I think that arizona state has the best chance. they likely have the best set of qbs in the nation in rudy carpenter and sam keller, either of which could has heisman potential. Keegan Herring is a great weapon at rb. and the new and improved d line should shut people down.

Michigan!
I've been saying that Breaston is one of the best. This is his year to shine. I like Michigan being in the "sleeper" role this year and will win the BCS championship.

I dream that SI is right about Michigan. The only problem is their defense is nothing short of terrible. The Wolverines should be in a lot of close games in the big-10 this year and that doesn't bode well for a defense that has a knack for giving up the BIG, BIG play.

Simple. Oklahoma. It makes no sense to me that OU is ranked pre-season #1 by some, top 5 by almost everybody, they lose their QB and now their a bunch of bums. Think about this- Paul Thompson has been a QB his whole life, he must have been pretty good getting recruited by the Sooners, with the exception of 1 season. He is a fifth year Senior that won the starting job over Bomar last year. To me this team is better off, Bomar was immature. Paul Thompson is a leader, bottomline.

PENN STATE...they have a great defense and an explosive offense. If this isnt the year, then it will be next year. GO LIONS

Texas will open the season number 1 and end the season number 1. Screw everyone else. Texas Fight!

My vote is for Michigan, with no doubts about it. I, too, love the fact that the Wolverines are quietly sitting in the "sleeper" position, when the fact is that they are hungry. I don't think any other team offers a better 1-2 punch in the running game with Hart and Grady, and Breaston and Manningham will be exciting targets for Henne all year round. On top of all that, look out for English's new defensive look. Go Blue!

The Miami Hurricanes will rise back to dominance this year with the help of a dominating defense and improved playcalling on the offensive side of the ball. FSU and VT are at home. They will be dogs at Loiusville and I just feel for that team IF that happens. The Canes simply do not lose when they are underdogs. They are again the hunters...and not the hunted. They have some respect to regain after the Peach Bowl debacle. It will come in the form of NC #6!!!

Wisconsin!

As always, it's the Ohio States and Michigans that get the preseason publicity and rankings, but they often do not live up to either (especially the Wolverines as of late).

The Badgers return a fine quarterback in John Stocco and perhaps the nation's best offensive lineman in LT Joe Thomas. The defense returns almost all of its starters, including a defensive line that is a good 7 or 8 players deep in terms of talent and experience. Finally, their special teams should once again be excellent. I'd say they have as good a chance as Michigan, Oklahoma, and other non-top-10 programs.

How can you pick Michigan. They are always so overrated. Last year they started out at #3 and they were out of the top 25 halfway through the season. This year they are the same team. There's no way they get through Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State or the rest of the Big Ten unscathed. Michigan has no chance of winning the national title.

Michigan!

Michigan will definitely win. they barely lost in their losses and that was only due to poor fourth quarters. if mike hart can stay healthy, the offense wil get a big plus. steve breaston mario manningham and chad henne will help the offense and the defense did not lose much this off season. Michigan can definitely beat most of the top ten teams and can definitely win the national championship

You guys are nuts. Michigan will lose at Ohio State and at Notre Dame and have tough games against Iowa and Wisconsin. The Big Ten is too difficult. Louisville is a more reasonable team outside the top ten, because they play in the Big East. The only challenges they will have this year are against West Virginia and Miami (both at home). They barely lost to Miami in the 4th quarter 2 years ago and they lost to West Virginia last year in triple overtime. The home games are key here. Also, Louisville typically has the top offense in the country, which allows them to slug it out against high majors. While I don't think Louisville will win it, they definitely have the best chance outside of the top ten.

Michigan will not win the national championship, come on now. As a matter of fact they will be 2-1 on Sep. 16. (Notre Dame) Then they'll get beat by Penn State and Ohio St. But look on the bright side, you do play Ball State and Central Michigan.

MICHIGAN... Maize and Blue all the way. Tressel and the sweater vest are going down, it's the Toldeo War all over again. Champions of the west? Michigan Wolverines are college football's winningest program. What about Texas? flash in the pan. Oh, and Ohio State? 9 defensive players GONE. Wait a minute - USC? Right, without Leinart and White, they're nothin. Get ready, if you don't like seeing the block M for Michigan, you might as well not watch college football this year, cause Maize and Blue is all you're gonna hear about.

