2009 College Football - Week 1 Recap

The long opening weekend is over and in just 2 days, Week 2 begins. But before it does, time to take a quick look back at the fun that was Week 1, from what I learned, the overrated/underrated teams, the dumbest thing said by a TV announcer, and 3 questions for next week.

The BIG 10 things I learned this week

1. ACC = Awful Collegiate Conference - Before the Miami-FSU instant classic, this was a truly awful weekend for the ACC. VT and NCST lost in front of national TV audiences. Maryland lost big to California while Wake couldn't beat Baylor at home. But the worst part of it all was Virginia, losing to William and Mary (who?) and Duke falling to Richmond (what?). That's not a good sign for things to come in the conference.

2. Don't downplay the triple-option -Mad props to Navy for the scare they put into OSU. The triple-option attack is already tough enough to defend but when they have the ability to throw it deep like they do, it makes it downright difficult. OSU did just enough to win but I already feel bad for the rest of Navy's opponents, because they will have their hands full.

3. Freshman success - Who said being a freshman QB was tough? Clemson's Kyle Parker was solid in his debut, going 9/20 for 159 yds and 2 TD. More importantly, no INTs. Michigan had to be happy with Tate Forcier, who finished 13/20 for 179 yds and 3 TD. He also didn't turn the ball over. And can't forget about USC's Matt Barkley, who went 15/19 for 233 yds and a TD. Granted, this is just a one-game sampling. We'll see how all 3 frosh do when they face tougher competition in Week 2. Clemson gets Georgia Tech, Michigan gets Notre Dame and USC gets Ohio State.

4. Beware the tough road (or neutral) game - I said in my preview post about how I wish more teams would be like Oregon and face good non-BCS teams on their fields. Well, thanks to Boise State's win, I doubt that will happen anymore. Same goes for neutral field matchups like BYU-Oklahoma. Yes, Bradford went down to injury but at the half, it's not like Oklahoma was up 30. No, it was just 10-7. Maybe these kind of games are best suited in Week 2 or 3, when play isn't so sloppy. Speaking of that...

5. Sloppy Sloppy Sloppy - There was some awfully sloppy play in Week 1. The entire Boise State-Oregon was tough to watch. South Carolina and NC State struggled to maintain any flow on offense. USC and Tennessee had zero points after the 1st quarter before scoring 28 in the 2nd quarter and finishing with 600+ yds of offense. BYU and Oklahoma also weren't moving the ball with ease and many expected. Same goes for Georgia and OK State. It was Week 1 though so let's hope this sloppy play subsides.

6. Lightning can strike twice - It wasn't a good Saturday to be a Northern Iowa Panther fan. After sticking with Iowa for 4 quarters and putting themselves in great FG position. So with 7 seconds left, the Panthers line up for the game-winning FG, and wouldn't you know, it's blocked. But in a strange twist, the Panthers got another shot after recovering the football. So with one second left, a chance at redemption. But yet again, they were denied by the Hawkeyes. I've never seen that before and probably won't see it again for a long time, if ever.

7. The Heisman race is on - Colt McCoy was phenomenal in his 2009 debut, throwing for 317 yds and 2 TD. Tim Tebow didn't play too long but still managed 188 yds passing and a TD. Johnathan Dwyer scored 2 TD but rushed for only 95 yds. Meanwhile, Jahvid Best had 10 carries for 137 yds and 2 TD. Some people to keep your eyes on include Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen (15/18, 315 yds, 4 TD) and Cincy's Tony Pike (27/34, 362 yds, 3 TD) who both had great starts to their season.

8. Cincy = Class of the Big East - Some people were dubbing the Cincinnati-Rutgers matchup as the Big east championship in Week 1. If that's the case, then Cincy is going to roll through the other 7 teams. The Bearcats cruised to a 47-15 victory, including scoring 38 unanswered points. Tony Pike is the real deal and so is his favorite target Mardy Gilyard. the Bearcats still have to travel to USF and Pitt but after that dominating performance, it's hard to see them not winning the Big East and playing in a BCS game once again.

9. Not your 2008 Huskies - If you stayed up late and saw the LSU-Washington game, you probably noticed the great play of Washington, sticking with LSU for more than 3 quarters. Expect that play all season from this team. New head coach Steve Sarkisian seems to have energized this group, getting them to believe they can win again (they went 0-12 in 2008). Plus, if junior QB Jake Locker can stay healthy, he single-handedly will keep them in just about any game. They won't win the Pac-10 but they will eb able to put some scares into teams like Oregon State, Cal and yes, even USC.

