SDSU 

        San Diego State has not had a winning season since 1998 and the loss of star quarterback Kevin O'Connell only adds to the list of obstacles the Aztecs must overcome in the 2008 season… Starting freshman quarterback Ryan Lindley has some big shoes to fill.        

        O'Connell, selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the NFL Draft, was a leader in several categories for the Aztecs’ offense in 2007. Last year, he threw 15 touchdowns and ran for 11 more. More than half of the touchdowns he threw were caught by receivers who will not be returning to the squad. Additionally O’Connell gained more rushing yards than leading running back Brandon Bornes last year.       

        But despite the loss of older players, the Aztecs future may be looking up. The Aztecs have a tough road schedule playing at Notre Dame, Texas Christian, and Brigham Young, but the experience gained along the way should only help the young team. The Aztecs are only going to get better and better as the season (and years) go on.        

        After a 3-9 2006 and 4-8 2007 season, I expect the Aztecs to improve once again as they have nowhere to go but up. I expect San Diego State to go 6-6 this year, anything less would be disappointing as coach Chuck Long enters his third year with the school.        

UCLA/USC 

        In case you don’t remember, UCLA went 6-6 in the 2007 season which sent them to a Bowl Game. No, it wasn’t the Rose Bowl, it was the Las Vegas Bowl, which they went on to lose 17-16 against a previously mentioned team.       

        In order for this season to be a success the Bruins must win more than six and win a Bowl Game. Anything unless would be unsatisfactory.       

        UCLA should be able to win eight games this season, two of which I predict will be against Stanford and Southern California. Should they happen to win more, they could be playing in a previously mentioned Bowl Game.               

        UCLA’s cross-town rivals Southern California must overcome the loss of their quarterback John David Booty and may not be able to handle the transition as well as the Aztecs.          

        However, at the end of the season neither SDSU, UCLA, or USC will be #1. Florida will be #1 at the end of the regular season and will win the BCS Championship game.                

And the others…