College Football Preview (All Teams)

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College Football Preview: Troy

TROY TROJANS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 8-5 (6-2 in Sun Belt)
ATS Record: 5-8
Over/Under: 7-6
Points Scored: 34.1 PPG
Points Allowed: 30.2 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Sun Belt Championship: 12/5
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense: Multiple Spread - Starters Returning: 4
Defense: Base 43 - Starters Returning: 8
Troy should once again thrive in playing the role of favorites in the Sun Belt. The Trojans return talented sophomore QB Corey Robinson (3,726 pass yds, 28 TD), but they will need to find somebody to replace WR Jerrel Jurnigan’s production. Chip Reeves (515 rec yds, 5 TD) could have been that guy, but he, along with WR Jamel Johnson (258 rec yds), are academically ineligible for the fall. Defensively, Troy has plenty of room to improve (30.2 PPG, 410 YPG. DL Jonathan Massaquoi should dominate again (13.5 sacks, 20.5 TFL and 76 tackles).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – at Clemson
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Arkansas
Sat, Sept. 24 – Middle Tennessee
Sat, Oct. 1 – UAB
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Louisiana-Lafayette
Sat, Oct. 15 – Louisiana-Monroe
Tue, Oct. 25 – at Florida International
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Navy
Sat, Nov. 12 – North Texas
Sat, Nov. 19 – Florida Atlantic
Sat, Nov. 26 – at Western Kentucky
Sat, Dec. 3 – at Arkansas State

******* Take: This could be the most difficult season for Troy in quite a while, seeing as the Trojans have finished first (or tied for first) in the Sun Belt for five straight seasons. They play seven true road games, including taking on their two toughest SBC opponents on the road (Florida International and Arkansas State). Two non-conference venues aren’t kind to visitors include Clemson and Arkansas. That being said, Troy has the best quarterback and defensive unit in its conference, which should be enough to put the Trojans back on top of the standings again. Prediction: 8-4 record.

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College Football Preview: Western Kentucky


WESTERN KENTUCKY HILLTOPPERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 2-10 (2-6 in Sun Belt)
ATS Record: 7-5
Over/Under: 5-6-1
Points Scored: 22.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 33.2 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Sun Belt Championship: 25/2
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense: Pro Style - Starters Returning: 7
Defense: Base 43 - Starters Returning: 8
QB Kawaun Jakes (1,680 pass yds, 10 TD) returns, but he’ll need to improve his woeful 51.2% completion rate to get the Hilltoppers out of the Sun Belt Conference cellar. TB Bobby Rainey (1,649 rush yds, 15 TD) ranked third in the nation in rushing (137 YPG) and should continue to help take some pressure off Jakes. The defense allowed 33.2 PPG last year, and must increase its pathetic sack total from last year (11) to help the secondary.

2011 Schedule:
Thu, Sept. 1 – vs. Kentucky (in Nashville)
Sat, Sept. 10 – Navy
Sat, Sept. 17 – Indiana State
Sat, Oct. 1 – Arkansas State
Thu, Oct. 6 – at Middle Tennessee
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Florida Atlantic
Sat, Oct. 22 – Louisiana-Lafayette
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Louisiana-Monroe
Sat, Nov. 5 – Florida International
Sat, Nov. 12 – at LSU
Sat, Nov. 19 – at North Texas
Sat, Nov. 26 – Troy

******* Take: The Hilltoppers don’t play a true road game until October 6, starting out with a neutral-site game versus Kentucky and three home contests. A good start to the season can give this team confidence and a middle-of-the-pack finish in conference play, which is probably the best-case scenario. November is a brutal month for Western Kentucky, which has to play the best two Sun Belt teams (Florida International and Troy) and also travel to Baton Rouge to play one of the nation’s best teams in LSU. Prediction: 4-8 record

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College Football Preview: Fresno State


FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 8-5 (5-3 in WAC)
ATS Record: 5-7
Over/Under: 7-5
Points Scored: 29.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 30.0 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win WAC Championship: 3/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense: Multiple - Starters Returning: 7
Defense: Base 43 - Starters Returning: 5
A tough non-conference schedule awaits, including games versus Cal and Nebraska to open the season and a date with Boise State in October. Derek Carr, David’s younger brother, shined in the spring, and will take over at QB for Ryan Colburn. RB Robbie Rouse (1,129 yds, 5.5 YPC) should provide plenty on the ground, but losing four offensive linemen will hurt. Leading WR Jamel Hamler is gone, but Jalen Saunders (15.4 YPC) has big-play potential. The defense will need to improve after allowing 46.0 PPG in its five losses in 2010, and forcing just 13 turnovers all season (T3rd-fewest in nation).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – California (in San Francisco)
Sat, Sept. 10 – at Nebraska
Sat, Sept. 17 – North Dakota
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Idaho
Sat, Oct. 1 – Ole Miss
Fri, Oct. 7 – Boise State
Sat, Oct. 15 – Utah State
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Nevada
Sat, Nov. 5 – Louisiana Tech
Sat, Nov. 12 – at New Mexico State
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Hawaii
Sat, Nov. 26 – San Jose State
Sat, Dec. 3 – at San Diego State

******* Take: This schedule is extremely difficult as the Bulldogs play five non-conference games that they could easily lose (vs. Cal, at Nebraska, Ole Miss, Boise State, at San Diego State). In conference, Fresno also has an uphill battle to climb as it travels to both Nevada and Hawaii, the two schools with the best odds to win the WAC. The Bulldogs are good enough to make a bowl, but with four WAC road games, and a confidence-busting non-conference slate, don’t expect Fresno to finish ahead of Nevada or Hawaii in the conference. Prediction: 8-5 record.

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College Football Preview: Hawaii


HAWAII WARRIORS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 10-4 (7-1 in WAC)
ATS Record: 11-3
Over/Under: 6-7
Points Scored: 39.6 PPG
Points Allowed: 25.5 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win WAC Championship: 5/2
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense: Run-and-Shoot - Starters Returning: 3
Defense: Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
Hawaii returns the nation’s total offense leader in QB Bryant Moniz (5,040 pass yds, 39 TD), but not much else. Two of Moniz’s favorite targets, Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares, are gone, as is TB Alex Green. WR Royce Pollard (64 rec, 901 yds) will likely be Moniz’s go-to guy. The Warriors also need to replace four offensive linemen. DE Kamalu Umu and S Mana Silva will be missed, but Hawaii returns its starting linebackers, including Aaron Brown (5 sacks, 9.5 TFL) and star Corey Paredes (team-best 151 tackles).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Colorado
Sat, Sept. 10 – at Washington
Sat, Sept. 17 – at UNLV
Sat, Sept. 24 – UC Davis
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Louisiana Tech
Fri, Oct. 14 – at San Jose State
Sat, Oct. 22 – New Mexico State
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Idaho
Sat, Nov. 5 – Utah State
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Nevada
Sat, Nov. 19 – Fresno State
Sat, Nov. 26 – Tulane
Sat, Dec. 3 – BYU

******* Take: Hawaii plays a 13-game schedule during the regular season with seven home dates, including the final three. Playing at Washington will be the stiffest non-conference test, as BYU and Colorado both have to travel to the islands. The Nov. 12 showdown at conference favorite Nevada will likely determine whether or not the Warriors can win the WAC, but expect them to fall a game or two short of the Wolf Pack this season. Prediction: 9-4 record.

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College Football Preview: Idaho


IDAHO VANDALS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-7 (3-5 in WAC)
ATS Record: 6-7
Over/Under: 4-8
Points Scored: 26.6 PPG
Points Allowed: 28.3 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win WAC Championship: 14/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense: Multiple - Starters Returning: 5
Defense: Base 43 - Starters Returning: 8
Brian Reader (5 TD, 1 INT) takes over for Nathan Enderle as the Vandals’ QB, but the real question is who will run the football (88 YPG, third-worst in FBS)? The offensive line returns three starters, but also needs to improve its pass protection after surrendering 45 sacks (third-most in FBS). Run defense is also a concern, as the Vandals allowed 189 rushing YPG and 5.0 YPC last season. They’ll also need to fill the void left by DE Aaron Lavarias and his 9.5 sacks. The LBs should be a strong unit with three senior starters, while the secondary also returns three starters including FS Gary Walker (58 tackles).

