My Percy Harvin Blog

Let's get the party started!  As much as preseason polls mean little more than a baseline for the pundits, everybody has one.  So we will introduce my first annual  Preseason College Football Poll.  The difference between  poll and others is I am the only person polled in my poll.  So before any games are played, here is the way I see it...

 Preseason Top 25 College Football Ranking

1. Florida   

The Gators finished the 2008 season as the consensus champions, and there is no reason to believe they will not repeat.  This season sets up as the perfect storm for the Gators; the schedule looks to be one of the least difficult in land and the most dominant player in college football returns for his senior season. There is no replacing Percy Harvin, but Florida may be more balanced this season on offense.  Look for TE Aaron Hernandez and WR Riley Cooper to emerge; they are two talented players who were stuck in a numbers game.  The defense will be downright scary; all 11 starters return from a great defense in 2008. Not much more can be said about the Gators; they are simply loaded with talent at every position.  But it will come down to one player, and QB Tim Tebow is the difference between Florida and the other contenders. 

Prediction: 13-0, SEC Champion 

2. Texas     

What Mr. Tebow means to the Florida Gators, the same can be said forTexas QB Colt McCoy.  Coach Mack Brown and the Longhorns have been stockpiling talent over the past four or so years and the Longhorns will reload again this year.  The defense will be improved, especially the front 7, even with the loss of Roy Miller.  The out-of-conference schedule will be easier than last year, and other than the Oct. 17th showdown with Oklahoma, the Longhorns will be favored in all of their games.  The Longhorns will play with a large chip on their shoulder, after being locked out of the Big 12 Championship game and a shot at the BCS title game. 

Prediction: 13-0, Big 12 Champion

3. Ohio State     

The Buckeyes have an early season showdown at home against USC and they must visit Happy Valley for an early November battle with Penn State.  Other than that, they have arguably their 2 toughest conference games in Columbus, with Illinois and Wisconsin.  Any team that dual-threat QB Tyrelle Pryor is on has to be good; he is an amazing talent to watch and will have several weapons at his disposal.                                    

Prediction:  12-0, Big 10 Champion

4. Oklahoma      

This is a tough one; Sam Bradford is an outstanding quarterback, but he will be behind only 1 returning OL starter. But overall, the Sooners return enough talent on both sides of the ball to make a run at the BCS title. Look for opponents to force heavy pressure on Bradford, like Florida did in last season's BCS championship game, until the OL gels. The schedule is a bit more difficult than the Longhorns' schedule; other than the showdown with Texas in Dallas, the Sooners host BYU and travel to Nebraska and to Miami.  Both road games are certainly winnable, but the Sooners may have to do it with their defense if the OL doesn't come together.                                          

Prediction: 10-2

5. Penn State    

Old Joepa has the Nittany Lions right where he wants them; a bit under the radar, and preparing for one of the least daunting schedules in the nation.  The Lions host Ohio State in a game that should be for the Big Ten Championship.  Other than that, they travel to Illinois and Iowa, but they do not play Wisconsin.  There is experience everywhere and on both sides of the ball.  This could be another one of those years that PSU goes undefeated, but is a victim of their schedule and gets shut out of the BCS championship game.                 

Prediction:  11-1

6. USC     

Okay, the Trojans may be without their projected starting QB early on, and may have to go with true freshman, Matt Barkley.  Haven't we been here before?  It doesn't seem to really matter who is calling the signals for Coach Pete Carroll's club, whomever it is will most likely be the highest recruited QB out of high school, which Barkley is.  The Trojans lost a whole lot of talent from last season's squad and will be tested early in Columbus, but for every superstar lost, there is another superstar-in-waiting for Coach Carroll.  The games to watch are on the road; at Ohio State, Cal, Notre Dame, Oregon, and ASU.  If the Trojans can survive that schedule unbeaten, they would surely earn a trip to the BCS Championship game.  This could well be the toughest schedule in the nation.         

Prediction:  10-2,  PAC 10 Champion

7. Virginia Tech     

If the ACC has learned anything since the Hokies joined the conference, it is that Frank Beamer's staff is very good.  They prepare better than most teams, and recruit those mid-Atlantic states better than any other school.  There is talent in Blacksburg, and with the speedy Tyrod Taylor running the offense, they will return to the unpredictability that was so prevalent during the Vick years.  That's Michael, not Marcus.  The schedule may hold them back a bit, as it is quite challenging.  Aside from the tough slate of ACC rivals, the Hokies have a Neutral site game with Alabama and they host a very good Nebraska team that will be looking for payback from last season's Tech win in Lincoln.  

