College Football Preview (All Teams)

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College Football Preview: South Florida


SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 8-5 (3-4 in Big East)
ATS Record: 5-7
Over/Under: 4-8
Points Scored: 24.1 PPG
Points Allowed: 20.0 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Spread - Starters Returning: 4
The Bulls are coming off an 8-5 season, but they were very fortunate with the final four wins by a total of 12 points. B.J. Daniels returns at QB, and needs to improve big time (11 TD, 13 INT) for Skip Holtz to throw the football more. USF will remain a run-first offense with RBs Demetris Murray (6 total TD) and transfers Darrell Scott (Colorado) and Dontae Aycock (Auburn).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
The defense, which ranked 17th among FBS schools in yardage (318 YPG) last year, has great depth in the secondary. South Florida also possesses a serviceable group of linebackers and defensive linemen.

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College Football Preview: Syracuse


SYRACUSE ORANGE

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 8-5 (4-3 in Big East)
ATS Record: 8-5
Over/Under: 4-7
Points Scored: 22.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 19.3 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple Pro - Starters Returning: 8
Most of the Orange offense returns with QB Ryan Nassib (19 TD, 8 INT) and WR Van Chew (611 yds) trying to improve on Syracuse’s 11.5 PPG in its last four regular-season games. RB Antwon Bailey (5.1 YPC career) must make the jump from a third-down back to the featured rusher replacing Delone Carter.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 5
The defense ranked seventh in the nation in yardage (301 YPG), but has significant question marks with six lost starters including both defensive tackles, both cornerbacks and leading tackler Derrell Smith.

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College Football Preview: West Virginia


WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 9-4 (5-2 in Big East)
ATS Record: 7-5
Over/Under: 4-8
Points Scored: 25.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 13.5 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 20/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Spread - Starters Returning: 8
Offensive genius Dana Holgorsen replaces Bill Stewart as head coach. In the past five seasons as an OC at Texas Tech, Houston and Oklahoma State, Holgorsen’s teams racked up 2,617 points. QB Geno Smith (24 TD, 7 INT) and WR Tavon Austin (787 rec. yds) should reap the benefits from this pass-happy attack. Starting RB duties are up for grabs with Noel Devine departed.

Defense:
3-3-5 - Starters Returning: 4
The nation’s No. 3 defense in points (13.5 PPG) and yards (261 YPG) lost a lot, but still has DE Bruce Irvin (14 sacks) and CB Keith Tandy (6 INT).

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College Football Preview: Illinois


ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 7-6 (4-4 in Big Ten)
ATS Record: 9-4
Over/Under: 7-5
Points Scored: 32.5 PPG
Points Allowed: 23.5 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 200/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 7
The Illini offense was a bit one-dimensional last year, ranking 11th in the nation in rushing (246 YPG) and 111th in the country in passing (151 YPG). With monster TB Mikel Leshoure leaving for the NFL, they should be more balanced in 2011. Senior TB Jason Ford (480 rush yds, 7 TD) will replace Leshoure and has the luxury of three returning O-Linemen blocking for him. Sophomore QB Nathan Scheelhaase is still developing as a passer (58.7% completion rate), but he is a legitimate dual-threat QB (868 rush yds). No. 1 WR, senior A.J. Jenkins (56 rec, 746 yds, 7 TD), returns, but the other wideouts need work.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
The defense has big holes to fill with the losses of DLs Corey Liuget and Clay Nurse, and LBs Martez Wilson and Nate Bussey who combined for 13.5 sacks last year. Despite the lack of pass rushers up front, the back seven is still be pretty decent with junior LBs Ian Thomas (67 tackles, 6.5 TFL) and Justin Staples (4.5 TFL), and an improving secondary with two heady seniors -- FS Trulon Henry (3 INT) and SS Tavon Wilson (8 PD).

