2009 College Footbal Top 25 Pre-Season Edition

As college football fans nationwide play the new NCAA football games as they prepare for the upcoming season I thought it an appropriate time to share with you my pre-season top 25.

No. 25 Tulsa Golden Hurricane-Tulsa has started to gain constant exposure in recent years first thanks to Steve Kragthorpe and now with head man Todd Graham. There should be no fear of a sudden drop off Tulsa fans,  don't worry. Tulsa should contend for another Conference crown in 2009.

No. 24 Boise State Broncos- Every since Boise State's Cinderella Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma a few years back everyone seems to keep their eyes glued on those crazy blue turfed Broncos. Watch for them to win the WAC this year.

No, 23- Virginia Tech Hokies- This may seem a bit low for you Hokie fans out there but keep this in mind, that very rarely in this day age does a two quarterback system work. Until Beamer settles on a consistent performer at QB position don't expect to be in the top 25 at season's end.

No. 22- Texas Tech- Can the pirate loving Mike Leach lead Red Raider nation to another successful year. If the defensive continues to improve and the next gem of a quarterback emerges I could see Tech playing in the Holiday or Cotton Bowl this winter.

No. 21- Buffalo Bulls- Head Coach Turner Gil lead the Bulls to an International Bowl bid last season on the heels of a successful MAC Title game run in 2008. Chances are they are playing in early December again in 2009.

No. 20- Kansas Jayhawks- No longer is Jayhawk nation just strictly a basketball school anymore with what Mangino is cooking in middle America.

No. 19- South Carolina Gamecocks- Yes, the "Ole' Ball Coach" will lead his team to a good win total in 2009. No, they won't be playing in Atlanta this season but, don't be surprised if their playing on New Year's Day.

No. 18- Florida State Seminoles- Can Bobby Bowden lead his team back to the top? Most likely not but, they will get be playing in a January bowl game.

No. 17- Iowa Hawkeyes- Coach Kirk Ferentz has had some good teams in recent years after a few down years. Time to ball in the Outback in January? Just maybe, only time will tell

No. 16-Central Florida Golden Knights- Coach George O'Leary has taken a virtually unknown UCF squad into Conference USA title contention. Rematch with Tulsa on the horizon?

No. 15- Nebraska Cornhuskers- Can Bo Pelini's vaunted "black shirt" defense lead the Huskers back to the national spotlight? Maybe, especially if there offense comes together. One thing is for certain they will compete for the Big XII north division title.

No. 14- Pittsburgh Panthers- These Panthers have Big East Championship dreams but, they will need to find a new running back.

No. 13- Oklahoma State Cowboys- Mike Gundy has a great chance for a great team but, questions still remain. Can they beat Texas and Oklahoma?

No. 12- Wisconsin Badgers- Bret Bielema will have his team ready for the long battle in the Big Ten. They are also a legitimate contender for the Big Ten's Rose Bowl slot.

No. 11- Georgia Bulldogs- These dawgs may have a tough time of it when they travel to face Mr. Pickens' team, especially after losing your quarterback in the draft?

No. 10-Miami Hurricane-Randy Shannon's crew has ACC Title dreams but they have many hoops to jump through, like beating Oklahoma when they come calling

No. 9- Ohio State Buckeyes-With Tyrele Pryor behind center they will have a good year but, they need a bowl game victory.

No. 8- Oregon Ducks- These "Quackers" led by Chip Kelly will be dominate this year but, will they be dominate enough to dethrone the mighty Trojans? Only time will tell

No. 7- TCU Horned Frogs-These guys will compete for the Mountain West crown against BYU and maybe even a BCS bowl bid come January.

No. 6- Alabama Crimison Tide- Can Saban's Tide roll again?

No. 5- Penn State Nittany Lions- Playing in the competition starved Big Ten Conference in 2009 will benefit these Lions. Rose Bowl here they come!

No. 4- USC Trojans- These mighty Trojans will continue to be strong under Pete Carroll. However, they will have to keep their focus directed toward the field instead on the pending NCAA violations.

No. 3- Texas Longhorns- Are you guys done crying yet? It's time for you to re-focus and try to do it again, With a likely Heisman Trophy candidate by year's end in Colt McCoy you just might be playing in the final game this time around.

No. 2- Oklahoma Sooners- With a Heisman Winner returning at QB and most of the starting defense returning things look sky high for the Sooners again this season.

No. 1- Florida Gators- Two in three years ain't bad especially when it comes to National Title game victories.  Tim Tebow it's time to shine againn!