Up and Coming Programs in NCAA Football 09

[RaychelSnr]

I thought that an all time winning percentage of nearly .700 (9th all-time), the second most number of bowl appearances all time, and 6 national championships made you a powerhouse. Say what you want, but you can't deny that is a solid argument.

It is a solid argument...but I have one very big issue with it.

Who awarded those National Championships? From my best estimation, Tennessee claims every National Championship the NCAA recognizes (which includes polls largely which did not exist back then). If you use AP National Championships, Tennessee only has two, one of which was 57 years ago.

I guess my biggest problem is the NCAA's way of recognizing National Champions is a bit strange. If every school would use the same system I would have no beefs, but some only recognize AP/Coaches/BCS titles and others recognize the other dozen or so polls which the NCAA lists. The best example that is fresh on everyone's mind I can think of is the 2003 season.

The NCAA recognizes LSU, Oklahoma and USC as national champions that year. What if all three decided to put that up on their scoreboard, because it's official after all?

This really has nothing to do with the original topic at hand but it is an incredibly interesting discussion.

[mercalnd]

Re: Up and Coming Programs in NCAA Football 09

I guess my biggest problem is the NCAA's way of recognizing National Champions is a bit strange.

The NCAA does not recognize a National Champion at all in FBS Football.

[RaychelSnr]

The NCAA does not recognize a National Champion at all in FBS Football.

Actually they do. Check the NCAA record books The NCAA recognizes but does not award...

[hoodlum10]

first of all, how is miami not on this list, with the recruiting class they had and they do have some very talented players, like cooper and james and they're in the state of florida so there is much talent to recruit from. i think they're a great team to start a dynasty with. also, why is illinois not on this list? i know they lost mendenhall and ea vastly underrated juice williams but come on they still will get 8-10 wins in year 1

[FutureVol]

Re: Up and Coming Programs in NCAA Football 09

Not to mention that the NCAA didnt have a AP pole until 1938 and who knows how many "National Champions" there were b4 then and who won them..but since 1938 UT is credited with 6 total NC's and a Shiz ton of SEC champions and Lord knows how many SEC appearances..and i do believe auburn is a powerhouse especiallly in the SEC..they just tend to fly under the radar Alot..thats y i like them..not too flamboyant but u know on game day they are ready to play..*last years Fla. game anyone????

[ForeseenBurrito]

Clemson might have one of the most prolific offenses in this year's game. Davis and Spiller are both rated in the high 90's as running backs, and their QB (I think his name is Cullen) is also highly rated and had a strong year last year. The receiving core is also strong with a 90+ rated #1 option and a 93 speed slot receiver. Their defense is just as good, sporting one of the top D-lines in the country, along with a pair of excellent safties. Recruiting will not be difficult either as Clemson has consistently pulled in top 10 recruiting classes over the last few years. Watch out for them.

My sleeper is Ball State. I've been hearing a lot of good stuff about them, including the fact that they hold some NFL type talented players in their QB and one of their linebackers (sorry, I don't know their names). Could be the star team in the MAC this year.

[kidtnt27]

Re: Up and Coming Programs in NCAA Football 09

I am a Clemson grad and fan...and while I am excited we are finally getting some respect...we really havent earned it. We have underachieved the past few years...with top talent.

Therefore, my sleeper team will be the WASHINGTON HUSKIES....Ty Will's team showed flashes last year....and with Locker having a season under his belt...they should make a run in the PAC10.

[UCHusky84]

Great list, I think South Florida could really do some damage this year. UConn is also gunna be a team to look out for.

[Coach Bryant]

Re: Up and Coming Programs in NCAA Football 09

I think Alabama could have made the list just based on the talent that Saban is bringing in. Alabama isn't going to be a .500 ball club for much longer.

[richdaute]

I fail to recognize anything that holds byu in a good respect. I also fail to recognize the year 1984. The rest I agree with, just probably replace Utah with Byu not just because I'm a homer but if they win in the big house, they will become the only team to break the bcs twice.