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2009 Div 1A College Football thread
Well I looked and the 2008 season thread was started on Jan 8, 08 so I thought this thread was a bit late
So I'll start it by the premature odds for taking the 2008 season MNC game
The following odds for next year's title winner were released by BetOnline.com less than 24 hours after Florida beat Oklahoma in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game. The biggest shocker? Look at how strongly Notre Dame is regarded.
USC 4/1
Florida 5/1
Oklahoma 7/1
Texas 8/1
Ohio State 9/1
Florida State 15/1
Virginia Tech 15/1
Georgia 20/1
Miami (Fla) 20/1
LSU 20/1
Alabama 25/1
Notre Dame 25/1
Oregon 30/1
Penn State 30/1
Texas Tech 30/1
Nebraska 40/1
Georgia Tech 40/1
North Carolina 40/1
West Virginia 40/1
Illinois 50/1
Tennessee 50/1
Oklahoma State 60/1
Missouri 60/1
Utah 60/1
California 60/1
Wisconsin 60/1
Michigan 60/1
Iowa 75/1
Kansas 75/1
South Carolina 75/1
TCU 100/1
Arkansas 100/1
Michigan State 100/1
Cincinnati 100/1
Boston College 100/1
I just hope my beloved Georgia Bulldogs have a better showing!
As much as it PAINS me to say, I think Florida may be the ones to beat. With Tebow and pretty much the entire rest of the team coming back, they will be monsters. Again.
I have high hopes for the Hokies, but they have that early season game vs. 'Bama, which though I as a fan look forward to, wonder if they'll be ready for. But they get back something like 18 or 19 starters, including all the skill positions on offense and nearly everyone good on D (they lose Macho, but honestly, as long as Foster is coaching, the loss of one or two players is not a problem.)
Still, they'll be young (a ton of true and RS freshmen played this year), which could be a downside--definitely, depth could be an issue, but we did have some season-ending injuries all year which might be back next year.
Don't be surprised to see the Gators go wire-to-wire at No. 1 in 2009. Florida might return as many as 10 starters on defense (star junior linebacker Brandon Spikes is expected to enter the NFL draft), and much of its firepower on offense will be back, too. Quarterback Tim Tebow probably will return for his senior season, although speedy receiverPercy Harvin might turn pro.
2. Texas Longhorns
With quarterback Colt McCoy coming back for his senior season, the Longhorns once again will be as explosive as any offense in the country. Four starters should be back from a very young offensive line, and receiver Jordan Shipley was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. Texas has to do a better job of running the football in 2009. The defensive line will be gutted, and All-American end Brian Orakpo and tackle Roy Miller won't be easy to replace.
3. Oklahoma Sooners
If current sophomore Sam Bradford returns to school, the Sooners should have a high-scoring offense once again. It might not be as easy, however, for the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in 2009. Oklahoma will have to replace four starters on its offensive line, and leading receiver Juaquin Iglesias is departing. Tight end Jermaine Gresham might enter the NFL draft.
4. USC Trojans
The Trojans will start 2009 ranked in the top five, but don't be surprised if they struggle to stay there. USC's ferocious defense will be gutted by personnel losses. Three of the four starting defensive linemen will have to be replaced, and all three starting linebackers will be gone. At least one starting defensive back must be replaced, and possibly three if junior safety Taylor Mays enters the NFL draft and cornerback Josh Pinkard isn't given a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. The offense could be very good if junior quarterback Mark Sanchez returns to school.
5. Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama fans learned how valuable All-American left tackle Andre Smith was to the offense in the Crimson Tide's 31-17 loss to Utah in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The Tide will go into the 2009 season without their two best offensive linemen -- center Antoine Caldwell was a senior and Smith is entering the NFL draft as a junior. Senior quarterback John Parker Wilson is done, and Greg McElroy and Star Jackson will battle for the starting job this spring. Nine starters are expected to be back on defense -- if junior nose tackle Terrence Cody returns for the 2009 season.
6. Ohio State Buckeyes
Much of Ohio State's success in 2009 might be determined by quarterback Terrelle Pryor's development during the offseason. Pryor played remarkably well as a freshman, but he must become a more polished passer for the offense to be truly effective. Pryor's job would have been easier if tailback Chris "Beanie" Wells had returned to school, but he declared for the NFL draft. The Buckeyes lose a lot of star power on defense -- All-American linebacker James Laurinaitis, Thorpe Award winner Malcolm Jenkins and linebacker Marcus Freeman were seniors.
