The Preseason Top 25 is winding down, and we have finally reached the Top 10 in College Sports Feed’s countdown. Some teams will come as a surprise this week, but all of them have the ability to reach a bowl game and fight for that BCS title. Capping us off this week:

10. South Carolina

“The Gamecocks lost a hefty chunk of talent to the NFL this year, but they have a sufficient recovery plan. Victor Hampton will fulfill Stephon Gilmore, and Jadeveon Clowney will be a hearty defensive threat. South Carolina will come back swinging in 2012, and they will succeed in their march to the playoffs.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

“South Carolina’s season will depend a lot on Marcus Lattimore and his health after sustaining a bad knee injury last season. The Gamecocks lost a number of players to the NFL including Alshon Jeffery, Stephon Gilmore, and All-American Melvin Ingram, who will all be hard to replace. However, if the Gamecocks can overcome those losses they should be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC East this coming season.”

Garrett Mayers, CSF Writer/Contributor

9. West Virginia

“The Mountaineers have tons of momentum heading into their inaugural season in the Big 12 after hanging 70 points on Clemson in last year’s Orange Bowl. Geno Smith returns under center, after averaging just under 350 yards per game last season. Look for much of the same in the new conference. Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey will be two of the best receivers in the Big 12, and with second-year head coach Dana Holgerson, West Virginia will be primed and ready to make a run at traditional powers.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

“The Mountaineers will have one of the top offenses in 2012. Quarterback Geno Smith will have the choice of two 1,000-yard receivers (Stedman Bailey, Tavon Austin) to throw to, and sophomore RB Dustin Garrison is in line for a breakout year. The defense will suffer from the loss of pass-rushing LB Bruce Irvin, but has enough playmakers to compete with the high-powered Big 12 offenses.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

8. Michigan

Michigan is a football school. While it’s known for other things, a lot of what it is known for football. A big factor in that though is the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. While it’ not just a football rivalry, that’s what it’s best known for. It’s the biggest rivalry in all of sports, and even people that aren’t Ohio State or Michigan fans know about it and take sides. Michigan likes to prove how good they are, and with Denard Robinson returning this year as a senior, we all know that he is going to do everything in his power to make sure Michigan wins.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

“The Wolverines look to continue the success they have had under Brady Hoke.  After an 11-2 season in 2011 and a big Sugar Bowl victory of Virginia Tech the Wolverines return the high powered offense that they have shown lately with Denard Robinson at quarterback.  However, the Michigan defense struggled last season and they will have to build if they plan on having success this season.  The schedule for the Wolverines does not make things easy for them as they play at Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Nebraska. Although this shows to be a tough task, the Michigan Wolverines have the offense to potentially carry them to a big ten title and a major bowl game.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

7. Florida State

“Florida State is a good football team. They aren’t the best but they are still up there. I don’t think that this will be a team to be taken lightly this season. They know that they are good, but they also know that they could be better. I don’t think that they will go out of their way to prove that they are better but they will ensure that they stay as good as they are now and hopefully not drop in the rankings.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

“The ‘Noles were a decent offensive line away from being a 10 or 11-win football team last season. The ACC will once again be down, and West Virginia backed out of their game this fall in Tallahassee, which sent FSU scrambling to find another non-conference game. With no strong teams left to choose from, the Seminoles will instead play host to Savannah State. Expect the ‘Noles to win 11 games and an ACC title in ’12.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

6. Georgia

“Georgia’s coaching staff will serve as a hefty advantage in 2012, including Mike Bobo’s offensive position. He knows Georgia football well and can be very convincing on the field, and he will make the Bulldogs’ offense stand as a match to its high-caliber and long-awaited defense in 2012. Look for a powerhouse in Georgia football.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

“The Bulldogs’ defense is stacked, and it should be even better than it was last year (ranked in the top 25 in the country.) Returning All-Americans Jarvis Jones and Bacarri Rambo will be joined by an exceptional recruiting class to create a menacing defense. On the offensive side, the majority of Georgia’s positional starters are returning and junior QB Aaron Murray will benefit from the addition of 5-star RB Keith Marshall to an already solid backfield.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

College Sports Feed’s Preseason Top 25 continues this week, and as the numbers get lower, the competition gets fiercer and the teams have greater chances of playoff contention. Here to kick off Week 2 is:

