National Championship Contenders Besides USC and LSU
by Vegas Sports Informer - 09/27/2007
Every time I picked up a college football magazine this summer, all I read about was USC or LSU. That is fine, but there are other schools who have started out this young season 3-0 and, still, the public hasn't put them in the same class as the Trojans or Tigers. USC receives all the hype because Los Angeles doesn't have an NFL team, so the Trojans are their pro team. Heck, USC could probably hang with some pro teams -- like possibly Buffalo, Cleveland, Kansas City or Oakland. LSU is always going to be mentioned as one of the top teams in the nation, but I do believe there are better squads in the SEC now as well as in the future. Don't get me wrong, USC and LSU are great teams this year and both teams have great defenses, but don't be surprised if any of the following teams jump up and bite USC or LSU in the butt.
Look out for these teams in College Football:
Florida
The defending National Champions are getting no respect this year. With new QB Tim Tebow the Gators offense looks more powerful and, at times, unstoppable. The Gators have three tough road games ahead against LSU, Kentucky and South Carolina. If the Gators can win on the road we could see a back-to-back National Champions.
Oklahoma
I knew the Sooners would be a good team in the Big 12, but the way they have started the first four games is unbelievable. Oklahoma has outscored their opponents 246-24 and one of these teams was the Miami Hurricanes. Oklahoma's offense is just as good as their tough defense and the Sooners "D" is always good. Pencil in Oct. 6; that's when Oklahoma plays Texas and this game could be a huge factor for both teams. I'm calling it now, Oklahoma beats Texas and I believe they will play for the BCS Championship game.
(3) Big 10 Teams
The three teams that could be BCS surprises are Purdue, Ohio State and Wisconsin. Oct.6 is a big weekend for the conference as the Boilers will host the Buckeyes and Illinois will host the Badgers. I see Purdue winning the conference and they could make some noise nationally, but they also have to play at Michigan in the middle of October. But the conference will probably not be a factor for the National Title.
(2) Big East Teams:
This Friday showdown between West Virginia at South Florida will show us who will represent the Big East in a BCS Bowl game. West Virginia has the players and the public names but South Florida has the history. By history I mean last year South Florida came to West Virginia and beat them, 24-19. I like the their chances again on Friday. The Bulls will have their home crowd jumping and this team is coming off two big wins. Last week they beat North Carolina and in Week 2 they notched a road win over Auburn.
I'm sure I'm missing some teams that have a small shot at the title like Hawaii, Boston College, Clemson, Kentucky, Missouri, Rutgers, Oregon and Texas. All of these teams do have a shot but in my eyes a small shot. But just remember any team can beat any team, just ask Michigan.