There's
one very important distinction in the CFN preseason rankings: these
are based on how good the teams are going into the season and NOT
how they're going to finish. Some teams have easier
schedules than others, some get tougher road games and some will
need a little bit of time to jell meaning they might be better than
their final record might indicate. Going into the year, these are
how good the teams appear to be from No. 1 through 119.
The predicted finishes don't take into account possible bowl games
or conference championships.
No. 1 to No. 10
| No. 11 to
20 |
No. 21 to 29 |
No. 30 to
39 |
No. 40 to 49
No. 50 to
59 |
No. 60 to 69 |
No. 70 to
79 |
No. 80 to 89 |
No. 90 to
99
No. 100 to
109 |
No. 110 to 119
20. Arizona
State
Predicted Finish:
9-3
2005 Predicted Finish: 8-3 2005 Record: 7-5
On both sides of the ball, head coach Dirk Koetter has assembled a team
that can run, hit, throw, and catch as well as anyone in the nation.
It'll be a major disappointment if this isn't one of the nation's five
most productive offensive attacks with the addition of coordinator Roy
Wittke to work with the quarterbacks. The passing game even with the
transfer of Sam Keller with Rudy Carpenter able to put up All-America numbers
with a speedy receiving corps to work with an a huge, experienced line
to play behind. The special teams will be tremendous with Terry
Richardson back returning punts and kicks, and the defense should see
some improvement with the addition of several good JUCO prospects along
with Northwestern transfer Loren Howard and BYU transfer Michael
Marquardt on the line.
Relative Strengths: special teams, receiver Relative
Weaknesses: secondary, linebacker
19. Georgia
Predicted Finish:
9-3
2005 Predicted Finish: 8-3 2005 Record: 10-3
There's talent to burn on offense, but it isn't fully developed. The
team's best quarterback is a true freshman, Matthew Stafford, and the
receiving corps needs at least a few warm up games before it becomes
dangerous. The offensive line has no depth whatsoever and has to replace
several key starters, while the running game, considering all the talent
in the backfield, has to be better than 43rd in the nation. The defense
has even more issues with a thin linebacking corps that can't stay
healthy, a slightly undersized line, at least for Georgia, that likely
won't be better against the run, and a secondary that needs to develop
the corners and has to replace three starters. For all the problems and
all the concerns, there's still no reason whatsoever for Georgia to
shoot for anything less than a ten-win season.
Relative Strengths: running back, special teams Relative
Weaknesses: receiver, quarterback
18. Notre
Dame
Predicted Finish:
8-4 2005
Predicted Finish: 5-6 2005 Record: 9-3
Yes, this is the lowest you’ll see the Irish ranked anywhere (remember
that these rankings are based on how good the teams are from top to
bottom) and yes, the potential is there for
a BCS Championship appearance if Charlie and the boys get out of
September unbeaten. However, this is a tremendously
flawed team with average corners, a limited pass rush from the front
four, and no developed depth anywhere meaning the machine might quickly
grind to a halt if injuries hit the skill positions. The secondary
didn't get any faster in the off-season, although a few freshmen should
provide some immediate help, the offensive line is average, and the overall athleticism and
talent level, which was exposed in the Fiesta Bowl by Ohio State, is a
year or two away from being up-to-snuff for a national title-caliber
powerhouse. There's a whole boatload of talent on the way and this will
be a USC-like program by 2008, but not all
of the stars are in South Bend quite yet. Remember, outside of the win
over an average Michigan squad, last year's team didn't beat anyone with
a pulse.
Relative Strengths: quarterback, receiver Relative
Weaknesses: linebacker, secondary
17.
Nebraska
The defensive front seven will be as good as any in America with
talented backups at each spot, too many good linebackers to get on the
field at any one time, and, perhaps, the nation's best defensive ends in
Adam Carriker and Jay Moore. If the secondary is merely competent,
there's no reason the Huskers can't have a top ten D. The offense should
be even better now that QB Zac Taylor knows what he's doing and with an
improved line in front of him, speedy backs, and a receiving corps full
of veterans and superstar newcomers to work with.
Predicted Finish:
9-3 2005
Predicted Finish: 8-3 2005 Record: 8-4
Relative Strengths: defensive line, linebacker Relative
Weaknesses: offensive line, secondary
16.
Virginia Tech
Predicted Finish:
10-2 2005
Predicted Finish: 9-2 2005 Record: 11-2
The lines will take a big hit replacing some key all-stars with unproven
talents, there isn't the running back depth of past years, and the
quarterback situation is still a question mark. That's not to say there
isn't hope for all the parts to come together, but in a league as good
as the ACC has become, everything needs to be clicking to win the title.
The Hokies led the nation in total defense last season and finished
second in scoring defense. While there are some major losses to
overcome, the same blitzing, attacking style that made the D so
successful last season should work again.
Relative Strengths: linebacker, receiver Relative
Weaknesses: quarterback, offensive line
15. West
Virginia
Predicted Finish:
10-2
2005 Predicted Finish: 7-4 2005 Record: 11-1
There's no more exciting backfield tandem in America than quarterback
Pat White and running back Steve Slaton. The offensive line that
flat-out pantsed the Georgia defensive line in the Sugar Bowl should be
almost as good this season. The underrated and unnoticed defense should
be fantastic up front, and the kicking game should grow into one of the
best in the country with two terrific young specialists. Outside of the
showdown at Louisville, the schedule is perfect for a huge year.
Relative Strengths: running back, offensive line Relative
Weaknesses: secondary, receiver
14.
Louisville
Predicted Finish:
11-1
2005 Predicted Finish: 10-1 2005 Record: 9-3
Rev up the engine again as the nation's No. 9 offense and No. 3 scoring
attack should be just as good again as long as star quarterback Brian
Brohm is fully healthy after tearing his ACL late last year. Considering
his mobility could be a problem early on, it's not a positive that the
Cards have to break in two new tackles. The backfield is one of the best
in the nation going three deep with pounder Michael Bush coming back for
his senior year and speedsters Kolby Smith and George Stripling as good
as any backups in the country. Mario Urrutia leads a big, fast, and very
talented receiving corps. Nine starters return on defense with plenty of
depth everywhere.
Relative Strengths: running back, quarterback Relative
Weaknesses: offensive line, secondary
13.
Michigan
Predicted Finish:
10-2
2005 Predicted Finish: 9-2 2005 Record: 7-5
There appears to be more of a mean attitude this year in the IBM-like
corporate program. The goal is to be more aggressive, make more big
plays, and break out of the maddening vanilla mold. The defensive line
should be among the best Lloyd Carr has ever had. There's enough speed
in the back seven to run with anyone, and the offense has the firepower
to hang punch-for-punch with anyone on its slate. In other words,
there's no acceptable reason for another down year.
Relative Strengths: running back, special teams Relative
Weaknesses: backup quarterback, linebacker
12.
Clemson
Predicted Finish:
10-2
2005 Predicted Finish: 6-5 2005 Record: 8-4
Clemson is in a great position to not only do great things this
year, but to also be solid for years to come with a ton of
productive and talented sophomores at just about every position
mixing in with a strong group of veterans. The offensive line gets
everyone back, the backfield has four good running backs, the
receiving corps gets Chansi Stuckey and Aaron Kelly back, and the
defense has two potential NFL first rounders in end Gaines Adams and
linebacker Anthony Waters to build around. Throw in one of the
nation's best kickers, Jad Dean, and the mix is just right to win
the Atlantic Division.
Relative Strengths: running back, offensive line
Relative Weaknesses: special teams, quarterback