Bruce Feldman put out a blog on ESPN.com listing the teams he thought would be the most improved next season so it got me to thinking who I thought would be the most improved teams. Here is my list:

 

1.Notre Dame-of course they are the #1 option, the Fighting Irish return 10 starters on offense including Jimmy Clausen at quarterback and big time receivers Golden Tate and Michael Floyd. The Irish have an extremely easy schedule with their toughest game-USC coming at home. I think the Irish win anywhere from 9-11 games and get back to a BCS Bowl.

 

2.Ole Miss-you may be asking yourself how a team that won 9 games could possibly improve but I believe the Rebels will be even better this coming season. They have arguably the best Quarterback in the country in Jevan Snead and dynamic playmakers returning on Offense-Dexter McCluster-and on defense-Greg Hardy. Do not be surprised if the Rebels are have one loss or even possibly are undefeated going into the SEC Championship game and are a legitimate National Championship Contender.

 

3.Arkansas-Bobby Petrino's first season in Fayetteville wasn't picture perfect, but he does have two great offensive players in rocket-armed quarterback Ryan Mallett, who transferred from Michigan in 2007 and sat out the 2008 season, and do it all running back Michael Smith. Petrino has had a history of developing high powered offenses and will have this offense clicking on all cylinders next season. Also, beast middle linebacker Freddie Fairchild is returning as well.

 

Others: Baylor, Stanford, Kentucky

Bruce Feldman put out a blog on ESPN.com listing the teams he thought would be the most improved next season so it got me to thinking who I thought would be the most improved teams. Here is my list:

 

1.Notre Dame-of course they are the #1 option, the Fighting Irish return 10 starters on offense including Jimmy Clausen at quarterback and big time receivers Golden Tate and Michael Floyd. The Irish have an extremely easy schedule with their toughest game-USC coming at home. I think the Irish win anywhere from 9-11 games and get back to a BCS Bowl.

 

2.Ole Miss-you may be asking yourself how a team that won 9 games could possibly improve but I believe the Rebels will be even better this coming season. They have arguably the best Quarterback in the country in Jevan Snead and dynamic playmakers returning on Offense-Dexter McCluster-and on defense-Greg Hardy. Do not be surprised if the Rebels are have one loss or even possibly are undefeated going into the SEC Championship game and are a legitimate National Championship Contender.

 

3.Arkansas-Bobby Petrino's first season in Fayetteville wasn't picture perfect, but he does have two great offensive players in rocket-armed quarterback Ryan Mallett, who transferred from Michigan in 2007 and sat out the 2008 season, and do it all running back Michael Smith. Petrino has had a history of developing high powered offenses and will have this offense clicking on all cylinders next season. Also, beast middle linebacker Freddie Fairchild is returning as well.

 

Others: Baylor, Stanford, Kentucky

 

Don't forget about the Canes down in Miami. They were very young last year, the I look for them to better they 7 wins they had last year even if this schedule is tougher.

I think Petrino will get it going and the Razorbacks will be a force in the SEC west.

Don't forget about the Canes down in Miami. They were very young last year, the I look for them to better they 7 wins they had last year even if this schedule is tougher.

 

How could I have forgotten? I was the one that argued them possibly being top 10-15. My mistake, Marcus Forston is leading them to an 8 win season.

I think Miami, Arkansas, and Louisville will surprise this season. I'll get raked over the coals for my last selection, but it is a hunch.

I think Miami, Arkansas, and Louisville will surprise this season. I'll get raked over the coals for my last selection, but it is a hunch.

 

Hey, they couldn't be any worse.

I look for Virginia Tech to be a national championship contender. With 16 returning starters, and with Tyrod Taylor having a good amount of experience, I see VT going undefeated in the ACC.

Hey, they couldn't be any worse.

 

 

Which is why we Card fans are so optimistic! There's nowhere to go but up!

Which is why we Card fans are so optimistic! There's nowhere to go but up!

 

I'm just stoked that we're so rotten that noone wants to watch us on TV anymore so I actually get to tailgate at a Saturday home game for once.

I'm just stoked that we're so rotten that noone wants to watch us on TV anymore so I actually get to tailgate at a Saturday home game for once.

 

See...there are benefits. We can go back to enjoying Cardinal football the way it's been enjoyed for much of it's history.

 

 

It's OURS! :clap:

I look for Virginia Tech to be a national championship contender. With 16 returning starters, and with Tyrod Taylor having a good amount of experience, I see VT going undefeated in the ACC.

 

I can't really see them as a contender. I'm just not sold on Taylor. Beamer will have them in the thick of the ACC race though, that is for sure.

I can't really see them as a contender. I'm just not sold on Taylor. Beamer will have them in the thick of the ACC race though, that is for sure.

 

I think Taylor will do fine.This is his first year of being the only quarterback now that Glennon is gone, so he will finally have control of the offense. Plus, the "Wild Turkey" formation with Boone last year gave defenses a lot of problems.

I think Taylor will do fine.This is his first year of being the only quarterback now that Glennon is gone, so he will finally have control of the offense. Plus, the "Wild Turkey" formation with Boone last year gave defenses a lot of problems.

 

Maybe. The only thing is, Miami limited Taylor (who was a little hurt) and the Wild Turkey pretty well. And, that is the same Miami Defense that gave up what seemed like 1000 yards rushing vs. Georgia Tech. Virginia Tech will be fine, but I think they are a pretender on the National Level. UF, OU, Texas, USC, Bama and others are all better, IMO.

I think Taylor will do fine.This is his first year of being the only quarterback now that Glennon is gone, so he will finally have control of the offense. Plus, the "Wild Turkey" formation with Boone last year gave defenses a lot of problems.

 

Tech has had several teams this decade better than this year's and they never made it to the National Championship game. I don't see this one holding UF or OU under 50.

I don't see Louisville showing drastic improvement but I don't think they'll be horrible either. I expect both Notre Dame and Miami (FL) to be the biggest improved teams.