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Welcome to our annual college football preview, where we take a look at the Top 25 teams in EA Sports' NCAA Football 08. In many ways 2006 was unlike any year of the past decade in the sport, with smaller programs such as Boise State and Rutgers fighting their way into the national spotlight and, in the case of Boise State, college football legend. It's fitting then that Jared Zabransky, the star of the Broncos' storybook rise and legendary defeat of Oklahoma at last year's Fiesta Bowl, would grace this year's cover of EA's long-running college football series.
While last year was unique in some respects, it seems that every season brings forth new surprises, upset victories, and stunning defeats (such as Ohio State's utter destruction at the hands of Florida in last year's national championship game). This season should be no exception. With just weeks to go before the season kicks off, it's time to take a look at the teams EA Sports rates as the best in the nation. And remember, we didn't rate them, we're just reporting them!
#25 Boston College Eagles (10-3)
Boston College's unexpected success in 2006 probably shouldn't be that surprising after all: the Eagles haven't lost more than three games in the past three seasons and their seven-game bowl-winning streak is the longest in the NCAA. Two of their 10 wins in 2006 came in back-to-back double overtime games against Clemson and BYU, and they even managed to beat ACC stalwarts Virginia Tech and Florida State. Senior quarterback Matt Ryan battled ankle and foot problems last season, yet still managed to throw for nearly 3,000 yards and 15 touchdowns. The first half of the schedule is fairly friendly, with only one road game (against Georgia Tech). Unfortunately, it could mean a rough second half for Boston College, with difficult road games against the likes of Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, and Clemson.
Eagles Impact Players
| Name | Position | Rating | 2006 Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Toal | ROLB | 95 | 50 tackles, 2 INT |
| DeJuan Tribble | CB | 94 | 49 tackles, 7 INT |
| Matt Ryan | QB | 92 | 2942 yds, 15 TD, 10 INT |
Stadium: Alumni Stadium (44,500 capacity)
;)
#24 Texas A&M Aggies (9-4)
Should the Aggies fire Dennis Franchione? As in the last few years, that's been the question on the minds of lots of Texas A&M fans these days. And, as always, there's no easy answer to that question: heartbreaking late-season losses to Nebraska and Oklahoma (both by one point) might have pointed to regime change, only to have the Aggies beat arch-rival Texas in Austin in a 12-7 struggle. This year, the Aggies will face the Cornhuskers and Sooners on the road (along with making the trip to Miami to face the Hurricanes), all before winding up the season against Texas in College Station. Junior quarterback Stephen McGee had an impressive 2,295 yards passing in 2006, throwing 12 touchdowns compared to just two interceptions, statistics practically any coach would like to see out of a young player. McGee should improve on those numbers this season, resulting perhaps in a 10-win season…and more arguments over Franchione's fate at Texas A&M.
Aggies Impact Players
| Name | Position | Rating | 2006 Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen McGee | QB | 91 | 2295 yds, 12 TD, 2 INT |
| Red Bryant | DT | 90 | 19 tackles, 1 sack |
| Jorvorskie Lane | HB | 89 | 725 yds, 19 TD |
Stadium: Kyle Field (82,600 capacity, Toughest Places to Play Rating: #11)
;)
#23 Boise State Broncos (13-0)
In practical terms, it's going to be more or less impossible for the Broncos to repeat last year's storybook success. The team lost its starting quarterback and four of its top receivers. The schedule includes tough out-of-conference away games against Washington and Hawaii. And let's face it, the kind of "hook and ladder" lightning in a bottle from last year's Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma just can't be replicated at will. Then again, Boise State has made a career out exceeding expectations. This is a team, after all, that's won five straight WAC titles, and won three of its last five bowl games. Coach Chris Petersen knows how to get the most out of his players, so senior quarterback Taylor Tharp and junior running back Ian Johnson should be in good hands. These days, it's a telling sign of the program's progress that folks talk more about the Broncos' talent than their bright blue playing field.
Broncos Impact Players
| Name | Position | Rating | 2006 Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ian Johnson | HB | 94 | 1713 yds, 25 TD |
| Marty Tadman | FS | 91 | 67 tackles, 6 INT |
| Orlando Scandrick | CB | 90 | 52 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT |
Stadium: Bronco Stadium (30,000 capacity)
;)
#22 TCU Horned Frogs (11-2)
Even with LaDainian Tomlinson long gone from the lineup, TCU continues to find success in the Mountain West. Another team not found in NCAA Football 07's Top 25, the Horned Frogs ended up #22 in the final AP Top 25 poll thanks to wins over Colorado State, Texas Tech, and Air Force. The job of building on that success will fall largely to players like junior halfback Aaron Brown, who split time in the TCU backfield with Lonta Hobbs last season. The defense, built around players like defensive end Tommy Blake and safety Brian Bonner, could be the best in the conference, with nine starters returning to the team. Tough road games against the likes of Texas and BYU are major obstacles in the schedule, but there's no reason to think the team won't be at or near the top of its conference at the end of the season.