Prediction:  10-2, ACC Champion

8. Georgia Tech   

With 16 returning starters, 9 on offense, and all world RB Jonathan Dwyer in the backfield, look for the Yellow Jackets to once again give the rest of the conference fits.  The schedule is favorable, other than a trip to Tallahassee and the annual grudge match with Georgia, the Jackets should be favored in every other game.  Coach Paul Johnson has arguably the best offensive backfield in the nation, which will make it easy to run his ball-control, triple option against most teams.  If QB Josh Nesbitt can offer even the threat of passing, the Yellow Jackets will be running downhill.  Prediction:  10-2

9. California   

The PAC Ten proved last bowl season that it is a conference to be reckoned with.  Throughout the regular season It was easy to take shots at the conference when its teams were losing to Mountain West teams.  But hey, those Mountain West Conference schools can play football.  Cal has a fairly favorable schedule; they travel to Arizona State, Minnesota and Oregon, but the Bears get USC in Berkeley.  Coach Jeff Tedford has one of the most electrifying RBs in the country, in Jr. Jahvid Best.  The Golden Bears will challenge USC and Oregon for the conference championship.                                    

Prediction:  10-2

10.   LSU     

If last season's Peach Bowl was a glimpse into the future for the Tigers, they could be a very dangerous team in 2009.   Charles Scott rushed for 1174 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, and QB Jordan Jefferson came on strong at the end of the season.  As with most LSU squads, the defense will be strong enough to give them a chance in every game.  The nonconference schedule is their usual host of sacrificial lambs, but the Tigers must go on the road to play Ole Miss, Georgia and Alabama, and play host to Florida.  The SEC West will be a close race, and the Tigers will compete to the end.      

Prediction:  9-3

11.   Ole Miss     

The Rebels only return 6 starters on offense, but they will be led by the very talented tandem of QB Jevan Snead and WR Dexter McCluster.  Eight starters return from a very good defense last season, including the talented but oft-injured  DL Greg Hardy.  Coach Houston Nutt has the schedule in his favor this season with Alabama, Arkansas and LSU all coming to Oxford, and they escape Florida and Georgia in 2009.  In keeping with the SEC tradition of avoiding nonconference powerhouses, the Rebels toughest road test will be at Auburn.                                                                                                

Prediction:  10-3, SEC West Champion

12.  Alabama           

When a team is built around a power running game, the offensive line is the most important unit on the field.  The Crimson Tide must break in 3 new starters on the OL this season.  The only returning impact player on offense is WR Julio Jones, but if the running game does not develop quickly, Jones will find it difficult to get open.  They defense will again be very good for Coach Nick Saban's Tide.  365 lb Terrance Cody is back at DT, and LB Rolando McClain is a playmaker.  Coach Saban will find out early what his team is made of; they open against Virginia Tech in a neutral site game.  The Tide hosts LSU, but must travel to Ole Miss to play a game that may ultimately decide the SEC West.   While the SEC East will be a foregone conclusion before the season's first snap, the SEC West will give college football fans everything they want, and more.  

Prediction:  9-3

13.    Nebraska    

They're baaack.  At first glance, it may seem like a reach to rank the 'Huskers this high, but with Coach Bo Pelini back in Lincoln where he once developed a fearsome defense, the focus has shifted from offense.  They will still run some variation of a multi-set, spread offense but the defense will be more formidable under Pelini.  The schedule is somewhat favorable; The Cornhuskers must travel to Blacksburg and to Lawrence, to play the Jayhawks in a game that likely will decide the Big 12 North.  They get Oklahoma and Texas Tech in Lincoln.  Most avid college football fans still long for the days of the corn-fed, mammoth linemen leading the I-back and the QB option on 15-play drives in Lincoln.  Coach Pelini may return the 'Huskers to those glory days.  

Prediction:  10-3, Big 12 North Champion

14.   Oklahoma State  

The Big 12 South will be the most exciting race to watch in college football, besides the SEC West, of course.  The Cowboys have junior sensation Dez Bryant returning at WR, giving QB Zac Robinson an easy target to throw to..  They will have to score a lot of points to compensate for a mediocre defense, however.  Coach Mike Gundy's Cowboys will be tested early, as the Georgia Bulldogs travel to Stillwater on opening weekend.  Okie State will also host Missouri, Texas Tech and Texas, and will travel to Norman for the annual state rivalry game against Oklahoma.                         