10. Sportsmanship is still an issue - It's ironic that on a weekend that was supposed to emphasize sportsmanship with pregame handshakes that we had the most egregious act seen on a field in a long time. Oregon senior RB LeGarrette Blount punching Boise State lineman Byron Hout after the game. Blount's college career is now over and more importantly, sportsmanship was forgotten once again. It's not going to be easy to put sportsmanship to the forefront in college football when there is so much on the line each week but I'm glad they tried to make an effort. It's just too bad it didn't work.

11. Mark May is turning into Trev Alberts - I initially liked the pairing of Mark May and Lou Holtz. Unlike when it was May-Alberts, the arguments between the two men made me chuckle. But now as I watch May-Holtz, I find myself wanting to laugh with/at Lou and punch Mark. Here's why. Mark makes his point and then Lou goes. Lou makes his "point" and then, Mark argues with Lou about that point or argues that his original point is more important (even though Lou never said one was more important). In other words, he's just trying to pick a verbal fight. We get it Mark. You like to argue and like to be right. So do I. But don't pick a verbal fight with Lou Holtz. He's old and a little crazy in the head. It's not a fair fight so just stop it already.

OVER/UNDER
- I have no hesitation in calling Iowa my OVERRATED team. They come into the year ranked #22 and supposedly a dark horse contender for the Big Ten. But then, they need 2 blocked FGs to prevent falling to Northern Iowa. Yikes. I know it was Week 1 but it's also Northern Iowa. The Hawkeyes should've been able to handle them easily, if they were that good.
- I also have no hesitation is calling Cincinnati the UNDERRATED team of the week. They weren't even ranked in the AP Poll in the preseason. That's a shame too for a team that returned such dynamic players on offense. Yes, the defense only returned 1 starter but as seen by their performance against Rutgers, I'd say they learned a lot in the offseason. Look out for the Bearcats.

HE/SHE SAID WHAT?

“On their front four they have 1 senior, 3 sophomores and two freshman.”- Lou Holtz

For a complete list of some of the best stuff said this weekend, check out this website.

3 QUESTIONS

1. Will having to prepare for the triple-option offense hurt Ohio State in their preparation for USC?

2. How much will Sam Bradford and Jermaine Gresham's injuries affect Oklahoma this season?

3. Who will be the celebrity picker on College Gameday in Columbus? (My guesses: Rick Nash, Eddie George, or Greg Oden)

Week 2 preview post coming Thursday around noon.

2009 College Football - Week 1

The wait is over college football fans. The 2009 season is here. And it's not here with a whimper. In fact, a couple good games on the slate tonight to kick it off. But there are more than just games today. There are a slew of good games spread over the opening weekend, which is great news for everyone.

If you're new to my college football weekly preview posts, it's a pretty simple format. I will preview the 15 best games of the week. I will single out a game of the week, because that's the fad. I will also preview OU (my alma mater) and OSU (my hometown team) games, if they aren't already in the top 15. And finally, I will continue with my upset pick of the week, called the APPY, which is short for Appalachian State, who shocked the college football world with their upset of Michigan in 2007. Many times, I will choose an APPY that seems ridiculous. But that's the point. Oh, and finally, I use AP rankings, not coaches or BCS rankings. That's all there is to it. Here we go.

TOP 15 GAMES

GAME OF THE WEEK:
1. #5 Alabama vs. #7 Virginia Tech (in Atlanta) - Can't ask for much more in Week One than a Top-10 matchup of two teams hoping to make national title runs. I don't think either will but the one who wins will feel that way. Bama comes in with a new QB and a young O-Line. VT comes in with a young defense but a solid core on offense, including talented QB Tyrod Taylor. Last year, VT fell in their first game to East Carolina but this year, I'll pick VIRGINIA TECH to open the season with a convincing win.

BEST OF THE REST
2. #16 Oregon @ #14 Boise State (THURS) - I'm a big fan of BCS schools of Oregon's caliber taking a chance and playing a school of Boise State's caliber on the road. Unfortunately, I don't think this is going to end up well of Oregon. Last year, BSU beat Oregon in Eugene. This time, it's on the blue field, where the Broncos seem to never lose. I'll take BOISE STATE in a close one.

