The wait is over.  Several CSF writers collaborated for our first ever CSF Preseason Top 25, and after four weeks, we have worked our way to our top five teams, heading into the 2011 season.  Without further adieu, here are the five teams we feel have the best chance at competing for a national title this year.

5.  Oregon:  A return to the Rose Bowl this year should thrill Duck fans, but last year’s run will make the season seem like a disappointment. Too much on the defensive side was lost, and it will show in road games against LSU and Stanford.  –  Peter Marhoefer, Mr. Touchdown USA

Most notably, the Ducks return LaMichael James and QB Daron Thomas.  They’re still the best team in the Pacific Atlantic Numeric, but I think playing LSU away from Autzen in September will take a bit of steam out of 2011.  –  Justin Cange, CSF writer/contributor

4.  Florida State: After getting throttled in Norman by the Sooners last year, it appeared Florida State was once again an over-hyped team in the weak ACC.  However, the ‘Noles, and most notably cornerback Greg Reid (who was picked on all game long by Oklahoma) played with a chip on their shoulder and appear to have their swagger back, after dismantling the hated Florida Gators and taking down favored South Carolina in the Chik-fil-A Bowl.  They return a stable of running backs, an experienced offensive line and a defense led by DE Brandon Jenkins that was tops in the nation with 48 sacks last season.  –  Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

The ‘Noles of the 90′s may be on precipitous of returning as Jimbo Fisher guided FSU to a quiet 10-win season in 2010.  The ‘Noles have recruiting momentum in the Sunshine State again, after finally beating the Gators last year.  They return nine starters on each side of the ball, they don’t play North Carolina or Virginia Tech and the ACC is still down.  Sounds less crazy now, right?  –  Justin Cange, CSF writer/contributor (Justin picked FSU as #1)

3.  LSU:  If athleticism won championships, they would be my #1.  Surely one of the Les Miles gambles will finally come back to bite him this year?  If they hire a clock management coach I’ll move them  higher.  –  Christian Hon, CSF writer/contributor

A match-up with Oregon in September is already being hyped up, but the Tigers return 17 starters from last year’s Cotton Bowl team, and they should be prepared to make a statement early in the season. As long as Jordan Jefferson can find some consistency under center, Les Miles will have a high-power offense to go along with an always athletic and strong defense.  –  Nick Mattar, CSF writer/contributor

2.  Alabama:  Trent Richardson will finally get to carry the majority of the rushing load, and he will have a lot of help with a strong offensive line returning from last season. Questions abound at other skill positions, but the defense should still be powerful, and defensive end Damion Square will be leading the way. A home game against a very strong LSU squad may determine who goes to the national championship game in January.  –  Nick Mattar, CSF writer/contributor

Nick Saban returns a stacked defense led by yet another stud linebacker in Dont’a Hightower.  The dominant Tide running game never seemed to return to the level of 2009, mostly due to nagging injuries to Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson.  If Richardson can stay healthy in 2011, expect him to make the trip to New York as a Heisman finalist, and more importantly, expect Bama to reclaim the SEC Championship, which would put them in prime position for another BCS title game.  –  Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor

1.  Oklahoma:  A Lock for the #1 spot with the surprise return of many NFL ready players.  However, history tells us that seniors returning to “finish the job” rarely do.  –  Christian Hon, CSF writer/contributor

A lighter Big 12 will allow the Sooners to focus on three games vs. improving Texas, Texas A&M, and the Ole’ defense of Oklahoma State.  Nine Offensive starters should vault Oklahoma to the top spot if Stanford stumbles. A trip to Florida State, which will have revenge on the mind after last year’s rout in early September could ruin the Sooners hope for a BCS Championship Game appearance.  –  Peter Marhoefer, Mr. Touchdown USA

Florida State’s 31-7 throttling of the Florida Gators this past weekend was much more than a win–it marks a new beginning for the Seminoles and a sign of things to come.  All three of the state’s major programs (Florida, Miami and FSU) have made runs, but with blow out victories over Miami earlier this season and over the hated Gators and Urban Meyer last weekend should have FSU fans very excited about the direction of their program.

College FootBlog takes a look at four major evolutions that were apparent with FSU’s coveted “State Championship”–something the ‘Noles had not done since the 1999 season.

1.  Talent discrepancy:  Over the last decade (Miami in the first part of the decade and Florida over the last six years), FSU was outmatched on at least one side of the ball.  FSU had no answer for Sean Taylor and the dominant Miami defenses in the early part of the decade, and they were absolutely no match for Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin.

