Who do you think are the top 5 programs......

[Scott4USC]

I thought it be interesting to see everyones opinion on who they think are the top 5 programs in college football right now and will be in the future. Please no bashing or personal attacks and just provide your honest opinion. Hope to see many replies. :thumb:
Here are my top 5:

#1) USC
#2) LSU
#3) OU
#4) Miami
#5) Michigan

Ohio St., Florida St., Georgia were tough to leave out. What do all 5 teams have in common? All play great defense and all 5 have had "great" recruiting classes. Recruiting is VERY important but you must develop the talent and I think all 5 schools have proven they can develop talent except for maybe Miami at the QB position and their lack of discipline. But since Miami is so rich in talent, they have to be in the top 5 despite those shortcomings.

Why did I choose USC #1? (not because they are my team) It was a very easy decision because no team in the nation has as much young talent currently playing as USC, and USC just recruited the #1 class 2 years in a row (yes last year with BOOTY addition). USC has Lienart, Booty, and Hinds as their top 3 QB's with all having 2 year seperation. Chow easily is #1 OC in nation and Carroll is at the very least a top 3 DC in nation. Pretty good formula for succuss at USC. Rich in young "proven" talent with even more young talent coming in and backed up with great coaching. Same things can be pretty much said for the other 5 programs, but I think USC is just a step above. For example, LSU getting three 5-star recruits (awesome) but USC got EIGHT 5-star recruits (not fair).
Time will tell if I am right.

 

[Mr Hockey]

How do you know every single team's talent to know who has what?

Give it a rest already.

 

[Scott4USC]

Mr Hockey

Nobody really does, it it just who you "think" are the top 5 programs. Again you added nothing to this thread, either post your opinion or stay out. This thread has nothing to do with any specific team, it has to do with what are peoples opinions on college football now and the future.I would be interested in your opinion so I hope you do contribute in this thread.

 

[Blackman]

Like the list - hard to argue with those five teams.

Would keep the same five, shuffle up the order.

1) OU
2) USC
3) LSU
4) Miami - need a new QB!!!!
5) Michigan


MY honarable mention is OSU and Texas. OSU for obvious reasons and Texas because they have the talent but their bozo coach can't seem to put it together.

Have OU at #1 just because they did win an outright title recently, and got back to the title game this year. If USC goes undefeated next season they will take the top spot. LSU dropped to three next year because I'm not completely sold they will be a top three team next season.

Teams that could be top 5 in two or three years: PSU and Nebraska. Joe Pa will have one more run at it in my opinion, they keep bringing in the talent; just need to put it together. Hated Mill's at QB, I think giving Robinson a full season will pay big dividends next year.
Nebraska will have a major overhaul with Callahan bringing the west coast offense in, but that's a tradition rich program and I don't see any reason why they won't be back.
Maybe could argue Florida I guess - but Zook could go either way in my opinion here. Like Leak's talent though.

 

[gman2]

i dont disagree with the list. i think its hard to argue with those 5. but you cant convince me "usc plays great defense"

of course its all subjective, but as far as statistical objectivity, total defense numbers dont lie:

#1 oklahoma
#2 lsu
#3 miami
#7 michigan

#34 southern cal

southern cal was the #4 defense in the pac-10 alone. of course you can twist that and say "teams playing from behind", but teams played from behind okie, lsu, miami, and michigan all year too.

usc's strength lies in its balance. superb offense with a somewhat average defense. southern cal has the best offense of those 5 teams (by far) but they are not in the defensive class of any of those 4 yet.

 

[gman2]

blackman, i would agree with leapfrogging okie over usc as far as the premier program in the country (up to THIS point). but i think you have to have miami leapfrog lsu for the same reason that okie leapfrogs usc. in fact you could make a case that miami could be #1 as far as program strength within the last few years. depends what the criteria is i guess

 

[Scott4USC]

Blackman

Good post. I def. would have said OU ahead of USC except the last 2 games they played this year was brutal. Bad coaching and team simply looked bad. OU got completely blown out by the 2 toughest teams they faced. Not lost, but blown out. Also the QB was poorly coached, he could not read defenses.

