2009 Preseason Top 25

August 1, 2009

This List of Rankings is in no way connected to the actual polls or any media outlets. This Top 25 reflects only my personal views on each team’s standing before the regular season begins.

2009 Preseason Top 25
1. Florida
Key Returners: QB Tim Tebow, DE Carlos Dunlap, LB Brandon Spikes, CB Janoris Jenkins
With Tim Tebow coming back along with Carlos Dunlap, Brandon Spikes, and Janoris Jenkins on defense, the Gators have what it takes to repeat as national champions. They actually return their entire defense and we know Tebow is going to carry the offense. They did lose speedsters Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy, but Jeffrey Demps is another one of those “fastest players in the nation” and freshman Andre Debose whose 92 yard touchdown reception won the Award for Best Under Armour All-America Moment, is hoping to contribute as a play maker for Tebow.

2. Texas
Key Returners: QB Colt McCoy, WR Jordan Shipley, OT Adam Ulatoski, DE Sergio Kindle, LB Roddrick Muckelroy
Colt McCoy is back for his 4th year as starter. He should have won the Heisman Trophy last year along with a chance at the national title but Texas was snubbed. The entire defensive line is gone and Sergio Kindle will move to end to replace Brian Orakpo, but the Longhorns linebacking corps and secondary are returning with stud safeties Blake Gideon and Earl Thomas, both sophomores. This should be a solid defense this year. On the offensive side, they have McCoy and his best friend and favorite receiver Jordan Shipley back. Tight end Blaine Irby should also be coming back from injury (*it’s now reported Irby will also miss the 2009 season with last year’s dislocated knee). Cody Johnson, Fozzy Whittaker, and Vondrell McGee are all having great workouts and that’s a good set of runningbacks and freshman Chris Whaley is also expected to step in and gain big yards as he’s the only runningback the Longhorn’s recruited in the offseason. Texas also returns the best offensive line in the country, which is something Oklahoma can’t say. The big matchup will be the experienced O-Line of Texas and the experienced D-Line of OU when the Red River Rivalry renews on October 17.

3. Oklahoma
Key Returners: QB Sam Bradford, RB DeMarco Murray, RB Chris Brown, RB Mossis Madu, TE Jermaine Gresham, OT Trent Williams, DT Gerald McCoy, DE Jeremy Beal, DE Auston English
Oklahoma’s got the best quarterback NFL-prospect quarterback in Sam Bradford, but they lost 4 of 5 starters on the offensive line and right tackle Trent Williams will be moving to left tackle because he has experience but that transition isn’t as easy as it’s made out to be. The Sooners lose their top two receivers in Manny Johnson and Juaquin Iglesias but return Ryan Broyles and top tight end in the nation: Jermaine Gresham. They bring back their defensive line anchored by Gerald McCoy but the secondary is a bit shaky. The Sooners do have 3 guys who could go in the Top 10 of the 2010 NFL Draft though with Bradford, Gresham, McCoy, and runningback DeMarco Murray.

4. Ohio State
Key Returners: QB Terrelle Pryor, RB Dan Herron, S Kurt Coleman
Sophomore Terrelle Pryor is the face of Ohio State and will be for the next three years. He surpassed all expectations playing as a true freshman last year and his development is key for Ohio State’s success. Pryor must became more polished as a passer, but make sure not to hold back if he can run for the first downs. I think Pryor needs to be opposite of Texas’ Colt McCoy: McCoy is a pass-first, run-second quarterback, but with Pryor’s top receivers gone, he’s going to have trust his own ability to make plays. The run game is loses Beanie Wells, but it’s the one area where the Buckeyes are returning a lot of experience. While Wells missed some of last season with his foot injury, Boom Herron carried most of the load and should be the featured back this year. The defense is another question, but most experts believe it will be better without All-American middle linebacker James Laurinaitis. The Buckeyes also lost linebacker Marcus Freeman and Jim Thorpe Award winner Malcolm Jenkins. The biggest tests for Ohio State again will be USC in Week 2 at home, and then November 7 at Penn State against the Nittany Lions’ “White-Out.” If Pryor and the Bucks come out of Happy Valley with a W, they’ll take the Big Ten Conference and head to the Rose Bowl.

