College Football Preview (All Teams)

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College Football Preview: Ohio State


OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 12-1 (7-1 in Big Ten)
ATS Record: 10-2-1
Over/Under: 8-5
Points Scored: 38.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 14.3 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 7
With the Memorial Day resignation of Jim Tressel, assistant Luke Fickell takes over as the Buckeyes head coach. He’s not expected to change much with the schemes, but he no longer has Terrelle Pryor (31-4 in career) as his QB. Three star offensive players (WR DeVier Posey, RB Dan Herron and LT Mike Adams) are suspended for the first five games. Senior QB Joe Bauserman (16-22, 174 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT) is expected to start for this offense that should remain dominant, after ranking 11th among FBS schools last year with 38.8 PPG.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 4
The defense ranked in the nation’s top five in yardage (262 YPG) and points (14.3 PPG), but lost seven starters. DE Nathan Williams (4.5 sacks, 8.5 TFL) and DT John Simon (8.5 TFL) are strong returnees, but OSU’s top two LBs and corners have departed. LB Andrew Sweat (41 tackles) and SS Orhian Johnson (50 tackles) are the other two starters remaining.

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College Football Preview: Penn State


PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 7-6 (4-4 in Big Ten)
ATS Record: 5-7
Over/Under: 7-5
Points Scored: 24.5 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:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 7
The QB battle will be one to watch this summer with junior Matt McGloin and sophomore Rob Bolden, who combined for a 53% completion rate, 13 INT and just six TD in PSU’s six defeats. Whoever wins the job will have a stout offensive line, which allowed only 11 sacks (T10th in FBS). TB Evan Royster is gone, but sophomore Silas Redd is a strong replacement (437 rush yds, 5.7 YPC). WR Derek Moye (53 rec, 885 yds, 8 TD) is the team’s best offensive player.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
The defense had its weaknesses last year, mainly its lack of a pass rush (17 sacks, 71 TFL) and poor run defense (166 YPG, 74th in nation). DT Devon Still (10 TFL) has star potential, and Michael Mauti (66 tackles) and Nate Stupar (73 tackles) lead a talented linebacker corps. The secondary returns all four starters returning, including two with top-notch ball skills, FS Nick Sukay (3 INT in 6 games) and CB D’Anton Lynn (3 INT).

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College Football Preview: Purdue


PURDUE BOILERMAKERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 4-8 (2-6 in Big Ten)
ATS Record: 4-7-1
Over/Under: 5-6
Points Scored: 19.7 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: 8
RB Ralph Bolden (935 rush yds, 11 total TD in 2009) has recovered from tearing his ACL last year and will be a key to improving the 104th ranked offense (312 YPG). QB Robert Marve also tore his ACL, but probably will not regain his starting role over Rob Henry (1,543 total yds, 8 pass TD, 7 INT). WR Keith Smith, who had 1,100 receiving yards in ‘09, also suffered a season-ending knee injury, but was a denied a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. The good news is four starters return on the O-Line.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 9
The defense only lost two starters, but one of those was All-American DE Ryan Kerrigan. The front seven will remain very good with DT Kawann Short (6 sacks, 12.5 TFL) and MLB Dwayne Beckford (84 tackles) up the middle. The secondary remains intact with CB Ricardo Allen (2 TD ret.) and S Logan Link (91 tackles).

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College Football Preview: Wisconsin


WISCONSIN BADGERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 11-2 (7-1 in Big Ten)
ATS Record: 8-5
Over/Under: 8-4
Points Scored: 41.5 PPG
Points Allowed: 20.5 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 30/1
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Pro Style - Starters Returning: 5
Wisconsin had three 70-point games last year. The two-headed rushing monster of James White (1,052 rush yds, 14 TD) and Montee Ball (996 rush yds, 18 TD) returns to wreak havoc on the Big Ten, but will do so behind an O-Line void of three starters. New QB Jon Budmayr (8-10, 134 yds, 1 TD), needs protection, but also requires some receivers to step up, namely senior WR Nick Toon (36 rec, 459 yds, 3 TD).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
DE J.J. Watt is now in the NFL, but the team expects bigger things from senior Louis Nzegwu (3 sacks, 7.5 TFL). OLB Chris Borland (10.5 TFL, 5 FF in ‘09) missed most of last season with shoulder problems, but is poised for a huge year with fellow OLB Mike Taylor (58 tackles, 8 TFL). The top two pass defenders also return, in CB Antonio Fenelus (4 INT, 7 PD) and FS Aaron Henry (7 PD, 3 total TD).