3. #20 BYU vs. #3 Oklahoma (in Arlington) - Oklahoma has a lot to prove this year, after their lack of offensive output in the BCS national championship. They'll get their chance against a BYU team that gives up a lot of points. But they know how to score too, and with senior QB Max Hall leading the way, look for this game to have plenty of points and fairly close through 3 quarters. But OKLAHOMA will survive a semi-scare in week 1.

4. #13 Georgia @ #9 Oklahoma State - This is just the first of many tough games for the Dawgs. It's also the first start for UGA QB Joe Cox, who will be charged with scoring a ton of points to match a potent OKST offense. The Cowboys are led by QB Zach Robinson and WR Dez Bryant and if last year was any indication, they will be quite the tandem this season. Both teams will have fine seasons but OKLAHOMA STATE is the one who starts 1-0.

5. Cincinnati @ Rutgers (MON) - Yes, it may be a battle of unranked teams but this game will be big in the Big East. Cincinnati is the preseason favorite, thanks to its recent success and returners such as QB Tony Pike and WR Mardy Gilyard. But Rutgers only lost to Cincy 13-10 last year in the Queen City and will be playing their first game in their newly renovated stadium. It should be an exciting Labor Day game in Piscataway but I'm going with CINCINNATI in a close one.

6. Nevada vs. #23 Notre Dame - The casual college football fan may see this as an easy win for the Irish. But Nevada is no slouch. Their offense was ranked 5th last year, thanks to their Pistol offense led by WAC player of the year QB Colin Kaepernick. Their defense though was in a word, awful. That's why if the Irish can score like they did in their bowl game with Hawaii last year (49-21 win), they'll be just fine. NOTRE DAME wins but not without sweating through 3 quarters.

7. Miami (FL) @ #18 Florida State (MON) - Last year, the 'Noles struggled against the 'Canes in a 41-39 win, despite being the superior team. This year, expect the same. It's just the product of it being a rivalry game. FSU is the better team but Randy Shannon will have the 'Canes ready to go. Not sure this one will be another instant classic but I am fairly sure that FLORIDA STATE will come out victorious.

8. Missouri @ Illinois (at St. Louis) - Last year, this was a game between top 25 teams hoping to gain national respect in September. This year, it's just a battle of two teams, hoping this jump starts what will be a good season. Mizzou lost QB Chase Daniel. Illinois brings back QB Juice Williams. That will be the difference in the first game. ILLINOIS wins by a healthy margin.

9. Western Michigan @ Michigan - The Broncos aren't gonna be scared of the Wolverines at all. Last year, WMU beat Illinois in Champaign, in what was seen as an upset. The same could happen here, especially with all the talk about Michigan and coach Rich Rodriguez. Will they be a distraction come Saturday. Only time will tell. I'll pick MICHIGAN to avoid the upset but wouldn't be surprised to see them fall either.

10. Minnesota @ Syracuse - This actually may not be one of the best games but it is one of the most intriguing. The Gophers return 15 starters but are switching offenses, so could look a bit messy in the first game. Meanwhile, Syracuse is starting former Duke point guard Greg Paulus at QB. How well will he play in his first football game since high school? Who knows but I can't wait to see. I'll pick SYRACUSE to win, mainly cause I don't trust Minnesota.

11. #11 LSU @ Washington - This should be an easy win for LSU on paper but on the field, it may be different. The Tigers have all the talent to compete for an SEC title but they're still a young team. Meanwhile, the Huskies are coming off a winless 2008, much of that thanks to a thumb injury to QB Jake Locker, their lone playmaker. He's back and healthy and former USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian takes over as head coach. LSU will still win this game but it'd be a good sign for Washington if they hang with the Tigers for a half.

12. South Carolina @ NC State (THURS) - A battle of two teams hoping to really improve upon mediocre seasons. The Gamecocks did make a New Year's bowl game but in now ways, were happy with a 7-6 season. Stephen Garcia returns as starter and is expected to do big things. Meanwhile, NCST rallied to make a bowl game and could carry that momentum into 2009. This game is a virtual toss-up, which should mean it's a close game. My pick is SOUTH CAROLINA by 3 points or less.

