College Football Preview '09
It's football season! Need I say more? No intro necessary. Here are the 2009 College Football picks.
ACC
The ACC has been horrible in the past several years, especially when you compare it to the league that was dominant in the 1990's. I think that some surprise teams like North Carolina come along this season, but the league as a whole is not going to do much.
Overrated: Virginia Tech
Sorry Hokie fans but this isn't your year. There is a lot of hype following the Hokies around the ACC and I don't think they have what it takes this year to live up to it. I don't see them winning this conference, though they can prove me wrong early with a win over Alabama (minus 'Bama's starting Running Back).
Sleeper: Georgia Tech
I know a lot of you were expecting the trendy Wake Forest pick here, but I think the Demon Deacons are one of those close but no cigar teams. I love Skinner at QB and their defense is solid, but it won't be as good as it was last season. Coaching will keep this team up there, but there isn't enough firepower to take them over the hump.
No, I'm going with Georgia Tech. They return a ton of starters and will be running the ball all over their foes with Jonathan Dwyer. If you don't know his name now, you will soon. Tech will be trying to replace some stars up front on defense but the secondary is still better than good. Georgia Tech has a friendly schedule this year in getting North Carolina, Virginia Tech, and Georgia at home. Those teams will have tall orders in heading to Georgia Tech.
The Pick: Florida State
Who needs tests in college when you have Bobby Bowden? Oh come on, I'm just giving Bowden a hard time. I'm sure that the "student-athletes" over there at FSU are putting in a lot of work in the classroom. On the bright side, nobody's going to care about any of that because the Seminoles are going to win the ACC, get a BCS game, and get that $. This isn't a national title contender as they would like to have once again in Tallahasse but the Seminoles will use their returning starters to establish themselves as the favorites in the ACC. They're strong up front on offense and have a balanced defense. There's not much in the way of flash but they won't need it in the ACC. Safe bet is on the 'Noles.
Big XII
Don't pay attention to the North. Nebraska should win there and earn the right to be 28-point underdogs to whoever comes out of the South. The Big 12 South is the best division in college football. You have Oklahoma and Texas as always and as you'll see below, I see a dark horse waiting to dethrone the big boys. Should be a lot of fun watching all of the points go up.
Overrated: Oklahoma
It's tough to call a team that has the talent that the Sooners sport overrated. But, this team is ranked 3rd in the country and I see them finishing 3rd in their division (which still could keep them in the top-10). They lost a lot up front on offense and while they have a home-friendly schedule, a loss to a non-Texas team will only look that much worse. Two losses isn't bad for most teams, but for Oklahoma it makes them overrated.
Sleeper: Oklahoma State
Go Pokes! I know they're ranked 9th in the nation now but that's too low. I love this team and it's not just because one of my best friends is the media director for their football program. I went to the Holiday Bowl last year to watch them lose a close one to Oregon and while the Cowboys' defense leaves a lot to be desired, well, let's just say I would NEVER bet the under when this team's playing. Zac Robinson is one of the top-5 QB's in the country and nobody's heard of him. Kendall Hunter is Kirk Herbstreit's 6th best RB in the nation. And the name you need to know: Dez Bryant. Think Michael Crabtree only more explosive and he also returns punts and kicks. He had 100 yards in the first half against Oregon while facing double coverage and battling an injury that wound up sidelining him for the second half. If I had to pick one guy in the nation to be on my team, it'd be Dez. Quarterback you say? I could win the Heisman if I was throwing to Dez. Just watch him. You'll see. They'll turn heads when they open the season at home against Georgia and then I think they lose to Texas on the road but go into Norman and steal one from the Sooners in the final regular season game. There is a lot of veteran leadership on this squad and more firepower on offense than any other team in the country. Yes, I said it. More firepower on offense than any other team in the country.
The Pick: Texas
Too much talent and they actually play defense, which is something that's a bit passe in the Big XII. While I love Oklahoma State, I don't love their defense. Texas, on the other hand, plays a tad bit of defense, which is enough with Colt McCoy, Jordan Shipley & Co. They're this year's Oklahoma. Actually, they're this year's Texas. Why weren't they in the National Championship again? They lost Orakpo but I still love this Longhorns team to do serious damage. I think Colt McCoy is your Heisman this year and you'll see Texas on January 24th or whenever they push the BCS Championship back to.