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College Football Preview: California



CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 5-7 (3-6 in Pac-10)
ATS Record: 5-6
Over/Under: 5-6
Points Scored: 25.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 22.6 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Pac-12 North: 7/1
Odds to Win Pac-12 Championship: 15/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 100/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 7
Cal was a mystery last year with three 50-point games, but failing to surpass 14 points six times. Much of the drop-off was due to QB Kevin Riley tearing his MCL, but with Riley graduated, head coach Jeff Tedford has to find a replacement fast. Senior Brock Mansion (67-137, 646 yds, 2 TD, 5 INT) was terrible as Riley’s backup, leaving Buffalo transfer Zach Maynard as Cal’s top QB when spring practice ended. Two quality WRs return, in senior Marvin Jones (765 rec yds, 4 TD) and sophomore Keenan Allen (406 rec yds, 5 TD). RB Shane Vereen, who totaled 1,376 yards and 16 TD is also gone, leaving 5-foot-7 Isi Sofele (338 rush yds, 4.9 YPC) as the featured back. It’s doubtful that the 185-pound junior can handle the pounding from a full workload.

Defense:
Base 34 - Starters Returning: 5
The defense, which allowed 35+ points four times, but no more than 17 in the other eight games, lost ILB Mike Mohamed and DE Cameron Jordan. Some top-notch defenders return in DE Trevor Guyton (4.5 sacks, 8.5 TFL), OLB Mychal Kendricks (7 sacks, 14.5 TFL) and LB D.J. Holt (86 tackles). Cal only allowed 187 pass YPG (21st in nation) but had a paltry 9 INT.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Fresno State
Sat, Sept. 10 – at Colorado
Sat, Sept. 17 – Presbyterian
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Washington
Thu, Oct. 6 – at Oregon
Thu, Oct. 13 – USC
Sat, Oct. 22 – Utah
Sat, Oct. 29 – at UCLA
Sat, Nov. 5 – Washington State
Sat, Nov. 12 – Oregon State
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Stanford
Fri, Nov. 25 – at Arizona State

******* Take: Cal will be playing all of its home games at AT&T Park in San Francisco while Memorial Stadium undergoes renovations. Throw in six conference road games and a Candlestick Park matchup with a quality Fresno State team, and you just don’t see a lot of easy wins for Jeff Tedford’s rebuilding squad. Expect another sub-.500 record from the Bears in 2011. Prediction: 5-7 record.

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College Football Preview: Colorado

COLORADO BUFFALOES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 5-7 (2-6 in Big 12)
ATS Record: 5-6-1
Over/Under: 6-6
Points Scored: 24.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 30.8 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Pac-12 South: 6/1
Odds to Win Pac-12 Championship: 12/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 15/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Pro Style - Starters Returning: 8
There is excitement in Boulder with a new conference and new coaching staff filled with both NFL and college experience. The new head man is former Redskins TE coach Jon Embree. New OC Eric Bieniemy (Vikings RB coach) starred for CU during its national title in 1990, and has some talent to mentor with QB Tyler Hansen (68.3% comp. rate, 6 TD, 6 INT) and RB Rodney Stewart (1,608 total yards, 4.5 YPC, 10 TD). Hansen had a tremendous spring, looking quite comfortable in the pro-style offense, while Stewart ranked 12th in the nation in rushing (110 YPG). WR Paul Richardson (514 rec yds, 6 TD) and TE Ryan Deehan (25 rec, 249 yds) are both reliable targets.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 5
New DC Greg Brown begins his third stint with the Buffs, serving as Arizona’s co-DC last year. The strength of Colorado’s D is the front line with DEs Josh Hartigan (7 sacks) and Forrest West (5.5 sacks, 8.5 TFL) and DT Conrad Obi. Two starting LBs departed, but Jon Major (31 solo tackles in 7 games) is a solid returnee. The 110th-ranked pass defense (260 YPG), could be worse this year without NFL-bound CBs Jimmy Smith and Jalil Brown.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – at Hawaii
Sat, Sept. 10 – California
Sat, Sept. 17 – vs. Colorado State
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Ohio State
Sat, Oct. 1 – Washington State
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Stanford
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Washington
Sat, Oct. 22 – Oregon
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Arizona State
Fri, Nov. 4 – USC
Sat, Nov. 12 – Arizona
Sat, Nov. 19 – at UCLA
Fri, Nov. 25 – at Utah

