Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
I know I'm like most fans in that I'm already looking forward to the 2009 season. Even before the bowl games begin, it's exciting to think about the games that will be a part of the following season.
With that idea in mind, one of my favorite early pieces of information comes from Nationalchamps.net. This Web site has been doing a preseason preview for a number of years. It's almost as big a part of my holiday routine as Claxton fruitcakes or watching Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol."
Here's a look at how Nationalchamps.net has the top 25 ranked. Big 12 teams are indicated in bold.
1. Florida
2. Alabama
3. Texas
4. Oklahoma
5. Southern California
6. Oklahoma State
7. Ohio State
8. Georgia Tech
9. Georgia
10. Penn State
11. Mississippi
12. Pittsburgh
13. Virginia Tech
14. Texas Tech
15. Iowa
16. Louisiana State
17. Utah
18. Minnesota
19. Boise State
20. California
21. North Carolina
22. Boston College
23. Vanderbilt
24. Florida State
25. East Carolina
It looks like another interesting season for the South Division. I was a little surprised that Oklahoma State was ranked as highly as it was, along with Texas Tech.
No Big 12 North teams were ranked, although the Web site does picks Kansas to win the division title.
I don't have many arguments with these picks.
But I'm curious about some of the readers. Do you see a Texas-Kansas matchup looming for the conference title next season?
Tim Griffin joined ESPN.com in February 2008. He has covered the Big 12 since its inception, among a variety of beats during a 24-year career at the San Antonio Express-News. Griffin, a Memphis State University graduate, lives in San Antonio with his wife and son.
