COLLEGE FOOTBALL 2011 PREVIEW

2011 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Bob Loblaw (ScrubSports in house football guru)

After a scandal ridden off-season that has created more drama then the Royal Wedding, we are only weeks away from the beginning of that special fall tradition known as College Football. Like a great reality show (wait are there any?) without a script, the anticipation and weekly excitement of fall Saturdays will no doubt lead to excessive amounts of drinking, cursing and cheering all across the land. From Tattoo-Gate to the Bush Vacating to Fiesta Spending, College Football has been rocked by scandal, lies, and probation over the last year. The good news is that it appears the players that are getting paid are not making enough in cars and tattoos to have the leverage to strike, so there is no lockout threatening to derail the season, as is the case in the NFL. Rather then talking about legal battles and collective bargaining we will ponder the more important issues of our time such as will an SEC team win the National Championship for the sixth straight year? Why does the Big Ten have 12 teams while the Big 12 has 10? Which new coach in the Michigan-Ohio State war will win his first battle? What player who we have yet to hear about will win the Heisman Trophy? So for now sit back, relax, and find out what Bob believes will happen (as Brian Fantana said in Anchorman, 40% of the time I’m right all the time! Or something like that) as the 2011 season unfolds. Looks to me like those old Alabama fans holding the roll of paper towels and the Tide box up in the air will be singing “Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer Give ‘Em Hell Alabama” Deep into the night on January 9th in New Orleans…….

ACC
ATLANTIC DIVISION:
1. Florida State-Jimbo Fisher brought some of the old swagger back to Tallahassee in his first season and now the expectation level is returning to what it once was in the 90s. Fisher’s strong recruiting classes are ready to show their talent on the field and if EJ Manuel can be efficient at Quarterback with a young Offensive Line in front of him, the Seminoles will be the team to beat in the ACC. Game 3 at home against likely #1 Oklahoma, who embarrassed FSU a year ago in Norman, will be a national measuring stick and an upset could vault FSU into the BCS hunt. With the most talent in the division, and Virginia Tech off the schedule, anything less then a spot in the ACC Title game will be a disappointment for the recharged faithful.
2. Boston College-Another bowl trip is in the cards for the Eagles with All Americans Luke Kuechly and Montel Harris keying the defense and offense. Trips to Notre Dame and Miami will be the top road tests for BC as they look to challenge for their first Division title since the days of Matt Ryan. November 3rd FSU comes to Chestnut Hill in a game that could decide who goes to the ACC title game.
3. Maryland-New coach Randy Edsall will look to direct the Terps to the BCS as he did at UCONN a year ago. The messy departures of Ralph Friedgen and James Franklin may have created dissension in the program, but Quarterback Danny O’Brien will be a star on offense. Opening games with Miami and West Virginia will quickly establish the tone for Maryland’s season.
4. North Carolina St-13 starters return for the Wolfpack, but the most important one, Quarterback Russell Wilson, is gone after deciding to pursue a baseball career and transfer. With Virginia Tech and Miami off the schedule State should be a bowl contender as long as Tom O’Brien can find a QB to replace Wilson.
5. Clemson-Dabo Swinney will need a winning season and a signature win to keep his job in Death Valley. A brutal stretch of games including Auburn, Florida St and at Virginia Tech will give the Tigers a chance to exceed expectations or once again fall short of them. A bowl trip will likely be necessary for Swinney to keep his job.
6. Wake Forest-The Deacons are still rebuilding and will have a chance to make a national mark when Notre Dame comes to town, in what will likely be the biggest non-conference game ever on campus.
COASTAL
1. Virginia Tech-With no major out of conference game on the schedule for the first time in years, the Hokies will be able to get off to a fast start. With athletes all over the field, don’t be surprised if Tech is undefeated late in the season, as long as a solid Quarterback can be developed as none of their tough tests are on the road.
2. North Carolina-After the carnage of 2010, Butch Davis and the Heels have had a quiet off-season to prepare. NFL talent is abound on the defensive side of the ball so if the team can come together and the offense clicks, the late season trip to Blacksburg will give UNC a shot at their first division title. If the offense gels…
3. Miami-New coach Al Golden is trying to restore discipline and luster to this once proud program. Turnovers and off field issues derailed what was predicted to be a big season in 2010. Jacory Harris must protect the ball if the Canes are to succeed. The first 3 games at Maryland, Ohio St at home, and Kansas St will give Miami a chance to jumpstart a big season, or lose momentum and slide back into mediocrity.
4. Georgia Tech-Avoiding costly mistakes will be the key for Tech along with replacing Quarterback Josh Nesbitt in the option offense. Al Groh’s defense should be strong and the Jackets will likely be 3-0 heading into an early test with UNC.
5. Virginia-Mike London’s second year will be tough as UVA continues to improve. Road trips to FSU, Miami, and UNC will be troublesome. WR Kris Burd will need to find a quarterback to get him the ball if UVA is to contend for a bowl berth.
6. Duke-David Cutcliffe’s long successful history of developing quarterbacks continues with Sean Renfree. Duke should have the offense to pull an upset or 2 but not enough talent to forge a winning season.

