I Can Throw This Pigskin Over That Mountain...

First of all, Pirates Magic Number to get to 100 Losses: 6. I have faith in my boys. The Bucs Record in their last 25 games: 3-22. Pirates 2009: What Light at the End of the Tunnel??

This woman is doing an impression of Southern Cal's National Title hopes...




Still, everybody ready to bury SC this year must not have been paying attention the last 3 years when the exact same thing has happened, and SC ended the year beating up on some poor Big 10 team, and whining about how they got the shafts in the BCS Title Race. This year will be no exception.

Great article about Washington's win/why college ball is superior to pro ball...

I mean I understand that Pro Football is king. I understand how great fantasy football is, and I am getting close to giving up trying to convince people who have a pole up their backside for the NFL, that in fact college football is better, but come on, this happened...



Then like 2 minutes later this happens...



I understand that there are fantastic finishes in the NFL, too, but don't tell me that the feeling and excitement in the stadium are the same. They are not...

I love Fowler...



This should happen at football games WAY more often...




This is clearly the best drunk/nearly dead guy in College Football. I mean he is from the SEC, everything there is the best...



Lingerie Football...It's FAN-tastic

















Speaking of that kind of thing...Wholly Disappointing...

Now, without further ado, here is the the stone cold, not quite convinced about Miami and Houston, Top 25.

1.) Florida-OK, so they didn't win by 100...The Gators struggles against Tennessee was great news for College Football, becasue it does not appear that they will run away with neither the SEC nor National Championship.










2.) Texas-OK, so they didn't win by 100, either...The Longhorns still do not have a reliable running back, and until they do, it will all be on the shoulders of Colt McCoy, not that opposing defenses don't know that already... By the way, good job by Jordan Shipley for arousing this big guy...









3.) Alabama-Almost overnight, people around the country realized that the Tide was really good and capable of a National Championship. Only the Hogs and Mississippi State stand between 'Bama and a chance to show upstart Ole Miss that 'Bama rules the SEC West.










4.) California-Almost overnight, people realized that the Bears were not only capable of usurping SC's from the top of the Pac-10 standings, but that Jahvid Best might be the man for the Heisman, this year. Autzen Stadium is a REAL tough place to win (ask Utah), the Ducks seem to have things going. If Cal does not realize these things, their game against SC won't mean half as much as it does, right now.














5.) Ole Miss-We know nothing about how good the Rebels are. That will no longer be an issue after Thursday. Thursday night games are perfect traps (see: 2008 Oregon State v. Southern Cal), it is at South Carolina, and the 'Cocks can take an equally huge step forward by beating Nutt's team.













6.) Penn State-We know nothing about how good the Nittany Lions are. That will no longer be an issue after Saturday Night. The injuries to stud LBs Navorro Bowman and Sean Lee throw the future of Joe's team up in the air. Still, on Saturday night, it will be 110,011 v. 11.











7.) Louisiana State-That win against Washington looks a whole lot better now, doesn't it?? That game against Florida looks a whole lot more winnable now, doesn't it? Everything seems to be falling in place for Les Miles' team very nicely.











8.) Oklahoma-This is probably too high to put the Sooners, after their 1 loss, BYU, was absolutely crushed by Florida State, last week. Still, Landry Jones is making Sooner fans forget about that guy who won the Heisman last year, what's his name?? With Miami and Texas coming up in their 2 of their next 3 games, it won't take long to tell where Stoops' team stands, nationally.









9.) Southern Cal-Well, it's Groundhog Day...again, and Southern Cal has lost to some team that won 0 games, last year. Are the Trojans still going to win the Pac-10 and the Rose Bowl? Let me put it this way, you have to knock the champ out. Hurting him is not enough.













10.) Ohio State-Why does Senator Tressel get ripped for losing the big games, but Pete Carroll gets almost no flak for losing to nobodies?? By the way, Pryor still can't pass.














11.) Boise State-The toughest team remaining on the Broncos schedule, Tulsa, lost 45-0 against Oklahoma, and the Sooners were using their untested backup QB. Yep, Boise really doesn't play anybody...

12.) North Carolina-After 2 weeks of unimpressive wins and slipping down my poll, Butch Davis' team put in a solid effort against a good East Carolina team. Facing a wounded Georgia Tech team in Atlanta will be a stiff test for UNC, though.

13.) Virginia Tech-And Tyrod Taylor is still in the pocket looking for an open receiver. The Hokies QB should not bank on that kind of time against Miami's nasty D.

14.) Miami (FL)-OK, Coach Shannon, you have put Miami back on the radar. Now, make it stick. Based on what we have seen so far this year, #14 is too low for the U. Still, I cannot understand why people squabble over where teams are ranked at the end of September. I am not ready to put the 'Canes #1, but wins over VA Tech in Blacksburg and then over Oklahoma might change that.

15.) Cincinnati-Another team that has been tremendously impressive this year, with two big road wins against Rutgers and Oregon State. While I am not ready to put them in Pasadena, with their toughest game remaining (at Pitt) not being until December 5, you had better be prepared to see the Bearcats in the National Title talk, all season long.

16.) Texas Christian-OK, Frogs, Brigham Young fell through the trap door, and Utah was dragged off stage, so the ball is in your court. Now go to Death Valley, beat a good Clemson team, and then dodge the Y and the Utes. No pressure...

17.) Oklahoma State-Maybe they really aren't that good. Rice is a bad team, but they hung in the game with the Pokes until late. Grambling will give Gundy's team a welcome week off, but then it is a trip to Aggieland, and did we mention that trip to Norman for the Bedlam game??

18.) Kansas-Kansas over Duke. Would have been great on the hardwood, but on the gridiron, not so much. Beware Southern Miss, though. Damion Fletcher and the Golden Eagles are undefeated and want in on the BCS-buster talk. A KU win would likely mean the 'Beakers will be undefeated, themselves when OU comes to Lawrence in late October.

19.) Georgia-Defense has been optional in UGA's last two wins (41-37 over South Carolina, 52-41 over Arkansas), but they are both good SEC wins. Now, with the Sun Devils coming to Athens, this week and LSU coming to town, next week, the 'Dawgs can re-enter the SEC and National Championship picture with or without D.

20.) Michigan-The world is spinning on its axis again, the Maize and Blue are 3-0.

21.) Brigham Young-Ouch. The Seminoles could have scored 100 on Bronco's team if they wanted. It is not an easy bounce-back game, either, with an undefeated Colorado State team coming to Provo. We have not mentioned that TCU and Utah are still on the slate, as well.

22.) Notre Dame-It wasn't pretty. It wasn't easy. But the Irish held on against Michigan State, a team that has given ND enormous headaches recently. But, that game against Washington, next week is no longer a sure W, and SC comes after that. With game-breaking wideout Michael Floyd out for the year, all is far from well for Regis' favorite team.

23.) Auburn-War Eagle. THIS was the Auburn team we were supposed to see last year. The defense forced 6 West Virginia turnovers. QB Chris Todd is looking solid, and they have a stable of running backs. Did I mention that 'Bama has to come to Auburn, this year??

