn Tigers (9-4)
Who's back: QB Kodi Burns, RBs Ben Tate and Brad Lester, DE Antonio Coleman, CB Jerraud Powers.
Who's not: QB Brandon Cox, T King Dunlap, DE Quentin Groves, DT Pat Sims*.
Skinny: Burns provided a glimpse of Auburn's new spread-option look in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Groves will be missed, but the defense should be tough as always.

9 10 Wisconsin Badgers (9-4)
Who's back: RBs P.J. Hill and Zach Brown, TE Travis Beckum, DE Matt Shaunghessy, S Shane Carter.
Who's not: QB Tyler Donovan, DT Nick Haden, CB Jack Ikegwuonu*.
Skinny: The Badgers return nine starters on both sides of the ball. Much will depend on whether QB Allan Evridge can perform as consistently as Donovan.

10 -- Texas Tech Red Raiders (9-4)
Who's back: QB Graham Harrell, WR Michael Crabtree, G Louis Vasquez, CB Jamar Wall.
Who's not: WR Danny Amendola, LB Paul Williams.
Skinny: After closing the season with wins over Oklahoma and Virginia, the Raiders' second-ranked offense returns 10 starters, including All-America WR Crabtree. Scary.

11 8 Kansas Jayhawks (12-1)
Who's back: QB Todd Reesing, WRs Dexton Fields and Dezmon Briscoe, LBs Joe Mortensen and James Holt.
Who's not: RB Brandon McAnderson, WR Marcus Henry, T Anthony Collins*, DT James McClinton, CB Aqib Talib*.
Skinny: Kansas isn't about to fade away. The NFL defections of All-Americas Collins and Talib hurt, but Reesing should lead another productive offense.

12 -- Tennessee Volunteers (9-4)
Who's back: RB Arian Foster, WR Lucas Taylor, G Anthony Parker, S Eric Berry.
Who's not: QB Erik Ainge, LBs Jerod Mayo* and Ryan Karl, S Jonathan Hefney .
Skinny:Jonathan Crompton steps in at quarterback and will play for a new offensive coordinator, ex-Richmond coach Dave Clawson. The Vols' defense figures to improve.

13 -- Clemson Tigers (9-4)
Who's back: QB Cullen Harper, RB C.J. Spiller, WR Aaron Kelly, DB Michael Hamlin.
Who's not: RB James Davis*, T Barry Richardson, DE Phillip Merling*, LB Tramaine Billie.
Skinny: Tommy Bowden brings back the bulk of a team that came within a missed field goal of reaching the ACC title game. Can the Tigers finally live up to the hype?

14 6 West Virginia Mountaineers (11-2)
Who's back: QB Pat White, RB Noel Devine, G Greg Isdander, LB Reed Williams.
Who's not: RB Steve Slaton*, FB Owen Schmitt, WR Darius Reynaud*, DE Johnny Dingle*.
Skinny: Even with stars White and Devine, 2008 figures to be a transition for the Mountaineers, with a new coaching staff and a defense that loses seven starters.

15 -- Texas Longhorns (10-3)
Who's back: QB Colt McCoy, WR Quan Cosby, DEs Brian Orakpo and Lamarr Houston.
Who's not: RB Jamaal Charles*, WR Nate Jones, TE Jermichael Finley*, DT Frank Okam, S Marcus Griffin.
Skinny: The defections of Charles and Finley put a huge dent in the 'Horns offense. On defense, the front seven should be solid, but the secondary remains a lingering question mark.

16 -- Arizona State Sun Devils (10-3)
Who's back: QB Rudy Carpenter, RB Keegan Herring, DE Dexter Davis, S Troy Nolan.
Who's not: RB Ryan Torain, WR Rudy Burgess, LB Robert James.
Skinny:Dennis Erickson's first team exceeded expectations by winning 10 games; his second squad should be more explosive on offense but has holes to fill on defense.

17 -- Virginia Tech Hokies (11-3)
Who's back: QBs Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor, CB Macho Harris, S Kam Chancellor.
Who's not: RB Branden Ore*, DE Chris Ellis, LBs Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi, CB Brandon Flowers*.
Skinny: Ore could still pull out of the draft by Friday, but the defending ACC champs will field an entirely new receiving corps and replace all the cogs of their front seven.

