Countdown to #1: 25-20

Seeing some of these storied programs all the way down at 25-20 may pain some fans, but it begins to show the change in scenery that is occuring in the world of College Football. I have created the Top 25 here at W TO C and this is how they pan out with the first 5 on the list

25) USC- After an extremely shaky offseason where Pete Carroll ended his reign in Pasadena and Lane Kiffin has returned as the head coach. Matt Barkley is back after a solid freshman year and is ready to lead USC back to glory. 9-5 would be an outstanding achievement for any university, but the University of Southern California is not just any university. They look to return to prominence in 2010. A Pac-10 title may be on the way if all stays steady and comfortable in and out of the Coliseum.
24) Clemson- No prideful Clemson fan would admit to the reliance of one player this fall, but Kyle Parker’s return to Memorial stadium could vault the Tigers to the top of the ACC. Without Parker, Clemson would have to turn to Tajh Boyd who still has some room to grow when it comes to being a #1 quarterback in the ACC. His supporting cast is more than talented enough to bring another ACC Atlantic title back to Clemson.
23) West Virginia- New faces on offense bring the West Virginia Mountaineers into the 2010 season. Noel Devine is the star of the offense without a doubt, and may need to contribute more than his share of touchdowns if WVU looks to get back and take the Big East title. As the Mountaineers begin at #23 on our board, their BCS hopes may lie in week four, as they are pitted against the LSU Tigers. Linebacker Pat Lazear needs to improve on a solid junior season for WVU to compete against other volatile offenses like Pittsburgh and Rutgers.
22) Oregon State- Brothers Jaquizz and James Rogers are once again vital to the success of the Beavers this season. After being dismantled by BYU during bowl season, the beavers seem to walk into the 2010 season with a chip on their shoulder. They will need a great run to start off the season if they plan on staying in our Top 25. OSU kicks off the season against TCU and they will have to play on the blue turf against Boise State in Week four. Two BCS contenders in four weeks could spell disaster for the Beavers, or find them higher on the Top 25 ladder after week four.
21) Texas Tech- After Mike Leach’s ungraceful departure from Lubbock, TX, Tech found refuge in Tommy Tuberville. Tuberville will have a difficult decision in choosing his quarterback for 2010. Seniors Steven Sheffield and Taylor Potts are fighting for the right to run the offense. Both quarterbacks have in-game experience and you could make a case to start either one of them. Solid defense could easily bring the Red Raiders back to the glory of 2008.


20) Oklahoma- Sam Bradford is officially gone but luckily for the 2010 version of the Oklahoma Sooners, they have known that since the 2009 version of the Red River rivalry against Texas. “Wait till’ next year” became a common theme around Norman, and next year is finally here. Landry Jones has in-game experience that will be worth its weight in gold this fall. The loss of Gerald McCoy to the defense was obviously an enormous blow, but their defense is still extremely strong to go the distance. I predict this team will begin their journey well, and quickly ascend to the top of College Football this season.