2010 College Football Power Rankings: Week 4

Our first power rankings of the season.

1. Alabama
They deserve this spot until somebody knocks them off.  Big test this weekend @ Arkansas.  We'll see if they deserve this spot.

2. Ohio St.
Terrelle Pryor looks like a new man.  He has virtually been unstoppable and the defense has been unflappable.

3. Oregon
Best offense in the country.  This is a team that's being a little overlooked when it comes to the BCS National Title picture.

4. Boise St.
Another big test for them this weekend vs. Oregon State.  A win here and they will have a decent argument for a national title game berth.

5. Nebraska
This team looks that much better than last season.  The defense is still very stout and new QB Taylor Martinez has sparked the offense.

6. TCU
Defense looks good despite losing some big names.  Andy Dalton has the offense picking up where they left off in 2009.

7. Florida
Things looked a little bleak early but the offense is starting to click.  Now to stay healthy and keep their guys out of trouble.

8. Oklahoma
Schizophrenic team that can look dominant at times, other times far from that.

9. Texas
Defense still fairly good.  Gilbert looks to be continuing to improve.

10. Arkansas
I've said all along that this team was a big sleeper.  Ryan Mallet just may be the best QB in the country too.  They always seem to play number 1 teams tough.  Look out Bama.

11. Wisconsin
Looked a little iffy vs. Arizona St.  When running game is on they are tough.  We'll see how good they really are soon.

12. South Carolina
Is this the year Spurrier finishes top 2 in the SEC West?  Garcia has been solid at QB and the defense looks good as ever.

13. LSU
LSU is young and has speed.  They should continue to improve.

14. Arizona
Big win over Iowa puts them in this spot.

15. Iowa
Tough road loss to Zona.  They're still a very good team if they can overcome some injuries.

Not far from the pack:
Stanford, Miami, Michigan, Auburn, Utah

2009 College Football Preview: SEC

College Football is just around the corner! We will be doing our College Football Preview until the first game begins with conference predictions, all-conference teams, BCS Bowl predictions and more...

Projected Order of Finish

East

1. Florida
Well duh... The Gators are the overwhelming favorite in the East. Tim Tebow returns along with 6 other offensive starters. Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey are dynamic speedsters who can step right in for Percy Harvin. The defense also returns all 11 starters and the whole two-deep depth chart.

2. Georgia
The Dawgs lose some valuable players in Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno. Joe Cox is ready to take the helms under center. AJ Green may be the best WR in the conference (if not the country) and Caleb King should fill in well at RB. The defense had a lot of young talent last year. The defensive line should be tough with Geno Atkins back. Look for the defense to improve.

3. Tennessee
The Vols were awful last year, but I think they will be a lot better this season. This team had some talent but were inexperienced. The defense was one of the best in the conference but the offense just couldn't put points on the board. Eric Berry is arguably the best DB in the nation. Look for QB Jonathan Crompton to get the Vols O some more production.

4. South Carolina
The Gamecocks lose some big time players on both sides of the ball. Stephen Garcia will be the main QB this season and looks to help a struggling offense. The defense has always been there but they need more consistency on the other side. This will once again not be Steve Spurrier's year in South Carolina.

5. Vanderbilt
Vandy returns 19 starters from an improved 2008 season. They still lack that star that can get them over the top; the defense was good last season but they often relied on it too much. If they can get some more consistency from the offense and hold their own on defense, the Commodores could get over the hump.

6. Kentucky
Kentucky was same old Kentucky last year yet they still found themselves in a bowl game. The offense was abysmal but the QBs look promising and RB Alfonso Smith is a good back. The defense has a few play makers but look for the Cats to continue down the bottom of the SEC East.

West

1. Mississippi
The Rebels showed what they were made of in their bowl game drupping of Texas Tech. Jevan Snead might be one of the most underrated QB's in the nation. Plenty experience returns on both sides of the ball. The RB position is stacked with Brandon Bolden, Cordera Eason, and Dexter McCluster all capable ball carriers.

