College Football Preview (All Teams)

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College Football Preview: Boston College



BOSTON COLLEGE EAGLES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 7-6 (4-4 in ACC)
ATS Record: 6-6
Over/Under: 2-10
Points Scored: 18.5 PPG
Points Allowed: 19.5 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 200/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Pro Style - Starters Returning: 7
B.C. has plenty of momentum heading into 2011 having won its final five games before losing to Nevada in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. They Eagles return their top offensive players in RB Montel Harris (ACC-best 103.6 rush YPG) and WR Bobby Swigert (504 rec. yds). QB Chase Rettig also returns, but must improve greatly on his numbers during nine starts as a true freshman (6 TD, 9 INT, 138 pass YPG). The Eagles ranked 109th in both scoring (18.5 PPG) and yardage (299 YPG) and have three starting O-Linemen to replace, including all-ACC LT Anthony Castonzo. New offensive coordinator Kevin Rogers is not expected to dramatically change the pro style offense.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
Most of the nation’s top-ranked rushing defense (83 rush YPG) comes back, most notably the leading tackler in FBS, MLB Luke Kuechly (110 solo, 183 total, 10.5 TFL). The secondary is also solid with CB Donnie Fletcher (5 INT) and SS Jim Noel (4 INT). The D-Line lost three major contributors, but DE Max Holloway (team-high 4 sacks) is poised for a huge year.

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College Football Preview: Clemson



CLEMSON TIGERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-7 (4-4 in ACC)
ATS Record: 5-8
Over/Under: 2-10
Points Scored: 24.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 18.8 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 200/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Spread - Starters Returning: 8
The Tigers are coming off a 6-7 season, going 1-5 away from home. The offense averaged just 16.7 PPG in the final six games of the year, and ranked 88th in the country in yardage (335 YPG). To help fix these woes, Chad Morris was hired from Tulsa as the new offensive coordinator and will bring an up-tempo style of offense. QB Tajh Boyd (33-63, 329 yds, 4 TD, 3 INT) takes over for Kyle Parker, who left to pursue a baseball career. Top RB Jamie Harper bolted early for the NFL, but explosive tailback Andre Ellington is healthy and ready to build on his 5.8 YPC and 12 total TD. Leading receiver DeAndre Hopkins (52 rec, 637 yds, 4 TD) is expected to have a huge sophomore season.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 5
The defense ranked 13th in the nation in points (18.8 PPG) and 19th in yardage (320 YPG), but they will sorely miss DE Da’Quan Bowers (nation-best 15.5 sacks) and FS DeAndre McDaniel (team-high 76 tackles). DE Andre Branch (5 sacks, 8.5 TFL) will try to fill his void, and the linebackers remain strong with Corico Hawkins leading the way.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Duke



DUKE BLUE DEVILS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 3-9 (1-7 in ACC)
ATS Record: 5-5-1
Over/Under: 5-6
Points Scored: 25.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 35.4 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Single Back, TE - Starters Returning: 8
Head coach David Cutcliffe loves junior QB Sean Renfree (3,131 pass yds, 14 TD, 17 INT), consistently praising him throughout the spring. Renfree should benefit from most of the offense returning, including top WRs Conner Vernon (73 rec, 973 yds, 4 TD) and Donovan Varner (60 rec, 736 yds). Top RB Desmond Scott (530 rush yds, 3 TD) rushed for 122 yards in Week 2 versus Wake Forest, but only reached 50 rushing yards once in his final 10 games. Much of that was due to a young O-Line, which looked strong in the spring.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
If the Blue Devils are going to make any noise in the ACC, the defense has to improve dramatically. Duke allowed 35.4 PPG (109th in nation) and 450 YPG (108th in nation), while its 12 total sacks were better than just five FBS teams. The secondary is the strength of the unit, led by CB Ross Cockrell (7 PD, 3 INT) and SS Matt Daniels (93 tackles, 6 TFL, 3 FF). DT Charlie Hatcher (7.5 TFL) and LB Kelby Brown (63 tackles) are the best players in the front seven.