5. LSU
Key Returners: QB Jordan Jefferson, RB Charles Scott, WR Brandon LaFell, OT Ciron Black, DT Charles Alexander
A lot of people think LSU is borderline Top 10 this year, but after seeing this LSU team play with Jordan Jefferson at quarterback, I know they’re a Top 5 Team. Jefferson is the offensive leader of the future for the Tigers and he’s got Brandon LaFell back to be on the receiving end of touchdowns and Charles Scott to pound away in the running game. They did lose a lot on defense but Les Miles has recruited some good defensive players like Sam Montgomery who could start on the D-Line and new Defensive Coordinator John Chavis is among the best. The LSU defense was shaky last year, but Chavis will sure things up this year.

6. USC
Key Returners: S Taylor Mays, WR Damian Williams, RB Joe McKnight, RB CJ Gable, RB Stafon Johnson
USC is not going to be a dominant force in the country this year. While Oregon may be its only challenge in the Pac-10, national title contention may be out of reach until next season. USC had history’s greatest defense last year, but have lost 3 of 4 defensive lineman, all three starting linebackers along with backup linebacker Kaluka Maiava (All 4 linebackers went in the first 3 rounds of the NFL Draft). The one bright spot returning in the defense is safety Taylor Mays, who could have been a Top 15 pick in the Draft but chose to come back to USC. The Trojans would have been a doubt national contender if quarterback Mark Sanchez had returned for his senior year, but he instead left for the NFL and was drafted 17th overall by the New York Jets. Aaron Corp is expected to be the starter for USC at QB, but the Trojans also have the highly touted Matt Barkley out of Mater Dei High School who was recruited as the #1 high school quarterback. Whoever the quarterback is, Damian Williams is still around to catch passes and Joe McKnight, now a junior, might finally have his breakout year.

7. Mississippi
Key Returners: QB Jevan Snead, WR/RB Dexter McCluster, DE Greg Hardy
Ole Miss went 9-4 under Houston Nutt’s first season as coach. Quarterback Jevan Snead, the transfer from Texas, played remarkably towards the end of the season and is believed to be a Heisman Trophy candidate this year and possibly the 5th best quarterback in the country. The Rebels lose Michael Oher from the O-Line and Peria Jerry from the D-Line, both of whom were first round draft picks, but the defense does return pass-rusher Greg Hardy who could be a first rounder in the 2010 Draft. Some key role players are back for Ole Miss including Dexter McCluster who had the game of his life in the 47-34 win over Texas Tech in last season’s Cotton Bowl.

8. Virginia Tech
Key Returners: QB Tyrod Taylor, RB Darren Evans, S Kam Chancellor, CB Stephan Virgil
Frank Beamer’s “Beamer Ball” led the Hokies to its second straight ACC Championship and they could get a 3rd consecutive this season. A big blow to the team is the loss of the versatile Macho Harris, but Tech returns 7 starters on defense and 9 starters on offense. Safety Kam Chancellor is back and ready to have a big year to raise his NFL Draft prospectus. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor has full control of the team now and Darren Evans is back to run the ball after a tremendous freshman season where he ran for 11 touchdowns and over 1,200 yards. Virginia Tech was supposed to be contending for the national title by 2009, and the time is now where they have a shot. It’s clear that the Hokies front office is doing all it can too to help, by looking at two very tough non-conference games vs. Alabama and Nebraska to boost the Hokies’ BCS stock.

9. Oklahoma State
Key Returners: QB Zac Robinson, RB Kendall Hunter, WR Dez Bryant, OT Russell Okung, CB/KR Perrish Cox
The “Bedlam” Game could come down to 2nd place in the Big 12 South with Oklahoma this year. That’s how good this Oklahoma State team could potentially be. Whether they live up to the talent is how hard they work to fix the troubles from last year. The Cowboys started 8-1 and worked their way into the Top 10, but then lost 3 of their last 4, giving up 56, 61, and 42 points in those three losses. Oklahoma State has talent on defense that just needs to mature. The offense should be putting on a show again. Quarterback Zac Robinson is out to prove he’s among the Big 12’s and the nation’s best. Runningback Kendall Hunter and Biletnikoff Award candidate Dez Bryant is back. Bryant could be one of the most sought after receivers in the NFL Draft if he chooses to declare after this season. Left Tackle Russell Okung would have been a first round pick, but he’s back to protect Robinson’s blind side and be a top ten draft pick in 2010.