13. Baylor @ Wake Forest - Don't look now but the Baylor Bears are on the rise. Art Briles made strides in his first year and should make more this season. QB Robert Griffin should improve upon his freshman campaign and the defense should improve as a unit as well. On the other hand, Wake returns 9 starters on what was an anemic offense in 2008, but that does include reliable QB Riley Skinner. Last year, Wake won 41-13 at Baylor. It won't be that lopsided this time but WAKE FOREST will still win the ballgame.

14. #8 Ole Miss @ Memphis (SUN) - The last thing Ole Miss can afford to do in the beginning of the season is struggle out the gate on the road, playing a team like Memphis. It's not easy opening on the road, which is why this game makes the list. But Memphis is not a good team by any means this season. OLE MISS should roll but if this game is within 21, the doubters will surface early.

15. Central Michigan @ Arizona - The Chippewas struggled mightily down the stretch last year, losing their last 3. This year, they get the chance to start the year with a bang. QB Dan LeFevour is one of the more dynamic players in the nation and with 10 players on defense, CMU is no cupcake. Arizona returns 13 starters from last year's 8-5 team. They must replace their QB and their starting WRs so there may be a learning curve for the offense. That's enough for me to use my APPY pick on CENTRAL MICHIGAN to beat the Wildcats in Tucson.

EXTRA GAMES
Navy @ #6 Ohio State - All week, I've read all these quotes from Jim Tressel and QB Terrelle Pryor commenting on how good Navy is. While they are being politically correct and sportsmanlike, they are also lying. The Naval Academy will be no competition for the Buckeyes. The only concern is if OSU will be looking ahead to USC and not stumble out of the gates, like they did against OU in September 2008. OHIO STATE 45, NAVY 7

UConn @ Ohio - The last time a Big East school traveled to Peden Stadium, it was the MAC school that won the game. Granted, that was thanks to two infamous INT returns from Dion Byrum, but hey, a win is a win. This OU team has the potential to win the MAC East and I know how much this would mean to the Bobcat program. But UConn will be ready for this one and their defense should be stout enough to slow down the Bobcat offense. UCONN 27, OHIO 14

There they are. I'll keep tabs of my picks and compile how good/bad I do all season. Feel free to leave your opinions of my picks in the comments section. Most times, I will respond. Better chance if I actually know who you are by leaving your name. Enjoy the football everyone!

2009 College Football Preview - Day 3

I've talked non-conference games, schedules, and even made conference-by-conference predictions. The only thing left to do is to reveal my Top 25 and BCS predictions. Again, this is my FINAL Top 25, not my preseason Top 25. So this doesn't mean I think the #6 team is the 6th best team. Instead, it just means where I think these teams will finish when the season is over.

MY FINAL TOP 25

1. Texas - I still think they had a better chance of beating Florida than Oklahoma last year and that they deserved to be in that game. Whatever. This is their year. The 'Horns should run the table. Only tough games are vs. Oklahoma and at OK State. Oh, and QB Colt McCoy pulls a Vince Young and crushes the Heisman curse.

2. Florida - They return a Heisman Trophy winner. They return 11 starters on defense. They've won 2 titles in 3 years. So why not pick them to win? Because like in 2007, the pressure to repeat is tough. The Gators should run the table in the regular season. But they'll fall to the 'Horns in Pasadena.

3. Ohio State - If the Buckeyes get by USC, which I predict they will, I see them also running the table. This team lost a ton of talent but in 2002 when they won it all, the same happened. Terrelle Pryor will be unleashed and expect him to have the kind of impact on OSU that Michael Vick did for VT in 1999.

4. Oklahoma - No doubt, they are a great team. But only one team can win the Big 12. Last year Texas beat them. I see the same again. The schedule isn't overly easy but they should escape with just one loss. Sam Bradford will have a good season but not as good as last year. Call it a Heisman hangover.

5. USC - This team is almost in here by default. The Pac-10 is still weak. So while USC returns just 3 starters on defense, starting a frosh QB in Matt Barkley, and replacing both coordinators, they'll win the conference. Trips to OSU, Cal, ND, and Oregon won't be an easy task at all but 10-2 or 11-1 should be attainable.

6. Georgia Tech - Some may think this too high for them but I'm confident in this team. The triple-option attack is hard to prepare for, especially when only 5 or so teams run it. Thing is, GT runs it better than anyone else. I say 2 losses for them, an ACC title, and a bowl game victory. That happens, they finish right here.