2. Alabama
The defense returns 9 starters and the offense returns RB Mark Ingram and one of the best WRs in the nation in Julio Jones. QB position is a big question mark now that John Parker Wilson is gone.

3. LSU
You really think Les Miles will have another down year? Think again... QB Jordan Jefferson is coming along well and veteran RB Charles Scott is a bruiser in the backfield. WR Brandon LaFell should help spread defenses too.

4. Auburn
Auburn missed their first bowl game since 1999. New head coach Gene Chizik is looking to get this Tiger team back to the top. The talent is there and 14 starters are back. The offense was off and on last season but the defense kept them in games. Look for DB Zac Etheridge to be one of the best in the conference.

5. Arkansas
They went from good in 2007 to bad in 2008. Don't expect things to be much different this season. Ryan Mallett should finally give them some stability at QB, something they've been missing the past several seasons. The defense gave up a lot of points and must get better if they want to move up the West standings at all.

6. Mississippi St.
Look for new head coach Dan Mullen to bring some creativity to the offense. The MSU faithful should be pretty excited with the former Florida OC calling the plays. Too many question marks at the QB position and on offense for them to get back to a bowl game though.

SEC Championshp:
Florida over Mississippi

All TSF SEC Team

Offense
QB Tim Tebow- Florida
RB Charles Scott- LSU
RB Michael Smith- Arkansas
WR AJ Green- Georgia
WR Julio Jones- Alabama
TE Aaron Hernandez- Florida
OL Maurkice Pouncey- Florida
OL Mike Pouncey- Florida
OL Ciron Black- LSU
OL John Jerry- Ole Miss
OL Mike Johnson- Alabama

Defense
DL Carlos Dunlap- Florida
DL Greg Hardy- Ole Miss
DL Terrence Cody- Alabama
DL Geno Atkins- Georgia
LB Rennie Curran- Georgia
LB Brandon Spikes- Florida
LB Rolando McClain- Alabama
DB Eric Berry- Tennessee
DB Joe Haden- Florida
DB Ahmad Black- Florida
DB Trevard Lindley- Kentucky

Offensive Player of the Year
Tim Tebow- Florida

Defensive Player of the Year
Eric Berry- Tennessee

Freshman of the Year
Andre Dubose- Florida

Coach of the Year
Houston Nutt- Ole Miss

Top 3 Games:
Florida at LSU- Oct. 10
Alabama at Ole Miss- Oct. 10
LSU at Alabama- Nov. 7

2009 College Football Preseason Rankings

Time to break out the early 2009 College Football Preseason Rankings!

1. Florida- The defending national champs return QB Tim Tebow, the Pouncey Twins on the line, and Jeff Demps, Emmanuel Moody, and Chris Rainey on the offensive end. The defense will be the best in the nation. The top 22 defensive players are ALL back, including LB Brandon Spikes and FS Major Wright.

2. Texas- The offense is virtually all back lead by QB Colt McCoy and WR Jordan Shipley. The defense has some holes, but that's what D-Coordinator Will Muschamp is for.

3. Oklahoma- Heisman winner Sam Bradford is back along with RB stud DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown. Look for the defense to be even better with 9 starters back.

4. Alabama- The defense returns 9 starters and the offense returns RB Mark Ingram and one of the best WRs in the nation in Julio Jones.

5. USC- USC returns a lot of talent. They will have 10 starters back on offense, but will need a QB to step up. The defense will need to reload, but they have backups that can step up.

6. Mississippi- They return loads of talent and depth. QB Jevan Snead has the potential to be one of the best in the country.

7. Virginia Tech- The Hokies looked impressive in their Orange Bowl win. They're ready to make another national title run with QB Tyrod Taylor, RB Darren Evans and 7 returning starters on defense.

8. Ohio St.- The Buckeyes should be the favorite in the Big Ten. QB Terrelle Pryor is really going to be something. He could have a huge break out year.

9. LSU- You really think Les Miles will have another down year? Think again... QB Jordan Jefferson is coming along well and veteran RB Charles Scott is a bruiser in the backfield.

