2007 CFN Pre Preseason predictions

[BullsFanInTX]

Another early prediction, this one puts us at #26, just outside top 25.  Puts Louisville at 28, Miami at 29.

http://cfn.scout.com/2/609734.html

26. South Florida   2006 Record: 9-4

The program proved it could hang with the big boys last year, and now it'll make its big move with QB Matt Grothe leading an experienced offense that gets the entire line back. The defense takes a bit hit at linebacker losing Stephan Nicholas and Pat St. Louis, but eight starters return. Now the team will have to learn how to deal with expectations.

27. Iowa    2006 Record: 6-7

The Jake Christensen era gets rolling in what should be a bounceback season. The losses on the offensive line might make things difficult early on, but just about everyone returns on defense including LB Mike Klinkenborg and DE Ken Iwebema, who'll be back from a shoulder injury. Also returning is head coach Kirk Ferentz, who was on everyone's NFL hot list.

28. Louisville   2006 Record: 12-1

The team's overall production might not slip under Steve Kragthorpe, but there won't be the same offensive explosion. The passing game will still be light's out, and Anthony Allen and George Stripling will keep the running game going, but most of the defensive stars are gone hurt most by the loss of DT Amobi Okoye and CB William Gay.

29. Miami   2006 Record: 7-6

Randy Shannon will certainly have the defense humming, but can he get the offense going? The quarterback situation will be the biggest issue, while getting even more out of the offensive line and the ground attack, led by Javarris James, will be a must. The secondary might be the best in America.

30. Missouri   2006 Record: 8-5

The Tigers might have finished last year on a major down note, but the 2007 version should be fantastic with QB Chase Daniel and all the top offensive players back. The big concern will be in the linebacking corps losing Dedrick Harrington and Marcus Bacon.

[Paul Wall]

Louisville definitly won't be #28

[Mama_Bull]

Agreed Paul.  There is no reason for UL not to be ranked in the top 25 especially with the return of Brohn returning for his senior year.  UL always finds a way to introduce quality players into the program, although they lose a couple of big defensive guys.

Ideally, I would love to see USF, UL, WVA and Rutgers in the top 25 this year.

[Joe]

The UL ranking had to be done with the belief that Brohm would be gone.

[crambone]

^agreed.

[Bull Martin]

Brohm's backup was pretty good though. They lost Brohm and didn't have Bush all year an still mopped the floor with the U. I know the U sucked, but it was impressive when it happened.

[Paul Wall]

Brohm's back up had pretty extensive game time too

[Guest]

Agreed Paul.  There is no reason for UL not to be ranked in the top 25 especially with the return of Brohn returning for his senior year.  UL always finds a way to introduce quality players into the program, although they lose a couple of big defensive guys.

Ideally, I would love to see USF, UL, WVA and Rutgers in the top 25 this year.

Louisville's ranking will be affected by their defense.  They may score 35 points per game next year, but they could easily give up 35 per game as well.

[Mag Pie]

Wait, CFN gave us respect?  That's just odd.

How's FSU #17!?

Love that Boise State is #37.

[Joe]

A lot of people are giving us respect; SI, CFN, and even ESPN. We're not going to be looked at as an unknown anymore, so expect scrunity by the media to be a lil tighter.