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Went out today and purchased my very own version of the College Football Bible.
Phil Steele's 2009 College Football Preview.
Since 2001, it has become a ritual that I have become quite fond of performing. And as crazy as it sounds, I feel naked without it. Especially since I'm a certified College Football nut.
Funny how as you get older, it truly is the simple things in life that mean the most.
Now I simply need to take my tattered 2008 version and toss it on top of the pile of the previous 7 magazines that I still keep in storage.
Storage being a relative term. Storage meaning it is in my personal library (box) of old issues that I can simply retrieve at a moment's notice.
If you have never purchased this magazine, let me say that it is without any doubt the "Official College Football Preview Magazine" on the planet. 328 pages of information that even the most die-hard of College Football fans will leaf through throughout the entire College Football season.
My personal guarantee.
As of today, we officially have 86 days until the start of the College Football season. Can it really be less than 3 months?
On September 3rd, the College Football season will officially kick off with the pairing of South Carolina @ North Carolina State. Televised in HD by ESPN. Following that nice start to the season is a later telecast featuring Oregon @ Boise State.
A very nice 2 game set to truly kick off what will undoubtedly be another incredible College Football season. The Oregon @Boise State game should create some real interest from College Football fans. Just last year, the Broncos defeated Oregon in Autzen Stadium, lost only 1 game (by a sinlge point), and then finished behind the Ducks in just about everybody's poll after the season concluded. Which team has the bigger chip on their shoulder?
So, to start off this sensational season, I'll simply offer up the teams that I truly believe are the true contenders to this year's National Title. In this edition I'll give some brief entries as to why they can contend, and in future previews really break these teams down.
Without anymore bogus crap, here are the teams that I think can win the ever elusive Crystal Football:
Florida: First and foremost, the list has to start here. The defending champs are simply loaded. Along with all-everything wunderkind Tim Tebow at the helm, the mighty Gators return 18 starters. And in all reality, 20 guys who have started a game at some point in time in their career. The defense has ALL 11 returning. Let me restate that. EVERY SINGLE DEFENSIVE STARTER FROM LAST YEAR IS RETURNING. This is the same defense that pretty well shut down an Oklahoma offense that was on an NCAA record-setting of 60+ point, 5 game barrage on the NCAA record books.
"In Vegas you'll be lucky to get the Gators at 9/5 odds. Then again, is a $9K wager to win $14K that bad of an investment on this crew?"
Texas: Colt McCoy. Just like Tebow, Colt is back for his Senior season. After having finished runner-up to Sam Bradford and Oklahoma in not only the Heisman Trophy voting, but also the Big 12 Championship game and National Title. All in the same year. Does anybody think the Longhorns might have a bit of a chip on their proverbial shoulder? Especially after handing Oklahoma their only loss of the regular season. With 16 starters returning, Texas is the slight favorite to represent the BIg 12.
"Colt could be argued as the best leader in all of College Football. Super Tim included. His chances may lay at the hands of his RB's, OL, and defense that needs to step up to his level."
Oklahoma: Yes, like Tebow and McCoy, Sam Bradford is also returning. (Shocked, I'm sure by this revealing newsflash). After an incredible 2008 campaign, the Sooners return some significant pieces to the puzzle that offered them great success in 2008. Alongside Bradford will be a stable of capable RB's in DeMarco Murray, Chris Brown, and the often overlooked Mossis Madu. They need to replace Iglesias and Johnson at WR, but the stable of quality WR's at OU is far from being bare. All told, the Sooners bring back 14 starters, including 9 on defense. Their biggest hurdle to overcome is how to replace NFL draftee's in Duke Robinson and Phil Loadholt. On the good side of the ledger is the return of superstud TE Jermaine Gresham and LT Trent Williams. Both are projected to be high NFL draft picks next year.
"With 3 losses in the last 4 years to Texas, the Sooners have been lucky to come out of the Big 12 as champions in 3 of those 4 years. Can they afford another loss to their biggest rival to still compete for a title? The best rivalry game in all of College Football this year will be the very heated Red Rivalry Game. That is a no-brainer."
