Preseason College Football Top 10

10. Texas
Strengths: Texas has a great group of running backs, led by Jamaal Charles, and an offensive line that should be able to create plenty of room for those running backs to scamper through. They also have a solid defense loaded with big hitters, and should be able to deal with the loss of safety Michael Huff. 

Weaknesses: Surprised to see last year’s national champions at this end of the top 10? While some preseason rankings have the Longhorns as high as #1, I have a hard time believing that they will get over the loss of Vince Young that easily. Young won several games by himself last season, and provided the Longhorns with a confident swagger that will be hard to replace.

9. USC
Strengths: Well, they’re USC. And they have enough talent to compete for a national title despite all the great players they have lost to the draft the past couple years. Quarterback John David Booty will finally get his chance to shine, and having receiver Dwayne Jarrett to throw to won’t hurt. The Trojans also have what many are calling the best linebacking corps in the country, making them stronger on defense than they were last season. 

Weaknesses: After their incredible streak of wins the past couple years, the losses are bound to start piling up. We could be looking at a situation similar to that of Miami in 2003, after Ohio State upset them in the national title game and effectively crumbled their program.

8. Louisville
Strengths: With two returning offensive stars in QB Brian Brohm and RB Michael Bush, Louisville should have little trouble scoring points. The Cardinals benefit from being in the Big East, as they have a favorable schedule that should allow them to finish the season with 2 losses or less. They also benefit from having their two toughest games, Miami and West Virginia, both at home. 

Weaknesses: Their defense is sure to give up a lot of points, and will simply be asked to make the occasional stop and/or turnover and not let the opponents score become insurmountable, (call them the Phoenix Suns of college football).