7 Football Forecasts - Ledger

[Guest Mr. E.T.]

For Sooth! 7 Football Forecasts

By Rick Brown

rick.brown@theledger.com

With the first college football game on television just 29 days away (the Aug. 25 must-see tilt between Benedict and Morehouse), it's time to look into The Ledger's crystal ball to answer seven lucky questions for the 2005 college football season:

1. Will Florida State finally beat Miami this year?

The Seminoles have two chances -- slim and none -- and slim just went on a diet. Although the 'Canes hope quarterback Kyle Wright can be more consistent than his predecessor, Brock Berlin, FSU wishes quarterback was its only concern. The 'Noles will hope their defensive line can provide a push, while covering up an exposed secondary that got weaker when preseason All-American cornerback Antonio Cromartie tore his ACL and will miss the season.

2. Will Urban Meyer help lift Florida to a Southeastern Conference title this year?

He could. He has instilled discipline and accountability into the Gators during the offseason, things the team had lacked. Even if Ron Zook were still coach, the Gators would have been good with most of the players having played extensively for three years. Florida, however, is a running back and a finishing defense away from a title. Circle the Oct. 15 date at LSU as the deciding date.

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3. How will Steve Spurrier do in South Carolina?

There will be excitement in Columbia, S.C. with the `Ole Ball Coach' back on the field. But that will soon turn into a reality check. The Gamecocks just aren't that good. Coaching the Redskins will seem like a piece of cake compared to this. Still, any year with Spurrier on the sidelines is fun.

4. Will USC achieve the threepeat?

It's hard to bet against the Trojans. Even without offensive guru Norm Chow, who has taken his playbook to the Tennessee Titans, USC returns Heisman quarterback Matt Leinart, Mr. Everything Reggie Bush, running back LenDale White, wide receiver Steve Smith, tight end Mercedes Lewis -- and that's just the offensive skill positions. Unless Bush and Leinart both decide to take a year off to study alternative theories of life, expect the Trojans to be in the Rose Bowl for the title game.

5. Then, who will they face in the BCS title game?

Most experts say Texas but it's hard for me to pick the Longhorns, as they can't beat Oklahoma. I'm going to go out on a limb and say Virginia Tech.

6. Will Leinart become just the second player in history, after Archie Griffin, to repeat as Heisman Trophy winner?

He will definitely be the frontrunner, but there are a lot of people who could challenge him this year. A teammate, Bush, should be in the running as well as Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson, who both finished in the top five in Heisman balloting last year. Plus, there is always someone to bolt out of the blue. So let's say no.

7. How will USF adjust to the Big East?

The Bulls will compete this year, although they are two years away from being able to contend for a title. Running back Andre Hall is a legitimate D-I running back, but questions at quarterback, receiver and on defense will hold USF back.

Rick Brown may be reached at rick.brown@theledger.com or 863-802-7569.

[bullwark]

How will USF adjust to the Big East?

The Bulls will compete this year, although they are two years away from being able to contend for a title. Running back Andre Hall is a legitimate D-I running back, but questions at quarterback, receiver and on defense will hold USF back

An accurate assessment.

[bulls96go]

very real take on usf!