My, how times have changed.  While Florida has plummeted to #78 nationally in total offense, the FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher has the ‘Noles have continued to develop into a more balanced offense, but the biggest difference has been the FSU defense.  After ranking in the 100′s in every major statistical category last season, new defensive coordinator Mark Stoops has revamped the D in the top 40 defenses in the nation this year.   While the Gators and Hurricanes have dropped to worse records this year, Florida State already has nine wins with two more games left in the season.

FSU Head Coach Jimbo Fisher beat rivals Miami and Florida in his first season (google images)

2.  Recruiting:  Florida State was already off to a great start in recruiting (Rivals currently has FSU ranked 4th overall), and the huge wins over the ‘Canes and Gators will only solidify a top five finish in recruiting.  There were over 100 recruits at the Florida game, and many of those athletes are considering the Big 3 schools in the state of Florida. 

Those recruits saw a completely one-sided game on Saturday, one in which the Florida Gators displayed an unimaginative, ineffective offensive game plan that generated a whopping 64 yards passing.  Meanwhile, the Hurricanes lost an overtime game to the South Florida Bulls, which resulted in a 7-5 regular season and the firing of head coach Randy Shannon.

3.  Preparation for the NFL:  Tebow’s lack of development as a passer was well-documented last spring before the NFL combine.  Tebow had to spend his spring retraining himself how to throw a football.  Urban Meyer was openly criticized by scouts and media for not making those corrections in the four years he had Tebow on campus.  In contrast, current Florida QB John Brantley, who is more of a pro-style quarterback has struggled mightily in Meyer’s spread attack, posting anemic numbers this season.  Despite having all the speed and talent at wide receiver, Brantley is averaging just over 168 yards passing per game.

In Miami, quarterback Jacory Harris entered the season on the Heisman radar, but he has noticeably regressed in 2010.  Both Harris and FSU quarterback Christian Ponder have been down statistically versus last season, and injuries to each have been a major culprit.  However, there is no question on which QB is more NFL-ready. 

4.  Size of Players:  Since Fisher’s arrival as the offensive coordinator four years ago, he immediately began recruiting bigger, more physical players, and that trend has continued on defense since he took over as head coach this past January.  On the defensive line, FSU is beginning to look more like an SEC team, with defensive tackles going from the 270 lb range to 285-300 lbs.  Defensive ends, linebackers and safeties are getting much bigger and faster as well (FSU’s starting safeties are Nick Moody at 6’2″, 228 lbs. and Terrance Parks at 6’2″ , 218 lbs.).

The past few years, FSU has lost games in the trenches to bigger, stronger teams.  That discrepancy was not as apparent this season, and as Fisher and his staff continue to recruit bigger players, along with an enhanced strength and conditioning program that Fisher instituted immediately after taking the reigns, expect this trend to continue.

With the recent decline of each program, the Miami/Florida State Rivalry hasn’t garnered nearly as much hype as it did in the late 80′s and 90′s.  In 2010, however, each program looks like a return to glory (at least in the ACC) could be well within grasp. 

The winner of this Saturday’s match up will put one team in solid position for a run at the ACC Championship Game, while the loser will have to claw back in the ACC title hunt.  On the larger scale, the outcome of this game will also let the college football world know which one of these storied programs is closer to regaining its place among college football’s elite programs.

Each team is still at least a year away from being a serious contender for a national title, as evidenced by Miami’s loss to Ohio State and Florida State’s dismal performance at Oklahoma in Week 2.  In this edition of College FootBlog, we take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of each team, we present key match ups, and we will make our prediction of one of the most intense rivalries in college football.

Florida State

RB Jermaine Thomas will look to lead FSU's potent rushing attack into Miami this weekend (google images)

Key Strength:  The Running Game–Before the Oklahoma game, FSU quarterback Christian Ponder was considered a viable Heisman candidate, but so far this fall, it has been the ‘Noles’ running game that has been the constant.  FSU is averaging just over 208 yards per game on the ground, which ranks them 26th in the nation.  Head coach Jimbo Fisher relies on three different running backs to carry the load.  The trio of Jermaine Thomas, Ty Jones and Chris Thompson presents three completely different running styles, and they have combined for over 7.1 yards per carry.  The Seminoles will need another solid ground performance this weekend if they want to control the tempo of the game.

