Bowl season recap....and 2013 look ahead.

- Dominant Tide.  The 2012 college football season wrapped up last night as Alabama trounced Notre Dame in Miami. Can anyone really be all that shocked by this? No offense to Notre Dame....they were 12-0. But, examining the things further, they played a weak schedule, they struggled with that weak schedule, and they had half as much talent as Alabama. This was essentially a Big Ten-SEC battle, and that league never fares well against the speedy SEC. Alabama had a power running game that was clicking on all levels, a passing game that made it look easy, and a defense full of physical specimens. They were on a different level last night, and it is a shame college football had a boring end to an exciting season. 

- Johnny Football is pretty good. The way Notre Dame lost last night showed off how good Johnny Manziel truly is. Think about it. A freshmen on the road playing Alabama, and he beat them. Manziel also posted better seasons than Tebow and Newton's Heisman campaigns. He was clearly the best football player in the country, and the way Manti Te'o was non existent last night only proves that. Not to mention the way Manziel knifed through Oklahoma's D like better was another telling sign of how good he is. I will say this, Johnny Football is already an annoying name. He is now the face of college football for a few more seasons, we are all going to get sick of him, if you aren't already. 

- SEC! SEC! SEC!  We all know the SEC is the premier college football conference, but can we stop overrating it to all levels. Look, LSU lost to Clemson (the same Clemson team that allowed 70 points to WVU last year) Louisville destroyed Florida. The middle of the pack, and bottom feeding teams of the SEC are so quick to yell the rallying cry of their conference, but lets be real. Its not like the worst team in the SEC would be a top team somewhere else. Yes, it is a good league. No, it is not what everyone thinks it is. It is a good collection of teams, and leave it at that. 

- The Hit.  You know what I'm talking about.....everyone does. THE hit heard round the world. Jadaveon Clowney clowed a Michigan offensive lineman and running back in a matter of two seconds, and announced to the world he is a beast. Again, if you didn't know this already. Clowney was the #1 recruit coming out of high school, and it shows. He is just a SOPHOMORE. Yes, he will be playing on Sundays Saturdays next fall. So if you happen to be a college quarterback, be afraid. 

2013

- Heisman(s) Johnny Manziel will clearly be in the race for a Heisman next season, but no shoe-in to win it. Jadaveon Clowney will be the token defensive player representative, and he may have a legitimate shot. The sack numbers need to be way high, but what offensive tackle is slowing him down?  Teddy Bridgewater is a fine quarterback from Louisville, and had a big coming out party against Florida in the Sugar Bowl, which will be the start of his campaign. AJ McCarron is more than a game manager for Alabama, and he has playing for the best team in his corner. Finally, Braxton Miller for The Ohio State University may have it. He can do it all, and has one of the best offensive minds coaching him up in Urban Meter. The Buckeyes are off probation, so let the fun begin.

Contenders

1. Alabama- This one is rather easy. They have McCarron back leading the squad. TJ Yeldon is back for sure at running back, and same goes for Amri Cooper at receiver. Those three right there is good enough, add in the guys they will bring back on defense. Plus, another star studded recruiting class is on the way. As long as Saban stays, the Tide will be near the top.

2. Oregon- The Ducks were oh so close to playing for a championship this season. 2013 may be their year. Chip Kelly is staying for another year, and that is great news for Oregon fans. Marcus Mariota will only grow as a quarterback, and the ever dangerous DeAnthony Thomas may have a more prominent role. The Ducks are all about speed, and they may sprint to the national championship in Pasadena. 

3. Ohio State- The Buckeyes are off probation, and into the national title hunt. Urban Meyer has his main man ready to lead tOSU to the top. Braxton Miller emerges as a top Heisman candidate, and the key to OSU's title run. Meyer has been recruiting like a mad man, and he hopes to make Ohio State an SEC competitor. 

4. Texas A&M-This run is fueled solely by one of the nation's premier players in Johnny Manziel. He showed that he can win in any circumstance, and they hope to dethrone Alabama from the top of the SEC West. 

5. Georgia-The Dawgs were so close to playing for this year's title before losing out to Alabama in the final seconds of the SEC championship. Aaron Murray will return to lead the offense that also features Trent Gurley, one of the nation's premier running backs.