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College Football Preview: Indiana


INDIANA HOOSIERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 5-7 (1-7 in Big Ten)
ATS Record: 6-6
Over/Under: 6-5
Points Scored: 27.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 34.0 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Spread - Starters Returning: 7
Former Oklahoma OC Kevin Wilson takes over an Indiana team that went 1-7 in Big Ten play and loses QB Ben Chappell who accounted for 276 YPG of total offense. Sophomores Dusty Kiel and Edward Wright-Baker will compete for the starting QB job and are a combined 9-of-29 for 151 yds, 1 TD and 3 INT. The 112th-ranked running game (100 YPG) is also in sad shape as Darius Willis (4.3 YPC), Antonio Banks (3.5 YPC) and Xavier Whitaker are all coming off season-ending knee injuries. Wide receiver is the team’s one position of strength with Damarlo Belcher (78 rec, 832 yds) and Tandon Doss (63 rec, 706 yds).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
Indiana’s defense will remain terrible. The Hoosiers, who only had 15 sacks and 13 turnovers (T3rd-fewest in FBS), will switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense. Senior DE Darius Johnson (4.5 sacks) is the only DL left with more than two sacks last year. Senior LBs Jeff Thomas (82 tackles, 7.5 TFL) and Leon Beckum (69 tackles) will have to lead this defense, which lost its best player and secondary leader, SS Mitchell Evans.

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College Football Preview: Iowa


IOWA HAWKEYES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 8-5 (4-4 in Big Ten)
ATS Record: 6-5-1
Over/Under: 4-8
Points Scored: 28.9 PPG
Points Allowed: 17.0 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 80/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Pro Style - Starters Returning: 5
The Hawkeyes encountered a huge roster turnover with only 10 total starters remaining. Productive QB Ricky Stanzi is gone, but the coaching staff is very high on his replacement, junior James Vandenberg (47-95, 515 yds, 3 TD, 5 INT in career). With RB Adam Robinson transferring, the rushing workload falls on the capable shoulders of sophomore TB Marcus Coker (622 rush yds, 5.5 YPC). Coker rumbled for 219 yards and two scores in last year’s Insight Bowl against Missouri. The WR corps is a little thin, but at least Iowa still has one great wideout in senior Marvin McNutt (53 rec, 861 yds, 8 TD).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 5
This defense was excellent last season, ranking among the nation’s top seven teams in rushing (102 YPG), scoring (17.0 PPG) and TO margin (+1.0 per game). But the D-Line loses two all-conference performers in DE Adrian Clayborn and DT Karl Klug. Senior DT Mike Daniels (4 sacks, 11 TFL) is the only returning lineman with more than 1 TFL last year. MLB James Morris (70 tackles) is left to control the middle of the field, while the secondary welcomes back two excellent corners in Micah Hyde (82 tackles, 4 INT, 7 PD) and Shaun Prater (68 tackles, 4 INT, 6 PD).

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College Football Preview: Michigan

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 7-6 (3-5 in Big Ten)
ATS Record: 3-10
Over/Under: 7-5
Points Scored: 32.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 35.2 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 75/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 9
Brady Hoke, a former Michigan defensive coach, takes over for Rich Rodriguez after successful stints with Ball State and SDSU. Hoke inherits electric QB Denard Robinson (329 YPG of offense, 2nd in FBS; 131 rush YPG, 4th in FBS). But he’ll have to adjust to a multiple-set offense after thriving in the spread. Robinson benefits from four starters returning to an excellent O-Line that allowed just 11 sacks last year. He also has skill-position weapons in WR Roy Roundtree (72 rec, 935 yds, 7 TD) and TB Vincent Smith (601 rush yds, 4.4 YPC).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 8
The defense was brutal last year in all facets, ranking 110th in yardage (451 YPG), 108th in scoring (35.2 PPG), and amassing just 18 sacks. New DC Greg Mattison is switching from a 3-3-5 to a 4-3 defense. DE Ryan Van Bergen (4 sacks) is the team’s best pass rusher, but the linebacker unit is extremely weak without graduated WLB Jonas Mouton. The secondary remains intact, but this group allowed 262 passing YPG in 2010.

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College Football Preview: Michigan State


MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 11-2 (7-1 in Big Ten)
ATS Record: 7-6
Over/Under: 6-6
Points Scored: 29.5 PPG
Points Allowed: 22.3 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 75/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 6
On the heels of a shared Big Ten title and 11 wins, expectations are running high for Spartans fans. QB Kirk Cousins (217 pass YPG, 20 TD, 10 INT) will start for the third straight season. He has plenty of playmakers remaining on offense, most notably RBs Edwin Baker (1,201 rush yds, 13 TD) and Le’Veon Bell (605 rush yds, 8 TD), and WR B.J. Cunningham (611 rec yds, 9 TD). There is legitimate concern about blocking, as the revamped offensive line lost three starters.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
The defense needs to figure out how to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks after ranking 90th in sacks per game (1.5) and T-91st in TFL per game (5.1). The unit is also seeking replacements for graduated stud LBs Greg Jones and Eric Gordon, who combined for 198 tackles, 16.5 TFL and four forced fumbles. The best defenders left in East Lansing are junior DT Jerel Worthy (4 sacks, 8 TFL), senior FS Trenton Robinson (4 INT, 8 PD) and junior CB Johnny Adams (3 INT, 7 PD).

