CFN Top Twenty Five

[DKW 86 7,726]

http://cfn.scout.com/2/609740.html

I dont disagree much with this. Our road schedule is killer. We may do beter with turmoil.

1. USC 2006 Record: 11-2

Don't fret about the loss of Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith; USC is a receiver factory and has more NFL talent waiting in the wings. While John David Booty will be the signature star and the Heisman candidate, the 2007 Trojans will roll on defense with its speediest, most talented group in the Pete Carroll era with ten starters returning. The offense won't have to generate more than 21 points a game to win.

2. LSU 2006 Record: 11-2

The Tigers lose JaMarcus Russell, several top defensive players, and leading receiver Dwayne Bowe. Whatever. Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux are ready to step in and run the offense, there's still speed to burn at receiver, and there aren't as many losses as past years on defense. Replacing safeties LaRon Landry and Jessie Daniels will be the biggest issue.

3. Texas 2006 Record: 10-3

The pressure is back on Mack Brown to produce with a loaded team. Colt McCoy has all his weapons to work with a tremendous running back and receiving corps. The O line loses Justin Blalock and Lyle Sendlein, but it's Texas; it reloads. The secondary loses three NFL players, including Aaron Ross, but it didn't stop anyone last year anyway.

4. Florida 2006 Record: 13-1

Urban Meyer is doing a phenomenal job recruiting, and he won't hesitate to put young players in key spots, but the loss of way too many defensive stars, and the graduation of Chris Leak, will be too costly to repeat as national champions. That's not to say the team won't make another big run it Tim Tebow is strong in a full-time role.

5. Wisconsin 2006 Record: 12-1

2006 Wisconsin was a very good team with a walk-in-the-park schedule. 2007 Wisconsin will be an elite team with a more challenging slate. The safeties need to be replaced, as do LB Mark Zalewski and OT Joe Thomas, but just about everyone else returns. Tyler Donovan and former Kansas State Wildcat Allan Evridge will replace QB John Stocco without a problem.

6. Ohio State 2006 Record: 12-1

If the Buckeyes could replace all the top defensive stars after 2005 and end up in the national title game, then they should be able to overcome the loss of a ton of offensive talent and get back, right? That's a bit of a stretch, but there's still a ton of NFL talent returning on both sides of the ball with ten underclassmen starting last year. It'll all be about the running game until Todd Boeckman or Rob Schoenhoft get their feet wet.

7. Oklahoma 2006 Record: 11-3

The Sooners proved at the end of 2006 that they can survive and thrive without Adrian Peterson (although he hasn't officially made his NFL decision yet), but the offense needs Joey Halzle, or some other quarterback, to be more than just steady. The secondary should be among the best in the country, but losing linebackers Rufus Alexander and Zach Latimer hurts. You don't get better by losing ends Larry Birdine, C.J. Ah You and Calvin Thibodeaux.

8. Arkansas 2006 Record: 10-4

As long as the offensive line can replace tackles Tony Ugoh and Zac Tubbs and guard Jeremy Harrell, the Hogs should pick up where they left off late in the year thanks to the 1-2 punch of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. While the defense should be fine, losing heart-and-soul LB Sam Olajubutu and top ten-caliber draft pick Jamaal Anderson will sting.

9. UCLA 2006 Record: 7-6

Who will the quarterback be? The Pat Cowan/Ben Olson debate will be the big one this off-season. That's the only offensive issue with ten starters returning. The defense loses Justin Hickman, but All-America end Bruce Davis comes back along with nine other starters. The team's biggest loss is PK Justin Medlock.

10. Michigan 2006 Record: 11-2

The offense should be tremendous with the best trio of skill players in the country in Chad Henne, Mike Hart and Mario Manningham. Jake Long should probably be off to the NFL, but he'll be back to be a sure-fire All-American at left tackle. The defense is another story losing Alan Branch, LaMarr Woodley, Rondell Biggs, Shawn Crable, David Harris, Prescott Burgess, Leon Hall and Willis Barringer.

