2008 College Preview
by Matthew Nuttall
3/9/2008
 
The 2008 College Football season promises so much, as questions are beginning to be asked; who will win the SEC? Which at-large team will make a BCS appearance? Can Tim Tebow retain his Heisman trophy and will Notre Dame get back into the national spotlight?
 
This questions can only be answered on the field, but in this preview I will try to breakdown each of the top 10 schools according to the coaches poll: Key returning players, their strengths and weaknesses. I will also attempt to project there W-L and where they will wind up come bowl season.
 
#1 Georgia
 
2007 Record: (11-2, 6-2 SEC)
Head Coach: Mark Richt
Key Returnees: RB Knowshown Moreno, QB Matthew Stafford, WR Mohamed Massaquoi, LB Dannell Ellerbe, DT Geno Atkins, CB Asher Allen, DE Roderick Battle, LB Rennie Curran
 
2008 Outlook
 
Georgia’s ‘D’ finished 14th in the nation when it came to Yards given up per game. 323.2 yds is a small amount and considering most of Georgia’s 2007 starters return in 08 it could get even smaller. Marcus Howard was the biggest loss for the defense, in 2007 he led the team with 10.5 sacks, the LB core is also in question Rennie Curran, Akeem Dent and Dannell Ellerbe are still a little inexperienced however the Bulldog’s secondary should make up for that. Offensively the worry arises at the offensive line, former DE Kiante Tripp will take over at RT and former LG Chris Davis will now take over duties at center. For a team that relies on the run game so much it is important that these players step up quickly especially in a conference that is brutal. Heisman hopeful Knowshon Moreno returns and so does Matthew Stafford these two men will be the key to Georgia’s offense. Stafford has not fully reached his potential whereas Moreno inspired the Bulldogs all the way to a BCS game. His 14 TD’s as a freshman is scary, Stafford should be helped by his receivers Massaquoi, Chandler and Moore. 2007 was a stepping stone, 2008 Georgia are favourites to win it all. The schedule is cruel especially for a team that has such high targets. On the road facing South Carolina, Arizona State, LSU and Auburn. Then a game against Florida on neutral territory. 83rd in passing offense must improve in 2008, along with the running game, a quick start is crucial to the Bulldogs success this coming year.
 
2008 Projection
 
Key Games: 20/9 at Arizona State, 11/10 vs Tennessee, 25/10 at LSU, 1/11 vs Florida, 15/11 at Auburn.
Projected W-L: 9-2 (6-2 SEC) Projected Overall Rank: #3 Projected Bowl Game: Sugar
 
#2 USC
 
2007 Record: (11-2, 7-2 Pac 10)
Head Coach: Pete Carroll
Key Returnees: LB Ray Maualuga, RB Stafon Johnson, WR Patrick Turner, DT Fili Moala, WR David Ausberry, RB Joe McKnight, G Jeff Byers, S Taylor Mays.
 
2008 Outlook
 
USC’s defense in 2007 was near perfection, the Trojans allowed only 16 points per game with a stingy 273.2 yds per game, second in the nation. Amazing to think that Ray Maualuga had a more productive season than Keith Rivers – a top 10 pick in the 2008 NFL draft. Terrell Thomas also departs but is that really a big loss, Josh Pinkard, Kevin Thomas and Shareece Wright will replace him. USC are really the staple mark of rebuilding, never are they caught short when the stars leave for the pro’s. But if there is even a hint of weakness it is at DE, Sedrick Ellis and Lawrence Jackson are both gone – in come, Fili Moala , Averell Spicerand Christian Tupou. Inexperience lingers around Spicerand and Tupou. The offensive line is also in doubt, the two best players on the line in 2007 are not only gone – with them 2 other starters also said goodbye. Butch Lewis, Zack Herberer, Kristofer O’Dowd and Charles Brown will all take over. The RB position has always been a Southern Cal strong poiny that does not change in 2008. Stafon Johnson is one to watch however Joe McKnight is set to become USC’s new Reggie Bush. Receiving? Well they are just as talented Patrick Turner, Vidal Hazelton and David Ausberry will give QB Mark Sanchez no excuse, he’s not as talented as Leinart or Booty but he is capable. There’s no doubt, Pete Carroll must have the Ohio State tussle circled on his calendar. A win in this game is a ticket to Miami, since it should be #2 going up against #3. Experience is not in favour for the Trojans but pure talent is. Will the speed of USC burn the Buckeyes again?
 
