Topeka Metro News

FRIDAY, August 22, 2008

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Metro Sports

FROM THE CHEAP SEATS By Rob Mooney This week we continue our look into the Division I ranks of the college football world. Over the past few weeks, we took a look at the Big 12 where I predicted Oklahoma and Missouri would battle for the title, with a shot at the National Championship game at stake. Who will be there to oppose them, let’s take a look at the Topeka Metro-News Top 10.
     1. Ohio State: Chris Wells rushed for 1609 yards and scored 15 touchdowns as a sophomore last year and senior wide receiver Brian Robiskie scored 11 touchdowns while averaging 17 yards a catch. However, what has Buckeye Nation excited this year is a defense that ranked first nationally in total defense, pass defense and scoring defense. They also ranked 3rd in run defense and they return nine starters on the defensive side of the ball, led by All- American candidate and 2007 Butkus award winner James Laurinaitis. The Buckeyes have lost the last two National Championship games, but it looks as though their time has come.
     2. Florida: All you have to say about Florida is Tim Tebow. He was the first sophomore to win the Heisman trophy when he walked away with it last year. Tebow threw for close to 3300 yards last year and 32 touchdowns. He also ran for another 895 yards scored 23 rushing touchdowns, becoming the first NCAA player in history to run and throw for over 20 touchdowns each during the same season. It doesn’t hurt that he throws to the versatile Percy Harvin. He is a threat to run as well as catch the ball.
     3. USC: As long as Pete Carroll is the head coach, the Trojans will be solid. Consider this, they have won 11 games each of the last six seasons and they have played in six straight BCS bowl games. These guys are always loaded and this year is no different. They host Ohio State in week two, September 13th, which could ruin any title hopes for the loser.
     4. Oklahoma: Should the Sooners be ranked this high? Maybe not, but as long as Sam Bradford is calling the signals, they get the nod. The defense is solid and the offense is proficient. Running back DeMarco Murray could be the Big 12 rushing leader this year, if he stays healthy.
     5. Missouri: The Tigers lost two games last year, both to Oklahoma. The only time they’ll play them this year is in the Big 12 Championship game. If the Tigers get past Illinois in week one, look for them to run the table to the showdown with the Sooners.
     6. West Virginia: Sure, the coach left to take over the reins at Michigan, but quarterback Patrick White returns. White has won the Big East offensive Player of the year award two years in row. New coach Bill Stewart, engineered the Mountaineers 48-28 thrashing of Oklahoma in last year’s Fiesta Bowl.
     7. Georgia: The Bulldogs have suspended a slew of players for the upcoming season, but they should be OK They are relatively young and they play in the rugged SEC, which could hinder them a bit. They open the conference with games against Alabama and Tennessee. They have to travel to LSU, the defending National Champs and Auburn, who always gives them problems.
     8. LSU: The Tigers have a legitimate shot at reaching the title game again this year. Before playing Arkansas in the last game of the season in Little Rock, they have four games at home, including Georgia and Alabama. Questions at quarterback could hinder the offense early, but look for them to again be in the running for the title.
     9. Wisconsin: The Badgers return 19 starters from last years 9-4 team. Do you remember Allan Evridge, formerly of Kansas State? He’ll probably be the starting quarterback come game time and he’ll have plenty of guys to throw to.
     10. South Florida: These guys are for real. Last year they shot up in the polls all the way to 2nd. Quarterback Matt Grothe is a complete player and the offensive line only lost one player. On defense, they return seven starters, including defensive end George Selvie, who had 31.5 tackles for a loss, 1st in the nation, and 14.5 sacks, 2nd in the nation.

     If you have any sports events or news coming up, let Rob know. He can be reached at 232-8600 or metro@topekametronews.com copyright (C) 2006 by Hall Publications, Inc.