For die-hard football fans such as myself, the new season can never arrive fast enough.
For me, I’ve been counting down the days to the 2012 season since Alabama and LSU played in the mythical national title game for 2011.
Please note without a true playoff system similiar to the other levels of college play, there will never be a true national champion.
Here’s a few teams who should be in the championship chase in your humble columnist’s opinion:
•Alabama: Never count Nick Saban out and as long as he is coaching the Crimson Tide they will be in the title picture. He understands today’s college game better than anyone. He stockpiles talent almost as well as Bear Bryant used to do. Alabama, until someone shows me different, is my preseason No. 1.
•Southern Cal: It’s amazing how many SEC elitist still cuss Lane Kiffin’s name for how he left Tennessee. I still find that laughable because Kiffin said from the start that USC would be the one job he would leave for. Now, Kiffin has helped restore the Trojans to the high level of play they enjoyed under Pete Carroll. Prediction: Alabama and USC will play for the national title.
•LSU: I believe Les Miles finally silenced some of his critics in 2011 after going undefeated until the title game and defeating Alabama on the road. While the Tigers lost in a rematch to the Crimson Tide, I don’t hold that against Miles because the game should have never been played.
•Oklahoma State: The Cowboys were oh-so-close a year ago to playing for it all. They should have another standout season in 2012.
DARK HORSE CONTENDERS
•Michigan State: The Spartans aren’t flashy and resemble something from four decades ago, but coach Mark Dantonio believes in sound, fundamental football. The victory against Georgia in the postseason a year ago will help propel Michigan State into 2012.
•Notre Dame: I still believe coach Brian Kelly will return the Irish to long ago glory. Will it be this season? A tough schedule will make it tough.
•Oregon: The Ducks have perhaps the fastest backfield in the country. Their offense is always fun to watch.
WILL NOT BE CONTENDERS
•Arkansas: I just don’t see how the Razorbacks can overcome what happened in the offseason with their former coach. The talent is still there, but sometimes off-the-field issues become too much to overcome. It will cost Arkansas in at least one game, if not two. Plus the Razorbacks play in the toughest division in the country.
The team was ranked third in the country a year ago but was only the third best team in its division.
•Georgia. How many years have we heard UGA fans bark about “being back” on top. It was the same way in 2011 before a loss to Boise State in the opener derailed those plans. The Bulldogs will trip up somewhere along the line this season although the opener (against Buffalo) will be easier this time around.
South Carolina and Steve Spurrier , however, will likely continue to give UGA fits once again this fall.
Chris Bridges is sports editor of the Barrow Journal. You can contact him at cbridges@barrowjournal.com.
