In the middle of the Top 25 are some legendary teams that are looking for their return to glory. They may have had successful seasons in the past, but 2011 proved to not be their best. Starting off the weekend:

15. Wisconsin

“We all know that Wisconsin has always been good at sports, so it’s no surprise to see them being in the polls. I don’t see them being anywhere high up but I also don’t see them being anywhere towards the bottom. They will most likely hold their place around the middle of the polls for the entire season because they don’t have the players to take them to the top right now.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

“The Wisconsin Badgers have a lot to replace this season. The loss of Russell Wilson, Nick Toon, and the entire right side of their offensive line will be a lot to overcome. However, after scoring 39 touchdowns and rushing for nearly 2,000 yards last season Montee Ball decided to come back for his last season. He will provide most of the offense for Wisconsin as they seem to be in a bit of rebuilding this year.”

Garrett Mayers, CSF Writer/Contributor

14. Michigan State

“Michigan State is out to prove how good they are in more than just basketball. They are slowly becoming one of those schools that schools don’t want to play because they are determined. Michigan State doesn’t like to lose in anything and that they will do their best to ensure that they are ranked well in this season’s polls. It’s just a matter of how good their players are this season that will be the final factor.”

Allie Balog, CSF Associate Editor

“Michigan State is looking to go undefeated at home this year, but they can only do that if they put forth everything they have. They will require speed and defense to get past teams like Michigan and Iowa. Mark Dantonio has a tough schedule ahead of him and the Spartans, but they just need to remember to keep up the effort.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

13. Arkansas

“Unfortunately for Arkansas, Bobby Petrino was a much better play-caller than he was motorcyclist. The Razorbacks already had an uphill battle, trying to knock off LSU and Bama in the SEC West, but Petrino’s abrupt firing has all but knocked them out of the picture. Still, quarterback Tyler Wilson will post big numbers and will have the Razorbacks in the Top 25.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

“A rocky offseason saw the dismissal of Bobby Petrino and the loss of playmakers on both sides of the ball, but the Razorbacks have the talent to overcome the challenges created. QB Tyler Wilson, already pegged by some as the top pick in next year’s NFL Draft, will be even better in 2012. He’ll be joined by a group of unproven, but skilled players on offense and defense who look to make an impact in the SEC.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

12. Kansas State

“Kansas State is racking up a bunch of preseason awards for student-athletes and all-Americans, but if they are looking to be a top contender, they need to keep that up when the fall arrives. Collin Klein already has made his mark for the Wildcats, so as long as he can encourage the rest of the offense to do the same, Kansas State is on its way to redeem glory.”

Elizabeth Garabedian, CSF Writer/Contributor

“The Wildcats surprised some last year, going 10-3 and losing to high-powered Arkansas in the AT&T. That will not be the case this year, however. Amassing over 3,000 combined yards and 40 touchdowns, QB Collin Klein enters the 2012 season a legitimate Heisman contender. Top WR Chris Harper and RB John Hubert return and will join Klein to create a dangerous offense.”

Anthony Manzella, CSF Writer/Contributor

11. TCU

“The Horned Frogs finally have their shot playing with the big boys. A depleted Big 12 Conference got a huge shot in the arm when TCU and West Virginia joined the fold. Head coach Gary Patterson has shown that his teams fear no one and can perform on the big stage. The big test now is if they have the depth to make through a tough conference schedule. With a Texas program still trying to fight its way back to what it once was and a Baylor team minus RG3, look for TCU to show that they belong in their inaugural season in their new conference.”

Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

“The Horned Frogs are a very interesting case this season as they are now part of the Big 12. TCU will be returning most of their high powered offense, but they did lose 3 starting offensive lineman. The question will linger all season as to if TCU will be able to handle the Big 12.”

Garrett Mayers, CSF Writer/Contributor

College FootBlog continues our countdown of our Preseason Top 25.  In this edition, we break down teams #8-#15.  In case you missed teams #16-#25, check it out here (#15-#25). Later in the week, we will unveil the top seven, but until then, check out our analysis and breakdown of the teams that are on the cusp of the Super 7.

8. Arkansas: The return of quarterback Ryan Mallett instead of entering the 2010 NFL Draft should pay huge dividends to Bobby Petrino, but it another year under Petrino’s tutelage should only improve Mallett’s draft position next spring.  At 6’7″ and 238 lbs., Mallett has the size that NFL scouts like, but he can also make all the throws.  Mallett has several experienced and proven wide receivers, and several versatile running backs, headlined by Ronnie Wingo and Dennis Johnson.  Offense will not be an issue for the Razorbacks in 2010, but their 89th ranked defense will have to improve if they want to stay in the Top 10 and survive an SEC season.