USC: Since 2003, it would be relatively silly to not include USC on any National Title early season 'hit' list. 2009 is no different. At USC they don't rebuild, they simply reload. As often as that catch-phrase is used, it is never more true than when speaking about the mighty Trojans. Like most years, USC has lost a bevy of talent to the NFL. Mark Sanchez opted out a year early, but a crop of future studs is sitting behind him to take over the helm. Don't expect much of a dropoff if any from the QB position at USC. (All signs point towards super-talented sophomore Aaron Corp to beat out the former 5 star talents in Mitch Mustain and Matt Barkley(true freshman).) With only 3 defensive starters returning for the Trojans, one would expect some frustrating games and moments for USC on that side of the ball. Don't. A new crop of stud LB's and DL are simply waiting in the wings, and with what could be considered the best OL and crop of RB's in the country, it won't take long for the Trojans to 'regroup'. Likely it will take a quarter or two to iron things out this year for the Trojans to serve notice that they aren't dropping off the proverbial map just yet.
"Does USC's outstanding 6-1 BCS Bowl record follow them home with a loss, or do they again get slapped in the face by the voters? Then again, they may well take matters into their own hands and run the table."
LSU: To keep the top 5 premier programs in place for this decade, I'll include the LSU TIgers . Many might not be expecting much out of these Tigers in '09. Especially after a humbling 8-5 season in which the defending champions gave up 50 or more points to 2 opponents. The first time in the history of College Football that a defending champion gave up more than 50 points in 2 games the following year. But what the Tigers do have back is 14 starters, including a QB that found some late magic in the '08 season. Jordan Jefferson showed some growing pains throughout the 2008 campaign, but showed in the bowl game victory over Georgia Tech that he can be the answer. We also can't discredit the fact that super-stud recruit Russell Shepard will be in camp this fall.
"Alabama and Ole Miss showed big signs of improvement last year in the SEC West, but I look to the Tigers to show they are the best of the best in the West in '09."
Ohio State: Scoff all you want, but yet again the Buckeyes should be considered as legitimate Title contenders in '09. Superstar QB recruit Terrelle Pryor is now a year older, a year better, and with a year of starting experience under his belt. With the departure of Beanie Wells, the show on offense is all for him to orchestrate. On the flip side, like USC, they lost a lot of talent to the NFL. But in retrospect, it is that 'talent' that is lost that may be a godsend for these Buckeyes. They can start over fresh with a hungrier, faster, and more confident bunch than the studs that just left. Without any doubt in my mind, Jim Tressel is a great coach. Look for Pryor and super-stud WR Devier Posey to make some noise this year for the Buckeyes. With the departure of Beanie their RB crop isn't exactly weak either. And as always, the Buckeye stop unit will be one of the Big 10's best.
"If the Bucks can beat USC in their house in September, it will set a lot of things in motion that they are true contenders. If not, the public won't give them much of a slide this year. Beat USC or bust."
That is my Pick 6 before the season starts. Who do you got?
As always, best of luck to you and yours and good luck to your team in what is sure to be another fantabulous year of College Football.
Thanks to: http://philsteele.com/index.html, and http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/standings for much of the information and icons used in this article.
During the late '80s and early '90s, the alt-band 'The Posies' even compiled an album and song with such a title....."Flavor of the Month".
Zac Robinson - QB - Oklahoma State: Yep, we all know about Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, and even the little general from Kansas in Todd Reesing. But for even die-hard Big 12 fans Zac Robinson has seen little fanfare in his last 2 years of success while running the helm at Okie State. 
Evan Royster - RB - Penn State: Last year in Happy Valley it was all about the Spread HD, Daryll Clark and the WR combo of Norwood, Williams, and Butler. That along with a stingy Nittany Lion defense and Joe Pa searching for yet another elusive National Title..jpg)
Aaron Corp - QB - USC: Since Pete Carrol has been on campus at USC, 10 win seasons and great play out of their QB are about as normal as taxes and Pac 10 Championships. 
Minnesota: Lost in the fanfare surrounding the Nittany Lions run towards possible greatness last year in the Big 10 was the Golden Gophers charge to a 7-1 season and top 25 ranking. 
Arkansas: Sure, many people don't like Bobby Petrino. Get over it. He is a good coach, and he proved his worth over the 2008 season.
California: This may not be as much of a surprise as the 1st two, but the Bears should be challenging for Pac 10 supremacy in 2009.
Bo Pelini: Call me a homer. But rarely do I put my Huskers in an article as such. However, the 2009 season is huge for Bo if he is to bring my Huskers back to being respected.
Butch Davis: Not a big surprise, but ol' Butch is at it again. Recruiting well and coaching hard to get a program back. The Tar Heels have a lot of young talent on the roster and should be competing for an ACC title in '09. The loss of spectacular WR's in Brandon Tate and Hakeem Nicks to the NFL speak volumes about how far he has already brought this program.