2011 Schedule:
Thu, Sept. 1 – Bowling Green
Sat, Sept. 10 – North Dakota
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Texas A&M
Sat, Sept. 24 – Fresno State
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Virginia
Sat, Oct. 8 – Louisiana Tech
Sat, Oct. 15 – at New Mexico State
Sat, Oct. 29 – Hawaii
Sat, Nov. 5 – at San Jose State
Sat, Nov. 12 – at BYU
Sat, Nov. 19 – Utah State
Sat, Dec. 3 – at Nevada

******* Take: There aren’t a lot of easy games here, especially outside of WAC play as the Vandals visit Texas A&M, BYU and Virginia. But within the WAC, Idaho has more home games (four) than away contests (three) and draws three of the top four conference foes at Kibbie Dome (Hawaii, Fresno State and Louisiana Tech). Idaho has improved as a road team in the past two seasons (5-8) after going 6-48 on the road from 2001 to 2008. Two winnable road games this year are at San Jose State and at New Mexico State, the worst team in the WAC. Prediction: 5-7 record.

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College Football Preview: Louisiana Tech


LOUISIANA TECH BULLDOGS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 5-7 (4-4 in WAC)
ATS Record: 5-7
Over/Under: 7-4
Points Scored: 26.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 30.7 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win WAC Championship: 6/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense: Spread - Starters Returning: 6
Defense: Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
Colby Cameron looks to have the inside track as the Bulldogs’ starting QB, and they will need him to perform well after the team’s mediocre offensive showing in 2010 (26.8 PPG, 59th in nation). RB Lennon Creer (1,181 rush yds, 5.6 YPC, 10 TD) returns and should be able to take some heat off the passing game, and Tech also brings back four of its top five WRs. But the Bulldogs lost three starters on the offensive line, and the defense, which allowed at least 35 points in eight games in 2010, brings back playmaking DE Matt Broha (9 sacks). The back seven has to get better (290 pass YPG).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – at Southern Miss
Sat, Sept. 10 – Central Arkansas
Sat, Sept. 17 – Houston
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Mississippi State
Sat, Oct. 1 – Hawaii
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Idaho
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Utah State
Sat, Oct. 29 – San Jose State
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Fresno State
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Ole Miss
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Nevada
Sat, Nov. 26 – New Mexico State

******* Take: The Bulldogs have seven road games on the schedule including three ominous trips to the state of Mississippi: at Southern Miss, at Mississippi State and at Ole Miss. They also play two of the top three WAC teams on the road (Nevada, Fresno State) and have two tough home contests in Conference USA favorite Houston and offensive juggernaut Hawaii. A winning season would be quite an achievement given all of this. Prediction: 6-6 record.

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College Football Preview: Nevada


NEVADA WOLF PACK

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 13-1 (7-1 in WAC)
ATS Record: 7-7
Over/Under: 5-8
Points Scored: 41.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 21.4 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win WAC Championship: 2/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense: Pistol - Starters Returning: 6
Defense: Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
QB Colin Kaepernick and TB Vai Taua leave 426 YPG of offense to be replaced. Tyler Lantrip is the front-runner to start at QB, and he’ll be throwing the ball to Rishard Matthews (879 yds) quite a bit. Lampford Mark (7.5 YPC) Mike Ball (6.8 YPC), Stefphon Jefferson and Nick Hale will share rushing duties. The defense surrendered only 21.4 PPG, but could be better with leading tackler James-Michael Johnson (88 tackles, 8 TFL) and DT Brett Roy (eight sacks) back. The defense forced 24 turnovers and had 35 sacks (T-13th in nation), but will need to pick up the offense early in this season.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 10 – at Oregon
Sat, Sept. 17 – at San Jose State
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Texas Tech
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Boise State
Sat, Oct. 8 – UNLV
Sat, Oct. 15 – New Mexico
Sat, Oct. 22 – Fresno State
Sat, Oct. 29 – at New Mexico State
Sat, Nov. 12 – Hawaii
Sat, Nov. 19 – Louisiana Tech
Sat, Nov. 26 – at Utah State
Sat, Dec. 3 – Idaho

******* Take: The Wolf Pack don’t play their first home game until Oct. 8, traveling to three formidable foes early in the season in Oregon, Boise State and Texas Tech. Despite this scheduling difficulty, Nevada has easily the most favorable WAC schedule of any team. The four home games are against its four strongest conference foes (Hawaii, Fresno State, Louisiana Tech and Idaho), while the trio of road dates is against the three worst WAC teams (San Jose State, Utah State and New Mexico State). The Wolf Pack will continue to improve throughout the season and should finish with a WAC title. Prediction: 8-4 record.

