Wrapping Up 2008, Looking Towards 2009
With the 2008 season officially in the books, we now get a look at the final polls, and it shows that Ohio State earned some respect, even in defeat, moving up one spot to #9 in the AP poll. To no one’s surprise, Florida was voted #1 after defeating Oklahoma last night in the National Championship Game. Undefeated Utah was voted #2.
And since, in the College Football World, next season is never too far away, we also have our first glimpse at a 2009 preseason poll, courtesy of Mark Schlabach.
No one should be surprised to see Florida as his #1 team. They’re probably going to be everyone’s preseason #1, especially if Tebow comes back. Texas is #2, followed by Oklahoma, USC, and Alabama. Appearing in the #6 spot are your Ohio State Buckeyes.
Much of Ohio State’s success in 2009 might be determined by quarterback Terrelle Pryor’s development during the offseason. Pryor played remarkably well as a freshman, but he must become a more polished passer for the offense to be truly effective. Pryor’s job would have been easier if tailback Chris “Beanie” Wells had returned to school, but he declared for the NFL draft. The Buckeyes lose a lot of star power on defense — All-American linebacker James Laurinaitis, Thorpe Award winner Malcolm Jenkins and linebacker Marcus Freeman were seniors.
So despite losing James Laurinaitis, Marcus Freeman, Malcolm Jenkins, and Beanie Wells, among others, Schlabach thinks we’ll fare well. I tend to agree. So, that’s what I like to hear!
The Big Ten was well-represented in the Top 15 with Penn State coming in at #11 and Iowa at #13.
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