http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=898567 Rivals Has LSU preseason #5 because of the performance by J.Jefferson against Ga. Tech. 1. Florida The Buzz: The potential exists for all 11 defensive starters – and each of their backups – to be back in 2009. And with QB Tim Tebow returning, the Gators will be prohibitive favorites to repeat. 2. Texas The Buzz: QB Colt McCoy's decision to return means the offense again will put up a ton of points – and the running game should be better in 2009. The secondary could be a strength, but the front seven needs some tweaking. 3. USC The Buzz: The defense will undergo an overhaul, from the coordinator down to the players. But the offense could be truly explosive. 4. Oklahoma The Buzz: If quarterback Sam Bradford, TE Jermaine Gresham and DT Gerald McCoy go pro, this ranking will drop. If all three return, OU will battle for the Big 12 – and maybe national – title. 5. LSU The Buzz: QB Jordan Jefferson's performance in the Chick-fil-A Bowl provides hope that the offense will be more consistent. The linebacking corps needs to be rebuilt. 6. Ohio State The Buzz: You have to figure the coaches will unleash quarterback Terrelle Pryor, which will jazz up the offense. The defense will be fine even without CB Malcolm Jenkins and LB James Laurinaitis. 7. Virginia Tech The Buzz: The Hokies look as if they will be the class of the ACC. The defense always will be good, and if QB Tyrod Taylor becomes a better passer, the offense actually could be dangerous. 8. Alabama The Buzz: The offensive line could have some questions and there will be a new quarterback, but depth should be better and there are some talented skill-position players on hand. 9. Boise State The Buzz: QB Kellen Moore can become a star. If the Broncos can get their front four on defense settled, an undefeated season is within their grasp. 10. Oklahoma State The Buzz: The Cowboys should have a deadly offensive trio in QB Zac Robinson, TB Kendall Hunter and WR Dez Bryant. The defense, though, has some work to do.
The end of the season poll is the only one that counts. Just look at last seasons preseason rankings..............
They may not but what you saw in the Sugar Bowl is an indication of how Alabama will be next year. They are losing 3 offensive lineman including all-world Smith. This does not bode well for their running game or backside pass protection. Replacing that offensive line is more important than replacing Wilson. Its a huge question mark for them.
Pryor looked bad throwing the ball at times, but he is talented as a runner. It seems like everyone, even DB's blitzing him thought they had an angle to contain him and he just out ran them to the sidelines. He is deceptively fast like Matt Jones was as the QB of Arkansas. Why he didn't turn it up the field instead of constantly running out of bounds without getting first downs is beyond me. He is a legit 6'6" and strong, but afraid to take a hit from DB's in a big bowl game. Jefferson is definitely tougher and hopefully will be a better passer.
I think that 5 is a bit high. I'd say that's about where we'll finish. Number 10 seems like a reasonable starting place. Jefferson, with all his ability, is still young and hasn't had to weather the grind of a week-in/week-out SEC schedule. Of course he did. Because, as you pointed out, it's easy to outrun someone to the sidelines when you voluntarily step out 5 yards before the point of contact would have occurred.
Speaking of getting left out.... I'm surprised that Notre Dame is so far down in that list.... with the dominating performance in their bowl game and all:rolleye33:
