Rivals 2006 Top 25

[jiggafini19]

http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=502125

 

[jiggafini19]

The season is barely over two weeks from being over, so take this for what it's worth.

I think everyone is assuming Notre Dame will score copious amounts of points. Either that, or the defense will eat spinach and gulp down Gummy Bear juice to suddenly become a juggernaut.

I'd like to see what happens in spring ball before anyone proclaims them NC contenders.

 

[Aerosmith777]

"The Buckeyes looked every bit the '06 national championship contender with their thorough destruction of Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl."

Did I go back in time? I thought Notre Dame got destroyed by Oregon State in the Fiesta Bowl, not Ohio State.

Someone's gonna have to explain to me how a game that was only seperated by one score w/ over 2:00 minutes to go was a "thorough destruction." Don't get me wrong, I watched the game, I know the Irish got outplayed. But its not like it was one of those 31 point USC romps. It was competitive most of the way.

 

[jiggafini19]

USC and Texas are ranked way too high.

SC loses a lot of key offensive cogs.

Their young defense will be better, and their schedule favors them. The toughest road game is at Arkansas. That's sad.

 

[leppycole]

USC and Texas are ranked way too high.
SC loses a lot of key offensive cogs.
Their young defense will be better, and their schedule favors them. The toughest road game is at Arkansas. That's sad.

I agree with you.
Two teams that jump out to me are Okla and Mich. Okla returns alot of key players who developed as the season went along. Michigan does have some D issues, but remember the DB recruiting Mich did the last two years? Do not be shocked if the defense is underrated.

Fla St. is young as well - and fast - gave mighty Penn St. a hell of a game.

USC will ease its way through the Pac-10 which will be hyped by its TV contract holder ESPN/ABC/DISNEY Mafia. But Carrol better have more than the "TING Yang Twins" to throw at the Irish Offense in 06.

 

[bigdon]

The season is barely over two weeks from being over, so take this for what it's worth.
I think everyone is assuming Notre Dame will score copious amounts of points. Either that, or the defense will eat spinach and gulp down Gummy Bear juice to suddenly become a juggernaut.
I'd like to see what happens in spring ball before anyone proclaims them NC contenders.

I agree Jiggs, but Rivals has to have something to talk about. Frankly I think ND is a little too high and LSU a little low.

I think 2007 is the ND year ( if they can solve the DL problem).

 

[jiggafini19]

Fla St. is young as well - and fast - gave mighty Penn St. a hell of a game.

Young Drew Weatherford. Young receiving corps. Add in a healthy O-line, which they did not have, and their annually aggressive D...Free Shoes could make a run back to the thick of it.

 

[BigIrish]

meh....they'll do well based on the talent they have, but that ship won't be righted until bowden gives up the helm. he looked like he'd escaped from the nursing home on the sidelines against penn state. he's lost control of that team.

 

[KMac151993]

I think next year is ND's best shot at the title until 2008. I would love to see a Fiesta rematch against OSU especially the way that OSU dominated us. I think those rankings are pretty good although I believe Miami is too high and I think Nebraska could be a team that could shock a lot of people.

 

[jiggafini19]

meh....they'll do well based on the talent they have, but that ship won't be righted until bowden gives up the helm. he looked like he'd escaped from the nursing home on the sidelines against penn state. he's lost control of that team.

When did he ever have control? LOL

Honestly, I think things have really tumbled since Richt and Amato left for head coaching jobs. I still think the talent is there, but you'd be correct BigIrish.

Bowden has become a lot like Abe Vigoda as John Travolta's uncle in "Look Who's Talking"

 

[Irish Legend]

I think 2007 is the ND year ( if they can solve the DL problem).[/QUOTE]

How w/an unexperienced 1st year QB?

 

[Irish Envy]

I think 2007 is the ND year ( if they can solve the DL problem).

How w/an unexperienced 1st year QB?[/quote]

If the QB can make plays, it doesn't matter what year they are.

 

[Irish Legend]

How w/an unexperienced 1st year QB?

If the QB can make plays, it doesn't matter what year they are.[/QUOTE]

O.K. like I said "How w/an unexperienced 1st year QB?"
I didn't say it couldn't happen.
When was the last time a 1st year QB won the National Championship?
I just think 2006 and 2008 would have better chances than 2007.

We'll look back and see in 2009.

 

[Irish Legend]

Rivals.com 2006 Preseason Top 25 2005 Record

1. Ohio State 10-2
The losses on defense are heavy, but quarterback Troy Smith won over a lot of experts with his Fiesta Bowl performance. All-around threat Ted Ginn Jr. also returns, and he and Smith seemed to develop the kind of chemistry over the second half of the season that will be needed to make a national championship run. But can the Buckeyes replace one of the nation's best linebacking corps? What of the depleted secondary? And who will emerge opposite Ginn with Santonio Holmes leaving early for the NFL? Our panel believes Jim Tressel's team has the depth to answer all of these questions.
2. Notre Dame 9-3
Anyone for a Fiesta Bowl rematch? The Irish return 17 starters including Heisman Trophy candidate Brady Quinn and his favorite target, wide receiver Jeff Samardzija. The Irish secondary was overwhelmed by the Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl, so expect changes there by Charlie Weis and staff. Notre Dame also looks to add more team speed in a highly touted recruiting class.
3. West Virginia 11-1
Sugar Bowl residual effect? A lofty preseason ranking and the knowledge you won't be sneaking up on anybody and may, instead, be wearing the target. But with freshman sensations Pat White and Steve Slaton in the backfield and offensive whiz Rich Rodriguez at the coaching helm, what have the Mountaineers to worry about?
4. Southern Cal 13-1
A lot of great players are leaving early for the pros, but there is still plenty of talent on the shelves in Los Angeles. John David Booty and Mark Sanchez will duel to replace Matt Leinart, and it's possible a freshman or two steps in for Reggie Bush and LenDale White. Everyone will gear up for the Trojans, looking for their shot at redemption against a team that probably has routed them for three years running. Yes, the task will be easier, but any team that believes it's a given better think again.
5. LSU 11-2 The resounding victory over Miami in the Peach Bowl and the play of quarterback Matt Flynn showed the public the Tigers have plenty of talent on the bench. Les Miles needs to replace three starters on the offensive line, but LSU has plenty of talent at the skill positions. There also are holes to fill throughout the defense, but there are underclassmen who saw some playing time who are eager for more.
6. Texas 13-0
There's little doubt the ranking of the Longhorns depended upon Vince Young's decision about the NFL. With his departure, sixth might be a lofty goal. But the cupboard is hardly bare and the recruiting class once again will be chock full of more blue chips than a rerun of the World Series of Poker.
7. Auburn 9-3
The Tigers garnered one first-place vote in our poll thanks to the prowess that returns on offense at the skill positions. Coach Tommy Tuberville will look to address some key graduation and/or early entry losses on his offensive and defensive lines, but Auburn figures to be in the mix battling LSU and Alabama in the SEC West.
8. Florida 9-3
At his past two posts, year two is when the Urban Meyer offense took off and put up stratospheric numbers. It doesn't hurt (does it?) that quarterback Chris Leak has returned for his senior season, not to mention Meyer has a class that at this time is listed No. 1 by Rivals.com and is chock full of breakaway wide receivers.
9. Oklahoma 8-4
Rhett Bomar has a much-needed year of experience. The key for the Sooners will be a healthy-from-start-to-finish Adrian Peterson. Anytime he's 100 percent OU is a threat to win. The problem will be finding replacements on an offensive line that loses four starters.
10. Miami 9-3
The Hurricanes will have a lot of questions to answer next season after overhauling virtually the entire of Larry Coker's staff. Kyle Wright will be expected to develop more rapidly, but he has some excellent targets returning.
11. Georgia 10-3
Big holes to fill at quarterback and along the offensive line.
12. Michigan 7-5
Offense should be fine with Michael Hart and Chad Henne, but defense must be fixed.
13. Oregon 10-2
Young quarterbacks gained experience, but Ducks will have to settle on one.
14. Florida State 8-5
Gave Penn State everything it could handle in Orange Bowl, but questions abound on offense.
15. Louisville 9-3
Brian Brohm and Michael Bush could be every bit as good as WVU's backfield tandem.
16. Penn State 11-1
Huge influx of talent from last two recruiting classes, but huge question at quarterback as well.
17. California 8-4
Another team with QB questions, but the Bears can run it with anyone.
18. South Carolina 7-5
Ol' Ball Coach must find a running game to complement Sidney Rice.
19. Virginia Tech 11-2
No Marcus Vick, but Hokies always about winning with defense, special teams.
20. Nebraska 8-4
Big 12 North is there for the taking, Huskers could run away with it.
21. UCLA 10-2
Lots of production to replace as Maurice Drew and Drew Olson have moved on.
22. Clemson 8-4
Won six of last seven, freshman sensation James Davis can carry the load.
23. Iowa 7-5
Drew Tate and Albert Young return to key offense, but big holes to fill at linebacker.
24. Alabama 10-2
Will be breaking in a new quarterback on an offense that struggled even with Brodie Croyle.
25. Boston College 9-3
Quarterback Matt Ryan and one-two RB punch of L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callendarr returning.

