GeauxTo
08-04-2006, 01:49 PM
USA Today released their picks today...
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2006-08-03-top-25-capsules_x.htm
6. Auburn (9-3)
Points: 1,206 (1). Final 2005 rank: 14. Outlook: Tigers appear poised to make run at SEC honors and maybe more. QB Brandon Cox has developed into solid leader, and RB Kenny Irons is emerging star running behind Gs Ben Grubbs and Tim Duckworth. LB Will Herring and CB David Irons help lead star-laden defense. Sept. 16 test with LSU could be critical. Opens: Sept. 2 vs. Washington State (ESPN2, 7:45 p.m. ET).
8. Florida (9-3)
Points: 1,054. Final 2005 rank: 16. Outlook: Jury still out on whether coach Urban Meyer's spread offense can be effective against the kind of powerhouse defenses Gators face in SEC. Running game has to be more consistent, and QB Chris Leak will have highly regarded freshman Tim Tebow right behind him on depth chart. Defense should be solid behind LBs Brandon Siler and Earl Everett. Opens: Sept. 2 vs. Southern Mississippi.
9. LSU (11-2)
Points: 1,037. Final 2005 rank: 5. Outlook: Only overtime loss to Tennessee kept Tigers from 11-0 regular season, and QB JaMarcus Russell will be back to throw to WR Dwayne Bowe. Defense could be special behind FS LaRon Landry and LB Ali Highsmith. Trips to Auburn, Florida and Tennessee will be key. Opens: Sept. 2 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette.
14. Georgia (10-3)
Points: 784. Final 2005 rank: 10. Outlook: Senior QB Joe Tereshinski might be the present, but freshman Matthew Stafford looks like the future for defending SEC champ. Top-notch group of RBs, led by Thomas Brown, probably will have to carry load for while. DE Quentin Moses one to watch on retooled defense. Opens: Sept. 2 vs. Western Kentucky.
23. Tennessee (5-6)
Points: 216. Final 2005 rank: not ranked. Outlook: Little mystery as to why Vols suffered losing season. Offense was held to 21 or fewer points seven times. David Cutcliffe returns to Knoxville as offensive coordinator to try to boost production and confidence of QB Erik Ainge. T Justin Harrell and CB Jonathan Wade could spark defense. Opens: Sept. 2 vs. No. 12 California (ESPN, 5:30 p.m. ET).
24. Alabama (10-2)
Points: 210. Final 2005 rank: 8. Outlook: With departure of Brodie Croyle, transition to new QB probably will be made easier by return of standout RB Kenneth Darby running behind C Antoine Caldwell. Status of WR Tyrone Prothro (broken leg) will be key. Defense lost several top performers but T Jeremy Clark among returnees. Opens: Sept. 2 vs. Hawaii.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2006-08-03-top-25-capsules_x.htm
6. Auburn (9-3)
Points: 1,206 (1). Final 2005 rank: 14. Outlook: Tigers appear poised to make run at SEC honors and maybe more. QB Brandon Cox has developed into solid leader, and RB Kenny Irons is emerging star running behind Gs Ben Grubbs and Tim Duckworth. LB Will Herring and CB David Irons help lead star-laden defense. Sept. 16 test with LSU could be critical. Opens: Sept. 2 vs. Washington State (ESPN2, 7:45 p.m. ET).
8. Florida (9-3)
Points: 1,054. Final 2005 rank: 16. Outlook: Jury still out on whether coach Urban Meyer's spread offense can be effective against the kind of powerhouse defenses Gators face in SEC. Running game has to be more consistent, and QB Chris Leak will have highly regarded freshman Tim Tebow right behind him on depth chart. Defense should be solid behind LBs Brandon Siler and Earl Everett. Opens: Sept. 2 vs. Southern Mississippi.
9. LSU (11-2)
Points: 1,037. Final 2005 rank: 5. Outlook: Only overtime loss to Tennessee kept Tigers from 11-0 regular season, and QB JaMarcus Russell will be back to throw to WR Dwayne Bowe. Defense could be special behind FS LaRon Landry and LB Ali Highsmith. Trips to Auburn, Florida and Tennessee will be key. Opens: Sept. 2 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette.
14. Georgia (10-3)
Points: 784. Final 2005 rank: 10. Outlook: Senior QB Joe Tereshinski might be the present, but freshman Matthew Stafford looks like the future for defending SEC champ. Top-notch group of RBs, led by Thomas Brown, probably will have to carry load for while. DE Quentin Moses one to watch on retooled defense. Opens: Sept. 2 vs. Western Kentucky.
23. Tennessee (5-6)
Points: 216. Final 2005 rank: not ranked. Outlook: Little mystery as to why Vols suffered losing season. Offense was held to 21 or fewer points seven times. David Cutcliffe returns to Knoxville as offensive coordinator to try to boost production and confidence of QB Erik Ainge. T Justin Harrell and CB Jonathan Wade could spark defense. Opens: Sept. 2 vs. No. 12 California (ESPN, 5:30 p.m. ET).
24. Alabama (10-2)
Points: 210. Final 2005 rank: 8. Outlook: With departure of Brodie Croyle, transition to new QB probably will be made easier by return of standout RB Kenneth Darby running behind C Antoine Caldwell. Status of WR Tyrone Prothro (broken leg) will be key. Defense lost several top performers but T Jeremy Clark among returnees. Opens: Sept. 2 vs. Hawaii.