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College Football Preview
NFL Choice is proud to present the 2009 NCAA football preview for your viewing pleasure. Here, we have listed the Top 25 Preseason teams according to our own power ratings, team analysis, and schedule factors. If your looking for profitable NCAA Football Picks Against the Spread this season, look no further than NFL Choice football handicapping service in business for over 2 decades. Click Here to learn more about our NCAA football handicapping service.
TOP 25 NCAA PRESEASON TEAM PREVIEWS
Note: These rankings are according to our predictive modeling and calculations of team performance. Please understand, that once the season begins there are many intangible factors that can affect team performance including injuries, team chemistry, impact and returning players, recruiting success, coaching playbook & execution, travel schedules, etc. These NCAA team previews and rankings below are mean to give you and idea about how the teams stack up this season in relation to the top 25 polls. This is our version of the preseason top 25 poll.
1) Florida Gators (Defense Wins Championships) - Tim Tebow returns and will not disappoint. This team is loaded to the gills, especially on the defensive front. The Gators could possibly make a run at the title even without Tim Tebow, as one of the nation's stoutest defenses returns all 11 of its starters as well as its key backup players.
2) Oklahoma Sooners - Another highly anticipated Cotton bowl versus the old Longhorns will be all that Oklahoma will be wishing for this season. That and another shot at a title game. Sam Bradford surprisingly returns for another season of high powered offensive production. However, it must be noted that 4 offensive lineman have departed. Oklahoma will focus more on defense this season as they return 9 starters. This Sooner team may go all the way to the BCS title game again.
3) Texas Longhorns - A favorable schedule and solid coaching will propel this team to another 1 or 2 loss season. Colt McCoy branded his name last season and has some demons to catch after getting passed by for the championship game last season by Oklahoma. With a tough defense and a dynamic aerial attack, the Longhorns will be in the BCS hunt again this season.
4) California Golden Bears - Defense will be the battle-cry for Cal as they return ALL secondary starters from one of the nation's baddest defenses. Kevin Riley will finally get the call at QB giving this offense a chance to make some major noise with the nation's most prolific running back in Jahvad Best. The Bears have a tough stretch in the middle of the season against Minnesota, Oregon, and USC that will ultimately spell the BCS fate for this ball team.
5) Va Tech Hokies - Wow, the Hokies won the Orange Bowl in a supposed "rebuilding season" last year. How do you think they will fare returning 18 starters this Fall? Were talking a huge sleeper team for a BCS bid! Tyrod Taylor has been making strides in the off-season and this offense looks to be a huge threat with a dual running back system featuring Darren Evens and red shirt freshman Ryan Williams. Coupled with the typical famous Beamer defense, Va Tech will do damage this season not only in the ACC, but nationally as well.
6) Penn State Nittany Lions - It's no secret the Big 10 is one of the weaker major conferences in the nation as exhibited by their lack luster bowl records over the past few seasons. However, QB Daryll Clark and company will once again bring some zip into the Big 10 with a run and gun offense packed full of playmakers. However, their lack of significant SOS will be a crutch again this season.
7) Boise State Broncos - here we go busting into the BCS again as the Broncos will get another shot this season. How many unbeaten seasons will it take for the Broncos to earn respect from the BCS committee. This is a loaded offense featuring sophomore QB Kellen Moore who is absolutely beyond his tenure in years. However, their defense has been overshadowed by their high powered offense even though it ranks statistically among the NCAA's top defenses.
8) Ohio State Buckeyes - Look for another BCS berth for the Buckeyes as this is one of the most heralded programs in college football. Coaching and recruiting always steps up for this team, however it's the returning starters that will contribute to another storied run at the BCS title. QB Pryor will be a sophomore this year after leading his Buckeyes to a BCS bowl last year and a group of hard working defensive vets will get the call. On September 12, the Buckeyes get the USC Trojans in hopes of avenging last year's debacle in Southern Call. If they can hold up, a pivotal matchup against Penn State could predict a BCS title game if they can weather to storm.
