The best thing about the end of a college football season is that it means we get to start looking forward to next one. Before the body of 2011 was even cold, CBR’s writers put their heads together and have already come up with a very preliminary preseason top 10 for 2012, subject to what should be many changes in the next eight months.
CBR Preseason Top 10 For 2012
1. LSU Tigers
The Tigers’ drubbing at the hands of Alabama Monday night isn’t dissuading the CBR staff from ranking LSU No. 1 to open the season in the fall. Frankly, the Bayou Bengals hit the national scene a year earlier than expected.
2. USC Trojans
Freed from a two-year NCAA bowl ban, USC returns a bevy of talented underclassmen, including quarterback Matt Barkley, safety T.J. McDonald and receiver Robert Woods.
3. Oregon Ducks
Chip Kelly’s team has won three consecutive conference crowns and got over the hump of winning a BCS bowl this season. The Ducks’ explosive offense has shown no signs of slowing down, with or without LaMichael James.
4. Alabama Crimson Tide
At this point, does anyone really want to go against Nick Saban and the ‘Bama juggernaut? You certainly won’t find a more talented roster in college football.
5. Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners opened 2011 on top, but they fell far short of their national championship aspirations. Quarterback Landry Jones’ decision to return gave OU a lift after a disappointing season.
6. Georgia Bulldogs
Mark Richt kept the wolves at bay with a 10-win season and SEC East title. The ‘Dawgs should be ready to at least be taken seriously be the SEC West powers.
7. (tie) Arkansas Razorbacks
Quarterback Tyler Wilson returns to operate coach Bobby Petrino’s high-powered offense. The big question is whether new defensive coordinator Paul Haynes can replace some departing contributors on his side of the ball and help the Hogs start getting some stops.
Florida State Seminoles
This was supposed to be the year that FSU made the leap back into college football’s elite. Didn’t happen. Can Jimbo Fisher get back on schedule in 2012? He has boatloads of returning studs at his disposal.
9. Michigan Wolverines
Year one of the Brady Hoke era in Ann Arbor got off to a rousing start. Dynamic QB Denard Robinson is coming back, which should have the Maize and Blue at least in contention for the Big Ten title.
10. South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina completed one of its best seasons in history with a strong win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Capital One Bowl. Assuming running back Marcus Lattimore can recover from his season-ending injury and get ready for 2012, South Carolina will once again be in the mix for the SEC East title, along with the conference championship as well.