24.) Pittsburgh-The Panthers handled a Navy team that game Ohio State real trouble. Dion Lewis seems to be filling LeSean McCoy's shoes quite nicely, and the Panthers get Cincinnati at home to end the year. But, whenever anybody jumps on the Pitt bandwagon, the cart tips over. A game like the one this week at N.C. State would be a huge trap for recent Wannstedt teams.

25.) Houston-I am giving UH some love, but not too much. For some people to have the Cougars in their top 10 is way over the top. But a win over a Texas Tech team that looked good against Texas would give Sumlin's team 2 wins over teams from the Big XII South, and really fuel the Houston BCS talk.

5 Who are Close:

26.) Florida State

27.) Iowa

28.) Missouri

29.) Oregon

30.) UCLA

There you have it. Please remember this is only September. If you have an issue with my Top 25+5, I do not want it to end like this...

Dedicated to Carl Everett

Did you hear? Sam Bradford's arm is gonna fall off...

This is actually the sound S. Bradford made after he was hit by that guy from Brigham Young...



I didn't know how Brigham Young came up so big in Saturday Night's game, then I heard they had this kid come in a give the pre-game pep talk. I now have my answer...




Why is there not an outcry that Boise is dealing with their guy who precipitated the LeGarrete Blount incident "internally?" So, he'll have to run the stairs of Bronco Stadium a few more times...Big deal. I mean, L. Blount is out for the year and dotted as a punk for the rest of his football career, and this dude has to do a few more gassers. Yet another reason to dislike Boise.

It really never gets old, though...



What a great game, last night. THAT was a Florida State-Miami game. After years of subpar, downright boring games, the U and the 'Noles rose to the occasion with the whole nation watching. Both teams were in midseason form on Labor Day. It wasn't quite to this level, but it was close...



That Miami-Oklahoma game, in a few weeks, just got a lot more interesting. Same with Florida State/Brigham Young...

This is kind of fun. Be sure you can add, though...

Anything that rips/makes fun of the Cubs, I am all for it...

By the way, my favorite team in Professional Sports has set a record for futility. I am so proud of my boys.

Anyway, here are 10 Observations from watching every game I could from Thursday-Monday:

10.) This is not Greg Robinson's Syracuse team

9.) This is not Ty Willingham's Washington team

8.) I love that Brigham Young's win trumped Boise's "breakthrough" win against an Oregon team that I, and everybody else painfully overrated. Boise beating Southern Cal would be the only equitable thing to Brigham Young beating Oklahoma.

7.) In the long run, Ohio State sneaking past Navy is no big deal because they always struggle in a non-conference game ('02 v. Cincinnati, '04 v. Marshall, '08 v. Ohio U.) and they will handle their business in the Big 10, but it is bad news (and I mean real bad news) for Saturday's game with SC.

6.) ESPN having Kenny Chesney sing the bumper music gets me fired up to go gardening, not play football.

5.) Virginia, Duke, N.C. State, Maryland. ACC-Ouch

4.) Michigan and Notre Dame fans...realize that you are Michigan and Notre Dame and they are Western Michigan and Nevada. You both will be better, but you are not ready to play the Steelers.

3.) Welcome back to the sidelines, JoePa.

2.) The Big East was up for grabs in the pre-season. One "Cincinnati 47-Rutgers 15" later, and we have our favorite.

1.) I have found my favorite coach in the country, and his name is Bronco.




Now, when I had Oklahoma as my pre-season #1, and Oregon as a Rose Bowl team, someone should have laughed in my face, kind of like this girl...



So, I am going to an old, reliable place for my new #1...

1.) Southern Cal-They will prove why on Saturday in Columbus





2.) Florida-If a Big 10 team scheduled Charleston Southern, they would be ridiculed to no end. Florida does it, and it is viewed as kind of funny and amusing. Urban v. Lane smackdown countdown clock: 11 days.




3.) Texas- Their biggest competition for the Big XII South will come from the state of Oklahoma. Just not from Norman, OK.




4.) Alabama-Roll Tide. Did you see the 'Bama defense?? The final against a top 10 team was 34-24, but it really was not that close. It could be deja vu in the SEC with a 12-0 'Bama team facing the fighting Tebows in the SEC Title Game.




5.) Oklahoma State-If the Pokes can play defense the way they did in wearing down UGA, look out. They get Texas at home, too...




6.) Ole Miss-The Rebels were flat for three quarters, but when the lightbulb went off in the 4th quarter, they looked every part of a top 10 team. That game against Alabama on October 10 might be the biggest in school history.



7.) Penn State-For one half, JoePa's team looked like world beaters. For the other half, they looked like Indiana. Fact is they are probably somewhere in between. Syracuse will be a better test than first anticipated...



8.) Ohio State-Phew...whether it was letting up on the Naval Academy or the Buckeyes aren't as good as first thought, the Senator needs to iron things out before Saturday or the Big 10's name will be dragged through the mud (again...) By the way, T. Pryor still can't pass...





9.) California-Those who stayed up to watch the varsity (Cal) pound the JV (Maryland) may have seen the best team in the Pac-10. Jahvid Best is the best kept secret in the country. SC comes to Berkeley this year. The people in the trees of Strawberry Canyon will be buzzing (or buzzed, either one...)



10.) North Carolina-I am still out on a limb with my Tar Heels, and they didn't give me a reason to jump off their boat. Ok, so it was only The Citadel, but have you seen the ACC?? You mean that these guys can't navigate those relatively calm waters??



11.) Brigham Young- Wouldn't it be something else if the Cougars run to the National Championship Game is aided by the goodwill from their arch-rival Utah's ultra-successful season, last year? With Florida State, TCU and Utah all having to visit Provo, this could be one of those years for the Y.

12.) Boise State-Don't worry, once their titanic WAC schedule kicks in, they'll be slipping down my poll. If Nevada is the 2nd best team in the WAC (ahem, 35-0 loss to ND) then Boise should have no trouble the rest of the year.

13.) Louisiana State-Give LSU credit, they went a long road trip, faced a redemption-hungry Washington team, fell behind, had to struggle, and still came out on top. Handling tough situations and loud crowds will be vital once the SEC season starts.

14.) Virginia Tech-It was not a Clemson-like performance for Beamer's team against Alabama, but it was clear that VA Tech still has a ways to go before they can seriously contend for a National Championship. The ACC is up for grabs, though, and no team has taken the bull by the horns in that conference like the Hokies (3 ACC Titles since'04)

15.) Oklahoma-I don't think that Stoops will be able to make up for this loss by hanging up 60+ the way he did after losing to Texas, last year. OU will have to win by running the football with Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray, and leaning on a defense that was almost able to make 10 points stand up on Saturday.

16.) Texas Christian- Utah went 13-0 last year and Brigham Young had the biggest win of opening weekend, but the most solid, consistent Mountain West team has been the Frogs. With Clemson on the road in a few weeks, Gary Patterson's team will have a chance to have some of the spotlight on them.

17.) Tennessee-OK, Lane, good job making me look good in Week 1. Now, though, a real team comes in with UCLA. A win there would make the Urban v. Lane show on the 19th important in real life, not just in the tabloids.

18.) Notre Dame-That is how Notre Dame should beat Nevada. If the Irish can win these next two games (at Michigan, v. Michigan State), the National Championship talk could be a little bit more than hot air and Notre Dame hype (at least until they play SC).

