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2009 College Football Top 10: Florida to Repeat

By (Contributor) on July 3, 2009

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So here we are, two months away from the beginning of the 2009 College Football season. Yes, it might be early to start predicting the upcoming season, but I just couldn't wait.

The 2009 College Football season is sure to be thrilling and exciting. With the three teams that dominated the league last season in Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma. And with all three teams coming back with almost completely the same team, they are looking to dominate yet again.

But there are some teams looking to spoil their chances, including Ohio State, Virginia Tech, USC, and some newcomers are seeking a national title.

So with all that said, here are my top-10 for the 2009 College Football Season.

10. Georgia Tech

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 6:  Running back Jonathan Dwyer #21 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets celebrates in the end zone during their game against the Boston College Eagles on September 6, 2008 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The

Georgia Tech returns the star running back duo of Jonathan Dwyer and Roddy Jones, and junior quarterback Josh Nesbitt.

But they also lost some great players: End Michael Johnson and tackles Darryl Richard and Vance Walker.

And the offensive line took a blow, losing some key players.

So, it will be fun watching how they rebuild around some star players.

9. Oklahoma State

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30:   Wide Receiver Dez Bryant  #1 of the Oklahoma State University Cowboys catches the ball and runs in for a touchdown against the University of Oregon Ducks during the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium on December 3

This team was high scoring, ranked in the top-10 in the nation in scoring, total offense, and rushing, producing over 3,000 yards through the air and on the ground.

But their defense lost games for them, giving up more than 400 yards and 27 points per game. Surely not one of the best defenses in the nation.

The upside is the return of star receiver Dez Bryant, running back Kendall Hunter, and quarterback Zac Robinson.

Let's see what they can do to help their team out this season.

8. Penn State

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 22:  Darryl Clark #17 of the Penn State Nittany Lions smells a rose after clinching the Big Ten title and clinching a bid to the Rose Bowl after the game against the Michigan State Spartans on November 22, 2008 at Beaver Stadi

Penn State is still an underdog to win the national championship, but they will have a very successful season behind Darryl Clark and Evan Royster.

Although they took a huge hit losing Aaron Maybin, they will look to rebound with linebacker Sean Lee, who missed all last season with a knee injury, leading their defense. Penn State will look to duplicate last season.

7. Ohio State

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 05:  Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates with Rory Nicol #88 after a 5 yard touchdown reception against the Texas Longhorns during the fourth quarter of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Game on January 5, 2009 at Univers

Terrelle Pryor will get to show what he's really like this season. Pryor could possibly be a contender for a Heisman in his college career, but this season is about winning a championship for his team.

It won't be easy after losing Chris Wells, Malcolm Jenkins, Donald Washington, and James Lauraniatis, but they will find a way to succeed.

6. USC

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01:  Wide receiver Damian Williams #18 of the USC Trojans runs with the ball after a reception during the 95th Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi against the Penn State Nittany Lions at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2009 in Pasadena, Ca

USC is always in the hunt to win a national championship, every year.

Even after losing Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart three years ago, they still came back to contend for the title. Last season might have been their last chance to contend for a title.

Although they will have a good record, I just don't see them replacing the talent they lost so quickly.

Maybe in a couple years, but not this season.

Another Rose Bowl is probably appropriate.

5. Ole Miss

DALLAS - JANUARY 02:  Quarterback Jevan Snead #4 of the Mississippi Rebels drops back to pass against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the AT&T Cotton Bowl on January 2, 2009 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Here is the surprise team of the list.

They certainly have talent on both sides of the ball and it will be exciting to see how they fare.

Quarterback Jevan Snead will have a nice time, as receivers Shay Hodge and Dexter McCluster return.

Their defense could very well be better with defensive end Greg Hardy leading a talented defense.

This could be their year.

4. Virginia Tech

MIAMI - JANUARY 01:  John Hughes # 40 of the Cincinnati Bearcats tackles Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies as he loses the ball during the FedEx Orange Bowl at Dolphin Stadium on January 1, 2009 in Miami, Florida.  (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty

Yes, there is another Tech team looking to surprise the nation and it's not from Texas. Virginia Tech isn't getting the credit they should be. What more do they have to do?

They return the athletic Tyrod Taylor and tailback Darren Evans and with a little improvement on Taylor's side, they will be force to be reckoned with.

Add a stellar defense and you have one heck of a team that could contend for a championship.

3. Oklahoma

MIAMI - JANUARY 08:  Sam Bradford #14 of the Oklahoma Sooners look to pass against the Florida Gators during the FedEx BCS National Championship game at Dolphin Stadium on January 8, 2009 in Miami, Florida.  (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Here we are with the elite teams in the nation.

It's kind of a toss-up, but when you look at it, Oklahoma got dismantled by Florida in the BCS Championship.

They bring back Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford, tight end Jermaine Gresham, and running back DeMarco Murray.

The Sooner's defense should be okay, but how good do they need to be in order for them to win a championship?

This could be the nation's top offense, but their offensive line could be their weak spot.

2. Texas

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Again this is a hard decision to make, between Texas and Florida.

Texas lost their star defensive player, Brian Orakpo, but they are returning great players too.

Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley will hook up for yet another year. Receiver Malcolm Williams will get much bigger role this season as Quan Cosby left for the NFL. The running back position is uncertain, as they have Vondrell McGee, Cody Johnson, and Fozzy Whitaker.

Their defense is pretty much the same. So they will once again be at the top of the college nation.

1. Florida

MIAMI - JANUARY 08:  Tim Tebow #15 of the Florida Gators runs the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners during the FedEx BCS National Championship game at Dolphin Stadium on January 8, 2009 in Miami, Florida.  (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

Florida returns Tim Tebow and all eleven players on their defense.

This won't be the same offense we saw last season and it will be interesting to see how they will perform.

Their defense is the best in the nation, though. Linebacker Brandon Spikes will lead this defense. Their defense will certainly have to perform this season if they want to repeat as champions.

All that said, Texas, Oklahoma, or Virginia Tech could take their place as champions. So watch out.

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