ACC PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Montel Harris, RB Boston College.
COACH OF THE YEAR: Butch Davis, UNC
COACH ON THE HOT SEAT: Dabo Swinney, Clemson
LEAGUE CHAMPION: Virginia Tech over FSU
BOWL TEAMS: VT (BCS), FSU (BCS) Maryland, Miami, NC St, UNC, Georgia Tech.
NATIONAL TITLE CONTENDER: Virginia Tech



BIG EAST
1. South Florida-With BJ Daniels at QB and a strong defense, look for Skip Holtz’s team to with their first outright Big East title. An opening trip to Notre Dame (where Holtz is no stranger) could create major momentum for the season if the Bulls can get a big win on national TV.
2. West Virginia-How the Mountaineers rebound from the coaching turmoil of the summer will determine their fate. Bill Stewart is gone and Dana Holgerson, who was to be the coach in waiting, is now the coach in charge after he and Stewart clashed. Geno Smith will be a star on offense and if Holgerson can work the same magic as he did in Stillwater, WVU will again challenge for a league title, but the players will have to buy into the new system.
3. Cincinnati-Butch Jones needs a successful season after last year’s disappointment following the Sugar Bowl trip in 2009. Zach Collaros and Isiah Pead give Cincy offensive weapons and Jones should have the Bearcats back in a bowl.
4. Louisville-Charlie Strong’s discipline and recruiting skills will keep Louisville on the rise. Game 3 against in state rival Kentucky will be big. Don’t be surprised in U of L pulls an upset or 2 and heads back to a bowl game.
5. Connecticut-Paul Pasqualoni is back in the league years after a long run at Syracuse. 9 Defensive starters return for the team that won the conference and went to the Fiesta Bowl, if UCONN can get solid offensive play, it could be 5-0 heading into an October 8 match-up with WVU that could loom large.
6. Syracuse-Another bowl trip should be in the offing for the Orangemen as Doug Marrone has things moving in the right direction under the ballooned monstrosity that is the Carrier Dome.
7. Pittsburgh-Like their Backyard Brawl foes, the Panthers had their own coaching chaos this off-season. Todd Graham will try to bring peace and order to a program sorely lacking it in 2010. Major rebuilding on both sides of the ball will take place and Pitt will struggle to win 6 games unless Tino Sunsieri has a huge year out of the shotgun in the new look spread offense.
8. Rutgers-QB Tom Savage is gone and the bottom may have dropped out of this program in 2010. Greg Schiano, the dean of Big East coaches, will need to right the ship and get the Scarlet Knights playing well again.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: BJ Daniels, QB USF
COACH OF THE YEAR: Skip Holtz, USF
COACH ON THE HOT SEAT: Greg Schiano, Rutgers (not really but the closest)
BOWL TEAMS: South Florida (BCS) West Virginia, Cincinnati, Louisville, Syracuse, Connecticut,
NATIONAL TITLE CONTENDER: none