Its Michigan and ill tell you why;

The Big Blue in the Big Game. The few years they've started out with high preseason rankings but after last years disappointment, the wolverines bounced back with major coaching changes, a slimmer quicker and more experienced offensive line, and a serious attitude change. I look for them to have a big year climbing the ladder and winning the title especially since its likley that the winner won't be undefeated in the regular season.

As a Michigan fan and alumni I would love for SI to be right, but I can't get my hopes that high because of their schedule. They have Notre Dame, Penn State, and Ohio State on the road this year. It would be wonderful if they won two out of three, but all three seems like a stretch. They have significant building on the D line, and the O line as well (3 starters graduated). 2007 looks a lot brighter. By the way Mario Manningham is going to be the top receiver not Breaston in my view.

Its usually the quiet dog with the worst bite. Kirk Ferentz has quietly put the Hawks in position to take a big bite out of the competition. Tate, Young, and Davis behind a seasoned front line; will the scoreboard go that high? Stormin Norm and his defense will take care of business as usual. This could be the year for a different kind of Iowa New Year Party!

Nebraska.
Their offense (veteran QB, 3 RB's that could start anywhere, more experienced o-line, All-American tight end back, more athletic receivers) will be better than most people think. Their D will rank in the Top 10 Nationally.

Michigan will lose to ND, OSU, and Iowa.

I would have to say Michigan. I don't see why that's so unbelievable. The question is which team outside the preseason top ten is most likely. The last time Michigan was ranked 15th preseason was 1997...National Champions.

Alabama...don't overlook Alabama. Everyone seems to be this year, but with a defense that has the potential to be almost as good as last years, a more experienced O line, a buffet of good running backs and a QB that has several games experience...look out. Bama is back up to par on scholarships.

Simply,do not immediately eliminate the Tennessee Volunteers from contention!!

Trust Me!

Florida. The best team in the nation with the best quarterbacks (leak & tebow). Anyways, nobodies co-eds look better in cut-off jean shorts than the gators. Beat Georgia!

I'm a huge Michigan fan, but I think it is stretch to say they are going to win the National Championship. I think Georgia has a great chance at winning the whole thing. Nebraska flamers need to get a grip. They won't be in the hunt this year.

The similarities between Ohio State in 2002 and Michigan this year are weird. Both were 7-5 and coming off a bowl loss in a secondary bowl in a close game the previous year. Both were ranked outside the top 10 at the beginning of the season, yet in the top 15. Michigan has just one problem: THEY ALWAYS CHOKE AGAINST OHIO STATE!

GO BUCKS!

Its gotta be oklahoma. It is a throwback recipe, run the ball and play good D. They do both very well. If they could just get a little better production from the QB spot they will take it.

BP
Wichita

Look guys, this is easy. Bama has the best chance of all of 'em. The only threat this year in the SEC is Auburn, whom we play at home! The next is Florida....oh by the way, who saw how we TROUNCED them at home last year. Sure we lost some guys on defense but even when we went 4-9 a couple years ago, our defense was sixth in the nation. We still have Kenneth Darby lined up in the back field and a great pair of recievers even without Prothro. If he Does play this year though, WATCH OUT!

THE OLD SCHOOL RECIPE WILL WORK THIS YEAR, GOOD RUNNING GAME, TOUGH D. Oklahoma does both very well. If they can get just a little more production at QB, they will be looking down on everyone come Jan.

Florida. Everywhere he goes, Urban Meyer works magic in his second year. Check out his records in those specific years.

If a team outside the top ten wins it all this year (and that's a big if), odds are that it will be Florida.

Look out for the Huskers, this will be year 3 for Billy Callahan's offensive revolution in Nebraska. They showed a glimpse of what it's capable of doing, (just ask your Michigan pick) in last years Alamo Bowl. Lastly our D will among the best in the Nation.....Restoring the Order!

Florida. At each school he's coached, in his second season, Urban Meyer has worked miracles. I watched what he did at Utah in his second season. No one except those who knew Coach Meyers well could see that season coming. But it came anyway.

