We're about at the time where one of the most interesting summers in a while - complete with an newfound American love for the World Cup, the Reds taking first place, and Vince hooking up with another porn star on Entourage - is coming to an end. Schools are starting to open back up, fantasy football leagues are drafting, and 45 year old single guys are once again living vicariously through high school kids courtesy of Yappi. With that said, I guess it's time to let you know how the college football season is gonna shape up.
Teams To Beat (Top 10)
1 Alabama Crimson Tide - I don't think they're gonna win it all, but as defending champs, with the defending champs, with the defending Heisman winner, they get the 1 spot until someone knocks them off. They return the best pair of running backs in the country in Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson, as well as a solid pass combo in Greg McElroy and Julio Jones. The defense is anchored by linebacker Dont'a Hightower, but could struggle against the pass - not good for a schedule that includes pass happy teams such as South Carolina, Arkansas, and Florida. Bottom line is that the Tide will be good - BCS good - but to ask them to run through another undefeated season may be too much.
2 Ohio State Buckeyes - The Buckeyes head into the season with high hopes after knocking off Oregon in January and could possibly be a season away from silencing all critics about the weakness of the Big 10 (With help from Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan St). The offense is loaded with playmakers in Terrelle Pryor, Brandon Saine, Boom Herron, Taurian Washington, and of course DeVier Posey, straight out of God's Chosen League. Defensively, they could struggle with getting pass rush as well as replacing some of the secondary, but corner Devon Torrence and linebacker Ross Homan will help out. Unfortunately, OSU may be stuck hoping Boise St loses a game to someone in the dreadful WAC, as they have three very losable games in Miami, Wisconsin, and Iowa, with the latter two on the road.
3 Boise State Broncos - Possibly the best mid major team ever? With Kellen Moore leading an impressive spread attack, a defense that gave up 17 points a game, and special teams as good as anyone in the country, The Broncos could be BCS crashers. An early win over Virginia Tech, and Boise will have smooth sailing the rest of the way. Boise St has lost one WAC game since 2005, and that was against statistically the best college quarterback to ever strap up a helmet, so I wouldn't expect anything from a conference that allowed Idaho to be bowl eligible last year.
4 Texas Longhorns - Year one of the Garrett Gilbert era begins with the Longhorns replacing a number of key starters such as Colt McCoy, Jordan Shipley, and Sergio Kindle. They will rely more on the rush attack with Tre' Newton and Fozzy Whittaker coming back. The defense, led by Sam Acho and Blake Gideon will be the strength of the team. If they can get past Oklahoma and Nebraska in back to back weeks, Texas could be playing for their second straight championship next January.
5 Florida Gators - The Gators are in a similar position as Texas. John Brantley will take the reigns at QB and has a few weapons in Jeff Demps, Chris Rainey, and Deonte Thompson. Unlike Texas, the offense is more of the strength, but the defense has future stars, such as Janoris Jenkins and Jon Bostic. Florida, however, has a much more difficult schedule, and is probably less likely to get through the season unscathed as Texas.
6 Texas Christian Horned Frogs - TCU heads into 2010 looking to make a statement after losing to Boise St last January. They had the number 5 rushing offense last year, but should open up the passing game with QB Andy Dalton and WR Jeremy Kerley back. Their date to circle is November 6 as TCU battles Utah to possibly represent the MWC in the BCS.
7 Oklahoma Sooners - Oklahoma enters on the sour note after completing one of the worst seasons in recent memory. QB Landry Jones returns as probably the best quarterback in the Big 12. The offense will have to gel quickly though as Florida State, Cincinnati, and of course, Texas, loom on the first half of the schedule.
8 Virginia Tech Hokies - Tyrod Taylor leads his Hokies for his senior year. Taylor had over 2500 total yard and 16 touchdowns last year, and will lead one of the most impressive rushing attacks in the country. They will play in the marque matchup of the early season against Boise St, and plays Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and Miami in consecutive weeks later.
9 Wisconsin Badgers - John Clay is about all you need to know for the Badgers this year. Possibly the best RB north of Alabama, JC will be key if Wisconsin wants to overtake Ohio St and Iowa in the Big 10 and make it to Pasadena.
10 Miami Hurricanes - JaCory Harris leads The U into 2010 with hopes of a Heisman and a National Title. With JC12 on the offense, and Ray Ray Armstrong anchoring the D, the Canes will need to knock off Ohio State early, and Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech in conference to make it to the end.
3 Super Sleepers
1 South Carolina Gamecocks - If there's ever a year for the Ole Ball Coach to take down his old Gators and win the SEC East, this is it. The skill positions are loaded with future first round WR Alshon Jeffery and Stephen Garcia, who threw for 2862 yard last year. Add to that freshman Marcus Lattimore (#1 RB) and WR Ace Sanders (sub 4.4) and you have a lot of weapons on O. The D is anchored by one of the best CB in the NCAA in Stephon Gilmore and LB Shaq Wilson. The Gamecocks may be a year away from national title hopes, but they certainly have a chance in the down SEC East.
2 Auburn Tigers - Pardon the southern bias, but Alabama's arch rival may have the best shot at taking them down. The O-line returns 4 of 5 starters, always a recipe for success. Florida transfer Cameron Newton will take over at QB and try to build on the Tiger's strong finish, beating Northwestern in an Outback Bowl thriller. If Newton steps up and the O-Line remains strong, there's no reason to think Auburn can't make the BCS this year.
3 Houston Cougars - Case Keenum will look to keep his stats rolling after leading the NCAA with 5671 yards and 44 TDs last year. The defense sucks, but that doesn't matter when you average 42 points per game. It also doesn't hurt that your schedule features offensive "juggernauts" such as Texas State, UTEP, Memphis, and Southern Miss. The Cougars are capable of putting up points on anyone, and with their soft schedule, can definitely put together an undefeated regular season.
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