College Football Preview (All Teams)

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College Football Preview: Alabama

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 10-3 (5-3 in SEC)
ATS Record: 8-5
Over/Under: 4-7-1
Points Scored: 35.7 PPG
Points Allowed: 13.5 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win SEC West: Even
Odds to Win SEC Championship: 23/10
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 11/2
RB Trent Richardson Odds to Win Heisman: 7/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Pro Style - Starters Returning: 7
Last year was a letdown for Alabama, which was the favorite to repeat as BCS Champions. The Tide lost three games, allowing 29.0 PPG in the defeats. But SEC/BCS title aspirations remain in Tuscaloosa despite the loss of QB Greg McElroy, RB Mark Ingram and WR Julio Jones. This year’s offense clearly revolves around RB Trent Richardson (700 rush yds, 6.3 YPC, 11 total TD) who is the strongest and fastest player on the team. The new QB will be either sophomore A.J. McCarron (389 pass yds, 3 TD, 0 INT) or freshman Phillip Sims, and will have senior receivers to throw to in Marquis Maze (557 rec yds, 3 TD) and Darius Hanks (456 rec yds, 3 TD). The O-Line returns four starters and should improve its 2.5 sacks per game allowed (88th in nation).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 9
The nation’s fifth-ranked defense (286 YPG), which was also third in scoring (13.5 PPG), remains stacked. The D-Line is the weak spot minus Marcell Dareus, but Courtney Upshaw (7 sacks, 14.5 TFL, 4 FF) leads a strong LB group and FS Robert Lester (8 INT) stars in an outstanding secondary.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Kent State
Sat, Sept. 10 – at Penn State
Sat, Sept. 17 – North Texas
Sat, Sept. 24 – Arkansas
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Florida
Sat, Oct. 8 – Vanderbilt
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Ole Miss
Sat, Oct. 22 – Tennessee
Sat, Nov. 5 – LSU
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Mississippi State
Sat, Nov. 19 – Georgia Southern
Sat, Nov. 26 – at Auburn

******* Take: The Tide have a very favorable schedule with home games against the other two top teams in the conference -- Arkansas and LSU. They have a challenging road schedule, but Alabama is not likely to be the underdog in any of the five games outside of Tuscaloosa. Although the QB situation needs to be resolved, this team is good enough to run the table with its outstanding defense and running game. Prediction: 12-0 record.

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College Football Preview: Arkansas


ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 10-3 (6-2 in SEC)
ATS Record: 9-3
Over/Under: 7-5
Points Scored: 36.5 PPG
Points Allowed: 23.4 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win SEC West: 33/10
Odds to Win SEC Championship: 12/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 30/1
RB Knile Davis Odds to Win Heisman: 15/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 6
If the Razorbacks are going to win the SEC like folks in Fayetteville believe they will, the title run makes regular-season stops at Alabama and at LSU. Many pieces remain for Arkansas to be very good, but QB Ryan Mallett is now in the NFL, leaving signal-calling duties to junior Tyler Wilson (34-51, 453 yds, 4 TD, 3 INT). Wilson’s best option is to hand off to RB Knile Davis who was the top RB in the SEC with 1,322 rushing yards (6.5 YPC, 13 TD). Three solid receivers also return in Joe Adams (813 rec yds, 6 TD), Jarius Wright (788 rec yds, 5 TD) and Greg Childs (659 rec yds, 6 TD). But TE D.J. Williams is gone and so are three O-Line starters.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
Bobby Petrino expects a big improvement out of his defense, which ranked 47th in scoring (23.4 PPG) and 71st against the run (162 YPG). Most of the starters return, including DEs Jake Bequette (7 sacks, 8.5 TFL) and Tenarius Wright (6 sacks, 8 TFL), LBs Jerry Franklin (100 tackles, 13 TFL, 6.5 sacks) and Jerico Nelson (87 tackles, 11 TFL), and safety Tramain Thomas (83 tackles, 4 INT, 4 FF).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Missouri State
Sat, Sept. 10 – New Mexico
Sat, Sept. 17 – Troy
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Alabama
Sat, Oct. 1 – vs. Texas A&M
Sat, Oct. 8 – Auburn
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Ole Miss
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Vanderbilt
Sat, Nov. 5 – South Carolina
Sat, Nov. 12 – Tennessee
Sat, Nov. 19 – Mississippi State
Fri, Nov. 25 – at LSU

