Volsaholic
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I not big on preseason ranking I just love reading this one
the entire webbed article can be found at
http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/3342530
1. USC 2004 Record: 13-0 Pac 10
USC is going to be everyone's preseason number one yet again led by the 1-2 running back punch of Reggie Bush and LenDale White behind a big-time offensive line. The receiving corps will be flat out frightening with Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett each ready for the NFL now. Oh yeah, and the Heisman Trophy winner/number one pick in the draft is back for another year. On the down side, there are huge losses on defense especially at tackle and linebacker.
Biggest offensive loss: G John Drake Biggest defensive loss: DTs Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson
2. Tennessee 2004 Record: 10-3 SEC
The Vols will be back among the elite of the elite as long as the defense can take a little overall step up in production. The offense will be a juggernaut with what many consider to be Tennessee's most talented receiving corps ever (which is obviously saying a ton for this program). RB Gerald Riggs Jr. and QBs Erik Ainge and Brent Schaeffer are ready to be big-time college football household names. The defense will lose star linebacker Kevin Burnett, but there's more than enough talent to come up with a killer D helped by the return of CB Jason Allen.
Biggest offensive loss: RB Cedric Houston Biggest defensive loss: LB Kevin Burnett
3. Iowa 2004 Record: 10-2 Big Ten
Iowa?! Yup. The program has had a little-engine-that-could feel, but this is a powerhouse with 31 wins and three January bowls over the last three years. The defense has to prove it can be just as stingy without Matt Roth and Jonathan Babineaux up front, so All-America caliber linebackers Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge have to be even better. The offense was solid last year despite having the worst rushing attack in America, but there's no way the plague of running back injuries will hit again. Gutty QB Drew Tate was the Big Ten's most valuable player, and then he became a legend with the win over LSU. Now he'll look to finally give Iowa an outright Big Ten title under Ferentz.
Biggest offensive loss: TE Tony Jackson Biggest defensive loss: DE Matt Roth & DT Jonathan Babineaux
4. Ohio State 2004 Record: 8-4
Could the Troy Smith/Maurice Clarett storm actually be weathered? Maybe, but that might not necessarily be a good thing as the Buckeyes played like national title contenders when the adversity struck, blowing out Michigan and Oklahoma State to close out 2004. Ted Ginn Jr. and A.J. Hawk lead a team that has the potential to be far better than the 2002 powerhouse as long as the quarterback play is consistent. As good as the defense has been, Tressel Ball only really worked because it could always count on PK Mike Nugent. That safety net is gone so the offense will actually have to score touchdowns on a consistent basis.
Biggest offensive loss: PK Mike Nugent Biggest defensive loss: DE Simon Fraser
5. Virginia Tech 2004 Record: 10-3 ACC
The Hokies flourished last year with its nobody-respects-us attitude. Can they handle being the hunted? Frank Beamer teams have crashed and burned recently when they were supposed to be great, but the pressure is on anyway with just about everyone of note coming back on both sides of the ball (helped mostly by the return of Jimmy Williams to the secondary). Everyone but ACC Player of the Year Bryan Randall, so Marcus Vick has to put everything in the past and be the player everyone was hoping he'd be before all the trouble.
Biggest offensive loss: QB Bryan Randall Biggest defensive loss: DT Jim Davis
6. Texas 2004 Record: 11-1 Big XII
O.K. Texas, here's yet another chance to finally push the rock over the top of the mountain. Oklahoma will be a wee bit down (but not all that much) and there are more than enough returning Longhorn starters on both sides of the ball to demand a Big XII title season. All the hype will be around QB Vince Young, but he must work his tail off this off-season to become a better passer with the offense entirely on his shoulders. The offensive line should be Mack Brown's best yet.
Biggest offensive loss: RB Cedric Benson Biggest defensive loss: LB Derrick Johnson
7. Miami 2004 Record: 9-3 ACC
That's two years in a row that Miami hasn't won the national championship. While that's acceptable, losing a home game for the conference title isn't and now there's a nasty attitude around the program. QB Brock Berlin was fine, but he's not irreplaceable so hotshot Kyle Wright will battle Kirby Freeman for one of college football's highest profile gigs. The defense loses CB Antrel Rolle but gets everyone else back. The offense can weather the loss of Frank Gore and Roscoe Parrish.
