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Florida Gators +800

The 2006 Gators were a Cinderella team of sorts. After beating out the likes of USC and Michigan to get an invite to the BCS title game, they ultimately dismantled No. 1 ranked Ohio State on the national stage.

But as the case is with many college teams, they’ve lost some key members from that championship team.

Tim Tebow will carry the QB torch now that BCS title offensive MVP Chris Leak has moved on. Though he has shown the ability to tuck the ball in and run (469 rushing yards in 2006) he must show more consistency with his passing (22-33, 358 yards).

But the cupboard won’t be bare when it comes to passing options—WRs Andre Caldwell and Percy Harvin are both returning.

BCS title game Defensive MVP Derrick Harvey is the lone returning starter amongst the Front Seven, so the LBs and D-linemen will have someone to look to.

Still a return visit to the National Championship game might be asking a little too much for coach Urban Meyer and company.

Michigan Wolverines +700

Michigan’s late season loss to Ohio State was a big blow on three fronts:

i) Michigan coach Lloyd Carr added another L to his lifetime record against the Buckeyes—Carr has lost five of his last six to OSU.

ii) It cost the Wolverines a Big Ten title.

iii) It threw a big wrench into their BCS title game aspirations; they instead settled for a berth in the Rose Bowl against USC, a game which they lost.

Fortunately for them, the offensive crew will remain largely intact heading into 2007:

QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart and WR Mario Manningham will play for their final seasons for the maize and gold and would like to go out with a title.

There are some question marks on ‘D’, but the offense is championship caliber and will keep opposing defenses on their toes and help Carr’s boys push for a BCS berth.

The Wolverines just missed out on an invite to the title game last year and will make a strong case for one this year.

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