THE ANNUAL HIGH CHEESE NCAA FOOTBALL PREVIEW (part 1)

Welcome to day one of the High Cheese's Annual College Football Preview. I hope that you are fired up, because this week we will be introducing you to more NCAA Football knowledge than you have ever wanted. Basically, each day of the week will come with conference previews and some other stuff:

Tuesday: Big 12, Pac 10
Wednesday: SEC, Big 10
Thursday, ACC, Big East
Friday: Minor Conference Teams to Watch, and our Heisman Preview

Of course, let's not get too far ahead of ourselves...you've been patient and you have earned it:

2006 PRESEASON TOP 25!!!


1. Notre Dame – Returning 17 starters to a 9-3 team with the most proven offensive coach in football spells a great year for the Irish. Their schedule could be a tough one with tough games vs. Penn St. and Michigan in their first three games, not to mention finishing the year at Southern Cal. Still, with an offense that returns all its skill players—not to mention a couple of Heisman favorites in Quinn and Samardzija and three of five starters from last year’s line, and a defense that will be a year wiser and almost impossible to throw against, the Irish should have a whole lot at stake going into Los Angeles in late November.

2. Texas – Texas returns 14 starters this year from last year’s championship team (kudos James). Unfortunately, one of them is not Vince Young, aka superman. Still, a loaded receiving core, a solid stable of running backs, and the heart of the O-Line intact all bode well for the heir apparent blue chip QB Colt McCoy (rsFresh.). With three of four returning along the D-Line and two of three back in the Linebacking corps, this defense looks plenty ready to stifle opponents. The Longhorns are a lock for another Big 12 championship, but can they think even bigger…probably so, because their schedule features only four away games and an out of conference schedule containing North Texas, Sam Houston State, and Rice. Their biggest roadblock is the September 9 showdown against Ohio State.

3. West Virginia – Normally I don’t favor a two-QB system, but with White and Bednarik throwing to experienced receivers and handing it to all-world tailback Steve Slaton, and three of five offensive linemen back this year, Coach Rodriguez has a strong chance to go very far. The 3-3-5 defense is weird, but it works pretty well. Still, returning only five starters could be worrisome, until you look at the schedule. The only game that should even be tough is the November 2 match-up with Louisville, but WV should win that too. Scheduling makes a difference, and it just may land WV in the title game…or it could be the reason they are on the outside looking in despite and undefeated record.

4. Ohio State – Troy Smith returns to make a run at the Heisman and the National Title. He and super WR Ted Ginn, lead an offense that welcomes back eight starters. They should be very explosive. But on the defensive side of the ball, the Buckeyes only have two returning starters, and Tressel has to replace his entire LB corps and his entire DB squad. Although the ranks are deep at OSU, the truth is that this much inexperience, along with a schedule featuring an early test at Texas, a trip to Iowa, and being in the all around best conference in football this year adds up to at least one loss.

5. California – Coach Tedford returns 15 starters from last year, including last year’s starter at QB who was lost for the season to injury in game 1. The WRs are solid, and the backfield is absolutely loaded with Marshawn Lynch (1246 yds, 10 TDs) and his back-up Forsett (999 yds, 6 TDs) returning. The O-Line is a little thin, should be solid. The rock solid D-Line from last year returns everyone, the LBs return two of three, and both corners are back as well. This could easily be the year that Cal finally emerges as a legitimate challenger to USC in the Pac-3…I mean Pac-10.

6. Iowa – Coach Ferentz returns seven starters on each aide of the ball, including senior QB Drew Tate who completed over 62% of his passes last year from a 22-7 TD-INT ratio. Depth at WR will make up for losing some starting talent, and Scott Chandler at TE is a big plus. Albert Young returns at RB after a 1334 yds, 8 TD performance last year, and he will run behind one of the nation’s best O-Lines. The D-Line is also really strong, which will help the Hawkeyes recover from losing two great LBs to the pros. A strong secondary means that Iowa is sitting pretty in a tough conference. With a joke of a non-conference schedule, if this team can outlast OSU, they should win the Big 10.

7. USC – The Trojans lost a lot of talent this off-season as 12 starters departed (most to get rich in the NFL). Dwayne Jarrett (1274 rec yds, 16 TDs) and Steve Smith (957 rec yds, 5 TDs) will make the new QB look right at home. The new RB is actually the old RB, Hershel Dennis who started in 2003 and then gave way to Bush and White. The O-Line is thin returning only two blockers, and this could get a little dicey—new line, new QB… With a strong defense, especially at LB, USC should still beat a lot of people, but I am not as sure as everyone else that they are even a lock to win the Pac-10 let alone the National Championship.

8. Florida State – If having the most talent on the field won games, FSU would win almost every time. Unfortunately, their talented players seem to have zero common sense and team mentality. Nevertheless, FSU will have a strong O-Line and a much more balanced and productive offense this year. A minor QB controversy will be weathered with strong receivers and a solid stable of RBs. The D-Line is replacing a few, but strong LBs like senior Buster Davis, and a good enough secondary will keep FSU in every game. A strong season, but not the glory days known by earlier in the Bowden era.

