It's Shake & Bake Time!!!

I know, I know- I've been missing in action (to the Anon who wanted more AOG - here ya go), the blog has "died" (not one post since early August?), and a lot has changed in the AMDAL world since last season's pre-season post, but you know what hasn't changed one bit?!? MY OBSESSION WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL!

That's right, kiddos! We are only a quarter of a day (that's 6 hours) from the mayhem and glorious moment we all have been waiting for... 2010 season kick off!

The weeks leading up to today have been quite fun! For those of you who have been asleep at the wheel, here are some highlights: The NCAA laid a huge smackdown on USC ('bout time! The full 67 page PDF of the NCAA filing can be found here), taking a little swagger out of the Trojans' stride... There have been rumblings from 'Bama thinking they're going undefeated this year (as if!)... Boise State made it into BCS bowl contingency AND the top 5 pre-season rankings (WHAT IS GOING ON?!)... And then - I hope you can feel the excitement here - Nike went to my beloved NYC to unveil the sweet new duds Florida will rock this year, making it even easier to whoop up on the competition. I honestly got a little giddy inside when I saw them- not only are we a solid team, again, but we look dead sexy too!

I hope you will join in this year to watch the glorious wins by your favorite team, cry with our coaches when an unknown team storms the gates and takes you down a notch on your ego-pole, and of course, get furious as the crazy BCS and their nonsensical ranking system determines your bowl game future at the end of the year.

Without further ado, the top 20 teams to keep an eye on this season. So, grab a beer, some friends, and collegial colors as you enjoy another phenomenal year of college football!

xo- AOG*
* which to be fair, should be AOeGWINETHOeBFC, but that's neither here no there


Alabama: While it pains me to say it, the Tide is lookin' good this year. They are gonna be the best team in the country until someone upsets them- which could easily happen because they rebuilt their entire defense and have a crazy road schedule and 2 very tough home games (Auburn & Florida).

Arkansas: Those sneaky Razorbacks. They have Ryan Mallett, who is a phenom QB, but a shaky defense and tough schedule both home and away. If they can pull off some upsets against LSU, Alabama and Georgia, they'll be set to make it into a top bowl game.

Auburn: They have been in a building phase for the last year or so- their defense has gotten pretty solid and they were very close to winning a lot of games last year, including Alabama. If they can win their home games (LSU, Arkansas, Georgia, Clemson and S.Carolina), the Tigers will be on top of their conference.

Boise State: Oh those Broncos- they just don't take no for an answer. They have a shot now that they are allowed into the BCS mumbo-jumbo, but is it realistic? While they are great in their leagues but what about against teams outside of their conference? I am on the fence with how they're do - it'd be a great Cinderella story, that is for sure.

Boston College: 14 returning starters, a solid 2009 season and a town behind them doing that screaming eagle thing - BC could be a top contender this year. Their toughest games will be at home (ND, VTech & Clemson) and they are in a weak Atlantic Division, all of which set them up for a quality season and a good shot at making the big dance.

Florida: Obviously I could go on forever here, but I'll keep it short & sweet. History, tradition and a quality to rebuild like no other program. It's the cult that is The Swamp that builds titles for this team- add to that the smooth schedule and the only wild cards the Gators have this season are their inexperienced QB (I heart you Brantley) and a rebuilt defense. As long as they stay focused, there is no reason Florida can't go all the way.

Iowa: They have a manageable nonconference schedule & get Penn State, Wisconsin & Ohio State at home - 14 starters returning and a solid 2009. If they keep their cool, they will go far.

Miami: Finally out of the druglord & jail-time days of the past, the Hurricanes are on their way back to the top of the college football kingdom but not without a struggle - they have a VERY tough schedule this year, both in the ACC and out of it.

Nebraska: Like the little engine who could, Nebraska COULD be good if their offense comes together and their defense shows up for every game. They have a schedule that works in their favor and if they win their tough games, they'll be set for a good end of year trip to a bowl game.

North Carolina: Well, I wanted to give them a top ranking because they deserve it, recent suspensions aside. They have a solid offense, lead by T.J. Yates, and although they're down a couple guys for the season opener against LSU this weekend, they will do well once their off-the-field distractions are dealt with.

Ooooohio: Goodness, can't you just go away? THE Ohio State University continues to be a nag in our sides with 15 returning starters and Terrelle Pryor. However, the Buckeyes have a tough schedule overall and 2 of their Big 10 games (Wisconsin & Iowa) are away, which might put a kink in an undefeated season.

Oklahoma: It's about time the Sooners are back on top. They and their weird fans who bring full on horse-drawn carriages to tailgate deserve a good season. Landry Jones should be big pimpin' in the Big 12 conference, hopefully enough to offset their defense missing 6 starters.

Oregon: Of all the things I wish for Oregon, it is for Nike to put together a good looking uniform for the players. Their nonconference schedule has one semi-difficult road game (Tennessee), they have a new QB who looks promising, and their West Coast schedule, both home and away, is manageable. The Ducks should be able to pull off a solid season.

Oregon State: The Pac-10 should send the Beavers a thank you note for evening out the Pac-10 in the BCS. They're playing BCS new comers TCU & Boise State and have 15 returning starters in their lineup. Their season is very winnable - let's hope they don't blow it.

Pittsburgh: Dion Lewis is back! But one man does not make a champion and their schedule is tough- opening at Utah & traveling to take on Notre Dame in South Bend could ruin their mojo... If they go undefeated, they might, might make it to the big dance.

TCU: This is for Katy, who loves TCU like I love Florida. If TCU can dominate their conference schedule, keep their head on for the non-conference schedule they'll be in a bowl game. Along with Boise State, this is their first year in the big leagues - we'll see how they can handle the pressure. I can hear Katy "Yeeee-hawwww!"in already though and it makes me happy!

Texas: Ugh, putting them here pains me just about as much as saying Alabama will have an undefeated season.... The Longhorns will be good this year. They're returning 5 starters in their of their offense from last year, they have Garrett Gilbert, and they have a pretty manageable schedule. Their only downfall will be an offense isn't solid this year since they're missing 3 starters and Jordan Shipley. If they can beat Nebraska they'll be riding high to the end.

Virginia Tech: I don't know if they'll make it to the championship title game, but I have to give them credit where credit is due. Hokies are crazy and they have even crazier fans who will help them get through a very tough ACC schedule and an amped up Boise State game. Their defense is unorganized at the moment in terms of leadership, but all in all - they're a solid team who doesn't have anything too major to overcome this season. If they can stay levelheaded, they'll at least make a bowl game.

West Virginia: 16 starters are back, including the balleriscious Noel Devine (could his name be any better?!). If they can put up some solid numbers and win their 2 tough road games (LSU & Pittsburgh), I guarantee they will be all up in the national title debate.

Last but not least, Wisconsin: The Badgers looked pretty darn good last year and have 16 boys back on the field with an easy nonconference schedule. They get OSU at home & Penn State isn't in their lineup. I predict they will beat Iowa in late October, pushing them down in the rankings and leaving Wisconsin up towards the top come the end of the season.


Well, there you have it- take it as you wish! Good luck to all y'alls' teams and may the BCS not screw you over with their fancy number crunching.

For a run down of the Top ranked teams & their games this weekend - check out ESPN's Top 25 line up