BIG TWELVE:
(Following the defections of Colorado and Nebraska, the former Big 12 no longer has 2 divisions and no end of season championship game as in years past)
1. Oklahoma-The Sooners will again contend for a National Title. Quarterback Landry Jones and Wide Receiver Ryan Broyles give OU the best pass-catch combo in the land. New Offensive Coordinator (and former National Champion QB) Josh Heupel brings solid experience with which to guide Jones. Road tests, early at Florida State, and the finale at Bedlam in Stillwater, may be all that stands between Oklahoma and another BCS title game trip. Another plus, no conference title game to hurdle at the end of the season.
2. Texas A+M-Not since the days of players being paid exorbitant amounts of money to paint houses in the bygone era of the Southwest Conference, have expectations been this high in College Station. Last year’s run including wins over Oklahoma and Texas, along with the play of QB Ryan Tannehill and potential All American RB Cyrus Gray have the faithful poised for a big year at A+M. The defense will need to replace superstar LB Von Miller, gone to the NFL. This would be the year for the Aggies to contend in year 4 of the Mike Sherman era. November 5th in Norman may be for 1st place.
3. Oklahoma State-Dynamic pass-catch duo of Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon will challenge Jones and Broyles for the conference lead in touchdowns. A solid defense will allow the offense to control tempo but offensive coordinator, Dana Holgerson, will be missed. Trips to A+M and Texas will be big, but no game will be bigger then the final one, Bedlam in Stillwater against the Sooners, possibly with the Big 12 title on the line for Gundy and the Pokes.
4. Texas-The Longhorns look to rebound from the worst year of the Mack Brown era. New Coordinators, Major Applewhite (remember him Texas fans?) and former Mississippi St Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz will be called on to get their units in order in a hurry. Talent will not be an issue, and motivation, sometimes a problem, should be easy to find after last years 5-7 debacle. Whoever wins the QB battle between Garrett Gilbert and Case McCoy (you know whose brother.) will have to limit turnovers.
5. Missouri-James Franklin will look to replace Blaine Gabbert, if Gabbert’s brother, Tyler, doesn’t win the job first. With coach Gary Pinkel secure in a long term extension, look for Missouri to have another solid season and head to a bowl, or maybe a conference title could be in the offing if the Tigers can knock off the Sooners for a 2nd straight year, but don’t bet on that one just yet.
6. Baylor-Robert Griffin will lead Baylor to another bowl game as Art Briles’ explosive offense will continue to pile up points.
7. Kansas State-The transferring Brown brothers, Bryce (RB) and Arthur (LB) both bring instant athleticism to a team that has been lacking it. An early trip to Miami will be a good measuring stick as Bill Snyder looks to lead the Wildcats to yet another bowl game.
8. Texas Tech-Tommy Tuberville’s 2nd year in Lubbock should be far more peaceful then his first. Improvement on defense will be a must if Texas Tech is to contend. A soft early schedule should put the Red Raiders at 4-0 when they host A+M in October with a chance to shoot up the standings.
9. Iowa State-As always, game 2, this year at home, against Iowa will spark or quell the early season momentum. Jake Knott and Leonard Johnson anchor a solid defense for Paul Rhoads, the questions will come on the offensive side of the ball, a rare problem in this conference.
10. Kansas-Year 2 of the Turner Gill rebuilding project begins in Lawrence. Kansas keeps trying to get faster and spread the field. Success will be limited again, but Jayhawk fans know as soon as the Missouri game is over, basketball will start and things will then be looking up on campus…
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Landry Jones, QB Oklahoma
COACH OF THE YEAR: Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State
COACH ON THE HOT SEAT: Mack Brown, Texas
BOWL TEAMS: Oklahoma (BCS) Texas A+M, Oklahoma St (BCS), Texas, Missouri, Baylor, Kansas State, Texas Tech.
NATIONAL TITLE CONTENDER: Oklahoma