******* Take: The Razorbacks have the talent to win just about any conference in the land, but they are the third-best team in their own division behind Alabama and LSU, and Arkansas will play both of them on the road. A neutral-site game versus Texas A&M is also a potential loss, and as is the case in the SEC, they have three home games that will test them further, with Auburn, South Carolina and Mississippi State coming to Fayetteville. Prediction: 9-3 record.

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College Football Preview: Auburn


AUBURN TIGERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 14-0 (9-0 in SEC)
ATS Record: 10-4
Over/Under: 7-6
Points Scored: 41.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 24.1 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win SEC West: 15/2
Odds to Win SEC Championship: 15/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 85/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Spread - Starters Returning: 3
The cupboard isn’t entirely bare for the defending BCS Champions, but a whole gaggle of unknown players will have to step up for Auburn to be competitive in the stacked SEC West. The departure of Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, and his 51 TD last year, leaves the QB position to one of three unproven players -- junior Barrett Trotter (6-of-9, 64 yds), sophomore Clint Moseley (2 rush, 8 yds) or freshman Kiehl Frazier. The strength of these Tigers is the ground game with the duo of Michael Dyer (1,093 rush yds, 5 TD, 6.0 YPC) and Onterio McCalebb (810 rush yds, 9 TD, 8.5 YPC), but they’ll be running behind a young O-Line with just one returning starter. Emory Blake (526 rec yds, team-best 8 TD) leads a quality group of receivers.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 3
On defense, only three players return to a unit that was inconsistent last year -- DE Nosa Eguae (3.5 sacks, 7.5 TFL), OLB Daren Bates (48 tackles, 7 QB hurries) and CB Neiko Thorpe (64 tackles, 9 PD). The secondary was the weak link of the 2010 season, ranking 108th in pass defense (259 YPG allowed).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Utah State
Sat, Sept. 10 – Mississippi State
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Clemson
Sat, Sept. 24 – Florida Atlantic
Sat, Oct. 1 – at South Carolina
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Arkansas
Sat, Oct. 15 – Florida
Sat, Oct. 22 – at LSU
Sat, Oct. 29 – Ole Miss
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Georgia
Sat, Nov. 19 – Samford
Sat, Nov. 26 – Alabama

******* Take: The Tigers have a brutal road schedule with Clemson, South Carolina, Arkansas, LSU and Georgia all likely to see considerable time in the Top 25 this year. They will likely be home underdogs against Florida and Alabama, and the two Mississippi teams in their division are also solid. Without any gimme wins in-conference (Auburn doesn’t play Tennessee, Kentucky or Vanderbilt), the Tigers will be fortunate to finish the season with a winning record. Prediction: 7-5 record.

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College Football Preview: Georgia

GEORGIA BULLDOGS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-7 (3-5 in SEC)
ATS Record: 5-8
Over/Under: 8-4
Points Scored: 32.1 PPG
Points Allowed: 22.1 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win SEC East: 6/5
Odds to Win SEC Championship: 37/10
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1
QB Aaron Murray Odds to Win the Hesiman: 60/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple Pro - Starters Returning: 6
Despite its 6-7 season, Georgia has the tools to win the SEC East. Aaron Murray (3,049 pass yds, 24 TD, 8 INT) could be the conference’s best QB, and he’ll have WR Tavarres King (504 rec yds) replacing A.J. Green at flanker and a top-notch TE in Orson Charles (422 rec yds). Washaun Ealey’s transfer hurts the running game, but senior Caleb King (430 rush yds, 5.4 YPC) and stud freshman Isaiah Crowell should handle the workload. A big concern is replacing LT Trinton Sturdivant who will miss the season with a knee injury.

