CFN's Top 25 Contenders

[Guest Tigrinum Major]

CFN's Top 25 Contenders

Tight pair of SEC teams:

34. Arkansas    2005 Record: 4-7

Why to get excited: The record might have been ugly, but the team played well over the second half of the season and has many of the key parts returning, especially at running back. Darren McFadden and Felix Jones might be the nation’s best 1-2 rushing punch as the year wears on, while the defense has the potential to be a rock if a replacement can be found for LB Sam Olajabutu. The line should be a killer, while the return game will be among the SEC’s best.

Why to be grouchy: Will hotshot recruit Mitch Mustain be ready to take over at quarterback? With no production to speak of from the passing game, if there isn’t anyone ready to lead the offense by the time the UL Monroe game comes around, it could be an ugly start to the season with USC, at Vanderbilt, Alabama, and at Auburn ahead.

The number one thing to work on is: Improving the passing game is priority one. That goes hand in hand with being better on third downs, which the Hogs had problems with converting just over 36%. Considering how amazing the ground game was, the number should’ve been closer to the low 40s.

Biggest offensive loss: OT Tony Ugoh

Biggest defensive loss: LB Sam Olajabutu

35. South Carolina    2005 Record: 7-5

Why to get excited: After fighting through youth, suspensions, and an assortment of other issues in last year’s successful season, 2006 will seem like a breeze. Sidney Rice has to be one of the favorites for the Biletnikoff Award, while Mike Davis is a nice running back to take the pressure off the passing game. QB Blake Mitchell has had a full year of learning under Steve Spurrier and should be much sharper.

Why to be grouchy: The secondary takes a huge, huge hit losing S Ko Simpson and CB Johnathan Joseph early to the NFL. The offensive line needs work, which isn’t exactly what the offense needs when it’s trying to figure out how to crank out more production. Josh Brown was a reliable kicker who won’t easily be replaced.

The number one thing to work on is: Getting more consistent offensive production would be nice after averaging only 316 yards and fewer than 24 points per game, but that’ll come with more experience under Spurrier. Returning punts is a big issue after finishing 115th in the nation, and last in the SEC, averaging 4.47 yards per return. 

Biggest offensive loss: OT Jabari Levy

Biggest defensive loss: S Ko SImpson

Feel free to opine.

This means that UT, Florida, Auburn, Alabama, UGA, and LSU will be in the groups that will either challenge for a BCS bowl or THE BCS Bowl.

I can't wait for the meltdown if a certain ranking turns out the way I think it will.

[WarTim 3,456]

CFN's Top 25 Contenders

Tight pair of SEC teams:

34. Arkansas     2005 Record: 4-7

Why to get excited: The record might have been ugly, but the team played well over the second half of the season and has many of the key parts returning, especially at running back. Darren McFadden and Felix Jones might be the nation’s best 1-2 rushing punch as the year wears on, while the defense has the potential to be a rock if a replacement can be found for LB Sam Olajabutu. The line should be a killer, while the return game will be among the SEC’s best.

Why to be grouchy: Will hotshot recruit Mitch Mustain be ready to take over at quarterback? With no production to speak of from the passing game, if there isn’t anyone ready to lead the offense by the time the UL Monroe game comes around, it could be an ugly start to the season with USC, at Vanderbilt, Alabama, and at Auburn ahead.

The number one thing to work on is: Improving the passing game is priority one. That goes hand in hand with being better on third downs, which the Hogs had problems with converting just over 36%. Considering how amazing the ground game was, the number should’ve been closer to the low 40s.

Biggest offensive loss: OT Tony Ugoh

Biggest defensive loss: LB Sam Olajabutu

35. South Carolina    2005 Record: 7-5

Why to get excited: After fighting through youth, suspensions, and an assortment of other issues in last year’s successful season, 2006 will seem like a breeze. Sidney Rice has to be one of the favorites for the Biletnikoff Award, while Mike Davis is a nice running back to take the pressure off the passing game. QB Blake Mitchell has had a full year of learning under Steve Spurrier and should be much sharper.

Why to be grouchy: The secondary takes a huge, huge hit losing S Ko Simpson and CB Johnathan Joseph early to the NFL. The offensive line needs work, which isn’t exactly what the offense needs when it’s trying to figure out how to crank out more production. Josh Brown was a reliable kicker who won’t easily be replaced.

The number one thing to work on is: Getting more consistent offensive production would be nice after averaging only 316 yards and fewer than 24 points per game, but that’ll come with more experience under Spurrier. Returning punts is a big issue after finishing 115th in the nation, and last in the SEC, averaging 4.47 yards per return. 

Biggest offensive loss: OT Jabari Levy

Biggest defensive loss: S Ko SImpson

Feel free to opine.

This means that UT, Florida, Auburn, Alabama, UGA, and LSU will be in the groups that will either challenge for a BCS bowl or THE BCS Bowl.

I can't wait for the meltdown if a certain ranking turns out the way I think it will.

213697[/snapback]

"Meltdown"? THAt is putting it MILDLY.

[WeagleDMS 0]

Does anyone else think that TAMU is going to be a decent team next year. I feel like they should be ranked higher than 48th or whatever it is.

[SouthLink02 8]

I would make a bet with anybody that South Carolina wins at MAX 8 games.

Spurrier may once again own our ass and the SEC but it sure as hell won't be in 2006.