Team recruiting rankings hinge on Alabama vs. LSU game

There's more than just national title hopes on the line when Alabama and LSU tangle on Saturday night at 8 p.m. EST on CBS.

The showdown between the nation's No. 1 vs. No. 2 teams will have serious recruiting ramifications.

Currently, Alabama has the No. 4-ranked recruiting class in the country. Led by Geno Smith, Chris Black, and Dillon Lee, the Crimson Tide has a tremendous group of athletes that should thrive at skill positions on offense and, in keeping with the tradition of recent Alabama recruiting classes, a loaded defensive secondary.

LSU, currently with the No. 6 class, features a trio of impressive offensive linemen: Vadal Alexander, Derek Edinburgh and Patrick Miller.



However, the Tigers can close that gap (and then some) if they can sway some of the recruits who will be in Tuscaloosa on Saturday.

Landon Collins, uncommitted and the nation's No. 9 recruit, is expected to attend. Collins is reportedly down to LSU and Alabama, with the Tigers expected to land the Bayou State's top player. If Alabama impresses Collins enough to earn a commitment, it will push the Crimson Tide closer to the No. 1 spot and be a damaging blow to LSU.

With both schools' respective classes nearly complete, it comes as no surprise that members of the class of 2013 and 2014 are also a high priority this weekend.

Robert Nkemdiche, potentially the top recruit in the class of 2013, is expected to attended. Bo Scarborough, likely a Top 10-recruit in the class of 2014, also should be visiting, MaxPreps has learned. Both add to the significance of the weekend.

As it stands right now, here's a look at the Top 20 team recruiting classes for 2012, according to a mathematical formula developed by CBS Sports researcher Brian Raab.

1. Michigan
Number of commitments: 23
In the Top 100: 5
Top recruit: Terry Richardson (No. 33)
Will be considered a success if: everyone sticks to their commitments. Michigan's class is extremely deep and talented. There are still a few big recruits that Brady Hoke could try to make room for, like Yuri Wright or Shaq Thompson, but even if Michigan stays pat this is a superb class.
Will be disappointing if: well, something drastic happens. This class seems pretty locked in. Barring a catastrophic finish to the season or a major change at the helm, Michigan fans should be happy with this haul.

2. Texas
Number of commitments: 19
In the Top 100: 4
Top recruit: Cayleb Jones (No. 3)
Will be considered a success if: Texas can hit a home run quarterback. Connor Brewer should help in that department. Jalen Overstreet may as well. The Longhorns may need both to work out. If either go the way of Garrett Gilbert, an even greater emphasis will be placed on 2013 phenom Tyrone Swoopes.
Will be disappointing if: Johnathan Gray doesn't live up to the hype. With all the talk about the impact he can make in a backfield alongside Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron, it may take some time for Gray to start influencing games.

3. Florida
Number of commitments: 17
In the Top 100: 5
Top recruit: D.J. Humphries (No. 12)
Will be considered a success if: offensive weapons can emerge. Latroy Pittman and Kent Taylor are both extremely talented, and both will be relied on to make plays for a Florida offense that has struggled to find difference-makers.
Will be disappointing if: the Gators don't land another Top 25 recruit. Stefon Diggs, Nelson Agholor and Noah Spence are all in play for Will Muschamp. Gators fans feel good about Diggs, with good reason. If they fail to land him and miss on Agholor and Spence, it will be hard to view this class in a positive light come National Signing Day.

4. Alabama
Number of commitments: 19
In the Top 100: 4
Top recruit: Geno Smith (No. 19)
Will be considered a success if: Nick Saban closes strong. Many of Alabama's commitments have been on board for a long time. Crimson Tide fans are looking for another big recruit to join the ranks, particularly after it missed on Jameis Winston and Gunner Kiel. With the amount of talent it is hosting for the LSU game, a win over the Tigers could go a long way toward landing one or two more blue-chip recruits.
Will be disappointing if: this recruiting class doesn't beat Auburn every year and win several national titles. Isn't that the expectation for Alabama under Saban? More practically, Alabama fans will feel burned if Barry Sanders signs elsewhere. Missing on an elite defensive lineman (think Adolphus Washington or Eddie Goldman), an area that has been critical to Alabama's success under Saban, would also leave an empty feeling with this class.

5. Texas A&M
Number of commitments: 21
In the Top 100: 2
Top recruit: Trey Williams (No. 51)
Will be considered a success if: it can land Aziz Shittu. This is already a star-studded class for Texas A&M, one that will help it transition into the SEC. Shittu would be a force in the middle for the Aggies for years to come.
Will be disappointing if: the Texas A&M can't finish strong, on the playing field and subsequently, the recruiting field. Several of its recruits are hot commodities. With the possibility of a five-loss season staring it in the face, Texas A&M has a lot to lose if it limps to the finish line.