Key Concern:  Passing Defense–New defensive coordinator Mark Stoops has shown dramatic improvement since getting sliced and diced by Oklahoma a few weeks ago, but the Hurricanes will present the first real challenge to FSU’s secondary since that blow out loss in Norman.  We will find out this weekend just whether FSU’s pass defense has improved that much or if they have simply been the benefactors of weak opponents with even weaker passing attacks.  As good as OU looked, the ‘Canes appear to have a deeper WR corps, and if the ‘Noles can’t hold their own against Jacory Harris and company, it could be a long night for FSU.

Miami

Key Strength:  The Passing Game–Although Harris has thrown for eight INTs this season, he has also thrown for ten TDs.   When Harris stands tall and steps into his throws, he may have the best touch of any QB in the country.  When his offensive line protects him, Harris does a tremendous job of distributing the ball to his talented group of wideouts, which is led by 6’3″ 205 lb. senior Leonard Hankerson, who already has six TDs on the year.  If Harris and his stable of WRs get hot early, the ‘Canes could present a lot more problems than OU did to the FSU secondary because Miami has a lot more to their passing game than the bubble screen (which shredded FSU in the OU game).

Key Concern:  Rush Defense–Take away Miami’s opening day cupcake against FAMU and focus on their three real football games (Ohio State, Pitt and Clemson), and the ‘Canes are giving up 157 yards on the ground per game.  As good as they have been against the pass (ranked #6 nationally), they have shown vulnerability against solid running attacks, and they will certainly face another solid ground game this weekend.  If the ‘Canes can’t control the line of scrimmage, the FSU ground game could wear them down and take over in the second half.

Jacory Harris will need to cut down his mistakes the 'Canes have any hopes of beating FSU this weekend (google images)

Miami Offense vs. Florida State Defense

While FSU has improved immensely since the Oklahoma game, it is hard to believe that they can shut down Harris and his wide receivers all game.  Look for Miami offensive coordinator Mark Whipple to challenge Florida State’s young corners early and often, and a couple of big plays are bound to happen.  The key here will be how much pressure FSU can get on Harris.  Even if the much improved FSU defensive line can get in his face, Harris is still likely to burn them a time or two.  EDGE:  Miami

Florida State Offense vs. Miami Defense

Look for Miami to stack the box and do whatever they can to take away FSU’s dominant ground game.  Still, look for FSU’s ground game to make an impact by the second half.  Also, although Ponder has not lived up to the lofty expectations so far this season, he has proven that he can perform against the ‘Canes the past two seasons, and with Miami focused on taking the running game away, FSU’s senior QB will get a few shots at one-on-one coverage, and if history is any indicator, he will produce some big plays.  EDGE:  Florida State

Special Teams

The one thing that kept Miami in the Ohio State game earlier this year was their explosive special teams play.  The ‘Canes returned a kick and a punt for touchdowns in that match up.  Senior kicker/punter Matt Bosher was named to the Preseason All-ACC Team, and he has not disappointed so far this season.  Florida State counters with kicker Dustin Hopkins, who has sent 19 of his 33 kick offs into the end zone for touchbacks.  FSU also has the ever-dangerous Greg Reid returning punts and kicks.  Reid led the nation last season in punt return average and has already brought one back for a TD this season.  EDGE:  Push

Final Analysis

Like most games in this rivalry, expect this one to come down to the wire.  Of the last five meetings in this rivalry game, only one (2007′s match up) was decided by more than four points.  The difference in this one will be who wins the turnover battle, and Miami’s Harris has not made the significant improvement in this part of his game that many thought he would this year.  Florida State leads the nation with 25 sacks, and Harris has shown the same tendency against pressure as he did last year–he tends to throw the ball up for grabs and doesn’t step into his throws.  This could be the difference in what should be another exciting, down-to-the-wire football game.  Final Score Prediction:  Florida State wins 33-30

Despite the departure of legendary head coach Bobby Bowden, Florida State football has a lot to look forward to this fall.  Much of this optimism starts with new head coach Jimbo Fisher and the talent he has on offense.  College FootBlog takes an in-depth look at the Seminole offense, and when analyzing the 2010 FSU offense, it is quite evident that Fisher may be putting a winning formula together that helped LSU win a national championship in 2003.

In this edition of College FootBlog, we take a closer look at four specific areas that Fisher and the FSU staff have focused on, and we compare those areas to the successful season he had in Baton Rouge a few years ago.

For the first time since arriving at Tallahassee, Jimbo Fisher has two things that made his dominant offenses at LSU go, and he has two things he didn’t have in his time as Nick Saban’s offensive coordinator for the Tigers.  Let’s start with the things he didn’t have while at LSU.

