Scotts look at the 2007 College Football Season
Posted August 4th, 2007
Here are some early thoughts on the 2007 college football season.
I'll look at the pre-season Top 5 first
USC - The talent is there but the players that rebuilt the dynasty are gone and it's possible the new class of talent may be taking for granted that just showing up at USC means you win. That is not the case at any program and with the tough schedule the Trojans face a wire to wire run at the top is unlikely. Certainly our picks will look to take the points against SC.
LSU - Stellar defense, plenty of talent on the ground. But Russell will be missed. Still, they can absolutely make a title run.
Florida - Speed, speed and more speed. Few teams on their schedule can match it. If they're hungry enough each and every week an undefeated season is out there for the taking.
Texas - Some experience under their belt now and a relatively soft Big 12 schedule gives Texas a very good chance to ride their athletes into the BCS picture all season long but ultimately I'm not convinced the talent is all there.
Michigan - A bit under the radar - if that's possible at #5 when your name is Michigan - but the talent is back for the Wolverines, if they put it together and survive a tough schedule they'll be in the hunt.
A few teams that will be much improved this season. They either had several close losses last season or seemed to have a lot of turnovers go against them. Both of these things have a way of turning around.
Memphis, Illinios, Toledo, Alabama, and NC State
A look at a significant turn around in strength of schedule from last season will have us watching a few teams.
Temple, Tulane, Northwestern, OU and Indiana have a much easier schedule this season and should see an improved record.
On the other side of the coin, easy schedules last season turn to a very tough run this season for Texas A&M, Utah and Wisconsin - expect a fall for these talented teams that may have too much to overcome to post a record to match that talent. But they'll look like good bowl picks in the end.
Surprise teams a little closer to the title hunt....
Florida State - very tough schedule but the talent is back, the coaching staff is ramped up and the Seminoles will win a lot of games this season. Perhaps even all of them.
Virginia Tech - Veterans's in the backfield at QB and RB coupled with a national power defense makes the Hokies a very tough opponent.
Penn State - All 4 games they dropped last season were to Top 7 teams, and they were close games. Schedule gets easier, Penn State will make some noise.
Ohio State - Don't write them off too early. They absolutely have the depth to reload and play outstanding defense.
Watch for our college football picks posted each and every week during the season.
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