6. LSU
Number of commitments: 17
In the Top 100: 3
Top recruit: Vadal Alexander (No. 54)
Will be considered a success if: its offensive line recruits can stay healthy. Both Patrick Miller and Vadal Alexander have missed multiple games over the past two seasons. That duo, combined with Derek Edinburgh, gives the Tigers a phenomenal batch of recruits up front.
Will be disappointing if: Landon Collins commits to Alabama. Most expect that he'll end up a Tiger, like most top in-state targets. Losing out on him would be a major jolt to the Tigers.



7. Virginia
Number of commitments: 24
In the Top 100: 2
Top recruit: Michael Moore (No. 50)
Will be considered a success if: this class stays the course. It has offensive playmakers, solid linemen on both sides of the ball, and a high-ceiling quarterback. It may get passed up before Signing Day by other classes, but Cavaliers fans will almost certainly view this class in a positive light.
Will be disappointing if: Kye Morgan is not the answer at running back. He's averaging more than eight yards per carry as a senior and should be able to contribute to the depth chart immediately. However, he's the only back the Cavaliers have right now, as in-state rival Virginia Tech has seemingly mastered the art of recruiting at that position.

8. Florida State
Number of commitments: 15
In the Top 100: 3
Top recruit: Mario Edwards (No. 5)
Will be considered a success if: the wheels don't fall off. Florida State fans are wondering what defines a committed recruit, as Edwards' verbal commitment to the Seminoles seems purely semantic at this point. It appears less and less likely he'll end up in Tallahassee. Rumors are also swirling around fellow defensive end Dante Fowler. If he stays, the Seminoles will still have a fine haul at that position, with Chris Casher seemingly locked in.
Will be disappointing if: Florida State can't land any secondary help. It has its eyes set on Miramar star Tracy Howard, and with North Florida Christian safety Travis Blanks leaving the Seminoles' own backyard, Howard is an even greater priority.

9. Miami
Number of commitments: 23
In the Top 100: 1
Top recruit: Jelani Hamilton (No. 77)
Will be considered a success if: Al Golden finds a quarterback to build around. Gray Crow and Preston Dewey are both on board, but it remains to be seen who will be able to develop into a future leader of the team.
Will be disappointing if: NCAA sanctions lead to any recruiting defections. Golden and staff have done a great job of developing relationships around Dade and Broward counties, and have done a good job keeping most of this class intact. Any severe punishment could jeopardize that.

10. Virginia Tech
Number of commitments: 25
In the Top 100: 0
Top recruit: Drew Harris
Will be considered a success if: Frank Beamer can continue to excel at player development. This class is short on Top 100 talent, but is deep and contains a number of pieces the Hokies can work with. Most notably, the duo of J.C. Coleman and Drew Harris ranks among the best in the country.
Will be disappointing if: the Hokies cannot procure some depth behind center. It's a recurring theme for several top teams. Without a trusted signal-caller, it's hard to thrive. It appears unlikely that Virginia Tech will land a QB in this recruiting cycle, after whiffing on Marquise Williams last year. This will be a major priority for Virginia Tech in the 2013 class. Luckily, the in-state crop of current junior quarterbacks appears special.

11. Auburn
Number of commitments: 14
In the Top 100: 4
Top recruit: Zeke Pike (No. 30)
Will be considered a success if: it can close strong. Following a national championship, a Top 10-recruiting class was certainly the expectation for Gene Chizik and staff. Dorial Green-Beckham, Stefon Diggs, and Eddie Goldman are names that have been thrown around, but Avery Young and Channing Ward may be more realistic targets.
Will be disappointing if: it loses a recruit to rival Alabama. Both Brent Calloway and Cyrus Kouandjio toyed with Tigers fans around National Signing Day last year. Auburn can't let something similar happen in 2011.

12. South Carolina
Number of commitments: 19
In the Top 100: 1
Top recruit: Shaq Roland (No. 20 )
Will be considered a success if: Shaq Roland contributes as a true freshman. Given the recent success of Marcus Lattimore and Jadeveon Clowney as true freshmen, South Carolina fans expect to see their top home-grown recruit step in early. Enormous expectations? Yes. Does Roland have the talent to meet them? Certainly.
Will be disappointing if: the Gamecocks don't bring in another stud defensive end. An elite running back like Keith Marshall would be great, but the Gamecocks have a better shot to land someone up front. Clowney set the bar absurdly high last year, but Tyriq McCord and Jonathan Bullard are real possibilities.

13. Cincinnati
Number of commitments: 24
In the Top 100: 1
Top recruit: Bennie Coney (No. 72)
Will be considered a success if: its offensive skill players live up to their potential. Coney is a nice grab at quarterback. Running back Deionte Buckley is enjoying a great senior campaign for Warren Central and, along with Dennis Norfleet, provides a nice one-two punch.
Will be disappointing if: it cannot land any top players from within city limits, an important indicator of the strength of the program. It already looks like Adolphus Washington will get away. Monty Madaris also seems unlikely to stay home.