19.) Cincinnati-I stuck by the Bearcats amidst all of the hubbub over Rutgers, Pitt, South Florida and West Virginia, and they repaid me and then some. Their 47-15 beatdown at Rutgers made them the clear cut favorite in the Big East.

20.) Kansas-The Jayhawks overwhelmed some poor nobody, but I hope that Mangino and the rest of the Big XII North was paying attention to Mizzou's pounding of Illinois. This could make both division races in the Big XII wide open and interesting.

21.) Nebraska-The Big Red have now won 24 straight season openers, and with the running game of Roy Helu, and the Blackshirts playing takeaway, this could be a real season of redemption in Lincoln.

22.) Georgia Tech-While everybody is caught up with the big games this weekend, like Notre Dame-Michigan and Southern Cal-Ohio State, keep an eye on Clemson-Georgia Tech, with the ACC wide open, Clemson looking for respect and redemption after last year's disappointment, and Georgia Tech trying to take the ACC by the neck, it should be a fun Thursday Night at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

23.) Georgia-There is no shame in going on the road and losing to a Top 10 team, but it was pretty clear that there will be some issues and growing pains for UGA, this year, offensively. However, their defense showed that the 'Dawgs are not going to drop off too far in the SEC and may even sneak up on some people (ahem Gators).

24.) Utah-Everybody wants to pay attention to Brigham Young, Boise State and even the real heavies like Texas, Southern Cal and Florida, but the Utes just keep adding on to the nation's longest winning streak, which is now at 15.

25.) Texas Tech-Leach's team playing North Dakota, South Dakota and UMass-there are some traditions of College Football that I am not the biggest fan of. That said, Leach is still the man.

5 Who are Close:

26.) Miami (FL)

27.) Clemson

28.) Michigan State

29.) Pittsburgh

30.) Auburn

Finally, with the NFL season opening on Thursday, hopefully with a Steeler beatdown of the big blowhorn, LenDale White, I present one of the few redeeming things about the NFL.



By the way, LenDale, if you do stomp on the Terrible Towel, again, Steeler fans may have a hard time hearing it, because there will be 6 Super Bowl rings plugging their ears.

Kimbo Slice Approved...

I fear that I may be spending too much time blogging, but Rich Rod said I could go as long as I want.

Ladies and Gentlemen, our National Anthem...




-College Football does not need the 12th game. If these are "student-athletes," why not give them a couple of weeks off to, you know, be students. Not only that, it leads to this. It is at 63 1/2, now.

-Who said the economy is bad?

-Now, we're cooking with gas... Ole Miss being so low is a crime.

-I fear that if I met one of the young people in the previous link, I would end up doing this...



-Nice to see Tim Tebow allowed President Obama the honor...



















-FYI: I am actually a Tebow fan, but is he up for sainthood??



-This goes in stark contrast to T. Brenneman's father...



Marty Brenneman=The Man...

-Now that we have gotten the baseball out of the way, let us move on to Numbers 10-1 (Note: Predictions Reflect Ratings After Bowl Games Are Played.)

10.) Ole Miss-I am not fully in the Rebel Congregation of the Right Reverend, Houston Nutt. Everybody was going gaga over Illinois at this time, last year, trumpeting their breakthrough in '07. Zook's team slipped to 5-7 in '08 mainly because they could not handle the switch from being the hunter to the hunted. The Rebels are in almost the exact position, especially following their beatdown of Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl. With an offense led by QB Jevan Snead (S. Spurrier's All-SEC QB over Mr. Tebow) and this year's breakthrough player, RB Dexter McCluster (right), it is hard not to start believing in the Church of the Nutt. Then you see the 9 returning starters on defense, and you are sitting in the front pew of the Rebel Congregation. Then you look at the schedule (No Florida, No Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and LSU at home) and you are searching in your hymnal for the words to "Hotty Toddy." There will be some pretty good football to look at on The Grove, this year to go along with all the great coeds.

-Last Year: 9-4 (Beat Texas Tech in Cotton Bowl, 47-34)

-Key Returnees: QB Jevan Snead, RB Dexter McCluster, DE Greg Hardy

-Key Losses: LT Michael Oher, DT Peria Jerry, WR Mike Wallace

-Prediction: 11-2 (Fiesta Bowl)

-Key Game: October 10 v. Alabama

-Go-to YouTube Clip: You Mean They Play Football at Ole Miss Games, too??


9. Alabama-Now comes the hard part for Nick Saban. When he took the job, he was hired to be the savior of a fallen powerhouse. He was every part of that, as he took the Tide to a an undefeated regular season. But the season ended on the sourest of notes, being thoroughly outplayed by BCS-interloper Utah in the Sugar Bowl. With QB John Parker Wilson and RB Glen Coffee lost to graduation, an offense that was just OK has some serious retooling to do. However, there is good news: 365 lbs. worth of good news, in fact. Mount Cody, DT Terrence Cody (right) returns and he remains unscaled by SEC O-Linemen. Did we mention "Hoo-Lee-Oh?" WR Julio Jones lived up to all the hype and was a stud freshman, last year. He will be relied upon to be the catalyst for an iffy offense. Add a top 5 recruiting class (a Nick Saban specialty), and the hound's tooth hat will continue to cast a shadow over the SEC. There were questions about last year's Tide team until they walked into the Georgia Dome on Opening Night and stomped a deep mud hole in Clemson's backside. 'Bama can do the same thing this year against Virginia Tech, and with a relatively manageable schedule after that, it could be back-to-back undefeated regular seasons for the Tide.

-Last Year: 12-2 (Lost to Utah in Sugar Bowl, 17-31)

-Key Returnees: WR Julio Jones, DT Terrence Cody, MLB Rolando McClain

-Key Losses: LT Andre Smith, FS Rashad Johnson, QB John Parker Wilson

-Prediction: 9-3 (Capital One Bowl)

-Key Game: October 10 @Ole Miss

-Go-to YouTube Clip: Can't Wait for These Two to Play, Next Year...


8.) North Carolina-No, this is not a misprint, and no, you have not stumbled upon the College Basketball preview. The Heels are my breakthrough team of the year, a la Texas Tech, last year. Butch Davis continues to be the master of reclamation. With defensive studs like DT Marvin Austin and LB Quan Sturdivant (right), UNC will not have to score a lot to win. This is crucial for the Tar Heels, considering that of their 5 losses, last year, 4 were by 3 points or less. The schedule makers do the Heels no favors, with trips to Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech, so I may be a year early in jumping on the UNC bandwagon. Still, this has always been a sleeping giant, and with the talent that Butch Davis has infused here, I think it is a breakout year on Tobacco Road. I wonder if UNC makes it to the BCS, if Dickie V will show up, thinking it is basketball, so he can slurp up to Roy Williams.

-Last Year: 8-5 (Lost to West Virginia in Meineke Car Care Bowl, 30-31)

-Key Returnees: DT Marvin Austin, LB Quan Sturdivant, QB T.J. Yates

-Key Losses: WR Hakeem Nicks, WR Brandon Tate, SS Trimane Goddard

-Prediction: 11-1 (Gator Bowl)

-Key Game: October 29 @Virginia Tech

-Go-to YouTube Clip: Oops, Wrong Sport...


