Athlon Sports Top 25 early preditions for 2013

[NYBuckeye96]

http://www.athlonsports.com/college-foo ... op-25-2013

A Very Early College Football Top 25 for 2013

Alabama should be one of the top teams in the nation once again next year.


By: Steven Lassan | 12/11/12, 5:20 AM EST

Even though the 2012 college football season isn’t over, it’s never too early to take a peek ahead to 2013. Considering players are going to leave for the NFL Draft and more coaching changes are in store over the next few months, a lot is going to change between now and when Athlon releases its official top 25 poll for 2013 in May. With plenty of changes likely to occur and more in-depth research coming over the next few months, keep in mind this is a very, very, very early look at how the preseason top 25 will look like next season.

Keep in mind, this is more of an off-the-cuff early ranking, as we will dive more into the schedules and the returning depth charts once the season is finished. Expect plenty of changes when Athlon releases an updated top 25 in January and again in May.

A Very Early College Football Top 25 for 2013

1. Alabama
Even if the Crimson Tide loses to Notre Dame in the BCS Championship, Nick Saban’s team should be in the mix for the No. 1 spot once again next season. Quarterback AJ McCarron should build on his junior season (2,669 yards and 26 touchdowns) and there’s no shortage of playmakers around him with T.J. Yeldon returning at running back and Amari Cooper at receiver. The offensive line will be a huge concern, especially as center Barrett Jones and guard Chance Warmack finish their eligibility, and tackle D.J. Fluker will likely enter the NFL Draft. While the offensive line could be a work in progress early in the year, the defense will once again be one of the best in the nation. Alabama continues to stockpile talent on the recruiting trail, so help on both sides of the ball could come in the form of a few prospects in the 2013 class. The Crimson Tide has a favorable schedule in SEC play, as they miss South Carolina, Florida and Georgia in crossover games with the East Division.

2. Ohio State
Despite a postseason ban hanging over the Buckeyes in 2012, Urban Meyer’s team never had an issue with motivation and completed a perfect 12-0 season. The stakes are higher for Ohio State in 2013, as the Buckeyes will be one of the frontrunners to win the national title. Quarterback Braxton Miller is back to make a run at the Heisman, and the playmakers around him should be better with another offseason to work in Meyer’s spread attack. The defense will be a concern next year, especially with the departure of end John Simon. Tackle Johnathan Hankins decided to enter the NFL Draft, and cornerback Bradley Roby may depart early as well. Despite the losses on defense, linebacker Ryan Shazier and a talented group of young linemen is a good core for co-coordinators Luke Fickell and Everett Withers to build around.

3. Oregon
The big question surrounding the Ducks’ national title hopes next season revolves around coach Chip Kelly. He nearly left for Tampa Bay last year and will be in the mix for a NFL head coaching jobs this offseason. If Kelly leaves, Oregon is expected to promote offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich as its next head coach. While there’s some mystery surrounding Kelly for next year, the Ducks will have plenty of firepower returning to Eugene. Quarterback Marcus Mariota and running back De’Anthony Thomas are back, while the offensive line returns likely All-Pac-12 selections in left tackle Tyler Johnstone and center Hroniss Grasu. Outside of the coaching concerns, Oregon will have to replace running back Kenjon Barner and defensive stalwarts Dion Jordan, Kiko Alonso and Michael Clay.

4. LSU
The Tigers are slightly behind Alabama in Athlon’s very early top 25 for 2013, but there’s not much separating these two SEC West powers. Quarterback Zach Mettenberger picked up his play in the final four weeks of the season and should take the next step in his development in 2013. As usual, the Tigers are loaded at running back, but the offensive line must replace center P.J. Lonergan and tackle Josh Dworaczyk. Juniors Sam Montgomery, Barkevious Mingo, safety Eric Reid and cornerback Tharold Simon could all enter the NFL Draft, which would be a huge loss for the LSU defense. Even if the Tigers lose those four players, the defense should still find a way to rank among the best in the SEC.

5. Georgia
It’s a tossup between the Bulldogs and Florida for the No. 1 spot in the SEC East. And considering the personnel losses at Alabama and LSU, the winner of the East should have a good shot at playing for the national title. For now, Athlon gives a slight edge to Georgia, assuming quarterback Aaron Murray returns to Athens for his senior year. The offensive line returns intact, while Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall should form one of the nation’s best one-two combinations at running back. The defense will be a concern, especially with the departure of nose tackle John Jenkins, cornerback Sanders Commings and safety Bacarri Rambo. In addition to the departing seniors, the Bulldogs could loss All-America linebacker Jarvis Jones to the NFL Draft.

