It is that time of the year again… the return of college football. For many this is the greatest time of year. All day cookouts, kegs, cheerleaders, the band, the pageantry, hard hitting, the Heisman, Lee Corso, the lights, 90,000 people standing and cheering, the field and the passion make this sport one of the most entertaining to watch. So without further ado, here is the debut of the Kook Wear Top 25.

1. Ohio State – The power of the sweater vest continues… at least until they play an SEC team. Still Ohio State returns AAs Malcom Jenkins, James Laurinitis and Marcus Freeman to the #1 defense in the country last year. Competent Todd Boeckman paired with the amazing Beanie Wells at RB should score their points.
2. USC – There is not much to say except that they are loaded as usual.
3. Florida – The offense starring Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin could be the best in the country. Everyone will know RB/WR/Ret Chris Rainey by the end of the year. If the defense can step up, this year could be special for the Gators.
4. Oklahoma – The class of the Big 12 and if Sam Bradford does not have a sophomore slump, the Sooners could win it all.
5. Georgia – Stud RB Knowshon Moreno leads the charge on the talent rich Dawgs. This is the ‘chic’ pick this year. They played as well as anybody at the end of last season. Only injury concerns on the offensive line can stop them.
6. Auburn – SEC tough veterans and a new spread offense can give the Tigers a boost this year.
7. LSU – The defending national champs have recruited well and their defense is downright scary. The quarterback situation is not the best though. Should be in the mix for the National Championship.
8. Clemson – Could this be the year Clemson wins the ACC? There is plenty of talent and experience returning. Jacoby Ford, James Davis and CJ Spiller should make for a potent offense. Da’Quan Bowers will be an AA on the DL before his career is over.
9. Missouri – Heisman hopeful Chase Daniels leads 15 returning starters as a title contender in 2008.
10. Texas – Strong all around.
11. Wisconsin – Dark horse contender in a weaker Big 10 this year.
12. Tennessee – A shift in offensive philosophy is underway at Tennessee. Will it translate to an SEC crown this year? Gerald Jones has slots of ability at the ATH position.
13. West Virginia – Pat White and Noel Devine will make people look silly this year.
14. Texas Tech – Michael Crabtree for Heisman?
15. Kansas – Lots of experience returning on both sides of the ball.
16. Va Tech – Tyrod Taylor possibly redshirting? Well, it will help with class separation but it would be sad to see the Hokies drop an extra game or two without him.
17. Arizona State – Can they challenge the mighty Trojans? Many believe they can and this should make for a great game.
18. Alabama – Saban can coach. The Tide has a talented recruiting class coming in. Bama was able to compete with the big boys last year but they also lost to Louisiana-Monroe. Opening week test versus Clemson can foreshadow the rest of the season.
19. Notre Dame – Only one freshman will start at the beginning of the season. Weis has recruited well over his tenure at ND. There are no excuses, the Fighting Irish got to win now.
20. Oregon – Some say the Autzen Zoo is the toughest place to play in college football. “Oooooooooooooooooooooooooo!”
21. Penn State – Just win for Joe Pa baby.
22. Wake Forest – Jim Grobe can flat out coach.
23. South Florida – Can USF be the second strongest program in the state of Florida?
24. Rutgers – The Scarlet Knights keep ‘chopping wood’ up in Jersey. Should be an exciting Big East race this year.
25. Brigham Young – Kind of hating on them right now, might eat my words.

Pura vida,
Nick