9) Alabama Crimson Tide - We feel Nick Saban is going to come back strong in 2009 after a disappointing loss to Florida in the SEC championship. However, a run at a BCS championship will be highly improbable without the services of QB John Parker Wilson and OT Andre Smith. Backup Greg McElroy will have his hands full to say the least. However, Saban's defense is tops in the nation and returns almost the entire unit. To start the season Alabama has dates with Va Tech and Ole Miss!
10) USC Trojans - Heads may roll at the end of this season if Carroll's crew can't make it to a BCS Title berth. Losing Mark Sanchez and much of their defensive talent, the Trojans will need to do what they do best, which is scrap together a winning team. However, don't feel sorry for this team as they have the best recruiters in the nation.
11) LSU Tigers - The Tigers look to build on a pummeling of Georgia Tech in last year's Chick-Fil-A bowl. This may be easier said than done considering they have away games at Georgia, Alabama, and Ole Miss this season. A new QB emerged this spring with Jordan Jefferson who get's top WR Brandon LaFell to throw the ball to. This offense will be plenty dynamic with Charles Scott at running back to carry the load on the ground. The issue for the Tigers will be filling in the gaps on the defensive line. However, they do return most of their star players in the defensive secondary.
12) Kansas Jayhawks - If the Jayhawks had a year where it was "Their Year", it quite possibly could be this season. Withe Mizzou rebuilding on both sides of the ball and the Huskers looking for a quarterback, Kansas could easily take the North in the Big 12. Todd Reesing will once again lead this team at QB after a remarkable 2008 season. Look for the Jayhawks to win the North, only problem is can they win in cross-conference play?
13) Ole Miss Rebels - Building on a solid 2008 season, the Rebels look to keep the monetum going. Houston Nutt led his team to a big win in the Cotton Bowl over Texas Tech and we feel sky is the limit this season for the Rebels. Defense will be the war cry as this tough SEC breed returns 8 starters to the lineup.
14) TCU Horned Frogs - Somehow coach Patterson keeps winning at TCU with at least 11 victories per season in the last three of four seasons. The key for success for the nifty Frogs will once again be defense. Did you know TCU was the top rated defense in the nation last season? The offense isn't too shabby either as QB Andrew Dalton returns to a squad that broke all kinds of team records last season. Survive Utah in November and this Frogs team could leap into BCS contention.
15) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets - The Jackets utilized Johnson's storied spread attack originally derived from the NAVY. Only problem, this attack didn't work so well amongst tough competition. LSU crushed them in the Chick-Fil-A bowl on New Year's last season. However, Tech is now a year older and returns all 11 starters on offense including QB Nesbitt and RB Dwyer. Repeating last season's performance will be very difficult for the Jackets with an even tougher schedule this year.
16) Oregon Ducks - Too many organizational changes for the Ducks in the off season could spell trouble in 2009. The head coach position is up in the air with former offensive coordinator Kelly as interim. Remember, this is a team that had some shaky performances in 2008. HOWEVER, if the Ducks can build some early season momentum on the coat-tails of this dynamic 1-2 punch offense featuring QB Masoli and RB LeGarrett Blount, this team could really do some damage in the Pac-10. As the season grows this team should get more comfortable with the coaching changes and be ready come November to step up to the challenge that is late season play.
17) UNC Tarheels - WOW, what a season for the Hells in 2008 with Butch Davis taking a stranglehold on this organization. Coaching really is the key to success in the NCAA and UNC has one of the best in suit. Defense is what Davis is all about and he convinced 9 of his defensive starters to return for another season. However, the only problem may be on offense which is considered to be in a rebuilding year. The pressure will once again fall on the shoulders of QB TJ Yates.
18) Georgia Bulldogs - This will most likely be a rebuilding year for the SEC powerhouse Bulldogs. After the departure of offensive play-makers QB Stafford and RB Moreno, this offensive unit will have to completely re-brand itself in an extremely loaded SEC. However, solid recruiting and coaching will be to the Bulldogs strength as they could possibly surprise the conference with another winning season.
19) NC State Wolfpack - If the Pack can keep their QB Russell Wilson healthy, this team could be a surprise in the ACC and national running. Defense has always been the war-cry for NC State as they return almost all of their starting unit from last season. A very favorable schedule up front for the pack featuring 5 of six home games could give this team momentum needed to challenge for the ACC championship in the Winter.