10. Oklahoma State- The Pokes had one of the most potent offenses in the country last season and QB Zac Robinson, RB Kendall Hunter, and WR Dez Bryant remain intact. The defense will be more experienced.

Just missed the cut:
Utah, Oregon, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Boise St., Penn St., TCU, and Oregon St.

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Gotcha! Now to the real topic...

College Football Weekend Preview

Ole Miss at Florida
Ole Miss is an improved team this season with former Texas QB Jevan Snead at the helm. Snead has been pretty impressive, throwing for 844 yards and 6 TD thus far. The Gators defense has improved drastically compared to last season and part of that has to do with confidence. Brandon Spikes up the middle, Carlos Dunlap on the line, and Major Wright deep in the secondary are all underrated playmakers. Tebow hasn't been quite as impressive as last season yet, but his passing has improved. The Gators speed could be too much for the Rebels.

The Pick: Florida

Wisconsin at Michigan
The Wolverines are just god-awful this season. Rich Rodriguez just doesn't have the players that fits his system. The defense has given up way too many big plays and the QB situation is a mess. Wisconsin, on the other hand, has got the job done. P.J. Hill looks like his old self. The defense has been pretty tough, shutting down a good offense in Fresno St. earlier.

The Pick: Wisconsin

Illinois at Penn St.
This could be an intriguing and high-scoring affair. Penn St. may be one of the most surprising teams thus far. Illinois hasn't been too bad, they just need both sides of the ball to be a little more consistent. It seems like everybody has stepped up for the Nittany Lions, the special teams have, (dare I say it) been special. This game could have some big implications on the Big Ten.

The Pick: Penn St.

Tennessee at Auburn
The Vols were terrible vs. Florida last week, and that's an understatement! They had so many mistakes and mental meltdowns it was unbelievable. The pressure could be looming on Phil Fullmer soon. Auburn is coming off a tough loss at home to LSU. This is a must win for both teams.

The Pick: Auburn

Upset and Game of the Week (Combined for this week)
Alabama over Georgia

Yes, I am starting to jump on the Bama band wagon. They have been so impressive lately and Georgia hasn't been as dominant as I initially thought. I think the Bama offense can put up some points on the Dawgs D. Look for Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno to be contained, but not stopped. This should be one hell of a game.

D-1AA (FCS) Game of the Week
Northern Iowa at Southern Illinois
The winner of this should have the early inside track at the Missouri Valley Title.

The Pick: Northern Iowa

College Football 2008 Conference Preview: SEC

This is our last of the conference predictions. I know the season just started but I really wanted to get this last one in. My predictions have not changed and all of these are still premeditated.

Predicted Order of Finish
East
1.Florida
Call me a homer, but Florida will be much improved this season. Their offense is one of the most explosive in the nation. Heisman winner Tim Tebow is back and wants another national title. WR Percy Harvin is electrifying. RB Chris Rainey and Emmanuel Moody will finally give the Gators a consistent running game other than Tebow. The WRs may be fairly young but they are talented and fast. The defense will be much improved after a season of growing pains. The LBs are some of the best in the nation with Brandon Spikes and Dustin Doe. Look for Major Wright to emerge as a top safety in the SEC.

2. Georgia
I really like this team. They're experienced and talented, I just like the Gators to beat them. QB Matt Stafford is one of the best QBs out there and has the best arm too. RB Knowshon Moreno is a top 2 back in the nation as well. The WRs are talented but need to continue to improve. the defensive line is arguably the best in the SEC, which includes Gino Atkins. The LB corps lacks experience but has plenty of youthful talent. The secondary needs some work but they still have the depth there to step up.

3. Tennessee
This Tenn. team won't be any different from the past few years. Not a dominant team, but not one that will back down either. QB John Crompton is a capable QB to fill in for Erik Ainge. The offensive line is decently good and they have a very good back in Arian Foster. The defense should be fine. The secondary will be solid with one of the best DBs in the nation in sophomore Eric Berry.

