[CarlSpackler]

1. ND - favorable schedule gives them clearest path to the title game despite questions on defense; could run the table, lose to USC and still make the title game

2. tOSU - explosive offense; word in Columbus is that despite losing most of their defense, there shouldn't be that big of dropoff in production

3. West Virginia - an easy schedule gives them a good shot at running the table with the biggest obstacle being game at Louisville

4. Oklahoma - a healthy Peterson and they might have the best defense in the country; biggest question mark is the inexperienced oline

5. Nebraska - returns nearly everyone and will have one of the best defenses in the country; word in Lincoln is that this will be NU's best team in nearly a decade

6. USC - if they can survive early game vs. Huskers with inexperienced qb and rb's they could run the table setting up showdown vs. ND

7. Texas - all the pieces are there for a repeat except the qb, hard to see the Horns winning against tOSU, OU, and at Nebraska with a frosh qb

8. LSU - they have the talent to make a title run, but their losses on defense along with brutal SEC road schedule may be too much to overcome

9 . Florida St. - their offense should be much improved with a healthy oline and the experience gained from last year; despite losing a lot on defense, they'll still field a top 10 unit;, biggest obstacle is season opener at Miami

10. Iowa - the second best team in the big 10 has a favorable schedule with tOSU, ISU, and Wisconsin at home