7. Penn State - Their non-conference schedule is a joke. And besides OSU, the Big Ten is too. With only 8 starters returning, I don't see PSU beating OSU, even in Happy Valley. They may have trouble at Illinois and MSU but I predict wins. An 11-1 regular season followed by a bowl loss sounds right.

8. Ole Miss - This team could easily finish the regular season undefeated, thanks to an incredibly weak schedule. They miss Florida, a la Alabama in 2008. Plus, they get Bama at home. QB Jevan Snead showed signs of stardom last season. They won't beat Florida but at 12-1, they'll make a BCS bowl.

9. Boise State - Put this team in a real conference please! Yet again, the schedule is weak, but that's cause the WAC is weak. Once they beat Oregon in Week One (tomorrow), they'll finish 12-0 and find themselves in another BCS game. Look out for soph QB Kellen Moore. Could be a Heisman winner in 2010 or 2011.

10. Oklahoma State - Will be a better team than their record will indicate at the end of the year. Losses to Texas at home and at Oklahoma are in the cards but not without giving both teams a fight. QB Zach Robinson and WR Dez Bryant are a great show. It's the defense that will keep this team from a Big 12 title.

11. Alabama - Possibly, the most overrated team. They do return 9 starters from the 3rd best defense last year. But that defense will be on the field a lot this season, thanks to what will be an inept offense. New QB behind an inexperience line doesn't equal success. Will have at least 2 losses before the bowl game.

12. Virginia Tech - They struggled last year with a two-QB system and 3 frosh WRs. This year, the offense should be much improved. QB Tyrod Taylor will struggle through some games so VT will fall a few times. But the Bud Foster-coached defense will keep this team in the top 15 all season.

13. Cincinnati - The Bearcats are only this high because the Big East isn't that strong. Their offense should be even more dynamic than last year. But the defense returns just one starter. Yeah, just one. Look for losses at Oregon State, USF, and at home vs. Illinois. But they'll cruise to the conference title again.

14. California - In Jahvid Best they trust. the junior RB is no doubt one of the best, if not the best. But Cal has it rough in the Pac-10. Facing Oregon and USC back-to-back isn't easy. Not to mention they always seem prone to a bad loss, like last year's 42-27 at Arizona. They'll be good, just not great.

15. Utah - They didn't lose one game last season but this season, they've already lost both coordinators and NCAA Football 10 cover boy QB Brian Johnson. The schedule will prevent them from finishing unblemished. Road games at Oregon, TCU and BYU will mean one or two losses, which also means no BCS berth.

16. Kansas - I'm a big fan of QB Todd Reesing. with all 3 starting wideouts back, the offense will keep the Jayhawks in every game. But their defense still isn't strong enough to beat the likes of Oklahoma, Texas and maybe even Texas Tech in Lubbock. But getting Nebraska in Lawrence wins them the Big 12 North.

17. Florida State - If not for such a brutal schedule, this team would be higher. But I don't see this team surviving their schedule without falling at least 4 times. The offense should be much improved after a down couple years. But the defense returns just 5 starters, which worries me with their schedule.

18. Oregon State - Their home matchup against Cincinnati will be their first test before their tough conference schedule. Road games at USC, Oregon, Cal, and ASU means the Beavers will have to have their A-game every week. But that won't happen, even with playmaking RB Jacquizz Rodgers.

19. Nebraska - Bo Pelini has this team on the right track. But graduation was not kind to the Huskers. The new QB threw just 2 passes last season and they have all-new starters at every offensive skill position. The schedule includes trips to VT and Kansas and a home date with Oklahoma. Not easy, but not crazy hard.

20. Clemson - This may be wishful thinking. Clemson returns 15 starters and that doesn't include all-ACC player C.J. Spiller. But the team needs to improve on offense incredibly to contend. Dabo Swinney has the fan base excited. Having TCU and FSU at home is nice but on the road at GT and South Carolina is not.

21. Michigan State - No Javon Ringer to carry the team anymore. No, this year, it'll be about the defense in East Lansing. With the Big Ten weak, the Spartans should have a good record. They miss OSU and they get PSU and Iowa at home. They could be upset though by ND, Illinois, and even Central Michigan.

22. Oregon - 10 starters return for the Ducks but head coach Mike Bellotti does not. New head man Chip Kelly enters his first head coaching gig with a tough September slate. First, a trip to Boise St and then at home against Purdue, Utah and Cal. After that though, it's favorable with USC, ASU and ORST all in Eugene.