[tech fan]

Can we get a ga tech preview sir

[Udog]

Alright, Bum!!!! It's never too early! Thanks!

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Florida State

FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 10-4 (6-3 in ACC)
ATS Record: 7-6
Over/Under: 4-9
Points Scored: 31.4 PPG
Points Allowed: 19.6 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 9/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 8
Jimbo Fisher’s first year in Tallahassee was a rousing success (10-4, 6-3 in ACC), and this year could be even better, assuming junior E.J. Manuel is ready to take over the QB spot for departed star Christian Ponder. Manuel (70% completion rate, 4 TD, 4 INT) has shown his ability while filling in for Ponder, but he needs to cut down on his mistakes. Manuel also benefits from the school’s top four receivers returning. Bert Reed led the team in catches (58) and yards (614) while Willie Haulstead had a team-best six receiving TD. Three quality running backs remain in Chris Thompson, Ty Jones and Jermaine Thomas who combined for 1,862 rushing yards and 17 TD in 2010.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 8
Defensive coordinator Mark Stoops did a masterful job with his unit in his first year at FSU, allowing just 4.9 yards per play as compared to 6.7 in 2009. Eight starters return this year including DE Brandon Jenkins (13.5 sacks, 21.5 TFL), WLB Nigel Bradham (97 tackles) and all four starters in the secondary.

[StarDust Bum]

Here are the dates of the rest of the conferences.....i'll try to keep up with the schedule as much as possible....thanks guys.

Other College Football Previews:
ACC
Boston College
Clemson
Duke
Georgia Tech – Tuesday, May 31
Maryland – Tuesday, May 31
Miami (FL) – Wednesday, June 1
North Carolina – Wednesday, June 1
North Carolina State – Wednesday, June 1
Virginia – Thursday, June 2
Virginia Tech – Thursday, June 2
Wake Forest – Thursday, June 2
Big 12
Baylor – Friday, June 3
Iowa State – Friday, June 3
Kansas – Friday, June 3
Kansas State – Monday, June 6
Missouri – Monday, June 6
Oklahoma – Monday, June 6
Oklahoma State – Tuesday, June 7
Texas – Tuesday, June 7
Texas A&M – Tuesday, June 7
Texas Tech – Wednesday, June 8

Big East
Cincinnati – Wednesday, June 8
Connecticut – Wednesday, June 8
Louisville – Thursday, June 9
Pittsburgh – Thursday, June 9
Rutgers – Thursday, June 9
South Florida – Friday, June 10
Syracuse – Friday, June 10
West Virginia – Friday, June 10

Big Ten
Illinois – Monday, June 13
Indiana – Monday, June 13
Iowa – Monday, June 13
Michigan – Tuesday, June 14
Michigan State – Tuesday, June 14
Minnesota – Tuesday, June 14
Nebraska – Wednesday, June 15
Northwestern – Wednesday, June 15
Ohio State – Wednesday, June 15
Penn State– Thursday, June 16
Purdue – Thursday, June 16
Wisconsin – Thursday, June 16

Conference USA
East Carolina – Friday, June 17
Houston – Friday, June 17
Marshall – Friday, June 17
Memphis – Monday, June 20
Rice – Monday, June 20
Southern Methodist – Monday, June 20
Southern Mississippi – Tuesday, June 21
Tulane – Tuesday, June 21
Tulsa – Tuesday, June 21
UAB – Wednesday, June 22
UCF – Wednesday, June 22
UTEP – Wednesday, June 22

Independents
Army – Thursday, June 23
BYU – Thursday, June 23
Navy – Thursday, June 23
Notre Dame – Friday, June 24

