College Football: Way Too Early Look at 2009

We're still two days away from the BCS National Championship Game and nine away from the deadline for early entries into the 2009 NFL draft.

Meaning, it's way too early to project next season's rankings, but I'll give it a quick shot.

1. Florida Gators

Reason to believe the ranking: Tim Tebow could return for his senior season, and we should all know to not bet against him. Reason to doubt the ranking: Tebow could say goodbye to Gainesville and head for the NFL.

2. Texas Longhorns

Reason to believe the ranking: Colt McCoy will be the Heisman frontrunner upon his return to school, and he makes average receivers look good. Reason to doubt the ranking: If Texas’ defensive line does not reload, Big 12 quarterbacks may have all day to throw against the Longhorns’ young secondary.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide

Reason to believe the ranking: The Tide defense will be among the best in the nation, while the running game will continue to open up a better passing game in 2009. Reason to doubt the ranking: Alabama loses three starting offensive linemen from one of the best lines in America. Young, inexperienced linemen will get their shot early in the spring.

4. USC Trojans

Reason to believe the ranking: Most of the skill players should be back, which means lots and lots of points. Reason to doubt the ranking: USC has to pretty much reload its entire defense, so it’ll have to find some young studs to fill all positions.

5. Ohio State Buckeyes

Reason to believe the ranking: Terrelle Pryor will have the ball in his hands at all times and will be ready to lead a team on his own. Reason to doubt the ranking: If Chris Wells decides to enter the NFL draft, then the Buckeyes will struggle mightily having to rely solely on Pryor’s arm.

6. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Reason to believe the ranking: Quarterback Zac Robinson is back to hand the ball of to Kendall Hunter and throw it deep to Dez Bryant, who should be the frontrunner for the Biletnikoff Award. Reason to doubt the ranking: The secondary will be very inexperienced, but that could be a good thing given how bad the Cowboys’ pass defense was this season. We’ll see.

7. Oklahoma Sooners

Reason to believe the ranking: Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray are back, so if Sam Bradford isn’t, then the running game will be successful for sure. Reason to doubt the ranking: The backs will be in place, but what about Bradford and the offensive line? Bradford is likely gone, as is the O-line. And like Oklahoma State, the secondary is a problem.

8. Ole Miss Rebels

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?