 

[BGIF]

I think 2007 is the ND year ( if they can solve the DL problem).

How w/an unexperienced 1st year QB?

You must have missed it, Lebron James will be the QB. Experience won't be necessary.

 

[LuckoftheIrish86]

ND-LSU 2007 Fiesta Bowl

 

[jiggafini19]

You must have missed it, Lebron James will be the QB. Experience won't be necessary.

I LOVE this analogy. It really shows how stupid people in the press are.

Basketball, the most selfish, individually geared sport there is. One person can win a game alone in basketball at any level.

Football, the epitome of a team concept.

The first time I heard Jimmy Clausen called "The LeBron James of High School Football" I almost puked.

You can't just have the other guys move out of your way and score. Clausen, wherever he goes, will need blockers to block, receivers to run and catch, running backs to take some pressure off of him.

James can just take the ball and tell the other four bozos to move out of his way.

 

[scooper]

I just don't see 2007 being the year. If it's coming in the next two years, it's 2006. For all of our depth issues, next year's seniors are an outstanding, mentally tough class that should be very hungry. Not to mention the schedule on paper looks tough, but it sets up nicely. We'll obviously have to score a lot, but that is a probability and the defense should be improved with a lot of returning experience-not great-but improved.

As for 2007, I don't care how talented the QB is, no freshman or sophomore will be as good in their first season as a starter as Brady Quinn in his fourth year-especially with two senior WR's who will be big time NFL prospects and a seasoned and strong offensive line.

The 2007 offensive line, though talented, will be young as well. And don't underestimate what a few years of training and physical maturity can do for a lineman's strength. There's a reason the top HS prospects could not immediately make it in the NFL.

Next year is the year if it's going to happen soon. I expect a Gator Bowl type 2007 with a very young team, then in 2008 begins a run of reloading and never rebuilding.

 

[Irish Legend]

I just don't see 2007 being the year. If it's coming in the next two years, it's 2006. For all of our depth issues, next year's seniors are an outstanding, mentally tough class that should be very hungry. Not to mention the schedule on paper looks tough, but it sets up nicely. We'll obviously have to score a lot, but that is a probability and the defense should be improved with a lot of returning experience-not great-but improved.
As for 2007, I don't care how talented the QB is, no freshman or sophomore will be as good in their first season as a starter as Brady Quinn in his fourth year-especially with two senior WR's who will be big time NFL prospects and a seasoned and strong offensive line.
The 2007 offensive line, though talented, will be young as well. And don't underestimate what a few years of training and physical maturity can do for a lineman's strength. There's a reason the top HS prospects could not immediately make it in the NFL.
Next year is the year if it's going to happen soon. I expect a Gator Bowl type 2007 with a very young team, then in 2008 begins a run of reloading and never rebuilding.

Thank you!

 

[Óglaigh_na_hÉireann]

Basketball may not be a team sport, but Lebron James is a team player.

 

[jiggafini19]

Basketball may not be a team sport, but Lebron James is a team player.

I can agree with that.

No indictment of James. Comparing football and basketball is like comparing apples to, let's say tomatoes.

Close, but not close enough.

(If you don't know by know, I'm jaded by basketball and pretty much hate the sport entirely.)

 

[weisfaninmass]

I just don't see 2007 being the year. If it's coming in the next two years, it's 2006. For all of our depth issues, next year's seniors are an outstanding, mentally tough class that should be very hungry. Not to mention the schedule on paper looks tough, but it sets up nicely. We'll obviously have to score a lot, but that is a probability and the defense should be improved with a lot of returning experience-not great-but improved.
As for 2007, I don't care how talented the QB is, no freshman or sophomore will be as good in their first season as a starter as Brady Quinn in his fourth year-especially with two senior WR's who will be big time NFL prospects and a seasoned and strong offensive line.
The 2007 offensive line, though talented, will be young as well. And don't underestimate what a few years of training and physical maturity can do for a lineman's strength. There's a reason the top HS prospects could not immediately make it in the NFL.
Next year is the year if it's going to happen soon. I expect a Gator Bowl type 2007 with a very young team, then in 2008 begins a run of reloading and never rebuilding.

Agree. At some point in a season, all QB's need to make a bigtime play. One needs to look no further than ND's 2005 season -- BQ leads "the drive that almost legends are made of, Leinart makes the bigtime throw in SB, Troy Smith on 3rd and 11. Then look at Michigan on the Henne QB fumble at the goal line. History is against a title run in 2007.

It would be interesting to look back at the last 25 years to see class year the starting QB was for the National Champions. Let's try to put this data together.