These are teams I think could surprise...not necessarily win the NC, but compete for one unexpectedly. You know, the 2008 Alabamas and Penn States of the world...
LSU - What a brutal schedule these guys have, playing @ UGA, Florida, @ Bama, and @ Ole Miss. But, I like how things set up. QB play is iffy, but the skill position players on offense are almost all back. The D looks questionable, but they bring in one of the best DC's out there in Chavis, who did a great job at UT last year. Remember the work Muschamp did with Texas last year? Think of that. I trust LSU to beat the Rebs, I think they can beat Georgia and/or Alabama on the road if they're playing well enough, and they have as good a shot as anyone to knock off Florida. A dangerous sleeper IMO.
Illinois - This team probably wins the B10 and makes its way back to the BCS for the 2nd time in three years. They catch both OSU and PSu early, before either team gets a chance to figure out all their questions on offense - more importantly, getting PSU at home. OSU could potentially sleepwalk after the USC game if they lose, and the leadership just isn't quite there like it has been the past few years. The Illini return nearly every weapon on offense and are way under the radar. Fairly smooth sailing after they play Penn State.
That's all for now, will continue later...feel free to post your thoughts and/or sleepers...