With the 2008 college football season now behind us, one has to wonder what is in store for 2009.

 

Some speculate that 2009 will be even better. I, for one, agree with that sentiment. Therefore, I give you my top four reasons for the 2009 college football season to trump all the glory and greatness that was 2008.

 

 

 

4. The use of younger players.

 

Right about now you are probably scratching your head and wondering, “How can younger players be mature enough and know the game well enough to give us a better season in 2009?”

 

To counter that statement, I give you prime examples one, two, and three: 1) Julio Jones, 2) A.J. Green, and 3) Travis Lewis.

 

Jones led the Crimson Tide in receptions, yardage, and receiving touchdowns. Green led UGA in receiving yards, with nearly 1,000, and added an astounding eight touchdowns. Lewis led the national champion contender Oklahoma Sooners in tackles with 136, including 12 for loss, and four interceptions.

 

All three accomplished great things in just their freshman campaigns. Do you not think that the game will begin to see more and more young guys step up, especially with many players bypassing the ends of their college careers to enter the NFL Draft?

 

At one time freshman players were not even allowed to play with upperclassmen. Now they are making some of the loudest noise you will see in the game.

 

Look for such players as D.J. Fluker, 6’7” 350-lb. OT, Reuben Randle, 6’3” 195-lb. WR, and Devon Kennard, 6’3” 257-lb. DE, to make an impact on the college game from the time they step onto campus in 2009.

 

 

 

3. The unanswered questions will be answered.

 

Several questions have come forth following the 2008 season.

 

First, can Florida repeat?

 

They have all the tools in place, including a Heisman trophy winner, a two-time national championship coach at the helm, and a team of seniors that have already won the title twice.

 

Winning three championships in four years would place Florida as one of the premier dynasties among college football history, and certainly the best team over the past 20 seasons. Somewhere, there should be Gators praising Steve Spurrier like no one’s business.

 

Second, can Big Game Bob actually win a big game?

 

Chants of OSWho have now been simplified to OWho, as Oklahoma has replaced Ohio State as being the team everyone wishes to receive as a foe come BCS bowl time.

 

With a great returning squad and a coach who has won a national championship already, the only thing remaining is to get that monkey off the back and bring respect back to Norman. I believe the championship is not out of reach, but sooner than later they must take hold of it.

 

Third, can Charlie Weis continue to bring Notre Dame out of the depths of ruin?

 

As mentioned in my previous article, having Notre Dame succeed is a benefit to college football as a whole. Whether you like the Irish or not, having them succeed helps college football succeed.

 

Winning their first bowl game since the early '90s, Weis has slowly but surely restored some hope within the Fighting Irish family. Can he improve upon last year’s success, or was it simply a flash in the pan and a teaser of yesteryear’s glory?

 

Will Bobby Bowden surpass JoePa? Will Mark Richt finally win the SEC? Will Pete Carroll finally make it through Pac-10 play unscathed, or will USC’s season be spoiled at the hands of another underdog?

 

There are many more questions surrounding the impending season, but time will not allow for all of them. Having so much to anticipate will leave us drooling all summer long and impatiently twitching until these questions are answered.

 

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