11. West Virginia 2006 Record: 11-2

Rich Rodriguez is staying, Pat White and Steve Slaton are back, and the offense should be as good as ever. The defense wasn't exactly a rock last year, but it gets a slew of good players back. The receiving corps needs some playmakers to step up, and Mike Dent has to quickly show he can be close to as good as center Dan Mozes.

12. Georgia 2006 Record: 9-4

About a year away from being at a national title level, the Dawgs have to get more from the receivers, the offensive line has to replace four starters, and the defense has to do its yearly job or replacing several NFL prospects.

13. Virginia Tech 2006 Record: 10-3

Ike Whitaker and Sean Glennon will be in a battle for the starting quarterback spot. If one of the two can come up with more production, the offense should shine with a tremendous receiving corps and RB Branden Ore to work with. The defense will be its typical amazing self with eight starters returning.

14. Auburn 2006 Record: 11-2

A bit of a disappointment offensively last year, things will only be better if the offensive line, depleted by graduation, comes together in a big hurry. The defense will be its typical quick self with several great young playmakers to get fired up about, especially tackles Josh Thompson and Sen'Derrick Marks.

15. Nebraska 2006 Record: 9-5

Is Nebraska ready to turn another corner? Former Arizona State QB Sam Keller will take over for Zac Taylor, and he'll have plenty of weapons to work with. The defensive line has to patch some huge holes, but almost everyone returns in the back seven.

16. Tennessee 2006 Record: 9-4

The Vols pulled up out of the 2004 nosedive with a nice year, but the UT fans are looking for more. The receiving corps take a monster his losing Robert Meachem early to the NFL along with Jayson Swain and Bret Smith, but the running game should get rolling early with three fantastic players in LaMarcus Coker, Montario Hardesty and Arian Foster.

17. Florida State 2006 Record: 7-6

The Seminoles have enough offensive firepower returning to hope for a much better year, but the quarterback situation between Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee has to be hammered out right off the bat. Just about everyone of significance returns on a defense that loses star linebackers Buster Davis and Lawrence Timmons.

18. California 2006 Record: 10-3

Despite suffering just enough big losses to keep it from being among the national title contenders, Cal should still be nasty thanks to Nate Longshore, DeSean Jackson, Robert Jordan and the passing game. Justin Forsett gets the full-time rushing load with Marshawn Lynch off to the next level. DT Brandon Mebane, LB Desmond Bishop and CB Daymeion Hughes are gone taking away the heart of the defense.

19. Boston College 2006 Record: 10-3

Jeff Jagodzinski has an excellent team returning led by possible ACC Player of the Year QB Matt Ryan. Nine starters return on defense including the entire defensive front seven, while the offense only loses two good tackles and sure-thing receiver Tony Gonzalez.

20. Texas A&M 2006 Record: 9-4

2006 should be a stepping stone to a huge 2007 with QB Stephen McGee leading what should be a top ten running attack helped by Jorvorskie Lane and Mike Goodson. Enough talent returns on defense to hope for even more production.

21. Rutgers 2006 Record: 11-2

The magic should continue with RB Ray Rice operating behind a big line. The improvement of QB Mike Teel will make the offense even better, and it'll have to be with the loss of several key defensive starters. The secondary should be excellent, while Jeremy Ito will be one of the nation's best kickers.

22. Georgia Tech 2006 Record: 9-5

Calvin Johnson is gone (bad) as is Reggie Ball (good), but almost everyone else comes back on both sides of the ball. Nine starters return from a defense that should be a killer, while RB Tashard Choice will carry the offense early on. QB Taylor Bennett showed in the Gator Bowl that he's good enough to get the passing game moving.

23. TCU 2006 Record: 11-2

It's time to start giving the program credit for being the real deal under head coach Gary Patterson. Marcus Jackson should be a more-than-adequate replacement for Jeff Ballard, while Aaron Brown and Robert Merrill will provide a killer 1-2 punch. Just about everyone is back on what should be one of the nation's best statistical defenses.

