-Southeastern Conference-
Predicted Finish
-West-
1.Alabama
-Alabama, the #2 ranked team in the country, leads the pack in the tough West division of the SEC. Winning this conference means earning a spot in the national championship and I see the Crimson Tide doing just that. They will have to break in a new quarterback but this team isn't that different from the 2009 team that won the title. The defense returns 10 starters and the offense gets back Heisman hopeful running back Trent Richardson behind 4 O-line starters from last year. The schedule is not as bad as it could be as they get both Arkansas and LSU at home in Tuscaloosa.
2.LSU
-There is uncertainty around QB Jordan Jefferson and athlete Russell Shepherd but that is not enough to keep me from picking them to finish 2nd. While I don't think they have enough offense to beat Alabama, the defense should carry them in SEC play.
3.Arkansas
-If 2010 SEC rushing leader Knile Davis was around for this season, I would have this team in the #2 spot but his season ending inury in fall camp changes things. I don't think they can win this conference but they will be a very good team who can shake things up. QB Ryan Mallett is now in the NFL, but Tyler Wilson could be a rising star with receivers like Greg Childs, Jairus Wright, and Joe Adams to throw to. The return of 8 defenders is a positive sign for this years team as well.
4.Mississippi St.
-Mississippi St. is slotted in the 4th spot but that doesn't mean this team isnt about to be really good this year. The fact that the Bulldogs are the 2oth ranked team nationally,but still not ranked as high as Alabama, LSU or Arkansas, shows how tough the SEC west will be. The offense will be in good shape led by QB Chris Relf and RB Vic Ballard and 7 other returning starters on that side of the ball. The defense should be stout with 7 players back and the schedule brings LSU and Alabama to Mississippi St.
5.Auburn
-Auburn is ranked in the preseason Top 25 but do not expect them to stay there. The defending National Champions will have a hard time competing in the SEC without players like Heisman winning QB Cam Newton and D-End Nick Fairley. The running back corps has talent but replacing 4 starters on the offensive line doesn't help. The schedule doesn't do this team any favors either as the Tigers are sent on the road to play South Carolina, Arkansas, and LSU.
6.Ole Miss
-The offensive line and running backs will be the strength of this team but it won't matter much with a new QB and only 4 starters returning to a bad defense.
-East-
1.South Carolina
-The Steve Spurrier led Gamecocks should be the favorite in the SEC East thanks to a cast of good players returning. Veteran QB Stephen Garcia returns as does star WR Alshon Jeffrey and RB Marcus Lattimore, who is coming off a stellar freshman season. If the defense can be decent, this team will finish ahead of Georgia and Florida.
2.Georgia
-This slot for Georgia has just as much to do with the team as it does the schedule. While the Bulldogs don't have a ton of talent, they benefit from avoiding games against Alabama, Arkansas and LSU and getting South Carolina at home. If returning QB Aaron Murray can play well, this team can realistically finish in the top 2 of the SEC East.
3.Florida
-The reason Florida is not higher is not only are they breaking a new coaching staff but only 10 starters total return from last years team that wasn't all that great. It will be interesting to see the impact coordinator Charlie Weiss has on QB John Brantley, RB Chris Rainey and the rest of the offense. This team does not avoid Alabama as Georgia does and they will have to play LSU and South Carolina on the road.
4.Tennessee
-The young players that went through their growing pains last season will now have the advantage of game experience on their side. QB Tyler Bray and RB Tauren Poole will be good and so will an O-line who returns 4 starters. The Vols won't yet be as good as they can be with this young talent but they will take a step in the right direction.
5.Kentucky
-2nd year Head Coach Joker Phillips loses a lot of offensive talent but he will hope the 11 defensive starters that return can carry the team early and help the Wildcats make the postseason.
6.Vanderbilt
-19 starters come back from the 2010 team but don't expect this team to move from the bottom of the SEC. The Commodores will just hope for improvement.
-Player of the Year-
RB Trent Richardson, Alabama
-Best Conference Games-
South Carolina @ Georgia, Sept 10th
LSU @ Mississippi St, Sept 15th
LSU @ Alabama, Nov 5th
Alabama @ Mississippi St, Nov 12th
Arkansas @ LSU, Nov 25th
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 9
-Big East Conference-
Predicted Finish
1.West Virginia
-Head Coach Dana Holgorsen brings his spread offense from Oklahoma state and looks to be leading a favorite in the Big East. The Mountaineers bring back QB Geno Smith and experienced O-line to make the transition to a new offense easier. The defense has only 5 starters back but that includes sack specialist Bruce Irvin. This isn't a great team but it still looks better than the other teams in this conference.