7. Ohio State-Don't worry, they aren't playing for the National Championship...at least, I don't think. They lost their best offensive player (RB Chris Wells) and the heart and soul of their defense (CB Malcolm Jenkins and 16th year senior LB James Laurinaitis) and you can still put a sweater vest on the Big 10 Championship Trophy. A lot of this pick is hinging on the development of QB Terrelle Pryor, and whether or not he can throw the ball. Also, can RBs Dan Herron (no, not the guy from the Diamondbacks) and Brandon Saine can give the Buckeyes the stout running game that OH-IO has relied upon since the invention of fire. Ohio State's defense is always solid, and this year will be no exception with DEs Thaddeus Gibson and Cameron Heyward. The Buckeyes showed that they can compete with the best in the country in last year's Fiesta Bowl, falling just short against Texas. Now, if Brutus can get over the hump and go where seemingly no Big 10 team has gone before, by beating Southern Cal, then the game in Pasadena for Tressel's team will be January 7, not January 1.

-Last Year: 10-3 (Lost to Texas in Fiesta Bowl, 21-24)

-Key Returnees: QB Terrelle Pryor, DE Thaddeus Gibson, SS Kurt Coleman

-Key Losses: RB Chris Wells, CB Malcolm Jenkins, LB James Laurinaitis

-Prediction: 10-2 (Rose Bowl)

-Key Game: September 12 v. Southern Cal

-Go-to YouTube Clip:...and so the Senator's hex over the Big 10 began...


6. Virginia Tech-This could finally be the year for Frank Beamer. Much like Clemson, last year, the reputation of the ACC will be riding on the shoulders of the Hokie Bird in the Georgia Dome on Opening Night against Alabama. The difference, though, is that VA Tech does not have the history of folding, the way the Tiger Paw does. A win there sets up the season beautifully, with Nebraska, Miami and UNC having to head to Blacksburg. There are no worries about Bud Foster's eternally strong defense, led by a well-kept secret in DE Jason Worilds (right). Same deal with the BeamerBall Specialty Teams. Basically, it all comes down to QB Tyrod Taylor. Losing RB Darren Evans adds to the burden on Taylor. Taylor had a lot of trouble throwing the ball to the right team, last year (2 TDs/7 INTs). If Taylor can iron out those issues, the Hokies lunch pail will be making a stop in Pasadena.

-Last Year: 10-4 (Beat Cincinnati in Orange Bowl, 20-7)

-Key Returnees: DE Jason Worilds, QB Tyrod Taylor, FS Kam Chancellor

-Key Losses: CB Victor "Macho" Harris, DE Orion Martin, QB Sean Glennon

-Prediction: 12-1 (Orange Bowl)

-Key Game: September 5 v. Alabama (in Atlanta)

-Go-to YouTube Clip: NFL Hall of Famer??



5. Oklahoma State-That's right Oklahoma State, and if they had the Sooners at home, T. Boone Pickens' favorite team may have been #1. The weapons returning for Gundy's team are incredible. QB Zac Robinson and his 3,000+ passing yards, RBs Kendall Hunter and Keith Toston, who combined for over 2,000 yards, last year. And, when in doubt throw it to arguably the nation's premier wideout, Dez Bryant (right) and his 19 TDs in '08. The Cowboys could be a house of cards, though. Last season, Okie State snuck up on a lot of people, and they did not beat any of the heavies in the Big XII South (Texas, Oklahoma, Texas Tech). Two of those games were decided by 20+ points, as well. Saturday is a huge day for the Cowboys program. They are opening up remodeled Boone Pickens Stadium, and they have a chance to make a statement to the nation against SEC powerhouse, Georgia. A win there would probably be the biggest in the career of a MAN who is 40 (+2).

-Last Year: 9-4 (Lost to Oregon in Holiday Bowl, 31-42)

-Key Returnees: WR Dez Bryant, QB Zac Robinson, OLB Patrick Lavine

-Key Losses: TE Brandon Pettigrew, DT Jeray Chatham, CB Jacob Lacey

-Prediction: 10-2 (Cotton Bowl)

-Key Game: November 28 @Oklahoma

-Go-to YouTube Clip: Never Gets Old...


4. Texas-What can I say?? Texas gets the short end of the stick again. Last year, they were left out of the National Championship Game. This year I have them on the bottom rung of the 4 team breakaway atop the polls. Don't get me wrong, QB Colt McCoy (and his new mustache) will be brilliant, and yes I think Colt will be striking the pose by the end of the year. He will still have his roommate, WR Jordan Shipley, who doubles as a dynamic kick returner (ask Oklahoma). RBs Vondrell McGee, Fozzy Whittaker, and Cody Johnson return, too. While DE Sergio Kindle and LB Roddrick Muckelroy are no slouches, with all-everything DE Brian Orakpo playing that Sunday football, and Gerald McCoy back at Oklahoma, I have to go Boomer Sooner a tick above The Eyes of Texas.

-Last Year: 12-1 (Beat Ohio State in Fiesta Bowl, 24-21)

-Key Returnees: QB Colt McCoy, DE Sergio Kindle, LB Roddrick Muckelroy

-Key Losses: DE Brian Orakpo, MLB Rashad Bobino, WR Quan Cosby

-Prediction: 11-1 (Fiesta Bowl)

-Key Game: October 17 v. Oklahoma (in Dallas)

-Go-to YouTube Clip: NFL Hall of Famer??


3. Southern Cal-I know that they will almost certainly disappoint and lose to some Pac-10 team that they have no business losing to. I know that they lost QB Mark Sanchez. I know that they are starting a Freshman at QB in Matt Barkley. I know that they lost 3 studs at LB, Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews. I also know that they return one of the top 5 defensive players in the country in FS Taylor Mays. I know they return a game-breaking WR Damian Williams (right), who had a field day in the Rose Bowl. I know they return two of the top Offensive Linemen in the country in G Jeff Byers and C Kristofer O'Dowd. Head coach Pete Carroll has developed a machine that has future All-Pros moving from back-up roles, last year to being starters, this year. Perhaps if the Trojans can actually reach the Championship Game, they can give the SEC the comeuppance that SC has given the Big 10 in the last 33 Rose Bowls. Speaking of facing Big 10 teams, September 12 at Ohio State. Be there.

-Last Year: 12-1 (Beat Penn State in Rose Bowl, 38-24)

-Key Returnees: FS Taylor Mays, WR Damian Williams, OG Jeff Byers

-Key Losses: LB Rey Maualuga, QB Mark Sanchez, LB Brian Cushing

-Prediction: 12-0 (BCS National Championship Game)

-Key Game: Any Pac-10 Game Where They are Heavily Favored

-Go-to YouTube Clip: Who Wouldn't??


2. Florida-Surprise, Surprise. I know, what am I thinking? Do I love Tim Tebow (below)? Yes. Man Crush? Probably. However, let's review a few things. First of all, the Gators have won 3 National Championships since 1996, and had a loss in each of those seasons. No team in College Football has gone through the season undefeated since 2005. So, who says the Gators will go undefeated? Not me. Who says the Gators are a lock? Not me. We also know that Tim Tebow was not a unanimous All-SEC preseason QB (thanks to my boy, Spurrier voting for Jevan Snead of Mississippi) and that the aforementioned Mr. Tebow is saving himself for marriage (stay strong, #15). So, now we can get to the matter of the Gators returning all 11 starters on defense, and would almost assuredly get the bump over any other 1-loss team in the BCS Standings. It is ridiculously foolish not to have Urban's team #1. I know that we will not see a player push his team as hard as Tebow will, and we will not see a team play and practice as hard as the Gators (God Bless), but I am going out on a limb. As sure as SC is to lose to some nobody Pac-10 team, I am equally sure that the Gators will not escape the SEC without an L.