Prediction:  9-3

15.  Oregon    

Although the Ducks are a talented team, the schedule is daunting.  They open up on the road versus Boise State.  The remaining schedule has Oregon's biggest games in Autzen Stadium and this is good news for new Head Coach and former offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly, who takes over for Mike Bellotti after Bellotti became the School's AD.  Kelly will still have talented QB Jeremiah Masoli running his spread-option offense.  Realistically, the Ducks are a year away from being serious contenders for the conference title, but they will give USC and Cal a run this year, and may even pull off an upset against one of them.

Prediction:    8-4

16. Georgia     

It may surprising to see Georgia ranked outside the top 15. After all, the Bulldogs will finish 2nd in the SEC East.  The problem is, there are 5 conference teams better than the Dawgs and they play 2 of them.  Georgia also plays at Oklahoma State and Georgia Tech; both teams should be better than the Bulldogs this year.  The Dawgs lost their QB, Mathew Stafford, who was the #1 pick in this year's NFL draft.  Replacing Stafford will be  senior Joe Cox.  Cox will have a big, speedy target in returning WR A.J. Green.  If Coach Mark Richt's defense can gel early, the Bulldogs have a chance to be better, but for now, #16 seems about right.                                                                       

Prediction:   8-4

17.  Florida State     

The 'Noles have fallen on hard times compared to the lofty standards they set for themselves a decade ago.  But in reality, most programs would love to have the success the Seminoles still enjoy.  The very young team from 2 years ago has grown up.  Over the last 3 seasons, no team has played more freshmen than Coach Bobby Bowden's Seminoles.  QB Christian Ponder will have his 2nd full season behind a line that is now an experienced, solid unit and includes guard Rodney Hudson, who is perhaps the best in the nation at his position.  There are a few playmakers returning, but mostly inexperienced, though very talented players will fill out Jimbo Fisher's offense.  They must find a replacement for their best weapon in 2008; Lou Groza Award winning kicker, Graham Gano, The defense is very young and will be tested; especially the secondary, where 3 starters were lost.  The schedule is brutal; the 'Noles must travel to BYU, BC, UNC, Clemson, Wake and Florida.  FSU will play Miami, Georgia tech and USF in Tallahassee.  Not the kind of schedule you want when you're rebuilding.   The Seminoles could be very good but their record may not reflect it.                                                            

Prediction:  8-5,  ACC Atlantic Champions

18.  TCU   

It seems a bit unfair that a team finishing the 2008 season at #7, will start this season ranked outside the top 15, but the 2009 schedule is not as favorable for a repeat of the Horned Frogs' 2008 success.  In a span of three weeks, TCU must travel to Virginia and to Clemson. They will also travel to BYU.  The 'Frogs will host Utah in a conference showdown in November.  Once again, Coach Gary Patterson's defense will be good enough to win most games and challenge for the Mountain West crown.           

Prediction:  9-3, MWC Champions

19.   Notre Dame      

Will this be the year that Coach Charlie Wiess finally puts it all together?  Maybe.  There are still too many unknowns with the Irish, but there is plenty of young talent in South Bend.  Junior Jimmy Clausen returns at QB and he will have a great tandem of WRs in Golden Tate and Michael Floyd.  The Irish feature no real playmakers on defense, but the secondary should be solid.  The schedule is not the usual tough slate Domer fans have become accustomed to, but it is no cakewalk either, with Nevada, USC, Boston College and Connecticut coming to South Bend.  Pittsburgh and Michigan will be the biggest road challenges for the Irish.                                                                                 

Prediction:   8-4

20.  Boise State      

After a stellar 12-1 season in 2008, with only a 1-point loss to TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl, the  Broncos look to crash the BCS party again in 2009.  Coach Chris Petersen's Broncos will have a chance to make a statement right away with Oregon coming to Boise.  The problem; this will be the only chance for Boise State to make any kind of statement.  The remainder of the schedule will not provide a BCS-crashing resume regardless of the Bronco's record.  BSU will have sophomore QB Kellen Moore returning, but playmakers will have to emerge quickly if he is to repeat last season's success.  As in 2008, the defense will be stout.  The #3 scoring defense in the nation lost some key contributors, but should be able to easily handle its WAC counterparts.          

