Yesterday, College Football News asked the questions, "Why does the Big Ten stink?". Some interesting thoughts in there, and we'll be sure to address in the future and as the season plays out.

For now, it's Friday on the Afternoon Kickoff -- meaning it's time for a list. So this week's list ranks the strengths of the conferences for the 2009 season.

2009 Preseason Conference Rankings
1. Southeastern
The SEC is overhyped. There I said it. Obviously the conference has been very strong, but the gap in speed and talent is simply overblown. With that said, it's hard to argue against the league as No. 1 heading into the year. It boasts the defending national champs and preseason favorites in Florida and four more teams that will be around the preseason top 15 with Georgia in the East and Alabama, LSU and Ole Miss out of the West.

2. Big 12
The Big 12 was a two-team conference with Oklahoma and Texas for several years, as Nebraska's fall has really hurt the Big 12 North. Last year, the North was again disappointing -- favorites Missouri and Kansas lost a combined nine games. But, even though a good defense was hard to find last year, the South had a year to remember. Oklahoma, Texas, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech all had big seasons, although they combined to go 1-3 in bowls. The South is once again the far superior division, but that alone makes it the No. 2 league in the country. Well, along with some phenomenal quarterback play (Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, Todd Reesing, Zac Robinson, Robert Griffin... and new Texas Tech starter Taylor Potts inevitably throwing for ~5,000 yards).

3. Big Ten
As stated by Pete Fiutak in the above linked article, the conference just can't seem to win the big game anymore. It also doesn't help that Michigan is still rebuilding, as having the three historic powers all elite at the same time would help. The other two -- Ohio State and Penn State -- are the clear favorites in the league again, with a Rose Bowl bid likely on the line Nov. 7 in Happy Valley. The rest of the conference is solid but not spectacular. Illinois is loaded with talent but underachieved last year. And Iowa and Michigan State are pegged as Top 25 teams by some, but each team loses a running back that seemingly carried its team last year (Shonn Greene, Javon Ringer). But while everyone has questions, it also wouldn't be that surprising for five Big Ten teams to find their way to the Top 25 by the end of the season. Iowa has the defense to do so, and Michigan State returns just about everyone but Ringers and quarterback Brian Hoyer.

4. Atlantic Coast
The best way to describe the ACC last year? Thoroughly mediocre. Conference favorite Clemson went 7-6 and fired Tommy Bowden in the middle of the season, and the top teams in the league rotated in and out of the top 25 every week. The only elite teams this year is Virginia Tech, although I'm not sold until Tyrod Taylor proves himself as a passer. However, he's sure to improve upon last year's two-touchdown, seven-interception season in splitting time with Sean Glennon. The Hokies and Paul Johnson's option attack at Georgia Tech look like the favorites in the Coastal, while the Atlantic could be anyone's to win again. Overall though, the conference will be stronger than last year with young teams like Virginia Tech and North Carolina improving.

5. Pacific-10
Another year, another season with USC clearly above the rest of the pack. Now if only the Trojans could play with complete focus every game and not lose to teams like Oregon State. Tons of talent is gone from USC, but it really doesn't matter. The Trojans are a national title contender and a near-lock for the Pac-10 title. Next line, California and Oregon each returns plenty of talent and are top 20 teams. After those two, Oregon State lost its defense, Arizona lost its star quarterback, UCLA is searching for a quarterback. Nobody else is likely to make a jump into the top half of the conference.

6. Big East
An argument can be made for the Mountain West here. The top teams in the Mountain West are better than the top teams in the Big East, but the Big East has a lot more depth. Good luck picking a winner, as five teams (West Virginia, Cincinnati, Rutgers, Pittsburgh and South Florida) all probably have a shot. It's just that none of those teams are elite. No LeSean McCoy, no Pat White, no Cincinnati defense. Look for a bunch of 9-3/8-4 teams battling for the conference title.

7. Mountain West
There's Utah, TCU, BYU... and no one else at all. But those top three teams are very good and could all finish the season in the top 25. Utah beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl last year, and TCU was just as good. It'll be more of the same this year, with Utah slightly worse and BYU a bit better than a year ago.

And the rest:

8. Conference USA
Top teams: Houston, Tulsa, Southern Miss

9. Western Athletic
Top teams: Boise State, with nobody even close... then Nevada, Fresno State

10. Mid-American
Top teams: Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Ball STate

11. Sun Belt
Top teams: Troy, Florida Atlantic, Arkansas State

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Quick hits:
-Alabama will appeal the NCAA taking away 21 victories from the 2005-07 seasons over a textbook scandal.

-Former highly toured tailback Kevin Grady is expected to rejoin the Michigan team after serving a seven-day jail sentence for violation probation for a drunk driving conviction.

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Link/Video of the Day:
Tommie Frazier was a really, really good college quarterback.

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-Matt Brown