6. Florida
Just as we mentioned with Georgia, it’s essentially a coin flip for the No. 1 spot in the SEC East right now. The Gators improved by four victories from 2011 to 2012, which included key SEC wins over Texas A&M, LSU and South Carolina. If Florida wants to win the conference next year, making strides on offense has to be the No. 1 priority for coach Will Muschamp. Running back Mike Gillislee will be missed after rushing for 1,104 yards in the regular season. Quarterback Jeff Driskel threw only three interceptions in 2012, but the Gators need more from their passing attack next year. Florida ranked in the top 10 nationally in total, scoring and rush defense but may lose tackle Sharrif Floyd, safety Matt Elam, linebacker Jelani Jenkins and end Dominique Easley to the NFL Draft.

7. Texas A&M
What will the Aggies do for an encore? In its first season in the SEC, Texas A&M finished 10-2, knocked off Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and quarterback Johnny Manziel won the Heisman Trophy after recording 4,600 yards of total offense. The Aggies should be in the mix to win the SEC West but could have some big holes to fill. Offensive tackles Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews and defensive end Damontre Moore could enter the NFL Draft, while senior receiver Ryan Swope expires his eligibility after the Cotton Bowl. As long as Manziel stays healthy and some of the big-time talent coach Kevin Sumlin lands on the recruiting trail helps to fill in the voids, Texas A&M will be contending for double-digit wins once again in 2013.

8. Notre Dame
Regardless of what happens in the national championship game, the Fighting Irish will have trouble repeating their 12-0 mark in 2013. However, expect Notre Dame to still rank among the top 10-15 teams in the nation next year. The defense is expected to suffer significant losses, as linebacker Manti Te’o and end Kapron Lewis-Moore expire their eligibility after the national championship, and nose guard Louis Nix III and cornerback Bennett Jackson could leave early for the NFL. With the defense likely to suffer some losses, the offense needs to lead the way next year. Quarterback Everett Golson should be more comfortable in his second season as the starter, but running back Cierre Wood and left tackle Zack Martin may decide to leave for the NFL. Even if the Fighting Irish suffer some early departures to the draft, this team should still remain in the mix for a BCS bowl.

9. Oklahoma
Good luck picking out the No. 1 team in the Big 12 next season. For now, Oklahoma holds a slight edge over Oklahoma State, Texas and TCU, but each team has significant question marks going into 2013. The Sooners will have to replace quarterback Landry Jones, but Blake Bell has experience from running the Belldozer offense over the last two seasons. Running back Damien Williams should be in the mix for All-Big 12 honors, while the offensive line will return four starters. The defense must replace four seniors in the defensive line rotation, along with safety Javon Harris and cornerback Demontre Hurst in the secondary. Safety Tony Jefferson could also leave early for the NFL Draft. The Sooners have a favorable schedule in Big 12 play, but the season finale at Oklahoma State could decide the conference title.

10. Stanford
Even with a few personnel losses on both sides of the ball, coach David Shaw clearly has Stanford poised to remain in the mix for the Pac-12 title. Quarterback Kevin Hogan stabilized the offense after getting into the starting lineup late in the season, but he needs more playmakers to emerge at receiver. The offensive line should be one of the best in the Pac-12, but Shaw needs to find a replacement for dependable running back Stepfan Taylor. Stanford finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in the Pac-12 in total and scoring defense, and this unit returns nearly intact for 2013. However, replacing nose guard Terrence Stephens and linebackers Shayne Skov and Chase Thomas won’t be easy. One key scheduling element for Stanford: Oregon must visit the Farm next season.

11. South Carolina
The Gamecocks will be going for their third consecutive season of at least 10 victories next year. Competing for the SEC East title isn’t out of the question, but South Carolina has several holes to fill, especially on defense where end Devin Taylor, tackle Byron Jerideau and safeties D.J. Swearinger and DeVonte Holloman depart. Quarterback Connor Shaw is back after throwing for 1,732 yards and 15 touchdowns and is surrounded by an experienced offensive line and a solid receiving corps. With Marcus Lattimore leaving for the NFL, Mike Davis and Brandon Wilds need to pickup the slack on the ground.

12. Clemson
Unless quarterback Tajh Boyd decides to leave early for the NFL, the Tigers should be the clear frontrunner to win the ACC title next season. Boyd has 67 touchdown tosses over the last two years and will have a deep group of receivers – led by Sammy Watkins – to throw to in 2013. Replacing running back Andre Ellington and center Dalton Freeman are the two biggest question marks on offense, while the defense needs to find replacements for end Malliciah Goodman, safety Rashard Hall and cornerback Xavier Brewer. Considering the defense allowed 411 yards per game in 2012 and the losses facing this unit, the Tigers will likely have to win a lot of shootouts next year.