Defense:
Base 34 - Starters Returning: 7
The defense was solid last year (329 YPG, 23rd in nation), but the Bulldogs only had 24 sacks. OLB Justin Houston had 10 of those sacks, but he’s gone. The remaining LBs are highly athletic with USC transfer Jarvis Jones on the strong side and converted safety Alec Ogletree (26 solo tackles) in the middle. Christian Robinson (46 tackles, 6 TFL) mans the middle and is the leader of this group. The secondary will be superb with all four starters returning, including CB Brandon Boykin (3 INT) and S Bacarri Rambo (3 INT).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – vs. Boise State (in Atlanta)
Sat, Sept. 10 – South Carolina
Sat, Sept. 17 – Coastal Carolina
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Ole Miss
Sat, Oct. 1 – Mississippi State
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Tennessee
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Vanderbilt
Sat, Oct. 29 – vs. Florida (in Jacksonville)
Sat, Nov. 5 – New Mexico State
Sat, Nov. 12 – Auburn
Sat, Nov. 19 – Kentucky
Sat, Nov. 26 – at Georgia Tech

******* Take: What a favorable schedule for the Bulldogs! In a great stroke of luck, they don’t play any of the top three teams in their conference – Alabama, LSU and Arkansas. Georgia plays eight games in its home state and should be favored in at least seven of its eight conference games, with Florida (in Jacksonville) being the only possible exception. Everything is set up perfectly for UGA to win the SEC East. Prediction: 10-2 record.

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College Football Preview: Florida


FLORIDA GATORS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 8-5 (4-4 in SEC)
ATS Record: 7-6
Over/Under: 7-5
Points Scored: 29.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 21.3 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win SEC East: 6/5
Odds to Win SEC Championship: 27/10
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 11/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 7
Will Muschamp left his DC/coach-in-waiting position at Texas to try to get this Florida program back to respectability. The Gators lost five of their final nine games last year and ranked 82nd in total offense (351 YPG). To further help matters, Muschamp hired former Patriots OC Charlie Weis who has three Super Bowl rings. Weis’ pro-style elements should help QB John Brantley (2,061 pass yds, 9 TD, 10 INT) improve. There are plenty of weapons in the supporting cast with RB Jeff Demps (551 rush yds, 6.0 YPC), WR Deonte Thompson (570 rec yds) and TE Jordan Reed (6 total TD). The O-Line lost four players from last year, but should still be adequate.

Defense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 4
Muschamp and new DC Dan Quinn (Seahawks D-Line coach) will implement both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes. DTs Jaye Howard (10 TFL) and Sharrif Floyd (6.5 TFL) are good run stuffers, but the pass rush is weak and the LBs didn’t do much aside from Jelani Jenkins (76 tackles). The secondary is in disarray with two starting safeties gone and All-SEC CB Janoris Jenkins kicked off the team.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Florida Atlantic
Sat, Sept. 10 – UAB
Sat, Sept. 17 – Tennessee
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Kentucky
Sat, Oct. 1 – Alabama
Sat, Oct. 8 – at LSU
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Auburn
Sat, Oct. 29 – vs. Georgia (in Jacksonville)
Sat, Nov. 5 – Vanderbilt
Sat, Nov. 12 – at South Carolina
Sat, Nov. 19 – Furman
Sat, Nov. 26 – Florida State

******* Take: The schedule works in Florida’s favor as the Gators should be able to mesh their mass personnel changes against weak opponents in the first month of the season. But October will be a bear, facing what could be four of their toughest in-conference opponents in four straight games. The Gators close the season against a Florida State team that is expected to run away with the ACC. Florida should improve from last year, but it is likely a year away from surpassing South Carolina and Georgia for the SEC East title. Prediction: 8-4 record.

