The Top 8 NCAA Football Teams Entering 2009

By Jay Washburn

8. Ole Miss to compete for the SEC. I really like this team this season because of a relatively weak division (save for Florida), and the fact that I do think they can actually beat the Gators, though not every time out. Snead seems to have Tebow's number and I see this team making the Sugar Bowl.

7. Virginia Tech. Things were looking great for Virginia Tech before losing their running back for the entire year. Coming off a disappointing season last year (9-4), the ACC is weaker this year than last. I can't see this team finishing at the #7 spot and they have a tough road ahead of them.

6. Ohio State. I could see Ohio State back in the national title game, assuming the team wins the games it's supposed to. Terrell Pryor will do some great things for this team, and if they don't make the BCS championship, a Rose Bowl is in the cards.

5. Alabama. Yet another team that could easily compete for the BCS championship. Alabama should coast through most of the season, save for its match-ups against LSU, the Vols, and the Rebels. While an undefeated season is unlikely, the team's finish shouldn't be too far off.

4. Pac10's - USC. Big favorites to punch their ticket early to the BCS title game, pending no unexpected surprise losses to Stanford or Oregon State. Their toughest game will be against Ohio State early in the season. Their issue will be adapting a young offense to the pressure of prime time and running up the score board. There is no reason they should play in any other bowl game outside of the BCS championship unless they cant win the voters over from the Big 12. In that case they will fall to the Rose Bowl against the Big 10 winner which will probably be Ohio State, De Ja Vue anyone?

3. Oklahoma. The battle between the Sooners and the Longhorns will be fierce this year, and either team could come out on top when all is said and done. Some great receivers, Bradford at QB, and maturity should make the Sooners a top force all season. While their schedule is a bit demanding, the hardest game (and only one they should be favored to lose) is the one against Texas in the sixth week of the season. I see the winner of this game in the title game.

2. Texas. This team is favored to win the Big 12 and easily one of the best teams in the nation. With Colt McCoy returning at quarterback and a top notch defense, there are few better teams (if any) than than the Horns.

1. Florida. As long as Tim Tebow is on the team, there's no reason to discount this team's ability. Almost all of the entire team last season (besides Harvin and Nelson) is back for another season, and Florida has the experience and the talent to go all away. The Gators are the favorites entering the season.

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