10. Alabama
Key Returners: WR Julio Jones, RB Mark Ingram, DT Terrence Cody, LB Rolando McClain, CB/KR Javier Arenas
Alabama will be a lot better than most people think this year. Their schedule has a part in that too. The Crimson Tide open the season against Virginia Tech which might immediately eliminate them from national title contention, but the in-conference schedule is relatively easy aside from a road game at Ole Miss where the defense will be tested against Jevan Snead. The only real big game the Tide have after that is at home against LSU. Anyway, John Parker Wilson is done as Alabama’s quarterback and junior Greg McElroy is expected to be the starter this fall. McElroy knows Nick Saban’s system and will be asked to be a game manager like Wilson. McElroy actually is the better the passer however and the SEC’s reining Freshman of the Year, wide receiver Julio Jones is back with a year of experiencing the SEC defense under his belt. Jones was unanimously voted 1st Team All-SEC Preseason. Another freshman from last year, Mark Ingram is going to be the featured runningback since Glen Coffee gave up his last year of eligibility to move on to the NFL in an ill-advised move. Ingram is considered an upgrade over Coffee anyway and more of a downhill runner who can power through at the goal line. The big story has always been Alabama’s defense. The Crimson Tide is returning 9 starters on defense including the 362 pound All-American Nose Tackle Terrence Cody. Cody provides a big force up the middle that requires double teams from every offensive line. ‘Bama’s O-Line is need of improvement after its weaknesses were exposed by Utah in the Allstate Sugar Bowl last year with the absence of left tackle Andre Smith. Special teams should not be a problem for the Tide either as they return the nation’s best kick return man in cornerback Javier Arenas.

11. Boise State
Key Returners: QB Kellen Moore, RB Jeremy Avery, DE Ryan Winterswyk, CB Kyle Wilson
Jeremy Childs made a mistake and entered the NFL Draft looking to be a 3rd or 4th round pick as a junior, but I can’t remember but I think he went in the 7th round. Boise has a well rounded offense that would love to have Childs back and despite losing top receiver Vinny Perretta but they do return receiver Austin Pettis and sophomore quarterback Kellen Moore who had a sensational freshman season as the starter. Boise State’s defense took some hits with losses in the front seven, but corner Kyle Wilson is back to bolster what should be an exceptional secondary. Don’t forget that the Broncos did lose senior runningback Ian Johnson whose role on the team had deteriorated, but he has been a “glue guy” for the team with an extensive amount of knowledge and experience. He provided all the leadership but now Moore will have to step up in that role while Jeremy Avery will try to have another big season to give the Broncos a well-balanced offense.

12. Penn State
Key Returners: QB Daryll Clark, RB Evan Royster, LB Navorro Bowman
The bigger question than “How good is Penn State going to be this year?” might be “Will Joe Paterno be coaching from the sidelines this year?” Penn State is expected to have an encore season from last year with the new Spread HD offense, but most of that firepower is gone. Quarterback Daryll Clark has lost his three top receivers in Jordan Norwood, Derrick Williams, and Deon Butler, not to mention three starters on the offensive line are going to be replaced including center A.Q. Shipley. Defensive End Aaron Maybin moved on to the NFL as a junior and so did left end Maurice Evans. The Nittany Lions have lost a lot on defense and only bring tailback Evan Royster back as most of the offense. Penn State’s ranking is going to be a bit generous because so many people will remember the success they had last year and overlook what they have to overcome this year. To have a shot at the Rose Bowl, they’ll have to take care of Ohio State at home and play what could be a tough game on the road at Michigan State to finish the regular season.

13. Georgia Tech
Key Returners: QB Josh Nesbitt, RB Jonathan Dwyer, RB Roddy Jones, S Morgan Burnett
Paul Johnson’s going into his second year with the Yellow Jackets which means his first true recruiting class is coming in to run the triple-option offense. He still has quarterback Josh Nesbitt and runningbacks Jonathan Dwyer and Roddy Jones to run the offense that was remarkably successful last year until it was stifled by LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. In fact, the offense returns all 11 starters from a year ago. It’s the same positive outlook on the defensive side to as GT will return 8 starters from a year ago. However, the heart of the defensive line is gone with the graduations of Vance Walker and Darryl Richard, but also the loss of All-American end Michael Johnson to the NFL. As displayed last year, the triple-option is tough to stop and I expect the defenses to have a tough time with it again this year. The Yellow Jackets are going to make a run at the ACC Title until the other teams can figure out how to consistently stop the option—if possible. Believe me; they’re watching a lot of that LSU game tape.