MAC
Akron – Friday, June 24
Ball State – Friday, June 24
Bowling Green – Monday, June 27
Buffalo – Monday, June 27
Central Michigan – Monday, June 27
Eastern Michigan – Tuesday, June 28
Kent State – Tuesday, June 28
Miami (OH) – Tuesday, June 28
Northern Illinois – Wednesday, June 29
Ohio – Wednesday, June 29
Temple – Wednesday, June 29
Toledo – Thursday, June 30
Western Michigan – Thursday, June 30

Mountain West
Air Force – Thursday, June 30
Boise State – Friday, July 1
Colorado State – Friday, July 1
New Mexico – Friday, July 1
San Diego State – Monday, July 4
TCU – Monday, July 4
UNLV – Monday, July 4
Wyoming – Tuesday, July 5

Pac-12
Arizona – Tuesday, July 5
Arizona State – Tuesday, July 5
California – Wednesday, July 6
Colorado – Wednesday, July 6
Oregon – Wednesday, July 6
Oregon State – Thursday, July 7
Stanford – Thursday, July 7
UCLA – Thursday, July 7
USC – Friday, July 8
Utah – Friday, July 8
Washington – Friday, July 8
Washington State – Monday, July 11

SEC
Alabama – Monday, July 11
Arkansas – Monday, July 11
Auburn – Tuesday, July 12
Florida – Tuesday, July 12
Georgia – Tuesday, July 12
Kentucky – Wednesday, July 13
LSU – Wednesday, July 13
Mississippi State – Wednesday, July 13
Ole Miss – Thursday, July 14
South Carolina – Thursday, July 14
Tennessee – Thursday, July 14
Vanderbilt – Friday, July 15

Sun Belt
Arkansas State – Friday, July 15
Florida Atlantic – Friday, July 15
Florida International – Monday, July 18
Louisiana-Lafayette – Monday, July 18
Louisiana-Monroe – Monday, July 18
Middle Tennessee – Tuesday, July 19
North Texas – Tuesday, July 19
Troy – Tuesday, July 19
Western Kentucky – Wednesday, July 20

WAC
Fresno State – Wednesday, July 20
Hawaii – Wednesday, July 20
Idaho – Thursday, July 21
Louisiana Tech – Thursday, July 21
Nevada – Thursday, July 21
New Mexico State – Friday, July 22
San Jose State – Friday, July 22
Utah State – Friday, July 22

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Georgia Tech


GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-7 (4-4 in ACC)
ATS Record: 5-6-1
Over/Under: 5-7
Points Scored: 26.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 25.2 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 200/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Spread Triple Option - Starters Returning: 6
The Yellow Jackets ended a disappointing 2010 campaign with a losing record (6-7) and a sixth straight bowl defeat. Tech has holes to fill this year with QB Josh Nesbitt and top RB Anthony Allen all done with eligibility. QB Tevin Washington started the final four games last year when Nesbitt was hurt, and rushed for 420 yards (4.5 YPC). He appears capable of keeping the Ramblin’ Wreck atop the nation in rushing again (323 rush YPG), but his brutal passing numbers (41% completion rate, 2 TD, 3 INT) don’t inspire confidence. Senior RB Roddy Jones (7.5 YPC for career) and junior RB Orwin Smith (9.3 YPC for career) should thrive behind a strong offensive line.

Defense:
Base 34 - Starters Returning: 5
Defensively, the Jackets are desperate for a stud pass rusher after a 17-sack season (101st in nation). They lose their top LB in Brad Jefferson, but OLB Steven Sylvester (10.5 TFL, 3 FF) leads a solid linebacker group. The secondary has to replace all four starters, but CB Rod Sweeting (7 PD) and safety Isaiah Johnson (46 tackles) are quality returning players.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Maryland

MARYLAND TERRAPINS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 9-4 (5-3 in ACC)
ATS Record: 9-4
Over/Under: 7-4-1
Points Scored: 32.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 22.2 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 200/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 7
Randy Edsall takes over a Maryland program that improved by seven wins (2 to 9) in 2010. QB Danny O’Brien (2,438 pass yards, 22 TD, 8 INT) played very well as freshman and had a great spring in new OC Gary Crowton’s up-tempo system. O’Brien loses WR Torrey Smith, but senior Ronnie Tyler (61 rec, 720 yds in career) and juniors Kerry Boykins and Kevin Dorsey form an adequate WR trio. Leading rusher Davin Meggett (720 rush yds, 5.6 YPC) will be the key to this offense, which racked up 38.2 PPG in its last six games.

