Finishing Out The Top 25 (11-25)

Last time, we went over the top 10 in the preseason USA Today Coaches' poll. Today, we go over the final 15.


11. Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State is definitely a team to watch in 2009. If nothing else, their offense should be one of the most exciting offenses in the country. Quarterback Zac Robinson returns along with his favorite target Dez Bryant. He loses tight end and safety valve Brandon Pettigrew, but Bryant proved in 2008 that he can shoulder the offensive load. Expect Oklahoma State to struggle on defense, but they should be used to having to outscore their opponents. An even better offense in 2009 may allow Oklahoma State to break through and beat some of the top teams in the Big 12.

Critical Game: vs. Georgia, 9/05


12. California

Nate Longshore is gone at quarterback, but running back Jahvid Best should get some Heisman Trophy consideration in 2009. He is simply among the best running backs in the country. The offense should be fine as long as newcomer Kevin Riley doesn't make too many mistakes in throwing the ball. Cal's defense is where they will win games. They lose three of their four top linebackers, but everyone else returns on defense. If the offense can replace center Alex Mack and Nate Longshore, Cal could put some pressure on USC in the Pac 10.

Critical Game: vs. USC, 10/03


13. Georgia

Georgia has to replace their All-American backfield, with Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno both going to the NFL. Georgia has a lot of talented running backs to replace Moreno, but finding the correct quarterback might prove trouble. Veteran Joe Cox could be solid, but he has some young talent pushing him that might cause controversy in Athens. The defense should carry Georgia early on, hopefully long enough to find some stability at the quarterback position. With Florida in front of them, the SEC East title is probably a year or two away for Georgia.

Critical Game: @ Oklahoma State, 9/05


14. Oregon

First year coach Chip Kelly has a lot of talent to replace in Eugene. Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli came on strong at the end of 2008 and should provide some help at a critical position. Oregon has two 1000 yard running backs, but lose both of their top receivers. Defensively, Oregon was the worst in the Pac 10 in 2008 and loses their two best players to the NFL. It could be a long year defensively for Coach Kelly. Oregon is probably still a year or two away, so their #14 ranking is a little surprising.

Critical Game: @ Boise State, 9/03


15. Georgia Tech

In his first year in 2008, Coach Paul Johnson provided Georgia Tech fans with some offensive excitement. Johnson's run option offense proved deadly with stud running back Jonathan Dwyer receiving the majority of the carries. Dwyer returns along with 8 other offensive starters which should improve on the already outstanding 5.5 rushing yards per attempt. The defense also returns 8 starters, making for an extremely veteran GT squad. Don't sleep on the Yellow Jackets in 2009.

Critical Game: vs. Virginia Tech, 10/17


16. Boise State

Four year starter Ian Johnson is gone, but the strength of the Boise State offense lately has been the passing game. Kellen Moore returns at quarterback, but he needs some young talent to step up at both receiver and running back to help him out some. In 2008, Boise State's defense was dominant. Expect much of the same in 2009. If Boise State can get past the first game of the year, their weak schedule gives them a great chance of going undefeated.

Critical Game: Oregon, 9/03


17. TCU

TCU returns only 4 starters on a defense that was one of the best in the country in 2008. With plenty of talent waiting and defensive genius Gary Patterson as head coach, don't expect a huge drop off from the defense in 2009. The strength of the offense in 2008 should remain strong in 2009 as TCU returns several running backs and their entire offensive line. TCU is definitely a team to watch in 2009.

Critical Game: @ Virginia, 9/12


18. Utah

After an undefeated year, expectations at Utah should be high. Unfortunately, conference foe TCU should be tough and Utah loses most of their offense including quarterback Brian Johnson, their three top receivers, and all-world kicker/punter Louie Sakoda. If Utah wants to return to the BCS, they will have to do it behind their defense which returns eight starters. In any case, the Mountain West should open up some BCS eyes in 2009.

Critical Game: @ Oregon, 9/19


19. Florida State

Seeing Florida State in the top 25 has become increasingly uncommon in recent years, but they find their way back in 2009. They may not stay there for very long, though. Returning quarterback Christian Ponder made FSU fans ponder why he had the job in 2008, throwing almost more interceptions than touchdowns. The defense has been strong in previous years, but loses a ton of talent including All-Americans Everette Brown and Myron Rolle. It could be another long year in Talahassee for Bobby Bowden.

Critical Game: vs. Miami (FL), 9/07


20. North Carolina

Butch Davis has a ton of young talent on the offensive side of the ball, but quarterback TJ Yates struggled mightily in 2008. This year, he'll be without his favorite targets in Hakeem Nicks and Brandon Tate. If the young talent can step up on offense, they could be exciting to watch. Defensively is a similar story. The results weren't there last year, but there is a lot of young talent ready to step up. Lots of potential for Butch Davis's team in 2009.

Critical Game: @ Georgia Tech, 9/26


21. Iowa

Those top 5 recruiting classes Kirk Ferentz came up with are now seniors, so expectations are high at Iowa. Iowa will need to replace offensive star Shonn Greene, who is now in the NFL. If they can do that, the offense should be solid. The defense returns a lot, but they need to replace both starting defensive tackles. If Iowa can fill a few holes, they can surprise a lot of people in the Big Ten, which is there for the taking in 2009.

Critical Game: @ Penn State, 9/26


22. Nebraska

Bo Pelini's offense should struggle in 2009, since they are pretty much starting from scratch. Nebraska loses quarterback Joe Ganz, running back Marlon Lucky, and their top two receivers. If Nebraska wants to stay in the top 25, their defense will have to win games. The defense returns a lot, but they will need to find a way to stop the high-powered Big 12 offenses. It may be a long second year for Coach Pelini.

Critical Game: @ Virginia Tech, 9/19


23. Notre Dame

This is a critical year for Charlie Weis if he wants to keep his job. The offense is loaded with a mix of veteran leadership and young talent. If they don't find a running game, though, they will struggle like they did in 2008. The defense also has a lot of young talent, and new defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta should provide some spark on that side of the ball. The coaching staff is coaching for their jobs, so expect some more aggressiveness in 2009 from the Fighting Irish.

Critical Game: @ Michigan, 9/12


24. Brigham Young

BYU loses some of their supporting roles offensively, but they return a great starting backfield in Max Hall and Harvey Unga. Defensively, BYU returns 8 starters from a mediocre defense in 2009. The key to BYU this year may be the offensive line which needs to come together to help out the talented skill players the Cougars have in the backfield.

Critical Game: vs. Oklahoma, 9/05


25. Oregon State

After a surprisingly good 2008 including a victory over USC, expectations are high in Corvallis for 2009. The Rodgers brothers provide talent at both the running back and wide receiver positions. Defensively, Oregon State returns only three starters. If they don't fill a lot of holes, it may be a disappointing year for Beaver fans in 2009.

Critical Game: @ USC, 10/24