If Senior QB Christian Ponder stays healthy, he should make a serious run at the Heisman this fall (google images)

A Heisman Trophy-caliber quarterback

Fisher had a solid QB in 2003 for the National Champions, but Matt Mauck was far from a Heisman hopeful.  Fisher is known for his ability to develop quarterbacks, and he has done a fine job so far with Ponder.  If Ponder can put up over 300 yards/game with a 4:1 TD/Int ratio (which is what he was doing last season until his injury in week 9), sportswriters will have to take notice.  And more importantly, for Fisher and FSU fans, that will likely translate to a solid season.

Christian Ponder enters his third full year as the starting signal-caller for the ‘Noles.  If one of two variables worked out in his favor last season, he would be mentioned by all major sports writers as a logical choice for a preseason candidate for the coveted award.  Those variables that were out of Ponder’s control were:  1)  Ponder separated his shoulder at Clemson last season, ending his season after eight games, missing the final three regular season games and  2)  FSU’s defense was downright atrocious last season and was the key contributor to another .500 season.  This season, as long as the defense improves, that should translate to more wins, which should keep Ponder on the national radar screen.

FSU should have the best offensive line in the ACC and one of the best in the nation

At LSU, Fisher had a solid O-line, but he did not have Rick Trickett, who is arguably the best offensive line coach in the country, and he did not have a combined 142 starts from their OL.  What was supposed to be a weakness for FSU three years ago, when Trickett was forced to start three true freshmen and two sophomores, not only ended up being a strength of the team, but it also established the base for a deep and battle-tested O-line going into this season.  FSU will send two seniors who are on the Outland Trophy watch list and three talented juniors.  One of those juniors, left tackle Andrew Datko, is up to 300 lbs now, after starting as a true freshman at a hair under 270. 

This kind of talent and experience in the trenches will give Fisher and Trickett a lot to work with and bodes well with a difficult game against Oklahoma in Norman in their second game of the season. 

Now let’s take a look at what Fisher finally has this year that he had at LSU, but has not had the luxury of in his short time in Tallahassee:

Diversity at wide receiver

From the moment he and receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey stepped foot on campus, they have attempted to overhaul the WR corps.  Primarily through recruiting, Fisher and Dawsey finally have a similar variety of wide outs that fit Fisher’s scheme.  On the 2003 National Championship team, Fisher had a nice blend of size (Michael Clayton, 6’4,” 215lbs., Dwayne Bowe, 6’2′” 221 lbs.) and speed and illusiveness (Devery Henderson, Skyler Green, etc.).

It is no coincidence that FSU’s wide outs are looking very similar these days.  Junior receiver Jarmon Fortson checks in at 6’3,” 221 lbs., and sophomores Willie Haulstead and Rodney Smith are 6’3,” 215 lbs. and 6”6,” 220 lbs., respectively.  At the other end of the spectrum are 5’11″ junior Bert Reed, who is the fastest player on the roster and newcomer De’Joshua Johnson who is known for his quickness in the open field.

Sophomore RB Lonnie Pryor will line up at fullback and tailback this fall (google images)

Depth at Running Back

 In LSU’s championship season, Fisher showed had the luxury of a deep and diverse stable of running backs.  It was very common to see four or more different backs carry the ball in a game that year.  Justin Vincent and Joseph Addai were the main two backs, but there were two other running backs who had 78 or more carries that year.

Last year because of depth issues and a nagging injury to starting RB Jermaine Thomas, Fisher had to rely heavily on a pair of true freshmen–the smaller, quicker Chris Thompson and the versatile RB Lonnie Pryor.  Along with the other three backs, FSU has Ty Jones, who has shown some flashes, but more importantly, the ‘Noles have the big, physical back that has been lacking in their offense since the departure of Greg Jones.  Juco transfer Debrale Smiley checks in at 5’11″ and 237 lbs, giving Fisher a legitimate power back.  The combination and diversity of running backs, in addition to the experienced offensive line should produce a solid running game for FSU this fall.

These additions and improvements should result in an explosive offense in 2010 and ultimately put FSU back in the ACC Championship hunt.  Big non-conference games against Oklahoma, BYU and Florida give the Seminoles a legitimate shot at getting back into the national picture, after several years of underachieving.  Only time will tell, but it appears that Fisher has successfully replicated a winning formula, at least on offense.

Heading into summer workouts, the Heisman buzz for the 2010 season has already started.  While everyone seems to have players like Mark Ingram, Ryan Mallett and Terrelle Pryor on their watch lists, one name  that you will not see is Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder.  Look for that to change early in the season.

