Teams 1-6
6. Texas A&M
After a mid-season slip-up (3 losses in a row), the Aggies found a way to finish their regular season with 6 straight wins. These wins include victories over a couple of the top dogs in their conference: Nebraska and Oklahoma. The momentum they managed to build wasn't enough to take on a tough LSU team in the Cotton Bowl. They lost 41-24. They'll return to the Big 12 as one of the top-contenders and should have the ability to compete with any school in the country. They return QB Ryan Tannehill, Cyrus Gray, and Jeff Fuller. Total, 10 starters come back to play in 2011. Their 2010 defense remains mostly intact as well.
5. Stanford
Stanford finished 2010 12-1. They beat VA Tech 40-12 in the Orange Bowl. Their only loss was to Oregon in the regular season. Andrew Luck's decision to return was big for Stanford, but the Cardinal will certainly have to deal with some losses. They lose seven defensive starters and will need to replace 3 starters on the offensive line. David Shaw (previous Offensive Coordinator) takes over as Head Coach and should ensure a smooth transition into the 2011 season.
4. LSU
The Tigers went out with a Bang last season with a big win over Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl. Overall, LSU was 12-1. Despite a few key losses (Patrick Peterson, Kelvin Sheppard, and Drake Nevin), the Tigers return most starters on offense and defense. Highly touted junior college prospect Zach Mettenberger is expected to step in and take over as starting QB right away. LSU should be a premiere SEC and national-level team in 2011.
3. Alabama
Alabama finished their 2010 season 10-3. Their season included losses to South Carolina, LSU, and a disappointing one at home against Auburn. Still, they finished their season strong with a 49-7 victory over Michigan State in the Capitol One Bowl. Despite the loss of Mark Ingram, Marcell Dareus, and a handful more, the Crimson Tide are loaded with talent. With Auburn likely out of their way, expect Alabama to be one of the favorites for the SEC and a likely candidate for the BCS National Championship game.
2. Oregon
A perfect regular season led the Ducks to the BCS National Championship game against Auburn. As expected, it was a close one, but in the end Auburn had duck for dinner on January 20, 2011. Expectations are just as high for this year's Oregon squad but they'll be challenged on DAY 1 as they take on the LSU tigers at home to open the season. Oregon loses 2 top wide-receivers and a handful of defensive starters but Darron Thomas and LaMichael James return.
1. Oklahoma
Might this be the year that SEC surrenders a national title? Oklahoma finished off their season strong in 2010 after a couple mid-season slip ups. They took down Oklahoma State, captured the Big 12 title with a win over Nebraska, and destroyed Connecticut in the Fiesta Bowl, 48-20. And get this: The Sooners return 18 starters and 29 players who have started at least one game on either offense or defense. Their talent and experience make them an extremely likely candidate for the Big 12 Championship and a National Title. Their first true test will be on the Road against Florida State on September 17th.