PAC 12
(Going the way of the SEC, the former Pac 10 now has 2 divisions and a championship game to determine its champion and automatic BCS berth. The title game will be played at the higher seeded team’s home field, determined by head to head from the regular season or BCS ranking)
NORTH DIVISION:
1. Oregon-The Ducks return plenty of talent from last year’s national runner up squad that fell by 3 in the BCS title game. LaMichael James and Darren Thomas highlight an explosive offense, and all American CB Cliff Harris leads the defense. The opener against LSU in Dallas will determine if the Ducks will contend for the National Title again or if they will need help late in the season. Win or lose that game, however, Oregon will win the conference; with back to back November games with Stanford and USC determining the division title. Oregon will be back in the Rose Bowl, if they are not playing for the BCS title in New Orleans.
2. Stanford-New coach David Shaw replaces Jim Harbaugh, who left for the NFL after one of the best seasons in school history. Quarterback Andrew Luck returns as the pre season Heisman front runner, the question will be can the rebuilt offensive line keep him upright and will the coaching change effect the momentum of last season (anyone remember a few years ago at Louisville when a top 5 team lost its coach, had its QB coming back and went 6-6?) the early schedule is not daunting, and the November home game with Oregon could decide who plays in the first ever Pac 12 title game.
3. Oregon State-Mike Riley will need to replace Quizz Rodgers and find offensive production. Both the O and D lines need to improve from a year ago. Non conference games at Wisconsin and home to BYU will be tough, but USC is off the schedule. Look for the Beavers to bounce back and return to a bowl game after last year’s disappointing 5-7 run.
4. Washington-Replacing Jake Locker is the top priority in Seattle, but Nick Holt’s defense should be the linchpin of this team until Coach Sark develops a QB. If the offense finds a way to score, the defense is strong enough to send UW to a 2nd straight bowl game.
5. California-With their stadium being rebuilt, the Bears will play their home games in San Francisco in 2011. They will need to find the offensive firepower of years past on offense if they are to bounce back from their first losing season under Jeff Tedford. Until they do, look for Cal to have the same type of results as the other team playing in San Francisco, the 49ers, who have struggled in recent years.
6. Washington State-Coach Paul Wulff will be looking for a signature win with 17 starters back. Having won 5 games over the last 3 years, Wulff may be on his way out, if the Cougars do not show success, something that has been lacking in Pullman since Mike Price left town.
SOUTH:
1. *USC-In year 2 of probation, the Trojans, who cannot go to a bowl or play in the conference title game, will again be tested to find motivation under Lane Kiffin. QB Matt Barkley returns to lead the offense and WR Robert Woods is a star in the making. The big difference has been the play of the offensive and defensive fronts. During the heyday of the Pete Carroll era, both lines were chock full of NFL talent, a trend that has dropped off in recent years. Depth is also an issue, but if USC can regain the magic of years past, they should be the best team in the division, though they will not be able to earn the spoils of victory (free housing, cash??) until 2012. Game 2 hosting Utah will show where the Trojans stand.
2. UTAH-Jordan Wynn leads Utah into their first season in the Pac 12 and game 2 in the Coliseum could be the biggest test of the year. Utah gets a break not facing Oregon or Stanford in the regular season, either of which could be their opponent in the conference title game, with USC ineligible. Offensive Coordinator Norm Chow surely knows how to win games on the west coast after his days at USC.
3. Arizona State-Coach Dennis Erickson likely needs a strong season to keep his job in Tempe. 6-8 Quarterback Brock Osweiler blossomed at the end of 2010 and if he plays that well again, ASU will be in the hunt for a division title. All American LB Vontaze Burfict (best name in the nation?) leads a strong defense. Week 2 starts a brutal 6 game stretch opening with Missouri and ending with a trip to Oregon, going 3-3 and 4-2 through here will be a must if ASU is to have a solid season. A win over Arizona never hurts as well.
4. Arizona-Nick Foles returns at QB for the Wildcats who have strung 3 straight bowl trips, but other then QB and WR, there are plenty of personnel questions all over the field for Coach Stoops. The record could get ugly early as games 2-5 are at Oklahoma St, then Stanford, Oregon, and USC all come to Tempe, losing those 4 in a row, a likely scenario could derail any pre season momentum the Wildcats have and lead to their first losing season since 2007.
5. Colorado-The Buffaloes join a new conference but still have plenty of the same problems that have plagued them for the last few years in the big 12. Gone is Coach Dan Hawkins, replaced by Jon Embree, who is looking to take Colorado back to a bowl game for the first time since 2007. In a conference where points and big plays rule the day, the Buffs defense will be a major weakness all season and Tyler Hansen and the offense will have to score a lot of points to keep up with the high octane offenses in the Pac 12.
6. UCLA-When Rick Neuheisel descended on Los Angeles 4 years ago, it looked like a rebirth of Bruin football was afoot. However mediocrity and inconsistency has ruled the day. Now with rival USC struggling with NCAA probation, UCLA must improve to regain their traditional place as a conference contender. Will that happen this year, unlikely. Quarterback has been a mess for years due to injuries and this year could be no different with 3 battling for the job. The defense is a question mark as well which does not bode well with early games against Houston and Texas, before conference play begins. Neuheisel may need a winning season to keep his job, and that will be a challenge.

