16.
Arkansas
Razorbacks
2006 Record: 10-4, 7-1
SEC
Houston Nutt and his Razorbacks
have endured tumultuous offseason complete with attrition and controversy.
However, the Hawgs have the nation’s best player (Darren McFadden) and one
snoozer of a schedule.
17.
Texas A&M
Aggies
2006 Record: 9-4, 5-3 Big
XII
Dennis Franchione got folks off his
back last year, but the seat is still fairly warm. Fifteen starters back,
including eight on offense, might ease his mind a bit. The Aggies could
challenge for the league title.
18.
Auburn Tigers
2006 Record: 11-2, 6-2
SEC
Auburn missed its shot at a run for the
national title a year ago and must endure a rebuilding season of sorts in 2007.
The schedule is tough, but seven starters back on defense makes the ride
smoother.
19.
UCLA Bruins
2006 Record: 7-6, 5-4
Pac-10
Seven wins doesn’t seem all that
great, but UCLA played spoiler to USC’s national title hopes a year ago and now
bring back 21 starters. The Bruins have their sights set high in 2007 as UCLA
could contend for the Pac-10 title.
20.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
2006 Record: 11-2, 5-2 Big
East
Was last year a fluke? It’s not
likely, but ranking Rutgers near the top 10
might be a bit premature. Greg Schiano’s team was the toast of college football
in 2006. Can Ray Rice help lead the Knights back to the postseason?