NCAA Football Preview: The 2008th Edition (Not Really)

Ah, the smell of football season approaching. I can almost hear the Tennessee marching band playing "Rocky Top", see 108,000 fans filling up Michigan Stadium hours before the game starts, and taste that first nacho that comes with opening weekend. 

It's the best. You know it is. 

Well, what else does the season have in store for us? As the Joker says, "Hello, beautiful". O wait, wrong quote. Let's try this one, "Here we go." 

Chuck Bednarik Award (Best Defensive Player)

I took a look at the watch list for this award, and that sucker is long. Anyway, let's whittle it down. A few names stand out, guys like LB Brian Cushing from USC, DE Greg Hardy from Ole Miss, OSU CB Malcolm Jenkins, Indiana DE Greg Middleton, and potential top draft pick Fili Moala, the DL from USC.

I would love to see Terrance Taylor (DT, Michigan) throw his name into the ring, but sadly, the pick here is James Laurinaitis, the OSU linebacker. He really could've won the award last year. Sigh. I feel a trend coming. 

James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

Note: Big Lorey will also take the Nagurski Award, another top defensive award, the Dick Butkus Award (Best LB) and the Lombardi Award (Best DL or LB). 

Dave Rimington Trophy (Best C)

Wow, who really cares about this one? Maybe I should take that back, these aren't small fellows. Anyway, you can find the watch list here, and my guess is that we get a repeat winner.

Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas 

Davey O'Brien Award (Best QB)

Hmm, quite a menu. Lot of big names here. Todd Boeckman of Ohio State stands out, as does Jimmy Clausen (really?), Graham Harrell of Texas Tech, Pat White of West Virginia, last year's winner Tim Tebow of Florida, and numerous other guys. I have a gut feeling on this one, and the gut does not lie. 

Chase Daniel, Missouri 

Note: This'll be a close one. I predict Tebow wins the Manning Award, the other QB prize. 

Doak Walker Award (Best RB)

What? Get with the program, Doak. I guess I'm doing this one freestyle. Noel Devine is a sleeper. The dude could be the next electrifying, Reggie Bush-type, and a better runner. Darren McFadden could make it three in a...oh wait, he's rotting away in Oakland.

Well, let's see here. Joe McKnight of USC finally has the job to himself, and is destined to be a dynamic guy, but might be a tad young. Knowshon Moreno of Georgia is a stud as well. One guy stands out though, I'm afraid. 

Chris Wells, Ohio State

Fred Biletnikoff Award (Best WR)

Well they haven't updated their site either, so once again this one is coming from the old noodle. Brian Robiskie of Ohio State returned for his senior season, and could spark some fireworks with his large frame and big play ability.

Darrius Heyward-Bay is an under-the-radar guy from Maryland, but is a top prospect for the '09 draft and a big talent. However, this award is easy to pick, once again I present: 

Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech 

Jim Thorpe Award (Best DB) 

A couple guys pop into my mind for this one. Taylor Mays of USC is a big, bruising safety who will most likely have to move to LB in the NFL, but for now is the most dominant safety in college.

Morgan Trent and Donovan Warren of Michigan are worthy contenders, but a rival picks it up. 

Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State

John Mackey Award (Best TE)

And we're back. Cornelius Ingram of Florida would've been a top candidate for this award, but his knee just blew up. Crass, I know. Deal with it. (Love ya Corny). Bear Pascoe has to be near the top because that's the coolest name ever.

But seriously, one guy has been amazing so far in his years, and will get rewarded with a nice trophy and a fat NFL paycheck at the end of the season.  

Travis Beckum, Wisconsin 

Outland Trophy (Best OL or DL)

This one almost always seems to go to a big O-Lineman, but Glenn Dorsey stopped the trend last year. Lot of good guys to pick from, but I think this one returns to the offense. 

Michael Oher, Mississippi 

Heisman Trophy

Now the big one. This usually goes to a QB, but every once in a while a RB or WR sneaks and, and even more rare a CB wiggles his way through the crack. (Yes, I know they're all Michigan Men, sue me).

I could probably list 20 guys who have a serious shot this year, and in the interest of not making this article an epic, Tebow isn't winning again, a QB isn't winning, and a WR isn't winning. Who is? 

Chris Wells, Ohio State

Alright, that's most of the awards handed out. I intentionally left out some that had repeat/similar positions or specialty spots, so if you're a Ray Guy fan, this isn't the place for you. Now for the lightning round. 

BCS Teams

Oklahoma, Georgia, Clemson, Fresno State, West Virginia, USC, Missouri, Wisconsin

BCS Title Game

Ohio State over Florida

Well there you have it. Yes, I know O-State dominated my preview, but it's the way I feel, deal with it. They're good. They'll get over the title game hump. As much as that pains me to say, it's gonna happen.

But they'll lose a lot after the season, so a man can dream.