Defense:
Base 34 - Starters Returning: 5
New DC Todd Bradford is excited about his unit that allowed just 4.7 yards per play (3.4 YPC) last year. The D-Line returns three starters, but lacks a monster pass-rushing DE. Despite the loss of leading tackler MLB Alex Wujciak, junior WLB Demetrius Hartsfield (88 tackles) returns. The secondary is excellent, led by senior CBs Cameron Chism and Trenton Hughes.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: North Carolina State

NORTH CAROLINA STATE WOLFPACK

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 9-4 (5-3 in ACC)
ATS Record: 9-3
Over/Under: 4-8
Points Scored: 31.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 21.3 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 200/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Pro Style - Starters Returning: 6
The Wolfpack lose QB Russell Wilson, the ACC’s total offense leader, but head coach Tom O’Brien loves 6-foot-6 junior Mike Glennon, even comparing him to former BC great Matt Ryan with his throwing motion and intangibles. Glennon will need to be a leader as NC State loses its top three receivers from last year. Senior WRs T.J. Graham (25 rec) and Steven Howard (12 rec) will likely be the starters. The rushing attack should improve its No. 95 rank (123 YPG) with a healthy Mustafa Greene (869 total yds, 6 TD).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 8
The opportunistic defense, which tied for fourth in the nation in sacks (41) and forced 36 fumbles last year, returns eight starters. OLBs Audie Cole (86 tackles, 10 TFL) and Terrell Manning (75 tackles, 10.5 TFL) lead this unit, which lost two starting linemen, but returns all four starters in the secondary.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: North Carolina

NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 8-5 (4-4 in ACC)
ATS Record: 7-5
Over/Under: 5-7
Points Scored: 25.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 23.2 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 200/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Pro Style - Starters Returning: 6
Uncertainty surrounds the 2011 Tar Heels. Sophomore QB Bryn Renner only has two career pass attempts, but will try to fill the shoes of T.J. Yates. The 6-foot-3 Renner also has dynamic senior WR Dwight Jones (62 rec, 946 yds, 4 TD) as his favorite target. But the two other players with 30+ catches last year, TEs Zack Pianalto and Ryan Taylor have both graduated. UNC ranked 94th in rushing offense (126 YPG) and lost three RB that totaled 1,653 rushing yards last year. Senior RB Ryan Houston led the Heels with 713 rushing yards and 9 TD in 2009 before redshirting in 2010. He broke his shoulder blade in the spring game, but is expected back on the field in August.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
The defensive line remains intact and very good with Quinton Coples (10 sacks) and Donte Paige-Moss (7 sacks), but MLB Kevin Reddick (74 tackles) is one of only two returning starters in the back seven.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Miami (FL)

MIAMI (FL) HURRICANES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 7-6 (5-3 in ACC)
ATS Record: 5-8
Over/Under: 4-7-1
Points Scored: 26.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 20.7 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Single Back - Starters Returning: 6
Former Temple head coach Al Golden takes over the top spot for a talented Miami team, which is reportedly on board with the new offensive and defensive schemes. The biggest question for the Hurricanes is who the starting QB will be, Jacory Harris (14 TD, 15 INT) or Stephen Morris (7 TD, 9 INT)? Golden and new OC Jedd Fisch are expected to wait until mid-August to name a starter. Speedy RB Lamar Miller (6.0 YPC) finished the spring No. 1 on the depth chart, but slasher Mike James (5.7 YPC) and hard-nosed Storm Johnson will also figure prominently in the rushing attack. Leonard Hankerson departs, but senior WR Travis Benjamin (17.3 yds per catch) is a true playmaker.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
New DC Mark D’Onofrio left Temple with Golden, and is thrilled with his defense. Miami led the nation with 115 TFL and ranked third in passing defense (151 YPG). MLB Colin McCarthy (120 tackles) and OLB Sean Spence (16 TFL) lead a strong front seven, but the ‘Canes must replace both starting corners.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Virginia