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College Football Preview: New Mexico State


NEW MEXICO STATE AGGIES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 2-10 (1-7 in WAC)
ATS Record: 4-8
Over/Under: 5-7
Points Scored: 15.7 PPG
Points Allowed: 39.5 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win WAC Championship: 33/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense: Spread - Starters Returning: 7
Defense: Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
It was an ugly season for the Aggies, who scored 16 points or less in seven games and allowed at least 40 points in seven contests. New Mexico State returns QB Matt Christian (8 TD, 2 INT), leading rusher Kenny Turner (461 yds) and its offensive line, which allowed only 20 sacks. The Aggies will need playmakers in the passing game after losing top receivers WR Marcus Allen and TE Kyle Nelson. The defense could also use some big plays after collecting only nine sacks and 42 TFL (both second-worst in nation).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Ohio
Sat, Sept. 10 – at Minnesota
Sat, Sept. 17 – UTEP
Sat, Sept. 24 – at San Jose State
Sat, Oct. 1 – at New Mexico
Sat, Oct. 15 – Idaho
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Hawaii
Sat, Oct. 29 – Nevada
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Georgia
Sat, Nov. 12 – Fresno State
Sat, Nov. 19 – at BYU
Sat, Nov. 26 – at Louisiana Tech
Sat, Dec. 3 – Utah State

******* Take: You’d think a 2-10 team would schedule some FCS cupcakes, but not NMSU. The Aggies play six non-conference games, including road trips to Georgia, BYU, Minnesota and rival New Mexico. Home games with Ohio and UTEP could also wind up as defeats. It’s very possible that NMSU could be 0-12 entering the season finale against Utah State, which could be the only opponent the Aggies are favored to beat all year. Prediction: 2-11 record.

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College Football Preview: San Jose State


SAN JOSE STATE SPARTANS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 1-12 (0-8 in WAC)
ATS Record: 5-7
Over/Under: 5-6
Points Scored: 16.1 PPG
Points Allowed: 34.7 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win WAC Championship: 16/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense: Pistol - Starters Returning: 7
Defense: Base 43 - Starters Returning: 9
The Spartans were 1-12 overall, and 0-8 in the WAC. QB Jordan La Secla is gone, and the QB race is wide open amongst Matt Faulkner, Dasmen Stewart and Blake Jurich. TB Brandon Rutley (461 rush yds, 3.6 YPC) is back for the nation’s second-worst rushing attack (79 YPG). Although leading WR Jalal Beauchman has moved on, the position is in good hands with Noel Grigsby (822 yds, 14.7 avg) and Chandler Jones (54 rec, 474 yds). The D will get much-needed help from LB Keith Smith (116 tackles, 14 TFL) and DE Travis Johnson (7.5 sacks). SJSU allowed 464 YPG (fourth-worst in nation).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – at Stanford
Sat, Sept. 10 – at UCLA
Sat, Sept. 17 – Nevada
Sat, Sept. 24 – New Mexico State
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Colorado State
Sat, Oct. 8 – at BYU
Fri, Oct. 14 – Hawaii
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Louisiana Tech
Sat, Nov. 5 – Idaho
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Utah State
Sat, Nov. 19 – Navy
Sat, Nov. 26 – at Fresno State

******* Take: SJSU lost four WAC games by seven points or fewer last year, and its defense will surely improve this season. But there just aren’t enough spots for easy wins on the 2011 schedule, especially with seven road games and only five home contests. Included in that road schedule are non-conference dates with Stanford, UCLA, BYU and Colorado State. Three tough home games also loom in Nevada, Hawaii and Navy. In the past two seasons, the Spartans are 3-22 overall and 1-15 in conference play. This year should be more of the same. Prediction: 2-10 record.

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College Football Preview: Utah State


UTAH STATE AGGIES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 4-8 (2-6 in WAC)
ATS Record: 5-7
Over/Under: 3-7-1
Points Scored: 22.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 33.8 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win WAC Championship: 20/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense: Multiple - Starters Returning: 8
Defense: Base 43 - Starters Returning: 5
The Aggies open the season at national champion Auburn, and they’ll do so without three-year starting QB Diondre Borel. Jeremy Higgins transferred to Hawaii, which makes it a quarterback race between Adam Kennedy and Alex Hart. The OL returns four starters, but Utah State loses its top rusher in Derrvin Speight. TB Kerwynn Williams (451 rush yds, 5.6 YPC) has the ability to enjoy a breakout season. The defense allowed 33.8 PPG and 429 YPG, and the defensive front seven had only 13 sacks in 2010. However, DE Levi Koskan (4.5 sacks) and LB Bobby Wagner (team-best 133 tackles) remain.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – at Auburn
Sat, Sept. 10 – Weber State
Sat, Sept. 24 – Colorado State
Fri, Sept. 30 – at BYU
Sat, Oct. 8 – Wyoming
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Fresno State
Sat, Oct. 22 – Louisiana Tech
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Hawaii
Sat, Nov. 12 – San Jose State
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Idaho
Sat, Nov. 26 – Nevada
Sat, Dec. 3 – at New Mexico State

