CBS Sportsline early top 25

[Master Capper]

Team 2003 Record Season Opener
1. Georgia 11-3 Sept. 4 vs. Ga. Southern
Award winners all over the place -- David Greene for Heisman, Davey O'Brien etc. Fred Gibson for the Biletnikoff. David Pollack for the Nagurski. LSU is the defending SEC champ and co-national champ but it comes together this year for the Dawgs. Backup quarterback D.J. Shockley tries to return from a knee injury. The spring will feature an interesting battle at tailback, where sophomores Kregg Lumpkin and Michael Cooper will battle it out. Unless injuries hit, Mark Richt has no excuse for not winning another SEC title and maybe more.
2. Southern California 12-1 Aug. 28 vs. Virginia Tech
As mentioned, the loss of Williams knocked the Trojans out of the top spot. With the loss of Jacob Rodgers, Will Poole and Williams, Southern Cal can't be as strong. Can it? The spring will be spent developing a power running game and throwing more to tight ends. The news isn't all bad. Matt Leinart is probably the Heisman front-runner going into 2004. If he had chosen to come out, he might be the first quarterback drafted. Safety Darnell Bing had a quietly effective season as a freshman. Don't forget Pete Carroll's charisma. The Trojans will win the Pac-10 again. If Georgia stumbles, look for them to win it all again.
3. Oklahoma 12-2 Sept. 4 vs. Bowling Green
The defense lost three All-Americans (Derrick Strait, Teddy Lehman and Tommie Harris) and might still be the best in the country. If Heisman winner Jason White gets some support from the running game, he should keep from being beat up late in the season. Don't forget the motivation of breaking a two-game losing streak with the Big 12 and national titles on the line.
4. LSU 13-1 Sept. 4 vs. Oregon State
The team loses the heart of its defensive line, its best receiver and quarterback. Any other team would be crying. The Tigers are reloading. Marcus Randall takes over for Matt Mauck and is more athletic and has a stronger arm. The best story of the spring will be how the defensive line develops with the loss of Marquise Hill and Chad Lavalais.
5. Florida State 10-3 Sept. 6 at Miami (Fla.)
OK, so Darnell Dockett and Greg Jones are gone. The Seminoles will continue to feast on ACC opponents. For now, FSU is the best of the Florida schools because it is stable at quarterback, has a decent running game and the defense will be a killer. The league could be decided on Labor Day weekend when the Seminoles visit Miami.
6. Miami (Fla.) 11-2 Sept. 6 vs. Florida State
So many questions. Will Brock Berlin pan out in his senior year? How is Frank Gore's knee? Will the loss of up to six first-round draft picks finally have an effect? Who will replace Kellen Winslow? Jonathan Vilma? Sean Taylor? The answers begin to come in the spring. Watch for RB Tyrone Moss to take over as the next 1,500-yard rusher. If the 'Canes have a running game, watch out.
7. Texas 10-3 Sept. 4 vs. North Texas
We've been fooled before ranking the 'Horns near the top. Until they actually break through and beat Oklahoma, an annual top 10 spot is reserved for them but there is no room at the top. This might be the year. Mack Brown has to reload at receiver but the defense is young and angry -- or should be -- after having 65 hung on it by the Sooners.
8. Kansas State 11-4 Sept. 4 vs. Western Kentucky
Someone has to win the Big 12 North. Why not the Wildcats? Missouri is threatening. Nebraska is rebuilding. K-State loses quarterback Ell Roberson and will spend the spring grooming Dylan Meier to be his successor. Meier just has to not lose games because Heisman contender Darren Sproles should be able to rush for 1,700 yards and get the Wildcats somewhere close to 10 victories.
9. Michigan 10-3 Sept. 4 vs. Miami (Ohio)
So John Navarre is gone, so what? Every Wolverines starter at quarterback since 1989 has made an NFL roster. The battle is on this spring between Matt Gutierrez, who never lost a game as a high school starter at Concord De La Salle, and Clayton Richard, a Parade All-American from Lafayette, Ind. Pennsylvania recruit Chad Henne will join them in the fall. Senior Dave Underwood seems to be the favorite to replace Chris Perry.
10. TCU 11-2 Sept. 2 vs. Northwestern
The Frogs have established themselves as the best non-BCS program going. Fourteen starters return, including eight on offense where TCU will have to shine if it is going to chase a BCS berth again.
11. Florida 8-5 Sept. 4 vs. Middle Tennessee
The anticipated improvement of quarterback Chris Leak will more than make up for losses in the defensive backfield and offensive line. Coach Ron Zook probably has to win more than eight this year to keep Steve Spurrier's shadow from becoming a permanent presence on the sideline again.