Prediction:  11-1, WAC Champions

21.   Utah    

The Utes proved to the nation they at least deserved to be part of the BCS title conversation with their 13-0 record and sound beating of SEC runner-up, Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.  In 2009, Utah will again be favored to win the Mountain West Conference, but it will not be as easy as last season.  Coach Kyle Whittingham will have three tough road games, at BYU, Oregon and TCU.  The Utes get Louisville at home.  Otherwise, they should be able to sleepwalk through the rest of their schedule.  There is plenty of material returning for Coach Whittingham to have a successful season, but don't look for the Utes to live up to the lofty expectations following last season.                    

Prediction:  10-2

22. North Carolina     

Butch Davis has been quietly building a contender in Chapel Hill.  The offense took a few hits to graduation, but if QB T.J. Yates can stay healthy, he will contend for all-ACC honors.  The defense looks to be more dominant than in 2008, due to experience.  The highly recruited youngsters have grown up quickly and have the experience to be one of the best defenses in the nation.  The Heels have the usual tough ACC schedule, with Connecticut and ECU as decent non-conference tests.  They must travel to Blacksburg and play Georgia Tech in Atlanta, while they will host FSU and BC.  The Tar Heels will be competitive in the ACC Coastal, but in the end, GT and VT are too good to overcome.                                                                                                                   

Prediction:  7-5

23.   Iowa      

The Hawkeyes have an outside chance to compete for the Big Ten title.  It is unlikely, but with the returning offensive line leading what should be a stellar ground attack, they can rely less on a somewhat inexperienced defense.  Coach Kirk Ferentz, fresh from signing a big contract extension, has his Hawkeyes traveling to their biggest three games of the season.  They must go to Penn State, Ohio State and Wisconsin for games that could decide the Big Ten.   Iowa could lose those three games and still have a very good team, one that could provide a scary bowl match-up for anyone.                        

Prediction:  8-4

24.   BYU        

The Cougars always find a way to assemble a prolific offense.  This season, it may be more challenging than in the past however, since most of the offensive linemen must be replaced.  The most promising lineman, Houston Reynolds recently tore the ACL in his right knee, and may be out for the season, depending on the severity of the injury.  QB Max Hall will again lead the Cougars' attack on offense, which despite the inexperienced line, should be good at most other positions.  The defense will be solid up front and will have to come together quickly to keep the Cougars contending in the pass-happy MWC.  The schedule is challenging, as BYU travels to Norman to take on the Sooners in their opener, and in a much anticipated home game, the Cougars will host Florida State, two weeks later.  In conference, they get both TCU and Utah in Provo.       

Prediction:   9-3  

25.  Clemson    The Tigers have become synonymous with underachievement.  For a team that always seems to rake in great talent in February, the product never seems to measure up in November.  Maybe lower expectations will take some pressure off and help resurrect this once proud program.  Coach Dabo Swinney's Tigers certainly have the talent to be a dark horse in  the ACC Atlantic.  With 15 starters returning, including RB C.J.Spiller  and WR Jacoby Ford,  the Tigers need only to find a solid QB to get them the ball.  Barring injury at LB, the Tigers will have a stellar defense, there is talent at every position.  The schedule is typical of a Clemson schedule; soft nonconference slate but they do host TCU.  Other than traveling to Ga. Tech and Miami, they host FSU and Wake, in conference.  A couple of interesting games that may test CU's defense, are the November 14 showdown at NC State and the annual intrastate grudge match at South Carolina.                                     

Prediction:  9-3    

The Best of the Rest:   Oregon State, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Kansas, Michigan State, Tulsa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Wake Forest, USF, Boston College, Pitt, Rutgers, ASU, UConn, Miami, Arkansas, ECU, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri.

Adam Nardone, Senior Editor, Director of Research -Tax Policy. Mr. Nardone is a policy analyst, specializing in tax and economic studies. He holds a B.A. from University of Nebraska, and a M.A. from American University.

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Politically, Adam Nardone is closest to Libertarian. He extols the wonders and advances of Free Market Capitalism and subscribes to laissez-faire doctrine. Other interests include Politics and Pop Culture. An avid College Football and Baseball fan, Mr. Nardone has written articles for various sports websites and pens a weekly sports blog for The Planet Buzz, as well.

Mr. Nardone resides in the State of Arizona with his wife and children.

http://www.theplanetbuzz.com