13. Oklahoma State
Considering the Cowboys had to replace quarterback Brandon Weeden, receiver Justin Blackmon and virtually the entire offensive line, finishing fifth nationally in total offense was quite an accomplishment in 2012. That distinction is even more impressive when you consider the Cowboys had to start three different quarterbacks due injuries this year. With an offseason to sort out the quarterback position and a solid core returning on defense, Oklahoma State should be back in the mix for the Big 12 title. Even if running back Joseph Randle leaves for the NFL Draft, Jeremy Smith and Desmond Roland should form a solid one-two punch, while the offensive line brings back three starters. Cornerback Brodrick Brown, linebacker Alex Elkins and end Nighel Nicholas are the biggest losses on defense. Oklahoma State’s Big 12 schedule is favorable, as it hosts Oklahoma and TCU, with the toughest road date coming at Texas on Nov. 16.

14. TCU
Considering all that that transpired at TCU since the end of the 2011 season, finishing 7-5 in its first year of Big 12 play is nothing to be ashamed about. Starting quarterback Casey Pachall was suspended in early October, forcing Trevone Boykin into the starting role. The redshirt freshman performed admirably in Pachall’s absence, throwing for 1,853 yards and 15 touchdowns and recording 380 yards and three scores on the ground. Pachall could return to TCU next season, which would give the offense two proven quarterbacks to battle for the starting job. The Horned Frogs will also regain the services of running back Waymon James, who missed nearly all of 2012 due to a knee injury. TCU’s offensive line must replace two starters, but the receiving corps will be one of the best in the Big 12, while the defense has only one senior in the two-deep.

15. Louisville
Charlie Strong’s decision to turn down Tennessee should be enough for Louisville to edge Boise State as the favorite to win the Big East title in 2013. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater should be on the 2013 Heisman radar after throwing for 3,452 yards and 25 touchdowns this season. However, the Cardinals need to replace tackle Alex Kupper and center Mario Benavides on the offensive line. The defense loses only one starter (cornerback Adrian Bushell) but needs to get better against the run after allowing 151.1 yards per game in 2012.

16. Florida State
After winning the ACC title in 2012, the Seminoles will have some work to do to repeat as conference champions. Finding a new quarterback to replace the streaky EJ Manuel will be the top priority for the offense, while the defense will have a new coordinator and is expected to lose ACC Defensive Player of the Year Bjoern Werner to the NFL Draft. Although there are losses on both sides of the ball, Florida State’s depth has improved under Jimbo Fisher, and the Seminoles are bringing in another stellar recruiting class. Expect the ACC Atlantic title to come down to the Clemson-Florida State matchup, with a slight edge going to the Tigers with the game in Death Valley.

17. Boise State
Despite heavy losses on both sides of the ball, the Broncos finished the 2012 regular season at 10-2 and claimed a share of the Mountain West title. Although a 10-win season wasn’t enough to get into a BCS bowl, it’s a good sign for Boise State heading into a slightly tougher conference in 2013 (Big East). The Broncos lose running back D.J. Harper and three starters on the offensive line, but quarterback Joe Southwick should be better in his second year under center. The defense finished in the top 10 nationally in yards and points allowed, and this unit should be strong once again next year.

18. UCLA
Can the Bruins make it three Pac-12 South titles in a row? On paper, this team should be the preseason favorite to meet Oregon or Stanford in the conference championship. Quarterback Brett Hundley returns after a stellar freshman season, and the offensive line seems to be finding some stability with Jake Brendel and Xavier Su’a-Filo leading the way. The defense ranked in the bottom half of the Pac-12 in total, scoring and pass defense and must replace a handful of key players. Linebacker Anthony Barr is also contemplating an early entry into the NFL Draft. The Pac-12 South should be competitive next year, but UCLA gets the early edge over Arizona State and USC for the No. 1 spot.

19. Nebraska
Bo Pelini will have his hands full next season. The Cornhuskers should have one of the Big Ten’s best offenses in 2013, but the defense is losing a plethora of key contributors and finished the regular season ranked 96th nationally against the run. Even though running back Rex Burkhead is gone, Ameer Abdullah, Braylon Heard and Imani Cross form a capable trio. Quarterback Taylor Martinez made significant strides as a passer in 2012 and should be on the radar for the Heisman Trophy next year.