TITLE GAME: Oregon over Utah
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Darron Thomas, QB Oregon.
COACH OF THE YEAR: Lane Kiffin USC
COACH ON THE HOT SEAT: Rick Neuheisel, UCLA
BOWL TEAMS, Oregon (BCS) Stanford, Utah, Washington, Oregon St, Arizona St,
NATIONAL TITLE CONTENDER: Oregon

BIG TEN
(With 12 teams (yeah yeah they still call it the Big 10…) there will be 2 divisions and for the 1st time, a championship game to decide the BCS representative, remember when some questioned that approach when the SEC did it almost 20 years ago…?)

LEADERS DIVISION:
1. Wisconsin-A repeat league title is a distinct possibility for Bret Bielema and the Badgers. Nebraska comes to Madison, and October trips to Michigan State and Ohio State will likely decide Wisconsin’s fate. Quarterback was the biggest question mark after losing Scott Tolzien, but the transfer of former NC State dual threat, star Russell Wilson makes the Badger offense a strength, and Wisconsin should be able to compete with anyone. Also the Badgers will be fired up after a disappointing Rose Bowl loss.
2. Ohio State-How the Buckeyes respond to the most tumultuous off season in Columbus since the punch of ’78 will determine the 2011 campaign. Gone is Jim Tressel, the most successful coach in school history besides Woody Hayes and a cloud of NCAA violations hangs over the future of the program, effecting morale and recruiting. Interim coach Luke Fickell has a 12 game audition to win the job, and his first priority will be to replace departed QB Terelle Pryor and keep the offense from becoming one dimensional relying solely on the run. Game 3 at Miami will be a test and with both head coaches in their first season, the Michigan game will be huge for both programs, not that it isn’t anyway. If the looming NCAA sanctions are as drastic as many predict, this could be the Buckeyes last shot at a Big Ten title game for a few years, but don’t expect conference championship tattoos to be distributed in Columbus this year free or paid for….
3. Penn State-Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden will battle for the starting QB job in Happy Valley. Joe Paterno returns and the Nittany Lions will have their usual strong defense, how high they finish will be determined by the offensive production. Game 2 hosting Alabama will surely bring a huge crowd to Happy Valley, but the season success could be decided by season ending trips to Wisconsin and Ohio State. Win those 2 and Penn St could be playing for a Big 10 title, a possibility, but not likely.
4. Purdue-If the Boilers can avoid the massive injury toll of the last few seasons, they should return to a bowl game again in 2011. Rob Henry started at QB to end 2010 but could be pushed by Caleb Terbush and Robert Marve, who is returning from another injury. If RB Ralph Bolden returns to his pre injury form and the defense can make up for the loss of all American Ryan Kerrigan, the Boilers should be back in a bowl game for the first time in 4 years and give Coach Hope his first winning season.
5. Illinois-Ron Zook will again be on the hot seat in Champaign. Nathan Scheelhaase returns at QB after a strong freshman season, but the defensive front seven is a question mark. A bowl win last year to get to 7-6 may have quieted some of the doubters, but if the Illini have another losing season especially with 8 home games, all the strong recruiting Zook has done may not help him keep his job.
6. Indiana-New coach Kevin Wilson brings his Oklahoma spread to Bloomington. Gone is QB Ben Chappell who would have been a perfect fit for Wilson’s passing offense. New defensive coordinator Doug Mallory (former coach Bill’s son) will have his hands full trying to stop the strong offenses in this division. Winning all their non conference games and starting 4-0 against a relatively weak schedule may be a must if the Hoosiers are to get to 6 wins and qualify for a bowl game.
LEGENDS DIVISION:
1. Nebraska-Year 1 in the Big Ten will test Nebraska’s ability to adapt to playing teams they have no experience against and making 1st time road trips to meet conference foes. Fortunately for Bo Pelini and the Huskers, they have plenty of talent to challenge for a league and possibly, a national title. The defense is again one of the best in the nation, led by Jared Crick up front, and if QB Taylor Martinez can stay healthy, the offense will be much more dynamic then it was at the end of last season when Nebraska lost 3 of its last 4 games. An October 1 trip to Madison could be a preview of the Big 10 title game in December.
2. Michigan State-Kirk Cousins and Edwin Baker return to lead an offense that helped MSU post 11 wins and its first share of the league title since 1990. A blowout loss to Alabama on New Year’s Day dampened the enthusiasm, but there is plenty to be excited about in East Lansing. Greg Jones will need to be replaced as the leader of the defense, and a brutal road schedule including Notre Dame, Ohio State, Nebraska, and Iowa could be what keeps MSU from contending for a division title, but they will surely be back in a bowl game.
3. Michigan-3 years was enough for Rich Rodriguez to be run out of town in Ann Arbor, and the writing was on the wall after 3 blowout losses ended the 2010 campaign. Former assistant Brady Hoke will now try to rebuild the Wolverines back into the traditional power of years past. One major contribution that Rodriguez and his staff left behind is the development of Denard Robinson who in 1 year was transformed from a run only QB to an All American, who opens the season as a viable Heisman candidate. Improving the defense, will be job 1 for new coordinator Greg Mattison who coached Michigan in the 90s and has been with the Ravens. The early home game with Notre Dame will be a measuring stick and the final 2 games, both at home, with Nebraska and Ohio State, will determine the success of year one of the Hoke era. Nothing would endear the new coach to the faithful more then beating the Buckeyes for the first time since 2003.
4. Northwestern-If QB Dan Persa can return to form after last season’s injury, the Wildcats could contend for a division title, until that question is answered, we will keep Northwestern at this spot in the pecking order. Pat Fitzgerald has built a solid foundation in Evanston as they look for their 4th straight winning season and bowl trip. Having spurned other coaching offers, Fitzgerald looks to be the long term head of the program and the future looks promising, a reasonable schedule, and a healthy Dan Persa could make Northwestern the surprise team in the Big 10 this year.
5. Iowa-After a tumultuous off-season with drug issues and a major workout scare, Iowa opens with plenty of questions abound. New QB James Vandenburg, who has played well in relief, will need to get the ball to Marvin McNutt for Iowa to score. The early trip to Iowa State will be a chance to create momentum or quash it out of the gate, and if the Hawkeyes can rebound from the off-season issues, they will contend in the division.
6. Minnesota-New coach Jerry Kill has a playmaker under center in converted WR Marquis Gray. The running game will be the strength but too many issues on the lines and defense will keep the Gophers at the bottom as they rebuild. Opening at USC probably won’t help momentum.

