But it wasn't easy; I have no doubt that the months leading up to my dissertation defense were the most stressful of my life.  By my reckoning, during the month of April I was spending approximately 80 hours per week working on writing and performing last minute projects related to my research.  While there are certainly plenty of people that make that workload manageable, it certainly wasn't something I was used to.  Days began around 8 when I would head into the office and begin work, typically bouncing between writing chapters on one computer and running simulations on another.  I would work through lunch into the afternoon, when I would head home around 5 o'clock.  I would take a break for about an hour to have lunch and relax, then begin working again until around 11.  Weekends also disappeared from the conversation, which was something I never thought I would have to do. 

But, eventually I did realize I was nearing the end of the process and began to relax somewhat.  The dissertation defense itself was a relatively simple affair, with my 5 faculty committee members listening to my 90-minute presentation then asking questions for another 30 minutes or so.  While that may seem like a lot, with my experience teaching 75 minute lectures the time just flew by.  As a waited outside the conference room for the committee's final decision, I reflected back on the 10 years I spent as a student here in Norman.  While I always enjoyed the student experience, I was very happy to be ending it and moving on to something new.  As my committee exited the conference room, they came over to me and said "Congratulations Doctor."  I of course was excited and relieved, but also a little taken aback by that title.  Here is a picture of me at graduation:

Even now, after being official for about 4 months, I still find it funny to be referred to as "Doctor."  Especially now that the semester has started and students have been coming to visit to ask questions, I get addressed by that several times a day.  I really don't feel any different than I did a few months ago - same job, same place, same life, but through finishing my degree I have gained a new identity, even among my friends and family.  I'm sure at some point any additional effect of being addressed this way will wear off, but at least now it's a constant reminder that I'm in a new phase of my life. 

ACC:  The ACC looks stacked this year with 5 teams in the preseason top 25.  Because of this, I don't anticipate an ACC team being part of the national title discussion, but there will be plenty of good games to look forward to.  I think Florida State actually benefits from Bobby Bowden retiring, but I think they will have a couple years of rebuilding.  I enjoy watching the classic option offense of Georgia Tech, but their defense lacks a lot of punch.  I was excited about the possibility with North Carolina, but with all the off-field issues that have popped up the last 2-3 weeks, I'm not so sure a team with no recent success can rise above.  This leaves Miami and Virginia Tech (as it seems to be most years), and like most years, I give the edge to the Hokies.  Their month of November will be very tough, but with only 4 road games they have a built in schedule advantage. 

Big East:  With Brian Kelly leaving Cincinnati for Notre Dame, we have one less contender in the Big East to worry about.  With all due respect to West Virginia, Pittsburgh should roll through this conference relatively untarnished.  In fact, Pitt could be a national title contender if they make it past Miami early in the season, which I think they will.  Dion Lewis should have a big year as Pitt finishes somewhere in the top 5. 

Big 10:  Sorry, Hawkeye fans:  I'm not buying that Iowa is a national title contender.  With Penn State still unsure at QB, and Michigan still transitioning to Rich Rodriguez's offense, I think the conference comes down to Ohio State and Wisconsin.  Terrelle Pryor will get lots of publicity for the Buckeyes, but John Clay (think a shorter Toby Gerhart) could prove to be just as potent a scorer for the Badgers.  On October 16th when Ohio State visits Wisconsin, I think the Badgers are victorious and go on to the Big 10 title. 

Big 12:  What will become of the Big 12 in the years to come is an interesting question, but less interesting is how the final (for now) Big 12 championship will set up.  In a surprisingly weak year, Nebraska will coast to the North title, with Texas and Oklahoma battling yet again in the south.  With Texas having to replace Colt McCoy, OU will have the advantage in the Red River Rivalry and win the South, though I am inclined to think that the South champion will have at least one loss in conference.  With a classic (and perhaps final) match up in the Big 12 title, I think Nebraska finishes up an undefeated conference season with a win over the Sooners - sad I know. 

Pac 10:  Let me be clear here:  NOTHING pleases me more than seeing the USC Trojans slowly begin to go down the tubes.  Mark my words:  USC will not be in a BCS bowl in the next 5 years, NCAA bans or not.  Just like last year, I believe the conference will come down to the Civil War between Oregon and Oregon State.  The Rodgers brothers are a lot of fun to watch for the Beavers, but Oregon has a much more balanced offensive attack and I think will stand atop the conference. 

SEC:  With the majority of their starters returning, I don't think there's many people that would pick against Alabama this year.  Even with the recent news that Mark Ingram will be out to begin the season I still think 'Bama will have a relatively easy ride through the SEC West.  Arkansas could make some noise early in the season, but Alabama's superhuman defense should be able to shut them down.  In the East, a 2-team race between Florida and Georgia will be settled at the Cocktail party, with the Gators moving on to the SEC title game (Tebow was important, but not the only talented player for Florida).  With a rematch of last year's title game, Alabama once again wins and makes their way to the BCS.

Once again, we will have at least a few teams outside of the major 6 conferences making a run at the BCS.  Last year's two outside participants, Boise State and TCU will most likely be the two to compete yet again this year for any at-large spots.  However, I think the attention will finally catch up to Boise State; with matchups against 2 top 25 teams in the first month, I think Boise will end up losing at least once and dropping out of consideration.  TCU, however, I think has an excellent chance of returning to the BCS yet again, perhaps to the national title, given that they are already ranked quite high. 

So, here is my BCS 10:

Fiesta Bowl:  Texas vs. TCU

Rose Bowl:  Oregon vs. Wisconsin

Orange Bowl:  Virginia Tech vs. Florida

Sugar Bowl:  Alabama vs. Ohio State

BCS Championship:  Pittsburgh vs. Nebraska

A matchup of two stellar defense may prove less than entertaining, but I believe Pittsburgh will triumph in a low-scoring affair. 

And now, for some Heisman thoughts.  Since Mark Ingram appears to be out of the running due to injury, and no other returning finalists, this could be a wide-open race.  Here are a few people I think could be in the conversation in December:

John Clay, RB, Wisconsin.  If the Badgers due manage to win the Big 10, a lot of the credit will have to go to Clay, who could have a huge year running the ball.

Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh.  Heisman loves stars on championship teams, and Lewis had a huge freshman season which could lead to the 4th sophomore Heisman in a row.

Andy Dalton, QB, TCU.  Gotta put a vote in for my fellow Dalton!  His numbers will not be eye-popping so he is likely a long-shot but a second undefeated regular season could get some attention for him. 

Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas.  Will no doubtedly put up gaudy numbers for the Razobacks, but the question will be whether he can guide his team to a 9 or 10 win season.  If he does, he might earn some consideration.

That's the list!  As always, if you think I'm off my rocker, let me know in the comments below, or if you'd like to commit your predictions before the season gets underway, do that as well.