Penn State Nittany Lions
Picked to finish 7th in the Big Ten by sporting news, the 'Lions have rallied over their new found superstar quarterback, Daryll Clark. JoePa has finally arrived in the 21st century with his play calling. The Nittany Lions run a type of spread offense which they like to call "Spread HD". With the dual threat capability of Clark, this offense if perfect for them. They have just steamrolled over their first three opponents this year. They have outscored their opponents 166-37. When the Big Ten season starts the Nittany Lions have to play at Ohio State and Wisconsin which can be trouble. But not to fear, Penn State has plenty of experience. They have 8 senior starters on offense. With this dynamic offense, Penn State may surprise a few people and win 10 or 11 games and find themselves playing in a BCS bowl.
Verdict: Contender
Utah Utes
Verdict: Pretender
Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama started off the year at #24 in the AP poll. After beating Clemson, Tulane and Western Kentucky they suddenly leap-frogged ahead to #9 in the AP poll. Yes, they manhandled Clemson and yes, they do deserve to be ranked this high but I just dont feel that their success will continue. With a brutal schedule (@ Georgia, @ Tennessee, @ LSU and home to Auburn) and lack of experience on defense I would be surprised if Alabama finished the year with 8 wins. Alabama may be a title contender in the next few years but I doubt that they will be this year.
Verdict: Pretender
BYU Cougars
BYU has gotten through the hard part of their schedule already. They played two BCS conference teams in Washington and UCLA. Now, the only two games I could possibly see them losing would be at Utah and at TCU. But I feel that BYU will run the table and play in a BCS game. They have so much experience (the only starter not a Junior or Senior is star running back Harvey Unga) and are very motivated to finally play in a BCS game. Furthermore, they a sure-fire, consistent quarterback in Max Hall who, by the way, threw 7 touchdown passes against UCLA in a 59-0 win. Can you say BCS?
Verdict: Contender
North Carolina Tar Heels
UNC won only 4 games last year but many people, including me, feel that they are this year's Kansas. They return 10 starters on offense and return their entire secondary. This team has the talent to do big things. They must get over a few tough games in the schedule but overall their schedule is favorable to them (missing Clemson, Wake Forest and Florida State). In my opinion this team is capable of winning the ACC. With the conference down, it wouldn't be too much of a long shot if North Carolina shocked the world and made it to a BCS bowl. North Carolina is a team on the rise and I expect them to get better and better as time passes.Verdict: Contender
East Carolina Pirates
East Carolina is 16th in the recent AP poll after beating Virgina Tech and West Virginia in consecutive weeks and winning a hard fought game over Tulane. It looks as if ECU is headed for a perfect season and a C-USA title. Before everyone starts talking BCS, remember that this team is notorious for losing winnable games late in the season against conference opponents. Last year they lost to Marshall 26-7 late in the season. They still must play at UCF, at Southern Miss, at NC State and at Virginia. Still convinced that they can run the table? I would be surprised if ECU can come out of the season with only 2 losses. As much as I want them to succeed, I still feel that they wont. Prove me wrong ECU!
Verdict: Pretender
Verdict: Pretender
Photos courtesy of Google.
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