20. Stanford

“While the departure of #1 overall NFL draft pick Andrew Luck will definitely hurt Stanford this fall, head coach David Shaw picked up right where Jim Harbaugh left off, not only with the team’s performance, but also in recruiting. Despite Stanford’s elite academic standards, they fielded a top 5 recruiting class last year, and they will give Pac 12 foes fits again in 2012. With a ton of weapons gone at Oregon, look for the Cardinal to make a serious run at the Pac 12 North Title.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

“Stanford has proved in the last couple of seasons that they aren’t simply a school known for their academics. They have shown that they can play football as well. I don’t think that they will do anything extremely amazing during this season like make it into the top 10, but I do expect them to do well in the rest of the polls. I think that in the next few years they have the potential to really be good but they are still working on it this season.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

19. Texas

“After underachieving since their National Championship appearance in the 2009 season, the Longhorns look to return to form in 2012. Sophomore QB David Ash will enter the season as the starter after showing promise during his first year in Austin. He will have help in the backfield with the RB duo of Malcolm Brown, a former 5-star recruit, and Jonathan Gray, the top ranked freshman RB in the country.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

“After a rough 5-7 season in 2011, Texas is looking to rebound and be a much stronger force in 2012. David Ash will be the day 1 quarterback with Case McCoy right behind him. They have the number 1 ranked freshman running back in Jonathan Gray, according to the ESPN 150.”

Garrett Mayers, CSF Writer/Contributor

18. Clemson

“Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins put up a ton of offense last season. The only problem was that their defense was gashed against any decent offense they faced, ranking 81^st in points allowed in 2011. Unless the defense improves dramatically, look for the Tigers to finish behind Florida State in the Atlantic Division in 2012.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

“Their toughest matchup may be against South Carolina, but with Brent Venables joining the coaching staff, they have just as much competition as Oklahoma did when they had him. They may not immediately be looked at as a BCS Championship contender, but they can definitely make a run and will hopefully finish with a higher winning record.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

17. Ohio State

“The Buckeyes enter this season after a very disappointing 6-7 season in 2011. Urban Meyer presents a breath of fresh air and a new look on offense that Buckeye fans have never seen with past coaches. Meyer already has taken recruiting by storm. Although they have to replace a few leaders, Braxton Miller showed some great flashes last season of what he could do in the spread offense. The bowl ban will sting this season, but they will definitely be playing with a purpose and have a very bright future under Urban Meyer.”

Garrett Mayers, CSF Writer/Contributor

“Good ol’ Ohio State. It’s plain and simple with them. They are out to prove that they are better than they were last season and that regardless of the NCAA restrictions that have been placed on them that they can be great. They have a new coach and a crop of new players. It’s time for this team to show what they are really made of and that they aren’t a team that is willing to be stomped on.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

16. Nebraska

“Although Taylor Martinez had only 57.4 percent of his passes completed, with enough practice, he can easily build that up in the off-season. And with receivers looking deeper into more dynamic plays and covering more ground, Bo Pelini and the Cornhuskers may be on their way to a Big Ten title game.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

“Bo Pelini may be feeling pressure in Lincoln, but the Cornhuskers will remain competitive for the fourth time in his four years as head coach. QB Taylor Martinez should continue to play better and 1,300-yard rusher Rex Burkhead will provide a sensational option in the backfield. The defense will be solid once again, and will face competition early and often within their conference schedule. Look for Nebraska to contend for a championship in the tough Big 10.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

The votes have been tallied throughout collegesportsfeed.com, and now it’s time to present our combined Preseason Top 25. For the next five weeks, we have five sections of our top 25 teams, starting from the end. These statistics were compiled using incoming players, remaining talent, old and new coaches, and a few previous games from last season. This week we present:

25. Florida

“Even though they didn’t have an amazing season last year and Ohio State has their former coach, Florida is going to surprise people this year. They have always had the passion for the game, and this year they are really going to show it. They beat Ohio State in the Gator Bowl this past season, and now that Ohio State has their coach, it’s more of a fight for them to prove they are good and that they could beat Ohio State and their former coach again if the opportunity presented itself.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

“After a 7-6 season, which included a rough 3-5 SEC record last season, Will Muschamp will be coaching for his job in 2012. Expect that sense of urgency, along with another down year in the SEC East to get the Gators back in the Top 25.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

