College Football analyst James Parks takes a look at some teams to keep an eye on in the 2004 season, teams that are poised to shock the nation and have a standout season.1. South Carolina Gamecocks
The Gamecocks were a very underrated team last season. South Carolina dominated Virginia 31-7 in the second game of last season, but then suffered a setback the next week on their first road game, a 31-7 loss to Georgia. But that would be the only drastic SEC East loss all season. The Gamecocks lost a heartbreaker at Tennessee last season in overtime, 23-20, in a game they should have won. And on the last conference game of the season, Florida edged out South Carolina 24-22. The 5-7 record isn’t an accurate way to look at this team.
Demetris Summers emerged as one of the best runningbacks in the SEC last season before suffering an injury at Arkansas last season. However, the trainers at South Carolina are confident Summers is back on top and ready for a breakout season in 2004. He could be ready for his first of many 1000 yard rushing seasons.
South Carolina returns a total of 17 starters (9 offensive, 8 defensive), which is second in the SEC only to Vanderbilt. The Gamecocks get Tennessee and Georgia at home this year, and you know Lou Holtz has had the October 30th matchup against the Vols circled for a long time.
They have the talent, and they certainly have the explosiveness. Now Coach Holtz just needs to get some confidence in his players and make them realize just how possible this dream really is.
Player to watch: FB Daccus Turman could be the best rushing fullback in the entire country.
2. Minnesota Golden Gophers
The Gophers are already my top ranked rushing unit in the nation, but let’s not forget how good the offensive line has been. Last season, they paved the way for an average of 289 yards per game. Minnesota should have beaten Michigan last season, but somehow let go of a 21 point lead.
The Gophers return 14 starters this season, 7 on both sides of the ball. The key game is the October 9th matchup against Michigan in the Big House. Minnesota avoids playing Ohio State this season, and gets Iowa at home, which helps the bid for a Minnesota Big 10 title. However, 4 of the last 6 games for Minnesota is on the road.
3. Virginia Cavaliers
The coaches poll has Virginia rated #19 in the country, while I have them at the #10 spot in my top 25. Virginia comes in as possibly the most experienced team in the ACC, but have some huge shoes to fill at Quarterback after the departure of Matt Schaub. The Cavaliers should use the running game more often with Wali Lundy, who was just 5 yards shy of 1000 last season.
4. Memphis Tigers
Memphis has my #8 rushing attack in America, and for good reason. DeAngelo Williams is one of the premier backs in college football, and the ENTIRE offense returns this year to help the cause.
Memphis beat Ole Miss last season, but now it’s time for the Tigers to travel to Oxford. I see no reason why Memphis can’t win again. Memphis does not have TCU on the schedule this season, and they get the other top 3 Conference USA teams (Houston, Louisville, Southern Miss) at home. If Memphis can win the opener at Ole Miss, they may go undefeated.
5. Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M struggled last season, to say the least. But you know the talent is there. A&M had a few early setbacks last season, and never contended again. They never even came close in a game they weren’t favored in.
They get everyone back, and with a chip on their shoulder. Oklahoma has to come in to College Station this season, and you know that’s not going to be easy. A&M needs to start the year off on a good note by beating Utah, and carry on that momentum throughout the tough Big XII stretch.
James is the editor of www.collegefootballnation.com, and can be reached via email here.