7. Virginia Tech Hokies
If we learned anything from Virginia Tech's 10-4 season, it's that Frank Beamer is one of the best coaches in the business. After losing to East Carolina in the opener and struggling early in conference play, Virginia Tech rallied to win its second straight ACC championship. The Hokies should have nine starters back on offense, including quarterback Tyrod Taylor and tailback Darren Evans. Only four starters will be lost on defense, but cornerback Victor "Macho" Harris is one of them.
8. Boise State Broncos
The 2008 season didn't end the way the Broncos hoped, as they suffered their first loss in a 17-16 defeat to TCU in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl. But Boise State again will have a chance to run the table in 2009. Star tailback Ian Johnson is departing, but quarterbackKellen Moore played very well as a freshman, and top receivers Jeremy Childs and Austin Pettis are expected back. The linebacker corps will have to be rebuilt, but the secondary should be very good if cornerback Kyle Wilson returns for his senior season.
9. LSU Tigers
Freshman quarterback Jordan Jefferson's performance in LSU's 38-3 win over Georgia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Bowl gives the Tigers plenty of hope for 2009. Inconsistent quarterback play and a surprisingly porous defense were LSU's biggest deficiencies in 2008. Former Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis should shore up the defense, which must replace its entire defensive line and middle linebacker Darry Beckwith.
10. Oklahoma State Cowboys
It's still hard to gauge whether the Cowboys are a real threat to Oklahoma and Texas in the Big 12 South. They won eight of their first nine games in 2008, but then lost three of their last four. Oklahoma State's defense was gashed in those three losses, allowing 56 points to Texas Tech, 61 to Oklahoma and 42 to Oregon. Oklahoma State again figures to have one of the country's best offenses, with quarterback Zac Robinson, running back Kendall Hunter and receiver Dez Bryantcoming back. Tight end Brandon Pettigrew will be missed.
11. PSU
12. Ole Miss
13. Iowa
14. GT
15. UGA
16. TCU
17. Oregon
18. ND
19. FSU
20. Cal
21. Utah
22. Nebraska
23. Kansas
24. BYU
25. T2
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another preseason poll
From the same link as the post above
RIVALS.com
1. FLORIDA
The Buzz: The potential exists for all 11 defensive starters – and each of their backups – to be back in 2009. And with QB Tim Tebow returning, the Gators will be prohibitive favorites to repeat.
2. TEXAS
The Buzz: QB Colt McCoy's decision to return means the offense again will put up a ton of points – and the running game should be better in 2009. The secondary could be a strength, but the front seven needs some tweaking.
3. USC
The Buzz: The defense will undergo an overhaul, from the coordinator down to the players. But the offense could be truly explosive.
4. OKLAHOMA
The Buzz: If quarterback Sam Bradford, TE Jermaine Gresham and DT Gerald McCoy go pro, this ranking will drop. If all three return, OU will battle for the Big 12 – and maybe national – title.
5. LSU
The Buzz: QB Jordan Jefferson's performance in the Chick-fil-A Bowl provides hope that the offense will be more consistent. The linebacking corps needs to be rebuilt.
6. OHIO STATE
The Buzz: You have to figure the coaches will unleash quarterback Terrelle Pryor, which will jazz up the offense. The defense will be fine even without CB Malcolm Jenkins and LB James Laurinaitis.
7. VIRGINIA TECH
The Buzz: The Hokies look as if they will be the class of the ACC. The defense always will be good, and if QB Tyrod Taylor becomes a better passer, the offense actually could be dangerous.
8. ALABAMA
The Buzz: The offensive line could have some questions and there will be a new quarterback, but depth should be better and there are some talented skill-position players on hand.
9. BOISE STATE
The Buzz: QB Kellen Moore can become a star. If the Broncos can get their front four on defense settled, an undefeated season is within their grasp.
10. OKLAHOMA STATE
The Buzz: The Cowboys should have a deadly offensive trio in QB Zac Robinson, TB Kendall Hunterand WR Dez Bryant. The defense, though, has some work to do.
11. GEORGIA TECH
The Buzz: The Yellow Jackets were surprisingly good in coach Paul Johnson's first season, and Year Two in the triple-option offense could lead to big numbers. The defense should be fine.
12. CALIFORNIA
The Buzz: Jahvid Best may go into the 2009 season as the nation's best running back. Coach Jeff Tedford needs to settle on a quarterback and the linebacking corps must be rebuilt.
