FPS College Football Preview (Part 2)

TITLE CONTENDERS IN '07

USC -- Since 2002, the Trojans have become gold standard of college football programs (two National titles and five consecutive top-five finishes). So, until they fall off the wagon Pete Carroll's teams will always be title contenders. Scouts are saying this is the best, deepest defense USC has had under Carroll. John David Booty doesn't want to be remembered as the quarterback in charge when the dynasty collapsed. Offensively the names aren't there yet, but the skill certainly is.

Key games: Nov. 10 at Cal, Dec. 1 vs. UCLA

LSU -- The Tigers were red-hot at the end of last season, winning seven straight including a bowl thrashing of Notre Dame. Strength defensively will have to carry the Tigers if they hope to reach the National Championship. The offense lost a slew of players, but they have the pieces to remain productive. LSU has won 11 games in each of the past two seasons and anything less than that this year would be a major disappointment on the bayou.

Key games: Nov. 3 at Alabama, Nov. 24 vs. Arkansas

Oklahoma -- Post-season chokes aside, the Sooners have been one of the elite college programs. Just because Boise State pulled something out of their...well we won't go there, people are dismissing Oklahoma. Scouts are saying this is a national title-level Sooner team that arguably has the nation's best o-line and best secondary. A trio of running backs will split time and Oklahoma only needs a quarterback who can take care of the ball. The rest of pieces are there to make a run in 2007.

Key games: Oct. 6 vs. Texas, Nov. 3 vs. Texas A&M

Wisconsin -- The Badgers have grabbed 31 wins the past three years and have 22-4 record in the last two. But Wisconsin has yet to reach superpower status. With 18 starters returning from a 12-1 Badger squad the expectations have never been higher in Madison. This isn't a flashy team with a big-name defense, however RB P.J. Hill has an opportunity to become a household name. Hill is poised for a huge season, running behind a veteran line.

Key games: Oct. 13 at Penn State, Nov. 3 at Ohio State, Nov. 10 vs. Michigan

Michigan -- The Wolverines came one win away from playing in the BCS Championship game last season, but they lost their play-in game at Columbus. QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart and WR Mario Manningham form a trio of great skill players, which will need to put up big numbers to help a defense returning only a handful of starters. Head coach Llyod Carr is on the hot seat as Michigan has to prove they belong with the big-boys of college football this season.

Key games: Nov. 10 at Wisconsin, Nov. 17 vs. Ohio State

Texas -- To put it mildly, the Longhorns appearance in the Alamo Bowl last year was a sour experience. QB Colt McCoy will try to make fans forget about Vince and prove he's a big-time player. The offense is loaded with talent with McCoy, WR Limas Sweed and RB Jamaal Charles. The linebackers are deep and very good unit, but Mack Brown has to get the secondary turned around after an awful 2006 season. Texas’ defensive weaknesses put them on the edge, but they should be considered with other pre-season contenders.

Key games: Oct. 6 vs. Oklahoma, Nov. 3 at Oklahoma State, Nov. 23 at Texas A&M