12. Virginia 8-5 Sept. 4 at Temple
We made the mistake of overrating the Wahoos last year. Believe the hype this year. Matt Schaub is gone and the ACC's best defense will anchor a team that will benefit from Al Groh's aggressive recruiting. Wali Lundy could be the best running back in the ACC.
13. Clemson 9-4 Sept. 4 vs. Wake Forest
While we're at it, might as well call Charlie Whitehurst the best quarterback in the ACC. Tommy Bowden has gone from hot seat to coaching security. He already has his dad's attention.
14. Memphis 9-4 Sept. 4 at Mississippi
Every single starter returns on offense, including one from 2002 -- receiver Tavares Gideon returns after sitting out because of injury. Coach Tommy West is coming off a 9-4 bowl season (the first in more than 30 years) loaded to the gills. He signed the No. 1 class in Conference USA and got 13 of the top 21 players in Tennessee. QB Danny Wimprine already owns 26 school offensive records. RB DeAngelo Williams (C-USA player of the year) led the nation in all-purpose yardage and was fifth in rushing. The offensive line is four deep at every position. It's too bad the league is being broken up because it is rounding into shape with Louisville, TCU and the Tigers.
15. Ohio State 11-2 Sept. 4 vs. Cincinnati
The Buckeyes might actually get better at quarterback. Strong-armed drop-back QB Justin Zwick is the favorite to take over for Craig Krenzel. The defense has to deal with the loss of Will Smith.
16. Tennessee 10-3 Sept. 4 vs. UNLV
James Banks is listed as a receiver and No. 1 quarterback going into spring. That alone makes him better than Casey Clausen. After yet more turmoil (see the ties to the Alabama investigation) this team needs to start winning SEC titles again.
17. Maryland 10-3 Sept. 4 vs. Northern Illinois
The Terps have proved themselves among the elite in the ACC with 31 victories in the past three years. That won't change in the new ACC. A replacement must be found for quarterback Scott McBrien.
18. Auburn 8-5 Sept. 4 vs. Louisiana-Monroe
It's no longer a three-headed battle at tailback. Cadillac Williams gets the chance to be the man. If quarterback Jason Campbell improves, the Tigers will be challenging for a Jan. 1 bowl.
19. Louisville 9-4 Sept. 5 vs. Kentucky
All Stefan LeFors did was lead the Cardinals to a nine-win season. But 2003 recruit Michael Bush was promised a shot at the job in spring practice. The nation's No. 2 prep quarterback, Brian Brohm, arrives in the fall. It could be a mess. It could be a sign of the deepest non-BCS team around. The Cardinals return 17 starters.
20. California 8-6 Sept. 4 at Air Force
Don't laugh. Jeff Tedford is one of the top five coaches in the nation and put his name on the 2003 season as coach of the only team to beat Southern Cal. He is the best teacher of QBs in the country. Watch for Aaron Rodgers to keep improving.
21. Washington State 10-3 Sept. 3 at New Mexico
You can't dismiss three consecutive 10-win seasons. We keep hearing about all these losses and the Cougars keep responding. The pressure is on second-year coach Bill Doba to start winning with his players. So what's wrong with 8-3 once in a while?
22. Nebraska 10-3 Sept. 4 vs. Western Illinois
Folks seem to have forgotten the Huskers did win 10 games last year. This will be a transition year but Bill Callahan should be able to milk seven or eight victories out of players recruited to play Frank Solich's system. The walk-on program has been gutted. Joe Dailey has to learn the West Coast. Kevin Cosgrove arrives from Wisconsin as defensive coordinator to keep the Blackshirts' tradition alive.
23. N.C. State 8-5 Sept. 4 vs. Richmond
Old man Rivers is gone but an offense centered on tailback T.A. McClendon should be enough to get the Pack to a bowl game. The top 11 tacklers return.
24. Utah 10-2 Sept. 2 vs. Texas A&M
Biggest offseason "move" was keeping red hot coach Urban Meyer. The Kings of the Mountain (West) follow a 10-win season with the league's best recruiting class. Fifteen starters return, including quarterback Alex Smith. There won't be much falloff from a 10-2 season.
25. (tie) West Virginia 8-5 Sept. 4 vs. East Carolina
25. (tie) Oklahoma State 9-4 Sept. 4 at UCLA
Two teams that lose their best players but should have enough left to go bowling. Spring will be spent at West Virginia trying to replace running back Quincy Wilson and linebacker Grant Wiley. The Cowboys will have a hard time winning nine again in the Big 12 South without receiver Rashaun Woods.