He won't catch me by surprise again, at least not in his second season at Florida.

I'm not saying that this is sure to happen for Florida. What I am saying however, is that if a school outside the Top Ten does indeed take it all, then one need merely look no farther than Urban Meyer's coaching record to realize that this would merely be modus operandi for him and his staff.

Ever think of Badger nation? Championship level defense and an O-line that my Grandma could run for 1,000 yards behind? Our receivers took a hit but our freshman are spectacular.

To user "Go Bucks":

Did you just say michigan "always chokes" against the buckeyes? Hello, is the ability to count from 1 to 10 still not a requirement to graduate from OSU? Since when has Michigan gone 2-10-1 like John Cooper and your beloved lil buckeyes did in the 90s? And when was the last time that OSU knocked Michigan out of the running for the NC, like the wolverines constantly did to the buckeyes under cooper? Exactly. Oooh wow you beat a 5-loss michigan team last year, sooooo impressive. LOL. You buckeyes fans overreact to winning 4 out of 5 but that's nothing compared to losing 10 out of 13 games to Michigan. Your state defines choking (ever heard of the cleveland browns versus elway? cavs losing to young MJ? indians losing in game 7?)

Maybe if your team wins an outright big ten title one of these days (ZERO since 1984) and a legit NC that doesn't involve a criminal and a shady late PassInt call, then you can actually brag about your team. Until then, bow down to the rest of the Big Ten which has actually won outright conference titles since 84.

The real darkhorse is Penn State. They will again feature the best offense and defense in the Big Ten and will dominate the all conference teams as six offensive starters are the best players in the conference at their positions. Anthony Morelli QB, Tony Hunt RB, Derrick Williams WR, Levi Brown OT, Brandon Snow FB and A.Q. Shipley C. ON defense it is even better as all three linebackers return and for the third straight season will be the best unit in the country. Then there is Justin King and a rebuilt secondary which will be better than last year's unit which was called the best secondary the Big Ten has ever seen by more than one Big Ten head coach. The future is bright, teh shedule is there and strong enough early on to overcome their low preseason ranking which doomed Auburn a couple of years ago even though they were without a doubt the best team in the country. Go Lions!

I have to say that i am disappointed in the ranking system this year, whereas usually i think that the rankings a fair this year is not. How can Ohio State with the losses so significant especially on defense (on a very defensive team) be so high? As well as USC with losing arguable the best trio of specialty players. Michigan i feel was robbed more than anyone. They had a lot of injuries last year and they did not lose a whole lot. I call the wolverines to win it all this year and make the rankings look bad.

Michigan only lost to Notre Dame and Ohio State by a combined 11 points. If they can avoid 4th qtr meltdowns they would have been undefeted last year. It will be a relif in Ann arbor to not have any big pre-season expectations. the wolverines and hungry and nobody is afraid of them now. That is why they will win the BCS. Besides, do you really think a program like Michigan will lose three straight years to Notre Dame and those criminals from Colombus?

being a huge michigan fan.....the NC is far fetched with the tough road games at ND, at Penn State, and at OSU.....BUT the question was which team outside the top 10 so michigan should be up there, i think the coaching changes in ann arbor will be huge....the michigan d will be pretty strong with an experienced secondary, leon hall anchoring that unit and lamarr woodley, tim jamison who they say had a very very good spring...and linebackers prescott burgess and david harris....alot of experience on this team....im excited for the season....very very tough road games tho

As much as I would love for Michigan to be #1, there are too many questions. Unfortunately, I think ND and Oklahoma will be playing for the title

oh how can i forget alan branch?!....how stupid of me

It's gotta be Iowa. Drew Tate and Albert young, is a nice little duo. Albert Young will be a house hold name by seasons end. He quietly stacked 1,300 rushing yards last season and let the Big Ten in rushing in conference games. Ohio State travels to Iowa City for a primetime game in the rowdy Kinnick Stadium. The schedule breaks it nice for Iowa. Could end up being a make or break season at Michigan.

