|
Rivals.com Preseason Top 120 Countdown
1. FloridaMuch like the 2008-09 North Carolina basketball team, this season will be somewhat of a disappointment if the Gators don't win the national title. At the least, they should be in Pasadena, Calif., playing for it all on Jan. 7. [ 2009 season preview ]
2. TexasThe annual midseason grudge match against Oklahoma appears to be the key to winning the Big 12 South. But Texas has beaten OU twice in the past three seasons only to lose later in the season. [ 2009 season preview ]
3. USCUSC enjoyed one of the best defensive seasons in recent history last year on the way to another Rose Bowl rout. The offense will be expected to carry the Trojans in 2009 while eight new starters on defense find their footing. [ 2009 season preview ]
4. OklahomaIf the offensive line performs at an acceptable level and new starting receivers emerge, the Sooners again will contend for the national championship. If the line struggles, a third-place finish in the Big 12 South isn't out of the question. [ 2009 season preview ]
5. AlabamaTwo seasons - that's all it has taken for Nick Saban to restore the luster to Alabama football. Saban is right on course for greatness in Tuscaloosa, but a retooled offense may keep the Tide from again winning the SEC West. [ 2009 season preview ]
6. Virginia TechVirginia Tech has won at least 10 games in each of the past five seasons without seriously contending for the national title. This could be the season, but the passing game must get better. A win in the opener against Alabama would help, too. [ 2009 season preview ]
7. Ohio StateThe Buckeyes just may find their way to a fourth BCS title game this decade. The defense again is built to backstop a title run, and the offense is primed for big things. To have legitimate national title hopes, Ohio State has to beat USC. [ 2009 season preview ]
8. Ole MissThe Rebels' starting lineup compares favorably to any SEC team other than Florida. Ole Miss also should benefit from playing a much easier conference schedule than LSU or Alabama. The big concern is Ole Miss' relative lack of depth. [ 2009 season preview ]
9. Boise StateThe Broncos went 12-0 last season before losing to TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl. They didn't have a player taken in the NFL draft, meaning most of the talent returns to Boise. Anything less than 11 wins would be disappointing. [ 2009 season preview ]
10. Oklahoma StateAt the least, this appears to be an eight-victory team, and that's if the defense continues to struggle. If the defense comes through, the Cowboys will win 10 or even 11. It's hard to overstate how important the first two games are. [ 2009 season preview ]
11. LSULSU will be better. But how much better? That's the question. Expecting the Tigers to earn a BCS bid just one season after going 8-5 is perhaps overly optimistic. The biggest worry is a schedule with the two biggest division foes on the road. [ 2009 season preview ]
12. Penn StateJoe Paterno led the Lions to their second Big Ten title in four seasons. Yes, the 2009 Nittany Lions have issues, but they could be buffeted by one of the nation's weakest schedules. What's it mean? Penn State may win the Big Ten again. [ 2009 season preview ]
13. CaliforniaMore than 50 years have passed since California made the Rose Bowl, but this could be the year. The Bears have star power with RB Jahvid Best and Syd'Quan Thompson leading a defense that projects to be one of the best in the Pac-10. [ 2009 season preview ]
14. Georgia TechGeorgia Tech will continue to have one of the nation's top rushing attacks. If the Jackets establish some semblance of passing attack, it will only make them that much more dangerous. The questions are on the other side of the ball. [ 2009 season preview ]
15. GeorgiaMore production from the defensive ends and secondary is needed. Although Georgia isn't likely to topple Florida, the Bulldogs still have a chance to reach 10 victories for the seventh time in Mark Richt's tenure. [ 2009 season preview ]
16. KansasIf the defense is as mediocre as it was last season a 7-5 or 6-6 season beckons. If the defense has made some improvements, this could be a 10-win team. More likely is eight or nine wins and a Big 12 North title. [ 2009 season preview ]
17. OregonThe uncertainty and inexperience in the offensive and defensive lines raises doubt whether Oregon can contend for the Pac-10 title. If the new starters step up, the Ducks could gel and become a major factor in the race. [ 2009 season preview ]
18. IowaKirk Ferentz rallied his program last fall from a 3-3 start to a 9-4 finish and the Big Ten's lone postseason triumph. And the players have generally behaved off the field, too. If you're looking for a Big Ten sleeper, this is your team. [ 2009 season preview ]
19. West VirginiaThe odd-numbered years have been kind to West Virginia, especially in the latter part of this decade. The Mountaineers have played in BCS games after the 2005 and 2007 seasons, and they can do it again in 2009. [ 2009 season preview ]
20. TCUWhile there are several star players, there also are holes to fill. If a few new starters distinguish themselves, this could be a special season. A Sept. 26 road trip to Clemson should give an indication of which way the season will go. [ 2009 season preview ]
21. Texas TechMike Leach has said the Red Raiders will be good again. They will. But any team that lost the talent Tech did has to anticipate some kind of decline, especially with the Big 12 South once again appearing loaded. [ 2009 season preview ]
22. UtahSome felt the Utes, as the nation's only undefeated team, should have been No. 1. The Utes may take a step back this fall, largely because of the loss of Brian Johnson under center. Still, never count out Utah behind Kyle Whittingham. [ 2009 season preview ]
23. Florida StateSlowly but surely, FSU seems headed back in the right direction. But the Seminoles' record this season might not reflect their progress. The schedule is so much tougher this season that they could have a better team but a worse record. [ 2009 season preview ]
24. Notre DameIf Jimmy Clausen carries his Hawaii Bowl performance over to the season and the Irish figure out how to run the ball, they ought to win eight or nine games. If they can put together an adequate defensive line, they could be BCS-bound. [ 2009 season preview ]
25. South FloridaThe Bulls have the talent and experience to contend for the Big East title this season, especially with the departure of Pat White at West Virginia and the gutting of Cincinnati's defense. [ 2009 season preview ]
Oh my god, My Jayhawks #16. Knew they would be good but didnt think they would get this kind
of love
|