Well, after watching the most mediocre National Title game in recent memory, I couldn't help myself but to start thinking about next year. What's going to be the first "biggest game of the year"? Who's going to be the first team to be upset? Will we go through 5 or more #1s again? In time, those questions will be answered for us, but the big question right now: Who's in the preseason top 10?
No doubt about it, there's alot of teams that deserve a look, maybe even a second look. But for sure, there are few teams that cannot be left out.
Jay's Pre-2009 Top 10
1-) Florida You cannot deny that the Gators are the clear favorite to win a second straight title. They may not truly have been the best team in the nation this year, but we're talking next year here. With Tebow, Harvin, Rainey and Demps all returning, it's hard to see too many teams slowing the Gators down enough to defeat them. This especially because they play one of the easiest non-conference schedules in the nation next year (Charleston Southern, Troy, FIU, and FSU. The toughest game (as of now) Florida has next year is AT LSU. I'm thinking back-to-back for the Ol' Boys from Florida....
2-) Texas Colt McCoy returns, as does his O-Line. Leading RB (not rusher, running back) Vondrell Mcgee returns, and he's only a junior next year. Brandon Collins and Malcolm Williams (a sophomore and frshman, respectively) will return to be McCoy's deep threats-especially Williams, being he's 6-3 and has a 38" vertical. Texas' defense will need to step up a bit during their conference schedule to stop offenses such as Texas Tech, OU, and OK State. A weak non-conference schedule will help the 'Horns get into a pretty good groove, setting up another classic in Dallas on October 17th.
3-) Virginia Tech Yeah, I said it, and I'll repeat it for those who are doing a double-take: Virginia Tech is my pre-season #3. Tyrod Taylor is a very legitimate dual threat QB, and workhorse Darren Evans (a rising sophomore) only adds to the Hokies' offensive potential for next year. It remains to be seen whether big TE Greg Boone will return or not, but if he does, he's a big target for Taylor to look for in the red zone. The Hokies also return Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale, their leading recievers from 2008, and rising sophomores. I would say that losing Macho harris and 3 other defensive starters is a possible problem, but this is a Bud Foster defense- no problems here. Virginia Tech opens with their toughest game-Alabama in the Georgia Dome- which they will win (write it down now). Look for Va Tech to be in the BCS Title mix next year.
4-) USC They won't stay long, but because of this year's success, they'll start in the Top 10. If Sanchez returns, the offense will still be potent. The big question for 2009 is their defense. They have to replace AT LEAST 7 starters, and maybe 9 depending on the futures of Taylor Mays and Josh Pinkard. The Trojans play some tough games on the road, including a trip to Columbus to face the next team on the list.
5-) Ohio State Did you see Terrell Pryor play at all this season? If you did, you know why the Buckeyes are here. He'll be a sophomore. I don't need to spell it out for you: this kid is freakin good. I'm talking Heisman-Candidate-as-a-sophomore good. Decision making skills are still not great, but again, he's young. He's also a quick learner. One knock I had on Pryor this year was that he's a run-first kind of QB. With Beanie Wells gone, Pryor will need to carry much of the offensive load. The defense also lost a bit of strength with Laurinitis, Jenkins and Freeman all graduating.
6-) Alabama The offense won't be as great, but the defense replaces 2 or 3 starters, depending on Terrence Cody's future. Alabama loses 2 of the best O-lineman in the country, but retains 3 very experienced hawgs up front. Greg McElroy is a decent replacement for John Parker Wilson, but will take most of the time in the non-conference schedule maturing into an SEC ready QB.
7-) LSU Some may say "Jay, LSU just lost it's whole D-line and start MLB. Why are they here?" Well, new Defensive Coordinator John Chavis should have the ball hawks ready in time. The Tigers made one of the smarter coaching moves in the nation bringing him in. Now, what about the offense? Well, if you watched the Chick-fil-a Bowl, you know that Jordan Jefferson knows how to run an offense. Oh by the way, Les Miles is still one of the best coaches in the nation.
8-) Oklahoma Really Jay, the National Title runner-up here? Yeah, really. Even if Bradford comes back, OU still loses 4 starters on the O-line, and Iglesias is going to the draft. Gresham looks like he's leaning towards the money as well. Defensivcly.... Oh wait, we're talking about a Big 12 team here.
9-) Oklahoma State With 3 of 4 offensive stars coming back to school, it's hard to believe that the Cowboys won't at least be a threat to Texas or Oklahoma. Brandon Pettigrew graduates, leaving the all important TE position to be filled. The 'Pokes need to juice up the defense if they really want to challenge for the Big 12 South title.
10-) Boise State A tough home game against Oregon to start the season is about all the Broncos have to worry about next year. Ian Johnson departs, but Kellen Moore is only a sophomore, and their 2 leading recievers will more than likely be back. Linebackers will be a question come August, but the secondary is in good shape, especially if Kyle Wilson stays in school. BSU should have no problem going 11-1 and making another BCS bowl (depending on how the voters feel).
Teams to watch: Ole Miss, Penn State, Iowa, TCU, and Oregon
Teams to forget about: Central Florida, Auburn, Michigan
For those who aren't counting, there's only 236 days left until Virginia Tech and Alabama square off in the "Chick-Fil-A College Kickoff Game" on Saturday September 5.
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