2009: 20 Teams on The Rise and Fall

With the season drawing to an end and a lot of awards being given out, I figured I'd list 10 teams that are going to be on the rise next year and 10 that are in decline. Some of these teams have fared well, while others have struggled:

Teams "On the Rise"

1. Cincinnatti Bearcats (10-2) #13

While Brian Kelly was expected to help improve this program, the Bearcats weren't expected to finish 10-2 and claim their first Big East title and a BCS bid. With a senior-laden defense and Quarterback Tony Pike recovering from a broken arm to lead them, the Bearcats have been a pleasant surprise.

2. Oklahoma State Cowboys (9-3) #14

That's right, Mike Gundy is 41, and he's a man. It would appear that benching Bobby Reid has turned out all right for the Cowboys, as they have improved from two 7-6 seasons to 9-3 this year. Their three losses came to the No. 1-, No. 2-, and No. 3-ranked teams (Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma), which is a first in NCAA history. Look for them to play well in '09 as well.

3. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (9-3) #15

Paul Johnson wasn't expected to do big things with GT, but with the help of his triple option offense, the Yellow Jackets have exploded onto the national scene, trumping mighty rival Georgia last week as well. With a solid recruiting class, the foundation is there. Look for this team to challenge in the ACC for years to come

4. Buffalo Bulls (7-5)

Turner Gill took a former MAC doormat and turned them into a very competitive team that will challenge Ball State for the MAC title this week. Gill has done it the right way and is attracting major attention from BCS programs. Buffalo is definitely on the rise.

5. Ole Miss Rebels (8-4) #25

Who'd have thought Houston Nutt would improve a very mediocre Ole Miss team this much in one year? The Rebels became the first team in NCAA history to defeat the previous two national champions (LSU, Florida) in the same year. Beware the wildcat.

6. Ball State Cardinals (12-0) #12

It's taken Brady Hoke a few years, but with a fearsome offense, the Cardinals look to clinch the MAC title this week and also look to make their mark against a quality opponent in a bowl game. But this won't be a one-year wonder. No, the Cardinals are going to be very good in the coming seasons.

7. Rice Owls (9-3)

Being a Conference USA team, the Owls haven't gotten much attention, but have quietly put up massive numbers on offense and have played strong much of the season. With the team's second bowl game in sight, the future is looking bright for the Rice Owls.

8. Northwestern Wildcats (9-3) #22

Pat Fitzgerald brought youth and enthusiasm back to the Wildcats, and it showed, as they posted nine wins for the first time in many years. No longer will the Wildcats be considered "doormats" or an "easy win" in the Big 10 conference.

9. Alabama Crimson Tide (12-0) #1

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