College Football Preview (All Teams)

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BIG 12 COLLEGE PREVIEW:

College Football Preview: Baylor



BAYLOR BEARS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 7-6 (4-4 in Big 12)
ATS Record: 5-7
Over/Under: 7-5
Points Scored: 31.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 30.5 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 200/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Spread - Starters Returning: 8
Baylor reached its first bowl game since 1994, but the Bears are still far behind the Big 12 elite. In four games versus Top 25 final poll participants (TCU, Okla. St, Texas A&M, Okla.) they had zero sacks and were outscored 195 to 92. The offense is in great shape with ultra-talented QB Robert Griffin III (3,501 pass yds, 22 TD, 8 INT; 635 rush yds, 8 TD). Griffin’s top two wideouts also return in Kendall Wright (78 rec, 952 yds, 7 TD) and Josh Gordon (714 rec yds, 7 TD, 17.0 avg). TB Jay Finley is gone, but Terrance Ganaway (6.4 YPC) and Jarred Salubi (8.3 YPC) are both capable runners behind a strong offensive line.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 5
Baylor lost six players from a defense that ranked 104th in yardage (435 YPG). Three of the four starters in the secondary graduated, but new DC Phil Bennett has a couple of budding stars in sophomore DE Tevin Elliott (team-high 5 sacks and 9 TFL) and MLB Chris McAllister.

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College Football Preview: Iowa State



IOWA STATE CYCLONES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 5-7 (3-5 in Big 12)
ATS Record: 5-7
Over/Under: 3-8
Points Scored: 21.7 PPG
Points Allowed: 28.8 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Spread - Starters Returning: 5
The ISU program appeared headed in right direction last year with wins at Texas and versus Texas Tech, and an overtime loss to Nebraska. But 2011 could be a rebuilding season with many key skill-position starters to replace, including QB Austin Arnaud and RB Alexander Robinson. Junior Jerome Tiller (47.6% completion rate) and JUCO transfer Steele Jantz will compete for signal-calling duty. Tiller has more experience, but Steele has more athleticism and speed. RB Shontrelle Johnson (6.2 YPC) will likely receive the most carries, but he may not be able to handle a complete workload at 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds. Darius Reynolds (25 rec, 283 yds, 2 TD) is the best WR remaining on the roster, but JUCO transfer Aaron Horne had a great spring.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
The Cyclones defense needs to generate a pass rush after a pitiful 11 sacks last year, but the linebacking corps is strong with returnees Jake Knott (130 tackles, 4 INT) and A.J. Klein (111 tackles, 8 TFL). The secondary remains the weak link of the team with its lack of playmakers.

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College Football Preview: Kansas



KANSAS JAYHAWKS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 3-9 (1-7 in Big 12)
ATS Record: 5-6
Over/Under: 6-5
Points Scored: 17.1 PPG
Points Allowed: 34.4 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Spread - Starters Returning: 8
Turner Gill’s first season at Kansas was a nightmare as the Jayhawks went 1-7 in Big 12 play, with the seven defeats by an average score of 41 to 9. They ranked 113th in offense (296 YPG), mostly due to poor quarterback play (11 TD, 14 INT, 5.5 YPA). Sophomore Jordan Webb (1,195 pass yds, 7 TD, 8 INT) is the front-runner to start under center, while RB James Sims is a lock to start. The sophomore led the team with 742 rushing yards (4.4 YPC) and 10 total TD. Sims has a decent O-Line blocking for him with three starters returning. Daymond Patterson (60 rec, 487 yds) is the only returning WR with 250 receiving yards, as this unit lacks big-play receivers.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
The defense ranked 98th in yardage (428 YPG) and only forced 12 turnovers (tied for last in nation). KU lost its top two defensive players in DE Jake Laptad and LB Justin Springer, as senior WLB Steven Johnson (95 tackles, 4.5 TFL) will be tasked with leading this motley crew. The D-Line lacks a consistent pass rusher and the secondary is void of ball skills.