-Last Year: 13-1 (Beat Oklahoma in BCS National Championship Game, 20-14)

-Key Returnees: QB Tim Tebow, LB Brandon Spikes, DE Carlos Dunlap

-Key Losses: WR Percy Harvin, OT Phil Trautwein, WR Louis Murphy

-Prediction: 12-1 (Sugar Bowl)

-Key Game: October 10 @ Louisiana State

-Go-to YouTube Clip: Unfortunately, There was No Clip of Urban Admiring Himself in the Mirror Available


1. Oklahoma-OK, so it has been a rough 5 BCS games for Stoops and the Sooners. Still, when you can bring back the defending Heisman Trophy winner (QB Sam Bradford) and perhaps the top defensive player in the country (DT Gerald McCoy), it is bad news for everybody else. Did I mention that OU brings back a tandem of 1,000 yard rushers in RBs DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown? LB Ryan Reynolds also returns as the backbone of the D. There will definitely be challenges for this Sooner team, with Brigham Young and Miami in the non-conference season, Oklahoma State loaded up for a big year, and that Red River game against Texas that messed everything up, last year. Still, this is going to be an angry bunch of Sooners, with Stoops and company anxious to prove that they are not BCS imposters. It is extremely close between the Sooners and Longhorns, but in a coin flip, I am going with OU. Beware of a covered wagon on the I-210 outside Pasadena.

-Last Year: 12-2 (Lost to Florida in BCS National Championship Game, 14-20)

-Key Returnees: QB Sam Bradford, DT Gerald McCoy, TE Jermaine Gresham

-Key Losses: OG Duke Robinson, OT Phil Loadholt, WR Juaquin Iglesias

-Prediction: 13-0 (BCS National Championship Game)

-Key Game: October 17 v. Texas (in Dallas)

-Go-to YouTube Clip: You Mean Oklahoma Used to Win Big Games??


As the great Casey Kasem would say, "...and there you are..." We have counted down America's Top 40, and quite frankly, I feel like this. We are under 3 days from the most wonderful time of the year. It is also great that ALL of the games matter, unlike some other leagues (ahem, NFL, ahem) Oregon and Boise along with South Carolina and NC State will get us started on Thursday (take the Ducks and Wolfpack).

I am gonna have my bowl predictions coming up in the next couple of days, but until then, enjoy the sweet music of Lee Elia. (Parents: Earmuff the kids, please...)

Everything is a Lie...Except What I've Told You...

Before we begin, please rise and gentlemen, remove your caps...


I am feeling really patriotic, all of the sudden.

-Speaking of patriotism, good work by the Buckeyes.

-It is probably strange to cheer a guy who was in the klink for 2 years, but it goes to show that if you are wearing my favorite team's colors, all is forgiven.

(P.S. It would have happened in the 31 other NFL cities, Philly haters...)

-God I love Steve...























-This is what someone should do to me for rooting for the Pittsburgh Pirates for all of these years...


-SEC Guy...Let it Go...You're already annoying enough....

-Nice to see some schools get taken down a peg.

-I have successfully hung out with some Bro Dudes. Now, in my constant search to find people to hang out with, I have found these guys...



He still hasn't given me my shirt back, though...

Anyway, here are number 20-11:


20.) Notre Dame-No team has ever been so excited to beat Hawaii. Still, the Irish's win in the Hawaii Bowl gave Head Coach Charlie Weis a brief reprieve and ended ND's 79 game bowl losing streak. Now with a schedule that Permian High School might be able to handle, hopes are once again inflated that the Irish will be able to return a level befitting a school that is on TV every week. This is also a talented team. Just look at the National Recruiting Rankings since Charlie took over in South Bend. But Rudy U. can look like world-beaters one week (see: last year v. Michigan, Hawaii) and throw in a huge clunker, the next week. (see: last year v. Syracuse) So, until there is some level of consistency in the shadow of Touchdown Jesus, I cannot see the Irish winning more than 9 games, this year.

-Last Year: 7-6 (Beat Hawaii in Hawaii Bowl, 49-21)

-Key Returnees: QB Jimmy Clausen, WR Golden Tate, SS Kyle McCarthy

-Key Losses: OLB Maurice Crum, FS David Bruton, WR David Grimes

-Prediction: 9-3 (Gator Bowl)

-Key Game: September 19 v. Michigan State

-Go-to YouTube Clip: ...It was a time when men were men and Notre Dame played in big games...


19.) Kansas- The Rock Chalkers have never had expectations this big in football. You cannot talk KU football without mentioning two things, QB Todd Reesing and Mark Mangino's pants size. Reesing will be greatly assisted by the eligibility of WR Dezmon Briscoe (right). While Kerry Meier, the former QB, is a serviceable wideout, Briscoe is a game-breaker. Losing the heartbeat of the defense, LB Joe Mortensen hurts, and when KU went up against the heavies of the Big XII South, last year (Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech) the big bullies mopped the floor with the Beakers. Still, with Mizzou on the way down, the other side of that Border War appears ready to roar to the fore of the Big XII North.

-Last Year: 8-5 (Beat Minnesota in Insight Bowl, 42-21)

-Key Returnees: QB Todd Reesing, WR Dezmon Briscoe, SS Darrell Stuckey

-Key Losses: MLB Joe Mortensen, OLB Mike Rivera, OG Adrian Mayes

-Prediction: 9-3 (Holiday Bowl)

-Key Game: October 24 v. Oklahoma

-Go-to YouTube Clip: Like the Techno Music...Let the Wheat Wave...


18.) Tennessee-I rarely hope to be wrong, but this is one of those situations. Just because everybody WANTS to be up Lane Kiffin does not mean everybody WILL beat up Coach Smirk. Did Phil Fullmer leave the Big Orange in that bad of shape? I don't think so. I also think with the infusion of talent that Kiffin has brought in (see: Bryce Brown) Tennessee could surprise. With LB Rico McCoy and all-everything SS Eric Berry (right) acting as the Derrick Brooks and John Lynch of Monte Kiffin's defense, I'm telling you, look out for the men of the checkerboard end zone. Will everybody be gunning for the Vols? Absolutely. Florida will beat them 117-6, but that only counts as one loss. With the attitude that Lane has brought to Knoxville, if UT can get any semblance of QB play, it will be like old times on Rocky Top.

-Last Year: 5-7 (No Bowl)

-Key Returnees: SS Eric Berry, OLB Rico McCoy, QB Jonathan Crompton

-Key Losses: RB Arian Foster, DE Robert Ayers, FS Demetrice Morley

-Prediction: 9-3 (Peach Bowl)

-Key Game: October 17 @ Alabama

-Go-to YouTube Clip: I DO wish I was on old Rocky Top...


