“Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them — a desire, a dream, a vision.”

–Muhammad Ali

Here is a look at some of the best moments during the 2009 college football season.  Bowl season should be exciting, but the season overall was everything a college football fan could hope for with many close games, lots of upsets and just good football anyway you look at it.

For the second straight year the Cincinnati Bearcats claim the Big East Title.  The most impressive stat is their undefeated status finishing the season ranked fifth in the country with a record of 12-0  That is right, Cincinnati remained undefeated!  I am sure the polls will change tomorrow so expect Cincy to finish third or fourth and they are definitely deserving of the higher ranking.  After overcoming a 21 point deficit against Pittsburgh, Cincinnati rallied to win 45-44 in a very exciting last nine minutes of play.  What will be most interesting is how the rest of the games today shape up.  Florida vs Alabama and Texas vs Nebraska become very important games for the Bearcats.  Their national title hopes hinge on Texas losing most of all.  It is not likely to happen for the Bearcats, but they are BCS bound and their undefeated season could create some controversy in the BCS system as there  seems to be controversy every year.

Big games this weekend.  Not only Alabama and Florida or Texas vs. Nebraska play this weekend with possible BCS implications.  Undefeated Cincinnati plays a tough Pittsburgh team on the road.  Herbstreit predicts Cincinnati will lose.  I tend to disagree.  I believe Cincy will finish the season undefeated but be left out of a national championship picture.  Clemson and Georgia Tech play for the ACC championship.  I think the Texas and Nebraska will be a great game to watch.  It will be interesting to see how Nebraska handles Colt McCoy.  Alabama and Florida looks to be the best game of the weekend.  Expect and close game with Florida winning.  Alabama has a chance, but Florida definitely has the more experienced quarterback , not to mention a quarterback who does whatever it takes to win.

Three part video from todays SEC coaches football luncheon.  Nick Saban and Urban Meyer are both interviewed.  I wanted to share this because it offers the best preview I’ve seen for tomorrow’s game hearing it directly from the coaches. 

This weekend Florida and Alabama will square off both vying to be the SEC Champion.  A rematch of last years game with two undefeated teams this year, this is sure to be a very competitive game.  Tebow will lead the Gators with a strong running game and his never quit attitude.  You can’t count Alabama out because these two teams are arguably the best two in the nation.  If Alabama is going to win they will have to stick to their assignments and shut down the spread option offense the Gators will run.  The Gators seemed poised and most likely won’t miss the presence of Dunlap in the game Saturday.  Alabama is tough and athletic and this game is clearly going to be one to watch. 

Texas will face (21) Nebraska this weekend in the Big 12 Championship Game.  The Longhorns will look to remain unbeaten and play for a BCS National Championship.  Most would assume this game would be a blowout to favor Texas.  Nebraska, however could always pull an upset.  Considering Colt McCoys talent, athleticism and will to win I would bet on Texas to win this game.

The biggest hits in college football week 13 featured by Lott Shots. Number one and two are close, but I think the second one is the best.  It seems they hit harder every week.

Are there any college football dynasties left?  FSU at one time could have been a dynasty and will Jimbo Fischer be able to restore FSU dominance.  There are so many things that affect the college game these days it is hard to stockpile the talent.  Look at USC, Oklahoma, Florida, etc.  These are modern day dynasties, but not at the level it was previously.  USC and Florida would be the closest to dynasties currently.  Can they sustain it?