Michigan will not win the national title this year because they have a brutal road schedule...@ Notre Dame, @ Penn State and @ that other school. Unless they pulled off a miracle with all of their coaching personel changes there is no way that Lloyd Carr prepares his team well enough to play THAT well on the road, when we all know how Michigan struggles away from the Big House. Unless of course, Notre Dame has a paper defense (which they do), Penn State has an inexperienced quarterback (No doubt) and suffers from last year's hangover, and that other school's defense completely disappeared and/or the entire offense is suspended (sorry OSU). Michigan #1 Afterall

usc will win it all this year because of defense, ucla will be 0-11

Two words.........Penn State!!!!
Just like last year....flying under the radar.

surprised that no one has said cal. first, they play a favorable schedule with only usc looking like a real threat (but its their "rebuilding" year). second, their only huge question mark is qb, but with tedford, im sure theyll be ok. best rb tandem in the nation, a great 1-2 cb punch in mixon and hughes, one of the top lb corps in the nation, mebane leading the d-line, and a sophomore wr (jackson) who is on the rise.

Poor SI; you have the luxury of being outside Ann Arbor and not realizing that just because Michigan looks good on paper doesn't translate into on-field success. Despite the coordinator changes, Lloyd Carr is still at the helm, which means more disappointments against Notre Dame and Ohio State. I expect another ho-hum 8-4 season.

2 things ok?

1) I'm a UGA fan and I'm still shocked they are in the Top 10.

2)FLORIDA
Freaking FLORIDA
Do not overlook the team I hate. They were not bad last year and haven't lost really too much and gained alot more. SI had an article on the top ten recruits in camp and Florida had two. Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin. Tebow is a QB and HArvin is a WR. So why is everyone over-looking the team-to-beat for the next 3 or 4 years. They could easily win the SEC and possibly go undefeated.


P.S.- Just look out for the SEC. You have a lot of potential this year so, all you Pac-10 fans look out the SEC is better.

The Ohio State fans have SOOOO MUCHHH to brag about nowadays...lol
lets talk about Maurice Clarett for a moment please..HEY, come back here Buckeye fans!!! Lets converse about that tainted National Championship!! You were definitely waving your pom poms back then, why not now? FAKES!!

Going back to a comment by "Ryan" on the middle of the page, it like to remind him that the goal of this Vent is to pick a team outside of the top ten with the best chance to win, not to rip Michigan. Keeping with that, I completely agree with SI's choice. I've been a lifelong Michigan fan and recognize a team with something to prove; all of our impact players are poised for a spectacular season. If the defense can hold, I think Michigan has as good a shot as anyone to win it all. Last year should not be looked at as anything more than a season of bad breaks; the 7-5 record doesn't do the effort and talent of that team justice. So, to anyone (Buckeye fans) looking to rip on Michigan, go find a better use for your time. But don't get too comfortable on top of the Big Ten...the Maize and Blue are back!

"Ever think of Badger nation? Championship level defense and an O-line that my Grandma could run for 1,000 yards behind? Our receivers took a hit but our freshman are spectacular."

He Badger nation, can your grandma get more than 12 yards this year against Iowa? Calhoun sure couldn't last year.

Iowa is the smartest choice for a darkhorse NC team. Great QB and RB, Solid O-line, Very solid D-line, best safeties in the Big Ten and the best coach in the nation.

OREGON DUCKS

Kevin, Penn State

You're dilussional if you think those guys are best 6 players at their respective positions. I'll give you Levi Brown, but Anthony Morelli? Are you serious? You should never be allowed to post again. That is simply the most ludicrous thing I've read in a long time. There are 4 better quarterbacks in the Big Ten. Troy Smith, Drew Stanton, Chad Henne and Drew Tate. Please refrain from posting idiocy.

"Ever think of Badger nation? Championship level defense and an O-line that my Grandma could run for 1,000 yards behind? Our receivers took a hit but our freshman are spectacular."

Think your grandma can run for more than 12 yards against Iowa, Mr. Badger? Iowa has a Very Good QB, Very good RB, solid O-line, the best d-line in the big ten, the best safeties and furthermore the best Kicker. Iowa would be a very solid choice for Darkhorse NC contender.

to people that keep saying that michigan can't win in their bowl games. two years ago we played texas who is really good and atleast we made it to the rose bowl and last years game against nebraska was the most rediculous game i've ever seen. ohio state is garbage, just to add that in

I have to say READ the question...The team OUTSIDE the top 10 who has the best chance at winning a national title.