24. Penn State 2006 Record: 9-4

One of the toughest early calls, Penn State's offense should be better as long as Anthony Morelli plays like he did in the Outback Bowl. The defense might take a huge tumble losing several big stars on the defensive front, but Dan Connor and Sean Lee might be the best pair of outside linebackers in the country.

25. Oregon State 2006 Record: 10-4

Want your 2007 deep, deep sleeper for really big things? If big Sean Canfield can be a steady quarterback replacement for Matt Moore, there might be no stopping the offense with WR Sammie Stroughter and RB Yvenson Bernard among the best in the country and with four starters returning on the line. Outside of playmaking safety Sabby Piscatelli, the entire defensive back seven returns.

2007 CFN Pre-Preseason Rankings - No. 26 to 119

[Tigermike 3,425]

This must have been written before Saint Nick was hired, otherwise they would have had UAT in the top 10!

[Longtrainn 2]

http://cfn.scout.com/2/609740.html

I dont disagree much with this. Our road schedule is killer...

I don't have a problem with where we're ranked, but I would if our strength of schedule was a reason for it. You are supposed to be rewarded for playing a tough schedule, not ranked lower because everyone thinks you're going to lose some games. Rank 'em in order of how good you think they'll be, and the schedule stuff will settle itself on the field. That's one thing I've never understood about these preseason rankings. Penalizing someone because of a tough schedule, before the games are even played, doesn't make sense.

[TigerDad 0]

LSU had the tough road schedule last year and managed a sugar bowl game

[Ranger12 46]

Good points about our strength of schedule being tough, but for that to come into play, we still need to win those games. SOS means nothing if you lose those games.

[AU alum 2]

http://cfn.scout.com/2/609740.html

I dont disagree much with this. Our road schedule is killer. We may do beter with turmoil.

1. USC 2006 Record: 11-2

Don't fret about the loss of Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith; USC is a receiver factory and has more NFL talent waiting in the wings. While John David Booty will be the signature star and the Heisman candidate, the 2007 Trojans will roll on defense with its speediest, most talented group in the Pete Carroll era with ten starters returning. The offense won't have to generate more than 21 points a game to win.

2. LSU 2006 Record: 11-2

The Tigers lose JaMarcus Russell, several top defensive players, and leading receiver Dwayne Bowe. Whatever. Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux are ready to step in and run the offense, there's still speed to burn at receiver, and there aren't as many losses as past years on defense. Replacing safeties LaRon Landry and Jessie Daniels will be the biggest issue.

3. Texas 2006 Record: 10-3

The pressure is back on Mack Brown to produce with a loaded team. Colt McCoy has all his weapons to work with a tremendous running back and receiving corps. The O line loses Justin Blalock and Lyle Sendlein, but it's Texas; it reloads. The secondary loses three NFL players, including Aaron Ross, but it didn't stop anyone last year anyway.

4. Florida 2006 Record: 13-1

Urban Meyer is doing a phenomenal job recruiting, and he won't hesitate to put young players in key spots, but the loss of way too many defensive stars, and the graduation of Chris Leak, will be too costly to repeat as national champions. That's not to say the team won't make another big run it Tim Tebow is strong in a full-time role.

5. Wisconsin 2006 Record: 12-1

2006 Wisconsin was a very good team with a walk-in-the-park schedule. 2007 Wisconsin will be an elite team with a more challenging slate. The safeties need to be replaced, as do LB Mark Zalewski and OT Joe Thomas, but just about everyone else returns. Tyler Donovan and former Kansas State Wildcat Allan Evridge will replace QB John Stocco without a problem.

6. Ohio State 2006 Record: 12-1

If the Buckeyes could replace all the top defensive stars after 2005 and end up in the national title game, then they should be able to overcome the loss of a ton of offensive talent and get back, right? That's a bit of a stretch, but there's still a ton of NFL talent returning on both sides of the ball with ten underclassmen starting last year. It'll all be about the running game until Todd Boeckman or Rob Schoenhoft get their feet wet.