Biggest offensive loss: RB Frank Gore Biggest defensive loss: CB Antrel Rolle
8. LSU 2004 Record: 9-3 SEC
Nick Saban can only dream of having this much talent in Miami. Les Miles will have to worry a bit at cornerback and a pass rusher has to replace Marcus Spears, but the tackle combination of Claude Wroten and Kyle Williams will be a brick wall while the rest of the back seven has speed, speed and more speed. If you count QB JaMarcus Russell as a first-teamer and forget about the injury to center Ben Wilkerson, every offensive starter returns from the 2005 Capital One Bowl. The Tigers might have the fastest receiving corps in college football history.
Biggest offensive loss: C Ben Wilkerson Biggest defensive loss: DE Marcus Spears
9. Florida 2004 Record: 7-5 SEC
Urban Meyer is a fantastic coach of other people's talent, and he has an amazing team to kick off his era in Gainesville. Ron Zook had his faults, but the dude could recruit and there are more than enough good players on both sides of the ball to shoot for the SEC title if there isn't the flake factor that plagued the previous regime. QB Chris Leak has been great, but he can be better. The early departures of RB Ciatrick Fason and LB Channing Crowder drops the Gators from the prepreseason top five, but not far. RB DeShawn Wynn is due to be a superstar while Dallas Baker and Andre Caldwell will be a deadly 1-2 receiving punch.
Biggest offensive loss: RB Ciatrick Fason Biggest defensive loss: LB Channing Crowder
10. Oklahoma 2004 Record: 12-1 Big XII
Everyone will spend the next eight months badmouthing Oklahoma after the dismal performance in the Orange Bowl. That's not fair considering how great this program has been under Bob Stoops as another Big XII title will be more than enough to make 2005 successful. However, this might not be the team to do it losing three stars off the offensive line, Mark Clayton and Brandon Jones from the receiving corps, and QB Jason White. The attack will focus around Adrian Peterson while the D should be fine after a little bit of time. However, the defense still has to prove it can be a killer without Mike Stoops.
Biggest offensive loss: QB Jason White Biggest defensive loss: DE Dan Cody
11. Arizona State 2004 Record: 9-3 Pac 10
There's talk of this being the best Arizona State team ever with ten starters back on offense from the Sun Bowl winning team led by newfound star QB Sam Keller and All-America caliber WR Derek Hagan. The defense will have a few issues, but it should still be solid especially on the line. Can Dirk Koetter's program handle the pressure of high expectations? It couldn't do it two years ago and an early game at LSU could take the excitement away. By the way, USC comes to Tempe October 1st.
Biggest offensive loss: QB Andrew Walter Biggest defensive loss: S Riccardo Stewart
BCS Contenders
Teams with the potential to get to the BCS (even if they don't earn an automatic bid)
12. Georgia 2004 Record: 10-2
The Dawgs couldn't win the SEC East last year despite having QB David Greene, DE David Pollack, LB Odell Thurman, S Thomas Davis, WR Fred Gibson and WR Reggie Brown; how could they do it without them? Running. D.J. Shockley finally gets his shot to run the attack full-time while the backfield has as much running back talent as anyone in America. The defense reloads at this point, but it's asking a lot for yet another brick wall after another year of NFL losses.
Biggest offensive loss: QB David Greene Biggest defensive loss: DE David Pollack
13. Michigan 2004 Record: 9-3 Big Ten
So, how is Michigan going to be better this year after losing S Ernest Shazor, CB Marlin Jackson, C David Baas, and of course, WR Braylon Edwards? QB Chad Henne and RB Mike Hart can't play any better, can they? This is yet another Rose Bowl contender, but there's too much work to be done on both sides of the line to be the favorite considering the Big Ten will be far better this season. Even so, the skill players will be the best in the conference and it's Michigan; it'll be in the hunt until the end.