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College Football Preview: Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA SOONERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 12-2 (7-2 in Big 12)
ATS Record: 8-6
Over/Under: 7-7
Points Scored: 37.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 21.8 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 4/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 8
Many pundits expect the Sooners to win the BCS National Championship this year, but after the tragic death of starting MLB Austin Box in May, they’ll be playing with heavy hearts this season. The offense is stacked with QB Landry Jones (4,718 pass yds, 38 TD, 12 INT) and WR Ryan Broyles (FBS-best 131 catches; 1,622 yds, 14 TD), who are both legitimate Heisman candidates. WR Kenny Stills improved greatly his freshman season, finishing with 61 grabs for 786 yards and five scores. The ground game will certainly miss DeMarco Murray and his 15 rushing TD last year. Roy Finch (398 rush yds, 4.7 YPC), Brennan Clay (127 rush yds, 3.5 YPC) and incoming freshman Brandon Williams are all expected to carry the football this season.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
Including Box, the ball-hungry defense lost five starters from a unit whose 106 TFL was the third-most in the nation. OU also forced 32 turnovers (13 fumbles, 19 INT) and had 37 sacks last year. The pass rush has weakened a bit with DE Jeremy Beal and DT Pryce Macon leaving, but senior DE Frank Alexander (7 sacks, 13 TFL) remains. Senior LB Travis Lewis (team-high 109 tackles) will try to pick up the slack for Box and lead an improving linebacker unit. The Sooners secondary is excellent with four of five starters returning, including CBs Jamell Fleming (5 INT, 14 PD) and Demontre Hurst (3 FF, 11 PD), and nickel back Tony Jefferson (7 TFL, 7 PD).

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College Football Preview: Missouri

MISSOURI TIGERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 10-3 (6-2 in Big 12)
ATS Record: 7-6
Over/Under: 4-8
Points Scored: 29.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 16.1 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 100/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple Spread - Starters Returning: 9
The Tigers look to build on their 10-win season by returning nine offensive starters. The two players not coming back are QB Blaine Gabbert and All-Big 12 center Tim Barnes. Sophomore James Franklin will enter the fall as the starting QB. His numbers in limited action show he’s a dual-threat quarterback: 11-14, 106 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT; 116 rush yds, 5.0 YPC. Franklin’s supporting cast is excellent with all of the team’s receivers returning. The best two are WR T.J. Moe (92 rec, 1,045 yds, 6 TD) and TE Michael Egnew (90 rec, 762 yds, 5 TD). Senior RB De’Vion Moore (517 rush yds, 8 TD, 5.2 YPC) will be expected to be the featured back again this year.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
Defensively, Missouri loses some key players (DE Aldon Smith and both starting corners), but the unit is still stacked. The Tigers had 37 sacks and 18 INT last year, while placing sixth in the nation in scoring defense (16.1 PPG). The secondary has big shoes to fill, but DEs Brad Madison (7.5 sacks, 11 TFL) and Jacquies Smith (5.5 sacks), and WLB Zaviar Gooden (84 tackles, 7.5 TFL) will help take pressure off the back four, led by senior SS Kenji Jackson (66 tackles).

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College Football Preview: Kansas State

KANSAS STATE WILDCATS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 7-6 (3-5 in Big 12)
ATS Record: 6-7
Over/Under: 9-3
Points Scored: 33.6 PPG
Points Allowed: 29.1 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 5
Bill Snyder’s Wildcats lost a ton of firepower on offense, namely RB Daniel Thomas and QB Carson Coffman. Junior Collin Klein (11-18, 138 yds, 1 TD), former Boston College player/JUCO transfer Justin Tuggle and senior Sammuel Lamur are all competing to start under center. Transfer Bryce Brown gained 460 yards on 4.6 YPC as a true freshman at Tennessee and will likely be the main ball carrier for KSU this year. Other replacements needed are three starting offensive linemen and a go-to receiver to replace Aubrey Quarles. No other player gained more than 330 receiving yards.

Defense:
Base 42 - Starters Returning: 6
The defense was atrocious last year, especially against the rush, where they surrendered 5.9 YPC, and a nation’s-worst 3,008 rushing yards. This included 200+ rushing yards in eight of their final 10 games. Other than senior nickel back David Garrett (92 tackles, 15 TFL, 9 PD) and sophomore SS Ty Zimmerman, there are no other defenders enrolled at KSU that are huge playmakers. Junior DE Brandon Harold (7.5 TFL) and senior LB Alex Hrebec (77 tackles, 10 PD) are both solid, but unspectacular.

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College Football Preview: Texas A&M

TEXAS A&M AGGIES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 9-4 (6-2 in Big 12)
ATS Record: 7-5
Over/Under: 6-6
Points Scored: 31.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 21.9 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 30/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple Pro - Starters Returning: 9
Expectations are high in College Station this year as Texas A&M returns 17 starters to a team that finished the regular season with six straight wins. QB Ryan Tannehill orchestrated the win streak after replacing Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year Jerrod Johnson. Tannehill threw for 1,409 yards (235 YPG) with 11 TD and just 3 INT in the six games. His top two receivers, Jeff Fuller (72 rec, 1,066 yds, 12 TD) and Ryan Swope (72 rec, 825 yds, 4 TD) will help Tannehill continue to improve. But the heart of the offense is the two-headed rushing attack of Christine Michael (631 rush yds, 5.0 YPC, 4 TD), who suffered a broken leg in October, and Cyrus Gray, who filled in for Michael with seven straight 100-yard games and 10 TD to finish the season. With four starters returning to the offensive line, this will be quite an exciting duo to watch in 2011.

