Countdown to College Football

78 days. That's how long we still have to wait.

In my daily ESPN review yesterday I read Phil Steele's article about his preseason top 5. He took a different take and rated teams based upon where he thinks they will end up at the end of the season. Unsurprisingly he has Alabama as his pick for the national champion--and we all know this would make me oh so very happy.

So my bias for Alabama aside, let's look at the remaining members of his top 5.

2. Ohio State
Yes, they had an undefeated season last year--with no expectations--in what was a wholly unimpressive year for the Big Ten. Do I think they could run the table again? Very possibly. Urban Meyer stockpiles talent and develops players and I think this will help Ohio State but I also think that Michigan could be a surprise team and could knock Ohio State out. This season they actually have something to play for, they have expectations and that is not an easy burden to bear.

3. Florida State
I just don't know that I can see FSU ending this high at the end of the season. Plain and simple, they have the talent but they have completely underwhelmed season after season. Prove me wrong, Jimbo, but that's Florida State's MO right now. But hey, maybe that sharp shooter named Jameis Winston can provide the thunder and finishing ability that they need.

4. Texas
Back in the day (prior to 2009) Texas was always a safe bet. Mack Brown is another fantastic recruiter and Texas has such brand power that the school basically sucks in high rated recruits. But the question is... does Mack Brown still have what it takes to take the Longhorns to the championship? I read an article the other day that Brown would have retired after 2009 had his Longhorns managed to beat Alabama in the championship (and we all know what Marcell Dareus had to say about that)--I think he is still waiting for that magic moment, but I don't think it will come. I think Texas will have another underwhelming year.

5. Oregon
If there is one team in NCAA football that scares me as an Alabama fan, it's Oregon. Oregon is quick, they are fast, and yes, they no longer have Chip Kelly but man do they have some fantastic athletes. It will be interesting to see how things may change under new coach Mark Helfrich but I think Oregon will still have success and could very well be one of the last teams standing and in the running for the national championship.