24. Notre Dame

“Notre Dame only lost 5 games last season, the last game they lost being a bowl game. Granted most of the teams they beat weren’t ranked teams, they still managed to beat a few ranked ones. Their record from last year shows that they can do well this year and most likely will be determined to do so. They used to be one of the best teams in college football, and while they don’t have the players to make them great, they still have the potential to be great. It’s just time to sit back and watch the underdogs show their true colors.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

“Recent quarterback controversy aside, Notre Dame has a chance to be very solid this year. With a strong backfield, led by 1,000-yard rusher Cierre Wood, and one of college football’s best returning TE’s in Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame should be competitive in every game of their tough 2012 schedule. Add this year’s impressive freshman class, and the Fighting Irish could make a run into a top bowl game.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

23. Oklahoma State

“Losing both Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon will be a major blow to the high-powered Oklahoma State offense. However, Coach Gundy will have them revved up for this season despite the losses and compete for a Big 12 championship.”

Garrett Mayers, CSF Writer/Contributor

“Freshman Wes Lunt is the answer Cowboy fans are all looking for, thanks to Coach Gundy. Gundy has a history of training quarterbacks well, and there’s no doubt he can do the same this year. Plus Lunt is enormous and has a fiery arm. Look for OSU to have a great game against Texas.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

22. Boise State

“Even with the losses of QB Kellen Moore and RB Doug Martin to the NFL, head coach Chris Peterson will have the Broncos ready to compete. A solid recruiting class will help fill the losses on both sides of the ball, and the return of sixth-year RB D.J. Harper will give the Broncos a reliable option in the backfield. Look for the Broncos to remain in the top 25 during their last season before a move to the Big East.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

“With 16 sophomore Broncos, it should be easy for the new freshman class to adjust to the routine they have already set. Dallas Burroughs is one of the fastest players on Boise State, and Matt Miller, although red-shirted last season, is back and ready for more action, filled with awards. If they keep up their luck and skill like last season, they may be nearly unstoppable.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

21. Virginia Tech

“Look for Virginia Tech to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Clemson in the ACC championship. Losing David Wilson to the NFL will be a major hole and a big replacement, but quarterback Logan Thomas seems ready to handle the major load and can carry this team to the top of the ACC again.”

Garrett Mayers, CSF Writer/Contributor

“The Hokies have been the only constant in the ACC, since joining the conference in 2004. Second year starting QB Logan Thomas will be more consistent in 2012, and you know that the defensive coordinator Bud Foster will have the VA Tech defense on point again this fall.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

Week 6 of the college football season is in the books, and once again, CSF brings you a complete recap of the week that was.  Check out our breakdown of five key bits of info you can’t do without as we continue through the 2011 college football season.

No Florida Schools in the Top 25: Florida State was supposed to be the bell cow of the ACC and the state of Florida in 2011, but after suffering their third straight loss to Wake Forest last weekend, the ‘Noles are out of the top 25.  Much hype was surrounding the Florida Gators, but back to back games against Alabama and LSU would be enough to drop anyone.  The Gators were hammered 41-11 by LSU, and the second-straight loss was too much to keep them in the rankings as well.  Miami, USF and UCF have all been mentioned in the top 25 at different points this season, but all have lost critical games this season, and all are on the outside of the polls looking in.

Red River Blowout: Many (including myself) thought Texas was way overrated coming into this game–the Longhorns were ranked as the #11 team in the nation, but very few predicted the kind of beat down the Sooners would deliver last weekend.  The OU defense outscored Texas in this one, accounting for three touchdowns.  The fast-paced OU offense did their damage as well, on their way to a 55-17 blowout victory for Oklahoma.

Michigan off to the quietest 6-0 start in history: The dominance of Wisconsin and the implosion of Ohio State have been the main topics of discussion this season in the Big Ten.  That has overshadowed a fantastic start by first year head coach Brady Hoke’s perfect start in 2011.  Hoke has done a lot with very little, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but the Wolverines aren’t getting much love.  A win at rival Michigan State this weekend would not only make the Wolverines bowl eligible in mid-October, it would also serve as notice to the college football world that, while Michigan is still not a top 10 team, Hoke has cleaned up Rich Rod’s mess much faster than anyone could have imagined.

Mark Richt gets 100th win: After starting the 2011 season with a loss against Boise State and a heart-breaker at home to South Carolina in week 2, the Bulldogs won their third straight game last weekend at Tennessee.  The win was head coach Mark Richt’s 100th as a head coach in Athens.  Richt, who came into this season on the hot seat, has Georgia playing better than any team in the SEC East.  A win against rival Florida on October 29th could buy him an extra year and vault the Dawgs into an SEC Championship Game.