 

[bigdad2]

Just my two cents:

1) What a big f'n surprise that CBS Sportsline has Georgia rated #1. Their college writers and guys have such a hard-on for the SEC it is sick. It is basically like reading articles all day written by Scott4USC... after awhile it gets REALLY OLD! Anyone remember when they rated the top college stadiums in the country and 6 OF THE TOP 10 WERE FROM THE SEC! (GA,LSU, 'Bama, Florida, Tenn, Auburn) I'm not knocking the SEC by any means as in my opinion it is far above the PAC-10 but that is for another thread.

2) Does anyone here, including Scott, really think Matt Leinert would have been the top QB taken in the draft as CBS is stating? Come on!!! It greatly bothers me that guys at that site put constantly put their foot in their mouth. I have sent countless e-mails to them bashing most of their articles and writers. One in particular, Dennis Dodd, needs to have his head examined...

3) Oh, and aside from being pro-SEC they are most certainly anti-Big-10. OSU and Michigan in the top-25 and that's it?


Regardless this is nothing against MC as I always enjoy his posts and appreciate the fact that he put this up for people to view. If anyone thinks I'm out there or reaching that is fine as well but I challenge you to observe them this year and see if my gripe about them is true...

 

[Scott4USC]

Bigdad2

Enjoyed reading your post and agree with you except for your comment saying the SEC is far above the Pac 10. I think both conferences are equal and elite conferences.

Does anyone here, including Scott, really think Matt Leinert would have been the top QB taken in the draft as CBS is stating? Come on!!!

If I was a GM i would NOT draft Leinart ahead of Manning and Rothsburgler (know i spelt it wrong). Lienart was EXCELLENT for his first year starting at QB. Unbelievable job. However, he did have superb talent around him. OL was awesome at pass protection (his left tackle gave up zero sack and zero penalties). At WR he had Mike Williams (most dominant WR in college football) and Colbert (prob. most under-rated WR in college football and USC all time catch leader at WR). He had a solid running game with superb talent to support him. 2 starting tight ends for USC got hurt last year but the 3rd string TE played great. Oh yeah, almost forgot, he had NORM CHOW as his Offensive Coordinator (#1 OC in country IMO). So you can make great argument that he was product of the system, although let me tell you, on TUES at USC spring practice USC offense was looking great. Herbstriet was their from ESPN and he was very impressed for it only being 2nd day of spring practice.

Leinart does not have a rocket arm, but he throws a very catchable ball (very few drops) and he makes great reads. That is what is most important, reading a defense. OU QB WHite could not read a defense and that is huge reason why they lost to LSU. Lienart is coached very well and can pick a defense apart. His downside is lack of mobility and maybe not the strongest arm. Remember, Montana did not hve strong arm but could read defenses. If Lienart has another explosive season (with all those key players leaving), then yes, Leinart should be a top draft pick.

The guy who def. will be a top draft pick is BOOTY, Leinarts backup. That guy is everythign Leinart is but with much stronger arm and acuracy with good mobility. When Booty signed with USC he had no idea (neither did I) that Lienart would be so good. Chow really earned his money and my respect last season because I thought USC was doomed at QB.

 

[Blackman]

Does anyone here, including Scott, really think Matt Leinert would have been the top QB taken in the draft as CBS is stating?

Glad you brought this up. I almost fell out of my chair when I read that line about Leinert too. This reminds me a lot of a the few posts here that would state banter like "if Mike Williams were going to go pro he'd be the number one WR taken hands down, all of the pro scouts are drooling over him." I am so glad that Williams came out early, I have a strong feeling that all those people will be eating crow on draft day.

 

[bigdad2]

First off, I went on CBS's website to see who the author was.... anyone want to take a guess? Anyone?

Well, once again, it was my buddy DENNIS DODD!!!

How does this guy still have a job? I know tons of people who have blasted him in the past for talking out of his ass. My perception of this guy is he has no idea what he is talking about, goes upon other people's thoughts or ideas and should think abou covering another sport. He is the equivalent of a Bill Walton, Bob Ryan, Stephen A. Smith in broadcasting... someone who needs to be put in their place. Normally I would have included Rick Reilly in that list but Rick has moved from wishing him physical harm to being somewhat bareable. That's enough time and energy wasted on this guy for one day but hopefully everyone will open their eyes to this garbage that he puts out. Journalists should be held accountable in my mind for what they say or do and crap like this pisses me off....