Biggest offensive loss: WR Braylon Edwards Biggest defensive loss: S Ernest Shazor
14. Purdue 2004 Record: 7-5 Big Ten
The offense got everyone back last year and now the defense returns the talent with more than enough back to give Joe Tiller his best D yet. The focus will be on the offense that loses QB Kyle Orton and record-setting WR Taylor Stubblefield, but Brandon Kirsch has experience and should be more than solid behind a good offensive line. 6-9 WR Kyle Ingraham and Ray Williams will make up for Stubblefield's departure.
Biggest offensive loss: QB Kyle Orton Biggest defensive loss: CB Antwaun Rogers
15. Florida State 2004 Record: 9-3 ACC
The offensive line dealt with major injury problems, the quarterback situation was a mess, top RB Leon Washington got banged up, the placekicking was off, and the defense had to deal with youth and inexperience early on. Oh yeah, and the Seminoles came within roughly three plays of being 11-0 in the regular season. There's work to do with big losses on both sides of the ball, but the 'Noles always reload. Getting Washington back for his senior year is a great first step.
Biggest offensive loss: OT Alex Barron Biggest defensive loss: DT Travis Johnson
16. Georgia Tech 2004 Record: 7-5 ACC
Chan Gailey's fourth year in Atlanta should be one to remember as one of the nation's best defenses gets ten starters back from the Champs Sports Bowl winner. Tackle is the biggest issue on offense, but the skill players will be outstanding as WR Calvin Johnson is poised for an All-America caliber season as long as QB Reggie Ball can be more consistent. There are too many good running backs to backup P.J. Daniels.
Biggest offensive loss: WR Nate Curry Biggest defensive loss: FS James Butler
17. Boston College 2004 Record: 9-3 ACC
With the move to the ACC, head coach Tom O'Brien picked a great time to come up with his best team yet led by the 1-2 rushing punch of L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callender along with the early candidate for all the major defensive awards, DE Mathias Kiwanuka. Almost everyone returns to the defensive back seven led by sophomore-to-be linebacking sensation Brian Toal. Will QB Matt Ryan provide the same spark Paul Peterson did?
Biggest offensive loss: QB Paul Peterson Biggest defensive loss: DT Tim Bulman
18. Auburn 2004 Record: 13-0 SEC
You don't get better by losing QB Jason Campbell, RBs Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams, S Junior Rosegreen and CB Carlos Rogers. 2004 was a special year with a special team that came through clutch time and again; it's asking way too much for lightning to strike twice. The defensive line loses three starters, but Stanley McClover is an upgrade on one end. The linebacking corps will probably the best in the SEC while the receiving corps will make probable QB Brandon Cox look great.
Biggest offensive loss: QB Jason Campbell Biggest defensive loss: DE Carlos Rogers
19. Minnesota 2004 Record: 7-5 Big Ten
October 8th at Michigan. For two straight seasons Big Blue has marked the beginning of the end for the Gophers, but this might finally be the team that gets over the hump led by speedy RB Laurence Maroney. Don't forget about the receiving corps as Jared Ellerson and Ernie Wheelwright will quietly be among the Big Ten's most dangerous. Adding to the talent will be the nation's best center, Greg Eslinger, and enough good players on defense to build around.
Biggest offensive loss: RB Marion Barber III Biggest defensive loss: CB Ukee Dozier
20. Alabama 2004 Record: 6-6 SEC
Was the defense exposed by Minnesota or was it really that good? Fortunately most of the key players are back with eight returning defensive starters from the Music City Bowl. Of course, all eyes will be on the quarterback situation as Brodie Croyle needs to be back to his old form after a knee injury. The running game will still be a killer.
Biggest offensive loss: OT Wesley Britt Biggest defensive loss: LB Cornelius Wortham
21. Texas A&M 2004 Record: 7-5 Big XII
Dennis Franchione's program has the potential to explode behind QB Reggie McNeal and RB Courtney Lewis (if he actually gets to carry the ball more). Eight starters return on a defense that finally will be back to days of the Wrecking Crew, highlighted by a fearsome front seven. But it all comes down to McNeal. Ty Branyon was great in relief, but McNeal makes this good team great.