7. Oklahoma 2006 Record: 11-3

The Sooners proved at the end of 2006 that they can survive and thrive without Adrian Peterson (although he hasn't officially made his NFL decision yet), but the offense needs Joey Halzle, or some other quarterback, to be more than just steady. The secondary should be among the best in the country, but losing linebackers Rufus Alexander and Zach Latimer hurts. You don't get better by losing ends Larry Birdine, C.J. Ah You and Calvin Thibodeaux.

8. Arkansas 2006 Record: 10-4

As long as the offensive line can replace tackles Tony Ugoh and Zac Tubbs and guard Jeremy Harrell, the Hogs should pick up where they left off late in the year thanks to the 1-2 punch of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. While the defense should be fine, losing heart-and-soul LB Sam Olajubutu and top ten-caliber draft pick Jamaal Anderson will sting.

9. UCLA 2006 Record: 7-6

Who will the quarterback be? The Pat Cowan/Ben Olson debate will be the big one this off-season. That's the only offensive issue with ten starters returning. The defense loses Justin Hickman, but All-America end Bruce Davis comes back along with nine other starters. The team's biggest loss is PK Justin Medlock.

10. Michigan 2006 Record: 11-2

The offense should be tremendous with the best trio of skill players in the country in Chad Henne, Mike Hart and Mario Manningham. Jake Long should probably be off to the NFL, but he'll be back to be a sure-fire All-American at left tackle. The defense is another story losing Alan Branch, LaMarr Woodley, Rondell Biggs, Shawn Crable, David Harris, Prescott Burgess, Leon Hall and Willis Barringer.

11. West Virginia 2006 Record: 11-2

Rich Rodriguez is staying, Pat White and Steve Slaton are back, and the offense should be as good as ever. The defense wasn't exactly a rock last year, but it gets a slew of good players back. The receiving corps needs some playmakers to step up, and Mike Dent has to quickly show he can be close to as good as center Dan Mozes.

12. Georgia 2006 Record: 9-4

About a year away from being at a national title level, the Dawgs have to get more from the receivers, the offensive line has to replace four starters, and the defense has to do its yearly job or replacing several NFL prospects.

13. Virginia Tech 2006 Record: 10-3

Ike Whitaker and Sean Glennon will be in a battle for the starting quarterback spot. If one of the two can come up with more production, the offense should shine with a tremendous receiving corps and RB Branden Ore to work with. The defense will be its typical amazing self with eight starters returning.

14. Auburn 2006 Record: 11-2

A bit of a disappointment offensively last year, things will only be better if the offensive line, depleted by graduation, comes together in a big hurry. The defense will be its typical quick self with several great young playmakers to get fired up about, especially tackles Josh Thompson and Sen'Derrick Marks.

15. Nebraska 2006 Record: 9-5

Is Nebraska ready to turn another corner? Former Arizona State QB Sam Keller will take over for Zac Taylor, and he'll have plenty of weapons to work with. The defensive line has to patch some huge holes, but almost everyone returns in the back seven.

16. Tennessee 2006 Record: 9-4

The Vols pulled up out of the 2004 nosedive with a nice year, but the UT fans are looking for more. The receiving corps take a monster his losing Robert Meachem early to the NFL along with Jayson Swain and Bret Smith, but the running game should get rolling early with three fantastic players in LaMarcus Coker, Montario Hardesty and Arian Foster.

17. Florida State 2006 Record: 7-6

The Seminoles have enough offensive firepower returning to hope for a much better year, but the quarterback situation between Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee has to be hammered out right off the bat. Just about everyone of significance returns on a defense that loses star linebackers Buster Davis and Lawrence Timmons.

18. California 2006 Record: 10-3

Despite suffering just enough big losses to keep it from being among the national title contenders, Cal should still be nasty thanks to Nate Longshore, DeSean Jackson, Robert Jordan and the passing game. Justin Forsett gets the full-time rushing load with Marshawn Lynch off to the next level. DT Brandon Mebane, LB Desmond Bishop and CB Daymeion Hughes are gone taking away the heart of the defense.

