2011 College Football Season: Will the 5-Year Reign of the SEC Be Stopped?

Living in Big Ten country, there is nothing more annoying than hearing that the SEC has won five straight national titles. Hearing that is like sticking thumb tacks into my finger nails while watching Akron and New Mexico play each other in the Futility Bowl with Rebecca Black's smash hit "Friday" playing in the background. And I know fans of every other conference feel the same way.

But will that change next year? Will we see a conference rise up and take down Goliath?

Let's take a look at the teams who could play David.

The Christian Ponder Division

These teams have the potential to be great next season, but let’s be real. They’re reaches.

Michigan: As long as they have Denard Robinson, they have a chance to win every game. But as long as their defense is incapable of stopping a Pop Warner team, they have a chance of losing every game.

Texas: I know they were 5-7 last year, are bringing in new offensive and defensive coordinators, and don’t have an adequate quarterback, but it just felt wrong to leave a perennial power like Texas off the list.

Notre Dame: Some college football analysts believe that Notre Dame winning their last four games will give them momentum going into next season. If four wins against mediocre teams will give you enough momentum to make it through the summer and the start of the season, then this half a tank of gas should be enough for me to make it cross country.

Miami: The Canes are like that popular kid who graduated from high school but still hangs around in the parking lot. Their glory days are over but they can’t come to terms with it. But the hiring of Al Golden could pay huge dividends in the first season.

The VCU Division

These teams are very underrated and have a chance to make some noise in the BCS.

Virginia Tech: Logan Thomas has garnered comparisons to Cam Newton. But until I see him come back from 24 down in Tuscaloosa, those comparisons hold no weight.

West Virginia: Geno Smith is a popular choice for a dark-horse Heisman candidate. Oliver Luck, the father of Andrew Luck, holds the position of athletic director at WVU. If Geno and Luck make it to New York and Geno wins, what will Oliver Luck do? Will he celebrate with Geno or console Andrew. It’s Sophie’s Choice all over again.

Arizona State: The Sun Devils recently upgraded their team logos from a devil that resembles Walt Disney to a flaming pitchfork. This is huge because they had a huge problem intimidating teams. I don’t know why but the caricature of the man who created the happiest place on earth just didn’t strike fear into opponents.

Nebraska: Taylor Martinez is one of the most exciting players in college football. He runs just like a running back. However, his downfall will be that he throws just  like a running back as well.

The Joe Frazier Division

These teams have the talent to knock out the heavyweight SEC in 2011.

Florida State: With a first-year starter coming in, some think Florida State will regress a bit. But EJ Manuel isn’t your average first-year starter. As a backup, he’s played in and won more bowl games than Ponder. Some think he is more hype than skill and some think he can have a Cam Newton-type of impact on the team. I happen to be the latter.

Oklahoma: Having made the BCS title game four times since 2000, getting there won’t be the problem. Having loss three out of four in the title game, winning will be a problem.

Oregon: How does the fastest team in America get even faster? You recruit three of the fastest guys in the class. Tacoi Sumler runs a rumored 4.2. Devon Blackmon runs a legit 4.41 and Deanthony Thomas runs a 10.5 in the 100 meter dash. The only way Oregon is getting any faster after this season is if they recruit Lane Kiffins coaching career at Tennessee. Now that was fast.

Ohio State: [Insert tattoo joke here]

Stanford: Stanford may have lost their coach, but they still have the best QB prospect in a decade. Their November 12 matchup against Oregon, which I’ve christened “The Revenge of the Nerds,” will be the main factor of whether or not they make the championship game.