NCAA Top 25 Preview
In preparation for the upcoming NCAA Football 07 release, we'll take four weeks to look at the top 25 teams in NCAA 07.
Sure, the NCAA college-football season doesn't start for a few more months, but in the world of video games, college pigskin begins in July. That's when EA Sports traditionally releases the next iteration in its NCAA Football series, and this year is no different. On July 18, the publisher will release NCAA Football 07 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, PlayStation Portable, and Xbox 360. In preparation for the upcoming release, we'll take the next four weeks to look at the top 25 teams in NCAA 07, starting here with teams ranked 25 to 16. We've also got a look at the three impact players on each squad, as well as video of every team in the top 25. Join us back here today and every Friday for an updated look at the best teams in the nation (according to EA, that is) to see where your favorite lines up.
The Yellowjackets came out of the gate swinging in 2005, with convincing defeats of Auburn and North Carolina to start off the season in fine form. The good results didn't last for long, however, as Tech fell at the hands of Virginia Tech and N.C. State in back-to-back weeks, and then they later lost to Virginia, archrival Georgia, and Utah to cap off a 7-5 season. If they hope to best that result, it will largely be thanks to the hands of wideout phenom Calvin Johnson, who has the ability to make defenders look silly with his long frame and speedy feet. Tossing the rock to Johnson will be senior quarterback Reggie Ball, who passed for more than 2,100 yards in 2005.
Calvin Johnson can look forward to more touchdowns and lots more yards once the 2006 college football season kicks off.
Yellowjacket Impact Players
KaMichael Hall
Reggie Ball WR
LOLB
QB 888 yds, 6 TD
2 tackles, 2 assists, 2 INT
2165 yds, 10 TD, 11 INT
Stadium: Bobby Dodd Stadium
After struggling for several seasons, Tide fans were just about ready to give up on coach Mike Shula. After a 6-6 season in 2004, and worse results before that, the Crimson Tide was looking like a shell of its former dominant self. And then something funny happened in 2005. The Tide won. And won. And won. With huge victories over Florida and Steve Spurrier's revamped South Carolina program, the Tide was truly on a roll until they bumped into the twin Tigers of LSU and Auburn, who beat Alabama in back-to-back Saturdays to dampen the Tide's fires a bit at the end of the season. Still, there's no reason to think Alabama won't continue their winning ways in 2006, especially with players such as halfback Kenneth Darby and linebacker Juwan Simpson leading the team.
Kenneth Darby has danced his way to 2,489 rushing yards during his three seasons at 'Bama.
Crimson Tide Impact Players
Kenneth Darby
Ramzee Robinson ROLB
HB
CB 2 INT
1242 yds, 3 TD
2 INT
Stadium: Bryant-Denny Stadium (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #17)
Tommy Bowden has been on and off the Clemson hot seat for the past few seasons, and while last year's 8-4 record isn't anything to scoff at, close losses to teams such as Georgia Tech, Miami, and Boston College hint to the season that could have been for Bowden and his Tigers. This season, standout players such as Chansi Stuckey at wide receiver, Anthony Waters at linebacker, and defensive end Gaines Adams hope to help Bowden off that hot seat once and for all.
Middle linebacker Anthony Waters is sure to give opposing quarterbacks fits this season.
Clemson Impact Players
Anthony Waters
Chansi Stuckey RE
MLB
WR 37 tackles,19 assists,10 sacks
74 tackles,35 assists,2 sacks
770 yds, 4 TD
Clemson Memorial Stadium (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #23)
Another program on a slow and steady rise to prominence, Texas Tech has slowly been building winning season after winning season under the expert guidance of head coach Mike Leech. Lynchpins in the Red Raiders' 2005 season were wins over Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Nebraska. A narrow defeat at the hands of Alabama in the Cotton Bowl kept the Red Raiders down to earth, however. This season, Texas Tech hopes to improve on their football fortunes with a pair of dynamic wide receivers, Joel Filani and Jarrett Hicks, who combined for more than 1,800 yards in 2005, as well as 18 touchdowns.
