Gregory Nolen
Staff Reporter
ABC legendary college football announcer Keith Jackson’s “Whoa Nellie” catch phrase best sums up the 2009 college football season.
With great expectations for so many teams across the nation and highly anticipated matchups scheduled seemingly for every week of the season, it’s no wonder there is so much excitement in the air. Here’s how my top ten is shaping up.
1: Florida- Florida is still the overwhelming preseason favorite to win it all. While Florida’s schedule sets up nicely, games against SEC foes LSU and Georgia will be challenges for NCAA superman Tim Tebow and the Gators.
2: Texas- Texas fans feel this team should have won it all last year after getting snubbed by BCS voters from appearing in the Big 12 championship game. Colt McCoy leads a talented Longhorns team with expectations to bring home the school’s first title since 2006 when Vince Young steered the ‘Horns passed the Trojans of USC.
3: Ohio State- Ohio State is the class of one of the weakest conferences in the country, Led by QB sensation Terelle Pryor, they will edge out Penn State for the Big Ten title and might have a chance to play in the National Championship game for the third time in four years.
4: Mississippi- Ole Miss is facing high expectations this year coming off of a season in which they upset Florida in the Swamp and Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl. Jevon Snead leads a team that could make the school’s first appearance in the SEC Championship Game.
5: Oregon- Oregon is my surprise pick. With USC having to adjust to a freshman quarterback, Oregon will emerge from a talented field and win the Pac 10. However, LeGarette Blount’s suspension means they now have to rely on talented QB Jeremiah Masoli’s arm more than ever before.
6: BYU- BYU is the mid major that will crash the BCS party this year. Their week one win over Oklahoma might just vault them into the National Championship game if they run the table in a competitive race to bust the BCS.
7: Oklahoma- Big changes on the offensive line will impact reigning Heisman winner Sam Bradford this year. Bradford’s injury on Saturday against BYU poses big problems for a team that has to compete with arch-rivals Texas and Oklahoma State in the Big 12 South.
8: Virginia Tech-The Hokies will come out on top in a relatively weak ACC. Ryan William’s performance on Saturday against Alabama should provide comfort for a team who lost its starting tailback to a season ending knee injury.
9: Oklahoma State- Oklahoma State is another surprise team. Led by QB Zach Robinson and stand out WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State will finish in the top ten this year. Saturday’s win over Georgia showed that they are no fluke and a threat to both Texas and Oklahoma in the Big 12 South.
10: USC- As usually, the Trojans will be good again in 2009. But true freshman quarterback Matt Barkley’s inexperience may eventually catch up with the men of Troy and prevent them from winning the Pac 10. Look for Oregon, Oregon State and California to prove too tough for USC this year.