I think Michigan is a fine choice if they can find a fix for thier defensive woes. No other teams outside the Top 10 jump out as potential National Champs.

10. Ohio State-Right off the bat either Texas or Ohio sate loses here. I am betting on OSU losing to Penn State, Texas and Michigan.

9. Virginia Tech-The ACC Expansion has not gone as planned. Sure, it is a tougher conference but FSU and Miami are back and even though VT is great, they will not make a championship run in 2006 by going 13-0 in the ACC. I like FSU being here or higher.

8. Notre Dame-Hard to go 12-0 with Irish schedule and harder to beat USC at USC too, enough said.

7. Georgia-Love the Coach but SEC is too tough for a 12-0 season. Only if there are 11-1 teams this year.

6. Penn State-They are rebuilding OL, DL, Secondary and have a new QB, but they players with attitudes all along each unit that makes them a bigger winner than expected in 2006. On the other hand, “IF” QB Morelli does not learn quickly they will not be in Top Ten either.

5. LSU-Sorry coach still in doubt in winning SEC and Florida may belong here. They will have 9-win year but not Top 5.

4 Florida will be here or Auburn from SEC not Alabama. SEC and Auburn are too tough for Alabama to ever dominate it again. Florida is coming up sooner not later.

3. Texas-Still most talented team in nation with USC right by its side. The difference is coaching and Oklahoma does not like to lose and Texas A&M and Texas Tech are tougher than many know today. Texas may go 11-1 just enough to keep them out of 12-0 BCS Title game.

2. West Virginia-Here either Louisville will be here or WVU. The schedule favors WVU because they do not have Miami to play. Either team could go 12-0 in the Big East but none can win the BCS Championship Bowl if it comes down to 2 undefeated teams. If it is a season of 11-1 neither can make it either.

THE WINNER IS..................USC
USC-The schedule favors them, the conference favors them, the coaching favors them, and the recruiting favors them. Last year the Refs in Notre Dame game favored them but not in Texas game as the blew the chance to strike on a an early big lead.

USC still has the recruits that coaches turn into talent and should be the favorite again.

Outside the top 10?

The Longhorns scout team.

and here is another prediction:

a one-loss team will make the title game. . .

Michigan State is your Big Ten sleeper. They won't disappoint their fans this year! It should be a great fall in East Lansing with the stadium renovations complete, great campus atmosphere, hottest freshmen, and coolest uniforms in college football. Not to mention Drew Stanton!

I am going with OU there offense is great with Adrian Peterson and the defense will step up this year. Lots of people think last year was bad for OU. almost everyone thinks OU had a bad season if they didn t win the champinship.


oh and lem and ak43 you guys are only fans Penn State are you Out of your MIND!!!!

I agree with Sparty On. A much improved defense and a high powered offense will bring the glory back to MSU missing since that dude from Hawaii Five-0 played for them.

I think MSU will once again choke like the pansies that there are every year. Somewhat decent talent, but always willing to let the MSU faithful down.

John

I think the Spartans are going to disappoint again this year and choke like the little sissies that they are. I wish we could go to a bowl game, even if it is the motor city bowl again.

Notre Dame...

At least I hope so all of my ND hating friends can finally eat their words. I have been getting flack about ND ever since Rudy came out. So yes, Sean Astin has in part ruined my life !!

Go Irish!!

Hey My Team Chokes,

We need to be a united front praising the efforts of John L Smith and his squad. You should focus your efforts calling out the Motor City Alumni (Michigan Fans who never went to Michigan) for thinking Michigan has a chance at the title.