With ten touchdowns in the Red Raiders' 2005 campaign, Jarrett Hicks defines the description of 'impact player'.
Red Raiders Impact Players
Joel Filani
Keyunta Dawson WR
WR
DE (LOLB) 850 yds, 10 TD
1007 yds, 8 TD
40 tackles, 22 assists, 3 sacks
Stadium: Jones AT&T Stadium
The ignominious dismissal of quarterback Marcus Vick last season was a lowlight in an otherwise sterling few seasons for the Hokies. Despite his off-field troubles, Vick helped guide Virginia Tech to an 11-2 record, defeating Louisville in the Gator Bowl. With Vick gone, however, the Hokies will have to go about rebuilding an offense that has for the past few years relied on mobile quarterbacks with cannons for arms. Sean Glennon seems to be the early favorite for the start (at least, according to NCAA 07), but there is plenty of talent on the ball, including Eddie Royal at wide receiver who will look to make a big jump from his relatively sedate 2005 season, which saw him catch 27 balls for 315 yards and two touchdowns.
Left outside linebacker Xavier Adibi and his teammate Vince Hall comprise two-thirds of the best linebacking corps in the ACC.
Hokies Impact Players
Vince Hall
Eddie Royal LOLB
MLB
WR 2 INT, 1 TD
2 INT, 1 TD
315 yds, 2 TD
Stadium: Lane Stadium (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #5).
The option has gone the way of the dodo in Lincoln, Nebraska. Former Oakland Raiders head coach Bill Callahan has come in and brought with him a modernized offense that seems on the verge of bringing life back to the Cornhuskers after all. After struggling in 2004, the Cornhuskers fought to an 8-4 record in 2006, including an impressive and improbable win over Michigan in the Alamo Bowl. If the Huskers hope to improve on that result, they'll need strong performances from some of their most talented players, including two defensive studs, Adam Carriker and Stewart Bradley, as well as wideout Terrence Nunn.
Wide receiver Terrence Nunn looks to anchor the Cornhuskers' offense in the 2006 season.
Cornhuskers Impact Players
Stewart Bradley
Terrence Nunn RE
LOLB
WR 26 tackles, 17 assists, 10 sacks
2 tackle assists, 1 INT, 1 TD
495 yds, 7 TD
Stadium: Memorial Stadium (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #16)
Though 2004 was a better season than last year for Arizona State, the Sun Devils have been quietly improving since their 2003 season, slowly becoming a force in the Pac-10. A high-scoring win against a scrappy Rutgers team in last year's Insight Bowl (yeah, we don't remember it either) was the highlight, and ASU hopes to build on that success in 2006 with a balanced offensive attack. Though some experts predict a quarterback controversy for the Sun Devils, senior Sam Keller seems to be the probable starter; he threw for more than 2000 yards in 2005 and kept a respectable two-to-one touchdown-to-interception ratio. Other standout Sun Devils include tight end Zach Miller and safety Zach Catanese.
Sam Keller's 20 touchdown passes in 2005 should be just a starting point for the talented senior this year.
Sun Devils Impact Players
Zach Catanese
Zach Miller QB
SS
TE 2165 yds, 20 TD, 9 INT
1 INT
476 yds, 4 TD
Stadium: Sun Devil Stadium
Philip Fulmer isn't used to losing, and neither are Tennessee fans, which is why 2005 was such a painful season for both. Coming off two straight 10-win seasons, the Volunteers floundered last season, managing a 5-6 record overall and missing a bowl-game bid for the first time in what seems like forever. This season, the Volunteers aren't rolling over for anyone. In addition to another tough SEC schedule, the Vols will also be playing crucial nonconference games against Marshall, Memphis, and Air Force, as well as their season-opener against Cal in Knoxville. Leading the 2006 charge will be halfback Arian Foster, defensive tackle Justin Harrell, and safety Jonathan Hefney.
Defensive tackle Justin Harrell will be a key player in a swarming Volunteer defense.