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: Wisconsin over Nebraska
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan
COACH OF THE YEAR: Bret Bielema, Wisconsin
COACH ON THE HOT SEAT: Ron Zook, Illinois
BOWL TEAMS: Wisconsin (BCS), Nebraska (BCS) Ohio St, Michigan St, Michigan, Penn St, Purdue, Northwestern, Iowa
NATIONAL TITLE CONTENDER: Wisconsin, Nebraska (until the league title game)

SEC
The most dominant conference in the land will likely give us a 6th straight National Champion, unheard of dominance for 1 conference with the parity of today’s game. More remarkable still, is the fact that of the last 5 champions, 4 have been different teams, speaking to the amazing depth across the league. The SEC championship game will once again play as a national semifinal leading to the BCS title game, but it will likely be a regular season battle that will decide the best team in the conference….

EAST:
1. South Carolina-Steve Spurrier’s defending division champions return the core of the best team SC has had since joining the SEC. Marcus Lattimore and Alshon Jeffrey may very well be the best RB-WR combo in America. As long as QB Stephen Garcia can stay out of the dog house (or is it a cock house in Columbia??) and stay on the field, the Gamecocks will be strong. Game 2 at Georgia will have huge division implications, but LSU and Alabama are off the schedule. SC will likely face one of those 2 in Atlanta in the league title game.
2. Florida-Will Muschamp brings a new face to Gator Nation after the departure of Urban Meyer. New OC Charlie Weis looks to turn John Brantley into the QB he was promised to be during his recruitment as the pro style offense returns to the Swamp. With CB Janoris Jenkins kicked off the team, Jon Bostic becomes the star on defense, Muschamp’s specialty. With playmakers Burton, Demps, and Rainey on offense and the new system, Florida will challenge South Carolina, but come up short when they go to Columbia. Back to back tussles with Alabama and LSU will test the young Gators as well.
3. Georgia-Mark Richt needs a solid season to stay out of the faithful’s doghouse. LSU and Alabama are off the schedule, but the opener against Boise State will be huge for UGA followed with South Carolina coming down between the hedges, a 0-2 start could doom the season before it begins. Aaron Murray will be given the keys to the offense, but will need to find some playmakers to throw to with AJ Green and Washaun Ealey gone. Former mega recruit Caleb King will need to step up at TB. Walsh and Butler may be the best kick/punt combo in the land.
4. Tennessee-Year 2 for Derek Dooley will get easier once the Vols find out if any sanctions from the short, but tumultuous Lane Kiffin era will be imposed by the NCAA. Until then Dooley will worry about Tyler Bray developing at QB and the trip to Swamp in week 3. Later comes a brutal 4 game stretch of UGA, LSU, at Alabama, then South Carolina which could bolster or break the Volunteer spirit. Look for UT to go bowling and to pull 1 major upset against an SEC foe, likely a noon kickoff home game when the visitors are still asleep.
5. Kentucky-Morgan Newton takes over the reins at QB in Lexington. Joker Phillips looks to take UK to their 6th straight bowl game but Derrick Locke and Randall Cobb will be sorely missed on offense.
6. Vanderbilt-James Franklin debuts as Head Coach and brings with him a renewed energy and enthusiasm to the program coming from Maryland. Game 2 vs. Uconn will be a good benchmark to see where Vandy stands.
WEST