******* Take: This will be a transition year in Boulder with a new conference, new coaching staff and many new starters. The Buffs open at Hawaii and also travel to Ohio State. Their easiest game is a neutral-site matchup with rival Colorado State, not necessarily a gimme. All of the Pac-12 road games will be a quite a challenge, but the new team could gel enough during the season’s first two months to close out with a winning November. Prediction: 4-9 record.

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College Football Preview: Oregon

OREGON DUCKS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 12-1 (9-0 in Pac-10)
ATS Record: 7-6
Over/Under: 8-4
Points Scored: 47.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 18.7 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Pac-12 North: Even
Odds to Win Pac-12 Championship: 11/5
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 12/1
RB LaMichael James Odds to win Heisman: 6/1
QB Darron Thomas Odds to win Heisman: 30/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Spread Option - Starters Returning: 6
Although Oregon lost a bunch of starters from last year’s 12-1 team, nobody in the country has a better QB-RB duo than Darron Thomas (2,881 pass yds, 30 TD, 9 INT; 486 rush yds, 5 TD) and LaMichael James, the FBS leader in both rushing yards (1,731) and total TD (24). Both are Heisman contenders and were the main reason Oregon led the nation in points (47.0 PPG) and yards (531 YPG). WR is a trouble spot without Jeff Maehl and so is the O-Line replacing three starters.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 5
The D-Line only returns one starter, Terrell Turner (5.5 TFL), but the Ducks have great front-four depth and won’t be affected much by the losses. LB is thinner with Casey Matthews gone to the NFL and Kiko Alonso possibly suspended after an off-season arrest. SLB Josh Kaddu (6.5 TFL) remains. Oregon is loaded in the secondary, led by CB Cliff Harris (6 INT, 17 PD, 4 punt ret. TD) and FS John Boyett (5 INT, 9 PD, 78 tackles). Harris will not play in the opener versus LSU, and could possibly sit out more games, after he was clocked driving 118 mph with a suspended license in the offseason.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – vs. LSU
Sat, Sept. 10 – Nevada
Sat, Sept. 17 – Missouri State
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Arizona
Thu, Oct. 6 – California
Sat, Oct. 15 – Arizona State
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Colorado
Sat, Oct. 29 – Washington State
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Washington
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Stanford
Sat, Nov. 19 – USC
Sat, Nov. 26 – Oregon State

******* Take: Despite all the turmoil this spring concerning alleged recruiting violations and the Cliff Harris situation, this team is still stacked and ready to hang 50+ points on most opponents. The Ducks could certainly lose to LSU in Arlington, TX without Harris, but they shouldn’t be tested too much before the huge Nov. 12 showdown at Stanford. Another national title shot could be in the works. Prediction: 11-1 record.