Big Ten
I'm glad that we've all agreed that no Big Ten team is allowed to be in the National Championship game for at least a decade. That being said, there are a couple solid teams in this conference, but overall, the Big Ten will be as weak as it's been in recent years. It's okay Rich Rodriguez, don't cry. Seriously. Stop crying. Rich, come on. Fine, I'm moving on without you. Someone get this guy a tissue.
Overrated: Any team not named Ohio State or Penn State
I'll be picking a sleeper just to stay with the flow, but if anybody tells you that a Big Ten team is going to win 10 regular season games and that team isn't Penn State or Ohio State, then that person is an idiot. This conference is a two-horse race and devoid of a serious challenge to that.
Sleeper: Illinois
I like Arrelious Benn at wide-out and it's not just because of his name. He's the best offensive player in the Big Ten. Wait, did I mention that the Illini QB is named Juice Williams? Please oh please tell me there's a back up running back named Bishop and an offensive lineman named Steel. Can I at least get a DB named Rahim? In all seriousness, Illinois has what it takes on offense to compete in this conference and while I think they're third best in the Big Ten, I still think they're way behind the two horses running up front.
The Pick: Penn State
Honestly, it's because their game against Ohio State is at home. Happy Valley is one of the toughest places to play in the country. I do like Terrelle Pryor and Thaddeus Gibson will be a monster at linebacker, but Penn State has just as much talent and again, will be playing the big game at home. Penn State earns a trip to the Rose Bowl where it will either have a good game against the Pac-10's number two (if 'SC goes to the championship) or get stomped on again by USC.
Pac-10
I've grown up with the Pac-10 and I must say that we don't get our respect out here. I'm not saying that the Pac-10 can match up with the SEC or the Big XII South, but I don't want to hear any talk about the Big Ten, Big East, Notre Dame, etc. There's a serious national title contender in USC and 2 other teams ranked in the top-25 right now. Expect that number to jump to 4 by year's end. I'm sure you know the pick in this conference but it isn't as open and shut this year as people might think.
Overrated: UCLA
As a Bruin alum and fan it pains me to say it but for some reason everybody has us as their sleeper. Maybe they didn't watch us play last year. There is some talent on defense but you couldn't pay me to play QB on this team with this offensive line. The Bruins lost a game last year to Arizona State 34-9. I bring it up because all four of Arizona State's TD's were DEFENSIVE. 4 defensive TD's. The defense isn't the problem at UCLA. The problem is that the other team's defense outscores our offense. A .500 season and a competitive game against USC is all I ask for. I haven't gotten my wish as of late.
Sleeper: Cal
I almost put Oregon here and while I believe Oregon will be better than good, I think Cal absolutely has what it takes to give USC a run for their money. Cal's season will be decided in consecutive games with a visit to Eugene followed by a homecoming against USC. What's funny is that I wouldn't be surprised if they lost a nailbiter to Oregon only to come home and shock the Trojans as they've done before. Only this year it wouldn't be a fluke. Cal has the best running back in the country in Jahvid Best and can score some points on special teams as well. You know Jeff Tedford's team will always be prepared and I just have a feeling that Cal has a monster season in store for us.
The Pick: USC
Taylor Mays gives me nightmares and I don't even have to go over the middle against him. You could line up a middle school team on offense and win with USC's defense. Thankfully USC has a high school offense. There is some talent at RB and WR but they're starting a true freshman at QB. Don't be surprised if he falters. Only it won't matter because they can win games 9-0. The Trojans are still the cream in this crop.
SEC
Saved the best for last. Yes, we're skipping the Big East until they produce a team worthy of being in a BCS conference.
Ahh, the SEC. I love the SEC. I love it because they put their athletes on defense, which for some reason is unbelievably fun to watch for me. That's not to say that there aren't enough athletes left over to play on the offensive side of the ball, but when you have 6'4'', 290 lb. guys who run 4.6 40-yard dash times and playing defensive end, you have a fun conference. Not to mention the fact that, in the South, football ranks slightly behind family and Jesus. Only they're lying when they say that because the real order is 1. Football 2. Football 3. Jesus 4. Football 5. Family 6. Spring Football. Again, I love the SEC. If you've never been to a conference game there, you need to go. There's nothing like it. Did I mention the tradition of girls wearing black dresses to games? Again. I love the SEC.