2.South Florida
- Underachieving QB BJ Daniels returns to this Bulls team in Skip Holtz second season as head coach looking to improve and live up to his potential. The Bulls get the bulk of their defense back and add Colorado transfer Darell Scott at running back. While the O-line will need some work, I think this team will be able to challenge for the conference title.
3.Pittsburgh
-With 8 defensive starters back along with QB Tino Sunseri and RB Ray Graham, the Pit Panthers should field a good team this year. If Coach Graham can make this offense look anywhere close to his offenses at Tulsa, then the Big East will have to watch out.
4.Cincinnati
-I have Cincy in the 4th spot but that may be too low, especially with QB Zac Collaros and the entire defense returning.
5.Syracuse
6.Connecticut
7.Louisville
8.Rutgers
-Player of the Year-
RB Isiah Pead, Cincinnati
-Best Conference Games-
Cincinnati @ South Florida, Oct 22nd
Pittsburgh @ West Virginia, Nov 24th
West Virginia @ South Florida, Dec 1st
Predicted Finish
1.West Virginia
-Head Coach Dana Holgorsen brings his spread offense from Oklahoma state and looks to be leading a favorite in the Big East. The Mountaineers bring back QB Geno Smith and experienced O-line to make the transition to a new offense easier. The defense has only 5 starters back but that includes sack specialist Bruce Irvin. This isn't a great team but it still looks better than the other teams in this conference.
2.South Florida
- Underachieving QB BJ Daniels returns to this Bulls team in Skip Holtz second season as head coach looking to improve and live up to his potential. The Bulls get the bulk of their defense back and add Colorado transfer Darell Scott at running back. While the O-line will need some work, I think this team will be able to challenge for the conference title.
3.Pittsburgh
-With 8 defensive starters back along with QB Tino Sunseri and RB Ray Graham, the Pit Panthers should field a good team this year. If Coach Graham can make this offense look anywhere close to his offenses at Tulsa, then the Big East will have to watch out.
4.Cincinnati
-I have Cincy in the 4th spot but that may be too low, especially with QB Zac Collaros and the entire defense returning.
5.Syracuse
6.Connecticut
7.Louisville
8.Rutgers
-Player of the Year-
RB Isiah Pead, Cincinnati
-Best Conference Games-
Cincinnati @ South Florida, Oct 22nd
Pittsburgh @ West Virginia, Nov 24th
West Virginia @ South Florida, Dec 1st
Monday, August 29, 2011
2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 8
-Big Ten Conference-
Predicted Finish
Leaders Division
1.Wisconsin
-Wisconsin loses its starting QB and leading rusher from last year's Rose Bowl team but I still expect them to win the leaders divison. QB Russell Wilson, who transferred from NC State, will be a big boost and the running back corps will still be above average with Montee Ball and James White carrying the ball. There are a few holes but the Badgers will be big, strong and successful this season.
2.Ohio State
-Ohio State has to replace a hall of fame coach, a dual threat experienced QB and have to deal with the suspensions of 4 important players for the first half of the season. Yet, the Buckeyes will still be good. By the time conference play arrives this team should have figured enough questions out to go through the season and finish in the top two of the leaders division.
3.Illinois
4.Penn St
5.Purdue
6.Indiana
Legends Division
1.Nebraska
-Nebraska enter their first season in the Big 10 as one of the favorites to win the whole conference. Leading the offense is electric QB Taylor Martinez while DE Jared Crick leads on the defensive side. While not a slam dunk #1 pick, the Huskers should have a very successful year.
2.Michigan St
-Michigan St. doesn't have flashy guy like Taylor Martinez at QB , but Kirk Cousins is more than capable to lead to his team to a very successful season. The run game will be held down by back Edwin Baker and the defense will have some very solid players. The schedule, however, is a tough one.
3.Northwestern
4.Iowa
5.Michigan
6.Minnesota
-Player of the Year-
RB Edwin Baker, Michigan State
-Best Conference Games-
Nebraska @ Wisconsin, Oct 1st
Ohio St. @ Nebraska, Oct 8th
Wisconsin @ Ohio St, Oct 29th
Michigan St. @ Iowa, Nov 12th
Michigan ST. @ Northwestern Nov 26th
Predicted Finish
Leaders Division
1.Wisconsin
-Wisconsin loses its starting QB and leading rusher from last year's Rose Bowl team but I still expect them to win the leaders divison. QB Russell Wilson, who transferred from NC State, will be a big boost and the running back corps will still be above average with Montee Ball and James White carrying the ball. There are a few holes but the Badgers will be big, strong and successful this season.
