The Romanovs have come and gone.

History swept aside the House of Habsburg.

Today, you cannot even find the Colbys and Carringtons on television. How the mighty have fallen, especially when they don't know how to act.

But I have good news for those of you who love a good dynasty. Yes, we have one. The college football world is now throughly in the grip of The Tebow Era. Or the Time of Tim, if you prefer.

Resistance is futile. If you're a non-believer, a dissenter, someone who thinks the crown rests on another head, you'll be hunted down, mocked. You'll draw the wrath of talking heads like Fox Sports announcer Thom Brennaman. Mike Lupica of ESPN's Sports Reporters will publicly question your intelligence if you dared vote for a Sam Bradford or Colt McCoy over Tebow for the 2008 Heisman Trophy. Egad!

No, the coronation is at hand. Tim Tebow, the senior quarterback at the University of Florida, is about to become the greatest college football player of all time. Only a few obstacles stand in the way, such as the 2009 college football season and the presence of talented athletes like Bradford and McCoy.

Just sit back and watch the experts throw rose petals at Tebow's feet. Also, keep your head on a swivel in case Linda Evans and Joan Collins choose to recreate their Dynasty days and exchange make-believe haymakers.

There is, of course, more than a grain to truth to the judgment. Tebow has been an important part of two national champions at Florida. He won the 2007 Heisman Trophy, and it would be hard to argue with his victory.

Off the field, the man is a prince. Tebow appears universally admired and respected. He does a tremendous amount of charity work. And he deals with profoundly stupid questions, such as the one about his virginity, with more dignity than the subjects deserve.

So maybe everybody is right. It's Tebow Time, now and forever.

Then again, maybe not. A few words of caution should be offered.

Wait appears to be a good choice.

Wait. Wait for the season to play out. Wait for Tebow to show his stuff. And McCoy and Bradford and the rest. Wait to see if injury derails the Gator star. Wait to see if he struggles, as much as the track record says he won't. Let Tebow do his work.

Want two more words? Be careful.

Be careful when you see fans and the big media try to place Tebow in historical context. Be careful, because parts of college football's past may be ignored. There have been rule changes. The cultural climate that enveloped the game is different now, more open to players of all ethnic backgrounds.

Be careful when you hear the Heisman used as a measuring stick. Jim Brown, a great two-way (running back/defensive back) player as a Syracuse senior, didn't come close to winning the Heisman in 1956. Dick Butkus didn't get the statue during his Illinois career. Carefully consider their records before you run with the Tebow pack.

And then, get ready for what's going to be a very, very interesting season.

Just make sure your throne is comfortable.