Horned Frogs Impact Players
| Name | Position | Rating | 2006 Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tommy Blake | DE | 95 | 54 tackles, 7 sacks |
| Brian Bonner | SS | 87 | 49 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2 INT |
| Aaron Brown | HB | 84 | 801 yds, 9 TD |
Stadium: Amon G. Carter Stadium (44,008 capacity)
;)
#21 Florida State Seminoles (7-6)
Bobby Bowden's Seminoles had the ignominious job of introducing the rest of the nation to a resurgent Boston College team, after the Eagles beat the Seminoles in Tallahassee 24-19. Of course, hindsight tells us that BC was a better team than most folks gave them credit for, but Seminoles fans were nonetheless understandably less than pleased with the loss. This year's team has the advantage of bringing back 14 starters from last year, making it one of the most experienced Florida State teams in the past decade. They'll need all of that experience and talent to find success in a tough schedule that features games against Alabama, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, Florida, and Boston College. Defensive standouts Myron Rolle and Geno Hayes combined for 136 tackles, 4 sacks and 2 interceptions in 2006, numbers that the Seminoles will need again in 2007 if they hope to emerge the best team in the Sunshine State.
Seminoles Impact Players
| Name | Position | Rating | 2006 Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myron Rolle | SS | 94 | 77 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT |
| Geno Hayes | ROLB | 93 | 59 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 INT |
| Antone Smith | HB | 87 | 456 yds, 5 TD |
Stadium: Doak S. Campbell Stadium (82,300 capacity, Toughest Places to Play Rating: #14)
;)
299 Comments
Antone Smith could possibly be one of the best runningbacks in college football but he has a crappy line. Same with Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee. I mean Leon Washington sucked from scrimmage but was a hell of a return specialist , no wonder the freaking jets drafted him.
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I know Darren Mcfadden is amazing but why does his rating have a 99 with 1500 rushing yards
when steve slatons is 97 but with 1600 yards and ray rices is only 94 with 1700 yards and more TDs???
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Go 1player!!!
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I got a question. Would you rather wait like an extra month for the ncaa games to have actual player names? I would
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im still pissed about zanbransky on the cover. here in oklahoma lots of places are selling it with AD on the front, like it should have been
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Scarlet Knights at #20 is good enough for me cant wait for Ray Rice to do it up next season and maybe get the Heisman.
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Lol@trojans, but seems like a good game, must check this one out.
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GO BLUE!
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hey wat up.
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or end up as the next Leon Washington?!?! what is that suppose to mean??? Washington was not a bad running back
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Its all about Branden Ore and them Hokies!!GO HOKIES!!
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What about the only team to hand the Gators an L, the Auburn Tigers! WAR EAGLE!!!
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GO LONGHORNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Go VOLS!!!
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As an avid USC fan, I obviously think the Trojans deserve their ranking. But for good reason.
A brick wall for a defense and a dynamic passer to boot? Sounds like the formula for a championship to me.
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ITS ALL ABOUT THE CANES!! BABY
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To Hell With Georgia. GO GEORGIA TECH!!!!
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As big of a Georgia Bulldogs as I am, I always used Ohio State in the '07 edition.
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Hail to the Victors! Go Blue!
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This year it's all about FSU. GO NOLES!!
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So...does anyone else see another national championship ahead for the mighty Texas Longhorns? I know I do. Texas is gonna own on Lockout. Hook 'Em Horns!!!!
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IM GONNA DESTROY PEOPLE WIT TEXAS ...... SO MUCH WEAPONS..... GOOD JOB EA
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Oh Yeah pennstate will dominate this year. They got 17th and i'm happy. they also got 4 in the the toughest stadiums
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Can't wait for the game Tuesday.
Sleeper alert...
Look for the Virginia Cavaliers to make some noise this year in the ACC. Chris Long (Howie's Boy), will lead a very imposing defense. The offense isn't that great, but the Hoos will likely be Top 25 before it's all said and done and I wouldn't be too surprised if they challenge for the ACC crown.
Other sleeper alerts for Top 25 teams:
SEC - Alabama Crimson Tide
Pac 10 - Oregon Ducks
Big 10 - Iowa Hawkeyes
Big 12 Texas Tech Red Raiders
Big East - Pitt Panthers
MWC - BYU Cougars
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Thanks to the writer for starting at #25 and working towards #1. Nothing like building suspense and eliminating spoilers as you read more towards your favorite team (i.e. the Florida Gators).
But you erred in putting the Gator headline in green instead of orange or blue.
Here's hoping everyone discounts UF again as we march on to another championship.
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Go Penn State!
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I think my Iowa Hawkeyes should be ranked at least #25. They have a very favorable schedule this year, not having to play Michigan or Ohio State. Their record of 6-7 last year is probably the reason EA has kept them out of the top 25. Iowa had good talent last year with some bad breaks though, especially with Drew Tate being hurt. But when Iowa was fully healthy, they almost upset Texas in the Alamo Bowl losing 26-24. Iowa is going to be this years sleeper. They'll be ranked between #15-22 by mid-season and possibly higher by the end of the season. I'm looking for Iowa to make it to the Outback Bowl this year. GO HAWKS!