20) Oklahoma State Cowboys - Once again, the Cowboys will be one of the most electric offenses in the nation with enough talent to out-bling almost any opponent. QB Zac Robinson, RB Kendall Hunter, and WR Dez Bryant return to the starting unit that lit up scoreboards last season. However, the same problems will drape the Cowboys again this season being their defensive prowess. This unit allowed more than 400 yards and 30 points a game last season and there is now way they clean it up enough for a Big 12 championship or even a BCS berth.
21) Iowa Hawkeyes - Not sure if the Hawkeyes can repeat last year's success in an overall improving Big 10. Especially with the NFL departed RB Shonn Greene who was the staple to this offense. QB Stanzi will have some work to do this season if they wish to keep up with the likes of Ohio State and Penn State. Remember the STUNNING victory over BCS Title minded Penn State? The Nittany Lions sure do!
22) Oregon State Beavers - Can anyone say, upset? USC doesn't want to hear it after losing n Corvallis last season. Oregon State is one of the toughest places to play in the nation and will look to build on a great 2008 season. Quizz Rogers is a sick 5'7 Rb who can rip apart most any secondary with blazing speed. This will be another underdog story for the Beavers even though they have 3 consecutive top 20 finishes. Don't sleep on the Beav.
23) FSU Seminoles - A great performance to get a big over Big 10's Wisconsin Badgers in the Champs Sports Bowl last season will fuel Bowden to another strong 2009 campaign. Finally, this team has some consistency at QB with Christian Ponder taking the reigns as their bonifide slated quarterback. The defense is stacked and Tallahassee is always a tough place to play.
24) ECU Pirates - Look Out! The top scoring defense in Conference USA returns 9 starters. Further, standout LB Quentin Cotton is back from a knee injury and will add even more depth to this defensive stop unit. The big problem for ECU last season was consistency at QB. However, Rob Kass is ready to take over the full time reigns for the Pirates and with a legit running game, anything is possible for this team.
25) Wake Forest Demon Deacons - We can't really say that the ACC is becoming a power conference in NCAA football, however the fact still remains that there are legitimate contenders including the Demon Deacons. The Deac's have been one of the most under performing teams in the ACC due to offensive inconsistency. However, QB Riley Skinner should be ready to go in his fourth season. They will also need to get more help from their offensive line if this offense has any chance, however we feel they return enough starters to protect their QB long enough. Look for smart coach Jim Grobe to have his team performing at a higher level this season than year's past, which could spell trouble for the other ACC contenders we mention above.
1) Florida Gators (Defense Wins Championships) - Tim Tebow returns and will not disappoint. This team is loaded to the gills, especially on the defensive front. The Gators could possibly make a run at the title even without Tim Tebow, as one of the nation's stoutest defenses returns all 11 of its starters as well as its key backup players.
2) Oklahoma Sooners - Another highly anticipated Cotton bowl versus the old Longhorns will be all that Oklahoma will be wishing for this season. That and another shot at a title game. Sam Bradford surprisingly returns for another season of high powered offensive production. However, it must be noted that 4 offensive lineman have departed. Oklahoma will focus more on defense this season as they return 9 starters. This Sooner team may go all the way to the BCS title game again. 
3) Texas Longhorns - A favorable schedule and solid coaching will propel this team to another 1 or 2 loss season. Colt McCoy branded his name last season and has some demons to catch after getting passed by for the championship game last season by Oklahoma. With a tough defense and a dynamic aerial attack, the Longhorns will be in the BCS hunt again this season. 
4) California Golden Bears - Defense will be the battle-cry for Cal as they return ALL secondary starters from one of the nation's baddest defenses. Kevin Riley will finally get the call at QB giving this offense a chance to make some major noise with the nation's most prolific running back in Jahvad Best. The Bears have a tough stretch in the middle of the season against Minnesota, Oregon, and USC that will ultimately spell the BCS fate for this ball team. 
5) Va Tech Hokies - Wow, the Hokies won the Orange Bowl in a supposed "rebuilding season" last year. How do you think they will fare returning 18 starters this Fall? Were talking a huge sleeper team for a BCS bid! Tyrod Taylor has been making strides in the off-season and this offense looks to be a huge threat with a dual running back system featuring Darren Evens and red shirt freshman Ryan Williams. Coupled with the typical famous Beamer defense, Va Tech will do damage this season not only in the ACC, but nationally as well. 
