Phil Steele's 2012 Top 40

[lonewolf371]

Quote: Originally Posted by bkrich83

They lack depth at RB. I think they are basically down to 3 scholarship RB's. They lack experience on both the offensive and defensive lines, which can be devastating. And there's a real question on both their ability to protect and their ability to get to the QB. It's not easy to replace the best offensive linemen in the country and quite possibly the most athletic perimeter pass rusher in the country, nevertheless do it when you are under ridiculous scholarship restrictions. Kiffin factor looms as well, both for Lane and Monte, that can not be discounted as well. Good team, top 3 or 4 team? I don't see it.

I wish I could have such level-headedness when thinking about my teams. Every time I think about the 2011 college football season, the only conclusion I can come to is Purdue and Michigan meeting in the championship game.

[superjames1992]

Quote: Originally Posted by coogrfan

#14 Clemson http://www.philsteele.com/Pdf/2012To.../14Clemson.pdf #13 North Carolina http://www.philsteele.com/Pdf/2012To...3NCarolina.pdf

No, and no.

[Marino]

UNC at 13? With a new coach and the loss of players? GTFO. That is so funny.

[coogrfan]

#12 Oklahoma State
http://www.philsteele.com/Pdf/2012To...OklahomaSt.pdf

#11 Ohio State
http://www.philsteele.com/Pdf/2012To...n/11OhioSt.pdf

[gordogg24p]

Quote: Originally Posted by coogrfan

#12 Oklahoma State http://www.philsteele.com/Pdf/2012To...OklahomaSt.pdf

That's quite a bit of faith in a true freshman QB.

[coogrfan]

#10 Florida
http://www.philsteele.com/Pdf/2012To.../10Florida.pdf

[jmik58]

Quote: Originally Posted by superjames1992

No, and no.

Clemson plays in the ACC and has a ton of physical talent.

North Carolina is actually #30 on Steele's list of teams but plays the 85th toughest schedule which factors into his projection that they will finish #13 at the end of the season.

Again, this isn't his "Top 40 Teams" ... it's his projected final "Top 40 Poll Standings"

If you think those are a shocker, then wait until you see his #1 at the top of this list. Make sure you're sitting down. He makes some decent arguments; can't say I agree with his national champion prediction though.

[jmik58]

Quote: Originally Posted by gordogg24p

That's quite a bit of faith in a true freshman QB.

They finally have a defense in Stillwater (the best Gundy has had), and the rest of the offense still has weapons. You can plug-and-play a QB into that offense and they'll do fine. Look for more dependency out of the HB position, but it'll still be an explosive offense regardless of who does the scoring.

[Maxattax3]

Quote: Originally Posted by jmik58

They finally have a defense in Stillwater (the best Gundy has had)

How long have they been saying this? I will believe it when I see it.

[coogrfan]

#9 Wisconsin
http://www.philsteele.com/Pdf/2012To...9Wisconsin.pdf