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is it just me, or does NCAA 07 look sharper and more crisp than 08
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Off topic, but are those screens for the PS3 or 360 version of this game?
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Didn't USC get thier @$$ kicked by UCLA last season.
lol, that was a great game.
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USC is a bit overrated. Oh well at least LSU got #3! Geaux Tigers!
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I wish OU had a legit QB....
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sloppy..........you have not played big teams at your house. florida state has been a bust for the past 4 years. miami was terrible last year. your right IF you beat a big team there chances are ruined because the voters will see that louisville hasnt played anybody and your weak strength of schedule will hurt any team you beat. you guys couldnt even beat RUTGERS ( any conference where RUTGERS is the second best team is weak) the big east is weak, really weak. you guys will have your 10-2 season again. i'll give you guys some respect when you earn it. dont make rutgers and west virginia your toughest games and then say your a contender
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GO BLUE!!!!! (and TBB is just overwhelmed with joy cause the buckeyes have actaully been able to beat UM the last couple years... i hate the buckeyes but i gotta admit they have had our number lately... but anyone who honestly thinks michigan won't rebound and OSU is just gonna keep beating us is crazy... UM will rebound... if u go back before this recent run of victories over us, UM had just won 2 in a row over OSU)... crossin my fingers that the big blue will put together a perfect season this year! and again... GO BLUE!!!!!
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CHRISND i know wat ure sayin about our schedule strength but big teams i think are too scared to face us at home. Last season we beat miami at home. 2 or 3 seasons ago we beat Florida state at home. We have a winning streak over 20 games. Big teams like michigan doesnt want to schedule us, especially at home because if they lose theyre chance for a national championship is ruined. I dont think it's louisville fault for scheduling cupcake teams. Well i still think we have some chance of goin to the national championship cause WEst virginia and rutgers are our 2 hardest teams
GO CARDS!!
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man this message board needs a wake up call. how can you guys say that michigan should be no.1 over usc. the last game the 2 teams played was against eachother and usc won handidly. dont get me wrong michigan deserves to be no.2 and nothing less, but they are not better than the men of troy. usc has had a top 3 recruiting class for the last 5 years. they have 16 starters returning (16 of the guys that whooped up on big blue) and the best motivator/coach in pete carroll. dont worry michigan fans you will probably get your second chance in new orleans in january, but the outcome will be the same.
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TBB says it right - sort of. Props to Florida for winning last year, and #12 for OSU seems reasonable based on the fact that they lost some key offensive personnel. Their defense will keep them "in the game" for the 2007 campaign. However, with respect to Michigan, I would have to disagree. They most likely deserve their Top-5 ranking. They return a plethora of offensive talent that should be enough to compensate for the loss of some serious defensive firepower.
However, compare the 2006 to 2007 defensive transition for Michigan to the 2005 to 2006 defensive transition for OSU. The BIG questionmark for 2006 for OSU was whether the high-powered offense would be able to compensate for the significant loss (9 starters) on defensive (remember that A.J. Hawk guy...?). Well, OSU stepped up to the plate, Lauranitis became a leader on defense, and the OSU offense played well enough to get to the big show until Troy Smith choked on his own vomit.
So, I think that the 2007 Michigan team is going to be very similar to the 2006 OSU team, and with the exception of Lloyd Carr's inability to beat OSU consistently, should in fact make it through the season (at least until the OSU game) to stay undefeated. That alone makes them deserving of a top-5 listing. This may actually be the year that Michigan can beat the Bucks, considering that, on paper, they have the superior talent. But intangibles such as Coach McSweatervest vs. Al Gore's twin separated at birth have such a tremendous impact on that annual contest that you can pretty much throw everything out the window and start from scratch on November 17th.
Now, as for you Sloppy7, you have to be careful with your predictions. If you go back to last year and the weeks leading up to the release of NCAA Football 07, all you Louisville fans went ape*** when no one would give any respect to the Cards, insisting that Louisville will win the National Championship. As it turned out, the lack of respect for the Cards was somewhat deserved, as the Cards managed to prove to everyone that they were not good enough for the big show by losing to Rutgers. Like us Notre Dame fans learned last year - just keep your mouth shut about predicting where your team is going to be in December/January. One thing that is going to hurt the Cards this year in the "quest for respect" is their schedule. Getting 4 games against Big East perennial pushovers, as well as having games against Murray St., Middle Tennessee, and Utah, are not going to get the Cards any "Strength of Schedule" points. I think that is what most people point to when the Cards scream for respect, and get the cold shoulder instead.
Yes, they are a good team. But they would be hard-pressed to play and compete against the likes of LSU, USC, or Michigan and come out the victor. Sure, they could do it, but I don't think their chances would be very high.
As always, Go Irish!
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hey detroitpistons0 you'll stop laughin when LOUISVILLE goes to the national championship this year. Im serious. They are goin to be one of the best offensive teams this year. They are in the top 5 every year in total offense and if they didn't lose to rutgers we would have gone to the national championship last year. DONT sleep on LOUISVILLE and the rest of the BIG EAST.
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