2007 NCAA Football: Outside the Big Five

As the preseason rankings were released for the upcoming NCAA football season, there may have been a raised eyebrow or two at some big-name teams failing to make the top five. Here is a look at some of those teams looking to restore their past glory.

The first name that comes up is slotted at No. 6, home of the defending champions from Florida. The Gators roared to the national championship last season by pasting Ohio State, but this year they will have to retain their title with only two returning starters on defense. While Tim Tebow got some time last season, it was basically as a rushing alternative to Chris Leak. Their defense could take a beating in the SEC, which is annually one of the nation's most difficult conferences.

The aforementioned Buckeyes are back at No. 11, and after losing Heisman winner Troy Smith, Antonio Pittman, Anthony Gonzalez and Ted Ginn Jr. to the NFL draft, a falloff seems inevitable. However, they still have a solid defense and are capable of challenging their bitter rivals, Michigan Wolverines for the Big Ten title.



Louisville quietly was one of college football's best teams last season, and starts the 2007 campaign at No. 10. Quarterback Brian Brohm was the architect of most of the Cardinals' success, and he returns to campus for another season. Brohm also has his two favorite targets in receivers Harry Douglas and Mario Urrutia back, so Louisville should light up the scoreboards around the Big East once again this season.

California comes in at No. 12, and the Golden Bears are still flying from their final-week win over rival USC that essentially eliminated the Trojans from the national championship race. With Marshawn Lynch gone to the NFL, Nate Longshore will have full license to go down the field at all times. With DeSean Jackson leading a very talented group of receivers, the Bears could surprise some people this year.

However, California lost six starters on defense and that could hurt them in the pass-happy Pac-10. Last season's big surprises, Rutgers and Boise State, are ranked at 16th and 24th respectively, and they will not have the luxury of falling under the radar this season. Opposing teams will be ready for the Scarlet Knights and Broncos and their bag of tricks in 2007.

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