Wisconsin RB John Clay rushed for 1,500+ yards and 18 TD's last season (google images)

9. Wisconsin: Big Ten foes will get a healthy dose of John Clay in 2010.  The reigning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year checks in at 6’1″ and tips the scales at just under 250 lbs.   Clay will run behind an experienced offensive line, which will likely consist of three seniors, two of which were All-Big Ten selections in 2009.  Quarterback Scott Tolzien will be a senior and stepped up big in the Champs Sports Bowl.  The Badgers will have to replace quite a few upperclassmen from last year’s dominant defense, but they still have playmakers like defensive back Jay Valai who should be solid enough to slow down the many not-so-creative offenses in the Big Ten.

10. Oklahoma: The Sooners have a tough test early when Florida State comes to town on September 11th.  If they can survive that game, they have the Red River Rivalry minus Colt McCoy, and the rest of the Big 12 schedule could be smooth sailing.  Rival Oklahoma State will be without QB Zack Robinson and WR Dez Bryant (although Bryant was suspended for virtually all of last year).  The Sooners will have to fill the void of likely top-five pick DT Gerald McCoy, but the defense should hold their own in 2010.  Sam Bradford’s injury hurt the Sooners, but it gave Landry Jones some great experience.  As a freshman, Jones was a bit inconsistent, but he showed flashes of brilliance last year.  If he can continue to improve, he could be the next great quarterback produced by QB coach Josh Heupel.

11. Florida: Although Orlando Sentinel reporter Jeremy Fowler was berated by Urban Meyer, his interview with wide receiver Deonte Thompson was spot on.  As great as Tim Tebow was, John Brantley will prove to be a much better quarterback, in the traditional sense of the position.  While Brantley will not bring the running ability of Tebow, he is a much more polished passer and should stretch the field vertically much better than his predecessor.  The losses of key contributors on defense, including linebacker Brandon Spikes and cornerback Joe Haden will hurt, but what could hurt the Gators the most in 2010 is the goal line opportunities.  With the departure of Tebow, there is no significant threat for short-yardage threats in the Florida backfield.

12. Pitt: Fresh off a contract extension, Dave Wannstedt is really settling in as the Panthers’ head coach.  The loss of Bill Stull hurts a bit, but Pitt has a couple of capable back ups at QB, in sophomore Tino Sunseri and junior Pat Bostick.  Whoever wins the starting QB job has the luxury of having Dion Lewis in the backfield.  Lewis was one of the best running backs in the nation last year, and he was only a freshman.  As good as the offense should be for the Panthers, however, the strength of the 2010 team will likely be the defense.  Going into the spring, the defense looks to have seven juniors and two seniors in the starting line up.

FSU's Christian Ponder will try to throw his hat in the ring of this year's Heisman race (google images)

13. Florida State: The Seminoles were an average defense from being a 10-win team last season.  Unfortunately for Bobby Bowden and legendary defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, the FSU defense was shredded all season in ’09, ranking 108th nationally overall.  Three of the ‘Noles’ six losses were by touchdown or less.  The bright side for FSU was the offense, led by quarterback Christian Ponder, who will likely be in the Heisman discussion this season.  Ponder has all five starters on the offensive line returning this fall, led by All-American guard Rodney Hudson.  If the newly revamped defensive coaching staff can improve last season’s dismal defensive unit, first year coach Jimbo Fisher could easily have his team playing for the ACC Championship in December.

14. USC: The dominance of the Trojans was bound to come to an end at some point, and 2009 proved that regardless of depth and top-tier recruiting, when you ship eleven players to the NFL in one season, it is going to have an impact.  Despite the off-the-field distractions and the departure of Pete Carroll, Lane and Monte Kiffin should have Southern Cal back in a familiar place next season–challenging for a Pac 10 Championship.  Linebacker Chris Galippo should reap the benefits of playing under one of the best defensive minds in the NFL or college, Monte Kiffin.  The Trojan offense should see much improvement from last season as well, now that Matt Barkley has a year of experience under his belt.

15. Iowa: The Hawkeyes surprised a lot of people last season when they made a serious run at the Big Ten title, and they dominated Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl with great defense and a solid performance from quarterback Ricky Stanzi.  Stanzi will have to be much more consistent in 2010 if the ‘Hawks are going to challenge Ohio State for the title this fall.  Stanzi loses three All-Big Ten offensive lineman, which was anchored by future first-round selection Bryan Bulaga, but they return their top two running backs and stud DE Adrian Clayborn, who surprised many when he announced that despite dominating the Orange Bowl, he would return for his senior season at Iowa City.