Defense:
Base 34 - Starters Returning: 8
The defense only lost three starters, but two of them will be difficult to replace in All-American OLB Von Miller and leading tackler LB Michael Hodges. Demontre Moore backed up Miller as a freshman last year and posted 5.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. He’ll be joined by two other strong LBs in senior ILB Garrick Williams (112 tackles, 5 TFL) and junior OLB Sean Porter (7 TFL, 6 PD). The secondary returns all four starters, and is expected to improve on its No. 89 ranking in passing defense (234 YPG). Both CBs Coryell Judie and Dustin Harris had 4 INT last year.

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College Football Preview: Texas

TEXAS LONGHORNS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 5-7 (2-6 in Big 12)
ATS Record: 3-9
Over/Under: 4-8
Points Scored: 23.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 23.7 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 30/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Spread - Starters Returning: 8
A disastrous 2-7 finish to the 2010 season was followed by the departure of DC/coach-in-waiting Will Muschamp and ousting of OC Greg Davis. Most of the offense returns, but it’s a unit that didn’t score more than 22 points in any Big 12 game last year. The Longhorns turned the ball over 30 times and were one of five FBS teams with a minus-1 TO margin per game. Junior QB Garrett Gilbert should be able to hold off Case McCoy and keep his starting job, but Gilbert ranked 95th in the nation in passing efficiency. In Big 12 play, he only threw 6 TD with 16 INT. But QB isn’t the only problem area, as leading WR James Kirkendoll and three O-Line starters need to be replaced. The RB unit is led by seniors Cody Johnson (592 rush yds, 6 TD) and Fozzy Whittaker (351 rush yds, 2 TD), but neither has big-play potential like freshman Malcolm Brown. Co-offensive coordinators Major Applewhite and Bryan Harsin (Boise State) should infuse new life into the offense.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
New DC Manny Diaz left Mississippi State to fill the big void left by Muschamp. Diaz will bring an attacking mentality to a defensive unit that is led by MLB Emmanuel Acho (79 tackles, 8.5 TFL) and converted DE Alex Okafor who had five sacks in the spring game. DT Kheeston Randall and WLB Keenan Robinson (105 tackles) are also quality players. Texas only had eight interceptions last year, and both starting corners have to be replaced.

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College Football Preview: Oklahoma State

OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 11-2 (6-2 in Big 12)
ATS Record: 10-3
Over/Under: 8-5
Points Scored: 44.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 26.4 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 30/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple Spread - Starters Returning: 9
Offensive genius Dana Holgorsen left the school, but the multiple spread offense will look pretty much the same under new OC Todd Monken. Senior QB Brandon Weeden (4,277 yds, 34 TD, 13 INT) and junior WR Justin Blackmon (111 rec, 1,782 yds, 20 TD) form one of the best tandems in the country, even if they’re not the best in the state (OU’s Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles). This dynamic duo was the biggest reason the Cowboys ranked second in the nation in passing offense (346 YPG) and third in points (44.2 PPG). They also did nice job rushing the football to protect their many leads, averaging 174 rush YPG on 5.0 yards per carry. All five starters on the offensive line are back, but gone is TB Kendall Hunter and his 1,548 rushing yards and 16 TD. Sophomore Joseph Randle is the top rusher enrolled at the school, as he gained 452 yards on 5.5 YPC as a freshman last year.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 5
The defense allowed just 16.5 PPG in their final six victories, but the secondary was lit up for 276 passing YPG on the year, ranking sixth-worst in the nation. Six defensive starters depart including CB Andrew McGee, whose 5 INT led the Big 12 last season, and the team’s leading tackler MLB Orie Lemon. That leaves LB Shaun Lewis (8 TFL, 3 INT, 3 FF) and SS Markelle Martin (3 INT, 10 PD) as the biggest playmakers on defense.

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College Football Preview: Texas Tech

TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 8-5 (3-5 in Big 12)
ATS Record: 5-7-1
Over/Under: 6-6
Points Scored: 33.1 PPG
Points Allowed: 30.9 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 200/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Single Back Spread - Starters Returning: 5
It was an up-and-down season for the Red Raiders, who started 4-4, but finished strong with four victories in the final five games. The high-octane offense ran pretty smoothly in Tommy Tuberville’s first season as head coach, ranking seventh in the nation in passing yards (319 YPG) and 23rd in scoring (33.1 PPG). TTU scored 48.0 PPG in the final three games (all wins). QB Taylor Potts has departed, and junior Seth Doege (41-65, 427 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT in career) will likely replace Potts. Unfortunately for Doege, the team’s top two receivers, Lyle Leong and Detron Lewis do not return with their combined 161 catches, 1,778 yards and 25 touchdowns. Alex Torres (39 rec, 481 yds, 3 TD) will see many more balls thrown his way this year.