Tom O'Brien: I'll delve back into the ACC and find another gem in Tom O'Brien. When he left Boston College it was definitely a surprise to see him show up in Raleigh, NC. 
1. Missouri: The 2009 Missouri Tigers headline my list of teams that will likely see the biggest fall in this years College Football season. Losing such players as Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin, Chase Coffman, Sean Weatherspoon, and William Moore would be tough for any program. Throw into the mix that Missouri is far from being considered a 'reloading' type program and the 2009 season could turn into a serious drop in wins for the Tiger faithful. This is a crucial year for the Missouri program as Coch Pinkel will need to prove that the Tigers have staying power as one of the top programs in the Big 12. Anything short of 9 wins will only show that the Tigers still have some work to do in rebuilding a program back to their '70s heydays. 
2. Texas Tech: Call me a conference homer. but I have to put the Red Raiders in as my #2 team looking to fall the most in 2009. Losing what could well be considered the greatest QB and greatest WR in the history of the program will be tough to overcome. With that said. the Red Raiders are the ONLY team in the Big 12 that has garnered a winning season in each and every year since the inception of the conference in 1996. The fall might not be nearly as bad as what I expect from Missouri, but to rise in the ranks to a #2 BCS ranking will be a difficult task for the Red Raiders to come close to achieving. A top 15 ranking is still possible, but a 4 to 5 loss season seems much more possible in a brutal Big 12 South that includes heavyweights in Oklahoma, Texas, and Oklahoma State. Texas A&M will be much better than last year, and Baylor took them to the wire last year as well. Toss in what can be considered the two best teams from the North in Kansas and @ Nebraska, along with a road trip to Houston, and the Raiders are facing a much tougher schedule to boot.
3. Alabama: This may be very shocking to many that I include the Tide on the list of teams likely to fall in 2009. But when you consider the Tide were rewarded with a much easier schedule than anyone could beleive in 2008, I don't see this as being that far-fetched. During the 2008 season, the Tide were lucky to get an SEC West loaded with teams in a year of turmoil. LSU, Arkansas, Auburn, MIssissippi State, and Ole Miss should all field teams that are better than last year. Some of these teams will look to be MUCH more competitive in 2009. The season opener against Virginia Tech will also be much tougher than the laugher that was against a severely overrated Clemson squad. There is no Florida or Georgia on the schedule, but the Tide have road games to Kentucky, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Auburn this year. I fully expect we see at least 2 more regular season losses for the Tide in 2009 than the ZERO they had last year. John Parker Wilson will likely not go down in Alabama lore as one of the school's 10 best QB's, but he was a 3 year starter. And any 3 year starter is very difficult to replace. The defense should be awesome, but the offense could very well sputter. Especially wilth the loss of 4 starters on the OL. As talented as Julio Jones and the RB's are for Alabama, if there are not any running lanes or passing lanes to get them the ball, they just won't be able to produce. 
4. Penn State: Yes, Darryl Clark is back in his 2nd year as the head signal-caller for the Nittany Lions. Yes, they do have a favorable schedule, but since Penn State has been in the Big 10 conference, they have yet to claim back-to-back Big 10 titles. We should also see the Big 10 regroup and be a much better overall conference than the disaster that was 2008. The Lions will be heavily hit on the OL, WR, DE, and in the secondary. The loss of playmaking WR's in Butler, Norwood, and Williams will be extremely difficult to replace for the newly formed Spread HD in Happy Valley. The only top end Big 10 team the Nits don't face will be Wisconsin. But road games to Illinois, Michigan, and Michigan State will be much tougher than anybody believes they will be as of this moment. A 3 to 4 loss regular season is definitely not outside the realm of possibility, and with only 11 starters returning it could turn into a rebuilding year in Happy Valley even with an easy 3-0 start to the season.
5. West Virginia: The hiring of Bill Stewart saw the Mountaineers fall from a BCS Fiesta Bowl romp over Oklahoma, to a t2nd place Big East finish and a 4 loss season. We also notice that all-everything QB Pat White will no longer be donning the helm that he held for 4 years. With the continued improvement expected from Pittsburgh, Louisville, and South Florida, along with a Rutgers team that finished the seaon on a 7 game win streak, the 'Neers also find themselves amid a conference that should see a lot of overall improvement from nearly everyone in the league. If you can't win a conference championship in Pat White's senior year, what should we expect with a brand new QB? Yes, Jarret Brown is talented, and Noel Devine has game-breaking ability at RB, but the entire starting OL is gone. Not a good combination with a new QB is thrown into the mix. With a schedule that includes non-conference contests with Auburn and Colorado along with a season ending 4 game road tilt, the couch-burning capital could find themselves fighting for a .500 season and bowl eligibility in 2009.
