The writers for College Sports Feed have continue to break down our College Football Preseason Poll, and this week, we move up the charts and take a look at teams #16-#21. In case you missed it, check out last week’s breakdown of teams #21-#25.
20. Auburn: The Tigers must replace four starters on the offensive line, Nick Fairley, who was arguably the most dominant defensive player in the nation last season and the best player in the country last season, in Heisman Trophy winner and first overall NFL Draft selection Cam Newton. Dyer and the offense will have success, but they will have a tough time with Bama and LSU this time around. – Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor
Losing a ton of talent to graduation and the NFL is rough, but their defense will be fine because of the return of several key players, including Neiko Thorpe andEltoro Freeman. The big question is quarterback and who will try to fill Cam Newton’s shoes. – Nick Mattar, CSF writer/contributor
19. Florida: With the offense learning a new system under Charlie Weis, the defense will need to step up this season. Linebackers Jelani Jenkins and Jon Bostic should anchor a strong defensive unit, however, the loss of Janoris Jenkins will have the Gators searching for a shut down corner. Offensively, Weis has a lot to work with between super-athlete Trey Burton and running back Jeff Demps. The big question is John Brantley - can he bounce back after a disappointing 2010 and lead the Gators back to the promise land? – Nick Mattar, CSF writer/contributor
Bad season or not, when you have the athletes they have, you bounce back…unless you are FSU 10 years ago…and Miami 5 years ago…and Texas last year. Wait a minute…. – Christian Hon, CSF writer/contributor
18. Missouri: No Gabbert is tough but the recruiting pipeline seems to be consistent now. Remember Gabbert took over for a Heisman nominee. Should be a fun team to watch…until they play OU. – Christian Hon, CSF writer/contributor
Seven Seniors starting on the offensive side of the ball may give Head Coach Gary Pinkel the experience he needs to replace QB Blaine Gabbert effectively. Tigers will be tested early in the season going to Tempe to play ASU in week two. – Peter Marhoefer, Mr. Touchdown USA
17. Michigan State: The familiar Jekyl and Hyde-like Spartans showed their immaturity in the Capital One Bowl on New Year’s Day by getting boat raced to the tune of 42 points by the Crimson Tide. They have plenty of weapons returning, but I just don’t trust this program, especially with a much more difficult schedule this year. – Justin Cange, CSF writer/contributor
The Spartans will be the last benefactor of the season from the Ohio State tattoo parlor incidents….luckily for MSU, this wasn’t a bowl game, so the NCAA may actually uphold a suspension. The Spartans do, however, have to travel to Ohio State, Notre Dame, Iowa and Nebraska, which will be a challenge. If they can put up points in Lincoln against the Huskers, they should be in the thick of a Big Ten title run in 2011. – Jeff Dunbar, CSF Senior Editor
16: Nebraska: Nebraska may have the toughest slate of games in the country. Three 11 win teams and nine bowl teams make up the schedule. Home games with Michigan State and Ohio State at full force are two tests that must be overcome. – Peter Marhoefer, Mr. Touchdown USA
The Huskers’ inaugural campaign in the Big Ten promises to be interesting and a significant upgrade from the Big 12 North. After seeing how last season ended, I’m not convinced they’re about to end their 12 years and counting conference championship drought. – Justin Cange, CSF writer/contributor