14. TCU
Key Returners: QB Andy Dalton, RB Joseph Turner, WR Jimmy Young, DE Jerry Hughes
This is a solid TCU team, but not the same team that had the potential to crash the BCS last year. This is not the same team that beat Boise State 17-16 in the Poinsettia Bowl last year. This is not the same team that the nation’s number one defense last year. Andy Dalton is back to run the show at QB along with top receiver Jimmy Young, but while Joseph Turner is back to run the ball, his complement, Aaron Brown and Brown’s 5.5 yards per carry is gone. While the Horned Frogs are still considered to be the favorite in the Mountain West Conference, their defense is going to be a big question. Can this be a top five defense again? They’ve lost 7 starters, but did retain star defensive end Jerry Hughes who led the nation in sacks last year, but without help, Hughes can’t bolster a defense. Jason Phillips and Stephen Hodge were in vital roles as leaders last year at linebacker and safety and all these holes on defense are going to be filled by inexperienced players. I’m anxious to see how the defense does at defending the triple-option by Air Force. TCU has Air Force on the road on October 10th.

15. Oregon
Key Returners: QB Jeremiah Masoli, RB LeGarrette Blount, LB Spencer Paysinger
The reins of the Ducks’ program have been handed down to offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. Former coach Mike Bellotti has decided to now move on and become Oregon’s Athletic Director. Good news for Oregon: Bellotti can still make football decisions and bring in recruits. Bad news for Oregon: Bellotti won’t be on the sidelines. Oh, and Oregon lost three starters on the O-Line, the top two receivers, tailback Jeremiah Johnson, its entire defensive line and safety Patrick Chung. All that said, Oregon is still the biggest threat to USC in the Pac-10. Jeremiah Masoli proved to be the solution at quarterback last year and Oregon does bring back the big 240 pound LeGarrette Blount who complemented Johnson and scored 17 touchdowns last year while also rushing for over 1,000 yards.

16. Florida State
Key Returners: QB Christian Ponder, RB Jermaine Thomas, WR Preston Parker, LB Dekoda Watson
“Christian Ponder might be the best NFL prospect in terms of prototypical NFL quarterbacks.” Yup, I said that. If Ponder can gain some kind of consistency and maintain it for an entire season, big things are to happen for the Seminoles. With Jermaine Thomas filling the shoes of Antone Smith and a group of guys ready to fill in Greg Carr’s void, the Seminoles could make a run at the ACC title. They have Miami and Georgia Tech at home and won’t face Virginia Tech until potentially the ACC Championship Game. Nine starters are back on offense including the entire offensive line that showcased three freshmen and two sophomores. Florida State was the nation’s youngest team in 2008 and that only helps in the long run as six true freshmen started games last year gaining valuable experience and exposure. Florida State does have to revamp the front seven of the defense though.

17. Notre Dame
Key Returners: QB Jimmy Clausen, WR Michael Floyd, WR Golden Tate
We saw the upside of Jimmy Clausen in the Hawaii Bowl last winter. That’s why he was brought in as the number one recruit and if he can maintain that form, the Irish are set for a big year. After two subpar seasons, the pressure is all on Clausen to step up his play and carry Notre Dame to a bigger bowl game. The Irish return nine starters on offense and Clausen has both his top receivers back in Golden Tate and Michael Floyd, who should be a nice deep threat. The defense is going to be a little shaky again, and the secondary needs some revamping. However, the Irish did not get the #1 defensive recruit in linebacker Manti Te’o. The Irish start off with a good match against Nevada and then a road game to the Big House in Ann Arbor and back home to face Michigan State. Given the rest of the schedule, aside from the October 17 match versus USC, the Irish could be looking at a 9-10 win season.

18. Georgia
Key Returners: WR AJ Green, WR Michael Moore, DT Geno Atkins
Everyone wants to know how Georgia’s offense will fare this season. “Will they be able to replace to Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno?” Caleb King was the number two back last year and should be the starter, but don’t expect to Georgia to have a featured back. King will probably be splitting carries with Richard Samuel and the redshirt freshman Carlton Thomas. Senior Joe Cox is expected to fill in for Stafford with recruits Zach Mettenberger and Aaron Murray waiting in the wings. Cox knows the system well and is being counted on to manage the offense, but what’s more important is if he’ll be protected by the offensive line that failed Stafford last year. The line was riddled by injuries last year that forced a lot of shuffling in the lineup. The defense failed too last season failing to live up to the expectations of an SEC defense and there’s no true signs of the defense being much better this season.