Overrated: Tennessee
Lane Kiffen is in way over his head. The guy can't open his mouth without risking an NCAA violation or giving an opponent extra reason to run up the score against them. Take a quick look at their conference schedule. Do they win a conference game? I don't know. I do know that Florida will beat them 63-0.
Sleeper: LSU
As much of a powerhouse as LSU is, nobody's really talking about them this season with all of the attention that Florida is getting. They start a young QB in Jordan Jefferson, but the kid is more than ready. He looked solid in his short run last season. Oh, and this is LSU. They're pretty good on defense. They should contend in the SEC and could scare the other big boys.
Other sleepers: Jevan Snead and Ole Miss, South Carolina.
The Pick: Florida
Did you know Tim Tebow used the equator as a zip line to go around the world? Twice? In all seriousness, as good as Tebow and the offense may be, the defense is better. The Gators define what an SEC powerhouse is. I know they lost some key talent from last season including Percy Harvin, but with Florida, it's not going to matter because of all of the talent on the defensive side of the ball. Florida is just too good. They'll get tested and could lose a game, but they'll be there at the end of the season and you won't want to be playing them.
Best of the Rest
Notre Dame: Top 25
BYU: BCS possibility
That's it.
National Championship: Florida over Texas
I know that's not a very courageous pick but that's the way it's going down. The Gators will not falter in Tebow's last game. He won't let them. Urban Meyer will have some tricks up his sleeve and while Texas will be able to move the ball on offense, Florida will come up big when it counts, again. Their defense is just too good. Carlos Dunlap, Brandon Spikes, Joe Haden. All-American x 3. If it comes down to a big play on special teams, Brandon James isn't a bad guy to bet on either. Texas is a great team but it's just the wrong year to be running into Florida, again.
Florida 34
Texas 20
So there you have it. You're all set for the college football season. Enjoy!
ACC
The ACC has been horrible in the past several years, especially when you compare it to the league that was dominant in the 1990's. I think that some surprise teams like North Carolina come along this season, but the league as a whole is not going to do much.
Overrated: Virginia Tech
Sorry Hokie fans but this isn't your year. There is a lot of hype following the Hokies around the ACC and I don't think they have what it takes this year to live up to it. I don't see them winning this conference, though they can prove me wrong early with a win over Alabama (minus 'Bama's starting Running Back).
Sleeper: Georgia Tech
I know a lot of you were expecting the trendy Wake Forest pick here, but I think the Demon Deacons are one of those close but no cigar teams. I love Skinner at QB and their defense is solid, but it won't be as good as it was last season. Coaching will keep this team up there, but there isn't enough firepower to take them over the hump.
No, I'm going with Georgia Tech. They return a ton of starters and will be running the ball all over their foes with Jonathan Dwyer. If you don't know his name now, you will soon. Tech will be trying to replace some stars up front on defense but the secondary is still better than good. Georgia Tech has a friendly schedule this year in getting North Carolina, Virginia Tech, and Georgia at home. Those teams will have tall orders in heading to Georgia Tech.
The Pick: Florida State
Who needs tests in college when you have Bobby Bowden? Oh come on, I'm just giving Bowden a hard time. I'm sure that the "student-athletes" over there at FSU are putting in a lot of work in the classroom. On the bright side, nobody's going to care about any of that because the Seminoles are going to win the ACC, get a BCS game, and get that $. This isn't a national title contender as they would like to have once again in Tallahasse but the Seminoles will use their returning starters to establish themselves as the favorites in the ACC. They're strong up front on offense and have a balanced defense. There's not much in the way of flash but they won't need it in the ACC. Safe bet is on the 'Noles.
Big XII
Don't pay attention to the North. Nebraska should win there and earn the right to be 28-point underdogs to whoever comes out of the South. The Big 12 South is the best division in college football. You have Oklahoma and Texas as always and as you'll see below, I see a dark horse waiting to dethrone the big boys. Should be a lot of fun watching all of the points go up.
