2009 College Football Preseason Top 25

[Lumi]

2009 College Football Preseason Top 25

One of many I will find and post




The Gators are our pick to win the whole enchilada again for a number of reasons. First, quality quarterback play is paramount and head coach Urban Meyer has Superman in shoulder pads under center in Tim Tebow (30 touchdown passes, 12 rushing scores last season). Tebow has done everything a collegian can do, winning one Heisman and two national titles, but he isn?t resting on his laurels. Knowing that he needs to refine his throwing motion in order to succeed in the NFL, Tebow is working with new Gator quarterbacks coach Scott Loeffler.

Tebow isn?t the only key leader who elected to stay in Gainesville. All 11 starters from last year?s defense?a unit that held Oklahoma to just two touchdowns in last year?s BCS title game?are all back. That group, includes linebacker Brandon Spikes (2008 All-American who recorded a team-high 93 tackles) as well as four 2008 second-team All-SEC performers in Joe Haden (87 tackles), Carlos Dunlap (13.5 sacks), Ahmad Black (seven interceptions) and Jermaine Cunningham. Toss in an All-SEC kick returner in Brandon James and playmakers galore for Tebow to throw and hand off to and it?s easy to imagine the Gators holding up the national title hardware again come January.

1. FLORIDA GATORS

Strengths: Along with one of the nation?s best coaches in Meyer and one of college football?s all-time greats in Tebow, the Gators have 18 starters back in the fold.
Nagging questions: Will the Gators stay hungry? The SEC is college football?s version of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. If you don?t come ready to play each and every Saturday, then you?ll get your teeth knocked in because this conference is chock-full of future pros.
Make or break game: at LSU, Oct. 10. With home games versus Charleston Southern, Troy and Tennessee and then a road trip to Kentucky to open the season, the Gators figure to be 4-0 and No. 1 in the land as they head to Cajun country to play in one of college football?s toughest venues. Win this one and Team Tebow could run the table.

2. OKLAHOMA SOONERS

Strengths: With the reigning Heisman Trophy winner at quarterback (Sam Bradford), two tailbacks who rushed for a combined 2,222 yards and 34 scores in Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray, and a battle-tested defense that returns nine starters, the Sooners have the horses to return to the BCS title game.
Nagging questions: Bradford (4,720 yards, 50 touchdowns, eight interceptions) is as accurate a passer as there is in college. But with four new starters along the offensive line, one wonders if he?ll have anywhere near as much time to stand in the pocket and work his magic.
Make or break game: vs. Texas, Oct. 17. The Sooners will have a pair of interesting early season quizzes to pass versus BYU (Sept. 5) and at Miami, Fla. (Oct. 3), but this showdown in Big D is a must-see affair for any college football fan or NFL scouts worth their salt.

3. TEXAS LONGHORNS

Strengths: The Longhorns will light up scoreboards in 2009 as eight starters return on offense, paced by the pass-catch combo of Colt McCoy (3,859 passing yards, 34 touchdowns) and Jordan Shipley (88 receptions, 1,060 yards, 11 scores).
Nagging questions: Will the Kindle experiment work? Mack Brown has moved linebacker Sergio Kindle (10 sacks) to end to help ease the loss of quarterback harasser Brian Orakpo to NFL riches. It?s worth the gamble because Kindle doesn?t need a GPS system to find his way into enemy backfields and the Longhorns? linebacking corps still features an All- American candidate in Roddrick Muckelrot (team-best 112 tackles).
Make or break game: vs. Oklahoma, Oct. 17. This battle of top five teams will be one of the most widely anticipated games of the entire season.

4. USC TROJANS

Strengths: Each year, head coach Pete Carroll (88-15 record at USC) loses truckloads of talent to the NFL, but continues to keep on winning. With two young pups in sophomore Aaron Corp and true freshman Matt Barkley competing to replace Mark Sanchez at quarterback, look for Carroll to lean on his tailbacks (C.J. Gable, Stafon Johnson and Joe McKnight) and his Taylor Mays-led defense a little heavier in the early part of the season.
Nagging questions: Can the Trojans keep their string of winning 11 or more games in seven straight seasons intact, even after losing an NCAA-high 11 players in the NFL draft? It won?t be easy. But if one of the young quarterbacks blossom and USC?s all-new starting linebacking corps of Michael Morgan, Chris Galippo and Malcolm Smith is as good as Carroll thinks they are, then expect the Trojans to stay near the top of the national polls.
Make or break game: vs. Ohio State, Sept. 12. After a glorified scrimmage in Week 1 versus San Jose State, the Trojans? quarterback and rebuilt defense will truly be put to the test in Columbus.

5. VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES

Strengths: Frank Beamer is one of the best X-and-O men in the college ranks, a fact that he illustrated last fall by leading the young Hokies to 10 wins and their fourth ACC title in six years. With 16 starters back, most notably tailback Darren Evans and defensive playmakers Jason Worilds, Stephan Virgil and Kam Chancellor, the Hokies will once again be the class of the ACC.
Nagging questions: Quarterback Tyrod Taylor, an absolute blur as a runner, must become a better passer or foes will overload the box in hopes of stopping him and Evans (1,265 rushing yards, 11 scores) from beating them with their feet.
Make or break game: vs. Alabama, Sept. 5. Rather than open with Creampuff University or Cupcake State, the Hokies begin 2009 in Atlanta versus Alabama in a battle of powerhouse teams.

6. PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS

Strengths: Quarterback Daryll Clark can beat opposing defenses with his arm and feet, while tailback Evan Royster might be the most underrated player in the Big Ten. The healthy return of linebacker Sean Lee, who missed all of last season with a bum knee, gives ?Linebacker U? one of those tough-as-a-$2 steak linebackers that all great Penn State teams have.
Nagging questions: Three playmaking wideouts, DerrickWilliams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood, must all be replaced and the offensive line needs some serious retooling. But Joe Paterno has plenty of time to plug those holes as the Nittany Lions face an early soft schedule (Akron, Syarcuse and Temple all visit State College) that should be sponsored by Charmin.
Make or break game: vs. Iowa, Sept. 26. After three all-but-but guaranteed wins to start the season, the Nittany Lions will face two tough foes in a row, versus Iowa (Sept. 26) at home and then at Illinois (Oct. 3). Sweep those two and Paterno?s squad should be 9-0 when Ohio State visits in early November.

7. ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

Strengths: No college team in America has a better sideline boss than Nick Saban. His defense, a unit that returns nine starters and has a future pro at each level (tackle Terrance Cody, linebacker Roalndo McClain and cornerback Javier Arenas), should be lights out.
Nagging questions:We, at Football Action, were tempted to pick the Tide even higher, but there are some positions with new starters, including quarterback (where John ParkerWilson is gone), left tackle (where All-American Andre Smith is now a rich pro) and safety (where All-SEC performer Rashad Johnson no longer patrols).
Make or break game: vs. Virginia Tech, Sept. 5 at the Georgia Dome.

8. OREGON DUCKS

Strengths: Thanks to the return of eight starters, including quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and running back LeGarrette Blount, first-year head coach Chip Kelly has the makings of another explosive offense. The linebacking corps of Spencer Paysinger, Casey Matthews and Eddie Pleasant is top shelf.
Nagging questions: Can Jordan Holmes do a decent job of replacing center Max Unger, a 2009 first-round draft choice who anchored the Ducks? blocking schemes? Will the secondary, minus two of its primary stars in safety Patrick Chung and cornerback Jarius Byrd, be able to survive a tough early schedule?
Make or break game: at Boise State, Sept. 3. Kelly should take up the Ducks? September schedule with former coach- Mike Bellotti, now Oregon?s athletic director. After opening on the ?Smurf Turf? versus Boise State, the Ducks then host Purdue, Utah and California in the season?s first month.

9. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

Strengths: Sure, a bevy of stars are gone, but sophomore signal-caller Terrelle Pryor is back to terrorize opposing Big Ten defenses with his feet and his arm. Speaking of terrors, the defensive line features two all-league caliber players in Cameron Heyward and Lawrence Wilson.
Nagging questions: Can Pryor improve his passing aim? And will Ohio State?s rebuilt linebacking and receiving corps be ready when USC visits the Horseshoe?
Make or break game: vs. USC, Sept. 12. Two of college football?s most storied programs will lock horns early in the 2009 season. The winner will stamp itself as a national title contender.

10. OLE MISS REBELS

Strengths: Surprised? Don?t be. Mississippi will be the chic accessory in everybody?s top 10?and with good reason. In Houston Nutt?s first season at the helm, the Rebels beat Florida and LSU during the regular season and Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Jevan Snead doesn?t get a fraction of the ink that Tebow does, but he?s a big-time quarterback. Leading rusher Dexter McCluster returns, as does sackmaster Greg Hardy.
Nagging questions: The anchors of both lines?offensive tackle Michael Oher and nose tackle Peria Jerry?were literally two big reasons that Rebels were able to defeat some of college football?s big boys last year. They?re both cashing NFL checks now and will be sorely missed.
Make or break game: vs. Alabama,Oct. 10. The Rebels will find out if they?re for real or masquerading as a top 10 team.

11. OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS

Strengths: The three-headed monster of quarterback Zac Robinson (3,064 yards, 25 touchdowns), wideout Dez Bryant (87 receptions, 1,480 yards, 19 scores) and tailback Kendall Hunter (119.6 yards rushing per game) ensures that scoring points won?t be a problem for the Cowboys. Bryant will be on most Heisman short lists entering the season.
Nagging questions: Head coach Mike Gundy?s Maalox moments are about replacing three-fourths of his secondary, a unit that struggled against the elite teams.
Make or break game: vs. Georgia, Sept. 5. Many folks believe that Oklahoma State will be this year?s Missouri, a team that can score points but will find itself in its fair share of shootouts because of a leaky stop unit. New defensive cordinator Bill Young will learn a lot about his charges right out of the gate when Georgia visits Stillwater.

12. BOISE STATE BRONCOS

Strengths: Quarterback Kellen Moore (3,486 yards, 25 touchdowns) is the nation?s best quarterback that you?ve never heard of. He?ll headline a potent offense, along with tailback Jeremy Avery (614 yards). The defense has a lock-down corner in first-team All-WAC player Kyle Wilson, a pass-rushing demon in Ryan Winterswyk and a hard-hitting safety in Jeron Johnson (98 tackles).
Nagging questions: Will wideout Titus Young be able to stay out of the coaching staff?s doghouse? Young was suspended for 10 games last season. He?ll give Moore a much-needed home-run threat.
Make or break game: vs. Oregon, Sept. 3. The ESPN cameras will be in Idaho for this September matchup.

13. LSU TIGERS

Strengths: Sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson looked like a worldbeater in the Tigers? 38-3 rout of Georgia Tech in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. If he?s a starin- the-making and former Tennesee defensive coordinator John Chavis can solidify LSU?s defense, then the 2007 national champs could ascend back into the top 10.
Nagging questions: Can Chavis get enough productivity from a defensive line that includes Rahim Alem, Pep Levingston and oft-injured Charles Alexander, who received a sixth year of eligibility, to pressure the steady stream of quality quarterbacks on the Tigers? schedule?
Make or break game: at Washington, Sept. 5. Head coach Les Miles will get an early indication of how well his team will play on the road when it heads to the Pacific Northwest to open the season. The Tigers have their share of tough road trips ahead with games at Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi on the docket.

14. GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS

Strengths: The Yellow Jackets return all 11 starters on offense, so they should be able to run Paul Johnson?s triple-option offensive attack with more aplomb in 2009. Tailback Jonathan Dwyer (1,395 yards, 12 scores) is one of the best runners in the country.
Nagging questions: Rebuilding the defensive line is at the top of Tech?s to-do list. Tackles Darryl Richard and Vance Walker will be hard to replace. Also, will signal-caller Josh Nesbitt (43.9 completion percentage) improve his throwing aim enough to keep foes from putting everyone in the box against the Jackets?
Make or break game: at Miami (Fla.), Sept. 17. While most of the top ACC opponents (Clemson, North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest) will travel to Atlanta to battle against Georgia Tech, this trip and one to Tallahassee on Oct. 10 could tell the tale for Johnson?s squad.

15. EAST CAROLINA PIRATES

Strengths: Head coach Skip Holtz welcomes back 16 starters?eight on offense and eight on defense. He has a budding star under center in quarterback Patrick Pinkney. If Kentucky transfer Brandon Jackson can be an every-down back, the Pirates will score points. East Carolina?s defense features a proven playmaker at each tier: tackle Linval Joseph, linebacker Nick Johnson and safety Van Eskridge.
Nagging questions: Can a Conference USA team be a BCS buster for the first time? To do so, East Carolina must negotiate two rugged road trips?West Virginia (Sept. 12) and Virginia Tech (Nov. 5).
Make or break game: at Virginia Tech, Nov. 5. In order to be a fly in the BCS ointment, the Pirateswill need to upend the Hokies in Blacksburg,which is no small task.

16. GEORGIA BULLDOGS

Strengths: Mark Richt is a proven offensive whiz, but even his skills will be put to the test as quarterback Matthew Stafford and tailback Knowshon Moreno are both now NFL millionaires. Richt is confident that senior Joe Cox will be a competent signal-caller. The defense is littered with talent?most notably linbacker Rennie Curran, tackle Geno Atkins, safety Reshad Jones and corner Prince Miller.
Nagging questions: Replacing Moreno, now a Denver Bronco, won?t be a oneman job. Richt hopes that sophomores Caleb King and Richard Samuel?along with Carlton Thomas and Dontavius Jackson? can do the trick.
Make or break game: at Oklahoma State, Sept. 5. As if test-your-manhood tussles with SEC foes weren?t enough, Georgia travels to Stillwater to open the season against a Cowboy team that scores.