Volunteers Impact Players
Arian Foster
Jonathan Hefney DT
HB
FS 3 tackles, 1 assist, 2 INT, 1 TD
879 yds, 5 TD
3 INT
Stadium: Neyland Stadium (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #6)
Be it on the football field or on the golf course, Iowa quarterback Drew Tate has got major skills. The Hawkeyes senior passed for more than 2,800 yards in 2005, throwing a total of 22 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. Despite this impressive performance, Iowa only managed a 7-4 record, including painful losses to Iowa State and Ohio State. This year, coach Kirk Ferentz looks to make his team a power player in the Big Ten. Running back Albert Young will be a big part of Ferentz's plans, as the junior rushed for more than 1,300 yards and found the end zone eight times last season. Probably the biggest game on the Hawkeyes' schedule is the September 30 matchup against the Buckeyes; look for it to be a make-or-break game for both teams.
Whether on the golf course or behind center, Drew Tate's got skills. He'll need them this season as he leads the Hawkeyes to victory.
Hawkeyes Impact Players
Drew Tate
Kenny Iwebema HB
QB
RE 1334 yds, 8 TD
2828 yds, 22 TD, 7 INT
32 tackles, 16 assists, 7 sacks
Stadium: Kinnick Stadium (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #9)
Playing in one of the more exciting bowl games of last season probably isn't much comfort to the Georgia Bulldogs, who managed to blow a seesaw battle against West Virginia during the Sugar Bowl. Still, this being Bulldogs football, Georgia fans are focused on the future, which includes another tough SEC schedule, as well as out-of-conference games against teams such as Colorado and UAB. Though the Dawgs will miss the pocket presence and happy feet of D.J. Shockley, they won't be hurting for talent on their roster. Look for a big season from running back Thomas Brown and players such as Tra Battle and Quentin Moses to dish out the pain on defense.
If the Bulldogs hope to succeed in 2006, it will be through the play of impact players such as safety Tra Battle.
Bulldogs Impact Players
Quentin Moses
Thomas Brown SS
RE
HB 7 tackles, 5 assists, 2 INT
35 tackles, 9 assists, 12 sacks
736 yds, 4 TD
Stadium: Sanford Stadium (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #12)
Come back next week for the #15 - #11 teams in NCAA Football 07.
Going into 2006, the Golden Bears return stars on both sides of the ball. Tailback Marshawn Lynch is an early Heisman candidate, bringing explosiveness to the running game. Last year's freshman sensation at wideout DeSean Jackson adds a vertical component to Cal's revamped offense, which will include elements of the spread now that former Northwestern offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar has arrived to assist head coach Jeff Tedford with the offense. The starting quarterback position is still up for grabs, with Nate Longshore returning from injury, along with last year's savior Steve Levy and deposed former starter Joe Ayoob all jostling for a chance to start. Defensively, tackle Brandon Mebane leads a rejuvenated defensive line that must improve its play over last year for the Bears to compete for a BCS berth. Senior cornerback Daymeion Hughes anchors a solid secondary that promises to be the strength of the Cal defense.
Marshawn Lynch will be a force to be reckoned with the Pac-10 during the 2006 Cal campaign.
Cal Bears Impact Players
Daymeion Hughes
Brandon Mebane HB
CB
DT 1246 yds, 10 TD
5 INT
16 tackles, 13 assists, 7 sacks
Stadium: Memorial Stadium
While many programs would be happy with a 7-5 season, Lloyd Carr's Michigan Wolverines weren't one of them. While four of Michigan's five losses came by four points or less, crucial defeats at the hands of archrival Ohio State, as well as Nebraska in the Alamo Bowl, sent the Wolverines back to Ann Arbor with their tails between their legs. A favorable schedule in 2006, which has Michigan playing Vanderbilt, Central Michigan, and Ball State, is good news for Wolverines fans, as is the presence of highly skilled ball handlers such as running back Mike Hart and wide receiver Steve Breaston.
If the Wolverines want to win the Big Ten, Steve Breaston will need to have a big season.