gman2

As always I enjoy your posts and your right overall team D USC is #34, but remember, USC blew out every opponent by an average of 4 TD's minus the triple OT loss to CAL. USC defense was a bend but do not break defense, so USC will give up ton of passing yards. Carroll likes an attacking defense but he adjusted to the personell. Carroll been at USC only 3 years and still building the program! USC offense is so explosive it scored in 2min. drives so the defense was on field a lot and gave up short passes so no team would score on big play. It worked all year. Also USC was #1 in the nation against the run and the USC defense dominated the Michigan offense who many said was a top 5 offense in the country and one of the hottest offences in the country. Next year USC defense will be even better, and if USC offense does not score so fast and use the clock, USC will be ranked higher total defense. Also, remember USC plays tough schedule and against very very good offenses. When I say tough schedule, I am talking about the whole year. No cupcakes and no div. 2 schools. Something to consider. Lastly, how many yards/pts did the USC defense give in garbage time where Carroll played 2nd, 3rd, and even walk ons. USC never won in shootouts, USC won in blowouts.

 

[bbk]

#1 OU
OU returns every starter on offense that was the highest scoring defense in the nation minus Works but replaces him with Peterson which should make them even more explosive. Lose some key components on def but replace Strait with Och which some say could play in the NFL right now and the Sooners are loaded everywhere else on defense also return both kicker. Add to that easy ooc and play neb at home and face kstate without Roberson. Defense wins championships and you have to have consistent def play to stay on top and I take into consideration that the Sooners have been a top 5 team over the last 4 years.

#2 USC
Mainly due to them playing the PAC 10; there schedule is cake with the exception that they do get past VTECH. They play in the PAC 10 so we know their defense is weak and dont really see it improving that much but should be in their regular 25-35 ranking. Do return a highly explosive offense with Mike Williams as possibly the best WR in the nation and get to face pac 10 defenses all season long. USC will lose a game like they always do and will be marked but should be able to make it back to the title game but who knows they may lose to another 6 loss team again.

#3 LSU
Tough call between Miami and LSU; if LSU played in the pac 10; I would have LSU #1 every season; but their schedule is a gauntlet. I cant see any team going undefeated with that schedule and have to replace their QB and WR. They are loaded and their defense is the real deal but that schedule. OUCH

#4 Miami
This is based off of consistency more than anything. Miami seems to be there year end and year out and year after year they seem to lose their entire team to the NFL but somehow reload. Schedule is a gauntlet not as bad as LSU but still very difficult. Defense will always be there but not sold on offense.

#5 Georgia
Great coaching; great players but have to play in the SEC so tough to go undefeated. But Georgia is loaded and with Richt at the helm should have a chance.

 

[bbk]

Blown out; did you watch the LSU/OU game. OU lost by 7 and had 3 chances in the last minutes of the game to tie the game up.
That does not equal a blowout. And guess what NEXT season is a new season. And that whole spiel about bend dont break; you dont give up 400 yards passing AT HOME to OSU with the NC game on the line; I dont care if you are up by 50. Your arguements makes no sense. I am sure that is what USC d coor says give them all the yards they want and let them hang 4 tds on you as long as we win by 21.

 

[Blackman]

GMan -

That thought crossed my mind, that I did have to give Miami there due. What held me back was the coaching change, and that Coker's early success was with Butch Davis' players. Same can be argued for all of these programs I suppose, but Croker took over at the highest of levels. Not something to be held against him, but that was my thought process.

 

[hellah10]

1) Buffalo
2) La-Monroe
3) Arizona
4) UTEP
5) Central Michigan

Fawk OU, LSU, USC, OSU etc....

 

[Scott4USC]

bbk

You did not read my thread carefully BBK. I said top 5 programs now and the future. Not just single out next season. Your write-ups "seemed" to gear towards next season only. 2nd, why did you make this statement against USC?

Mainly due to them playing the PAC 10; there schedule is cake with the exception that they do get past VTECH.