19. California
Key Returners: QB Kevin Riley, RB Jahvid Best, WR Nyan Boateng
The quarterback controversy is over for the Bears with Nate Longshore gone right? Kevin Riley better not get too comfortable because the quarterback job isn’t all his yet. Sophomore Brock Mansion was the man in spring camp and has been shooting up the depth chart. Now I hear that he’s taking some reps with the first team offense. Mansion seems to be in competition for the starting job, or it could just be a ploy by Coach Tedford to put some pressure on Riley to perform better. Along the offensive front, Cal has to replace just two guys, but most notably All Pac-10 center Alex Mack. The defense lost its heart and soul in its linebacking corps and there’s a big question mark surrounding runningback Jahvid Best, arguably the best runningback in the nation. Best, a top Heisman Trophy contender this year ran for 1,580 yards and 15 touchdowns last year, but underwent surgery on his left foot and left elbow and did not participate in spring ball. If Best is healthy and in top shape, he could carry the Bears to a 2nd place finish in the Pac-10.

20. Kansas
Key Returners: QB Todd Reesing, RB Jake Sharp, WR Dezmon Briscoe
Kansas had a disappointed 8-5 season last year and is trying to regain its 2007 form when the Jayhawks held the #2 ranking in the nation and beat Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Linebacker Mike Rivera was the leader of the Kansas defense and he along with James Holt and Joe Mortensen. Kansas has some tough road games in Lubbock and Austin against Texas Tech and Texas where it’ll be tough to stay in the game if the defense can’t come together. Offensively, Kansas is just as explosive as any Big 12 South team. This is an offense that averaged 431 yards per game with Todd Reesing, the most under-rated quarterback in college football. Reesing’s also bringing back most of his playmakers with preseason All-Big 12 receiver Dezmon Briscoe and possession receiver Kerry Meier along with tailback Jake Sharp.

21. Nebraska
Key Returners: DT Ndamukong Suh, S Rickey Thenarse
The Big 12 North won’t have a clear cut winner this season. We can’t count out Missouri and Colorado, but it should be a tight race between Nebraska and Kansas. Looking at the schedules, Nebraska will play Virginia Tech, but in conference has a potential trap game on the road at Baylor and will host Oklahoma and Texas Tech. Nebraska does not have to play Texas though, while Kansas is scheduled to play in Austin. Nebraska’s biggest strength is going to be the defense. The North division might ultimately come down to the showdown between Kansas on November 14 in Lawrence. It will be Kansas firepower vs. the Cornhuskers’ defense that brings seven back including the defensive tackle in the nation: Ndamukong Suh. Quarterback is always the biggest issue for a team though and the battle for the starting job to replace Joe Ganz was supposed to be between sophomore Patrick Witt and junior Zac Lee, but Lee seems to have won the job by default as Witt has decided to transfer from Nebraska. But don’t sleep on true freshman Cody Green who’s 6’4”, 224 from Texas. He was recruited as the best dual-threat quarterback out of high school. Green could be starting for Nebraska by midseason.

22. Utah
Key Returners: RB Matt Asiata, DE Stevenson Sylvester
This is nowhere near the same team that went undefeated at 13-0 last year and defeated Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Quarterback Brian Johnson, Utah’s all-time winningest player, was the soul leader of the squad and the Most Outstanding Player in the Sugar Bowl, but now he’s moved on. Corbin Louks was supposed to come out of spring practice ast the favorite for the starting role, but he didn’t run away from his competition and now it’s getting more intense as fall camp arrives. Freshman Jordan Wynn has been impressive and could gain the #2 spot, if he’s not in fact named the starter as a true freshman. At only 175 pounds though, it has to be difficult for the coaches to put him in that role without working with his body more. Terrance Cain, the transfer from junior college, is also in the mix to be the next quarterback. Utah’s offense will return runningback Matt Asiata but most of the offensive talent is gone. A big loss to the team was kicker Louie Sakoda. The Utes do return 9 on the defense, losing cornerback Sean Smith and defensive end Paul Kruger, both entered the NFL Draft as underclassmen. Utah’s going to be tested early, they have the nation’s longest win streak that’ll be pushed to the limit in a September 19 road game at Oregon. It could be hard for the Utes to have that same success as last year in conference too, with road games at Mountain West favorite TCU, and at BYU.

