 Texas
Forget Vince Young’s departure meaning the Longhorns
can’t have nearly the same offensive impact. There
will be little drop-off in overall production with all-American
Justin Blalock leading a line with two other seniors and
sky-high potential (J’Marcus Webb). These guys had
everything to do with why Texas averaged 200 yards per
game both rushing and passing. Whoever wins the QB battle
will have ample time and a successful rushing attack to
pad his orientation thanks to this well-marbled Longhorn
beef.  Southern
California
The only reason these guys don’t rank higher is
because they replace three, two of whom left early and
are now in the NFL. Still, all-Americans Sam Baker and
Ryan Kalil will have the Trojan line in the same form
as last year when they led the nation in offensive production.
Baker may be the best tackle in I-A, and he will have
to be with five underclassmen dotting the two-deep.
Though the talent is undeveloped, enough is there to
rank them second (see recruiting).
 Arkansas
When you return five starters from a unit that led the
SEC in rushing, expectations are huge. With all of their
other offensive starters back, too, the meat of these
Hogs appears prime. Two TEs coming in at 260+ work well
with five 300+-pounders for plowing holes straight ahead,
especially when all of the RBs are over 200lbs. themselves.
Foes need to use speed to succeed, for no one will overpower
the Razorbacks in ’06.
 Auburn
The Tiger’s all-senior interior boast returning
starters who make Auburn a top five group. The departed
tackles have experienced replacements, and the whole
crew has great footwork for its hulking stature to make
plays that go outside the box succeed. Since offensive
coordinator Al Borges arrived, this unit has continued
to produce top caliber backs (Carnell Williams, Ronnie
Brown). Sack totals need to come down, but all-American
RB Kenny Irons is sure to make these bigmen shine (or
the other way around).
 Texas
A&M
This is a young, talented group that has already proven
itself with three all-Big XII selections to compliment
the fact that five of six starters are back. The Aggies
quietly ranked 10th in rushing and 17th in total offense
while only allowing 16 sacks. The size is there to handle
any comers so new QB Stephen McGee can have every advantage
needed for maximum execution time. The formula for turning
this program in the right direction for Coach Dennis
Franchione will start up front.
Just
Missed:
Clemson, Fresno State, Notre Dame,
Ohio State
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