2008 Projection
 
Key Games: 13/9 vs. Ohio State, 4/10 vs. Oregon, 11/10 vs. Arizona State, 8/11 vs. California.
Projected W-L 10-2 (8-1 Pac 10) Projected Overall Rank #2 Projected Bowl Game: National Championship
 
#3 Ohio State
 
2007 Record: (11-2, 7-1 Big Ten)
Head Coach: Jim Tressel
Key Returnees: RB Chris Wells, LB James Laurinaitis, QB Todd Boeckman, CB Malcolm Jenkins, DE Cameron Heyward, WR Brian Robiskie, WR Brian Hartline.
 
2008 Outlook
 
Ohio State fans were left heartbroken again in January of 2007. A second consecutive loss in a National Championship game, each coming against an SEC school. In 2008 they look to change all of that. QB Todd Boeckman returns as a Senior coming off a big year, throwing for 2,379 yards and 25 TD’s in 2007, the only concern was his decision making – Boeckman was picked off 14 times in 2007 this figure should be lower as the Buckeyes are solid up front. Another intriguing piece of the QB puzzle is Terrell Pryor, the blue chip recruit was amongst a highly contested recruiting battle and it should be an interesting season for him, as Tressel has already admitted he will be part of the Buckeyes offense in 2008. Chris Wells may well be the best RB in the nation; he lit up Michigan and LSU on the way to 15 TD’s in 2007. He is a heisman candidate and what’s even scarier is that Ohio State are deep at RB alongside Wells are Maurice Wells and Brandon Saine, Wells should be a 3rd down back and Saine will be used in the passing game. The Buckeyes group of receivers are also among the best in the nation, Brian Robiskie is Boeckman’s favourite target his 935 yards should improve, whereas Brian Hartline is also a polished receiver, the junior is a key part to Tressel’s offense. Experience reigns supreme in the Buckeyes frontline, LT Alex Boone and LG Steve Rehring both seniors lead the line, with C Jim Cordle a Jr, Sr RG Ben Person and So RT Bryant Downing. This should keep Boeckman well protected. Ohio State’s defense is intimidating, replacing Vernon Gholston is Lawrence Wilson, this defensive line is not only strong there big. One of the best LB’s in the country James Laurinaitis returns to bolster the rushing defense, so does Marcus Freeman both these are predicted to be playing on Sundays in 2009. Is there a weakness in this team? Not in the secondary. Although there were question marks in Louisiana, the backfield returns with a wealth of experience Sr Malcolm Jenkins is the best CB in the country, with Jr’s Donald Washington, Anderson Russell and Kurt Coleman all complete the secondary.
 
2008 Projection
 
Key Games: 13/9 at USC, 4/10 at Wisconsin, 25/10 vs. Penn State, 22/11 vs. Michigan
Projected W-L 10-1 (7-1 Big Ten) Projected Overall Rank #1 Projected Bowl Game National Championship
 
#4 Oklahoma
 
2007 Record: (11-3, 6-2 Big 12)
Head Coach: Bob Stoops
Key Returnees: QB Sam Bradford, DE Auston English, RB DeMarco Murray, OT Branndon Braxton, WR Juaquin Iglesias, CB Lendy Holmes.
 