23. Iowa
Key Returners: QB Ricky Stanzi, RB Jewel Hampton, WR Andy Brodell
The Hawkeyes are looking at a possible jump over Penn State in the Big Ten with a good year from Ricky Stanzi and six returning starters on offense. Iowa did lose the nation’s leading rusher from a year ago, Shonn Green, but his backup Jewel Hampton who is very capable of being the featured back is ready. The tenacious Iowa defense that boasted two shutouts last year and gave up 13 points per game returns all three linebackers and three players in the secondary, but lose by defensive tackles Mitch King and Matt Kroul. Iowa finished last season winning 6 of its last 7 including an impressive 31-10 win in the Outback Bowl against a very good South Carolina defense. For Iowa to keep it up though, they will have to fight through tough road games at Penn State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Michigan State.

24. South Florida
Key Returners: QB Matt Grothe, WR Jessie Hester, RB Mike Ford, DE George Selvie
Matt Grothe and Pat White were neck-at-neck for the record of Most Offensive Yards in Big East Conference History. White finished the season with the lead, but Grothe has another year to shatter White’s record. Grothe’s always had a lot of potential but his questionable toughness and being prone to injury have slowed his career. This is the last go-about for Grothe so he’s determined to have a big year. The Big East might not have the dominating teams in the country, but I think the Bulls are a team very capable of being in the top 25 and moving on up. The defense took a few hits, but it did retain defensive end George Selvie who opted not to declare for the NFL Draft. He’s looking to boost his draft stock to back where he used to be a sure first round pick. Selvie and Grothe, the two leaders of this team have something to prove this season and they have to get it done. South Florida is ready to drastically improve on last year’s 2 wins in conference, but away games at Pittsburgh and Rutgers could serve as potential roadblocks. South Florida’s special teams is taking a hit though with sophomore kicker Maikon Bonani missing the 2009 season as he recovers from broken vertebrae suffered in his 35 foot fall from a ride in Busch Gardens. Bonani was very reliable as a freshman and took the starting kicker job away from senior Delbert Alvarado, who will now reclaim the spot as the team’s kicker. He is also the team’s punter.

25. BYU
Key Returners: QB Max Hall, RB Harvey Unga, TE Dennis Pitta
Max Hall has one last chance at BYU to lead them to a BCS bowl. BYU only lost two starters on defense, but the lack of offensive options will hurt Hall this year. He threw 35 touchdowns last year, and was supposed to be a Heisman contender, but he fell off during the season. It’s not going to be any easier for him as he’ll have four new starters along the offensive line and top receiver Austin Collie leaving early for the NFL. If anything favors the Cougars, it’s the schedule with having all the Mountain West powers, TCU, Air Force, and Utah at home.

Others Deserving Consideration
West Virginia
Key Player: RB Noel Devine
Lost Pat White, but they bring back a stingy defense and have Jarrett Brown ready to take over at QB along with the nation’s second best runningback in Noel Devine.
Texas Tech
Key Player: QB Taylor Potts
Stars Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree are gone, but anybody can throw for 5,000 yards in that “Air Raid” offense. Potts is bigger with a stronger arm than Harrell and he brings back WR Detron Lewis. Defense is going from bad to worse though.
Clemson
Key Player: RB CJ Spiller
Spiller could get the all-time ACC all purpose yards record this season. Don’t count out Clemson in the ACC.
North Carolina State
Key Player: QB Russell Wilson
QB Mike Glennon is expected to get playing time too. The Wolfpack are major sleepers for the ACC title.
Houston
Key Player: QB Case Keenum
Aside from the Mountain West Conference, Houston is the best team in all the non-BCS conferences. Tough games at Oklahoma State and vs. Texas Tech, but coming off an 8-5 year, this could be that breakout year.
Michigan State
Rutgers
North Carolina
Cincinnati
Illinois
Oregon State

Heisman Contenders:
The Heisman Trophy Winner WILL be one of these players listed, unless a major dark horse comes along.
1. QB Colt McCoy, Texas
2. RB Jahvid Best, California
3. QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
4. QB Jevan Snead, Mississippi
5. QB Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State
6. QB Tim Tebow, Florida
7. QB Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State
8. RB DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
9. RB Noel Devine, West Virginia
10. WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
11. RB CJ Spiller, Clemson
12. WR Julio Jones
13. QB Todd Reesing, Kansas
14. QB Case Keenum, Houston
15. QB Max Hall, BYU
16. QB Matt Grothe, South Florida