Overrated: Oklahoma
It's tough to call a team that has the talent that the Sooners sport overrated. But, this team is ranked 3rd in the country and I see them finishing 3rd in their division (which still could keep them in the top-10). They lost a lot up front on offense and while they have a home-friendly schedule, a loss to a non-Texas team will only look that much worse. Two losses isn't bad for most teams, but for Oklahoma it makes them overrated.
Sleeper: Oklahoma State
Go Pokes! I know they're ranked 9th in the nation now but that's too low. I love this team and it's not just because one of my best friends is the media director for their football program. I went to the Holiday Bowl last year to watch them lose a close one to Oregon and while the Cowboys' defense leaves a lot to be desired, well, let's just say I would NEVER bet the under when this team's playing. Zac Robinson is one of the top-5 QB's in the country and nobody's heard of him. Kendall Hunter is Kirk Herbstreit's 6th best RB in the nation. And the name you need to know: Dez Bryant. Think Michael Crabtree only more explosive and he also returns punts and kicks. He had 100 yards in the first half against Oregon while facing double coverage and battling an injury that wound up sidelining him for the second half. If I had to pick one guy in the nation to be on my team, it'd be Dez. Quarterback you say? I could win the Heisman if I was throwing to Dez. Just watch him. You'll see. They'll turn heads when they open the season at home against Georgia and then I think they lose to Texas on the road but go into Norman and steal one from the Sooners in the final regular season game. There is a lot of veteran leadership on this squad and more firepower on offense than any other team in the country. Yes, I said it. More firepower on offense than any other team in the country.
The Pick: Texas
Too much talent and they actually play defense, which is something that's a bit passe in the Big XII. While I love Oklahoma State, I don't love their defense. Texas, on the other hand, plays a tad bit of defense, which is enough with Colt McCoy, Jordan Shipley & Co. They're this year's Oklahoma. Actually, they're this year's Texas. Why weren't they in the National Championship again? They lost Orakpo but I still love this Longhorns team to do serious damage. I think Colt McCoy is your Heisman this year and you'll see Texas on January 24th or whenever they push the BCS Championship back to.
Big Ten
I'm glad that we've all agreed that no Big Ten team is allowed to be in the National Championship game for at least a decade. That being said, there are a couple solid teams in this conference, but overall, the Big Ten will be as weak as it's been in recent years. It's okay Rich Rodriguez, don't cry. Seriously. Stop crying. Rich, come on. Fine, I'm moving on without you. Someone get this guy a tissue.
Overrated: Any team not named Ohio State or Penn State
I'll be picking a sleeper just to stay with the flow, but if anybody tells you that a Big Ten team is going to win 10 regular season games and that team isn't Penn State or Ohio State, then that person is an idiot. This conference is a two-horse race and devoid of a serious challenge to that.
Sleeper: Illinois
I like Arrelious Benn at wide-out and it's not just because of his name. He's the best offensive player in the Big Ten. Wait, did I mention that the Illini QB is named Juice Williams? Please oh please tell me there's a back up running back named Bishop and an offensive lineman named Steel. Can I at least get a DB named Rahim? In all seriousness, Illinois has what it takes on offense to compete in this conference and while I think they're third best in the Big Ten, I still think they're way behind the two horses running up front.
The Pick: Penn State
Honestly, it's because their game against Ohio State is at home. Happy Valley is one of the toughest places to play in the country. I do like Terrelle Pryor and Thaddeus Gibson will be a monster at linebacker, but Penn State has just as much talent and again, will be playing the big game at home. Penn State earns a trip to the Rose Bowl where it will either have a good game against the Pac-10's number two (if 'SC goes to the championship) or get stomped on again by USC.
Pac-10
I've grown up with the Pac-10 and I must say that we don't get our respect out here. I'm not saying that the Pac-10 can match up with the SEC or the Big XII South, but I don't want to hear any talk about the Big Ten, Big East, Notre Dame, etc. There's a serious national title contender in USC and 2 other teams ranked in the top-25 right now. Expect that number to jump to 4 by year's end. I'm sure you know the pick in this conference but it isn't as open and shut this year as people might think.