18 -- BYU Cougars (11-2)
Who's back: QB Max Hall, RB Harvey Unga, WR Austin Collie, LB Jan Jorgensen.
Who's not: LBs Kelly Poppinga and Bryan Kehl, DB Corby Hodgkiss.
Skinny: The Cougars won 11 games in spite of an extremely young offense, one that figures to be even more dangerous in '08. Jorgensen recorded 14 sacks as a sophomore.

19 -- Oregon Ducks (9-4)
Who's back: RB Jeremiah Johnson, WR Jaison Williams, DE Nick Reed, S Patrick Chung.
Who's not: QB Dennis Dixon, RB Jonathan Stewart*, T Geoff Schwartz, S Matthew Harper.
Skinny: Sun Bowl MVP Justin Roper gave hope to the Ducks' post-Dixon offense, but replacing Stewart will be tough. Juco transfer LaGarrette Blount may step in.

20 -- Penn State Nittany Lions (9-4)
Who's back: RB Evan Royster, WR Deon Butler, DE Maurice Evans, LB Sean Lee.
Who's not: QB Anthony Morelli, RB Rodney Kinlaw, LB Dan Connor, CB Justin King*.
Skinny: Expected starting QB Daryll Clark showed off his running ability during spot duty in the Alamo Bowl, but can he become a dependable passer?

21 -- Illinois Fighting Illini (9-4)
Who's back: QB Juice Williams, WR Arrelious Benn, DE Will Davis, CB Vontae Davis.
Who's not: RB Rashard Mendenhall*, G Martin O'Donnell, LB J Leman.
Skinny: Illinois will return plenty of youngsters from its Rose Bowl team but must replace its most valuable players on both sides of the ball, Mendenhall and Leman.

22 -- Oregon State Beavers (9-4)
Who's back: QB Lyle Moveao, WR/RB James Rodgers, G Jeremy Perry, DE Victor Butler.
Who's not: RB Yvenson Bernard, DE Dorian Smith, LBs Derrick Doggett and Joey LaRocque.
Skinny: Freshman Rodgers emerged as a dynamic threat in the Emerald Bowl, and 2006 star Sammie Stroughter is expected back in '08. The front seven must be rebuilt.

23 -- Cincinnati Bearcats (10-3)
Who's back: WRs Marcus Barnett and Dominic Goodman, DT Terrill Byrd, CB Mike Mickens.
Who's not: QB Ben Mauk, DE Angelo Craig, DE Anthony Hoke, S Haruki Nakamura.
Skinny: Mauk has appealed for a sixth season of eligibility. If it's not granted, former two-year starter Dustin Grutza will likely take over Brian Kelly's spread offense.

24 -- Virginia Cavaliers (9-4)
Who's back: QB Jameel Sewell, RB Mikell Simpson, G Branden Albert, LB Jon Copper.
Who's not: C Jordy Lipsey, G Ian-Yates Cunningham, DE Chris Long.
Skinny: The Cavaliers lose one of the nation's best defensive players in Long but for the most part should field a more talented, experienced squad than they did last year.

25 -- Pittsburgh Panthers (5-7)
Who's back: RB LeSean McCoy, WR Derek Kinder (injured in '07), DE Greg Romeus, LB Scott McKillop.
Who's not: T Jeff Otah, DE Joe Clermond, S Mike Phillips.
Skinny: The young Panthers provided a glimpse of the future with upsets of the Big East's top two teams, West Virginia and Cincinnati, and fielded the nation's No. 5 defense.

West Virginia wil be good next year but it will be interesting to see how team reacts with new coach if things go bad. You guys lost a lot on defense and will lose more than 2 in the Big East.
The Big East will be very competitive again next year and the winning team will go 5-2
I think there wil be at least three Big East teams in top 25 and competing for BE championship. WV,USF and UConn. Pitt,Rutgers and Cincy could also be in the mix. Only Syracuse is out