17. IOWA HAWKEYES

Strengths: Kirk Ferentz is constantly the subject of NFL rumors, because he is so adept at building offensive lines and football is won in the trenches. Quarterback Rick Stanzi is back, with a much-improved throwing motion. The back seven of Iowa?s defense will be strong as all three starting linebackers and three/fourths of the secondary return.
Nagging questions: Ferentz has allleague caliber answers at the two tackle spots in Bryan Bulaga and Kyle Calloway, but needs to find a new center and two new guards. Also, can gifted tailback Jewel Hampton fill the cleats of all-everything tailback Shonn Greene, now with the Jets?
Make or break game: at Penn State, Sept. 26. After in-state tests versus Northern Iowa and Iowa State, followed by a visit from Arizona, the Hawkeyes? first venture out of the state will be a real doozy as they visit Happy Valley.

18. CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS

Strengths: True to his last name, Jahvid Best, who rushed for 1,580 yards and 15 scores, is the best runner in the Pac-10. He?s not a household name yet, but the people that matter most (NFL scouts) know his name. The defense returns seven starters, including end Cameron Jordan and cornerback Syd?Quan Thompson.
Nagging questions: Will quarterback Kevin Riley take this team by the throat? He has much more game experience than sophomore Brock Mansion or redshirt freshman Beau Sweeney, but head coach Jeff Tedford won?t pick a winner in the quarterback derby until August.
Make or break game: at Oregon, Sept. 26. The Bears host USC one week later.

19. BYU COUGARS

Strengths: BYU?s offense, led by senior quarterback Max Hall and junior tailback Harvey Unga, should be high-octane, if the Cougars? offensive line holds up and Unga, who was bothered by various bumps and bruises, can stay healthy.
Nagging questions:Will the offensive line (four new starters) be adequate enough to give Hall time to throw?Will wideout McKay Jacobson regain his pre-mission form, easing the loss of Austin Collie.
Make or break game: atOklahoma, Sept. 5. The Cougars have a whopper of a season opener, taking on the reigningHeisman Trophywinner, SamBradford, and the Sooners? absolutely electric offense.

20. MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

Strengths: Mark Dantonio is quite a coach and he has the makings of a stingy defense in East Lansing. Lineman Trevor Anderson and linebacker Greg Jones are both disruptive forces who will play on Sundays, while the secondary will be the strongest of Dantonio?s tenure.
Nagging questions: Can either Kirk Cousins or Keith Nichol be the answer under center? The winner of the quarterback competition doesn?t have to do everything himself as both starting wideouts, three starting linemen and the starting tight end are all back.
Make or break game: at Notre Dame, Sept. 19. The Spartans? new signalcaller will be on a big stage in this nationally televised affair in South Bend.

21. FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES

Strengths: A seasoned offensive line, anchored by All-America-caliber guard Rodney Hudson, should give quarterback Christian Ponder (2,006 yards, 14 touchdowns, 13 interceptions) plenty of time to throw and tailback Jermaine Thomas sufficient holes to run through.
Nagging questions: With only five returning starters, the Seminoles? defense has some serious questions.
Make or break game: vs. Miami (Fla.), Sept. 7. These two bitter in-state rivals always seem to play close games. The winner of this ACC opener between one-time college football superpowers will stamp itself as a top 25 team.

22. NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS

Strengths: Second-year Huskers head coach Bo Pelini knows how to build defenses. And with seven returning starters, including tackle Ndamukong Suh and safety Larry Asante, he?ll have a stout unit. The schedule, with Texas not on the slate and with Oklahoma and Texas Tech coming to Lincoln, is favorable.
Nagging questions: Signal-callers Zac Lee and Patrick Witt are locked in a battle to replace last year?s starter, Joe Ganz. Lee took a big step toward winning the job in spring ball, but he still has work to do to nail down the No. 1 spot on the depth chart.
Make or break game: at Virginia Tech, Sept. 19. If Nebraska can somehow upset the Hokies, then a 4-0 non-conference record will be assured.

23. NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH

Strengths: Nine starters are back on offense for Charlie Weis, including quarterback Jimmy Clausen and two good playmakers in receivers Golden Tate (1,080 yards, 10 scores) and Michael Floyd (719, 7). Clausen (25 touchdowns, 17 interceptions), who has had his share of growing pains in South Bend, should be well-protected as four offensive line starters return. Look for junior Armando Allen to emerge as a star running back.
Nagging questions: Does Notre Dame have the foot speed, particularly on defense, to deal with the seven 2008 bowl teams on its schedule?
Make or break game: at Michigan, Sept. 12. The Wolverines figure to be better in Year 2 under Rich Rodriguez. But if Notre Dame, which opens at home on Sept. 5 versus Nevada, wants to be a player on the national stage, then it needs to win at the Big House to get out of the gate with a 2-0 mark.

24. CINCINNATI BEARCATS

Strengths: After leading the Bearcats to the Big East title and a BCS berth in the Orange Bowl, quarterback Tony Pike still isn?t satisfied. He?s added 10 pounds of muscle to his frame and, with seven other returning offensive starters back, seems poised to build on last year?s success (2,407 yards passing, 19 touchdowns).
Nagging questions: With only one returning defensive starter (safety Aaron Webster) from last year?s 11-3 team, first-year coordinator Bob Diaco raided the offensive two deep to find the athletes necessary to run his 3-4 scheme.
Make or break game: at Rutgers, Sept. 7. The Bearcats new-look defense will be road-tested right away.