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College Football Preview: Minnesota


MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 3-9 (2-6 in Big Ten)
ATS Record: 6-5-1
Over/Under: 6-5
Points Scored: 23.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 33.0 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
Jerry Kill is the new head coach at Minnesota after three straight bowl seasons at Northern Illinois. QB Adam Weber, has graduated, but Kill likes what he sees from dual-threat QB MarQueis Gray who played receiver with Weber under center. WR Da’Jon McKnight (750 rec yds, 10 TD) and TE Eric Lair (39 rec, 526 yds) provide reliable senior targets. Kill will use multiple RBs, but seniors DeLeon Eskridge (698 rush yds, 7 TD) and Duane Bennett (529 rush yds, 4.3 YPC) should get the most touches. The offensive line is suspect with four starters gone.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 8
Minnesota had the fewest sacks in the nation last year (nine), but will incorporate a more aggressive scheme under new DC Tracy Claeys. Senior MLB Gary Tinsley (90 tackles, 9.5 TFL) leads a serviceable LB unit. The secondary loses both safeties, but Kim Royston (76 tackles, 6 PD in 2009) returns from a broken leg that cost him the 2010 season.

[wayne1218]

Would you like me to change the Thread Title to College Football Preview or something else? I noticed you had more than just BC and the ACC in it.

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YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS Wayne that would be Great....thanks buddy

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College Football Preview: Arizona


ARIZONA WILDCATS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 7-6 (4-5 in Pac-10)
ATS Record: 5-7-1
Over/Under: 7-5
Points Scored: 28.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 22.7 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Pac-12 South: 2/1
Odds to Win Pac-12 Championship: 19/2
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 150/1
QB Nick Foles Odds to Win Heisman: 30/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Spread - Starters Returning: 5
The Wildcats are eager to get rid of that bad aftertaste of five straight losses to conclude the 2010 season. The good news is that the top two players of the nation’s 9th-best passing offense (308 YPG) are back in QB Nick Foles (3,191 pass yds, 20 TD, 10 INT) and WR Juron Criner (82 rec, 1,233 yds, 11 TD). The Wildcats are stacked at receiver, with Texas transfer Dan Buckner, David Douglas and David Roberts all strong players. The ground game will miss TB Nic Grigsby, but senior Keola Antolin (team-high 668 rush yds, 4.7 YPC, 9 total TD) can handle more carries. Protecting Foles could be a problem, as Arizona lost its entire offensive line.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
On the defensive front, UA lost three DEs to the NFL Draft. But DT Justin Washington (6 sacks, 11.5 TFL) is back, as are all three starting linebackers, although the extent of LB Jake Fischer’s (7.5 TFL) knee injury in the spring game is not known. Two reliable safeties, Joseph Perkins and Anthony Wilcox are gone, but sophomore CB Shaquille Richardson (7 PD) has all the tools to be outstanding.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Northern Arizona
Thu, Sept. 8 – at Oklahoma State
Sat, Sept. 17 – Stanford
Sat, Sept. 24 – Oregon
Sat, Oct. 1 – at USC
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Oregon State
Thu, Oct. 20 – UCLA
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Washington
Sat, Nov. 5 – Utah
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Colorado
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Arizona State
Sat, Nov. 26 – Louisiana-Lafayette

******* Take: Arizona has a brutal schedule, having to play both Stanford and Oregon – albeit at home – and not getting to face the Pac-12 North’s two weakest teams in Washington State and Cal. The ‘Cats also travel to Stillwater to take on a tough Oklahoma State team. Arizona should have a great offense led by Foles and Criner, but the defense has too many question marks to expect to stop all these powerful opponents. Prediction: 6-6 record.

