2009 NCAA Football Pre-Season Top 10

Well it's August, which means it's time for football. And that means that it's time for preseason polls and predictions. So without further ado, I give you my 2009 college football preseason top ten:

1.Florida Gators-Two championships in three years. Why not make it three in four years to cap off Tim Tebow's Florida career as the greatest quarterback to ever lace 'em up in college football. Hell, throw in another Heisman too. Even though they lose Percy Harvin to the NFL the Gators will be even more explosive this year and linebacker Brandon Spikes leads a defense that may be the best in the country. The defense, which held the so-called "great" Oklahoma offense to 14 points in the championship game last year, returns just about everyone and will cover any holes the offense may have from the departure of Harvin. You may not like it, but we'll all have to watch again this season as the Gators win their third national title in four years under coach Urban Meyer.

2.Texas Longhorns-Many Longhorns believe that it should have been them in the title game last season. They have a chance to prove it this year led by Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley who return to take care of unfinished business. Though they lose a player that can't be replaced in defensive end Brian Orakpo, Mack Brown always has his teams prepared and the Longhorns should have a great season. Possibly even a championship season.

3.Oklahoma Sooners-You know the Sooners have a bitter taste in their mouths after the disappointment of last season, which may be one reason why Sam Bradford has returned for another year and another shot at a championship. The usual culprits await OU, including the always big Red River Shootout against Texas. The winner of that game should put itself in the drivers seat for the Big 12 and a national championship game berth.

4.USC Trojans-The Trojans' defense, ranked #1 in the country last season, will only return three starters on that side of the ball. However, USC will have no problem reloading like always, even after losing starting quarterback Mark Sanchez as well. Mitch Mustain could be the answer for the Trojans who may very well return to the national title game in '09.

5.Alabama Crimson Tide-'Bama was a young team last season and not supposed to do so well until at least this year. Instead they were the only SEC team to finish the regular season undefeated. Young receiever Julio Jones is ready to explode, but their main problem will be at

quarterback. If they can figure that out early, then the Tide may make another BCS run again in 2009.

6.Ohio State Buckeyes-With Terrelle Pryor no longer a true freshman look for a marked improvement in the Buckeyes' offensive attack. We saw the flashes of brilliance from Pryor, but also many mistakes. As he goes so, too, does Ohio State. That's a lot to put on a sophomore, but the Buckeyes should have a say when it's all said and done at least in the Big Ten.

7.Oklahoma State Cowboys-A win in the season opener against Georgia could go a long way to help out the Cowboys this season, who have tough games against other Top Ten, Big Ten opponents Texas and Oklahoma. This could be the year for coach Mike Gundy (He's 40!!!) and the potent Cowboys offensive attack led by quarterback Zac Robinson and wide receiver Dez White. The Cowboys could finally put it all together this year and take the Big 12.

8.L.S.U. Tigers-Being in the SEC it's always difficult to predict the future of the Tigers, but being in the West gives them an added advantage. LSU lost 3 of their last 4 games down the stretch last year, so don't expect that to happen again. They should win the SEC West, but may have to settle for the Peach Bowl again. The "Mad Hatter" Les Miles always is fun to watch, though, so I hope they do well so we can hear lots from him.

9.Penn State Nittany Lions-With quarterback Daryll Clark and running back Evan Royster returning the Nittany Lions will have a very good offense. And with their weak Big Ten schedule they should make a run at a BCS, if not the national title game. After all, they were only one win away from it last season. They do lose a lot on defense including first round pick Aaron Maybin, though.

10.Utah Utes-The Utes will be looking for respect this season after capping last year's undefeatd run with a win over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. They could easily wind up undefeated again this year with their only real tough games coming at the end of the year at TCU Nov. 14 and at BYU Nov. 28. Look for the Utes to crash the BCS party once again this season.