23. LSU - It was a bad year for the Tigers last year, going 3-5 in SEC play. It shouldn't be that bad this season but road games at UGA, Bama and Ole Miss should be 3 losses. Add a home date against Florida and there's loss #4. If the offense and pass defense improves, the Tigers should avoid loss #5.

24. Georgia - The big 3 on offense (Stafford, Moreno and Massaqoui) are gone. And so are some big players on defense. That doesn't bode well for a team with probably the hardest schedule in America. Start the year at OKST, finish at GT and Florida in between. Their success will depend on QB Joe Cox.

25. TCU - They may have the least feared nickname in the college game (Horned Frogs) but teams should still fear them. They had the best defense in the NCAA last year but only return 4 starters. But expect another solid season from TCU. They travel to Clemson and BYU but do get Utah in Fort Worth.

BCS BOWLS PREDICTIONS

January 1: USC vs. Ohio State - In the rematch of these two conference champs from September, expect a closer game, especially considering the game is in USC's backyard. USC frosh QB Matt Barkley should be much improved from his first performance in the Shoe. But look for the Buckeyes to redeem themselves after an array of big-time bowl losses with a game-winning FG at the horn. OSU 31, USC 28


January 1: Ole Miss vs. Boise State - Last year, it was an SEC team with nothing to gain in Alabama. This is different though, because Ole Miss is not regarded as one of the highly regarded programs. Boise State will be competitive but look for Ole Miss to not be too wrapped about their lost title game bid but instead, show up ready for this game and win. Ole Miss 42, Boise State 31


January 4: Oklahoma vs. Penn State - Pitting two teams with just one loss, this one should be a gem. Sam Bradford plays great in his final game as a Sooner before turning pro. Meanwhile, Daryll Clark performs admirably to make up for his 2009 Rose Bowl performance. The difference in the game ends up being Oklahoma's tougher schedule, preparing them for the Nittany Lions. Oklahoma 45, Penn State 27

January 5: Cincinnati vs. Georgia Tech - In what will be billed as a game between programs on the rise, this one will be ugly. Cincinnati will come in ready to play like they were last year against VT. But Georgia Tech will be coming off an impressive ACC title game victory over FSU and riding that wave to a blowout of a Cincy team still trying to gain respect nationally. Georgia Tech 34, Cincinnati 10


January 7: Texas vs. Florida - After 5-6 weeks of excruciating coverage, the BCS title game will provide us with plenty of offense. Tim Tebow will play an amazing game, proving he is one of the best college players of all-time. But this time under the lights, as it was 4 years before, it will be a Longhorn who steals the spotlight. Heisman Trophy winner Colt McCoy drives the Horns to the endzone for the game-winning TD and the national championship. Instant Classic anyone? Texas 41, Florida 38

NEXT: Week 1 Preview

2009 College Football Preview - Day 2

Alright, I've previewed the best non-conference games of the year. I've also highlighted the teams who have it tough out of conference and those who well, are just looking to pad their record and don't care about actually challenging themselves.

So now, it's time to move on to more predictions. This time, I'm predicting the winners of every conference AND making my pick for the 2009 Heisman Trophy.


ATLANTIC
1. Florida State
2. Clemson
3. NC State
4. Wake Forest
5. Boston College
6. Maryland

CENTRAL
1. Georgia Tech
2. Virginia Tech
3. North Carolina
4. Miami (FL)
5. Virginia
6. Duke

ACC Champion: Georgia Tech
Team To Watch: NC State
Best Player: Johnathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech


NORTH
1. Kansas
2. Nebraska
3. Missouri
4. Colorado
5. Kansas State
6. Iowa State

SOUTH
1. Texas
2. Oklahoma
3. Oklahoma State
4. Baylor
5. Texas Tech
6. Texas A+M

Big 12 Champion: Texas
Team To Watch: Baylor
Best Player: Colt McCoy, QB, Texas


1. Cincinnati
2. South Florida
3. Rutgers
4. Pittsburgh
5. West Virginia
6. UConn
7. Louisville
8. Syracuse

Big East Champion: Cincinnati
Team To Watch: Rutgers
Best Player: (Tie) Matt Grothe, QB, South Florida and Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati


1. Ohio State
2. Penn State
3. Michigan State
4. Illinois
5. Northwestern
6. Iowa
7. Wisconsin
8. Minnesota
9. Michigan
10. Purdue
11. Indiana

Big Ten Champion: Ohio State
Team To Watch: Illinois
Best Player: Daryll Clark, QB, Penn State


1. USC
2. California
3. Oregon State
4. Oregon
5. Arizona State
6. Stanford
7. UCLA
8. Arizona
9. Washington
10. Washington State

Pac-10 Champion: USC
Team To Watch: Stanford
Best Player: Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State


EAST
1. Florida
2. Georgia
3. South Carolina
4. Vanderbilt
5. Tennessee
6. Kentucky

WEST
1. Ole Miss
2. Alabama
3. LSU
4. Arkansas
5. Auburn
6. Mississippi State

SEC Champion: Florida
Best Player: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Team To Watch: South Carolina


EAST: East Carolina
WEST: Tulsa
CHAMPION: Tulsa
BEST PLAYER: Case Keenum, QB, Houston


EAST: Buffalo
WEST: Central Michigan
CHAMPION: Central Michigan
BEST PLAYER: Dan LeFevour, QB, Central Michigan

CHAMPION: Utah
BEST PLAYER: Max Hall, QB, BYU


CHAMPION: Troy
BEST PLAYER: Corey Leonard, QB, Arkansas State


CHAMPION: Boise State
BEST PLAYER: Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State


NOTRE DAME: 8-4



HEISMAN PREDICTIONS
1. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
2. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
3. Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
4. Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State
5. Johnathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech
6. Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State

NEXT: My Final Top 25 and BCS Bowl predictions

2009 College Football Preview - Day 1

I don't know about you but the wait for the football season has been UNBEARABLE. Thanks to the Indians and my awful fantasy draft, this baseball season has been one of the most boring yet. But thanks to football, I can turn my attention from America's pastime to America's presentime (that's not a word, I know.)

Like last year, I will have a weekly preview of each week (posted on Thursdays), including the top 15 games and predictions. I will also have a weekly recap on Sundays, with my Big Ten things we learned and other fun sections.

But this week is all about previewing the 2009 college football season. Here's the schedule for the blog:
TODAY: Best non-conference games and toughest/easiest non-conference schedules
TUESDAY: Conference predictions and Heisman predictions
WEDNESDAY: My Final Top 25 and BCS Bowl predictions
THURSDAY: College Football Week 1 Predictions

Now, as I stated last year, I am not a college football expert. I freely admit that. I am an avid college football fan. So while I may act like I know what I am talking about, I don't know it all. No one does. Many of my predictions are based on stats and such but the fan bias will show up. Oh, and finally, argue with me please. I appreciate a good argument about sports, because no matter what, no one is wrong.

TOP 10 NON-CONFERENCE GAMES 2009
(***NOTE: This does not count annual rivalry games such as UGA-GT, FSU-UF, USC-ND, etc..)

10. TCU @ Clemson (Sept. 26) - This one may not jump off the page for you but consider this. TCU has a good chance to go undefeated once again but to do that, they must get by this trip to Death Valley. Last year, the Horned Frogs fell at Oklahoma, crushing any BCS dreams. TCU would still have to get by BYU and Utah but this game comes first.

9. Utah @ Oregon (Sept. 19) - Oregon is going to a be a top-20 team all year. same probably goes with Utah. So when they meet in September, it will be an interesting matchup of two teams hoping to prove something. For Utah, it's another chance to prove they belong among the big boys. For Oregon, it's a chance that to face a quality opponent outside of the weak Pac-10 and at home.

8. Cincinnati @ Oregon State (Sept. 19) - A battle of Top 25 teams and a true road test for what is going to be a young, inexperienced Cincinnati defense. The Bearcats only return one starter and just 2 games into the season, have to try and contain RB Jacquizz Rodgers. Neither team will be making a BCS Championship this year but this should be a fun game to watch.

7. Nebraska @ Virginia Tech (Sept. 19) - Seems like every year, Virginia Tech has an outside shot of making a BCS Championship. This is one of those years, with 15 starters coming back. But Nebraska is not joke, especially with Bo Pelini as head coach. Last year, the Huskers lost 35-30 in Lincoln. This year, expect another close game with the winner gaining much-needed confidence before conference play. Oh, and respect across the nation.

