This coming weekend kicks off the start of the 2011-2012 college football campaign. College programs across the country have been waiting for this day ever since Cam Newton and the Auburn Tigers hoisted the BCS National Championship trophy after defeating the Oregon Ducks 22-19. After months of recruiting (and recruiting scandals…Miami) and roster tinkering, the most exciting sports season is upon us. Below are The Jockstrap’s top five teams (power rankings) going into week 1.
1.) Oklahoma Sooners (Big-12 Conference)
Could this year be the year that Bob Stoops and the Sooners finally put together a National Championship run? Quarterback Landry Jones has taken over the role of team leader in his second season as the full time starter. Landry, a strong Heisman contender this season, will be aided on offense by stud wide receiver Ryan Broyles. Broyles, a first team All-American last season will look to improve on his team leading 14 touchdowns last season as he enters 2011 with the role of Jones’ primary target. The defense will remain strong, and look out for freshmen tailbacks Brennan Clay and Jonothan Miller this season as they look to fill the void left by Demarco Murray (Dallas Cowboys).
2.) Alabama Crimson Tide (SEC)
Another season, another strong Alabama squad under coach Nick Saban. The Tide will have to fill the spots left by wideout Julio Jones (Atlanta Falcons) and quarterback Greg Mcelroy (New York Jets). Running back Trent Richardson will take over the role as full time starter from former Heisman winner Mark Ingram (New Orleans Saints). Richardson, a early Heisman contender, provides a spark out of the back field as he is one of the nations top backs. The only thing standing in the way between Alabama and another BCS title is the quarterback situation. Sophomore AJ McCarron and redshirt Freshman Phillip Sims are currently battling out for the esteemed spot as QB1 for Alabama. As of now, McCarron has a slight edge based on prior experience, but Sims is a threat in both the running and passing game. Either way, Saban and the Crimson Tide should be on their way to yet another SEC title and a potential BCS berth.
3.) Oregon Ducks (Pac-10)
National Championship runner-up Oregon is primed and reloaded for another championship run. The Ducks and head coach Chip Kelly bring back a majority of last years starters, including QB Darron Thomas and Heisman candidate LaMichael James. The Ducks pose a threat on offense with an explosive duo in Thomas and James, a combination of speed in the option and power in the running game. Despite recruiting violations looming, Kelly and the Ducks have one of the best teams on paper entering this season, and it could come down to them and the #4 team on our list for the Pac-10 title.
4.) Stanford Cardinal (Pac-10)
Any team led by the best quarterback in the country has to be in the preseason top five list. Thus, Stanford and quarterback Andrew Luck stand at #4 on the list. Luck, the clear cut top NFL prospect in the nation right now, is looking to lead the Cardinals to yet another BCS bowl game, only this year its championship or bust. Stanford could be hindered by the departure of former head coach Jim Harbaugh, but new coach David Shaw has a loaded squad this year, and the Cardinal seem to be on a crash course to the Pac-10 title with the Oregon Ducks. Come December, the winner of this conference should be on their way to a National Championship game.
5.) Florida State Seminoles (ACC)
The only team on this years list that was nowhere near the top five last year is the Florida State Seminoles. Head coach Jimbo Fischer has the Seminoles ready to go this season, and after several years of great recruiting, the Seminoles look to be on their way to the first BCS bowl berth in the post Bobby Bowden era. Quarterback EJ Manuel takes over for former starter Christian Ponder (Minnesota Vikings), but the rest of the roster is stacked with 5 star prospects. Sitting in a relatively easy division, the Seminoles should be on their way to a very successful season in 2011.
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