9. Florida – Gator fans are excited about Urban Meyer’s sophomore effort, but only one returning starter on the O-Line could be trouble. With a possible QB controversy brewing between Leak and super frosh Tim Tebow, as well as a RB by committee approach, being deep at the WR position may not be enough to run unscathed through a tough schedule. A strong defense will help the Gators immensely. Look for LBs Earl Everett and Brandon Siler to step up and have great years. With tough games against Bama, LSU, Auburn, and Georgia all in a row, as well as a season finale in Tallahassee (not to mention some sleeper games in Southern Miss and Central Florida), the Gators should win the SEC East, but not get to play for the whole thing.

10. Arkansas – I know. I am alone in this prediction, but that does not mean I am completely crazy (I think.). But let me explain. Yes, the Razorbacks were a pitiful 4-7 last year, but they were really bitten by the injury bug, and they were really young. This year, they return 19 starters from last year’s team, and another starter from two years ago who sat out last year hurt—20 starters! There is a little QB controversy between incumbant true sophomore Casey Dick and true freshman Mitch Mustain (HS player of the year last year). With the WRs deep and experienced, and a load of great runners led by Darren McFadden (1113 yds, 11 TDs), not to mention four of five returning along the front line, Arkansas’ offense is ready to come with it. The D-Line is big and tackle happy, and excellent LBs should swallow the run. Look for undersized LB Sam Olajubutu to have a huge year. The Secondary is older and wiser, but was somewhat vulnerable last year, so if they can shore it up, Arkansas looks prime to have a good year. Their biggest challenge is their opener against USC, but by avoiding Georgia and Florida, and getting Bama and LSU at home this year, the schedule looks pretty decent. Don’t be surprised if they don’t lose too many—you heard it here first.

11. Auburn – Tubberville leads a team that is tough to feel out this year. Cox is back at QB and is solid, but not incredible. The top three WRs are gone, so there is not much depth or experience on the edges, but Kenny Irons (1293 yds, 13 TDs) is back and will consume even more yards and TDs this year. With a solid O-Line, the Tigers offense looks decent—maybe not as dangerous as last year though, because all of the big play receivers are gone. With seven returning starters in the defense, including the entire secondary, Auburn’s defense will be tough to beat. This team is talented, but not deep. Injuries could affect them more than some other teams. Look for a strong season, but not a ring.

12. Miami – Junior QB Kyle Wright was effective, but inexperienced last year, but looks to build on a solid first year as starter. With strong TE Greg Olson, the WR host a bevy of talented potential stars who lack experience. Tyrone Moss should bounce back from injury and the Hurricane ground game should be ferocious this year. Unfortunately, with youth at the skill positions, this is not the best year to rebuild the O-Line. The Defense looks good welcoming back 7 starters, including a great defensive backfield. With a decent schedule, the Canes are certainly a top 25 team, but not necessarily a top 10 team.

13. Louisville – Bobby Petrino welcomes back a very talented senior QB Brian Brohm (68.8 completion percentage last year!), some very talented runners, and some young but effective receivers led by Mario Urruttia. Unfortunately, he also is replacing three members of the O-Line, and three members of the D-Line. The LBs and DBs looks solid, so as long as they can hold the line of scrimmage, the Cards look pretty good. An easy schedule makes for a crucial game on November 2 against West Virginia. I predict at least 10 wins for Louisville, but second in a weak conference.

14. Oregon – Oregon returns 13 starters from last years 10-2 squad, and that means that things are looking up for the ducks. Clemons is now in the NFL, but the Ducks have two strong options at QB in Dixon and Leaf who did a great job after Clemons fell to injury last year. The WRs are tall and fast, and two of the four are returning starters. RB by committee is usually a bad thing, but there is enough talent in this offense to hide it, and with all five offensive linemen returning, the Ducks offense should be fine. It is the rebuilt defense that makes the Ducks shaky this year. The line looks decent, and the LBs are solid, but the 5 man secondary is mostly up for grabs. This spells crucial let-downs. With a tough schedule, look for Oregon to be good, but to lose one or two more than they did last year.

15. Oklahoma – Oklahoma’s heart and soul is its defense this year. Returning eight starters, Coach Stoops will pressure the QB with a talented D-Line, and super LB Rufus Alexander (102 tackles last year), and an excellent secondary. Adrian Peterson may make another Heisman run, and the five sophomore WRs are young but talented. Still, replacing four of five OL and having an idiot QB who reports illegal booster cash to the IRS as income means that the offense may struggle this year. Sure Bomar was not a veteran, but he was your starter for a reason, coach. Good luck. Oh yeah, Mack Brown says thanks.

16. Clemson – 17 returning starters means that Tommy Bowden will do more than avoid being fired this season. All five OL return, which paves the way for the 1-2 punch of Davis and Merriweather in Clemson’s ground game. A new QB will also benefit from the protection. The LBs are all back and all good, and the DBs are solid. With a little luck, Clemson could be a serious contender for the ACC title.

