College Football: My Preseason Top Five

This year's college football season brings one more year with eleven teams in the Big Ten and twelve in the Big 12. The conference swapping will occur for the following season rather than this immediate year.

With that said, here are my early top five teams for the upcoming season.

5. Texas

After Colt McCoy went down in the National Championship, it seemed Texas was completely out of it. However, Garrett Gilbert did manage to keep the game somewhat entertaining.

It's going to be up to him to keep the Longhorns' season entertaining.

On defense, though, they look to be a very solid team. Leading tackler Keenan Robinson returns along with a very strong secondary.

However, it all comes down to how well Gilbert can fit in and how fast he can adjust.

Alabama showed last year that first year quarterbacks can win. Now, Texas hopes to do the same. 

4. Boise State

Could this finally be the year that the BCS gives the Broncos a chance to play for a championship? Well, it's definitely a team that has the potential to get that done.

With Kellen Moore returning at quarterback, he'll be a Heisman Candidate from September all the way until the winner is announced.

Also, with nine starters returning from last season's defense, it looks as if Boise State has a great chance to run the table again and play for a title.

3. Nebraska

Despite losing Ndamukong Suh to the draft, the Nebraska defense will be at the top of the nation again. Last year they were the top scoring defense in the country and they have the talent to do that again.

However, the offense needs to click if the Huskers plan to make BCS noise in their last Big 12 season.

With 10 of the offensive starters returning from last year, fans hope that experience can lead to more points on the scoreboard.

2. Alabama

I realize that they have a great recruiting class coming in, but just one returning starter on defense makes me question ranking them this high.

However, the two great running backs in Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson return to be a relentless running combo.

Greg McElroy will have to avoid the sophomore slump if the Tide plan to keep rolling in 2010.

1. Ohio State

At the top, the Buckeyes return eight starters from a potent offense that can only lead to success.

With Terrelle Pryor leading the way, perhaps as a Heisman Candidate, there are high expectations heading into the season.

It looks to be a lock for Ohio State to win the Big Ten, but don't count out Iowa for their match-up in late November.

Written By Collin O'Connor