6) Penn State Nittany Lions - It's no secret the Big 10 is one of the weaker major conferences in the nation as exhibited by their lack luster bowl records over the past few seasons. However, QB Daryll Clark and company will once again bring some zip into the Big 10 with a run and gun offense packed full of playmakers. However, their lack of significant SOS will be a crutch again this season. 
7) Boise State Broncos - here we go busting into the BCS again as the Broncos will get another shot this season. How many unbeaten seasons will it take for the Broncos to earn respect from the BCS committee. This is a loaded offense featuring sophomore QB Kellen Moore who is absolutely beyond his tenure in years. However, their defense has been overshadowed by their high powered offense even though it ranks statistically among the NCAA's top defenses. 
8) Ohio State Buckeyes - Look for another BCS berth for the Buckeyes as this is one of the most heralded programs in college football. Coaching and recruiting always steps up for this team, however it's the returning starters that will contribute to another storied run at the BCS title. QB Pryor will be a sophomore this year after leading his Buckeyes to a BCS bowl last year and a group of hard working defensive vets will get the call. On September 12, the Buckeyes get the USC Trojans in hopes of avenging last year's debacle in Southern Call. If they can hold up, a pivotal matchup against Penn State could predict a BCS title game if they can weather to storm. 
9) Alabama Crimson Tide - We feel Nick Saban is going to come back strong in 2009 after a disappointing loss to Florida in the SEC championship. However, a run at a BCS championship will be highly improbable without the services of QB John Parker Wilson and OT Andre Smith. Backup Greg McElroy will have his hands full to say the least. However, Saban's defense is tops in the nation and returns almost the entire unit. To start the season Alabama has dates with Va Tech and Ole Miss!
10) USC Trojans - Heads may roll at the end of this season if Carroll's crew can't make it to a BCS Title berth. Losing Mark Sanchez and much of their defensive talent, the Trojans will need to do what they do best, which is scrap together a winning team. However, don't feel sorry for this team as they have the best recruiters in the nation. 
11) LSU Tigers - The Tigers look to build on a pummeling of Georgia Tech in last year's Chick-Fil-A bowl. This may be easier said than done considering they have away games at Georgia, Alabama, and Ole Miss this season. A new QB emerged this spring with Jordan Jefferson who get's top WR Brandon LaFell to throw the ball to. This offense will be plenty dynamic with Charles Scott at running back to carry the load on the ground. The issue for the Tigers will be filling in the gaps on the defensive line. However, they do return most of their star players in the defensive secondary. 
12) Kansas Jayhawks - If the Jayhawks had a year where it was "Their Year", it quite possibly could be this season. Withe Mizzou rebuilding on both sides of the ball and the Huskers looking for a quarterback, Kansas could easily take the North in the Big 12. Todd Reesing will once again lead this team at QB after a remarkable 2008 season. Look for the Jayhawks to win the North, only problem is can they win in cross-conference play? 
13) Ole Miss Rebels - Building on a solid 2008 season, the Rebels look to keep the monetum going. Houston Nutt led his team to a big win in the Cotton Bowl over Texas Tech and we feel sky is the limit this season for the Rebels. Defense will be the war cry as this tough SEC breed returns 8 starters to the lineup. 
14) TCU Horned Frogs - Somehow coach Patterson keeps winning at TCU with at least 11 victories per season in the last three of four seasons. The key for success for the nifty Frogs will once again be defense. Did you know TCU was the top rated defense in the nation last season? The offense isn't too shabby either as QB Andrew Dalton returns to a squad that broke all kinds of team records last season. Survive Utah in November and this Frogs team could leap into BCS contention. 
15) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets - The Jackets utilized Johnson's storied spread attack originally derived from the NAVY. Only problem, this attack didn't work so well amongst tough competition. LSU crushed them in the Chick-Fil-A bowl on New Year's last season. However, Tech is now a year older and returns all 11 starters on offense including QB Nesbitt and RB Dwyer. Repeating last season's performance will be very difficult for the Jackets with an even tougher schedule this year. 