13. PENN STATE
The Buzz: QB Daryll Clark and TB Evan Royster return, though there are questions about the offensive line, the receiving corps and the secondary. The front seven on defense could be outstanding.
14. OLE MISS
The Buzz: Coach Houston Nutt changed the culture around the program, and if Tim Tebow goes pro,Jevan Snead will be the best quarterback in the SEC. There is a lot of skill-position talent around him, too.
15. OREGON
The Buzz: The Ducks will need to settle on a quarterback and do some tweaking in the secondary. But the rushing attack again should be the team strength.
16. FLORIDA STATE
The Buzz: The defense has a lot of potential, if the coaches can find some safeties. The offensive line actually could be a strength. But the passing attack must improve.
17. UTAH
The Buzz: The passing game will be a huge question. But the defense returns a lot of key players in the front seven, and the Utes will be able to run the ball.
18. GEORGIA
The Buzz: Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno are gone. But it's not as if the Bulldogs' roster is bereft of talent. The offensive line should be much better, as should the defense.
19. KANSAS
The Buzz: On paper, at least, the Jayhawks look to be the class of the Big 12 North. The return of QB Todd Reesing means the offense should be one of the most productive in the nation. But the defense must replace three starting linebackers.
20. TEXAS TECH
The Buzz: No Graham Harrell. No Michael Crabtree. A rebuilt offensive line. A tougher schedule. And the same old defense.
21.IOWA
The Buzz: Yes, star running back Shonn Greene is gone, but the defense again should be tough. The offensive line should be stout and there still are some good backs on campus.
22. BYU
The Buzz: Replacing four starters on the offensive line is the top priority for the Cougars, whose defense should be much better.
23. NOTRE DAME
The Buzz: Hey, calm down there, all you Irish haters. Notre Dame has talent, the schedule is navigable and a staff shakeup should help on the field.
24. USF
The Buzz: One of these seasons, USF will start fast and finish strong. Next season will be the final go-round for quarterback Matt Grothe, who must cut down on his mistakes.
25. OREGON STATE
The Buzz: The Rodgers brothers mean the offense should be fine, and coordinator Mark Bankeralways seems to find answers on his defense.
Portions of the post that previously appeared in this space have been deleted. I would provide you with a reason why, but doing so would likely be against the TOS.
Last edited by uncertaintraveler; Jan 12, 09 at 2:52 pm.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeBagodonuts
along the same topic isn't the cotton bowl now moving to the new "house that jerry jones built"?
Yes. The Cotton Bowl Classic will be played there in 2010. Texas Tech and Mississippi played in the last ever Cotton Bowl Classic to held at the Cotton Bowl stadium.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TrojanHorse
...2. Texas Longhorns
With quarterback Colt McCoy coming back for his senior season, the Longhorns once again will be as explosive as any offense in the country. Four starters should be back from a very young offensive line, and receiver Jordan Shipley was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. Texas has to do a better job of running the football in 2009. The defensive line will be gutted, and All-American end Brian Orakpo and tackle Roy Miller won't be easy to replace....
The offense is pretty much set, except for the fact that we need to get John Chiles on the field in some fashion. He's too great an athlete to warm the bench at QB and with Chris Gilbert coming in for spring practice, I don't see him continuing on there. A good choice would be for him to switch to Slot Back/WR. With Brandon Collins, Malcolm Williams, and James Kirkendoll all having had significant playing time and with Jordan Shipley returning to lead the receiving corps, Colt is going to have some awesome weapons to throw to. In addition, the O-Line is another year older and has two-deep experience, even with the loss of Cedric Dockery, so he should be pretty clean as long as he doesn't take off running. LOL.
I agree that Texas needs to get it's running game back. I don't mind RB-by-committee; however, I'd rather someone else be the leading rusher than the starting QB. Lots of room for improvement there and we'll get some help in this year's recruiting class as well.
D-Line gutted? Well, not exactly. I know that Sam Acho, Ben Alexander, Lamarr Houston, and Eddie Jones aren't exactly house-hold names for anyone that doesn't follow UT, but they played in every game this year and relieved the starters on every other rotation, so it's not exactly like we are going to be the Sisters of the Poor on the defensive line. Still, I will miss Roy Miller, Aaron Lewis, Henry Melton, and Brian Orapko if for nothing more than what senior leadership skills they brought to the D-Line.
We got good news that Sergio Kindle is returning, so there is only one starting LB's to replace since he and Muckleroy both announced their return at the same press conference. But, here again, Jared Norton and Emmanuel Acho saw significant playing time in relief of Kindle, Muckleroy, and Bobino, so the transition should be a smooth one.
