2009 College Football Preview: The 11 Best 11s

In less than two weeks, another exciting season of college football will begin.

Hopes are high for outstanding years in college towns throughout the country. From Tuscaloosa to Los Angeles, Columbus to Baton Rouge, and all points in between, fans will yell, scream, and support their team.

Who will yell the loudest, or last?

Florida supporters have been defending their BCS Championship for months, and make no secret, they intend to be the first team in history to win back-to-back BCS titles.

Can your favorite school deal with Tim Tebow and his talented teammates? 

Is any team in the land capable of beating the mighty Gators?

It is time to unveil the 11 Best 11s for 2009.

11. Boise State, WAC

Broncos are ready to set fire to the BCS Bowl system once again. Oregon visits the blue carpet in a first game that will set the tone for the season.

10. Penn State, Big Ten

Close, but no cigar in 2008. This season, look for the Nittany Lions to roar through the schedule with an eye toward Joe Paterno's third national title.

9. Virginia Tech, ACC

Beating Alabama in the season opener would give the Hokies the respect they crave, but it will not guarantee anything in the balanced Atlantic Coast Conference.

8. Alabama, SEC

With a break here or there, the Crimson Tide may have won the BCS title last year. Look for more of the same from this well-coached and talented squad.

7. LSU, SEC 

"Revenge! Get ready for the big payback! You might know karate, but I know ka-razor!" So sang James Brown in 1974. A day of reckoning is upon Tiger foes in 2009.  

6. Southern California, Pac-10

Once again, the Trojans are one of the most talented teams in the country. Coach Pete Carroll could have issues with depth, but he has a knack for correcting problems.  

5. Oklahoma, Big 12

In a word, the Sooners are loaded—easily capable of winning every game and winning the national championship. Just don't use that horrible phrase "BCS" around them.

4. Ohio State, Big Ten

The Buckeyes are close to coming full circle by providing coach Jim Tressel another BCS title, his second of the decade. If Ohio State stays focused, they could win it all.

3. California, Pac-10

The most dangerous team in the country. Superb talent, outstanding speed, and excellent coaching will have the Bears knocking on the door of the BCS title.

2. Florida, SEC

Urban Meyer expects his powerhouse to be the first team to win two consecutive BCS championships. When Tim Tebow puts his mind to something, it usually gets done.

1. Texas, Big 12

Colt McCoy is no Vince Young. He has not been able to defeat Sam Bradford or Tim Tebow for the Heisman Trophy. But this season, he wins the biggest prize of all.

On the Porch: Georgia Tech, Southern Mississippi, Ole Miss, Nebraska, Notre Dame