20. Michigan
Denard Robinson is gone, but the Wolverines shouldn’t suffer much of a drop in offensive production next year. Devin Gardner played well in relief of Robinson this season, but the coaching staff has to find a go-to running back and more weapons in the receiving corps in spring practice. Michigan ranked second in the Big Ten in total defense and should be solid once again, even with the departures of end Craig Roh, linebacker Kenny Demens, tackle Will Campbell and safety Jordan Kovacs. The conference schedule isn’t overwhelming for the Wolverines, as Nebraska and Ohio State both come to Ann Arbor in 2013.

21. USC
After a disappointing 2012 season, Lane Kiffin needs to show the program is moving in the right direction. Even with scholarship reductions, the Trojans still have one of the Pac-12’s best rosters. Quarterback Max Wittek played well in relief of Matt Barkley against Notre Dame, and the Trojans return Marqise Lee and Nelson Agholor in the receiving corps. The defense will be under the direction of a new coordinator, which figures to help solve some of the woes against spread offenses. With only three senior starters on the two-deep, USC should rank among the best defenses in the Pac-12 next year.

22. Texas
The Longhorns will be one of the most difficult teams to rank next season. There’s no question Texas has a lot of talent but can it get enough improvement from its offense to win the Big 12 title? Quarterback play is a huge question mark in Austin, and the coaching staff is looking in the junior college ranks for immediate help. Although the passing game remains an issue, the Longhorns have a deep stable of running backs and return all five starters on the offensive line. The defense was a disappointment in 2012 and must replace end Alex Okafor and safety Kenny Vaccaro. Texas has a favorable schedule next year but concerns about the offense keep the Longhorns in the 15-25 range in Athlon’s first preseason top 25.

23. Wisconsin
Even though the Badgers will have a new head coach in 2013, there’s still a lot to like about this team. Quarterback Joel Stave is back after missing a part of 2012 due to a collarbone injury, while Melvin Gordon and James White will be an effective one-two combination at running back. The defense will miss linebacker Mike Taylor, but the defensive line returns intact, and Chris Borland is back to anchor the linebacking corps. Wisconsin has one of the most favorable schedules in conference play next year, as it misses Nebraska, Michigan and Michigan State in crossover games with the Legends Division.

24. Oregon State
The Beavers were one of the Pac-12’s biggest surprises in 2012, going from 3-9 in 2011 to 9-3 this season. Quarterback issues surrounded this team in 2012, and spring practice will allow the coaching staff to sort out the battle between Sean Mannion and Cody Vaz. Although Markus Wheaton departs, Brandin Cooks is one of the Pac-12’s top receivers, and the return of four starters on the offensive line should help open up more lanes for the rushing attack. Replacing cornerback Jordan Poyer is the biggest question mark on defense. Oregon State won’t be able to surprise anyone in 2013, but catch a break on the schedule, as it misses Arizona and UCLA and hosts Stanford and Washington in Corvallis.

25. Arizona State
There’s a number of teams worthy of spots 15-25 in the very early top 25 for 2013, but Arizona State gets the nod for now. The Sun Devils didn’t score any huge victories in Todd Graham’s first season but lost to Pac-12 South champ UCLA by two points and knocked off rival Arizona 41-34. Quarterback Taylor Kelly and running back DJ Foster will be a dangerous duo for Pac-12 defenses next year, especially with three starters back on the offensive line. Assuming tackle Will Sutton returns for his senior year, Arizona State’s defense should rank in the top half of the Pac-12.

Next in Line:

Arizona
Fresno State
Kansas State
Miami
Michigan State
Mississippi State
North Carolina
Northwestern
Ole Miss
Utah State
Virginia Tech
Washington

[NYBuckeye96]

Based on these predictions, other than Ohio State, it looks like yet another down year for the B1G -----

2. Ohio State
19. Nebraska
20. Michigan
23. Wisconsin
30. Michigan State
33. Northwestern

[Hoggy]

Based on these predictions, other than Ohio State, it looks like yet another down year for the B1G -----

2. Ohio State
19. Nebraska
20. Michigan
23. Wisconsin
30. Michigan State
33. Northwestern

I was thinking the same thing. The B1G needs some strong showings in the bowl games, but unfortunately, I don't see this happening. The polished mediocrity stigma will only be removed with victories.

[boilermaker]

Michigan will be better than 20th . top ten atleast

[seofan_via_dublin]

UM will be better than 20th, yes.
They will also be a 2-3 loss team.
So to 10 is out.