Defense:
Base 43 or 4-2-5 - Starters Returning: 8
The young defense hopes to reap the rewards of its growing pains last year, when they allowed 294 passing YPG (third-worst in nation), and 30.9 PPG (93rd in nation). New DC Chad Glasgow comes over from TCU and will implement his 4-2-5 defense, which is a big change from last year’s 3-4 look. DE Scott Smith (3 sacks, 4 TFL in five games) will be tasked with replacing the team sack leader Brian Duncan, while sophomore Terrance Bullitt will occupy the third safety spot (nickel back) in the 4-2-5 set.

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BIG EAST CONFERENCE:

College Football Preview: Connecticut

CONNECTICUT HUSKIES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 8-5 (5-2 in Big East)
ATS Record: 8-5
Over/Under: 5-7
Points Scored: 26.4 PPG
Points Allowed: 22.0 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 6
New head coach Paul Pasqualoni returns to the Big East where he coached Syracuse from 1991-2004. He will be joined by new offensive coordinator George DeLeone, who he also worked with at Syracuse. The Huskies have some big holes to fill on offense, most notably QB Zach Frazer and RB Jordan Todman. Four signal callers will vie for starting duty, and USC transfer D.J. Shoemate was the top RB in spring ball.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 9
Don Brown takes over at defensive coordinator but expected to keep the same 4-3 scheme employed last year. The defense will have to replace two senior LBs, but the D-Line is excellent with Jesse Joseph (8.5 sacks) returning, and the secondary is also top-notch with stud CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson and safety Jerome Junior.

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College Football Preview: Cincinnati


CINCINNATI BEARCATS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 4-8 (2-5 in Big East)
ATS Record: 4-8
Over/Under: 4-7
Points Scored: 27.1 PPG
Points Allowed: 28.0 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Spread - Starters Returning: 5
The Bearcats return three key offensive weapons last year in QB Zach Collaros (2,902 pass yds, 26 TD), RB Isaiah Pead (1,029 rush yds) and WR D.J. Woods (898 rec yds, 8 TD). The offense is explosive, but also inconsistent, as Cincy failed to score 20 points six times last year.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 11
They also return all 11 starters on defense, the same crew that surrendered 27+ points in every Big East game in 2010. All this experience should help Cincy improve on its minus-15 turnover ratio, which was second-to-last in the nation.

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College Football Preview: Rutgers


RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 4-8 (1-6 in Big East)
ATS Record: 3-9
Over/Under: 7-4
Points Scored: 20.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 26.5 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Pro Style - Starters Returning: 10
The Scarlet Knights ranked 114th in total offense (295 YPG), but are strong in the skill positions. QB Chas Dodd has an exciting WR trio with Mark Harrison (9 receiving TD), Mohamed Sanu and redshirt frosh Brandon Coleman. Jeremy Deering and stud recruit Savon Huggins can both run the football. But they still have major worries about an offensive line that allowed the most sacks in the nation last year (61).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 5
The defense, which gave up 37.7 PPG during its season-ending six-game losing skid, is most thin on the defensive line, but is pretty bad in all facets.

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College Football Preview: Pittsburgh


PITTSBURGH PANTHERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 8-5 (5-2 in Big East)
ATS Record: 7-4-2
Over/Under: 6-6
Points Scored: 26.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 19.0 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 200/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 4
Todd Graham takes over head coaching duties for a team that won six of its final eight games in 2010. He’ll install his no-huddle, spread attack that worked very well at Tulsa and arm returning QB Tino Sunseri (16 TD) with three and four-receiver sets out of the shotgun. RB Ray Graham (922 rush yds, 6.2 YPC, 10 total TD) will be the focal point of the offense and WR Mike Shanahan (43 rec, 589 yds) will see more targets with Jonathan Baldwin gone.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
The nation’s eighth-best yardage defense (305 YPG) should be solid again with seven starters returning under new defensive coordinator Keith Patterson.

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College Football Preview: Louisville


LOUISVILLE CARDINALS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 7-6 (3-4 in Big East)
ATS Record: 7-6
Over/Under: 6-6
Points Scored: 26.4 PPG
Points Allowed: 19.4 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 4
The Cardinals lost five games by eight points or less last year. Junior Will Stein (two career starts) will likely beat out true freshman Teddy Bridgewater for the starting QB job. RB Victor Anderson (5.4 YPC, 14 TD in career) finally looks healthy after two injury-riddled seasons and will replace Bilal Powell as the featured back.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
Louisville’s biggest weakness is its secondary that lost two starting cornerbacks, but most of the defense, which ranked in the nation’s top 20 in yardage, points and sacks, returns.