Timmy rah-rah is gone at Florida. USC is going to be a mess with the father and son routine on stage again out west and all the psychological damage done by Bush Gate. Oregon lost it's all everything QB to the local county jail. Texas lost Colt and a slew of key players and LSU doesn't look to have more than an 8-3 team this year. There are high expectations for Ohio State, but come on folks, the kid behind center can't throw the ball and makes bad decisions under pressure. With the Caines, Iowa and Wiskey in toe and playing with chips on their shoulders this year, OSU will stumble in one of those games and in another that nobody sees coming. Oklahoma is high on some peoples list, but really??? Oh, yeah, they don't play anybody. I forgot. But the lack of QB experience will be enough reason for two losses.
This just seems like the year that some of the teams that don't get in the spot light that often could. Maybe Boise or TCU or Utah goes undefeated and gets a shot at Alabama, who is probably the strongest team out there. Maybe Boise with 22 returning starters and a very under rated defense and top 5 QB goes unbeaten and gets the shot they have been so close to the last few years for a title. Don't be surprised to see Bowl matchups like; Iowa vs. TCU, Wisconsin vs. Pitt, Alabama vs. Boise St.. How about Nebraska vs. Oregon St. or Washington vs. Texas Tech, Utah vs. Virginia Tech or Miami. I'm just saying that with Tebow, McCoy and Bradford all gone, along with USC in turmoil and a big step down in coaching, Things should look much different in the College Football landscape this year.
Long time powers, but lately limp teams, may have a shot to slip up a tier or two and establish a foothold on the national stage again for the next few years. Look no farther than some of the teams of the 80's and 90's that haven't made much noise for a while. Miami, Florida St, ND, Nebraska, Michigan(although they will need some 3rd year magic from Rich Rod),Washington, Penn St., Pitt and Arkansas all fit this mold, for the most part. Don't be surprised to see as many as three of these teams in BCS bowls this year. Of course, Boise, TCU and Utah could steal a spot or two from this group with undefeated seasons.
The long and the short of it is that there is only one team that is balanced on both sides of the ball, able to play anyone anywhere and has a coaching staff that is as good as any. That's Alabama right now. The rest of the final top twenty is truly up for grabs. This year will certainly present some new and exciting situations in NCAAF. It should also cause more trouble for the BCS puppet masters, as the match ups won't be that enticing and 3-5 teams will again have cases for shots at the title, including non traditional powers and old powers that have a resurgence in the void left by the modern day powers.