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College Football Preview: Kentucky


KENTUCKY WILDCATS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-7 (2-6 in SEC)
ATS Record: 6-7
Over/Under: 8-4
Points Scored: 31.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 28.4 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win SEC East: 17/2
Odds to Win SEC Championship: 50/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 15/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 6
Kentucky was only 6-7 in Joker Phillips’ first season, but was among the top 35 in the country in offense (428 YPG) and scoring (31.2 PPG). However, the Wildcats lost QB Mike Hartline, and 32 of their 53 scores in the departed trio of Randall Cobb (13 TD), Derrick Locke (10 TD) and Chris Matthews (9 TD). QB Morgan Newton (971 pass yds, 6 TD, 3 INT in career) replaces Hartline, but could struggle without a lack of proven skill players other than RB Raymond Sanders (466 all-purpose yds, 4 TD). Newton will be protected by strong O-Line returning four starters.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 9
The lack of a pass rush (no player eclipsed three sacks for the season) is the biggest weakness on defense, which will be run by former Indiana State coach Rick Minter. All-American WLB Danny Trevathan (144 tackles, 16 TFL, 4 FF) leads a decent LB corps, while the 14th-ranked pass defense (177 YPG) brings back the entire secondary, including SS Winston Guy (106 tackles, 3 INT).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – vs. Western Kentucky (in Nashville)
Sat, Sept. 10 – Central Michigan
Sat, Sept. 17 – Louisville
Sat, Sept. 24 – Florida
Sat, Oct. 1 – at LSU
Sat, Oct. 8 – at South Carolina
Sat, Oct. 22 – Jacksonville State
Sat, Oct. 29 – Mississippi State
Sat, Nov. 5 – Ole Miss
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Vanderbilt
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Georgia
Sat, Nov. 26 – Tennessee

******* Take: Kentucky only plays four road games all season, and one of those will be at Vanderbilt. The Wildcats don’t play the three big A’s in the SEC West -- Alabama, Arkansas or Auburn – but have to face two of the three SEC East favorites, Georgia and South Carolina, on the road. This defense is good enough to bring Joker Phillips and the ‘Cats to another bowl. Prediction: 7-5 record.

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College Football Preview: Ole Miss

OLE MISS REBELS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 4-8 (1-7 in SEC)
ATS Record: 4-7
Over/Under: 7-4
Points Scored: 30.6 PPG
Points Allowed: 35.2 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win SEC West: 9/1
Odds to Win SEC Championship: 25/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 15/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 9
The Rebels were just 1-7 in SEC play last year and may struggle just as much in 2011. The good news for Ole Miss is that senior RB Brandon Bolden (976 rush yds, 6.0 YPC, 14 TD) has never looked better and will have an excellent O-Line blocking for him. The bad news is that opponents might stuff the box with 8 and 9-man fronts if the 82nd-ranked passing game (192 YPG) stays inept. Dual-threat junior Randall Mackey will likely win the starting QB job, but his WRs are pretty thin after Melvin Harris (408 rec yds).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 5
The defense gets a nice boost with DE Kentrell Lockett (5 sacks, 10 TFL in ‘09) back after missing 2010 with a knee injury. This will help offset the spring losses of LBs D.T. Shackelford (knee) and Clarence Jackson (dismissal after arrest). The pass defense (246 YPG, 103rd in nation) also needs serious work, as only one returnee had an interception last year (Charles Sawyer, 2 INT).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – BYU
Sat, Sept. 10 – Southern Illinois
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Vanderbilt
Sat, Sept. 24 – Georgia
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Fresno State
Sat, Oct. 15 – Alabama
Sat, Oct. 22 – Arkansas
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Auburn
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Kentucky
Sat, Nov. 12 – Louisiana Tech
Sat, Nov. 19 – LSU
Sat, Nov. 26 – at Mississippi State

******* Take: The Rebels’ SEC home slate is a killer with Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas and LSU coming to Oxford. They have a chance to build up some momentum early in the year heading into their treacherous October schedule. But this Ole Miss team does not have enough skill players or enough talent on defense to remain competitive in the nation’s best conference. Prediction: 3-9 record.

