We took everything we learned in 2009 to make our predictions for the 2010 season. Starting at the top ...

No. 1 Alabama
SN says: After an All-American 2010 season, receiver Julio Jones will leave school early and be a top-10 pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

Alabama color commentator and former NFL general manager Phil Savage says: "If Julio comes back and really improves and has an injury-free season, that could be the case. He has great ability and tremendous size (6-4, 210), but there are some areas where he can improve: route running, concentration, the fundamental things. He was hobbled with injuries pretty much since spring practice, and he didn't take the step forward many thought he would. He got healthy late and started showing flashes of a player who can dominate a game. He'll be motivated next year."

SN says: Despite significant losses, Alabama — which finished the season No. 1 in yards allowed per game among BCS league schools — still will have one of the top three defenses in the SEC.

Slideshow   BCS Championship Game Click to see pictures from No. 1 Alabama's 37-21 win over No. 2 Texas. more photos

Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen says: "The first thing you look at is they have talent, a lot of it across the board at every position. They recruit well, so they've got guys that have waited a year or so to play in the system. That's what all great programs do. Obviously, talent is such a big factor—the game is about players. But I think what they've done as a staff over there, developing those players and putting them in position to be successful, can't be overlooked."

SN says: Because Alabama will feature a more balanced attack, Mark Ingram will not post the numbers to repeat as Heisman Trophy winner.

1995 Heisman winner Eddie George says: "It's so tough for anyone to repeat. To win the Heisman, you have to have a special season; everything has to be aligned perfectly for you to win it. The next season, you're not only competing against great players, you've got the target on your back. ... You set the standard , set the bar, and you have to live up to it. There's a tremendous amount of pressure because everyone is looking for a flaw. It's human nature: They build you up to tear you down. Mark will have another outstanding season, but someone else will emerge and win it."

Schedule rating: 5 out of 5. When Penn State comes to Tuscaloosa in September, a classic rivalry will be revived, and the SEC rotation will bring Florida to Bryant-Denny as well. Adding to a 24-game regular-season winning streak won't be easy.

No. 2 Oregon
SN says: Led by quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, Oregon will rank No. 1 in total offense among teams from BCS conferences.

Oregon WR Jeff Maehl says: "We have a chance to be really good next year. At the beginning of this year, we were playing a lot of new guys who had never started before. We were a little off-rhythm with each other and (struggled) getting our line protections right. But we had (four) home games after we lost at Boise State and got things fixed. We've done a great job since then, and we bring most of our guys back. We've got Jeremiah Masoli running the show, and LaMichael James running the ball."

SN says: Chip Kelly will become the country's next $4 million-a-year coach.

New Hampshire coach Sean McDonnell, Kelly's former boss, says: "If there's anyone I know in coaching who's going to be the next big star, it's Chip Kelly. And when he is, he's going to be the biggest donor to New Hampshire football there is. But no, he did a great job in his first year. The way they weathered that storm in the first game, and he kept them on such a consistent course. ... He's got everything you're looking for in a great coach."

SN says: The Ducks will run the table in the Pac-10.

Former USC coach John Robinson says: "I don't think so. Oregon doesn't have a lot of great physical talent. They're more of a scheme team that's finesse-oriented. Finesse teams will have a couple of games every year where the finesse doesn't work. Not everything clicks. ... I like Oregon at the top of the conference, with Masoli back and almost everybody back. They can be in the top 15 every year and higher than that when they get USC at home and the schedule is favorable. But no, that team won't go undefeated."

Schedule rating: 2. The Ducks get a trip to Tennessee on September 11 against a new Vols quarterback, and the Pac-10 schedule sets up well. USC and Oregon State are critical road games.

No. 3 Ohio State
SN says: Despite a few key losses and limited star power, Ohio State still will have the best defense in the Big Ten.

Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema says: "They're always very good, and that's where you start. The one thing that is very clear about those Ohio State teams is they know how to play defense. They're fast, they're aggressive, they force you out of your comfort zone. That's the best thing you can say about a defense. And they're going to have players; they had a lot of young guys running around out there this season."

SN says: After two years of Terrelle Pryor's uneven play, Ohio State will turn him into a solid passer through offseason work.

Oregon coach Chip Kelly says: "We recruited Terrelle, and when I saw him in high school, he was a man among boys. He's a lot bigger, stronger and physical now. He looks like a defensive lineman. They've been conservative with him the last couple of years, but he beat us (in the Rose Bowl) by throwing the ball. He made some very good throws, and you have to remember he's still young. He just finished his second season. He's going to get more comfortable, the game will slow down for him, and he'll gain confidence. His accuracy and decision making will improve. It's a natural progression."

SN says: Ohio State will return to the BCS title game for the third time in five years—and lose again.

Baltimore Ravens and former Ohio State QB Troy Smith says: "I definitely don't agree with that. Make sure it says that—definitely. What people don't understand is bowl games, and big wins in bowl games, are so important for teams. Those guys will take that Rose Bowl win and build on it. ... It's always good proving people wrong; it's good motivation. I really feel like Terrelle Pryor is going to be the greatest quarterback to ever play at Ohio State. ... And we're going to play well on defense. When do we not play well on defense? We'll get back to the BCS championship game and win it."

Schedule rating: 3. A home win over Miami would go a long way in strengthening the Buckeyes' schedule in the computer polls. So will games against Big Ten heavies Wisconsin, Iowa and Penn State.

No. 4 Boise State
SN says: The Broncos will beat Virginia Tech on October 2 in Washington, D.C.

Former NFL and Boise State TE Jeb Putzier says: "I hope you don't say that; then we don't have a chance. Usually we're the underdogs. Virginia Tech is such a great school and great program. Boise State is just happy to play against someone like that. Most people think you're from Iowa, not Idaho. ... Because it's a smaller school, you're on blue turf, you always have that disrespect, no matter what you do, how you finish. 'They're that gimmick team; they're this or that.' You've seen in the past 10 years it's obviously a winning tradition."

SN says: Quarterback Kellen Moore will be invited to New York City as a Heisman finalist.

San Diego Chargers and former Boise State WR Legedu Naanee says: "He'll get more recognition next year as far as the Heisman goes. If he puts up the same numbers, he'll be considered for it. He's a real savvy quarterback. He never gets flustered. In the big games, he's real calm. He doesn't try to do too much. He lets the guys who are around him make the plays. He just gets the ball to them."

SN says: Boise State will go 8-0 in the WAC, extending its league winning streak to 24 games.

New San Jose State coach Mike MacIntyre says: "From top to bottom, this is a league that is very deep. There is parity in this league, and any team can beat another team. Boise State has been the (WAC's) crown jewel and has given the conference much notoriety with its recent BCS bowl games."

Schedule rating: 1. Give the Broncos credit: They're trying to upgrade the schedule, traveling cross-country to play Virginia Tech at FedEx Field in Washington D.C. Win that one, and a home game against Oregon State, and an unbeaten season could translate to a spot in the national championship game.