19. Boston College 2006 Record: 10-3

Jeff Jagodzinski has an excellent team returning led by possible ACC Player of the Year QB Matt Ryan. Nine starters return on defense including the entire defensive front seven, while the offense only loses two good tackles and sure-thing receiver Tony Gonzalez.

20. Texas A&M 2006 Record: 9-4

2006 should be a stepping stone to a huge 2007 with QB Stephen McGee leading what should be a top ten running attack helped by Jorvorskie Lane and Mike Goodson. Enough talent returns on defense to hope for even more production.

21. Rutgers 2006 Record: 11-2

The magic should continue with RB Ray Rice operating behind a big line. The improvement of QB Mike Teel will make the offense even better, and it'll have to be with the loss of several key defensive starters. The secondary should be excellent, while Jeremy Ito will be one of the nation's best kickers.

22. Georgia Tech 2006 Record: 9-5

Calvin Johnson is gone (bad) as is Reggie Ball (good), but almost everyone else comes back on both sides of the ball. Nine starters return from a defense that should be a killer, while RB Tashard Choice will carry the offense early on. QB Taylor Bennett showed in the Gator Bowl that he's good enough to get the passing game moving.

23. TCU 2006 Record: 11-2

It's time to start giving the program credit for being the real deal under head coach Gary Patterson. Marcus Jackson should be a more-than-adequate replacement for Jeff Ballard, while Aaron Brown and Robert Merrill will provide a killer 1-2 punch. Just about everyone is back on what should be one of the nation's best statistical defenses.

24. Penn State 2006 Record: 9-4

One of the toughest early calls, Penn State's offense should be better as long as Anthony Morelli plays like he did in the Outback Bowl. The defense might take a huge tumble losing several big stars on the defensive front, but Dan Connor and Sean Lee might be the best pair of outside linebackers in the country.

25. Oregon State 2006 Record: 10-4

Want your 2007 deep, deep sleeper for really big things? If big Sean Canfield can be a steady quarterback replacement for Matt Moore, there might be no stopping the offense with WR Sammie Stroughter and RB Yvenson Bernard among the best in the country and with four starters returning on the line. Outside of playmaking safety Sabby Piscatelli, the entire defensive back seven returns.

2007 CFN Pre-Preseason Rankings - No. 26 to 119

I really don't have a big problem with where we're ranked. It's preseason after all, and we never get respect. But I do think we should be a tad higher, maybe 10th or so. And I really don't think Arkansas should be that high, what with all that's going on there. When teams lose people, they usually drop in polls. Why haven't they?

[TexasTiger 13,556]

Notre Dame's not listed. That gives it credibility.

[PChamp119 96]

Notre Dame's not listed. That gives it credibility.

Good call. Maybe if enough voters vote this way, the country will finally get another team into the BCS that deserves to be there.

Also - no Louisville... I realize Petrino is gone, but was he enough of a factor to take them from top 5 (top 10) to not even top 25?

[AUslug 1]

LSU, Florida, and Arkansas are all ranked too high. All three have qb issues to work out before the season begins, and LSU and Arkansas both lost their oc. West Virigina is ranked too low, and what is with these high rankings of teams with qb issues?

[rexbo 104]

A team with a new QB and offensive coordinator will have trouble maintaining Top 5. Texas was initially ranked in the Top 5 before last season but we saw what happened after they lost their all world QB to the NFL. I think LSU's inexperience at QB will cost them a couple of games at least...

[GalensGhost 0]

LSU = OVERRATED

This year and every year.

[tiger88 934]

I can see why they see our 0-line as a question mark as well as our offense. I'm thinking we will improve in both areas but we'll have to prove that of course.

Let me guess, galen hates lsu? lol.

[GalensGhost 0]

Let me guess, galen hates lsu? lol.

Reality is not = to hate.

LSU = OVERRATED

[tiger88 934]

Okay, so they were overrated when they won the bcs a few years ago and this year when they finished 3rd and annihilated ND in the sugar bowl?

Step back from the trees and you might see the forest.

[WarTiger 3,987]

I think Galens point is they are built up to have "the most talent in the SEC" yet finished 3rd in the west with that alleged talent....

LSU is definently overrated....