In a stunning revelation, Ohio State is the “poster child” of compliance:  I was under the impression that massive suspensions of key players, the untimely departure of a hall of fame coach amid controversy, inappropriate dealings with boosters and free tattoos and gifts from a known Columbus drug dealer were signs that an athletic program wasn’t keeping very good tabs on its student-athletes.  Fortunately, for people like me, who were completely misunderstanding the situation at OSU, their president Gordon Gee took the liberty of clearing up that slight misconception.  Gee informed the Ohio State faculty last week that OSU is the “poster child” of compliance.  In the wake of that announcement, Charlie Sheen is expected to announce that he is the poster child of child care, Lindsay Lohan is expected to announce that she is the poster child of sobriety, and Carrot Top is expected to claim he is the poster child of comedy.

Week 4 of the College Football season is officially in the books, and the dominant players and teams are beginning to separate from the rest of the pack. CSF breaks down last weekends action in the Week 4 Recap.

Sooners fall out of #1 spot: Once a Heisman front-runner, Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones has been very average the last two weeks, throwing for 4 TD’s and 4 picks. The Sooners still won, but they didn’t exactly get the payback they were looking for against Mizzou, who upset OU last season in Columbia. Wins against Florida State and Mizzou, who are both 2-2 with no big wins against major programs, along with LSU’s dominance against top-tier competition allowed the Tigers to jump ahead of the Sooners in the AP Poll. Luckily for Sooner fans, LSU and Alabama square off in Tuscaloosa in a month, so one of those teams will drop a few spots.

LSU’s Tyrann Mathieu may be the best DB in the country: LSU and Alabama have the two best defenses in the country–and it’s not even close. The Tigers have forced 12 turnovers against top-flight competition, all away from Death Valley. Their defense is full of elite talent that will be playing on Sundays in the near future, but the guy that always seems to make the biggest plays on the biggest stages is cornerback Tyrann Mathieu. In last weekend’s bigtime match up against West Virginia, the sophomore DB had a key interception and a forced fumble, in which he literally ripped the ball right out of the hands of WV wideout Brad Starks. That makes twice that Mathieu has brought his A-game to a national television audience–in week one, he stripped the ball from Oregon punt returner Kenjon Barner and promptly took the fumble in for a touchdown, and the Ducks never recovered.

Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden continues to light it up: We anticipated a shoot out, and that’s exactly what we got last weekend, when Oklahoma State traveled to Texas A&M. Weeden threw for 438 yards (a new school record) and two TDs against the Aggies. The senior quarterback completed a whopping 47 passes in 60 attempts and spread the ball around nicely–he had three different receivers with ten or more catches, led by dynamic wideout Justin Blackmon, who had 11 catches for 121 yards and a touchdown. Weeden currently leads the nation in passing yards per game with 398.0 per contest.

Florida could be back: After a disappointing 2010 season, first year head coach Will Muschamp has the Gators off to a 4-0 start, 2-0 in SEC play. Quarterback John Brantley looks much more comfortable in Charlie Weis’ pro-style attack versus Urban Meyer’s spread attack that made Tim Tebow a household name, although they didn’t need much passing last weekend against Kentucky, as both Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey rushed for over 100 yards a piece. More importantly, Muschamp has brought his attitude to the Gator defense, who created four turnovers last weekend. We’ll see just how far Florida has come very soon–the Gators host Alabama this weekend and travel to LSU next weekend.

The ACC is not good at tackle football: I’m not sure how the intramural flag football programs in the ACC are, but several programs proved their conference still isn’t ready for big boy football. After giving then #1 Oklahoma all they could handle, Florida State’s defense was gashed by the Clemson QB-WR combo of Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins. The ‘Noles gave up 455 yards to the Tigers, 366 coming through the air. FSU was supposed to be the ACC’s hope for a title-contender in 2011, but that’s not going to happen. Miami lost to Kansas State, NC State was destroyed by Cincinnati, and Maryland had the ugly knocked out of their uniforms by Temple 38-7. Until the ACC can beat quality out of conference opponents, they will not be taken seriously in the BCS title talk.

(flikr credits to: Lance Mccord and Majdan)