Biggest offensive loss: WR Terrence Murphy Biggest defensive loss: CB Byron Jones
22. Texas Tech 2004 Record: 8-4 Big XII
Name the Big XII team that has been bowl eligible every year since the league began? Texas Tech will go to the postseason yet again as long as Cody Hodges, or whoever plays quarterback this year, quickly fills in for Sonny Cumbie. RB Taurean Henderson and WR Jarrett Hicks will be among the Big XII's best. The defense returns eight starters from the team that held California in check.
Biggest offensive loss: QB Sonny Cumbie Biggest defensive loss: DE Adell Duckett
23. Fresno State 2004 Record: 9-3 WAC
We've all fallen for Fresno State before. You remember all the BCS talk after beating Washington and Kansas State? This year will be different as this should be Pat Hill's best team yet, returning nine starters on offense and eight on defense. The D line is the biggest concern, but the back seven will be more than good enough to pick up the slack for a while. QB Paul Pinegar needs to continue to play as well as he did at the end of the year, but it'll be the running game that dominates.
Biggest offensive loss: OT Logan Mankins Biggest defensive loss: DE Claude Sanders
24. Louisville 2004 Record: 11-1 Big East
Louisville enters Big East play as the likely favorite, but don't buy the hype that this is a preseason top ten team even though more than enough talent returns to expect another huge year. Who did the Cardinals beat in 2004? Boise State? North Carolina? Exactly. This will be a strong team, but not an elite one after the loss of WR J.R. Russell, QB Stefan LeFors, RB Eric Shelton, DE Marcus Jones and LB Robert McCune. QB Brian Brohm will be the Big East's newest star and should put up big-time numbers.
Biggest offensive loss: RB Eric Shelton Biggest defensive loss: LB Robert McCune
25. California 2004 Record: 10-2 Pac 10
Don't be shocked if Cal does't fall too much, even after losing QB Aaron Rodgers, RB J.J. Arrington and nine top seniors from the defense. Marshawn Lynch will likely be the Pac 10's leading rusher helped by a solid line. Jeff Tedford doesn't have the program to the point where it can simply reload, but it isn't far off.
Biggest offensive loss: QB Aaron Rodgers Biggest defensive loss: LB Wendell Hunter
the entire webbed article can be found at
http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/3342530
1. USC 2004 Record: 13-0 Pac 10
USC is going to be everyone's preseason number one yet again led by the 1-2 running back punch of Reggie Bush and LenDale White behind a big-time offensive line. The receiving corps will be flat out frightening with Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett each ready for the NFL now. Oh yeah, and the Heisman Trophy winner/number one pick in the draft is back for another year. On the down side, there are huge losses on defense especially at tackle and linebacker.
Biggest offensive loss: G John Drake Biggest defensive loss: DTs Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson
2. Tennessee 2004 Record: 10-3 SEC
The Vols will be back among the elite of the elite as long as the defense can take a little overall step up in production. The offense will be a juggernaut with what many consider to be Tennessee's most talented receiving corps ever (which is obviously saying a ton for this program). RB Gerald Riggs Jr. and QBs Erik Ainge and Brent Schaeffer are ready to be big-time college football household names. The defense will lose star linebacker Kevin Burnett, but there's more than enough talent to come up with a killer D helped by the return of CB Jason Allen.
Biggest offensive loss: RB Cedric Houston Biggest defensive loss: LB Kevin Burnett
3. Iowa 2004 Record: 10-2 Big Ten
Iowa?! Yup. The program has had a little-engine-that-could feel, but this is a powerhouse with 31 wins and three January bowls over the last three years. The defense has to prove it can be just as stingy without Matt Roth and Jonathan Babineaux up front, so All-America caliber linebackers Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge have to be even better. The offense was solid last year despite having the worst rushing attack in America, but there's no way the plague of running back injuries will hit again. Gutty QB Drew Tate was the Big Ten's most valuable player, and then he became a legend with the win over LSU. Now he'll look to finally give Iowa an outright Big Ten title under Ferentz.