25. UTAH UTES

Strengths: The Utes, of course, were the nation?s only unbeaten team last year at 13-0. The strength of this year?s team will be the defense, a unit that brings back seven starters?most notably, end Kao Misi and linebacker Stevenson Sylvester.
Nagging questions: Quarterback Brian Johnson is gone and it?s a three-man race to replace him with juniors Corbin Louks and Terrance Cain battling newcomer JordanWynn to man the controls of the offense.With only four returning offensive starters back, the wheels of proven tailback Matt Asiaia (707 yards rushing, 12 scores) will need to carry the offense early on.
Make or break game: at Oregon, Sept. 19. This game against the Ducks will be a good barometer for a team that will need to win on the road at TCU and BYU in order to defend its Mountain West crown.

 

[OAKAS]

Thanks for post this, illum.

It looks like Mississippi is going to be the chic pick this year. Phil Steele has them 6th in the country.

 

[TDP]

How can Virginia Tech vs Alabama be a make or break game for both teams. In reality, if the loser runs the table after they play, they will most likely be in the BCS game...

 

[Lumi]

Preseason Top 25

Preseason Top 25

Preseason Top 25
June 15, 2009

1-FLORIDA...Tim Tebow's decision to return for his senior season was a double dose of good news for Urban Meyer. First, it delays Meyer's need to replace Tebow in the Gator lineup for another year. More importantly, however, it makes Florida the early favorite to claim its third BCS crown in four years. The Gators could probably make a run at the crown even without Tebow, as one of the nation's best defenses returns all 11 of its starters as well as its key backups. And the attack is more than just Tebow, with plenty of potent complementary weapons led by explosive RB Chris Rainey. Add to that another crop of hungry blue-chippers, who usually get their chance to show their stuff under Meyer. The Gators even catch a break in the SEC, where their Eastern half doesn't appear as menacing as in recent years. Anything less than another appearance in the title game would be a disappointment.

2-TEXAS...They're still steamed in Austin about being bypassed for the Big XII and BCS title games by an Oklahoma bunch the Horns beat fair and square in Dallas last October. Texas Tech, however, beat Texas fair and square, too, to set off the chain of events last season, but that's a subject for another day. The bigger news for Horn backers is the fact that Mack Brown has finally figured out the way to beat Bob Stoops, with UT holding a decided edge in recent Red River Rivalry battles. Although a handful of impact performers have departed, QB Colt McCoy and plenty of playmakers are still in the fold, so we like Texas' chances vs. OU again. And beyond that, the rest of the schedule is tailor-made for a run to the BCS championship game.

3-SOUTHERN CAL...We understand (sort of) why Pete Carroll made such a fuss over Mark Sanchez' decision to leave a year early for the NFL, because it threw open the competition at QB a year earlier than planned and suddenly made a question mark of the most important position on the field for another possible Trojan national contender. And this was a season Carroll wanted the "O" to be humming from the outset as he reloads a defense that might miss its many starters who graduated to the NFL. But don't feel sorry for Carroll, who as usual has plenty of talent on hand just itching to make a contribution. The bigger question is if the Trojans can avoid the Pac-10 banana peels that have cost them a shot at the last three BCS title games.

4-OKLAHOMA...All eyes are already on that mid-October showdown vs. you-know-who at the Cotton Bowl, which became even more compelling once Heisman winner Sam Bradford stunned the college football world by effectively announcing that he would rather play for the Sooners than the Detroit Lions this fall. Bradford or not, we don't expect the attack to put up another 60 ppg with four OL starters gone, although the "D" should be pretty good with nine starters back in the fold. Still, success in Norman these days is measured by the big games on the schedule, and it's worth noting that HC Bob Stoops' record vs. Texas and in bowls has waned in recent years.

5-VIRGINIA TECH...Looking for a potential BCS title game sleeper? Try Frank Beamer's Hokies, who won the ACC (and dumped Cincinnati in the Orange Bowl) in a supposedly rebuilding year in '08, and who take that momentum and 17 returning starters into the fall. Expect another typically nasty and opportunistic Bud Foster defense, as well as Beamer's trademark big-play special teams, to wreak havoc as usual. But the upgrade in '09 figures to come on offense, where QB Tyrod Taylor has reportedly eliminated the "hitch" in his throwing motion, and where RS frosh Ryan Williams has Blacksburg folk excited about a potential dynamite 1-2 RB combo with returnee Darren Evans. We'll know early if VT is a serious title game threat, with Alabama on deck in the opener at Atlanta and Nebraska visiting Lane Stadium a few weeks later.