I also look for the D-Backs to be much improved next year, but still be a work in progress. Come 2010, the entire defense is really going to be a beast...for a couple of years running, I hope.
That said, I'm fine with the 'Gators being the pre-season #1 pick and honored that Texas was considered so highly in this pre-mature poll. Hopefully, they don't turn out to be next year's disappointment a la West Virginia this year.
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Well I looked and the 2008 season thread was started on Jan 8, 08 so I thought this thread was a bit late
So I'll start it by the premature odds for taking the 2008 season MNC game
The following odds for next year's title winner were released by BetOnline.com less than 24 hours after Florida beat Oklahoma in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game. The biggest shocker? Look at how strongly Notre Dame is regarded.
USC 4/1
Florida 5/1
Oklahoma 7/1
Texas 8/1
Ohio State 9/1
Florida State 15/1
Virginia Tech 15/1
Georgia 20/1
Miami (Fla) 20/1
LSU 20/1
Alabama 25/1
Notre Dame 25/1
Oregon 30/1
Penn State 30/1
Texas Tech 30/1
Nebraska 40/1
Georgia Tech 40/1
North Carolina 40/1
West Virginia 40/1
Illinois 50/1
Tennessee 50/1
Oklahoma State 60/1
Missouri 60/1
Utah 60/1
California 60/1
Wisconsin 60/1
Michigan 60/1
Iowa 75/1
Kansas 75/1
South Carolina 75/1
TCU 100/1
Arkansas 100/1
Michigan State 100/1
Cincinnati 100/1
Boston College 100/1
I am as hardcore as anyone, love the Vols and am extremely excited about new coaching regime BUT did you omit a '0' when posting odds on UT winning 2009 Title?
__________________
Give him six...Touchdown, Tennessee
Big question is can SEC continue to dominate College Football landscape in 2009. Consider -
SEC has won 3 consecutive BCS National Titles (UF, LSU, UF)* not equaled by any other conference*
SEC has won 5 of 11 BCS Titles (UT, LSU, UF, LSU, UF) *more than any other conference*
3 different SEC teams have won BCS Titles (UT, LSU, UF) *more than any other conference
SEC went 6-2 in bowl games this year, winning more games than any other conference (PAC 10 should also be called out for going 5-0).
SEC went 7-2 last year in bowl play, posting more wins by a single conference than ever before in bowl history.
SEC #4, Ole Miss, hammers Big 12 South co champ and former #1 nationally Tx Tech, in Cotton Bowl.
SEC #5, Vanderbilt, beats ACC #2 and ACC Title game participant Boston College.
I believe the answer to continued SEC domination is 'yes'.
Didn't Big 4 (OU,TX, Tx Tech, OK St) from Big 12 South go 1-3 in bowl play? They appeared to be competitive with SEC during regular season but after widespread exposure of Big 12 defenses and an 0-2 record vs. SEC in bowls, SEC superiority is clear.
What is up with Oklahoma being 0-5 in last 5 BCS games. They are out Ohio State-ing Ohio State. That is not good.
Final comment is that it was criminal that OU went to Big 12 Championship (and BCS Title game because MO was a joke as Big 12 Title game opponent) over TX. Double digit victory in head to head game on a neutral field? Give me a break. TX should have gone. Under SEC tie breaking rules, TX would have gone. Only redemption for TX must have been watching OU go down in flames after they had beaten Ohio St. Good for TX.
__________________
Give him six...Touchdown, Tennessee
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bnaboy
I am as hardcore as anyone, love the Vols and am extremely excited about new coaching regime BUT did you omit a '0' when posting odds on UT winning 2009 Title?
these are the same odds that have ND at 25:1 and tOSU at 9:1 and you know that tOSU is not going to win a big game if it was 11 on 7 on both sides of the ball
these are the same odds that have ND at 25:1 and tOSU at 9:1 and you know that tOSU is not going to win a big game if it was 11 on 7 on both sides of the ball
Now, wait; you know it only takes a late pass interference flag or two tossed after the game is over for them to win the big game.
these are the same odds that have ND at 25:1 and tOSU at 9:1 and you know that tOSU is not going to win a big game if it was 11 on 7 on both sides of the ball
I agree on OSU and will make sure to share with all my friends in CMH.
__________________
Give him six...Touchdown, Tennessee
Lots of room for improvement there and we'll get some help in this year's recruiting class as well.