2008 Outlook
 
2007 was yet another disappointing season in Norman, yes they won the Big 12 and made a BCS bowl game but they lost – again. This time the slayers were West Virginia a team that were supposedly in turmoil before the game after losing their head coach. What’s more worrying for the Sooners in 2008 is the amount of talent that left early; holes at WR, LB and the secondary have arisen. Furthermore, there are positives. It starts at QB with Sam Bradford, 36 TD’s at freshman multiply that with over 3,000 Yds and you have one of the best freshman years at QB for a long time. Stoops must also find confidence in the fact that the entire offensive line return, this is key in a conference where schools put a lot of points on the board. RB Demarco Murray still has a lot of upside and a lot to give to this offense his 764 Yds definitely showed signs of sparkle. The loss of Malcolm Kelly is crucial, however with Juauin Iglesias at WR the passing game shouldn’t be at complete loss. The one question mark for Oklahoma is the rushing offense, at 30th in the nation and health issues with their star at RB could stall the passing game somewhat. No matter what anyone says this offense is strong how can you ignore 42 Points per game a sophomore QB who could improve on his numbers and a returning offensive line? As for the defense. LB is Oklahoma’s biggest issue, both Curtis Lofton and Lewis baker leave, combined with CB Reggie Smith and eyebrows start to raise. Ryan Reynolds returns but he may be the only experienced LB at Oklahoma. Some special team players, transfers and redshirt freshman – that’s what makes up the Sooners defense. Worrying. What’s a little less worrying is the secondary Dominique Franks may be the next Big 12 defensive 1st rounder, round that up with CB Lendy Holmes and S Nic Harris and everything seems just fine again in Norman. Luckily for this defense their first real test doesn’t come until early October against Texas. Allowing time for this defensive unit to gel. No matter what you say about this team their contenders if it wasn’t for 2 losses in 07 the Sooners were heading to Louisiana, it could be the same story in 2008 unless the defense improves – fast.
 
2008 Projection
 
Key Games: 11/10 vs. Texas, 18/10 vs. Kansas, 22/11 vs. Texas Tech
Projected W-L (9-2, 7-1 Big 12) Projected Overall Rank #7 Projected Bowl Game Fiesta
 
#5 Florida
 
2007 Record: (9-4, 5-3 SEC)
Head Coach: Urban Meyer
Key Returnees: QB Tim Tebow, WR Percy Harvin, DE Jermaine Cunningham, RB Kestahn Moore, LB Brandon Spikes, G Jim Tartt, S Major Wright, WR Louis Murphy
 
2008 Outlook
 
It’s certainly not usual when your QB runs for more yards than he passes for. Enter Tim Tebow’s world. ‘Superman’ as he’s known in some parts in Florida scored 55 total TD’s in 2007, how can you improve that in 2008? Strangely the Gators hope he doesn’t in fact they hope half of the workload is taken off his shoulders. Emmanuel Moody transferred from USC, Kestahn Moore will continue as starter nevertheless Chris Rainey has been thriving in Spring. Meyer knows Tebow will more than likely not score 55 TD’s in 2008 and the labour in ’07 took its toll (finishing with a broken wrist in late 2007) so with these RB’s and the dynamic Harvin Florida should score a bunch. Florida’s secondary was inexperienced in 2007 but that does not explain being 98th in pass defense and 41st in overall defense. Returning are Wondy Pierre-Louis, Joe Haden and Major Wright, these three should all be more reliable now. The problem does not just surface at the secondary, the Gators only averaged 2.15 sacks per game and this predicament was made worse in April when Derrick Harvey was drafted into the NFL. In for him is Jermaine Cunningham and Carlos Dunlap both will help relieve the pressure but they do not necessarily improve a questionable line. The schedule for Florida is tough. It is for any other SEC team. A difficult test on the road against Tennessee, a home game versus LSU and a hostile game facing Georgia considering last year’s melee. Dangerous games involving Arkansas away from the swamp and South Carolina, round out what is a perilous schedule for the Gators. As explosive as the offense is it’s hard to imagine a BCS game without the Gators but as unsecure as the defense is it’s hard to imagine them in one.
 
2008 Projection
 
Key games: 20/9 at Tennessee, 11/10 vs. LSU, 1/11 vs. Georgia, 29/11 at Florida State
Projected W-L (9-2, 6-2 SEC) Projected Overall Rank # 4 Projected Bowl Game Rose