Biggest offensive loss: TE Tony Jackson Biggest defensive loss: DE Matt Roth & DT Jonathan Babineaux
4. Ohio State 2004 Record: 8-4
Could the Troy Smith/Maurice Clarett storm actually be weathered? Maybe, but that might not necessarily be a good thing as the Buckeyes played like national title contenders when the adversity struck, blowing out Michigan and Oklahoma State to close out 2004. Ted Ginn Jr. and A.J. Hawk lead a team that has the potential to be far better than the 2002 powerhouse as long as the quarterback play is consistent. As good as the defense has been, Tressel Ball only really worked because it could always count on PK Mike Nugent. That safety net is gone so the offense will actually have to score touchdowns on a consistent basis.
Biggest offensive loss: PK Mike Nugent Biggest defensive loss: DE Simon Fraser
5. Virginia Tech 2004 Record: 10-3 ACC
The Hokies flourished last year with its nobody-respects-us attitude. Can they handle being the hunted? Frank Beamer teams have crashed and burned recently when they were supposed to be great, but the pressure is on anyway with just about everyone of note coming back on both sides of the ball (helped mostly by the return of Jimmy Williams to the secondary). Everyone but ACC Player of the Year Bryan Randall, so Marcus Vick has to put everything in the past and be the player everyone was hoping he'd be before all the trouble.
Biggest offensive loss: QB Bryan Randall Biggest defensive loss: DT Jim Davis
6. Texas 2004 Record: 11-1 Big XII
O.K. Texas, here's yet another chance to finally push the rock over the top of the mountain. Oklahoma will be a wee bit down (but not all that much) and there are more than enough returning Longhorn starters on both sides of the ball to demand a Big XII title season. All the hype will be around QB Vince Young, but he must work his tail off this off-season to become a better passer with the offense entirely on his shoulders. The offensive line should be Mack Brown's best yet.
Biggest offensive loss: RB Cedric Benson Biggest defensive loss: LB Derrick Johnson
7. Miami 2004 Record: 9-3 ACC
That's two years in a row that Miami hasn't won the national championship. While that's acceptable, losing a home game for the conference title isn't and now there's a nasty attitude around the program. QB Brock Berlin was fine, but he's not irreplaceable so hotshot Kyle Wright will battle Kirby Freeman for one of college football's highest profile gigs. The defense loses CB Antrel Rolle but gets everyone else back. The offense can weather the loss of Frank Gore and Roscoe Parrish.
Biggest offensive loss: RB Frank Gore Biggest defensive loss: CB Antrel Rolle
8. LSU 2004 Record: 9-3 SEC
Nick Saban can only dream of having this much talent in Miami. Les Miles will have to worry a bit at cornerback and a pass rusher has to replace Marcus Spears, but the tackle combination of Claude Wroten and Kyle Williams will be a brick wall while the rest of the back seven has speed, speed and more speed. If you count QB JaMarcus Russell as a first-teamer and forget about the injury to center Ben Wilkerson, every offensive starter returns from the 2005 Capital One Bowl. The Tigers might have the fastest receiving corps in college football history.
Biggest offensive loss: C Ben Wilkerson Biggest defensive loss: DE Marcus Spears
9. Florida 2004 Record: 7-5 SEC
Urban Meyer is a fantastic coach of other people's talent, and he has an amazing team to kick off his era in Gainesville. Ron Zook had his faults, but the dude could recruit and there are more than enough good players on both sides of the ball to shoot for the SEC title if there isn't the flake factor that plagued the previous regime. QB Chris Leak has been great, but he can be better. The early departures of RB Ciatrick Fason and LB Channing Crowder drops the Gators from the prepreseason top five, but not far. RB DeShawn Wynn is due to be a superstar while Dallas Baker and Andre Caldwell will be a deadly 1-2 receiving punch.
Biggest offensive loss: RB Ciatrick Fason Biggest defensive loss: LB Channing Crowder
10. Oklahoma 2004 Record: 12-1 Big XII
Everyone will spend the next eight months badmouthing Oklahoma after the dismal performance in the Orange Bowl. That's not fair considering how great this program has been under Bob Stoops as another Big XII title will be more than enough to make 2005 successful. However, this might not be the team to do it losing three stars off the offensive line, Mark Clayton and Brandon Jones from the receiving corps, and QB Jason White. The attack will focus around Adrian Peterson while the D should be fine after a little bit of time. However, the defense still has to prove it can be a killer without Mike Stoops.