Wolverines Impact Players
Mike Hart
LaMarr Woodley WR
HB
LOLB 291 yds, 2 TD
662 yds, 4 TD, 1 TD rec
28 tackles, 20 assists, 7 sacks
Stadium: Michigan Stadium (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #21)
At one point in the 1990s, it was inconceivable that Penn State would be anything other than a football juggernaut. Then came the 2003 and 2004 seasons, during which the Nittany Lions managed a paltry seven total wins. Had JoePa, after a bajillion years at the helm in Happy Valley, finally reached the end of his amazing career. In the words of Lee Corso, "Not so fast, my friend." Last season saw a rejuvenated Penn State team roar to 11 wins, including a season-topping defeat of Florida State in the Orange Bowl. In 2006, Penn State looks to be in great shape to continue its winning ways, with strong performances expected from players such as Tony Hunt at running back and Derrick Williams at wideout.
Linebacker Paul Posluszny was the first junior captain for the Nittany Lions since 1968. His leadership will guide Penn Statee's defense in 2006.
Nittany Lions Impact Players
Paul Posluszny
Derrick Williams HB
LOLB
WR 1047 yds, 6 TD
64 tackles, 52 assists, 3 sacks
289 yds, 1 TD
Stadium: Beaver Stadium (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #4)
Another Florida-based football program, another relative down year. This time it was Bobby Bowden's Florida State Seminoles who suffered through a five-loss season, which included painful defeats to Virginia, N.C. State, Clemson, and archrival Florida in the regular season and a narrow defeat at the hands of Joe Paterno's Penn State Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl. The good news is, you can't keep a good Seminole down for long, and Bowden's team plans to return in 2006 with a strong lineup highlighted by Lorenzo Booker at running back and two stud linebackers, Buster Davis and Lawrence Timmons. If history is any indicator, the 'Noles won't be down for long.
The image of middle linebacker Buster Davis slicing through the offensive line will surely keep ACC quarterbacks up at night this season.
Seminoles Impact Players
Lorenzo Booker
Lawrence Timmons MLB
HB
LOLB 38 tackles, 52 assists, 2 sacks
552 yds, 4 TD
17 tackles, 18 assists, 3 sacks
Stadium: Doak Campbell Stadium (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #10)
Remember when the Miami Hurricanes truly lived up to their destructive namesake? For the past few years, it seems that Larry Coker's crew has been struggling to regain the dominance the team displayed in the 1990s and early 2000s. While a 9-3 overall record is surely impressive, by Hurricanes' standards, it was a down year that was capped off by an embarrassing 40-3 drubbing at the hands of LSU in the Peach Bowl. This season, the 'Canes hope to right the ship with a potent defense featuring standouts such as safety Brandon Meriweather and defensive lineman Baraka Atkins.
Is Miami's Greg Olsen the next Jeremy Shockey? With four touchdowns in 2005, the big tight end may be well on his way.
Hurricanes Impact Players
Baraka Atkins
Greg Olsen FS
LE
TE 3 INT
12 tackles, 17 assists, 2 sacks
451 yds, 4 TD
Stadium: Miami Orange Bowl (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #22)
Remember a few years ago when higher-ups at Auburn secretly recruited Louisville coach Bobby Petrino behind the back of current coach Tommy Tuberville? No? Well, we do, and trust us, it was ugly. Shady dealings aside, there was a reason the Tigers were so high on Petrino--the guy is an offensive mastermind, as evidenced by the Cardinals' out-of-nowhere rise in the NCAA ranks. Since Petrino has arrived, Louisville has gone from also-ran to a leading contender in the Big East. Football fans should circle November 2 on their calendar, as that's the day the Big East will likely be decided--with Louisville taking on West Virginia at home. Also, be on the lookout for Cardinals players such as quarterback Brian Brohm and halfback Michael Bush, who look to be two of Louisville's most potent offensive weapons.
Coach Bobby Petrino has transformed Louisville into an offensive juggernaut, thanks largely to the play of quarterback Brian Brohm.