6-OLE MISS...After previous coach Ed Orgeron's improved recruiting efforts set up the pins, Houston Nutt has knocked them down in Dick Weber-like fashion since taking over the Rebel reins a year ago. Indeed, there hasn't been this much excitement in Oxford since the last days of Johnny Vaught's long-ago regime that featured Archie Manning at QB, as a victory over Florida and a 6-game win streak to conclude '08 (that included romping past Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl) have convinced the Ole Miss faithful that the sky's the limit in '09. SEC scouts say ex-Texas transfer Jevan Snead had a better command of the "O" in spring, and plenty of complementary weapons (including the versatile Dexter McCluster) return, not to mention 8 starters from a disruptive stop unit. And don't forget that the Rebs get to host Alabama in this year's showdown October 10.

7-BOISE STATE...The Broncos are familiar with the BCS buster role (one they filled in 2006), and with three unbeaten regular seasons in the past five years, precedent has been set for Boise to make another run at the big-bowl lineup. HC Chris Petersen should have another loaded offense, featuring mature-beyond-his-years soph QB Kellen Moore and plenty of big-play weapons in the Bronco arsenal, but don't forget about an underrated "D" that ranked among the nation's stat leaders a year ago. Boise figures to be a considerable favorite in all of its WAC games, so its BCS candidacy will likely hinge on non-conference dates on the blue carpet vs. Oregon (in the opener) and at dangerous Tulsa a few weeks later.

8-ALABAMA...The timetable for the "Nick-tator" to restore Bama's gridiron glory was moved up a year after last season's Tide came within 15 minutes of qualifying for the national title game. Another run at the BCS would come as no surprise despite the fact Saban has to fill a few important gaps on the "O" (including savvy QB John Parker Wilson and star OT Andre Smith). SEC sources report Wilson's longtime caddy Greg McElroy ought to be able to move the chains and clock as did Wilson while being capable enough to get the ball into the hands of homerun threats such as soph WR Julio Jones, who's expected to be used in more roles this fall. Meanwhile, the stop unit returns almost everyone from what was the third-best scoring "D" in the land last year. But the key tests that will go a long way in determining Bama's BCS fate are both away from Tuscaloosa (the opener at Atlanta vs. Virginia Tech and an Oct. 10 date at Ole Miss).

9-PENN STATE...It's no coincidence that since Joe Pa began accepting various shady characters in Happy Valley (check the local police blotter if you don't believe us) and downgraded his non-conference schedule like Bill Snyder used to at Kansas State (Akron, Syracuse, Temple, and Eastern Illinois all visiting Beaver Stadium this fall), the Nittany Lions have resurfaced as a national force. Perhaps Penn State gets exposed again in the postseason as it did last January in the Rose Bowl. But until then, the return of QB Daryll Clark and another watered-down Big Ten slate will camouflage some new faces on "O" and the rebuilt nucleus of last year's gritty defense. Expected top conference challengers Iowa and Ohio State also must visit Happy Valley.

10-LSU...Was that a sneak preview of '09 that we saw in the Chick-fil-A Bowl last New Year's Eve, when James Carville's favorite team ran roughshod over Georgia Tech? After an unsteady 2008, the Bayou Bengal QB situation appears to have been elevated by the emergence of Jordan Jefferson, who hinted at becoming a real playmaker down the stretch as a true frosh and claimed the starting job as his own in spring. Expect lots of fireworks this fall with top RB Charles Scott & top WR Brandon LaFell back in the fold. If Les Miles can plug the gaps on a rebuilt DL (and there are no shortage of capable candidates ready to step in), the "D" could be special while returning almost all of its playmakers in the back seven. Unfortunately, LSU's toughest expected challenges (Georgia, Alabama, and Ole Miss) all take place away from Baton Rouge this fall.

11-CAL...Although HC Jeff Tedford's well-established rep as a QB guru has taken a bit of a hit the past few seasons, Pac-10 sources say this fall's Cal bunch has its best chance to make noise in the national rankings since the 2004 team narrowly missed out on the BCS. For once in Berkeley, it's a nasty defense with one of the country's most-decorated secondaries (all starters return) that is getting most of the preseason attention, but the potential is also there for the "O" to erupt if one of the QBs (holdover Kevin Riley likely to get the first call) heeds Tedford's sage advice and properly utilizes the nation's leading returning rusher, electric Jahvid Best, and a slew of Plaxico Burress-sized WRs. A three-game stretch just before midseason vs. Minnesota, Oregon, and USC will determine if the Golden Bears are a true BCS contender or merely bound for another minor bowl.