Biggest offensive loss: QB Jason White Biggest defensive loss: DE Dan Cody
11. Arizona State 2004 Record: 9-3 Pac 10
There's talk of this being the best Arizona State team ever with ten starters back on offense from the Sun Bowl winning team led by newfound star QB Sam Keller and All-America caliber WR Derek Hagan. The defense will have a few issues, but it should still be solid especially on the line. Can Dirk Koetter's program handle the pressure of high expectations? It couldn't do it two years ago and an early game at LSU could take the excitement away. By the way, USC comes to Tempe October 1st.
Biggest offensive loss: QB Andrew Walter Biggest defensive loss: S Riccardo Stewart
BCS Contenders
Teams with the potential to get to the BCS (even if they don't earn an automatic bid)
12. Georgia 2004 Record: 10-2
The Dawgs couldn't win the SEC East last year despite having QB David Greene, DE David Pollack, LB Odell Thurman, S Thomas Davis, WR Fred Gibson and WR Reggie Brown; how could they do it without them? Running. D.J. Shockley finally gets his shot to run the attack full-time while the backfield has as much running back talent as anyone in America. The defense reloads at this point, but it's asking a lot for yet another brick wall after another year of NFL losses.
Biggest offensive loss: QB David Greene Biggest defensive loss: DE David Pollack
13. Michigan 2004 Record: 9-3 Big Ten
So, how is Michigan going to be better this year after losing S Ernest Shazor, CB Marlin Jackson, C David Baas, and of course, WR Braylon Edwards? QB Chad Henne and RB Mike Hart can't play any better, can they? This is yet another Rose Bowl contender, but there's too much work to be done on both sides of the line to be the favorite considering the Big Ten will be far better this season. Even so, the skill players will be the best in the conference and it's Michigan; it'll be in the hunt until the end.
Biggest offensive loss: WR Braylon Edwards Biggest defensive loss: S Ernest Shazor
14. Purdue 2004 Record: 7-5 Big Ten
The offense got everyone back last year and now the defense returns the talent with more than enough back to give Joe Tiller his best D yet. The focus will be on the offense that loses QB Kyle Orton and record-setting WR Taylor Stubblefield, but Brandon Kirsch has experience and should be more than solid behind a good offensive line. 6-9 WR Kyle Ingraham and Ray Williams will make up for Stubblefield's departure.
Biggest offensive loss: QB Kyle Orton Biggest defensive loss: CB Antwaun Rogers
15. Florida State 2004 Record: 9-3 ACC
The offensive line dealt with major injury problems, the quarterback situation was a mess, top RB Leon Washington got banged up, the placekicking was off, and the defense had to deal with youth and inexperience early on. Oh yeah, and the Seminoles came within roughly three plays of being 11-0 in the regular season. There's work to do with big losses on both sides of the ball, but the 'Noles always reload. Getting Washington back for his senior year is a great first step.
Biggest offensive loss: OT Alex Barron Biggest defensive loss: DT Travis Johnson
16. Georgia Tech 2004 Record: 7-5 ACC
Chan Gailey's fourth year in Atlanta should be one to remember as one of the nation's best defenses gets ten starters back from the Champs Sports Bowl winner. Tackle is the biggest issue on offense, but the skill players will be outstanding as WR Calvin Johnson is poised for an All-America caliber season as long as QB Reggie Ball can be more consistent. There are too many good running backs to backup P.J. Daniels.
Biggest offensive loss: WR Nate Curry Biggest defensive loss: FS James Butler
17. Boston College 2004 Record: 9-3 ACC
With the move to the ACC, head coach Tom O'Brien picked a great time to come up with his best team yet led by the 1-2 rushing punch of L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callender along with the early candidate for all the major defensive awards, DE Mathias Kiwanuka. Almost everyone returns to the defensive back seven led by sophomore-to-be linebacking sensation Brian Toal. Will QB Matt Ryan provide the same spark Paul Peterson did?