Louisville Cardinals Impact Players
Brian Brohm
Nate Harris HB
QB
MLB 1143 yds, 23 TD, 1 TD rec
2883 yds, 19 TD, 5 INT
37 tackles, 29 assists, 7 sacks
Stadium: Papa John's Cardinal Stadium (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #24)
During his four seasons as coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers, Rich Rodriguez has quietly been building a program worthy of Top 10 consideration. That success culminated in 2005 when the Mountaineers boasted an 11-1 record, including a dramatic seesaw win over the Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl. Thanks to another relatively weak Big East schedule, chances are the Mountaineers will climb high again this year, with talented players such as running back Steve Slaton and linebacker Brandon Lavelle leading the charge.
In just seven starts in 2005, Steve Slaton racked up more than a thousand yards. Big things are expected of the sophomore in 2006.
Mountaineers Impact Players
Steve Slaton
Pat White ROLB
HB
QB 1 INT
1128 yds, 17 TD, 2 TD rec
828 yds, 8 TD, 5 INT
Stadium: Mountaineer Field (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #15)
In 2005, Oklahoma may have been down, but they weren't out. A 7-4 regular season record wasn't exactly up to Sooners' fans expectations, but Bob Stoops and his crew turned things around a bit in the postseason with a 17-14 victory over the Oregon Ducks in the Holiday Bowl. This season, the Sooners plan to ride the legs of running-back sensation Adrian Peterson into another bowl berth. Peterson, an early Heisman favorite, won't be the only Sooners player making an impact, however--look for linebacker Rufus Alexander and defensive end Calvin Thibodeaux to also put their stamp on Oklahoma's 2006 season.
Linebacker Rufus Alexander will be filling up running lanes as the Sooners look to make another national championship run.
Sooners Impact Players
Rufus Alexander
Calvin Thibodeaux HB
LOLB
WR 1047 yds, 6 TD
64 tackles, 52 assists, 3 sacks
289 yds, 1 TD
Stadium: Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #18)
After the tremendous high of Auburn's 13-0 finish in 2004, last season was bound to be a letdown. And while an overall 9-3 record is something to be proud of, Auburn fans were left with a bad taste in their mouth after Tommy Tubberville's team was demolished by a tough Wisconsin team in the Capital One Bowl. This year, Auburn is loaded for success--with quarterback Brandon Cox and halfback Kenny Irons looking to eat up yards in the air and on the ground. On defense, the Tigers' tradition of quality linebackers continues with senior Will Herring, who plans on terrorizing ball carriers all season long.
Auburn is known for turning out NFL-caliber running backs and senior Kenny Irons looks to be no exception.
Auburn Tigers Impact Players
Kenny Irons
Will Herring QB
HB
ROLB 2324 yds, 15 TD, 8 INT
1293 yds, 13 TD
34 tackles, 35 assists, 1 sack
Stadium: Jordan-Hare Stadium (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #20)
Former Utah coach Urban Meyer inherited a Florida program that had been floundering a bit under former coach Ron Zook, and in the span of a single season, Meyer has righted the Gators' ship. The team, which managed a 7-5 record in 2004, turned in a 9-3 performance in 2005, highlighted by wins over eventual SEC champ Georgia and over Iowa in the Outback Bowl. Of course, humiliating defeats to Alabama and South Carolina (now coached by former Gator Steve Spurrier) mean that the program still has a way to go. Still, with players such as Chris Leak, Brandon Siler, and Marcus Thomas all set to turn in big performances, there looks to be joy in the Swamp again this fall.
Fans in the Swamp are expecting big things from Florida quarterback Chris Leak.
Florida Gators Impact Players
Brandon Siler
Marcus Thomas QB
MLB
DT 2639 yds, 20 TD, 6 INT
33 tackles, 31 assists, 4 sacks
22 tackles, 23 assists, 4 sacks
Stadium: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #1)
Nick who? The LSU Tigers took the loss of head coach Nick Saban to the NFL with little more than a shrug. New coach Les Miles came in and guided the Tigers to an impressive 11-2 record, capped off by a shellacking of the Miami Hurricanes, 40-3 in the Peach Bowl. Of course, this victory was a hollow one, as it came on the heels of the Tigers losing to the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship. Still, 2006 promises to be another strong year for the Bayou Bengels, considering players such as wideout Dwayne Bowe, defensive end Chase Pittman, and safety LaRon Landry are all expected to have monster years.