[SouthLink02 8]

Thoughts

1) USC bar none has the most talent on a team for 2007, imo, but with Josh Booty will lose 1-2-3 games. Mark it. SouthLink's 2007 Guarantee (though spelled wrong I am sure)

2) LSU will not finish in the Top 3-4. With a new QB, new OL coach, new OC, big losses across the board from WR to DL to Secondary....win the SEC? Sure, I could see that...finish in the BCSNCG? Nope...not a chance.

3) Mack Brown still has yet to do a thing without Vince Young. I am suspect if he can beat Stoops or the BigXII without him. UT's staple under Brown re-emerged when they choked against KSU/A&M and that seems to be forgotten.

4) UF with Tebow will lose 3 games.

5) If Wisconsin wins 10+ games again, they may be the team of the Big10 and nobody knows it.

6) Arkansas that high is a joke. I don't care if Jesus Christ is their RB

7) UGA is where I like...Top 15....right where we should be....would put AU ahead of us though

8) Tenn and FSU are grossly under-rated...watch as both finish Top 5-10

9) I think it is possibly Fran's last year at A&M

10) Penn State is my super-sleeper NC pick....

[tiger88 934]

I think Galens point is they are built up to have "the most talent in the SEC" yet finished 3rd in the west with that alleged talent....

LSU is definently overrated....

Okay, the team that finished higher rated than any team in the west and annihilated a team in a bcs game while finishing #3 in the country was overrated. I think it's safe to say that unless they were a pre-season #1 or #2 that they weren't overrated this year. How can anyone argue with that????????????

The fact is that they probably had the most talent. Russell was the only thing holding them back and as soon as he got his groove on in the tenny game they were nearly unstoppable.

Plus, galen stated they were "always overrated". Are they often overrated? Maybe, but not so much lately as in the past.

If they were overrated the year they won the ncg what were people saying? "These guys could win the super bowl!". lol.

[tiger88 934]

I agree slink, I don't think lsu will finish that high either although I can see why some might think they would with two hot qb prospects and two consecutive 11 win seasons.

[SEC FAN 0]

Thoughts

2) LSU will not finish in the Top 3-4. With a new QB, new OL coach, new OC, big losses across the board from WR to DL to Secondary....win the SEC? Sure, I could see that...finish in the BCSNCG? Nope...not a chance.

Look what AU did their first year with a new OC. What big losses are you referring to on the DL? With Dorsey coming back as the leader the DL should be even stronger with more depth than last year. Overall, LSU could be as good as last year but even if they are not could end up in the top 5 due to a much more favorable schedule. To not even take the schedule into account is crazy. FL, AU, and AK all at home this year. Only Bama on the road where we normally play well. Not saying that any of those home games are automatic wins but we will be favored in all those games. I agree the QB situation is a question mark but the potential is there and with most of the big games at home that will help out with an inexperienced QB.

We should see improvements with the DL, OL, and running game. We should not be as good at QB(passing), WR, and secondary. However, the QB will be more moble.

[WarTiger 3,987]

Thoughts

2) LSU will not finish in the Top 3-4. With a new QB, new OL coach, new OC, big losses across the board from WR to DL to Secondary....win the SEC? Sure, I could see that...finish in the BCSNCG? Nope...not a chance.

Look what AU did their first year with a new OC. What big losses are you referring to on the DL? With Dorsey coming back as the leader the DL should be even stronger with more depth than last year. Overall, LSU could be as good as last year but even if they are not could end up in the top 5 due to a much more favorable schedule. To not even take the schedule into account is crazy. FL, AU, and AK all at home this year. Only Bama on the road where we normally play well. Not saying that any of those home games are automatic wins but we will be favored in all those games. I agree the QB situation is a question mark but the potential is there and with most of the big games at home that will help out with an inexperienced QB.

We should see improvements with the DL, OL, and running game. We should not be as good at QB(passing), WR, and secondary. However, the QB will be more moble.

How do you figure you'll automatically be favored in all those games you have at home? Crystal ball?? another fan dealing in absolutes....could you be...yes..will you be?? Nobody knows until the week of the games...