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College Football Preview: Arizona State


ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-6 (4-5 in Pac-10)
ATS Record: 8-3
Over/Under: 6-4
Points Scored: 32.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 25.0 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Pac-12 South: 3/2
Odds to Win Pac-12 Championship: 5/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 15/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Single Back - Starters Returning: 9
The excitement level is high in Tempe as ASU returns 17 starters from last year’s club. One position with a new face is QB, after Steven Threet retired due to multiple concussions. That leaves junior QB Brock Osweiler (62-109, 797 yds, 5 TD, 0 INT) in charge of the passing offense that ranked 15th in the nation (286 YPG). Osweiler should benefit from an O-Line returning all its starters, hopeful to improve on 31 sacks allowed last year. He also has talented skill players in RBs Cameron Marshall (783 rush yds, 9 TD) and Deantre Lewis (539 rush yds, 5.9 YPC), as well as spring-ball standout WR Gerell Robinson (387 rec yds, 5 TD) and four other receivers who had between 25 and 36 receptions.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 8
The defense held six opponents to 20 points or less last year, and returns nearly everybody. The best front-seven players include DT Lawrence Guy (6 TFL), DE Junior Onyeali (6.5 sacks) and MLB Vontaze Burfict (90 tackles, 8.5 TFL). The secondary is a weak spot now that All-Pac 10 cornerback Omar Bolden (3 INT, 7 PD) tore his ACL in April.

2011 Schedule:
Thu, Sept. 1 – UC Davis
Fri, Sept. 9 – Missouri
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Illinois
Sat, Sept. 24 – USC
Sat, Oct. 1 – Oregon State
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Utah
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Oregon
Sat, Oct. 29 – Colorado
Sat, Nov. 5 – at UCLA
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Washington State
Sat, Nov. 19 – Arizona
Fri, Nov. 25 – California

******* Take: Arizona State has a favorable Pac-12 schedule, with five home games and two away games versus the weaker teams in their conference (at UCLA, at Washington State). The Sun Devils also avoid Stanford and Washington, expected to be two of the top three teams in the Pac-12 North. With 17 starters returning, ASU certainly has the firepower on both sides of the ball to win the Pac-12 South ahead of favored Utah. Prediction: 8-4 record.

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College Football Preview: Nebraska


NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 10-4 (6-3 in Big 12)
ATS Record: 6-8
Over/Under: 7-6
Points Scored: 30.9 PPG
Points Allowed: 17.4 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 20/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple Spread Option - Starters Returning: 6
Nebraska’s inaugural Big Ten season should be a good one with talent all over the field. The offensive line lost three starters, but when healthy, QB Taylor Martinez (965 rush yds, 6.0 YPC, 12 TD; 10 pass TD, 7 INT) runs this spread option to perfection. The Huskers also have a strong I-back in Rex Burkhead (951 rush yds, 5.5 YPC, 7 TD) and two great receivers in WR Brandon Kinnie (494 rec yds, 5 TD) and TE Kyler Reed (395 rec yds, 8 TD).

Defense:
Base 42 - Starters Returning: 7
Nebraska always has elite defensive fronts and this year’s front seven is also stacked. All-Big 12 first teamers DT Jared Crick (9.5 sacks, 14.5 TFL) and LB Lavonte David (152 tackles (85 solo), 12.5 TFL, 6 sacks) are simply outstanding, and DE Cameron Meredith (5.5 TFL) is also top notch. The Huskers say goodbye to stud CBs Prince Amukamara and Eric Hagg, as well as FS DeJon Gomes, but senior CB Alfonzo Dennard (4 INT, 7 PD) remains.

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College Football Preview: Northwestern

NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 7-6 (3-5 in Big Ten)
ATS Record: 4-9
Over/Under: 8-4
Points Scored: 26.4 PPG
Points Allowed: 29.0 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple Spread - Starters Returning: 9
The Wildcats are eager to get back on the field after ending the 2010 season allowing 163 points over three straight losses. But Northwestern could be a sleeper team in the Big Ten with QB Dan Persa under center. Persa ranked among the nation’s top 10 players in total offense (310 YPG) and passing efficiency (159.04). He’ll be even better with a more experienced offensive line that will surely improve upon 40 sacks and 91 TFL allowed. Persa also has a sound supporting cast led by senior WR Jeremy Ebert (62 rec, 953 yds, 8 TD) and sophomore TB Mike Trumpy (530 rush yds, 4.6 YPC).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
Most of the problems on defense stemmed from a front four that failed to pressure the QB, amassing a paltry 16 sacks for the season. DE Vince Browne was the line’s lone bright spot (7 sacks, 15.5 TFL) and LB Bryce McNaul (62 tackles) and CB Jordan Mabin (63 tackles, 14 PD) will lead their respective units.