17.) Texas Christian-Perhaps no coach in the country is as underappreciated as Gary Patterson. And he will just continue to plod along and win 10 games again this year. Utah was the team that caught everybody's fancy, last year, but TCU was the best team in the Mountain West, and the U of U needed a tricky escape at home to beat the Frogs. The Mountain West looks like a 3-team dogfight again this year, with the Frogs, Utes and BYU. But with the target on Utah's back, and BYU's disappointment of last year, put me in the conductor's chair of the TCU bandwagon. DE Jerry Hughes (right) is the best player that nobody has ever heard of. He is a 1st Round NFLer in waiting (think Jason Taylor). Still, losing the other two members of the D-Line could hurt Hughes because all of the opposition's attention will be on him. The Frogs can be the darlings this year, but 2 of their first 3 games take them to ACC schools (Virginia and Clemson). With Utah at home, an unscathed non-conference slate could mean TCU=BCS.

-Last Year: 11-2 (Beat Boise State in Poinsettia Bowl, 17-16)

-Key Returnees: DE Jerry Hughes, QB Andy Dalton, WR Jimmy Young

-Key Losses: DE Matt Panfil, NT Corey Moore, C Blake Schlueter

-Prediction: 10-2 (Las Vegas Bowl)

-Key Game: October 24 @ Brigham Young

-Go-to YouTube Clip: He was pretty good, back then, too...


16.) Georgia-If this were a mascot poll, the Dawgs would be #1 (I love UGA!!) But with no Matthew Stafford or Knowshon Moreno, it could be tough sledding for Richt's team. But with DT Geno Atkins and LB Rennie Curran back to spearhead the defense, new QB Joe Cox and RB Caleb King will not have to roll up too many points. Having last year's stud Freshman WR A.J. Green (right) returning lightens Cox's load even more. But the road is long (at Oklahoma State, at Arkansas, at Tennessee, at Georgia Tech, Florida in Jacksonville). The Dawgs will not come in to this season as favorites or world-beaters, like they did last year (preseason #1), but Richt is the kind of "us against the world" coach that could spin that to UGA's advantage.

-Last Year: 10-3 (Beat Michigan State in Capital One Bowl, 24-12)

-Key Returnees: OLB Rennie Curran, WR A.J. Green, SS Reshad Jones

-Key Losses: QB Matthew Stafford, RB Knowshon Moreno, CB Asher Allen

-Prediction: 8-4 (Outback Bowl)

-Go-to YouTube Clip: I don't even know what that means...


15.) California-Before his first year as head coach in Berkeley, Steve Mariucci was asked when the Golden Bears would go to the Rose Bowl. Mooch responded, "We'll go when we're good enough." 13 years later, the Bears are still waiting to be good enough, but they may not have to wait much longer. With the keys to Jeff Tedford's offense firmly in the hands of Kevin Riley, and stud RB Jahvid Best (right) in the backfield, this may finally be the year where the sturdy Golden Bears tip over the Trojan Horse. 6 of the back 8 return on defense including All-American CB Syd'Quan Thompson. However, Cal gets their main competition in the Pac-10 (Oregon, Southern Cal) back-to-back on their schedule, not to mention improving UCLA and rebounding Arizona State on the road. So, it is hard to envision the Bears rolling all the way to the Rose Bowl. Still, the program that Tedford has built will continue to be strong, making the people sitting in the trees of Strawberry Canyon happy, mellow and liberal.

-Last Year: 9-4 (Beat Miami (FL) in Emerald Bowl, 24-17)

-Key Returnees: RB Jahvid Best, CB Syd'Quan Thompson, QB Kevin Riley

-Key Losses: C Alex Mack, OLB Zack Follett, TE Cameron Morrah

-Prediction: 10-2 (Holiday Bowl)

-Go-to YouTube Clip: The Bears needed to get out of bounds...


14.) Boise State-BCS Haters, don your Orange and Blue. QB Kellen Moore and WR Austin Pettis are back to lead Boise against the whopping defenses of New Mexico State, Idaho and Utah State. DE Ryan Winterswyk, CB Kyle Wilson and FS Jeron Johnson will anchor a defense that will try to slow the offensive juggernauts of San Jose State, Louisiana Tech and Hawaii (minus Colt Brennan). You can also always count on Boise to have at least 10 home games or so it seems. Boise can prove a lot of people (like me) wrong on the opening Thursday night against Oregon. A win there, and the "BCS isn't fair" harping will begin again, with Boise being this year's test-study. However, should the Boise's of the world reach a BCS game, they will have the full attention of whoever they play in that game because of Utah's success in last year's Sugar Bowl. There will be no David sneaking up on Goliath, this year.

-Last Year: 12-1 (Lost to Texas Christian in Poinsettia Bowl, 16-17)

-Key Returnees: QB Kellen Moore, CB Kyle Wilson, WR Austin Pettis

-Key Losses: RB Ian Johnson, WR Vinny Perretta, OLB Kyle Gingg

-Prediction: 12-1 (Sugar Bowl)

-Go-to YouTube Clip: Yipee...


13.) Louisiana State-Ever since LSU snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against Arkansas, it has been all good for Les Miles and the Bayou Bengals. A rout of favored Georgia Tech in the Peach Bowl and a top 2-3 recruiting class may lead to a few more earth-moving seasons in Baton Rouge. It is vital that Miles, a great disciple of Bo Schembechler to choose between Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson at QB, because the musical chairs they played last year led LSU to a 3-5 record in the SEC. But with weapons like WR Brandon LaFell, RB Charles Scott and TE Richard Dickson, the Tigers O should be OK. The recent tradition of D-Linemen from LSU will continue with DE Rahim Alem, DT Charles Alexander, and DT Drake Nevis. It will be tough for the Purple and Gold with road games at Georgia, Ole Miss and Alabama. If there is a team with a shot to beat the mighty Gators, though, it would be the Bayou Bengals.

-Last Year: 8-5 (Beat Georgia Tech in Peach Bowl, 38-3)

-Key Returnees: WR Brandon LaFell, RB Charles Scott, DE Rahim Alem

-Key Losses: DE Tyson Jackson, WR Demetrius Byrd, DT Ricky Jean-Francois

-Prediction: 10-2 (Cotton Bowl)

-Key Game: November 21 @ Ole Miss

-Go-to YouTube Clip: The Earth Done Quaketh...


12.) Penn State-Which makes you prouder: #1 Party School or #12 Football Team?? Maybe Joe WILL live forever. Some questions do surround Happy Valley. How do we replace the wideouts? What about the O-Line? Is our secondary as bad as it looked in the Rose Bowl? When asked about these things, Joe responds with a definitive and squeaky, "Welllllllll...."and so do I. The skill positions are not a big issue with All-Big 10 QB Daryll Clark leading the way and the RB tandem of Evan Royster and Stephfon Green carrying the mail for the Lions. The defense will be filled with some bad dudes. LB Navorro Bowman, DT Jared Odrick, not to mention the leader of the gang, LB Sean Lee, who is back from injury to where he belongs, leading Tom Bradley's always reliable D. The non-conference schedule is a sham, and Ohio State comes to Happy Valley (good luck dealing with a bunch of rowdy, white-clad young people, out for blood, Terrelle). Still, Penn State has just enough questions to prevent me from bumping them up a few notches nationally or above Ohio State for the top spot in the Big 10, but I wouldn't put it past the Old Man...