17. Michigan – Chad Henne is back after two good years and looks to build on his impressive 58% completion percentage. Steve Breaston heads a talented WR corps, and Mike Hart brings strength to the ground attack, but all of this may be limited by inexperience at the O-Line. Unfortunately, on defense only one starter returns to the D-Line, so the loaded LBs will have to work extra hard to keep opponents from chewing up yards and time on them. Leon hall is a stud, and the Michigan DBs are real solid. If they can stop the run, they will win a lot, but they may find this difficult in this league this year with games at Notre Dame and Ohio State, and against Iowa and Penn State.

18. LSU – Coach Les Miles had a good first year, but if he can’t reload quickly, the Tigers are in for a tough year. With a bevy of talented QB prospects, finding a starter might be the hardest part, but the WRs and RBs are back so rebuilding the O-Line is not completely hopeless. The defensive secondary is strong, but losing three DL and two LB hurts. If the new troops are as talented as the old ones, LSU rises, if not…

19. Nebraska – The Cornhuskers are still getting used to west coast football, but the 16 returning starters should help. Sr. Zac Taylor should continue to improve, especially with both starting WRs back and some really good TEs. Still, with no proven runners (last year they averaged 2.7 YPC), and a rebuilt line that wasn’t good enough to do very much last year, things look sketchy on the ground this year. The good news is that the defense was solid last year despite a bad offense and they should only improve. Corey McKeon is a superstar at MLB and Cortney Grixby is a good corner despite being a little undersized. Look for Nebraska to win the Big 12 North, but don’t be amazed as this is roughly equivalent to winning the office karaoke contest—the most talented of the lack-luster.

20. Georgia – Coach Richt watched his 10-3 Bulldogs lose by 3 to West Virginia in the Sugar Bowl and then lose 13 starters to graduation or the NFL. That means that DJ Shockley is gone, and all of the other QBs are very inexperienced. Only one WR is back from last year, and although they have some strong runners, the blocking corps are a little thinner than last year. The defense is a brighter spot welcoming back its entire LB corps, and the DL looks solid led by Quentin Moses who had 12 sacks last year. The secondary is untested having only one starter return. Special teams play will lift them from danger, but this year will not be as strong as last year.

21. Alabama – On offense, Shula’s Crimson Tide looks solid. With four returning starters on the Line, the Tide look primed to run the ball with stud RB Kenneth Darby (1242 yds, 5.2 ypc avg.). The WRs are loaded and Tyrone Prothro looks ready to excite again. The only question mark is the QB. In five appearances last year John Parker Wilson looked good throwing 7-11, 2 TDs, 0 INTs. Word is he can throw it through a brick wall, and is a little more mobile than Croyle, so things are looking up. The Tide defense lost a lot of talent last year, including almost all of its starting LB and DB troops. The line looks solid, and Robinson and Castille will anchor a young DB squad. Look for LB Juwan Simpson to step up and have a breakout year. Being shaky against the big play may hurt the Tide a bit this season, but don’t be surprised if they compete for the SEC West.

22. TCU – The Horned Frogs bring back a talented QB, some strong experience at WR and more quality RBs than most teams know what to do with; however, revamping a graduation depleated O-Line makes things a little dicey. Great at the DE positions, the returning starters at LB provide solid support for the new DTs. Solid support from the DBs mean that TCU will waltz through the Mountain West again, and face their only non-conference challenge in a September 16 shootout with Texas Tech. This is an up-and-coming team that no one really wants to play, and their record shows it. They will be good again this year, but maybe not 11 wins good, and they will again be left out of the major bowl picture.

23. Arizona State – ASU uses a two-QB system which can go horribly wrong; however, with this much talent around them on offense, the Sun Devils look like they’ll be just fine. With two of the best TEs in the nation in Miller and Lewis, as well as four returning starters on the O-Line, the RBs and WRs will have plenty of room and time to make big things happen. The defense is much improved; however, being much improved from terrible is not hard. The DL has found some consistent and athletic talent, and the LBs look good. The big question mark here is the inexperienced defensive secondary. With games at USC and Cal, as well as against Oregon and against sleepers Colorado and Nevada, don’t be surprised is ASU can’t stay in the top 25 all year.

24. Virginia Tech – With the departure of Vick and his bong smoke, Beamer looks to keep the Hokies headed the right direction. A new QB should provide a new era of stability, especially one throwing to their very talented trio of WRs. Ore returns from an injury limited season that still saw him average 5.9 YPC! Replacing a few OL will not be easy, but lettermen provide depth that should ease the transition. Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi lead the defense from their LB positions. The D-Line will include several regulars taking over for the two players that graduated. The return of three starters in the secondary means that VT is not that susceptible to the big play. Look for VT to have another solid year.

25. Penn State – Joe Paterno proved everybody wrong last year, but this year could bring all the critics back. Although the talent that has been recruited is good, much of it will be brand new. New QB, new O-Line, new D-Line, new DBs. Strong WRs, RBs, and LBs may not be enough to escape the youth on this squad.


Of course, some of you will have an opinion, and it is welcome. I look forward to this part of the year.

God save the Cheese.