With three interceptions in 2005, LaRon Landry has established himself as one of the premier defensive backs in the SEC.
LSU Tigers Impact Players
Chase Pittman
Dwayne Bowe GS
LE
WR 3 INT
23 tackles, 11 assists, 3 sacks
710 yds, 9 TD
Stadium: Tiger Stadium (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #3)
What? Two national championships in a row aren't enough for the Trojans fans out there? Pete Carroll's USC Trojans were destined for three in a row until Vince Young had other plans. Though USC lost a host of talent to the NFL in this year's draft--including Reggie Bush, LenDale White, and Matt Leinart--there's no reason to think the red and gold won't be a contender once the season begins. While no surefire number-one quarterback has emerged yet, there's still plenty of talent on the offensive side of the ball, including two impact wideouts, Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith, who will be scooping up footballs regardless of who's doing the tossing.
Dwayne Jarrett's amazing feats at wide receiver has caused former Trojan Reggie Bush to refer to him as a 'freak'.
USC Trojans Impact Players
Steve Smith
Lawrence Jackson WR
WR
LE 1274 yds, 16 TD
957 yds, 5 TD
32 tackles, 21 assists, 10 sacks
Stadium: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #7)
While expectations are always high in South Bend, Indiana, even the most devout of the Notre Dame faithful probably never saw last season coming, which saw the Fighting Irish scraping their way to a 9-3 season and getting this close to knocking off USC at the midpoint of the season. Though Notre Dame lost badly to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl, their two regular-season losses came by a total of six points. This year, head coach Charlie Weiss hopes to continue the winning ways with quarterback and Heisman hopeful Brady Quinn leading the way. Quinn's favorite target is likely to be wideout Jeff Samardzija, who racked up 1,249 receiving yards last season.
Most experts put Fighting Irish quarterback Brady Quinn near the top of their 2006 Heisman hopeful list.
Fighting Irish Impact Players
Tom Zibkowski
Jeff Samardzija QB
LOLB
WR 3919 yds, 32 TD, 7 INT
5 INT, 2 TD
1249 yds, 15 TD
Stadium: Notre Dame Stadium (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #14)
What else can you say about last year's Texas team? Led by the remarkable Vince Young, the Longhorns beat out the USC juggernaut to take the national championship from the Trojans in one of the greatest football games in recent history. This year, Mack Brown's Longhorns are out to prove they weren't just a one-year wonder. While replacing a once-in-a-decade talent like Young will prove next to impossible, the Longhorns look to get things done on the ground with halfback Jamaal Charles. The punishing Texas defense will also be on display, with defensive end Tim Crowder and safety Michael Griffin making an impact.
The best Texas running back since Earl Campbell? Some Longhorns fans think just that of Jamaal Charles.
Longhorn Impact Players
Michael Griffin
Tim Crowder HB
SS
LE 878 yds, 11 TD, 2 TD rec
3 INT
1 INT
Stadium: Darrel K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #8)
A few early losses in 2005 couldn't stop Ohio State from returning to prominence late in the year. Commanding wins over both Michigan State and Notre Dame proved that Jim Tressel's Buckeyes were back in winning form--and beating archrival Michigan didn't hurt either. This season, led by quarterback Troy Smith and wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., the Buckeyes are a serious contender for a national championship, as evidenced by their number-one overall ranking in NCAA Football 07.
Anchoring a tough Ohio State defensive line will be senior Quinn Pitcock at defensive tackle.
Buckeyes Impact Players
Quinn Pitcock
Ted Ginn Jr. QB
DT
WR 2282 yds, 16 TD, 4 INT
14 tackles, 14 assists, 1 sack
803 yds, 4 TD
Stadium: Ohio Stadium (Toughest Place to Play Ranking: #2)
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