Biggest offensive loss: QB Paul Peterson Biggest defensive loss: DT Tim Bulman
18. Auburn 2004 Record: 13-0 SEC
You don't get better by losing QB Jason Campbell, RBs Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams, S Junior Rosegreen and CB Carlos Rogers. 2004 was a special year with a special team that came through clutch time and again; it's asking way too much for lightning to strike twice. The defensive line loses three starters, but Stanley McClover is an upgrade on one end. The linebacking corps will probably the best in the SEC while the receiving corps will make probable QB Brandon Cox look great.
Biggest offensive loss: QB Jason Campbell Biggest defensive loss: DE Carlos Rogers
19. Minnesota 2004 Record: 7-5 Big Ten
October 8th at Michigan. For two straight seasons Big Blue has marked the beginning of the end for the Gophers, but this might finally be the team that gets over the hump led by speedy RB Laurence Maroney. Don't forget about the receiving corps as Jared Ellerson and Ernie Wheelwright will quietly be among the Big Ten's most dangerous. Adding to the talent will be the nation's best center, Greg Eslinger, and enough good players on defense to build around.
Biggest offensive loss: RB Marion Barber III Biggest defensive loss: CB Ukee Dozier
20. Alabama 2004 Record: 6-6 SEC
Was the defense exposed by Minnesota or was it really that good? Fortunately most of the key players are back with eight returning defensive starters from the Music City Bowl. Of course, all eyes will be on the quarterback situation as Brodie Croyle needs to be back to his old form after a knee injury. The running game will still be a killer.
Biggest offensive loss: OT Wesley Britt Biggest defensive loss: LB Cornelius Wortham
21. Texas A&M 2004 Record: 7-5 Big XII
Dennis Franchione's program has the potential to explode behind QB Reggie McNeal and RB Courtney Lewis (if he actually gets to carry the ball more). Eight starters return on a defense that finally will be back to days of the Wrecking Crew, highlighted by a fearsome front seven. But it all comes down to McNeal. Ty Branyon was great in relief, but McNeal makes this good team great.
Biggest offensive loss: WR Terrence Murphy Biggest defensive loss: CB Byron Jones
22. Texas Tech 2004 Record: 8-4 Big XII
Name the Big XII team that has been bowl eligible every year since the league began? Texas Tech will go to the postseason yet again as long as Cody Hodges, or whoever plays quarterback this year, quickly fills in for Sonny Cumbie. RB Taurean Henderson and WR Jarrett Hicks will be among the Big XII's best. The defense returns eight starters from the team that held California in check.
Biggest offensive loss: QB Sonny Cumbie Biggest defensive loss: DE Adell Duckett
23. Fresno State 2004 Record: 9-3 WAC
We've all fallen for Fresno State before. You remember all the BCS talk after beating Washington and Kansas State? This year will be different as this should be Pat Hill's best team yet, returning nine starters on offense and eight on defense. The D line is the biggest concern, but the back seven will be more than good enough to pick up the slack for a while. QB Paul Pinegar needs to continue to play as well as he did at the end of the year, but it'll be the running game that dominates.
Biggest offensive loss: OT Logan Mankins Biggest defensive loss: DE Claude Sanders
24. Louisville 2004 Record: 11-1 Big East
Louisville enters Big East play as the likely favorite, but don't buy the hype that this is a preseason top ten team even though more than enough talent returns to expect another huge year. Who did the Cardinals beat in 2004? Boise State? North Carolina? Exactly. This will be a strong team, but not an elite one after the loss of WR J.R. Russell, QB Stefan LeFors, RB Eric Shelton, DE Marcus Jones and LB Robert McCune. QB Brian Brohm will be the Big East's newest star and should put up big-time numbers.
Biggest offensive loss: RB Eric Shelton Biggest defensive loss: LB Robert McCune
25. California 2004 Record: 10-2 Pac 10
Don't be shocked if Cal does't fall too much, even after losing QB Aaron Rodgers, RB J.J. Arrington and nine top seniors from the defense. Marshawn Lynch will likely be the Pac 10's leading rusher helped by a solid line. Jeff Tedford doesn't have the program to the point where it can simply reload, but it isn't far off.
Biggest offensive loss: QB Aaron Rodgers Biggest defensive loss: LB Wendell Hunter
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