Updated: August 7, 2009, 12:43 PM ET
Five for the top 40 in 2014
Five teams that could crack the top 40 in five years
I've already given you my amendments to our top 40 mock draft; now it's time to look to the future and see who could make the jump into the top 40 in five years. It's tricky trying to project who the next Boise State will be or who might emerge thanks to a Frank Beamer-like leader. Some of those up-and-coming coaches end up bolting too soon. But here are my five programs to keep an eye on for 2014.
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New World Order
Like in corporate America, 2009 is the time to get lean in college football. We've got the downsizing plan to remake big-time football -- and our ruthless redistricting will cut both ways.
Monday
- Pat Forde: To have and have not
Big-time college football deserves a new look. And we've got the redistricting plan. - SportsNation: Which 40 teams would you pick?
Tuesday
- Mock draft: Natural selection
Pat Forde, Ivan Maisel and Mark Schlabach drafted 40 teams to create a new Division I-A. Find out which teams made the cut. - Bruce Feldman: Draft hits and misses
Bruce Feldman takes a look at some clear omissions and some serious leaps made during the mock draft.
Wednesday
- Bear Bryant Conference
With a combined 23 national championships, the Bear Bryant Conference is ruled by powerhouses and tradition. - Knute Rockne Conference
Old-time football -- bruising rushing attacks and black-and-blue defenses -- will win the day in the Knute Rockne Conference.
Thursday
- Bud Wilkinson Conference
Heated rivalries -- and a new tiebreaker rule -- give the Bud Wilkinson Conference an immediate buzz. - John McKay Conference
The John McKay Conference is a blend of scrappiness and can-do. And once again, USC rises to the top.
Friday
- Mark Schlabach: Fact of fiction
The fact is that our fantasy college football world mirrors the reality of 2009. Even in make-believe, Florida looks good. - Schlabach: Opportunity knocks
If you've been stewing for days because your school wasn't selected for our fantasy Gordon Gekko Subdivision, there's still hope for teams in the Tom Joad Subdivision. - Bruce Feldman: Five for 2014
Who are the teams that could crack the Gekko top 40 list in five years? The list might surprise you.
- Rumors: Sun Devils have next McCluster
- Feldman: Recruiting Dexter McCluster
- Recruiting: Top Classes | 2011 | 2010 Impact
- Draft: Kiper mock | McShay mock | Big Board