1. Alabama-Two years ago Nick Saban had a strong defense and questions at Quarterback. Two years ago Alabama won the National Championship, and in 2011 the circumstances look eerily similar. Several stars are gone to the NFL, but Trent Richardson and Mark Barron headline the key returnees. Both lines are strong and whichever QB, Sims or McCarron, gets the nod, will have playmakers around him in Richardson, Marquis Maze, and transfer Duron Carter (Cris’s son) to get the ball to. Trips to Florida and Penn St will be tough, but the game of the year will be November 5 when LSU comes to Tuscaloosa, win that and the Tide will be playing for the SEC title, and likely a shot at all the marbles yet again.
2. LSU-The last 2 times the BCS title game has been played in New Orleans, LSU has been there and won it (03, 07) in 2011 the game is back in the Superdome and the Tigers are poised to make a run at Les Miles’ 2nd National Title. Talent is strong across the board, especially on defense. The question will be the play of QB Jordan Jefferson, will he be stellar as he was in the Cotton Bowl win over A+M, or will he turn the ball over in crucial situations as often happened last season? Game 1 in Dallas against Oregon will be a showcase for LSU, a win there and a BCS title becomes a distinct possibility. Back to back September road trips to Mississippi St and West Virginia could be roadblocks, but the November 5th trip to Tuscaloosa will decide the division title and possibly whether the Tigers can win a 3rd straight BCS title game in the Superdome.
3. Mississippi State-Dan Mullen’s team finished off a banner 2010 with an emphatic blowout of Michigan on New Year’s Day, now the challenge will be to keep the momentum going. Chris Relf and RB Vick Ballard are back to lead the offense. The defense is strong but there are questions in the secondary. An early trip to Auburn will be big leading into game 3, a Thursday night showdown with LSU in Starkville, where the cowbells will be ringing and an upset could shoot the program into national prominence.
4. Arkansas-After a 10 win season and a BCS bowl berth all the Hogs have to do is replace Ryan Mallet at QB. Easier said then done, though Tyler Wilson played well in relief a year ago and with WR Joe Adams and RB Knile Davis on offense, points should be aplenty for Coach Petrino’s squad. Road games with Alabama and LSU will be major tests, and a non conference showdown with Texas A+M looms on October 1 in Dallas.
5. Auburn-The Tigers won the National Championship in 2010 and now must rebuild in 2011. Gone is Cameron Newton, possibly the best player in school history, at least for the 1 year he played, and a quarterback will have to be found who can execute Gus Malzahn’s proven offensive scheme. Michael Dyer will need to run for a lot of yards if Auburn is to contend in the west again. Both the offensive and defensive lines suffered major off-season losses as well so don’t expect any repeat miracles on the Plains, but the Tigers will surely rise again like the trees at Toomer's Corner.
6. Mississippi-Houston Nutt and Rebels need to beat Mississippi State after losing the last 2 to their in state rivals. RB Branden Bolden is a star. The home opener with BYU is a much needed win to get things off on the right foot.

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: Alabama over South Carolina
COACH OF THE YEAR: Nick Saban, Alabama
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina
COACH ON THE HOT SEAT: Houston Nutt, Mississippi
BOWL TEAMS: Alabama (BCS) LSU (BCS), South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Arkansas, Auburn.

