O.K. Here is numbers 6-10. My philosophy is not to pick these teams based on who I think has a shot at the national title, but based on who I think is best right now. Here goes.
10. Georgia–I really would like to put in more SEC teams because I am an SEC fan (a Razorback fan). Georgia returns a solid nucleus, but like so many teams in the nation they have to replace their QB. However, most of their defense is back. Early on, the defenses have the advantage.
9. Oregon–Two words, “Quack Attack!” They should be one of the top three in the Pac 10, and they return a lot of starters to a team that played a tough Oklahoma team close in the Holiday Bowl. They really have ramped up their spread option offense returning the major skill players from 2005.
8. California–Cal returns major players on both side of the ball including Heisman hopeful Marshawn Lynch. All the Bears need is a consistent quarterback to make a run at the Pac 10.
7. USC–Cal and Oregon are still looking up at USC. Why? Pete Carroll. He has built this program into the top program of the past 4 years. And they reload! First it was Carson Palmer, and then it was Matt Leinart. Now, they have John David Booty. But, they need their defense to be better, and it should be.
6. West Virginia–The Mountaineers are loaded with skill players. They return their All-Freshman backfield from a very good 2005 squad that raced out to a big lead against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl before holding on to the win. They run one of the most unique defenses, aside from TCU’s, which is a little confusing for opposing offenses. They surprised people last year, but not this year. Patrick White’s ability to make the throws will be challenged more this year, and he can’t make mistakes. Look for defenses to stack the run and make him throw. Still, their schedule is favorable, and they have real shot being in the national title game at years end.
Next, numbers 1-5.