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College Football Preview: Mississippi State


MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 9-4 (4-4 in SEC)
ATS Record: 7-5
Over/Under: 4-8
Points Scored: 29.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 19.8 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win SEC West: 9/2
Odds to Win SEC Championship: 13/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 60/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple Spread Option - Starters Returning: 8
After an 8-2 finish last season, the Bulldogs hope to make some noise in the powerful SEC West. QB Chris Relf (1,789 pass yds, 13 TD, 6 INT; 713 rush yds, 5 TD) has always been a great rusher, but his passing ability improved greatly last year (569 pass yds, 6 TD in final two games). Relf has a strong supporting cast with TB Vick Ballard (968 rush yds, 5.3 YPC, 19 TD) and WR Chad Bumphis (634 rec yds, 5 TD), and a quality offensive line returning three starters.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
The defense hung tough last year, racking up 90 TFL and holding opponents under 20 PPG. But MSU loses its three best front-seven players who combined for 33.5 TFL (DE Pernell McPhee, LB Chris White, LB K.J. Wright). The secondary should improve though, with a trio of 3-INT returnees (CBs Johnthan Banks and Corey Broomfield, and FS Nickoe Whitley).

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College Football Preview: LSU


LSU TIGERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 11-2 (6-2 in SEC)
ATS Record: 6-6
Over/Under: 5-6-1
Points Scored: 29.7 PPG
Points Allowed: 18.2 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win SEC West: 33/20
Odds to Win SEC Championship: 3/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 13/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 8
If the Tigers are to fulfill their 2011 SEC and BCS title aspirations, they have to get better QB play from Jordan Jefferson (7 TD, 10 INT). The senior looked great in the spring, and will benefit from the ultra-talented WR duo of Reuben Randle (544 rec yds) and Russell Shepard (254 yds). LSU also brought in former Louisville head coach Steve Kragthorpe as the new OC to boost the team’s 107th-ranked passing attack (156 YPG). With Stevan Ridley gone, sophomore TB Spencer Ware (10 rush, 102 yds in Cotton Bowl) will be the top RB, and get plenty of holes from a great offensive line.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
The Tigers lost three excellent defenders (DT Drake Nevis, MLB Kelvin Sheppard and CB Patrick Peterson), but still have a strong front seven led by DE Sam Montgomery (6 TFL in 5 games) and WLB Ryan Baker (7 sacks). LSU also boasts two top-notch corners in Morris Claiborne (5 INT) and Tyrann Mathieu (7 PD).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – vs. Oregon (in Arlington, TX)
Sat, Sept. 10 – Northwestern State
Thu, Sept. 15 – at Mississippi State
Sat, Sept. 24 – at West Virginia
Sat, Oct. 1 – Kentucky
Sat, Oct. 8 – Florida
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Tennessee
Sat, Oct. 22 – Auburn
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Alabama
Sat, Nov. 12 – Western Kentucky
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Ole Miss
Fri, Nov. 25 – Arkansas

******* Take: LSU’s defense is good enough to beat most opponents, but this schedule is extremely difficult for a one-sided team with a suspect offense. Not only do the Tigers play in the best division in the best conference in the land, but they also scheduled Oregon on a neutral field and travel to Morgantown to take on a very good West Virginia squad. Prediction: 9-3 record.

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College Football Preview: South Carolina


SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 9-5 (5-4 in SEC)
ATS Record: 7-7
Over/Under: 8-5
Points Scored: 30.9 PPG
Points Allowed: 23.1 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win SEC East: 2/1
Odds to Win SEC Championship: 15/2
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 25/1
RB Marcus Lattimore Odds to Win Heisman: 5/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 7
The Gamecocks are loaded for a return trip to the SEC title game. The school’s top three offensive players all return in RB Marcus Lattimore (4.8 YPC, 1,609 total yards, 19 TD), WR Alshon Jeffery (88 rec, 1,517 yds, 9 TD) and QB Stephen Garcia (3,059 pass yds, 20 TD, 14 INT). Garcia had two spring suspensions, which could help sophomore Connor Shaw take his job.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
Plenty of stars return to the defense, including DE Melvin Ingram (9 sacks, 11 TFL), DE Devin Taylor (7.5 sacks, 13 TFL) and DT Travian Robertson (4 sacks, 10 TFL) up front. Highly-touted DE Jadeveon Clowney is also expected to boost the pass rush. The biggest weakness on defense was defending the pass (242 YPG, 97th in nation), but the coaches point out the secondary wasn’t all at fault. Four DBs who started last season return hungry, led by CB Stephon Gilmore (3 INT, 79 tackles) and SS D.J. Swearinger (5 PD, 66 tackles).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – vs. East Carolina (in Charlotte)
Sat, Sept. 10 – at Georgia
Sat, Sept. 17 – Navy
Sat, Sept. 24 – Vanderbilt
Sat, Oct. 1 – Auburn
Sat, Oct. 8 – Kentucky
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Mississippi State
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Tennessee
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Arkansas
Sat, Nov. 12 – Florida
Sat, Nov. 19 – The Citadel
Sat, Nov. 26 – Clemson