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College Football Preview: Oregon State


OREGON STATE BEAVERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 5-7 (4-5 in Pac-10)
ATS Record: 7-5
Over/Under: 6-6
Points Scored: 24.4 PPG
Points Allowed: 26.8 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Pac-12 North: 9/2
Odds to Win Pac-12 Championship: 6/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 100/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 7
Oregon State had a very disappointing 5-7 season, as the offense ranked 94th in yardage (327 YPG) and averaged 16.8 PPG in the final five games. QB Ryan Katz (2,401 pass yds, 18 TD, 11 INT) returns as the starter, and will likely have the services of WR James Rodgers (91 rec, 1,034 yds, 13 TD in ‘09), who suffered a severe knee injury last October. Head coach Mike Riley was reportedly encouraged by the progress he has made with his recovery. His brother RB Jacquizz Rodgers and his 17 TD are now in the NFL, and several candidates are vying for his vacant starting job. The O-Line returns four starters, but it wasn’t a strong unit last year (35 sacks allowed).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 5
The defense, which ranked 86th in yards (408 YPG) has some holes to fill with the top two DLs and best two LBs all gone. But the OLBs left are speed burners -- Michael Doctor and Cameron Collins (39 tackles). And even without top CB James Dockery, the secondary is still a top-notch unit led by S Lance Mitchell (74 tackles, 2 INT).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Sacramento State
Sat, Sept. 10 – at Wisconsin
Sat, Sept. 24 – UCLA
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Arizona State
Sat, Oct. 8 – Arizona
Sat, Oct. 15 – BYU
Sat, Oct. 22 – vs. Washington State
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Utah
Sat, Nov. 5 – Stanford
Sat, Nov. 12 – at California
Sat, Nov. 19 – Washington
Sat, Nov. 26 – at Oregon

******* Take: The Beavers will be lucky to grab two road wins in their brutal away schedule, which includes traveling to Madison in Week 2. The home schedule is no picnic either with Arizona, BYU, Stanford and Washington coming to Corvallis. With no proven ground game and a below-average defense, don’t expect OSU to go bowling this year. Prediction: 5-7 record.

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College Football Preview: Oregon State


OREGON STATE BEAVERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 5-7 (4-5 in Pac-10)
ATS Record: 7-5
Over/Under: 6-6
Points Scored: 24.4 PPG
Points Allowed: 26.8 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Pac-12 North: 9/2
Odds to Win Pac-12 Championship: 6/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 100/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 7
Oregon State had a very disappointing 5-7 season, as the offense ranked 94th in yardage (327 YPG) and averaged 16.8 PPG in the final five games. QB Ryan Katz (2,401 pass yds, 18 TD, 11 INT) returns as the starter, and will likely have the services of WR James Rodgers (91 rec, 1,034 yds, 13 TD in ‘09), who suffered a severe knee injury last October. Head coach Mike Riley was reportedly encouraged by the progress he has made with his recovery. His brother RB Jacquizz Rodgers and his 17 TD are now in the NFL, and several candidates are vying for his vacant starting job. The O-Line returns four starters, but it wasn’t a strong unit last year (35 sacks allowed).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 5
The defense, which ranked 86th in yards (408 YPG) has some holes to fill with the top two DLs and best two LBs all gone. But the OLBs left are speed burners -- Michael Doctor and Cameron Collins (39 tackles). And even without top CB James Dockery, the secondary is still a top-notch unit led by S Lance Mitchell (74 tackles, 2 INT).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Sacramento State
Sat, Sept. 10 – at Wisconsin
Sat, Sept. 24 – UCLA
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Arizona State
Sat, Oct. 8 – Arizona
Sat, Oct. 15 – BYU
Sat, Oct. 22 – vs. Washington State
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Utah
Sat, Nov. 5 – Stanford
Sat, Nov. 12 – at California
Sat, Nov. 19 – Washington
Sat, Nov. 26 – at Oregon

******* Take: The Beavers will be lucky to grab two road wins in their brutal away schedule, which includes traveling to Madison in Week 2. The home schedule is no picnic either with Arizona, BYU, Stanford and Washington coming to Corvallis. With no proven ground game and a below-average defense, don’t expect OSU to go bowling this year. Prediction: 5-7 record.