Despite a great season in ’09, college football fans outside of Tallahassee don’t really know about Ponder for two major reasons.  The signal caller  injured his throwing shoulder against Clemson and missed the final four games, which included FSU’s bowl game.   The other reason was that as good as Ponder was, the Seminole defense was worse, making FSU a .500 football team.

Before his shoulder injury last season, Ponder led the ACC's second-ranked offense (google images)

Before his injury at Clemson, Ponder’s stats was completing over 69% of his passes for just over 306 yards per game with 13 touchdowns versus only three interceptions.  In order for FSU to have their talented senior QB even make the trip to New York, at least three changes need to happen in Tallahassee.  College FootBlog will weigh in on what those possible changes and how likely they are to improve Ponder’s chances of bringing home the coveted trophy.

1.  Stay Healthy:  Although the shoulder injury in last season’s rivalry game at Clemson was by far the most severe, the fact of the matter is that Ponder has played most of his FSU career with at least one or two nagging injuries, ranging from a knee sprain all the way to cracked ribs.  That toughness is a key component of why his team looks to him to lead them, but this season, he doesn’t have to prove it.  In fact, head coach Jimbo Fisher has lectured Ponder several times on sliding more instead of taking hits when he is out of the pocket.

Will it happen?  With all five returning starters on the offensive line that includes two 4-year starters and three, 3-year starters, Ponder will be protected by the best O-line in the ACC and one of the best in the country.  More depth at running back should also help keep the pressure off.  Also, Ponder will run if needed this season, but look for Coach Fisher to get the message across this year (i.e. if Ponder lowers his shoulder during a run in 2010, he will get more than an ear-full from his coaches).

2.  Wideouts must step up:  Ponder’s numbers were far superior to last year’s Heisman finalist Tim Tebow, but his statistics could have been much better if his receivers had brought their A-game. 

Junior WR Bert Reed was probably FSU's most consistent receiver last season (google images)

Other than Bert Reed, who returns as a junior this season, every FSU wideout had a severe case of the drops at one point in the season or another.  The Seminoles lost two senior WRs this season to graduation, but the core of the group is talented and diverse, ranging from Reed, who is known for his speed and quickness, to junior Jarmon Fortson, who has drawn comparison to former ‘Nole and current Baltimore Raven Anquan Boldin because of his size (6’3″ and 221 lbs) and athleticism.

Will it happen?  It should.  For the first time since Jimbo Fisher’s arrival, he has solid depth and a nice blend of size, speed and quickness.  If Fortson struggles early on with his consistency as he did last season and during the spring, sophomores Rodney Smith (6’6″ and 220 lbs.) and Willie Haulstead (6’3″ and 215 lbs.) could easily assume his role.  The most consistent players will play.  Look for true freshman De’Joshua Johnson to compliment Reed as another speed receiver who is dangerous in space.

3.  The FSU defense needs to at least be average:  Had the ‘Noles fielded just an average defense last season, they likely would have gone to the ACC title game and had a 9 or 10-win season.  FSU was equally bad against the run and the pass last year, ranking near the bottom in the FBS in each category.  If the defense can’t keep the opposition out of the end zone, Florida State’s record will suffer, and so will Ponder’s hopes for a Heisman Trophy.  Think records don’t matter for the Heisman?  Look at Jimmy Clausen’s numbers from last year.  Despite being on national television countless times and putting up huge numbers, Clausen did not even receive a plane ticket to the ceremony last December.

Will it happen?  After the worst season of his career, legendary defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews (who many credit as much or more than Bobby Bowden for FSU’s dominance in the 90′s) retired.  While Andrews’ resume demanded respect, the others on the defensive staff did not.  Immediately after being named head coach, Jimbo Fisher completely revamped the coaching staff on the defensive side of the ball, most notably hiring two defensive coordinators to turn things around.  Mark Stoops, known for his zone schemes that produced several NFL defensive backs from Miami is the ‘Noles new defensive coordinator.  And former ECU defensive coordinator Greg Hudson takes over as the coach for the linebackers.  While these changes probably will not result in a Top 20 defense next season, there is every reason to believe it will be improved this fall.

Final Analysis:  With an improved defense, one of the nation’s best offensive lines and a deep and talented receiving corps, all signs are positive for Christian Ponder’s race for the Heisman.  As usual, the Seminoles have a difficult schedule, playing non-conference games at Oklahoma and at home against BYU and Florida.  If Ponder can lead his team to an ACC Championship and a 9 or 10-win season, the sportswriters will be forced to take notice, and Ponder’s ability and leadership will be known outside of the Tallahassee and the ACC.

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.