12-OHIO STATE...Since BCS appearances have become almost de rigueur (four straight years) in Columbus, it would be foolish to disregard the Buckeyes as a threat to get back despite some of the significant holes HC Jim Tressel has to fill. But remember that Tressel's OSU has nonetheless thrived in more-severe rebuild modes lately, and this fall brings high hopes that ballyhooed soph QB Terrelle Pryor, who hinted at becoming a terror last fall, will emerge as a true playmaking force after reportedly upgrading his passing skills in the offseason. If a rebuilt defensive front can deal with Navy's option in the opener, and if the Buckeyes somehow avenge last year's embarrassment vs. USC on September 12 at the Big Horseshoe, there's a good chance OSU will carry an unbeaten record into its November 7 showdown at Penn State.

13-GEORGIA TECH...Who said Paul Johnson's spread option wouldn't translate from Navy to Georgia Tech? Thanks to Johnson's underrated game management skills, the Jackets were mostly able to keep opponents off balance and win 10 games by running a similar version of Johnson's Navy's option last fall. Tech now figures to really buzz in an attack with all 11 starters (including QB Josh Nesbitt & RB Jonathan Dwyer) back and a year more comfortable with the nuances of the offense. Meanwhile, the Tech "D" might own the ACC's best back seven, although newcomers are being counted upon in a restructured DL that Johnson hopes will have settled in by the time the schedule gets rough in October (4 of 5 road games, sandwiched around an Atlanta visit from ACC favorite Virginia Tech).

14-OKLAHOMA STATE...Looking for a BCS sleeper? Try OSU, which returns enough firepower (including QB Zac Robinson, RB Kendall Hunter, & WR Dez Bryant) to outscore Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, or anyone else on the Cowboy schedule. Of course, that was the same scenario as a year ago when the "D" wasn't up the challenge, and to that end HC Mike Gundy has imported d.c. Bill Young from Miami to shore up a platoon that allowed more than 400 yards and nearly 30 points pg in '08. Relocating a non-existent pass rush will certainly be one of Young's first objectives. No matter, OSU will be in every game with a dynamic strike force that was not only explosive but also well-balanced (over 3000 yards both running and passing!) last fall.

15-TCU...HC Gary Patterson knows the formula for success in Fort Worth, recording at least 11 wins in three of the past four campaigns. And more than a few Mountain West observers believe that TCU, not undefeated Utah, was really the league's best team last season. Although some graduation losses mean that it might be hard to replicate the disruptiveness of the nation's top-rated "D" from '08, expect another speed-based platoon to effectively implement shrewd d.c. Dick Bumpas' pet 4-2-5. Meanwhile, a school record-breaking offense returns jr. QB Andy Dalton and enough playmakers to light up the scoreboard again. The Frogs, who get Utah at Fort Worth in November, could even be peripheral BCS contenders if they survive a couple of rare early trips to ACC land (Virginia & Clemson).

16-OREGON...Don't expect too much disruption in Eugene after HC Mike Bellotti's surprising winter switch to the Oregon A.D. chair, and the earlier-than-expected promotion of o.c. Chip Kelly (who had been designated the coach-in-waiting) to Bellotti's old job. The staff and terminology remain much the same from last year's 10-3 squad that outscored Oklahoma State in the Holiday Bowl. Although significant rebuilding is in store for both lines, key playmakers return, including Oregon's answer to Batman & Robin with versatile QB Jeremiah Masoli & RB LeGarrette Blount back for an encore. We'll know if the Ducks are ready to make a serious challenge to USC in the Pac-10 by the end of September, when UO will have already faced potential BCS busters Boise State & Utah, as well as expected conference contender Cal.

17-NORTH CAROLINA...It hasn't taken Butch Davis long to make Carolina relevant again in the ACC, with the Tar Heels back in the bowl mix a year ago and just a handful of plays away from a special season in '08 when four of five losses were suffered by just nine points total. There's certainly more depth these days in Chapel Hill after Davis' upgraded recruiting efforts, and nine starters return from a fast, hungry, stop unit that might own the best DL in the region. The schedule is manageable, but how quickly the rebuilt receiving corps gains rapport with QB T.J. Yates will likely determine if the Heels make a serious run at ACC honors and perhaps an elusive BCS berth.

18-GEORGIA...Now flying a bit under the radar following a somewhat-disappointing '08 campaign and the early departures of offensive linchpins QB Matthew Stafford and RB Knowshon Moreno, as well as CB Asher Allen, HC Mark Richt might be in a better position to author a surprise this fall, especially with an OL that developed some maturity and depth when injury-battered last season, plus the return of star OT Trinton Sturdivant. A replacement for Stafford had yet to surface in spring (a 3-headed race will continue when camp reconvenes in August), but explosive soph WR A.J. Green has already emerged as one of the SEC's top playmakers. A tougher-than-usual September slate (Oklahoma State, South Carolina, Arkansas & South Carolina) will give us an early clue if this is a rebuilding or reloading year in Athens.

