College Football Preview ‘09
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. My cousin’s favorite song to accompany her favorite sport - football. We’re going to focus on college football for this one though.
The Florida Gators are the preseason #1, no surprise there. I’m not a Gator fan by any means (FSU all the way!), but I’ve heard it is a pretty nice area. If you’re starting school in the fall you may want to check out some off campus housing near Florida State University or the University of Florida. With Tim Tebow returning for his senior season, the Gators are predicted to win their third national title in four years. The top ten also includes: Texas, Oklahoma, USC, Virginia Tech, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Alabama, Penn State and Oklahoma State, in that order.
The top ten rankings don’t show it, but the SEC is going to be a lot stronger this season with five teams in the top 25 (Florida, Alabama, LSU, Mississippi and Georgia). LSU has been known for their defense in the past, but have struggled since power defensive lineman, Glenn Dorsey left in ‘08. I have high hopes for the Tigers, though. Georgia is a school that continues to go after it year after year; they finished last year with a very respectable 10-3 record. Coach Mark Richt has a no nonsense attitude and apparently so does the Bulldogs’ mascot, UGA.
It’s clear that quarterbacks dominate discussion for this season with the top three Heisman candidates, Colt McCoy (Texas), Sam Bradford (Oklahoma) and Tim Tebow (Florida) all starting in the QB position. Two of them hail from the Big 12 conference; Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford. Out of these three, my vote goes to Colt McCoy because I’m neither a Florida nor Oklahoma fan. My hatred for Oklahoma stems back to 2003 win they gave Jason White the Heisman trophy. Larry Fitzgerald got robbed! What ever happened to Mr. White anyway? Has anyone seen or heard from him? Is he even in the NFL anymore? That would be a NO! This is one of the many reasons why I’m looking forward to the Red River Rivalry even more this season.
Last season Texas beat Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry even with the horrible officiating throughout the game. And I will never understand how the Sooners jumped the Longhorns in the rankings last season when they clearly beat them in the head to head. There will never be a logical explanation for that mess. That’s the BCS ranking system for you. But if you’re thinking about moving and you’re an avid college football fan like me, think about Texas as many would argue the Lone Star state is home to the best college football athletes in the country. Check out some apartments for rent in Dallas, Austin and San Antonio.
Schools in the rebuilding phase: Notre Dame. They are currently listed as #23 in USA Today Poll. I think that’s rather high especially with Charlie Weis’ job hanging in the balance. If the Fighting Irish don’t come through this year, he’s probably done. The Irish have ranked in college football’s elite throughout history, but you wouldn’t know it from recent seasons. They finished last season with a less than respectable 6-6 record. That’s not going to get it done this year. But if you’re still holding on to the Irish’s old glory days (like my father) then you’ll want to check out some apartments in South Bend.
Miami is another school that’s had its share of struggles. Miami really hasn’t been the same since the Ken Dorsey/Willis McGahee era (I’m not a Hurricanes fan, but I’m secretly a WM fan). Even though they’re not ranked in the top 25, the ‘Canes have a lot of returning talent and look to start the season strong. However, their first game is against the ‘Noles on 9/7 so that’s a guaranteed loss. Sorry Miami.
It looks like this is going to be a pretty eventful season. Many analysts predict the Gators to win the 2010 National Championship, but I think it’s still up in the air. Either way, I can’t wait for the season to start. Everyone mark your calendar for Thursday, September 3rd. Hard hitting and pigskin, that’s what I live for.
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