16) Oregon Ducks - Too many organizational changes for the Ducks in the off season could spell trouble in 2009. The head coach position is up in the air with former offensive coordinator Kelly as interim. Remember, this is a team that had some shaky performances in 2008. HOWEVER, if the Ducks can build some early season momentum on the coat-tails of this dynamic 1-2 punch offense featuring QB Masoli and RB LeGarrett Blount, this team could really do some damage in the Pac-10. As the season grows this team should get more comfortable with the coaching changes and be ready come November to step up to the challenge that is late season play. 
17) UNC Tarheels - WOW, what a season for the Hells in 2008 with Butch Davis taking a stranglehold on this organization. Coaching really is the key to success in the NCAA and UNC has one of the best in suit. Defense is what Davis is all about and he convinced 9 of his defensive starters to return for another season. However, the only problem may be on offense which is considered to be in a rebuilding year. The pressure will once again fall on the shoulders of QB TJ Yates. 
18) Georgia Bulldogs - This will most likely be a rebuilding year for the SEC powerhouse Bulldogs. After the departure of offensive play-makers QB Stafford and RB Moreno, this offensive unit will have to completely re-brand itself in an extremely loaded SEC. However, solid recruiting and coaching will be to the Bulldogs strength as they could possibly surprise the conference with another winning season. 
19) NC State Wolfpack - If the Pack can keep their QB Russell Wilson healthy, this team could be a surprise in the ACC and national running. Defense has always been the war-cry for NC State as they return almost all of their starting unit from last season. A very favorable schedule up front for the pack featuring 5 of six home games could give this team momentum needed to challenge for the ACC championship in the Winter. 
20) Oklahoma State Cowboys - Once again, the Cowboys will be one of the most electric offenses in the nation with enough talent to out-bling almost any opponent. QB Zac Robinson, RB Kendall Hunter, and WR Dez Bryant return to the starting unit that lit up scoreboards last season. However, the same problems will drape the Cowboys again this season being their defensive prowess. This unit allowed more than 400 yards and 30 points a game last season and there is now way they clean it up enough for a Big 12 championship or even a BCS berth. 
21) Iowa Hawkeyes - Not sure if the Hawkeyes can repeat last year's success in an overall improving Big 10. Especially with the NFL departed RB Shonn Greene who was the staple to this offense. QB Stanzi will have some work to do this season if they wish to keep up with the likes of Ohio State and Penn State. Remember the STUNNING victory over BCS Title minded Penn State? The Nittany Lions sure do! 
22) Oregon State Beavers - Can anyone say, upset? USC doesn't want to hear it after losing n Corvallis last season. Oregon State is one of the toughest places to play in the nation and will look to build on a great 2008 season. Quizz Rogers is a sick 5'7 Rb who can rip apart most any secondary with blazing speed. This will be another underdog story for the Beavers even though they have 3 consecutive top 20 finishes. Don't sleep on the Beav. 
23) FSU Seminoles - A great performance to get a big over Big 10's Wisconsin Badgers in the Champs Sports Bowl last season will fuel Bowden to another strong 2009 campaign. Finally, this team has some consistency at QB with Christian Ponder taking the reigns as their bonifide slated quarterback. The defense is stacked and Tallahassee is always a tough place to play. 
24) ECU Pirates - Look Out! The top scoring defense in Conference USA returns 9 starters. Further, standout LB Quentin Cotton is back from a knee injury and will add even more depth to this defensive stop unit. The big problem for ECU last season was consistency at QB. However, Rob Kass is ready to take over the full time reigns for the Pirates and with a legit running game, anything is possible for this team. 
25) Wake Forest Demon Deacons - We can't really say that the ACC is becoming a power conference in NCAA football, however the fact still remains that there are legitimate contenders including the Demon Deacons. The Deac's have been one of the most under performing teams in the ACC due to offensive inconsistency. However, QB Riley Skinner should be ready to go in his fourth season. They will also need to get more help from their offensive line if this offense has any chance, however we feel they return enough starters to protect their QB long enough. Look for smart coach Jim Grobe to have his team performing at a higher level this season than year's past, which could spell trouble for the other ACC contenders we mention above. 
