First 2006 Top 25

[Casey]

nationalchamps.net has issued its first top 25 poll for next year, based on what they think will happen in terms of players leaving for the NFL, injuries, etc. The site claims to have predicted a year early the same top 10 as the final AP poll in eigght of the last nine years ....


1. Texas
2. Southern California
3. Notre Dame
4. Ohio State
5. Louisiana State
6. Miami FL
7. Virginia Tech
8. Oregon
9. Florida
10. Michigan
11. Auburn
12. Georgia
13. West Virginia
14. Penn State
15. UCLA
16. Texas Tech
17. South Carolina
18. Iowa State
19. Alabama
20. Louisville
21. Boise State
22. Oklahoma
23. Georgia Tech
24. Clemson
25. Florida State

Others Easily Making The Top 25 between now and August

California
Colorado
Fresno State
Iowa
Minnesota
Nebraska
TCU
UCF
Virginia

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OK, Mustang Nation, SOUND OFF!

[mustangbill67]

Looks like the WAC is getting more respect than CUSA and Mountain West.

[Corso]

No way UT is #1 (and I don't say that just because I hate the Horns -- which I do). I know he has said he's coming back, but I'd be surprised if Vince Young isn't wearing a much nicer-looking uniform next year. His draft (and financial) stock will never be higher, his surrounding cast might or might not live up to the level set by this year's team, and he runs the risk of injury. On the other hand, he has Ol' Man Brown whispering in his other ear that he can win the Heisman next year, a national championship, get a degree (like 20 or 30 of his teammates apparently plan to do).... but none of those things outweigh a multi-million-dollar signing bonus, in my opinion. (After all, he can go to the NFL, cash his check, and return to campus to not graduate 15 years from now.)

Granted, McBrown has drafted (errr .... recruited) well, so there are guys wauiting in the wings, but here are some other guys who are out of eligibility (since I don't want to use the "G word" to liberally):

DT Larry Dibbles
OG Mike Garcia
CB Cedric Griffin
FB Ahmard Hall
LB Aaron Harris
DB Michael Huff
P Richmond McGee
PK David Pino
OT Jonathan Scott
TE David Thomas
OT William Winston
DT Rodrique Wright

Everyone has to replace departing players. But that's a hellacious list, even in Austin. I'll say LSU will be #1.

[Stallion]

Now take a look at what he has coming back. They will be MUCH MUCH stronger in the offensive skill positions as they actually were young at those positions this year. Look for Quan Crosby to become a big factor too. Charles, Young, man beast Melton, Sweed, Selvin Young, Romance Taylor, Billy Pittman, Justin Blaylock are only some of the brightest stars-geez. They are absolutely loaded 4 positions deep at UT. They are not going to drop AT ALL.

[PhirePhilBennett]

No way UT is #1 (and I don't say that just because I hate the Horns -- which I do). I know he has said he's coming back, but I'd be surprised if Vince Young isn't wearing a much nicer-looking uniform next year. His draft (and financial) stock will never be higher, his surrounding cast might or might not live up to the level set by this year's team, and he runs the risk of injury. .

Vince cannot make it as a QB - but if he wants it as a QB, he needs to come back and work on his skills. Hence, not be drafted.

[The PonyGrad]

Wow, no love for TCU.

The WAC is totally different than CUSA. They have the big 2,3 or maybe four and the midgets. The CUSA is so balanced that it will be tough to have a good enough record to think BCS game.

[Corso]

I agree, Stallion, there's a lot coming back -- a hell of a lot. But they lose some vital pieces, and I just anticipate a stumble somewhere. This year's team is loaded (as next year's will be) and this year has been a nearly magical season. Perfection is hard enough once -- repeating is damn-near impossible.

[MustangStealth]

The WAC is totally different than CUSA. They have the big 2,3 or maybe four and the midgets. The CUSA is so balanced that it will be tough to have a good enough record to think BCS game.

Agreed. Looking at the WAC, it's Boise St., Fresno St., one or two other fairly good teams every year, and a big pile of manure. That's why Fresno and Boise can run their win totals up. About 6 of the teams are basically guarteed wins for them. Then look at CUSA, and half the teams are bowl eligible. Really only Rice and Tulane weren't competitive this year.

[MustangStealth]

I know he has said he's coming back, but I'd be surprised if Vince Young isn't wearing a much nicer-looking uniform next year. His draft (and financial) stock will never be higher, his surrounding cast might or might not live up to the level set by this year's team, and he runs the risk of injury.

I don't know about that. If you look at who will be at the top of the draft, it's going to be Houston, San Fran, and Green Bay. All of them have drafted quarterbacks high in the last few years, and will most likely be looking for other positions. Also, I don't think Vince will be drafted as a QB. He's sure to be drafted based on his athleticism alone, but I wouldn't be surprised to see someone try to use him as a wide receiver/trick play option like Randle El. I don't know how high people will be willing to draft him if they are uncertain about how he will handle a new position.

Plus, he's starting on the inside track for the Heisman.

[Dark Horse]

I think Vince is coming out. If Houston gets the first pick and goes with Reggie Bush, whoever (Green Bay, San Francisco) could take WR Vince Young as high as second, in a shameless overreaction to the Matt Jones hype. He shouldn't go quite that high, but someone will see the biggest, fastest WR on the planet, and will overdraft him .... in which case, LSU is #1 next year.