The NickelBlock 2010 College Football Preview
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Preseason Top 25
- Alabama
- Boise State
- Florida
- Texas
- Ohio State
- TCU
- Virginia Tech
- Nebraska
- Wisconsin
- Oklahoma
- Miami
- Pittsburgh
- USC
- Iowa
- Penn State
- Oregon State
- Arkansas
- LSU
- Georgia Tech
- Oregon
- Utah
- West Virginia
- Georgia
- Florida State
- Auburn
Conference Champions
ACC: Miami, FL
Big 12: Nebraska
Big East: Pittsburgh
Big 10: Wisconsin
Pac-10: Oregon State
SEC: Alabama
C-USA: Houston
MAC: Temple
Mountain West: TCU
Sun Belt: Troy
WAC: Boise State
BCS Game Predictions
National Championship – Alabama vs. Boise State
Both teams have question marks. Some wonder how Alabama will be able to restock a defense that lost Rolando McClain, Terrence Cody, and Javier Arenas, but Nick Saban is a great defensive mind that will surely find a way to fill those voids. Boise State constantly has its schedule come into question as reason not to place them in the national championship, but Boise State will get a chance to prove early in the season against Virginia Tech and Oregon State that they are worth the consideration. Plus, you have to think of the Broncos as potential national championship contendesr when they welcome back nearly all of their starters on both sides of the ball from a team that went undefeated last year, with possibly the best quarterback in all of college football in Kellen Moore. Winner: Alabama
Rose Bowl – Oregon State vs. Wisconsin
Once again, Oregon State could be in contention for the Rose Bowl and the Pac-10’s berth could all come down to the Civil War between Oregon State and Oregon. While Ohio State is a strong team, Terrelle Pryor’s excellent performance in the 2010 Rose Bowl does not provide me with enough proof that he has what it takes to excel in stronger than usual Big 10. Wisconsin has a great chance to win the Big 10 as they get Ohio State at home and get to avoid Penn State this year. However, the Badgers do face a tough road test as they have to travel to Iowa City to take on a strong Hawkeyes team. Winner: Oregon State
Orange Bowl – Miami vs. Pittsburgh
While I just said I didn’t trust Terrelle Pryor, I do believe another volatile quarterback, Jacory Harris, will have a breakout year and lead the Hurricanes to an ACC Championship and berth in the Orange Bowl, their first since 2004. Pittsburgh has a great team returning with perhaps the most explosive player in all of college football with Dion Lewis. Winner: Miami
Sugar Bowl – Florida vs. Oklahoma
Whoever wins the SEC championship is basically a lock to be in the National Championship and the loser will most likely receive a spot in the Sugar Bowl and this means Florida. The Sugar Bowl selection committee may look towards a rematch of the 2008 National Championship by selecting the Big 12 runner-up in Oklahoma. Winner: Oklahoma
Fiesta Bowl – Nebraska vs. Ohio State
Nebraska looks to be a strong team with a lot of starters returning, even with the glaring omission of Ndamukong Suh on the defense. Even if the offense sputters like it did last year, Nebraska’s powerful defense should win them plenty of games. Ohio State is a great team and there is no way they’ll be left out of a BCS game as an at-large if eligible, therefore, in this scenario, look for the Fiesta Bowl to pick them up. Winner: Nebraska
Top Heisman Candidates
- Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
- Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State
- Jake Locker, QB, Washington
- Jacory Harris, QB, Miami
- LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
- Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State
- Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh
- Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
- Case Keenum, QB, Houston
- Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
5 (+1) Games to Watch
Boise State vs. Virginia Tech – September 6th at Landover, MD
Florida vs. Alabama – October 2nd at Alabama
Texas vs. Nebraska – October 16th at Nebraska
Ohio State vs. Wisconsin – October 16th at Wisconsin
Oregon vs. Oregon State – December 4th at Oregon State
SEC Championship Game – December 4th at Georgia Dome
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