19-NORTH CAROLINA STATE...What was the best team in the ACC at the end of last season? You'd be surprised how many conference observers thought it was NC State, which roared down the stretch once then-frosh Russell Wilson established himself at QB. Keeping Wilson (who was KO'd in the bowl loss vs. Rutgers) healthy is a primary concern for HC Tom O'Brien, and a new featured RB must emerge to replace the productive Andre Brown (will oft-injured Toney Baker fill the role?). But most of the playmakers return from a ball-hawking "D" that features LB Nate Irving, and the schedule (five of first six at Raleigh) is very favorable, especially if the Wolfpack can avenge last year's opening-night shutout loss vs. South Carolina.

20-IOWA...Even with productive RB Shonn Greene having taken his act to the NFL a year early, and some re-tooling on tap for both lines, the Hawkeyes still might have the best chance of disrupting the recent Penn State-Ohio State axis of power in the Big Ten. QB Ricky Stanzi returns after maturing into an effective on-field leader last fall, and HC Kirk Ferentz addressed the departures of Greene and star DTs Mitch King & Matt Kroul in spring, as a rotation of capable replacements figure to limit any drop-off. Trips to Columbus and Happy Valley (where the revenge-minded Nittany Lions will await) will be tricky, but the Hawkeyes should have a realistic shot at another January bowl.

21-KANSAS...The power in the Big XII will again be in the South this fall. But with Missouri dealing with heavy graduation losses, Nebraska looking for a new QB, and Colorado still seeking to gain some traction under Dan Hawkins, there's room for Kansas to emerge as the team to beat in the North and win its first title of any kind since Pepper Rodgers' 1968 Orange Bowl squad featuring QB Bobby Douglass. The return of most of the key playmakers (including QB Todd Reesing) from another potent Jayhawk "O" has Lawrence excited, although HC Mark Mangino will be looking to upgrade a "D" that lacked much push up front. The "crossover" conference slate is daunting (Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech, but no Oklahoma State), although the non-league schedule is manageable...and the North very, very winnable.

22-FLORIDA STATE...Although Bobby Bowden's quest to finish his career with more victories than Joe Paterno might suffer a mortal blow if FSU is forced to forfeit 14 wins from 2006-07 due to academic fraud (stay tuned for further developments), the Noles might be closer to national relevance than they've been in a few years after last year's 9-4 mark and romp past Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl. For the first time in years, there's no debate at QB after Christian Ponder showed flashes of brilliance as a soph last fall, although o.c. Jimbo Fisher (also the HC-in-waiting) must decide upon complementary weapons to accompany Ponder and a vet OL. As long as Mickey Andrews' fleet-footed "D" comes to play, FSU can expect to be in every game this fall.

23-SOUTHERN MISS...C-USA's best chance for a breakthrough team this fall? Try Southern Miss, which quickly adapted to new HC Larry Fedora's spread by setting school records for total offense, passing yards, and first downs in '08. The momentum from five straight wins to close '08 should continue, with most of the main characters from that late-season uptick still in the fold (including playmaking QB Austin Davis, soph WR DeAndre Brown, who led all frosh receivers with 1117 yards LY, plus three-time 1000-yard rusher Damion Fletcher, who missed spring work to deal with legal issues but is expected to be on hand in fall), as well as the bulk of a quick-footed "D" that allowed only 35 points in the last four regular-season games, wins that the Golden Eagles needed to go bowling.

24-OREGON STATE...Looking for a surprise stat? How about Oregon State's three straight finishes in the nation's top 20. And the Beavers, who have relished flying under the radar since HC Mike Riley rejoined the program in 2003, are in their preferred role again, mostly dismissed as a serious Pac-10 contender due to massive reloading on defense. But underestimate giant-killer OSU (with upset wins over USC in two of the past three years) at your own peril, as Riley and shrewd d.c. Mark Banker have quickly rebuilt depleted stop units in the past. Remember, the Beavers also have a pair of established sr. QBs in gutsy Lyle Moevao & lefty Sean Canfield, plus perhaps the Pac-10's best offensive weapon in 5-7 soph RB Quizz Rodgers. Note, too, that Riley's OSU has won its last five bowl games.

25-KENTUCKY...Rich Brooks has been looking for a playmaker in Lexington and might have found one in versatile soph Randall Cobb, who sparked the Wildcat "O" on occasion at QB last fall, but appears ready to make a bigger impact in '09 at WR or perhaps in direct-snap situations. Cobb's presence might also make it a bit easier for mechanical QB Mike Hartline to become involved in more big plays this fall. But it's on defense where the Wildcats ought to excel, with several honors candidates still in the fold (including potential NFL draftees LB Micah Johnson & CB Trevard Lindley) despite star DE Jeremy Jarmon being declared ineligible in spring. A forgiving non-conference slate makes a fourth straight bowl trip very likely.