[Longtrainn 2]

3) Mack Brown still has yet to do a thing without Vince Young. I am suspect if he can beat Stoops or the BigXII without him. UT's staple under Brown re-emerged when they choked against KSU/A&M and that seems to be forgotten.

I don't necessarily disagree with this, I don't think Mack is a "great" coach, just a good one. But with all the talent he brings in, he doesn't always have to be great. They'll win at least 1 or 2 more Big XII titles in the near future with him. For the record though, they did beat OU this year 28-10 without VY, so I don't know where that comment came from.

[SouthLink02 8]

For the record though, they did beat OU this year 28-10 without VY, so I don't know where that comment came from.

I said that incorrectly but instead of "or" I should have said "and" with the Stoops/BigXII comment.

Brown will lose to OU next year, imo and start a new losing streak against him.

And I really dont like OU after my experience with their fans in 2004 Sugar Bowl.

[GalensGhost 0]

I think Galens point is they are built up to have "the most talent in the SEC" yet finished 3rd in the west with that alleged talent....

LSU is definently overrated....

Okay, the team that finished higher rated than any team in the west and annihilated a team in a bcs game while finishing #3 in the country was overrated. I think it's safe to say that unless they were a pre-season #1 or #2 that they weren't overrated this year. How can anyone argue with that????????????

The fact is that they probably had the most talent. Russell was the only thing holding them back and as soon as he got his groove on in the tenny game they were nearly unstoppable.

Plus, galen stated they were "always overrated". Are they often overrated? Maybe, but not so much lately as in the past.

If they were overrated the year they won the ncg what were people saying? "These guys could win the super bowl!". lol.

Yes, completely,utterly, ridiculously overrated.

I heard no one -- and I mean NO ONE -- saying anything remotely like "they could win the Super Bowl" in 2003. In fact, what I heard more often that not was "that team definitely couldn't have beaten USC and shouldn't have been in the BCS game." I heard it so much that no one other than LSU fans even remembers that they were IN the BCS game. The average fan, if asked, would tell you that USC won the title in 2003 and would have to be reminded that LSU was even involved.

LSU is overrated every single year. "Most talent ever assembled by a human" followed by two, three, four or five losses. Twice in the last three seasons Auburn has beaten the "most talented college football team in human history." LSU is the new Notre Dame. Win a game or two and get their bobos honked by bobbing media wonks.

Funny thing is that the team really isn't that much more talented than any other in the SEC. Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Auburn and Arkansas all have just as much -- if not more -- talent than the Bayou hacks. Those schools just get that talent quietly, with not near the bobo honking that goes on down there. And then those schools use that talent to beat the bejesus out of LSU on occasion.

[aucanucktiger 1,818]

HOW on earth can anybody predict next years teams in January? Injuries, position controversies, spring game performances (or lack thereof). We don't even know who will be signed as incoming freshman talent (or lack thereof) or who will transfer from junior college. I always thought June was a bit early for anything like accurate predictions, but this CFN poll is little more than a bunch of guys @ the bowling alley flapping their gums.

BTW, why again is the team that proved itself #1 on the field @ the end of the previous year not the pre-season #1 the next year? More football logic?

[SouthLink02 8]

Funny thing is that the team really isn't that much more talented than any other in the SEC. Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Auburn and Arkansas all have just as much -- if not more -- talent than the Bayou hacks. Those schools just get that talent quietly, with not near the bobo honking that goes on down there. And then those schools use that talent to beat the bejesus out of LSU on occasion.

Galen, I want to give you an AMEN to this point.

Let me start this off by saying that LSU could very well win the SEC next year. They have the talent and speed to win it along with a solid schedule.

Outside of that, I always get a chuckle at people who think LSU somehow has some talent or speed that nobody else has in the SEC. I couldn't count the amount of times I have read in the last 2 years that LSU has the "most talent" or "most speed" in the SEC. I never saw where exactly that they had the "most" by any means the last two years. They are very talented but bar none moreso then other teams? I don't think so