-Last Year: 11-2 (Lost to Southern Cal in Rose Bowl, 24-38)

-Key Returnees: QB Daryll Clark, MLB Sean Lee, RB Evan Royster

-Key Losses: DE Aaron Maybin, WR Derrick Williams, FS Anthony Scirotto

-Prediction: 10-2 (Capital One Bowl)

-Go-to YouTube Clip: Let's Tee it Up, Right Now...


11.) Oregon-I will not hold their jerseys against them. With Cal and SC having to come to Eugene and feel the Autzen Bounce, those ugly jerseys may be seen on the field in Pasadena. With do-it-all QB Jeremiah Masoli (right) and fast-rising RB LaGarrette Blount rolling with new Head Coach Chip Kelly's spread offense that rolled up 55, 65 and 42 in UO's last 3 games, last season, this will be an offense that Joey Harrington would be proud of. With solid LBs Casey Matthews and Spencer Paysinger leading a defense that could surprise and be the near equal of the Duck Offense, SC's stranglehold on the Pac-10 could be loosened by a team that looks like it has a number 0 on the side of their helmet.

-Last Year: 10-3 (Beat Oklahoma State in Holiday Bowl, 42-31)

-Key Returnees: QB Jeremiah Masoli, RB LaGarrette Blount, CB Walter Thurmond

-Key Losses: RB Jeremiah Johnson, C Max Unger, DT Nick Reed

-Prediction: 11-1 (Rose Bowl)

-Go-to YouTube Clip: Ugly Green Jerseys Never Looked so Good...


Much like the great Casey Kasem, we are counting down America's Top 40. "And we won't stop 'til we get to #1," as the great Mr. Kasem would say. We have 30 down. We can see the top team. Who is it? Is it a Covered Wagon? Is it an alligator? Is it a steer? Is it a poisonous nut? Is it a guy with a sword and armor? As the great soap operas would say, "to be continued..."

Now some words from my boy, Mr. Bob Knight. (Caution: Earmuff the Kids, now...)



I love Coach Knight.

Eric Crouch's NFL Career

Let us begin today with a song...



Now, moving on...Scintillating game from Brett Favre. I wonder if ESPN will have a helicopter to follow him home after his 1-4, 4 yd. performance

This may be the only time you hear this out of me, this year, but good effort by Army and Wyoming...I could not find Temple, though...

QB situation at Rutgers is crowded but clear... While Rutgers' schedule is soft, they need to figure things out quickly with Cincinnati coming up in the opener.

Speaking of New Jersey, and listen, nobody who does not live in Jersey loves Jersey more than I love Jersey, but phew, look at these winners...


Anyway...Manti Te'o who was a huge steal for Notre Dame in the recruiting season has a big decision to make after this season...

I'm not sure Michigan would ever go on the road against the little brothers in-state...

More trouble for the Vols under Lane Kiffin...Who would believe it??

Now, before I begin the preview for tonight, I'm gonna take a few minutes and hang out with these guys...


Unfortunately, I forgot my Shawn Kemp jersey to go up against the dude in the Hakeem jersey...

Now, number 30-21...

30. Clemson-They won't have Tommy Bowden to push around anymore. Willy Korn (below), let's see what you have. Can RB C.J. Spiller operate without his running mate, James Davis? Can the Tiger Paw's D capitalize on all of its potential and experience? Who is this Dabo Swinney and why is he coaching at a football hotbed like Clemson? Can this team circle the wagons and keep their sword sharp when things are looking rough, and the loyal Tiger fans are saying "same ol' underachieving Clemson?" The conventional wisdom going into last season was that if it did not happen for Clemson in '08, it was never going to happen. It did not happen for the Tigers in '08. But a trip to the ACC Championship Game is once again very much within reach for the men of Howard's Rock. Was it all Tommy Bowden's fault? Can a man named Dabo be the guy to finally rouse the men who run down the hill? Sometimes low/no expectations are good.

-Last Season: 7-6 (Lost to Nebraska in Gator Bowl, 21-26)

-Prediction: 8-4 (Champs Sports Bowl)

-Key Game: September 10 @Georgia Tech

-Go-to YouTube Clip: I really want to go crack heads with a guy now...


29. West Virginia-There will still be couches burned...just not as often. With last year's subpar season, the pressure has probably ratcheted up on head coach Bill Stewart. Losing all-everything QB Patrick White does not help things, either. Playing in a down and wide-open Big East does help. Having RB Noel Devine back does help, as well. White's replacement, QB Jarrett Brown is no slouch, either. With LB Reed Williams (right) and DT Scooter Berry back to lead the Mountaineer D, WVU could fulfill all of those expectations heaped on them before last season. By the way, they are still in way better shape than ol' what's-his-name up at Michigan.

-Last Year: 9-4 (Beat North Carolina in Meineke Car Care Bowl, 31-30)

-Prediction: 9-3 (Meineke Car Care Bowl)

-Key Game: October 30 @South Florida

-Go-to YouTube Clip: Major Harris...Major Problem


28. Auburn-This was a grossly mismanaged team in '08 (see: Tony Franklin's "spread offense") and there is only one way to go for the War Eagles. I mean, Tommy Tuberville could not have left the cupboard that bare, right? The SEC is a very tough league to have a big turnaround in, and new coach Gene Chizik will be under the microscope from day 1 on the Plains. However, this was a team that was considered a National Title contender going into '08, and with RB Ben Tate (right) and WR Mario Fannin returning, the Tigers could be a "remember us?" team in the SEC. Now if they could only find/decide on a quarterback...

-Last Year: 5-7 (No Bowl)

-Prediction: 8-4 (Music City Bowl)

-Key Game: October 24 @Louisiana State

-Go-to YouTube Clip: Greatest College Football YouTube Clip Out There...


27. Illinois-Shhh...this team could win the Big 10. The Fighting Zookers are back in the role of darkhorse that they played all the way to the Rose Bowl in '07. With Juice Williams (right) back for his 9th year, and WR Arrelious Benn back for his 8th, the Illini offense has the potential to be explosive. However, with CB Vontae Davis gone to the NFL, the Illinois defense may have a hard time keeping the opposing team off the scoreboard. With Ohio State and Penn State being the cream of an average Big 10 crop, the rest of the Big 10 is up for grabs, and the Illini may even cut in line in front of the Buckeyes and/or Nittany Lions.

-Last Year: 5-7 (No Bowl)

-Prediction: 9-3 (Outback Bowl)

-Key Game: October 3 v. Penn State

-Go-to YouTube Clip: Winner Goes to the Rose Bowl...Other Conferences Just Don't Understand.


26. Georgia Tech-Will teams ever figure out Paul Johnson's option game? Ever? I am probably underrating the Ramblin' Wreck greatly, but the top of the ACC Coastal Division is stacked with Virginia Tech and North Carolina, the Yellow Jackets may be the odd team out. This is also a program that stumbles when it seems that they are ready to take a big step. (see: v. LSU in last year's Peach Bowl) However, with the triumverate of QB Josh Nesbitt, RB Jonathan Dwyer (right) and RB Roddy Jones back with a year of running the option under their belts, G-Tech may be primed to shed the label of chokers and rise to the top of the ACC, and start a winning streak against the cross-state rival Georgia Bulldogs.

