(Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
The college football season is just around the corner, and with conferences hosting media days, college football is heating up. Here's an early look at who will be at the top in college football in 2009:
Florida Gators: They are the defending National Champions, and have a top quarterback. What's not to like about the Gators. Plus, the Gators return every starter on defense.
The only question mark is the offensive line. They must protect Tim Tebow. They also have to fill the hole that Percy Harvin left, and have to find production from their receivers. Florida is No. 1 in the new preseason poll.
Oklahoma Sooners: The Sooners lost in the National Championship game to the Gators, but return Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford. Plus, they also returned Jermaine Gresham, Gerald McCoy, and Trent Williams. All were key assets to the Sooners last season.
They must focus on protecting Bradford, as most of the offensive line is gone. They also have to get receivers to produce, and catch balls from Bradford. Oklahoma also has a strong front seven to help stop teams while they are on defense. Oklahoma is No. 3 in the new preseason poll.
Texas Longhorns: The Longhorns got ripped off by the BCS last season by not getting the nod to play in the BCS National Championship game. This season, that could be different.
They still have Colt McCoy, and a good defense, but must improve their defensive line with the loss of Brian Orakpo. They also must have a running back that can take the pressure off of Colt McCoy. Texas is No. 2 in the new preseason poll.
USC Trojans: USC always plays good defense. Can they do that after losing Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews, Rey Maualuga, and Kaluka Maiava? Perhaps they can, right?
They return three starters in free safety Taylor Mays, strong safety Josh Pinkard, and nosetackle Christian Tupou. Knowing Pete Carroll, this defense will still be very good in 2009 anyway.
The offense will either be led by new quarterbacks Aaron Corp or Matt Barkley. Aaron Corp sat out practice on Tuesday with a bruised knee. They don't have to worry that they won't be protected, because their offensive line is very good.
They also have good receivers to throw to, and a good running game to rely on led by Joe McKnight, C.J. Gable, and Stafon Johnson. USC is No. 4 in the new preseason poll.
Ohio State
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