14. Notre Dame
Number of commitments: 15
In the Top 100: 4
Top recruit: Jarron Jones (No. 13)
Will be considered a success if: Notre Dame can lure in one more blue-chip recruit. The Fighting Irish are courting a number of top talents, including Gunner Kiel, Keith Marshall, Arik Armstead and Zach Banner. Kiel, the nation's No. 2 recruit, could be most likely to commit, although Notre Dame didn't make it into his final two prior to his verbal commitment to Alabama in the summer.
Will be disappointing if: Will Mahone is the only running back Notre Dame lands. It missed on Savon Huggins last year and could really use a playmaker. In addition to Keith Marshall, Byron Marshall is also an option.

15. Arizona State
Number of commitments: 21
In the Top 100: 1
Top recruit: Evan Goodman (No. 45)
Will be considered a success if: its SoCal pipeline pays off. Arizona State has verbal commitments from five Long Beach Poly players as well as one from Milo Jordan of Corona Centennial, Vontaze Burfict's alma mater. Their development could determine whether this class is feast or famine.
Will be disappointing if: the Sun Devils don't end up with D.J. Foster or Byron Marshall. Both are dynamic, impact players with some interest in Arizona State. Missing both would certainly sour the excitement around this class.

No. 16 Clemson
Number of commitments: 19
In the Top 100: 1
Top recruit: Travis Blanks
Will be considered a success if: it can pull off another National Signing Day stunner. Last year, the Tigers had a stellar class thanks to an extremely strong finish to the recruiting cycle. This year's class is solid, but not near Clemson's 2011 haul. It seems as if Dabo Swinney and staff have shifted much of their attention to 2013, so it may be unlikely for Clemson to pull any surprises this year.
Will be disappointing if: Clemson can't capitalize on its outstanding season. The Tigers had a banner year recruiting last year coming off a disappointing season. Given how well Clemson is playing this year, expectations are high — and rightfully so. If it goes to a BCS Bowl Game, don't be surprised if Clemson make a serious play for Trae Elston or Josh Harvey-Clemons.

No. 17 Pittsburgh
Number of commitments: 16
In the Top 100: 1
Top recruit: Rushel Shell (No. 10)
Will be considered a success if: its offensive linemen develop and gel. Rushel Shell will continue the program's tradition of outstanding running backs, but his success could hinge on the team's play up front. Led by Adam Bisnowaty, the group of current commitments is promising.
Will be disappointing if: it can't sway another hot Pennsylvania recruit to stay home. Noah Spence has taken Pitt out of the running in his recruitment, and J.J. Denman is heading out of state and Deaysean Rippy seems likely to follow as well. This is a very deep class for Pennsylvania, so it would behoove Pitt to flip a top in-state recruit.

No. 18 Oklahoma
Number of commitments: 14
In the Top 100: 2
Top recruit: Durron Neal (No. 47)
Will be considered a success if: the Sooners' get their current recruits to play to their potential. With players like Eric Striker and Polo Manukainiu, Oklahoma has some recruits who were not extremely heavily-recruited but have shown flashes of dominance on the high school level. If Oklahoma can get those two and others to be anywhere near as productive as they are right now, this class will be a coup.
Will be disappointing if: Dorial Green-Beckham signs elsewhere. Oklahoma has a shot, and fans have already gotten their hopes up. Spurning Norman would be devastating for the Sooners, despite already having a commitment from electric receiver Neal.



No. 19 Wisconsin
Number of commitments: 11
In the Top 100: 3
Top recruit: J.J. Denman (No. 36)
Will be considered a success if: nothing changes. By Wisconsin's standards, this is already a better-than-average recruiting class. Known for taking overlooked recruits and turning them into All-Big 10 players, Bret Bielema will have more talent to work with than he is used to. In addition to Denman, Bart Houston and Dan Voltz are recruits to watch.
Will be disappointing if: Vonte Jackson doesn't return to full health following a knee injury he suffered in his team's season opener this season. Wisconsin has been treated to a slew of great running backs recently, and not having the 6-foot, 175-pound Jackson at the top of his game would be a big blow to the Badgers' attempts to continue their strong lineage of rushers.

No. 20 Penn State
Number of commitments: 16
In the Top 100: 1
Top recruit: Tommy Schutt (No. 46)
Will be considered a success if: Penn State can reel in a recruit from Our Lady of Good Counsel. Both Ryan Watson and Wes Brown are targets. Watson may be more significant now with the defection of J.J. Denman to Wisconsin, but either would be a big recruiting win for Penn State.
Will be disappointing if: Jamil Pollard does not end up at State College. New Jersey traditionally has been good to Penn State on the recruiting front, but that hasn't played out as much recently. Pollard, like many of the Nittany Lions' recruits, committed very early. However, some friction arose regarding his academic standing. Penn State fans hope he qualifies and re-commits.