2.Ohio State
-Ohio State has to replace a hall of fame coach, a dual threat experienced QB and have to deal with the suspensions of 4 important players for the first half of the season. Yet, the Buckeyes will still be good. By the time conference play arrives this team should have figured enough questions out to go through the season and finish in the top two of the leaders division.
3.Illinois
4.Penn St
5.Purdue
6.Indiana
Legends Division
1.Nebraska
-Nebraska enter their first season in the Big 10 as one of the favorites to win the whole conference. Leading the offense is electric QB Taylor Martinez while DE Jared Crick leads on the defensive side. While not a slam dunk #1 pick, the Huskers should have a very successful year.
2.Michigan St
-Michigan St. doesn't have flashy guy like Taylor Martinez at QB , but Kirk Cousins is more than capable to lead to his team to a very successful season. The run game will be held down by back Edwin Baker and the defense will have some very solid players. The schedule, however, is a tough one.
3.Northwestern
4.Iowa
5.Michigan
6.Minnesota
-Player of the Year-
RB Edwin Baker, Michigan State
-Best Conference Games-
Nebraska @ Wisconsin, Oct 1st
Ohio St. @ Nebraska, Oct 8th
Wisconsin @ Ohio St, Oct 29th
Michigan St. @ Iowa, Nov 12th
Michigan ST. @ Northwestern Nov 26th
2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 7
-Big 12 Conference-
Predicted Finish
1.Oklahoma
-The Sooners go into this season as the #1 ranked team in the country and so they are clearly the favorite in the Big 12. QB Landry Jones returns as an early Heisman candidate and he will have star WR Ryan Broyles and soon to be star receiver Kenny Stills to throw to. Four offensive lineman come back too and the defense looks solid, albeit not great though. While I don't think they will keep their #1 national ranking, I do expect this team to win the conference.
2.Texas A&M
-Placing someone in this #2 spot was tough as I do think both Oklahoma St. and Missouri are capable of being here but I decided to go with the Aggies. The defense should be in the upper half of the conference while the offense gets back QB Ryan Tannehill, explosive receiver Jeff Fuller and 1,000 yard rusher Cyrus Gray.
3.Oklahoma St
-The QB/WR combination of Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon have a lot of people very excited about this team this year and for good reason. Weeden put up big numbers last year and Blackmon is probably the best receiver in all of college football. The 5 returning O-Linemen help the expectations stay high but there are a few holes to fill. Not only does the team lose offensive coordiantor Dana Holgerson but only 2 starters are back from the defensive front 7. If the offense can improve rather than take a step back under new coaching and the defense can just be decent, then look out for this team.
4.Missouri
-Quarterback Blaine Gabbert is gone and so is defensive star Aldon Smith but this team still may be better than many think. The O-line stay in tact and all the receivers return while the defense should be decent. New QB James Franklin will be the x-factor as he has the potential to be above average.
5.Texas
6.Texas Tech
7.Kansas St.
8.Baylor
9.Iowa St
10.Kansas
-Player of the Year-
QB Landry Jones, Oklahoma
-Best Conference Games-
Oklahoma St. @ Texas A&M, Sept 24th
Missouri @ Texas A&M, Oct 29th
Oklahoma @ Oklahoma St, Dec 3rd
Predicted Finish
1.Oklahoma
-The Sooners go into this season as the #1 ranked team in the country and so they are clearly the favorite in the Big 12. QB Landry Jones returns as an early Heisman candidate and he will have star WR Ryan Broyles and soon to be star receiver Kenny Stills to throw to. Four offensive lineman come back too and the defense looks solid, albeit not great though. While I don't think they will keep their #1 national ranking, I do expect this team to win the conference.
2.Texas A&M
-Placing someone in this #2 spot was tough as I do think both Oklahoma St. and Missouri are capable of being here but I decided to go with the Aggies. The defense should be in the upper half of the conference while the offense gets back QB Ryan Tannehill, explosive receiver Jeff Fuller and 1,000 yard rusher Cyrus Gray.
3.Oklahoma St
-The QB/WR combination of Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon have a lot of people very excited about this team this year and for good reason. Weeden put up big numbers last year and Blackmon is probably the best receiver in all of college football. The 5 returning O-Linemen help the expectations stay high but there are a few holes to fill. Not only does the team lose offensive coordiantor Dana Holgerson but only 2 starters are back from the defensive front 7. If the offense can improve rather than take a step back under new coaching and the defense can just be decent, then look out for this team.