Nebraska is going to win the National Championship against Michigan...how fitting. A rematch of last years awesome Alamo Bowl for all the marbles. Here's why NEB is going all the way: Schedule, the huskers are only playing 2 really good teams, Texas and USC. USC isn't returning 3 of it's 4 star players on offense, and those that were behind them, didn't get any experience. Plus USC's 2nd QB was kicked off the team, leaving them with their 3rd string from last year. Texas, lost 9 starters from last year, including Vince Young. They are handing over the reigns to a freshman, who whether he is good or not, is still an inexperienced freshman, he won't be able to be a star in his first year. The huskers don't play any other greats besides these 2, so they should be able to make the Big 12 championship game and win. Zac Taylor is now in his 2nd year as starter and the huskers are touting a 2 running back attack just like USC did last year(though I'm not comparing them to Bush and White). The huskers are also bringing back their star Tight end, Matt Herian, who was out all of last year with a broken leg, he's up to speed now. The huskers have the best front 7 in the country, period. They led the counrty last ear in sacks for most of the season, and they only lost 2 starters from that team(and they weren't big contributors anyway). The secondary did take a blow when they lost Alamo bowl hero Zach Bowman, but thanks to the depth at corner that's been covered sufficiently. So here it is, Huskers vs. Michigan for the Championship and Huskers win!

I just graduated from Michigan State and let me say this...THERE IS NO CHANCE IN HELL THAT THEY EVER WIN MORE THAN 8 GAMES UNDER JOHN L. SMITH!! They choke in the big games and dont know how to finish off teams even whent hey should!! Sorry Sparties, but you will be waiting for elusive Motor City Bowl victory until John L. is history!!

That said. ND rolls their first 5 opponents on their way back to a Fiesta Bowl rematch with the Suckeyes!! Difference is...This year the Irish D shows up and teaches Troy Smith what football is all about!!

Next National Champion: Fighting Irish

GATORS!!

Bank on it!! Tough Schedule or not, Florida's going to dominate the SEC and beat whatever whimpey Big 10 or Big 12 school they come up against on January 3.

2006 National Champs - Football
2006 Natinal Champs - Basketball

Is this the Ann Arbor News?? Michigan?? Are you kidding me? They'll be lucky if they finish .500! Ohio State, Notre Dame, or Texas will win it all. Lloyd Carr has lost it and recruiting is down when they can't steal the Ohio high school players to win for them. Look for the QB who has the best season to take his team to the glory.

uhhh, #1 defense in the country....
Vtech anyone?

ohio state, defenitely! we started out number one and thats how this season is going to end. just because we lost some defensive starters doesnt mean our second string can become just as good, and our offense is stronger than ever! the bucks are going all the way, no doubt

IN TRESSEL WE TRUST

The championship game will have a SEC team in it, but not Alabama. Alabama does not have the power to beat Auburn or LSU.

Wouldn't it be nice if USC had to play a REAL season like the SEC instead of the Pac10?

this is in response to:
Anonymous said...
The championship game will have a SEC team in it, but not Alabama. Alabama does not have the power to beat Auburn or LSU.

Wouldn't it be nice if USC had to play a REAL season like the SEC instead of the Pac10?


Oh really, USC should play a real schedule?? You really should do your homework! First of all, USC is 4-0 under Pete Carroll against SEC teams. We beat Auburn in 2002 at the Coliseum, we beat them again down there in the South in '03, and we crushed Arkansas the last 2 years. And we would have beat LSU the year they won the championship and we would have beat Auburn the year they went 13-0. Now don't even talk about the PAC-10 being weak. We have a respectable conference. Now you want to talk about playing a real schedule? how about not playing against cupcakes for a nonconference schedule. Under Coach Carroll, we have played against SEC teams, who we have beaten, we have played Notre Dame, and beaten them the last 4 years, and this year we play Nebraska. We have also played the likes of Virginia Tech, and Fresno State (who should be in a better conference). Who does the SEC teams play for non-conf. games?? Wofford, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana-Lafayette, Florida Atlantic, Middle Tennessee,Central Michigan, etc. Now talk about playing some patsies! So don't go talking about USC's schedule! As for this years National Champ.... We (USC) have a legit chance, as do Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Florida. We'll see in December.

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY


GO BUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!

well its week 6 and ohio state is undefeated and have crushed every team they played and they've played number 2, 14 and iowa cant remember their ranking. now how do u like that but i do have to admit michigan got past the fighting irish (who gave up the run i dont think weis is that good at coaching)michigan again, and after looking like one of the best teams in the nation they might go all the way to loose to ohio state in one of the biggest games in college history


GO BUCKS!!!!

ohio state is gonna win michigan will lose to ohio state like ohio state beat i mean crushed every other team so far