-Last Year: 9-4 (Lost to Louisiana State in Peach Bowl, 3-38)

-Prediction: 9-3 (Peach Bowl)

-Key Game: September 26 v. North Carolina

-Go-to YouTube Clip: Greatest Game in ACC History...


25. Texas Tech-Everybody's favorite mad scientist will not fade into oblivion. Kliff Kingsbury, B.J. Symons, Sonny Cumbie, Graham Harrell, just plug some guy into Mike Leach's offense and let the fireworks begin. This year, Taylor Potts (right) takes over the reins in west Texas. Michael Crabtree is playing that Sunday football. (maybe...) But, like the Supremes behind Diana Ross, Ed Britton and Detron Lewis will now get the chance to show that they too are stars. Don't forget about RB Baron Batch, who was an unsung contributor for the Red Raiders, last year, but has been dealing with some injury issues so far this year. Brandon Carter, the crazy Offensive Lineman with the spike haircut and 1000 tatoos is back, as well. There is a lot lost off the D, especially the D-Line. So, the pressure will be on Defensive Coordinator Ruffin McNeill to produce, because Leach has fired Defensive Coordinators in the middle of the season. Why? Because he's Mike Leach! Perhaps Leach will call his friend Donald Trump to coach the D, if he needs a replacement. Tech will not be 11-1, this year. However, you can still take your girlfriend out to a steakhouse and make her eat in front of you after 9 wins, right?

-Last Year: 11-2 (Lost to Ole Miss in Cotton Bowl, 34-47)

-Key Returnees: WR Detron Lewis, DT Colby Whitlock, RB Baron Batch

-Key Losses: WR Michael Crabtree, QB Graham Harrell, DE Brandon Williams

-Prediction: 8-4 (Alamo Bowl)

-Key Game: September 19 @Texas

-Go-to YouTube Clip: Quite Useful...


24. Florida State-Unfortunately, the 'Noles will continue to ride the back roads of college football. However, this is not an obituary on Bobby Bowden's career. Everybody tried that once with Paterno and it didn't work. Everything about FSU's team seems like a work in progress, but as they proved in their bowl game against Wisconsin, the potential is still there for Chief Osceola. The development and performance of QB Christian Ponder should parallel the development of the young offensive line, which by the end of the year, last year, was somewhat sturdy. No Bert Reed and no Preston Parker hurts, though. The pressure is on the defensive line with Everette Brown gone to the NFL and Myron Rolle gone to a Rhodes Scholarship. There are a bunch of "who's he's" in the secondary, so the pressure will be on ancient Defensive Coordinator Mickey Andrews to handle the offenses of the ACC. Otherwise, Coach Bowden won't be winning too many more daggum ballgames.

-Last Year: 9-4 (Beat Wisconsin in Champs Sports Bowl, 42-13)

-Key Returnees: QB Christian Ponder, OLB Dekoda Watson, OG Rodney Hudson

-Key Losses: DE Everette Brown, WR Greg Carr, MLB Derek Nicholson

-Prediction: 9-3 (Emerald Bowl)

-Key Game: September 7 v. Miami (FL)

-Go-to YouTube Clip: Not too many College Football players end up on CNN...


23. Utah-I feel safe in saying that their record will be worse than last year. While there is only one way to go for the U of U, they will not slip too far. With DE Koa Misi and LB Stevenson Sylvester (right) back from last year's shutdown D, Brian Johnson's replacement at QB will not have to hang 50 up to win. Last year's Wildcat RB, Matt Asiata is back, but with Darrell Mack gone to graduation, Asiata will have to prove that he can be the guy. Road games at Louisville and Oregon will test the Utes mettle early. There will be trips to TCU and BYU in November, as well. With a schedule that difficult and all of the goodwill remaining from last year's crusade, it is there for the Utes. 12-0 this year could mean that long awaited date for the crystal football, especially if Orrin Hatch has anything to say about it.

-Last Year: 13-0 (Beat Alabama in Sugar Bowl, 31-17)

-Key Returnees: OLB Stevenson Sylvester, DE Koa Misi, RB Matt Asiata

-Key Losses: QB Brian Johnson, DE Paul Kruger, CB Sean Smith

-Prediction: 10-2 (Poinsettia Bowl)

-Key Game: November 14 @Texas Christian

-Go-to YouTube Clip: Better than beating Alabama??


22. Cincinnati- You might as well flip a coin in the Big East, this year. What with Pitt losing LeSean McCoy and Scott McKillop, West Virginia losing Pat White, UConn losing Donald Brown, and South Florida and Rutgers having a penchant to disappoint. Brian Kelly is still in the Queen City, so why not Cincinnati, again? With the QB-WR tandem of Tony Pike and Mardy Gilyard (right) back for another year, the offense should not see too much of a drop off. The defense is not as steady with several position changes going on. However, with all of the aforementioned lost offensive talent at other schools, perhaps the Bearcats can just outscore everybody. The driver's seat in the Big East will be up for grabs early, as UC travels to Rutgers on Opening Day. The winner there may get the inside track to the Conference title and a trip to the Orange Bowl.

-Last Year: 11-3 (Lost to Virginia Tech in Orange Bowl, 7-20)

-Key Returnees: QB Tony Pike, WR Mardy Gilyard, SS Aaron Webster

-Key Losses: CB Mike Mickens, DE Connor Barwin, WR Dominick Goodman

-Prediction: 9-3 (Orange Bowl)

-Key Game: September 7 @Rutgers

-Go-to YouTube Clip: The UC Football Library Was Not Exactly Vast...


21. Nebraska-Bill Callahan is not walking through that door. Thank God. Welcome back to the College Football landscape, Big Red. For the 'Huskers, this year, it is all about a boy named Suh. Ndamukong Suh (right), to be exact. He is an NFL-ready prospect who is leading the current-day Cornhusker D back to the days of the mythic Blackshirt Defense of Trev Alberts and Jason Peter. Does Nebraska have a long way to go to get back to being Nebraska? Yes. Are they on the right track? Yes, also. Bo Pelini has brought the Big Red back to its deep roots of run the ball, play great D, win Specialty Teams that were pillars of Tom Osborne's tremendous success. With RBs Roy Helu, Quentin Castille, and Jordan Mackovicka carrying the load, QB Zac Lee will not be asked to do too much. We will be able to tell much more about where the program is after a trip to Blacksburg in September. A win there speeds up the ascent to where Nebraska used to be, and turns up the pressure to reach the Big XII Title Game. Either way, the great Cornhusker fans will cheer both teams at the end of the game.

-Last Year: 9-4 (Beat Clemson in Gator Bowl, 26-21)

-Key Returnees: DT Ndamukong Suh, RB Roy Helu, SS Larry Asante

-Key Losses, QB Joe Ganz, RB Marlon Lucky, OLB Cody Glenn

-Prediction: 8-4 (Sun Bowl)

-Key Game: November 14 @ Kansas

-Go-to YouTube Clip: Wasn't Nebraska AWESOME Back Then??


So, much like the great Casey Kasem, we are counting down America's Top 40, "and we won't stop 'til we get to number 1," as the Mr. Kasem would say. We are into the early part of the Top 25. Who's Number 1?? I don't know.

What I do know is that it is time for a message from Bob Knight (please earmuff the kids...)