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College Football Preview: UCLA

UCLA BRUINS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 4-8 (2-7 in Pac-10)
ATS Record: 3-8-1
Over/Under: 6-6
Points Scored: 20.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 30.3 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Pac-12 South: 9/2
Odds to Win Pac-12 Championship: 27/2
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 150/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 7
The Bruins had a miserable 4-8 season, losing seven Pac-10 games by an average of 24.3 PPG. New OC Mike Johnson will try to solve the QB position (5.3 YPA, 9 TD, 14 INT). The starter will be Richard Brehaut (6 TD, 7 INT), Kevin Prince (3 TD, 5 INT), or true freshman Brett Hundley. The rushing offense was pretty good (176 YPG, 32nd in the nation) and RB Johnathan Franklin (1,127 rush yds, 5.3 YPC, 8 TD) is back. So are all the top receivers, namely Taylor Embree (409 rec yds) and Nelson Rosario (309 rec yds).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 8
The defense, which only forced 18 turnovers and ranked 108th against the run (206 YPG), gets a big boost from DE Datone Jones (4 sacks, 11 TFL in ‘09) who missed 2010 with a broken foot. The team’s best LB, Akeem Ayers, bolted for the NFL, but WLB Sean Westgate (90 tackles, 11 TFL, 4 sacks) returns. Three starting DBs remain, including talented SS Tony Dye (96 tackles, 9 PD).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – at Houston
Sat, Sept. 10 – San Jose State
Sat, Sept. 17 – Texas
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Oregon State
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Stanford
Sat, Oct. 8 – Washington State
Thu, Oct. 20 – at Arizona
Sat, Oct. 29 – California
Sat, Nov. 5 – Arizona State
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Utah
Sat, Nov. 19 – Colorado
Sat, Nov. 26 – at USC

******* Take: The Bruins should improve enough to make a bowl this year. They don’t play Oregon or Washington, and have the schedule to possibly post a perfect season at home. If they can solve their quarterback woes in the preseason and stick with that guy all year, there are enough other pieces in place for this team to be competitive in all 12 of their contests, even the tough in-conference road dates. Prediction: 6-6 record.

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College Football Preview: Stanford


STANFORD CARDINAL

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 12-1 (8-1 in Pac-10)
ATS Record: 8-4
Over/Under: 6-6
Points Scored: 40.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 17.4 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Pac-12 North: 7/4
Odds to Win Pac-12 Championship: 3/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 20/1
QB Andrew Luck Odds to Win Heisman Trophy: 7/2

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Pro Style - Starters Returning: 5
Much has changed for the Orange Bowl champs, especially last year’s OC David Shaw replacing head coach Jim Harbaugh. But the QB remains the same, as Andrew Luck (3,338 pass yds, 32 TD, 8 INT; 453 rush yds, 8.2 YPC), returns to school to play for a national championship. He doesn’t have his top receivers anymore, Doug Baldwin and Robert Whalen, but WR Chris Owusu (1,158 rec yds, 11 total TD in career) is a playmaker when healthy. RB Stepfan Taylor (1,137 rush yds, 15 TD, 5.1 YPC) returns to anchor the strong rushing attack, which was 17th-best among FBS schools (214 YPG).

Defense:
Base 34 - Starters Returning: 6
The defense only allowed 9.3 PPG in the final six games of last season. Three starting DLs have to be replaced, but two LBs return with All-American candidate ILB Shayne Skov (84 tackles, 6.5 sacks) and OLB Chase Thomas (70 tackles). SS Delano Howell (60 tackles, 5 PD) is one of three returnees in the secondary.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – San Jose State
Sat, Sept. 10 – at Duke
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Arizona
Sat, Oct. 1 – UCLA
Sat, Oct. 8 – Colorado
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Washington State
Sat, Oct. 22 – Washington
Sat, Oct. 29 – at USC
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Oregon State
Sat, Nov. 12 – Oregon
Sat, Nov. 19 – California
Sat, Nov. 26 – Notre Dame

******* Take: The Cardinal have a favorable schedule, especially since they host conference favorite Oregon in what will likely determine the Pac-12 North champion. With all the new faces on the sidelines and on the gridiron, it could take Stanford a few games to develop a comfort level among these coaches and players, making the trip to Tucson in Week 3 even more treacherous. But other than traveling to USC, there are no other trouble spots in the schedule until the Ducks come to town. Luck is the best QB in college football and the defense is good enough to possibly run the table in most leagues, but the Cardinal are just not as strong as Oregon. Prediction: 11-1 record.

