Tuesday, August 25, 2009

The Best College Football Teams to Start the Season

By Chad Saunders

8. Ole Miss Rebels. I see this team starting out at #8, and Jevon Snead should be a driving force in 2009. He also has Tim Tebow figured out, so anything can happen in a game against the Gators. Don't sleep on the Rebels.

7. ACC's - Virginia Tech. The Hokies had a good chance to repeat as ACC champs until they lost their starting HB for the season. They had a mediocre season finishing 9-4. This season 9-4 might win the ACC but will be no where near close to be in the top ten or the National Title game.They will need to beatAlabama, Miami, Georgia Techand Nebraska to even be consideredfor the title which they will be lucky to beat 3 of the 4.At best, Virginia Tech will fall to the Gator Bowl against the Big East or Notre Dame.

6. Big 10's - Ohio State. The buckeyes have a good chance to make it to the National Title. They must go undefeated or lose a close one to a really good team like USC or Penn State and hope no one else goes undefeated. Above all, They need to beat USC when they visit in week 2 to establish they are ready for prime time with returning sophomore QB Terrell Pryor. They must avoid an upset loss to Minnesota and Penn State. If they miss the Title Game they definitely should make the the Rose bowl against the Pac Ten if they can defeat Penn State and send them to the Capital One Bowl against a SEC team.

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. USC. The hardest game for USC will take place against the Buckeyes, which takes place during once of the first few weeks. This is a young team and will be tested many times throughout the season. Still, there's plenty of talent to go around and this team could go all the way.

3. Big 12's - Oklahoma. Oklahoma Sooners are a big favorite to upset Texas and represent the Big 12 in the Championship game. With returning Heisman winner Bradford and a returning receiver lineup that put up record numbers last year. Oklahoma has a tough schedule including BYU, Miami, Kansas, Kansas State, Nebraska, and Oklahoma St, whom allthey should defeat.Oklahoma's only speed bump and possible detour will be Texas in week 6. The winner of that game will represent 1 half of the BCS title game. If they miss the Title game they will more than likely play in theFiesta Bowl against the ACC or Undefeated WAC/MAC team.

2. Big 12's - Texas. Texas Longhorns are the other big favorite to represent the Big 12 in the title game. They have essentially the same schedule as Oklahoma and are returning most of their starters on offense, including standout QB Colt McCoy,and defense. Week 6 against Oklahoma will determine which bowl game they will reserve in January, the Orangeor BCS title game. Likely to lose one game in an upset.

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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