VIRGINIA CAVALIERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 4-8 (1-7 in ACC)
ATS Record: 5-6
Over/Under: 5-5
Points Scored: 25.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 28.3 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 8
Mike London’s first year as head coach didn’t turn out so well (4-8, 1-7 in ACC), and now he loses graduated leaders in QB Marc Verica, RB Keith Payne and WR Dontrelle Inman. Four QBs (two freshmen, two sophomores) will all compete to start. TB Perry Jones (870 total yds, 4.7 YPC) and WR Kris Burd (58 rec, 799 yds, 5 TD) will be the keys on offense.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 9
The defense had problems adjusting to the 4-3 last year, but most of the unit returns to hopefully improve on 204 rushing YPG allowed and just five fumble turnovers. The strength of the defense will be its three leading tacklers – SLB LaRoy Reynolds (66 tackles), MLB Steve Greer (59 tackles) and WLB Ausar Walcott (56 tackles). Senior DE Cam Johnson (6.5 sacks, 14.5 TFL) needs a few of his linemates to help out, and take pressure off an improving secondary

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Virginia Tech



VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 11-3 (9-0 in ACC)
ATS Record: 10-4
Over/Under: 6-7
Points Scored: 33.9 PPG
Points Allowed: 20.6 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 25/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 6
Although many players are gone from this team that won 11 straight games (after losing to James Madison), the Hokies still have the talent to win the ACC again. They led the nation with a +19 turnover margin and had a scoring margin of 13.3 PPG. Sophomore Logan Thomas takes over for Tyrod Taylor, the winningest QB in school history. Thomas had a superb spring, and he will benefit from four senior offensive linemen protecting him. He also has a strong supporting cast with RB David Wilson (11 total TD, 5.5 YPC) and senior WRs Jarrett Boykin (53 rec, 847 yds, 6 TD) and Danny Coale (732 rec yds, 18.8 avg).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
The defensive line will miss DE Steven Friday and his 14 TFL, but DEs J.R. Collins (5 sacks) and James Gayle (4 sacks) are capable of bigger things. Bruce Taylor (91 tackles, 6 sacks, 15.5 TFL) leads a solid linebacker corps, and the secondary is excellent with CB Jayron Hosley coming off a nation-leading nine interceptions.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Wake Forest


WAKE FOREST DEMON DEACONS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 3-9 (1-7 in ACC)
ATS Record: 4-8
Over/Under: 5-6
Points Scored: 22.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 35.8 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 7
The cupboard is pretty bare for Jim Grobe’s Wake Forest team coming off a 3-9 season. The offense ranked 108th in yards (302 YPG) and 91st in points (22.8 PPG), while the defense was 101st in yardage (431 YPG) and 110th in scoring (35.8 PPG). QB Tanner Price (7 TD, 8 INT) finished his freshman year with no TD tosses in his final four games, a span of 85 pass attempts. It doesn’t help Price that his receiving corps is paper-thin after Chris Givens (35 rec, 514 yds, 4 TD). But TB Josh Harris (720 rush yds, 5.7 YPC, 7 TD) should be able to help sustain a decent ground game.

Defense:
Base 34 - Starters Returning: 9
The D-Line is still suspect, but undersized DT Nikita Whitlock is highly skilled, and Grobe thinks DE Zach Thompson can play at an All-ACC level. Wake lost its two ILBs, and will depend on OLB Kyle Wilber (6 sacks, 14.5 TFL) even more. The secondary, which started three freshmen to close the season, is still subpar