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College Football Preview: USC


USC TROJANS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 8-5 (5-4 in Pac-10)
ATS Record: 5-7-1
Over/Under: 7-6
Points Scored: 31.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 26.7 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Pac-12 South: N/A
Odds to Win Pac-12 Championship: N/A
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: N/A
QB Matt Barkley Odds to Win Heisman Trophy: 30/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 6
The Trojans had another subpar year by their own standards, going 8-5 overall and 5-4 in the Pac-10. QB Matt Barkley’s final numbers were excellent (2,791 pass yds, 26 TD, 12 INT), but he fizzled in his final five games (6 TD, 8 INT). The O-Line is major source of concern with just two starters remaining. Despite the potential blocking troubles, the strength of the Trojans lies with RBs Marc Tyler (913 rush yds, 5.3 YPC, 9 TD) and Dillon Baxter (252 rush yds, 4.3 YPC). WR Robert Woods is a productive wideout (65 rec, 792 yds, 6 TD), but USC is looking for a receiver to complement him.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 8
The Trojans’ defensive slide continued last year, as they allowed 400 YPG (84th in nation) and gave up 32+ points in six games. But eight starters are back, including four really good ones -- DE Nick Perry (4 sacks), LB Devon Kennard (72 tackles), S T.J. McDonald (89 tackles, 3 INT) and CB Nickell Robey (4 INT).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Minnesota
Sat, Sept. 10 – Utah
Sat, Sept. 17 – Syracuse
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Arizona State
Sat, Oct. 1 – Arizona
Thu, Oct. 13 – at California
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Notre Dame
Sat, Oct. 29 – Stanford
Fri, Nov. 4 – at Colorado
Sat, Nov. 12 – Washington
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Oregon
Sat, Nov. 26 – UCLA

******* Take: The Trojans need to show a major improvement on the defensive side of the ball to have any chance of stopping the high-powered offenses on their schedule like Utah, Arizona, Notre Dame, Stanford and Oregon. The 2011 schedule is pretty manageable for the first half of the year, but wins will be hard to come by in the final six games. Prediction: 8-4 record

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College Football Preview: Utah

UTAH UTES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 10-3 (7-1 in Pac-10)
ATS Record: 7-5-1
Over/Under: 7-6
Points Scored: 33.1 PPG
Points Allowed: 20.3 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Pac-12 South: 5/4
Odds to Win Pac-12 Championship: 4/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 150/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 6
After starting last season 8-0, the Utes finished 2-3, scoring a laughable 13 total points in the three defeats. Now Utah enters the Pac-12, but with a lot of question marks. Highly-regarded OC Norm Chow joins the staff, but he doesn’t have great weapons with the loss of Utah’s two best RBs and two best WRs. QB Jordan Wynn (2,334 pass yds, 17 TD, 10 INT) is coming off shoulder surgery, but he does have WR DeVonte Christopher (39 rec, 660 yds, 6 TD) as a reliable target. There is no telling who will carry the football, though.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 5
There are many defensive holes to fill with six starters gone. No returning player in the front seven had more than two sacks last year, but two strong LBs return in Chaz Walker (113 tackles) and Matt Martinez (91 tackles). The secondary wasn’t great in 2010 (225 YPG, 73rd in nation), and four of its top five players are gone. Not good for a passing-rich Pac-12.

2011 Schedule:
Thu, Sept. 1 – Montana State
Sat, Sept. 10 – at USC
Sat, Sept. 17 – at BYU
Sat, Oct. 1 – Washington
Sat, Oct. 8 – Arizona State
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Pittsburgh
Sat, Oct. 22 – at California
Sat, Oct. 29 – Oregon State
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Arizona
Sat, Nov. 12 – UCLA
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Washington State
Fri, Nov. 25 – Colorado

******* Take: Two non-conference road games at BYU and Pittsburgh will not be easy, but Utah avoids BOTH Oregon and Stanford in conference play. This unbalanced schedule is the big reason the Utes are favored to win the Pac-12 South. But this team is not as talented as either Arizona or Arizona State, and will ultimately finish with a mediocre record. Prediction: 7-5 record.