2 years ago USC had #1 SOS, last year USC had #30 SOS (despite every team tanking and hurting USC SOS) If the teams played normal and luck not go against USC, last year USC would have had a top 10 SOS without question. But those are the breaks and nothing you can do. However, I would still like to know why you posted that statement? Are you not aware, on average in the last 30 years USC has played top 10 Strength of Schedules year in and year out. So USC playing in the Pac 10 (which has been very tough top to bottom) is a mute point because USC plays a tougher schedule than almost every team in the nation on average. Remember, a season is 12 games, OOC + Conference Play. Are you not aware of that? Are you not aware that SOS factors in all 12 games?

In addition, i have posted concrete facts that the Pac 10 is better head to head against the SEC. You say the SEC is so tough, yet the Pac 10 is better than the SEC head to head and the Pac 10 is better against BCS competition. No spin on that, it is clear as night and day. Head to head, Pac 10 beats on the SEC and has better record than the SEC against BCS competition. So what gives?

Lastly, you say the Pac 10 not so tough, yet there are 5 pac 10 teams with a top 25 recruiting class. That means there is more talent coming into the Pac 10 than any other conference, and remember, you play 9/10 pac 10 teams, other conferences skip teams (but play conference title game).

I think you need to take back that statement because it is clearly false. I am not talking about your top 5 programs (i think it is a good list) I am just talking about a false statement.

Thanks for sharing your list.

 

[bbk]

i did not read half of your cut and paste the FACT is if USC has to face LSU sch the would be lucky to win half their games; I give alot of respect to Sec teams not weak ass pac 10 teams; you act like what you print you say is fact; give me a break; lsu is 2 times the team usc is and that is a FACT!!!

 

[wareagle]

He runs with a lot of power" - He runs a 4.9 forty.

"Quarterback X is a great leader" - He can't throw it 40 yards.

"We signed a lot of speed" - The track coach is happy, but none of
them can catch.

"We filled our needs" - we really didn't get who we wanted to.

"We signed great athletes this year" - we didn't get any decent
lineman.

"He has quick feet for a lineman" - Too bad he has weak legs and
arms.

"He comes from a powerhouse program" - He rode the coattails of the
5 actual good players on the team.

"He can play a number of positions" - We'll move him around his
entire career until he transfers to a DII school.

"He qualified early on" - He's smarter than he is fast or strong.

"His mother has an Escalade" - We only offered a Tahoe.

"He was overlooked because he played at a small school." - He rang
up big stats against 150 pound white guys.

"He has a lot of raw potential." - And if we could keep him for 8
years, I'm sure he could realize it.

"He played against Player X who went to that other school, and he
got the better of him" - Player X had a broken arm in that game.

"Don't go moving him from quarterback just yet." - He's going to
play wide receiver.

"He's only played football for one year." - He's three years behind
everyone else.

"He doesn't have any quit in him." - Neither did Rudy.

"We didn't want him" - Yes we did.

"These guys were a package deal." - We had to sign the less talented
one to get the all star.

"He broke all of Player X who went to the other schools passing
records." - After Player X left, the team changed coaches and went
from the Wishbone to the spread.

"He has a large frame." - He would have to eat a dozen Big Macs a
day to achieve a decent weight.

"He is close to qualifying." - He can't spell his own last name.

"His brother was a great player for us" - Would you want Eddie
Payton on your team?

"He was offered by programs across the country." - UAB, South
Florida, Holy Cross, and Utah and Holy Cross was before the new
coaching staff

"He canceled his visit with Nebraska to come here." - Nebraska
canceled his visit, so he just showed up here unannounced.

"He comes from a good family." - He's lived with his grandparents
since his dad went to jail and his mom ran off with the mailman.

"He's a player that will contribute down the road." - Career special
teamer

"He can come in right away and play" - The last 3 guys we signed at
his position were busts.

"I am looking where I can get the most playing time and to get my
education, thats the important thing" - He will challenge the NFL
ruling on early entry into the draft

"They have what I am interested in majoring in" - The girls up there
are hot.

"I've committed to University X" - If University Y comes through
with that new ride, I'll sign with them.

 

[Scott4USC]

BBK

i did not read half of your cut and paste the FACT is if USC has to face LSU sch the would be lucky to win half their games; I give alot of respect to Sec teams not weak ass pac 10 teams; you act like what you print you say is fact; give me a break; lsu is 2 times the team usc is and that is a FACT!!!

