1 Lsu- they only way i see this being a top 10 team is if Jordan Jefferson becomes a dynamic qb, and he has only shown brief signs of that. I just dont see him being consistent and les miles shaky decisions and a tough schedule. i say 9-3
2 Boise- if boise gets by UGA week 1, they will be double digit favorites the rest of the season. HOWEVER, losing 2 nfl caliber Wr's, their offense will be a lot less explosive and i feel the 59-10 type wins will become 31-10 and maybe overrated is the wrong word but definately not as good a team as last season
3 Texas A+M- most likely a top 10 team to start the season, im not really seeing that. Tough schedule, i see 5-6 games they could lose, not that they will but 9-3 is the best i could see. 8-4 more likely
4 Notre Dame- hurts me to say, considering im an irish fan but i think people tend to get a little carried away with ND. This team has been outclassed by half its opponents in recent years. Although moving in the right direction, this team isnt quite there yet.
5 Florida State- Talented yes, but theyve had sick athletes every year. I didnt love Christian Ponder but being drafted 12th overall means he had to be pretty good. People are assuming EJ Manuel is the next Cam Newton because he's the same size, dangerous to assume. Look at this team last year, hot and cold, inconsistent at best. A misleading win vs SCar in the bowl has the expectations high for this team. Not so sure.
Assuming the lock out ends this week, which teams are a key pickup or 2 away from launching themselves into the Super Bowl Discussion. (only non-playoff teams from last year)
Houston- addressed the D quite a bit in the draft, a lockdown corner and a possession receiver to compliment Andre Johnson.
Giants- you could argue this team is already playoff caliber, A legitimate Middle Linebacker would really tighten things up.
St. Louis- That game at Seattle to end the season was painful to watch, sooo cautious. They drafted some weapons for Bradford, but they really need a STUD WR.