******* Take: Without SEC powers Alabama and LSU on its schedule, South Carolina has a great chance to make some serious noise in the conference. The Gamecocks should be favored in all four of their non-conference games. If they can beat Georgia in Week 2 in Athens, they will be the favorites to win the SEC East again. Prediction: 9-3 record.

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College Football Preview: Tennessee


TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-7 (3-5 in SEC)
ATS Record: 7-6
Over/Under: 9-3
Points Scored: 27.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 25.1 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win SEC East: 7/1
Odds to Win SEC Championship: 13/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 80/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 7
Tennessee played a killer schedule last year, starting off 2-6. But the Vols then won four straight before losing in double-OT to UNC in the Music City Bowl. This young team has loads of potential, especially QB Tyler Bray (1,849 pass yds, 18 TD, 10 INT). He really matured throughout his freshman year and should work well with athletic sophomore WRs Justin Hunter (415 rec yds, 25.9 avg, 7 TD) and spring star Da’Rick Rogers. The ground game should also take a step forward as the sophomore-laden offensive line continues to improve its blocking for RB Tauren Poole (1,034 rush yds, 11 TD, 5.1 YPC).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
Defensively, only two starters return to the front seven -- DT Malik Jackson (5 sacks, 11 TFL) and WLB Herman Lathers (75 tackles, 2.5 sacks). But the secondary has very good ball skills in FS Janzen Jackson (5 INT) and CBs Prentiss Waggner (5 INT, 3 for TD) and Marsalis Teague (8 PD).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Montana
Sat, Sept. 10 – Cincinnati
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Florida
Sat, Oct. 1 – Buffalo
Sat, Oct. 8 – Georgia
Sat, Oct. 15 – LSU
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Alabama
Sat, Oct. 29 – South Carolina
Sat, Nov. 5 – Middle Tennessee State
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Arkansas
Sat, Nov. 19 – Vanderbilt
Sat, Nov. 26 – at Kentucky

******* Take: Although the Vols play eight home games and only venture on the road four times all season, they could conceivably not win an SEC game until Nov. 19 when they host Vanderbilt. Tennessee draws the top three teams in the SEC West (LSU, Alabama and Arkansas) and plays the three best SEC East teams (Florida, Georgia and South Carolina) before November arrives. Luckily for the Vols, the non-conference slate is weak enough for them to get their six wins and go bowling. Prediction: 6-6 record.

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College Football Preview: Vanderbilt