That is your problem, you have to learn to read and comprehend to educate yourself. The last half of your post is ridiculous. You praise the LSU SOS, yet USC has had a tougher SOS than most of the SEC year in and year. Explain that? You said "I act like what I print is fact", ummm, IT IS A FACT when i post hard data. Check the #'s, they are right. LSU is 2 times the team than USC is, that is an opinion. Funny how majority of the national media publications gave USC #1 (best team in the nation) and not LSU, but LSU is 2 times the team USC is. Interesting.

You never have any explanations. You never can counter any arguments. You never can explain why the facts do not support your claim the SEC is better. You never support your opinions. WHY WHY WHY? :shrug:

 

[Kdogg21]

LSU
Predictions for Future Games
Scores & Results
RPI Breakdown

Record: 12-1
Power Rating: 56.040
Ranking: 1

3-0 v #1-10
2-1 v #11-25
1-0 v #26-40
2-0 v #41-75
4-0 v #76-117


USC
Predictions for Future Games
Scores & Results
RPI Breakdown

Record: 12-1
Power Rating: 54.191
Ranking: 2

1-0 v #1-10
2-0 v #11-25
1-1 v #26-40
7-0 v #41-75
1-0 v #76-117


.....i can understand scott, your point of view on things, but if the Pac-10 were more of a dominant conference, wouldn't you think they would be more well represented in the final polls. for example over the last 5 years, the SEC has had 18 teams in the top 25 compared to the Pac 10's 10. Now these votes come from voters and coaches. i can understand your 'myth' but still this has gone on for quite a while and im sure if we even went way more back, the number would just increase. More people are gonna remember the finals polls then remember who do what against who. Plus the SEC is more of a profitable conference w/ the inception of the Championship game. Now if you ask me, i think the Big Ten is still a better confernce that the SEC, but i can't really argue that as of late, because we SUCK!!!! im so dissapointed in the BIG TEN play as of late.

 

[dr. freeze]

1. OU
2. Miami
3. USC
4. LSU
5. Ohio State

 

[jpblack34]

1. OU
2. USC
3. LSU
4. Texas
5. Georgia


Hard list to make, put 1, 2, and 3 for obvious reasons. Even though I can't stand Mack Brown, I think they turn the tides with new additions at coordinators. Georgia basically because Mark Richt(sp?) is IMO top 3 coach in country.

 

[ctownguy]

Scott, you're either 15 yrs old or you need to get a life.

I vote for the former:thefinger

 

[Scott4USC]

ctownguy

What is truly sad is you thinking someone here gives a crap about your personal opinion of me. :nono: If you do not have the intellect to participate in the thread, then stay out. Your post was worthless. Tell me what your post added to the thread? Who benefits from your post? Who are you to make a personal judgment on someone? :nooo:

jpblack34
I am curious to why you think Richt is top 3 head coach in the country? I think he is a very good young upcoming coach, but to be ranked top 3???? I am not so sure. Who are the other 2 coaches in your top 3??? Or can you give me top 5 so I could see the top coaches you rank behind Richt? Not attacking you, just curious.

Kdogg21 (nice post)

if the Pac-10 were more of a dominant conference, wouldn't you think they would be more well represented in the final polls.

Polls are made to rank teams on win/losses. Pac 10 is very tough top to bottom, and upsets happen on weekly basis. So not many pac 10 teams have enough wins to be ranked in the top 25. In addition, Pac 10 generally plays tough OOC games so many pac 10 teams have 2-3 losses prior to start of pac 10 play. That leaves not much room for pollsters to rank pac 10 teams. On flip side, the SEC schedules weak OOC opponents so many SEC teams give the conference the allusion of being tough because most of the SEC teams win all or most of their OOC play. As a result, more SEC teams are ranked in the top 25. I am not saying the SEC is not a good conference, it is a great conference. But it is no better than the Pac 10. My numbers have proven that.

More people are gonna remember the finals polls then remember who do what against who.

Your 100% right, and that is why many people feel the SEC is such a dominant conference. But in reality they are no better than any other conference if you look closely and not just the final rankings. SEC has their formula and it works, it has many of you tricked into thinking they are better than everyone. They are not. The numbers do not lie in my write-ups.