2. Stanford: Jim Harbaugh is doing an incredible job in building a respectable team in Palo Alto. Albeit, it is very much unnoticed outside of Pac 10 faithful. He has been bringing in very solid recruiting classes over the past couple of years, and the Cardinal were extremely competitive in virtually every contest last year. Look for continued improvement on the defensive end, and with a solid QB and RB core in place, the Cardinal will be a very tough out for anybody in the Pac 10 in 2009. The Cardinal have built some much needed depth that they have severely lacked over the past several years. Look for the Cardinal to go bowling in 2009, and they could be THE surprise team in 2009.
3. Michigan: After a 3-9 season in Ann Arbor, we should fully expect at least 3 to 4 more wins for the Wolverines in 2009. The much-maligned Rich Rodriguez hire was big time news last year, and he definitely needs to prove his worth this year. The offense was at many times downright atrocious last year in which they had many a 3 and out coupled with a plethora of penalties. Expect that problem to receive some serious repair in '09. Rich didn't become a bad coach overnight. He just came head-on into a situation in which his offense just wasn't the right fit for the talent he had on hand. He has a couple of youngsters on campus that can run his spread offense to select from, and we have seen him be effective with a true freshman QB leading his offense in the past. There is still a ton of talent on hand in Ann Arbor, and we should full well expect this team to rebound this year. Don't be shocked if Michigan is competing for a Big 10 title in '09.
4. North Carolina: Butch Davis is at it again. HIs impressive job he performed at Miami in rebuilding them in the late '90s and early 00's is very well respected. Since he has arrived at North Carolina he has upgraded the talent level in which they are now considered ACC title worthy. The loss of the solid WR tandem of Nicks and Tate will be hard to replace, but the real story for the Heels in '09 will be a defense that should rank amongst the ACC's best. Look for the Tar Heels to seriously compete for the ACC title this year, and if things fall into place, this very well could be a National Title sleeper this year.
5. Notre Dame: Here I am again, sticking my neck out for the incomparable Charlie Weis and the Fighting Irish. But with the return of a 2 year starting QB along with a severe upgrade in talent over the past 4 years, the Irish could be on the brink of returning to NCAA football respect. The schedule isn't easy, but outside of USC, every game looks to be winnable. No doubt that Charlie is fighting for his job this year, but it could also turn into a dream season for the Irish faithful. Don't be surprised if the Irish garner 10 wins and a BCS bowl bid this season. The emergence of a 'smarter' Clausen coupled with MIchael Floyd and Kyle Rudolph should move the Irish in the right direction. If they can get a more solid performance out of their OL and DL, the Irish may even be able to compete with the Trojans this season. Earmark early season tussles with Michigan, Michigan State, and USC to show us just how far the Irish have really come. 
horse. Throw in the losses of such players as James Lauranaitis, Beanie Wells, Brian Robiskie, Malcolm Jenkins, and Alex Boone and one would be led to believe that the Buckeyes are in for a long year. However, they still have a guy by the name of Terrelle Pryor on their roster, and in 2009 the Buckeyes will be his show to run. If they can get an early season upset victory over USC, this team could be well on their way of a much needed 'redemption' year. There is still a lot of talent in Columbus, and a reload of talent may be just what they need to turn the tables.
9. Tennessee: The Vols just saw one of the greatest coaches in the history of their program humbly say goodbye. (Alright, he was forced out.). Now they have a
young and brash talking Lane Kiffin calling the shots. And call them he has. There is no love lost in the SEC, and rolling into the league by calling the current leader of the pack a 'cheater' was not exactly the wisest of moves. Especially when you have to fess up to your own recruiting violations. No doubt that UT has some talent on hand, and the coaching staff that Mr. Kiffin sourrounded himself with is a who's who of football coaching talent; including his pop's coming in as the defensive coordinator. A redeeming 1st season that includes 8 or 9 wins or more might be what is needed to calm the waters in Knoxville. Anything less, and this new coach may be feeling some early heat by the Orange-clad faithful.