NON BCS TEAMS TO WATCH:
Notre Dame-Year 2 for Brian Kelly looks promising after the off field issues and injuries of his debut season are behind him. Assuming Michael Floyd is reinstated after his DUI punishment is over, the Irish should have a potent offense with Floyd, Cierre Wood, and Theo Riddick becoming big time playmakers. Tommy Rees, who led the Irish to four straight wins to end the season, will battle former starter Dayne Crist for the QB job, now that Crist is back from injury. Manti Teo is a potential All American at LB as well. A tough schedule criss-crossing the Big Ten, Pac 12, Big East and Acc will demand solid preparation each week for the myriad of systems the Irish are going to face, but 9 wins should get Notre Dame back to a BCS bowl game.

Boise State-One play away from possibly crashing the National Title game a year ago the Broncos had a missed field goal against Nevada and finished 12-1. Now in the Mountain West conference they face a new schedule of opponents, none more daunting then TCU at home, on November 12th in a game that could have BCS implications for both. Kellen Moore is back at QB looking to break records and contend for the Heisman. The opener in Atlanta against Georgia will be another opportunity for Boise State to show the nation what they can do on the national stage. A win there could lead to another BCS trip.

TCU-After a perfect 2010, capped by a memorable with in the Rose Bowl, the Horned Frogs head into their final Mountain West season looking to repeat. Andy Dalton must be replaced at QB, but the defense, led by LB Tank Carder, should be strong enough to carry the team until the offense gels. Opening at Baylor will be a test and the trip to Boise St. on November 12th should decide the league champion as TCU looks to win another Mountain West title before they head out the door to the Big East.

Houston-When Case Keenum was granted another year of eligibility, expectations soared for the Conference USA favorites. The home opener against UCLA could be a springboard to a big season for the Cougars as they look for their first trip to the BCS, and will need to win all their games to get there.

BYU-Going Independent will be tough in year 1 for BYU. A brutal schedule including opening games at Ole Miss, at Texas, and rival Utah, could jumpstart or defuse the season before it begins. Sophomore QB Jake Heaps appears to be the next star QB in the long line at BYU. A slow start like they experienced in 2010, needs to be avoided if the Cougars want to get back to the double digit win plateau they lived on from 2006-2009.

HEISMAN TROPHY
Handicapping the Heisman race in August has become as big a waste of time as trying to forecast the next economic recovery, it ain’t gonna get you anywhere. Who saw Mark Ingram or Cam Newton the last 2 years? No one did. With that being said the winner will come from a highly ranked National Title contending team, if recent history is any barometer (or as Kramer said, “Its pronounced thermometer”). So with that in mind here are the top 5 preseason favorites and 5 more dark horses who could get in the mix if their teams have big seasons and they are the main cause of that success. Then when none of these 10 wins the award, don’t be shocked….
Preseason Favorites: Andrew Luck, QB Stanford, LaMichael James, RB Oregon, Kellen Moore, QB Boise State, Landry Jones, QB Oklahoma, Marcus Lattimore, RB South Carolina.
Dark Horses: Denard Robinson, QB Michigan, Russell Wilson, QB Wisconsin, BJ Daniels, QB South Florida, Jordan Jefferson QB LSU, Jordan Wynn, QB Utah.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BCS SCENARIO
Based on the crystal ball that only I can see, here is what is going to occur by the end of the season (you should still watch the games for the pageantry and excitement, but this correct set of predictions may ruin the ending for those who love drama…)

BCS TITLE GAME-Alabama beats Oklahoma
ROSE BOWL-Wisconsin beats Oregon
SUGAR BOWL-LSU beats Notre Dame
ORANGE BOWL-Virginia Tech beats South Florida
FIESTA BOWL-Boise State beats Oklahoma State
Look for only Oklahoma to be undefeated at the end of the season, maybe Boise State as well. Alabama can still make the title game with a loss assuming that they beat LSU, win the west and win the SEC title game. Other dark horses based on their schedule and personnel that could make a run at a surprise trip to the BCS title game are:
Virginia Tech, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Nebraska-but don’t bet the house on any of them. One of these teams along with Oklahoma will be the most likely to have a chance to end the SEC’s National Championship Run. In the end, unlike the NFL, at least you can kick back, buy your tickets, stock the beer, and know that there is going to be a full season of college football and it’s surely going to be exciting as always.