6. Georgia @ Oklahoma State (Sept. 5) - Week 1 games don't get much better than this. OK State returns one of the most dynamic offenses in college football. UGA loses 3 big cogs in their offense but the defense should be solid. It's hard to read either team right now. UGA has a new QB and RB while OK State only has 6 starters returning from what was the 93rd ranked defense last year.

5. Illinois vs. Cincinnati (Nov. 27) - For the day after Thanksgiving, I think we should give thanks for such an attractive non-conference matchup. Both teams will be nearing the end of their regular season and probably, playing their best ball of the year. For both, this game won't determine bowl game locations but instead, bragging rights and poll position. Sometimes, those are the best kinds of games when the only thing on the line is pride.

4. Oregon @ Boise State (Sept. 3) - Really happy the college football season begins with a game like this one. Oregon lost to the Broncos last year in Eugene and now, they have to play on the blue turf. It's good to see a big-name school have the guts to travel and play a team of Boise State's caliber. I wish more teams would do it. This is a big one for Boise State. If they win, they probably run the table yet again.

3. BYU vs. Oklahoma (in Arlington, TX) (Sept. 5) - This will probably end up being an easy win for Oklahoma but there's a chance this could be close. First off, it will be played on a fairly neutral field. Secondly, BYU is led by a senior QB that racked up 444.8 ypg last year. They also return 8 starters on a defense that should be much improved. And because it is week one, who knows what could happen. Can anyone say Appalachian State-Michigan?

2. Virginia Tech vs. Alabama (in Atlanta) - Battle of two top-10 teams in the first week of the season. For one, a great chance to make a statement off the bat. For another, national title chances take a huge hit immediately. Last year, Alabama had a convincing win over Clemson in this game and then rattled off 10 more wins in a row. The intriguing matchup in this one is the Bama defense vs. the VT offense. Should make for a fun first Saturday.

1. USC @ Ohio State (Sept. 12) - Was there any doubt? Not because I am an OSU fan but because this game truly is the biggest of the year. Both teams know what's on the line. Both conferences are weak and both teams will probably win them. So winning this game shows voters that they are for real. Last year, USC demolished OSU, proving they were superior. This year, it's in Columbus and the Bucks are looking for revenge. A win for OSU could lead to an undefeated season, but does that mean a BCS title game shot? Same goes for USC, except if they go undefeated, they're in easily.


TOUGHEST NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULES
(***NOTE: Among BCS conference teams and Notre Dame)
5. Cincinnati - Sept. 12 @ SE Missouri State, Sept. 19 @ Oregon State, Sept. 26 vs. Fresno State, Nov. 27 vs. Illinois
4. Oregon - Sept. 3 @ Boise State, Sept 12 vs. Purdue, Sept. 19 vs. Utah
3. Virginia Tech - Sept. 5 vs. Alabama (in Atlanta), Sept. 12 vs. Marshall, Sept. 19 vs. Nebraska, Nov. 5 @ East Carolina
2. Florida State - Sept. 12 vs. Jacksonville State, Sept. 19 @ BYU, Sept. 26 vs. South Florida, Nov. 28 @ Florida
1. Georgia - Sept. 5 @ Oklahoma State, Sept. 26 vs. Arizona State, Nov. 7 vs. Tennessee Tech, Nov. 28 @ Georgia Tech

EASIEST NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULES
(***NOTE: Among BCS conference teams and Notre Dame)
5. Ole Miss - Sept. 6 @ Memphis, Sept. 19 vs. SE Louisiana, Oct. 17 vs. UAB, Nov. 7 vs. Northern Arizona
4. Kansas - Sept. 5 vs. Northern Colorado, Sept. 12 @ UTEP, Sept. 19 vs. Duke, Sept. 26 vs. Southern Miss
3. Northwestern - Sept. 5 vs. Towson, Sept. 12 vs. Eastern Michigan, Sept. 19 @ Syracuse, Oct. 10 vs. Miami (OH)
2. Penn State - Sept. 5 vs. Akron, Sept. 12 vs. Syracuse, Sept. 19 vs. Temple, Oct. 10 vs. Eastern Illinois
1. LSU - Sept. 5 @ Washington, Sept. 19 vs. UL-Lafayette, Oct. 31 vs. Tulane, Nov. 14 vs. Louisiana Tech

TOMORROW: Conference predictions and Heisman predictions