Scott- we will have to agree to disagree about the Pac-10. I have read all of your posts and can appreciate your view but no amount of statistics or numbers will change my mind that in a comparison the SEC is the stronger conference top to bottom.
I know all about Booty but my question to you is: when will he get a chance to show his abilities? Did he red-shirt so that he has another year or am I missing something? Yes, he has a ton of talent and was highly regarded out of high school but unless Leinert leaves after this year how will he have a chance?

Blackman - totally agree with you in that most scouts now believe Roy Williams will be first WR selected. Even now with SD looking to trade Boston there have been reports they are considering taking him with #1 pick. Regardless Mike Williams is a good talent and probably will have a solid career but no way he is first WR taken this year... That being said if he waited until next year he could have helped USC try to win outright BCS title and probably is #1 WR taken.

 

[Scott4USC]

Well to answer your question, Booty will get his chance when he earns it. Pete Carroll simply plays the best players and he cares less about seniority. The QB spot next year is open so it is up to Booty to beat out Leinart. Yes, the QB spot is not Leinarts but he has looked REALLY sharp so far in spring practice so I say its good chance nobody beats him out. Booty did not redshirt last year, so if he does not beat out Leinart and Leinart having 2 more years to play, Booty might redshirt and assure himself of at least 2 years starting at USC. If Booty does not redshirt and Leinart is starting QB for next 2 years, Booty will only hve 1 year at USC to play. Will Leinart go pro early next seaon??? Tough tough decision for Booty and the coaches. I know one thing, Booty did not think Leinart was going to be this good (neither did I) and figured on starting this or last season.

That is why USC recruits so well, Carroll plays the best players and even switches players positions to get the best players on the field at the same time.

 

[bjfinste]

I saw ESPN had its top 25, too. Looks a little different than CBS.

1. USC
Losing Mike Williams is big, but hearing before spring practice will help sophomore wideouts Steve Smith and Whitney Lewis adjust. The Trojans also signed one of the best recruiting classes in years. Given Pete Carroll's philosophy about playing freshmen, they should help bolster what is already a very talented team.

2. LSU
Matt Mauck's departure will affect the offense, but the Tigers won with defense. The defense still looks powerful.

3. Georgia
The Bulldogs lost safety Sean Jones to the NFL draft, but the decision by defensive end and spiritual leader David Pollack to return for his senior season means a great deal to what is still a young team.

4. Oklahoma
The Sooners remain loaded on defense, and once more have issues with their running game. That has been their m.o. during the Stoops era, so expect the same level of success.

5. Miami
Huge losses on defense, with the early NFL departures of safety Sean Taylor and tackle Vince Wilfork, but the 'Canes depth should make the difference.

6. Texas
Yes, the Longhorns woo all of us every spring, then disappear at crucial moments in the fall. But Mack Brown gets four stars for hiring veteran defensive minds Greg Robinson and Dick Tomey to overhaul the defense. They will make a difference.

7. Florida State
The Seminoles are younger on defense than I first realized, but man, what an offense.

8. Michigan
Wolverine fans celebrated when none of the celebrated juniors left early, but the decisions by wideout Braylon Edwards, defensive back Marlin Jackson and offensive lineman David Baas came as no surprise. They will form the backbone of another formidable Michigan team.

9. Maryland
In Ralph We Trust.

10. Utah
A lot of readers disagreed with my decision to rank the Utes 14th in my January poll. I think they missed an important component of polling. The champions of the Mountain West and Mid-American Conferences, if they are one-loss teams, will rise this high in the polls. Utah is good enough to be 10-1 this year.

11. California

12. West Virginia

13. Ohio State

14. Tennessee

15. Iowa

16. Auburn

17. Missouri

18. Clemson

19. Florida

20. Virginia

21. Purdue

22. Kansas State

23. Minnesota

24. Oregon State

25. Toledo

 

[Stuman]

lol, I see that ESPN's poll made no mention of Memphis while CBS's poll had them at 14, ahead of TN. lol

I guess both polls have their faults. I don't think ESPN has the balls to look outside the box and accept the fact that a non-bcs school might actually be pretty good. They like a handful of non-bcs schools, but for the most part they only recognize schools that have been rich in tradition over the years. Their failure to even mention Memphis in their preseason poll illustrates my point beautifully. At least your boy Dennis was a little objective!

Stuman

 

[Blackman]

Stuman,

Agree with you about Memphis - but to be fair ESPN did have the sack to rank Utah 10th, so I guess they filled their mid-major quota.

 

[3 Seconds]

:nono:

 

[Stuman]

:shrug:

 

[ELVIS]

thanks, stu.