8. Auburn: A well-liked coach in Tommy Tuberville is no longer at Auburn. In steps a controversial coach whose last gig at Iowa State was less than stellar. Many 
Auburn faithful are sickened by this selection by their Auburn AD. How can you blame them. Especially after a beloved coach was basically run out of town. Coach Chizik has his hands full in his 1st year. The SEC is absolutely stacked this year, and a losing record is a definite possibility. There is still a lot of talent on hand at Auburn, and they do get a fairly tame schedule, so a bowl game and an 8 to 10 win season isn't out of the realm of possibility. He may need it to keep the Tiger faithful at bay. 
7. Florida State/Miami/Nebraska: When you take a peek at the College Football seasons from 1983 to 2001, the 3 programs that dominated the landscape of College Football were Florida State, Miami, and Nebraska. Since 
2001, these teams have gone into a deep slumber. Not only are they no longer feared, but they have been dominated as of late by teams they used to dole out beatings to on a regular basis. The 2008 season saw each of these teams make some credible strides towards past glory, but the 2009 season is 
extremely crucial for each of these once proud football powerhouses. Are they ready to take the next step? 9 to 10 win seasons or plus are expected by their fan bases. Who will step up to the challenge and start their march towards redemption?
longer be considered Big Game Bob. His beatings that he puts on the Big 12 are no longer the measure of his success. No longer are Big 12 Championships gonna cut it. With Sam Bradford, Jermaine Gresham and DeMarco Murray back in the fold, the Sooner faithful are looking for another Sears Trophy to be planted in Norman. Sad to see, but when you raise the bar this high, you must raise it higher each and every year. Will Big Game Bob and Oklahoma 'redeem' themselves in 2009 and regain their big game status?
year bowl game streak, Rich is under some serious heat to show some drastic improvement. Nobody thought that the 'rebuilding' would be easy, but winning 3 games last year would have been an absolute worst-case scenario for even the most pessimistic of Michigan fans. Anything short of a 7 or 8 win season and a bowl bid may loom very heavy in Ann Arbor. RR may be fighting for his very job in only his 2nd season at Michigan. I have likely put this entry a bit too 'low' when I really think about it. A very possible #1 going into the 2009 season.
3. Big 10: I'll be short and sweet. The single bowl victory last season out of the Big 10 didn't help their image. Bowl game blowouts and losses are getting to be all too familiarly associated with this Midwest power conference. There is not a conference with a bigger image concern in the entire BCS than the Big 10. With a ton of talented players departing to the NFL this past year, they will be up against it in 2009. This is a very big year for the BIg 10. A must year to be successful.
Heisman Trophy voting (OK, 3rd, but close enough), and 1st runner up to Oklahoma for a BCS Championship game berth. They have won 3 out of the last 4 against Oklahoma, but only have 1 Big 12 title on their mantle during that time. (However, they do have a Sears Trophy in Austin.) Colt McCoy may have the biggest chip on his shoulder in the entire nation coming into the 2009 season. With that said, the Longhorns look like the favorite in the BIg 12 this year, and Colt could very well lead them to the promised land. Look for the Red River Rivalry in 2009 to be as heated as it has ever been. 
that was as hyped as any are all trying to rebuild their reputation in the same year. Without any doubt, the Fighting Irish will be THE story of the 2009 College Football season. Whether you like it or not. The improvements made in the 2008 season point to better 
things on the horizon for the Irish, but anything less than a 9 or 10 win season could prove to be detrimental for all involved. The schedule is easier, but not exactly one that you could even guarantee at least 6 wins. Being competitive with USC is a must, and could likely be the measuring stick for whether Charlie keeps his job. Will Jimmy improve enough to be considered draft worthy in 2010? Will Notre Dame revive itself as one of the College Football powerhouses? This all leads to a huge season in 2009 for the most storied program in all of College Football. Redemption indeed.
WIthout a doubt, I have a huge amount of respect for what Pete Carroll has done at USC since he arrived on campus in LA in 2001. The recruiting success he has garnered over the past 9 years is undeniable, and their overall perfomance on the field has been virtually 2nd to none.
UCLA: USC fans will say they are not a concern. But Rick Neuheisel and Norm Chow are very attractive to recruits. They have both won wherever they have been, and Norm is one of the best Offensive minds in the game. Rick has made a statement that LA is no longer the most furtile recruiting grounds for USC, and he backed it up by landing the 14th and 4th ranked recruiting classes respectively by Rivals and Scout. Sound kind of familiar to Pete's 1st year when he had his 1st year under his belt and some recruiting success?