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| NCAA Football Power Rankings |
| 11 |
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Heading into 2006, the Buckeyes were dealing with expectations of national title or bust. A year later, most of the country barely expects them to field a football team. Todd Boeckman may not be the next Troy Smith, but OSU could actually surprise some folks this year -- a rare occasion.
First game: Saturday vs. Youngstown State. |
| 12 |
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For most of last season, QB Mike Teel was the Scarlet Knights' Achilles heel. Then, quietly, over his last three games, Teel completed 65 percent of his passes for five TDs and no INTs. If he can keep that up, coupled with Ray Rice's production, Rutgers could be BCS-bound. If not, it's back to the Texas Bowl.
First game: Thursday vs. Buffalo. |
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If college football had free agency, the Huskers landing Sam Keller as their starting quarterback for 2007 would be the equivalent of the Yankees picking up some veteran ace just in time for the playoff stretch. The former ASU star could make an already promising offense even more potent.
First game: Saturday vs. Nevada. |
| 14 |
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If there's one thing Bulldogs fans want more than a win over Florida ... it's a win over Florida in which "overlooked" QB Matthew Stafford outplays "overhyped" Tim Tebow. Stafford figures to be much improved as a sophomore, but he'll need help from a previously shaky receiving corps.
First game: Saturday vs. Oklahoma State. |
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Many times, when a team returns just 10 starters, you assume it's going to be a rebuilding year, but because Boise uses so many specialized personnel sets, many of the "new" starters -- like Fiesta Bowl hero Vinny Peretta -- are actually fairly experienced vets. Expect another big year.
First game: Saturday at Weber State. |
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While most conversations regarding the Nittany Lions revolve around QB Anthony Morelli, the bigger key for Penn State may be its defensive line. Stud LBs Dan Connor and Sean Lee will only be able to do so much if the rebuilt unit (primarily freshmen and sophomores) can't get penetration.
First game: Saturday vs. Florida International. |
| 17 |
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It's probably unwise at this point to doubt Tommy Tuberville's team, what with its 33-5 record over the past three seasons. But I do have some reservations about this year's squad, mainly, who is underrated QB Brandon Cox going to throw to, and will he get enough protection to do so?
First game: Saturday vs. Kansas State. |
| 18 |
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We know all about Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. We know well Casey Dick's limitations and Marcus Monk's playmaking abilities (once he's healthy). What we don't know is just how much will the Razorbacks miss stalwart defenders Jamaal Anderson, Chris Houston and Sam Olajubutu.
First game: Saturday vs. Troy. |
| 19 |
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Things were going so swimmingly for the Vols ... until that late-season swoon, Robert Meachem turning pro and RB LaMarcus Coker turning into a headcase. The return of QB Erik Ainge and other key veterans assures them a spot here, but some new stars are going to have to emerge.
First game: Saturday at Cal. |
| 20 |
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I was surprised to see how high the Bears placed in the polls (12th in both) considering that in their two biggest games last season (Tennessee and USC), they were barely competitive. Obviously, Cal's offense looks loaded again, but now it's time to show some consistency, beginning Saturday.
First game: Saturday vs. Tennessee. |
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