Overrated: UCLA
As a Bruin alum and fan it pains me to say it but for some reason everybody has us as their sleeper. Maybe they didn't watch us play last year. There is some talent on defense but you couldn't pay me to play QB on this team with this offensive line. The Bruins lost a game last year to Arizona State 34-9. I bring it up because all four of Arizona State's TD's were DEFENSIVE. 4 defensive TD's. The defense isn't the problem at UCLA. The problem is that the other team's defense outscores our offense. A .500 season and a competitive game against USC is all I ask for. I haven't gotten my wish as of late.
Sleeper: Cal
I almost put Oregon here and while I believe Oregon will be better than good, I think Cal absolutely has what it takes to give USC a run for their money. Cal's season will be decided in consecutive games with a visit to Eugene followed by a homecoming against USC. What's funny is that I wouldn't be surprised if they lost a nailbiter to Oregon only to come home and shock the Trojans as they've done before. Only this year it wouldn't be a fluke. Cal has the best running back in the country in Jahvid Best and can score some points on special teams as well. You know Jeff Tedford's team will always be prepared and I just have a feeling that Cal has a monster season in store for us.
The Pick: USC
Taylor Mays gives me nightmares and I don't even have to go over the middle against him. You could line up a middle school team on offense and win with USC's defense. Thankfully USC has a high school offense. There is some talent at RB and WR but they're starting a true freshman at QB. Don't be surprised if he falters. Only it won't matter because they can win games 9-0. The Trojans are still the cream in this crop.
SEC
Saved the best for last. Yes, we're skipping the Big East until they produce a team worthy of being in a BCS conference.
Ahh, the SEC. I love the SEC. I love it because they put their athletes on defense, which for some reason is unbelievably fun to watch for me. That's not to say that there aren't enough athletes left over to play on the offensive side of the ball, but when you have 6'4'', 290 lb. guys who run 4.6 40-yard dash times and playing defensive end, you have a fun conference. Not to mention the fact that, in the South, football ranks slightly behind family and Jesus. Only they're lying when they say that because the real order is 1. Football 2. Football 3. Jesus 4. Football 5. Family 6. Spring Football. Again, I love the SEC. If you've never been to a conference game there, you need to go. There's nothing like it. Did I mention the tradition of girls wearing black dresses to games? Again. I love the SEC.
Overrated: Tennessee
Lane Kiffen is in way over his head. The guy can't open his mouth without risking an NCAA violation or giving an opponent extra reason to run up the score against them. Take a quick look at their conference schedule. Do they win a conference game? I don't know. I do know that Florida will beat them 63-0.
Sleeper: LSU
As much of a powerhouse as LSU is, nobody's really talking about them this season with all of the attention that Florida is getting. They start a young QB in Jordan Jefferson, but the kid is more than ready. He looked solid in his short run last season. Oh, and this is LSU. They're pretty good on defense. They should contend in the SEC and could scare the other big boys.
Other sleepers: Jevan Snead and Ole Miss, South Carolina.
The Pick: Florida
Did you know Tim Tebow used the equator as a zip line to go around the world? Twice? In all seriousness, as good as Tebow and the offense may be, the defense is better. The Gators define what an SEC powerhouse is. I know they lost some key talent from last season including Percy Harvin, but with Florida, it's not going to matter because of all of the talent on the defensive side of the ball. Florida is just too good. They'll get tested and could lose a game, but they'll be there at the end of the season and you won't want to be playing them.
Best of the Rest
Notre Dame: Top 25
BYU: BCS possibility
That's it.
National Championship: Florida over Texas
I know that's not a very courageous pick but that's the way it's going down. The Gators will not falter in Tebow's last game. He won't let them. Urban Meyer will have some tricks up his sleeve and while Texas will be able to move the ball on offense, Florida will come up big when it counts, again. Their defense is just too good. Carlos Dunlap, Brandon Spikes, Joe Haden. All-American x 3. If it comes down to a big play on special teams, Brandon James isn't a bad guy to bet on either. Texas is a great team but it's just the wrong year to be running into Florida, again.
Florida 34
Texas 20
So there you have it. You're all set for the college football season. Enjoy!
Comments