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College Football Preview: Washington State


WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 2-10 (1-8 in Pac-10)
ATS Record: 7-5
Over/Under: 6-5
Points Scored: 19.6 PPG
Points Allowed: 35.8 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Pac-12 North: 11/1
Odds to Win Pac-12 Championship: 30/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 15/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple Spread - Starters Returning: 8
WSU has a dreadful 5-32 record in the past three seasons, but things are looking up. QB Jeff Tuel (2,780 pass yds, 18 TD, 12 INT) enters his third year as the starter and has a bevy of talented receivers, most notably Marquess Wilson (55 rec, 1,006 yds, 6 TD). The passing game should improve further in coach Paul Wulff’s no-huddle offense. Freshman RB Rickey Galvin is expected to boost the ground game, which averaged 2.6 YPC last year. The O-Line was also to blame, allowing 51 sacks and 108 TFL.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
The defense gave up the nation’s third-most yards (467 YPG), but quality players remain in DE Travis Long (4 sacks), MLB C.J. Mizell (57 tackles) and WLB Alex Hoffman-Ellis (5 TFL). The secondary returns all four starters, so they should improve.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Idaho State
Sat, Sept. 10 – UNLV
Sat, Sept. 17 – at San Diego State
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Colorado
Sat, Oct. 8 – at UCLA
Sat, Oct. 15 – Stanford
Sat, Oct. 22 – Oregon State
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Oregon
Sat, Nov. 5 – at California
Sat, Nov. 12 – Arizona State
Sat, Nov. 19 – Utah
Sat, Nov. 26 – at Washington

******* Take: The Cougars should be more competitive in conference play this year, but they probably won’t be favored in any of their nine Pac-12 tilts. WSU’s weak non-conference sked gives the school a great chance to finish September undefeated before Pac-12 play begins. Assuming the Cougars develop some semblance of a rushing attack, expect them to have another winning season Against The Spread, while doubling their SU win total from a year ago. Prediction: 4-8 record.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Washington


WASHINGTON HUSKIES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 7-6 (5-4 in Pac-10)
ATS Record: 7-6
Over/Under: 7-6
Points Scored: 21.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 29.3 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Pac-12 North: 3/1
Odds to Win Pac-12 Championship: 9/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 130/1
RB Chris Polk Odds to Win Heisman Trophy: 18/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 6
The Huskies won the final four games of 2010 including crushing Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl, but QB Jake Locker has graduated. The QB battle is between sophomore Keith Price (19-37, 164 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT) and redshirt freshman Nick Montana. There are two bona-fide stars in the supporting cast in RB Chris Polk (1,415 rush yds, 5.4 YPC, 9 TD) and WR Jermaine Kearse (63 rec, 1,005 yds, 12 TD). The O-Line should remain above-average.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 8
Defensively, DT Alameda Ta’amu (39 tackles, 5 TFL) anchors a deep front line, but the linebacker corps must replace its two best players in SLB Mason Foster, who had 163 tackles, and WLB Victor Aiyewa, who had 21 TFL. MLB Cort Dennison (92 tackles, 8.5 TFL) is the remaining starter. UW only allowed 194 passing YPG (27th in nation), and its secondary remains strong with CB Desmond Trufant (48 tackles, 4 PD) and FS Nate Fellner (5 INT).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Eastern Washington
Sat, Sept. 10 – Hawaii
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Nebraska
Sat, Sept. 24 – California
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Utah
Sat, Oct. 15 – Colorado
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Stanford
Sat, Oct. 29 – Arizona
Sat, Nov. 5 – Oregon
Sat, Nov. 12 – at USC
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Oregon State
Sat, Nov. 26 – Washington State

******* Take: The Huskies have been a terrible road team recently, going 9-33 SU (21%) away from home since 2003. With a road slate of Nebraska, Utah, Stanford, USC and Oregon State this year, don’t expect this mark to improve with a new QB under center. However, Washington is sound enough on defense to pick up enough home wins to go bowling. Prediction: 7-5 record.