4. South Carolina
SC fans are still looking for Spurrier to get them over the hump and win a division or conference title. Could this be their year? The QB situation will be interesting throughout the season with Tommy Beecher and Chris Smelley. Look for WR Kenny McKinley to be one of the best in the SEC. The defense should be decent with quite a few starters returning.

5. Kentucky

6. Vanderbilt

West
1. Auburn
Auburn is switching to the spread which seems fitting in the SEC. They do lose QB Brandon Cox but they have some talented back-ups to help fill that void. The WRs will be talented and help out the new QB. The line will be stellar with 4 starters back there. Watch out for the defense as they have plenty of starters and depth back led by LB Tray Blackmon.

2. LSU
LSU will take a step back after losing some key starters on both sides of the ball. They have a new QB to break-in. The running game should fare well with a solid O-Line and a good stable of backs lead by Charles Scott and Keiland Williams. The defense will have some rough spots, esp. at LB. But look for the D-Line to be arguably the best in the nation with Ricky Jean-Franois and Tyson Jackson.

3. Alabama
This Bama team should be improved this season with loads of young talent. The Tide will have more depth than in recent years. QB John Parker-Wilson is experienced, which is a plus. The WR unit is deep and talented. The defense will need to make stops and step up in order to make some noise at the top of the west.

4. Mississippi St.
MSU is an up-start team after making and winning a bowl game for the first time under Sylvester Croom. They should be improved. They recruited fairly well, which will help with depth.

5. Arkansas
Look for the Razorbacks to take a step back after losing Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.

6. Mississippi

SEC Championship:
Florida over Auburn

Offensive Player of the Year:
Tim Tebow, QB- Florida

Defensive Player of the Year:
Eric Berry, S- Tennessee

Freshman Player of the Year:
Julio Jones, WR- Alabama

Coach of the Year:
Nick Saban- Alabama

Top 3 Games:
Florida vs. Georgia- Nov. 1

Auburn at Georgia- Nov. 15

Alabama at Auburn- Nov. 29

National Signing Day Recap

Alabama takes recruiting title with late additions

The Alabama Crimson Tide came into the day with one of the top recruiting classes and ended up surpassing the Florida Gators, who was predicted to finish with the top class for the 3rd straight year. The Tide added some big time uncommited players early, landing the top WR in the country in Julio Jones. Bama overall signed 3 five star players, 17 four players, and 10 three star players, and 6 top 100 players overall. Some key players that they signed from that could contribute from the get go could be: WR Julio Jones, LB Jerrell Harris, WR Chris Jackson, LB Mark Barron, OT Tyler Love, and DE Courtney Upshaw.

Alabama landed one of their best classes on paper in years. You'd have to think it's obviously because of Nick Saban. For any coach in their first year, this is a tremendous class. Saban did a great job of landing the top in-state recruits, which is something Alabama hasn't been able to do in recent years.

Meanwhile, the nations top prospect, QB Terrelle Pryor decided not to sign with anyone just yet. He has his list narrowed down to Ohio St., Michigan, Penn St., and Oregon. He is a spread option type QB. He is often compared to Tennessee Titans QB and Texas Longhorn Vince Young. Pryor mentioned he wants to play where he would make an immediate impact; if that's the case it looks like Ohio St. if off the list, they still have Jr. QB Todd Boeckman.

The Sports Flow's Top 5 Signing Day Team Rankings:

1. Alabama- landed some big time 5 star recruits and loaded up on the defensive side

2. Miami- signed 3 QB's which was a must and signed 5 of the best LBs in the nation

3. Florida- signed loads of talent for the depleted secondary and picked up some big-time WRs

4. Clemson- reloaded at RB and signed the top DE in the country

5. Notre Dame- Weis signed the top WR class and also signed some great defensive players that should make an immediate impact

Scout.com Top 5 Team Rankings:
1. Alabama
2. Notre Dame
3. Miami (FLA.)
4. Georgia
5. Florida St.