VANDERBILT COMMODORES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 2-10 (1-7 in SEC)
ATS Record: 3-9
Over/Under: 6-6
Points Scored: 16.9 PPG
Points Allowed: 31.2 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win SEC East: 35/1
Odds to Win SEC Championship: 150/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 15/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 11
The Commodores were 2-10, losing their final seven games by 26.6 PPG. The offense ranked 112th in scoring (16.9 PPG) and 110th in yardage (298 YPG). New head coach James Franklin tries to right the ship with nearly all the starters from last year. The offense is paced by QB Larry Smith (11 TD, 13 INT career), RB Warren Norman (459 rush yds, 6.0 YPC) and TE Brandon Barden (425 rec yds). If Smith is to make the necessary improvements for Vandy to be competitive, he’ll need more playmakers like WR Jordan Matthews (4 TD on 15 rec).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 8
The defense needs major help with its weak pass rush (20 sacks in ‘10). DE Tim Fugger (4 FF), DT Rob Lohr (3.5 sacks) and MLB Chris Marve (80 tackles) key the front lines. The secondary is quite strong, led by CB Casey Hayward (6 INT) and SS Sean Richardson (99 tackles, 5 PD).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Elon
Sat, Sept. 10 – Connecticut
Sat, Sept. 17 – Ole Miss
Sat, Sept. 24 – at South Carolina
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Alabama
Sat, Oct. 15 – Georgia
Sat, Oct. 22 – Army
Sat, Oct. 29 – Arkansas
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Florida
Sat, Nov. 12 – Kentucky
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Tennessee
Sat, Nov. 26 – at Wake Forest

******* Take: Vandy should be a more competitive team under new head coach James Franklin, but the Commodores are still way behind in the talent pool as compared to the rest of their mighty conference. But the veteran club should be able to get three wins in non-conference play, and a home victory over Ole Miss or Kentucky will double Vandy’s win total from a year ago. Prediction: 4-8 record.

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College Football Preview: East Carolina


EAST CAROLINA PIRATES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-7 (5-3 in C-USA)
ATS Record: 6-7
Over/Under: 10-3
Points Scored: 36.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 44.0 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win C-USA East: 6/1
Odds to Win C-USA Championship: 31/2
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 15/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Spread - Starters Returning: 5
After starting the year 5-2, ECU closed the season with just one win in the final six games, including a 51-20 Military Bowl loss to Maryland. Ruffin McNeill has an explosive offense led by QB Dominique Davis (316 total YPG, 7th in nation; 37 pass TD, 16 INT, 9 rush TD). His passing numbers in C-USA play were phenomenal: 302 YPG, 27 TD, 9 INT. Four of his top receivers return, including senior Lance Lewis (89 rec, 1,116 yds, 14 TD). But who will carry the football, with top two rushers Jon Williams and Giavanni Ruffin both graduated? No returning RB had even a dozen carries last year. The O-Line is also undergoing a lot of turnover with four starters leaving, including stud OT Willie Smith.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
ECU ranked dead last among FBS schools in total defense (479 YPG) and only New Mexico allowed more points than the Pirates’ 44.0 PPG. Justin Dixon and Matt Milner (3 sacks each) are adequate D-ends, but Jamar McLendon (7 TFL) is the only starting LB coming back. Three starting DBs return, including senior CB Emanuel Davis (9 PD).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – vs. South Carolina (in Charlotte)
Sat, Sept. 10 – Virginia Tech
Sat, Sept. 24 – UAB
Sat, Oct. 1 – North Carolina
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Houston
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Memphis
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Navy
Sat, Oct. 29 – Tulane
Sat, Nov. 5 – Southern Miss
Sat, Nov. 12 – at UTEP
Sat, Nov. 19 – UCF
Sat, Nov. 26 – at Marshall

******* Take: The Pirates avoid two of the better teams in the West Division in Tulsa and SMU and only play five true road games. Although ECU does not leave the state of North Carolina until Oct. 8, it has three very difficult non-conference games to play during that stretch with South Carolina, Virginia Tech and North Carolina. The Pirates will be hard-pressed to get back to a bowl Prediction: 5-7 record.

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College Football Preview: Marshall


MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 5-7 (4-4 in C-USA)
ATS Record: 4-8
Over/Under: 5-6-1
Points Scored: 20.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 28.7 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win C-USA East: 8/1
Odds to Win C-USA Championship: 25/2
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 15/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 5
Second-year head coach Doc Holliday capped off his first season at Marshall with a 4-1 record. The offense was poor, ranking 103rd in yardage (314 YPG) and 101st in points (20.8 PPG). QB Brian Anderson graduated, leaving the starting to job to either sophomore Eddie Sullivan (6-of-24 passing 134 yds, 1 TD), or freshmen A.J. Graham or Cornelius Jones. The tailback role is also unsettled, with unimpressive junior Martin Ward (345 rush yds, 3.6 YPC, 1 TD) as the best option. Marshall’s top offensive player is junior WR Aaron Dobson (44 rec, 689 yds, 5 TD) and the O-Line is also strong, allowing just 13 sacks last year (T-17th in nation).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 9
The improving defense returns nine starters, most notably DE Vinny Curry (12 sacks, 18 TFL) up front, and LB Kellen Harris (68 tackles) who will be counted on to help offset the loss of stud LB Mario Harvey who had 143 tackles and 8.5 sacks. The entire secondary returns, featuring safeties Omar and Donald Brown (163 tackles and 6 INT combined). CB Rashad Jackson also has great ball skills (3 INT, 7 PD).

2011 Schedule:
Sun, Sept. 4 – at West Virginia
Sat, Sept. 10 – Southern Miss
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Ohio
Sat, Sept. 24 – Virginia Tech
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Louisville
Sat, Oct. 8 – at UCF
Sat, Oct. 15 – Rice
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Houston
Sat, Oct. 29 – UAB
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Tulsa
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Memphis
Sat, Nov. 26 – East Carolina

******* Take: The Herd could certainly start their season with six straight losses in a stretch that includes four road games and a pair of tough home contests. They host a Southern Miss team that will challenge for a conference title and then welcome ACC power Virginia Tech to Huntington. Marshall will likely get some easy victories in the second half of the season, but it has to travel to play the two best teams in the C-USA West in Houston and Tulsa. Prediction: 4-8 record.

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College Football Preview: Houston


HOUSTON COUGARS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 5-7 (4-4 in C-USA)
ATS Record: 5-7
Over/Under: 7-4
Points Scored: 37.7 PPG
Points Allowed: 32.2 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win C-USA West: 1/2
Odds to Win C-USA Championship: 12/5
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 15/1 (Field)
QB Case Keenum Odds to Win Heisman: 20/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Spread - Starters Returning: 6
Dynamic signal-caller Case Keenum returns for a sixth season determined to lead his Cougars to a C-USA title. Keenum (13,586 pass yds, 69% comp. rate, 107 TD, 41 INT; 20 rush TD in career) has a great supporting cast of skill players. TB Bryce Beall (870 rush yds, 12 TD) and WR Patrick Edwards (71 rec, 1,100 yds, 13 TD) were the team’s top gainers last year, and TB Charles Sims (1,457 yds from scrimmage, 10 TD in 2009) is back after being ineligible to play in 2010. The O-Line could be an area of concern with three starters gone.

Defense:
Base 34 - Starters Returning: 6
The defense was porous last year, allowing 451 YPG (111th in nation) and 30.1 PPG (ranked 95th). The front seven lost two productive players in DT Matangi Tonga and ILB Matt Nicholson, but DE Kelvin King (4 sacks) and LBs Marcus McGraw (110 tackles, 7 TFL) and Sammy Brown (7.5 sacks, 20 TFL) all return. The secondary has to replace three starters, including both cornerbacks, but FS Nick Saenz (72 tackles, 6 PD) and SS Roisean Haynes (45 tackles) comprise a strong last line of defense.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – UCLA
Sat, Sept. 10 – at North Texas
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Louisiana Tech
Sat, Sept. 24 – Georgia State
Thu, Sept. 29 – at UTEP
Sat, Oct. 8 – East Carolina
Sat, Oct. 22 – Marshall
Thu, Oct. 27 – Rice
Sat, Nov. 5 – at UAB
Thu, Nov. 10 – at Tulane
Sat, Nov. 19 – SMU
Sat, Nov. 26 – at Tulsa

******* Take: The Cougars have the schedule that make it possible to go undefeated. They don’t play the two best teams in the East (Southern Miss and UCF) and Houston should be significantly favored in every road contest leading up to the season finale at Tulsa, which will most likely determine the SEC West champion. If Case Keenum stays healthy, Houston should easily post double-digit wins. Prediction: 11-1 record.