4.Missouri
-Quarterback Blaine Gabbert is gone and so is defensive star Aldon Smith but this team still may be better than many think. The O-line stay in tact and all the receivers return while the defense should be decent. New QB James Franklin will be the x-factor as he has the potential to be above average.
5.Texas
6.Texas Tech
7.Kansas St.
8.Baylor
9.Iowa St
10.Kansas
-Player of the Year-
QB Landry Jones, Oklahoma
-Best Conference Games-
Oklahoma St. @ Texas A&M, Sept 24th
Missouri @ Texas A&M, Oct 29th
Oklahoma @ Oklahoma St, Dec 3rd
2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 6
-Atlantic Coast Conference-
Predicted Finish
-Atlantic Division-
1.Florida State
-The Seminoles enter this year with high expectations with 17 returning starters and promising QB EJ Manuel taking over the offense. While I do like this team to win the Atlantic Division, I don't think they can live up to their top 10 ranking and be a contender on the national level.
2.Clemson
-Clemson is coming off a disappointing season under Coach Dabo Swinney but looks to improve with 16 starters coming back and former 5 star recruit Taj Boyd now starting at Quarterback. A nice schedule and good offensive weapons will help this team.
3.NC State
4.Boston College
5.Maryland
6.Wake Forest
-Coastal Division-
1.Virginia Tech
-The Hokies have to replace a lot of players but I think the 12 returners will be able to be enough to win the coastal division. Look for RB David Wilson to step into the starting role and make some electric plays.
2.North Carolina
- UNC fired their Coach right before fall camp and they lose a lot of players but I still like them better than Miami at this point. If there is an upside of all the suspensions to key Tar Heels players last year is that many young player got valuable experience. This team may be better than people think
3.Miami
4.Georgia Tech
5.Virginia
6.Duke
-Player of the Year-
RB David Wilson, Virginia Tech
-Best Conference Games-
Florida St. @ Clemson, Sept 24th
Miami @ North Carolina, Oct 15th
North Carolina @ Virginia Tech, Nov 17th
Predicted Finish
-Atlantic Division-
1.Florida State
-The Seminoles enter this year with high expectations with 17 returning starters and promising QB EJ Manuel taking over the offense. While I do like this team to win the Atlantic Division, I don't think they can live up to their top 10 ranking and be a contender on the national level.
2.Clemson
-Clemson is coming off a disappointing season under Coach Dabo Swinney but looks to improve with 16 starters coming back and former 5 star recruit Taj Boyd now starting at Quarterback. A nice schedule and good offensive weapons will help this team.
3.NC State
4.Boston College
5.Maryland
6.Wake Forest
-Coastal Division-
1.Virginia Tech
-The Hokies have to replace a lot of players but I think the 12 returners will be able to be enough to win the coastal division. Look for RB David Wilson to step into the starting role and make some electric plays.
2.North Carolina
- UNC fired their Coach right before fall camp and they lose a lot of players but I still like them better than Miami at this point. If there is an upside of all the suspensions to key Tar Heels players last year is that many young player got valuable experience. This team may be better than people think
3.Miami
4.Georgia Tech
5.Virginia
6.Duke
-Player of the Year-
RB David Wilson, Virginia Tech
-Best Conference Games-
Florida St. @ Clemson, Sept 24th
Miami @ North Carolina, Oct 15th
North Carolina @ Virginia Tech, Nov 17th
2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 5
-Mountain West Conference-
Predicted Finish
1.Boise State
-Sure the Broncos lose their top two receivers to the NFL and are now playing in a more competitive conference but they will still be able to end up on top. They return star QB Kellen Moore, talented RB Doug Martin and will start 7 seniors in the front 7 of the defense. Add the 3 returning Offensive lineman and this team will be in for another good season.
2.TCU
-I think TCU is a bit overrated coming into this year but i just can't put them any lower than #2 in this conference. They only return 8 total starters but RB Ed Wesley and new QB Casey Pahcall may be able to carry this team along with defenders Tank Carder and Tanner Brock.
3.San Diego State
-I really like this Aztecs team and might have them above TCU if it werent for Coach Brady Hoke bolting for the Michigan job and the team having to replace their top two receivers and 6 defenders. Having said that, they do return 4 offensive lineman who will have the task of blocking for a great duo of QB Ryan Lindley and Freshman All-American RB Ronnie Hillman. SDSU has the advantage of playing both Boise St. and TCU at home this year and I would not be shocked to see them win atleast one of those games and make some noise in this conference.
4.Air Force
-Air Force will again put up massive rushing numbers with their option attack behind 3 veteran O-lineman and QB Tim Jefferson running the show and the defense, returning 8 starters, should be decent.
5.Wyoming
6.Colorado State
7.UNLV
8.New Mexico
-Player of the Year-
QB Kellen Moore, Boise State
-Best Conference Games-
TCU @ SDSU, Oct 8th
TCU @ Boise St, Nov 12th
Boise St @ SDSU, Nov 19th
Air Force @ Colorado St, Nov 26th
Predicted Finish
1.Boise State
-Sure the Broncos lose their top two receivers to the NFL and are now playing in a more competitive conference but they will still be able to end up on top. They return star QB Kellen Moore, talented RB Doug Martin and will start 7 seniors in the front 7 of the defense. Add the 3 returning Offensive lineman and this team will be in for another good season.
2.TCU
-I think TCU is a bit overrated coming into this year but i just can't put them any lower than #2 in this conference. They only return 8 total starters but RB Ed Wesley and new QB Casey Pahcall may be able to carry this team along with defenders Tank Carder and Tanner Brock.
3.San Diego State
-I really like this Aztecs team and might have them above TCU if it werent for Coach Brady Hoke bolting for the Michigan job and the team having to replace their top two receivers and 6 defenders. Having said that, they do return 4 offensive lineman who will have the task of blocking for a great duo of QB Ryan Lindley and Freshman All-American RB Ronnie Hillman. SDSU has the advantage of playing both Boise St. and TCU at home this year and I would not be shocked to see them win atleast one of those games and make some noise in this conference.
4.Air Force
-Air Force will again put up massive rushing numbers with their option attack behind 3 veteran O-lineman and QB Tim Jefferson running the show and the defense, returning 8 starters, should be decent.
5.Wyoming
6.Colorado State
7.UNLV
8.New Mexico
-Player of the Year-
QB Kellen Moore, Boise State
-Best Conference Games-
TCU @ SDSU, Oct 8th
TCU @ Boise St, Nov 12th
Boise St @ SDSU, Nov 19th
Air Force @ Colorado St, Nov 26th
2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 4
-Western Athletic Conference-
Predicted Finish
1.Hawaii
-Hawaii loses its top RB from last year, its top 3 receivers and all but 1 offensive lineman but I am still picking them to win the conference. QB Bryan Moniz is back and will help the offense progress and the defense that was pretty good last year will have to carry this team early with the entire front 7 returning.
2.Nevada
-Nevada had a magical year last season but after losing now NFL QB Colin Kapernick and RB Vai Tau, it will be much harder to replicate that success. The schedule does look favorable and the defensive back 7 looks decent enough to keep this team from slipping too far.
3.Fresno State
-Coach Pat Hill is still here and that alone is a good sign. If RB Robbie Rouse and incoming QB Derek Carr can be productive, this team should be decent.
4.Idaho
-This team loses some important pieces from last year but this team may be a bit of a surprise. Eight defensive starters return, the O-line includes two senior tackles and the team now has RB Ryan Bass who transferred from Arizona State.
5.Louisiana Tech
6.San Jose St
7.New Mexico St
8.Utah St
-Player of the Year-
QB Bryan Moniz, Hawaii
-Best Conference Games-
Fresno St. @ Idaho, Sept 24th
Hawaii @ Nevada, Nov 12th
Predicted Finish
1.Hawaii
-Hawaii loses its top RB from last year, its top 3 receivers and all but 1 offensive lineman but I am still picking them to win the conference. QB Bryan Moniz is back and will help the offense progress and the defense that was pretty good last year will have to carry this team early with the entire front 7 returning.
2.Nevada
-Nevada had a magical year last season but after losing now NFL QB Colin Kapernick and RB Vai Tau, it will be much harder to replicate that success. The schedule does look favorable and the defensive back 7 looks decent enough to keep this team from slipping too far.
3.Fresno State
-Coach Pat Hill is still here and that alone is a good sign. If RB Robbie Rouse and incoming QB Derek Carr can be productive, this team should be decent.
4.Idaho
-This team loses some important pieces from last year but this team may be a bit of a surprise. Eight defensive starters return, the O-line includes two senior tackles and the team now has RB Ryan Bass who transferred from Arizona State.
5.Louisiana Tech
6.San Jose St
7.New Mexico St
8.Utah St
-Player of the Year-
QB Bryan Moniz, Hawaii
-Best Conference Games-
Fresno St. @ Idaho, Sept 24th
Hawaii @ Nevada, Nov 12th
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