******* Take: The Aggies play four WAC games on the road, which is a big reason they are such longshots to win the conference. Although their 11-29 WAC record over the past five seasons is as big a reason as any not to take a chance on them. Utah State has some winnable non-conference games, namely Weber State and Wyoming, and the easier part of the WAC schedule comes at the end of the season. Three of the final four games are against San Jose State, Idaho and New Mexico State, the three weakest conference opponents according to the oddsmakers. Prediction: 4-8 record.

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College Football Preview: Boston College


BOSTON COLLEGE EAGLES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 7-6 (4-4 in ACC)
ATS Record: 6-6
Over/Under: 2-10
Points Scored: 18.5 PPG
Points Allowed: 19.5 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win ACC Championship: 15/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 100/1

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

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

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Northwestern
Sat, Sept. 10 – at UCF
Sat, Sept. 17 – Duke
Sat, Sept. 24 – Massachusetts
Sat, Oct. 1 – Wake Forest
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Clemson
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Virginia Tech
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Maryland
Thu, Nov. 3 – Florida State
Sat, Nov. 12 – NC State
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Notre Dame
Fri, Nov. 25 – at Miami (FL)

******* Take: The Eagles certainly have enough talent on both sides of the ball to make another bowl appearance, but this schedule is pretty brutal. They have to play on the road against the top two Coastal Division teams (Virginia Tech and Miami) and have two more tough non-conference away games at Notre Dame and at UCF. BC will be a home dog to conference favorite Florida State, and will also be tested at home by both Northwestern and NC State. Prediction: 7-5 record.

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College Football Preview: Clemson


CLEMSON TIGERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-7 (4-4 in ACC)
ATS Record: 5-8
Over/Under: 2-10
Points Scored: 24.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 18.8 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win ACC Championship: 9/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 100/1

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

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

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Troy
Sat, Sept. 10 – Wofford
Sat, Sept. 17 – Auburn
Sat, Sept. 24 – Florida State
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Virginia Tech
Sat, Oct. 8 – Boston College
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Maryland
Sat, Oct. 22 – North Carolina
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Georgia Tech
Sat, Nov. 12 – Wake Forest
Sat, Nov. 19 – at NC State
Sat, Nov. 26 – at South Carolina

******* Take: Ten of Clemson’s 11 FBS opponents played in bowl games last year with six of those opponents finishing with 9+ wins. They also don’t have the luxury of playing the two worst Coastal Division teams in Virginia and Duke. But the good news is that the Tigers play seven home games, including four straight to start the season. The only time they will likely be home underdogs is to Florida State, and could possibly be favored in three road games (Maryland, Georgia Tech and NC State). Prediction: 7-5 record.

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College Football Preview: Duke


DUKE BLUE DEVILS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 3-9 (1-7 in ACC)
ATS Record: 5-5-1
Over/Under: 5-6
Points Scored: 25.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 35.4 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win ACC Championship: 100/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

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

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

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Richmond
Sat, Sept. 10 – Stanford
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Boston College
Sat, Sept. 24 – Tulane
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Florida International
Sat, Oct. 15 – Florida State
Sat, Oct. 22 – Wake Forest
Sat, Oct. 29 – Virginia Tech
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Miami (FL)
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Virginia
Sat, Nov. 19 – Georgia Tech
Sat, Nov. 26 – at North Carolina

******* Take: The Blue Devils have a pretty favorable schedule with seven home games, including two easy non-conference games versus Richmond and Tulane. However, they will be heavy underdogs in three Durham tilts, when they host Stanford, Florida State and Virginia Tech. Duke visits Miami twice during the year to take on Miami (FL) and Florida International, but does not have to play two of the three best Atlantic Division schools in Clemson and NC State. To summarize, the Blue Devils have all the right ingredients to become bowl eligible. Prediction: 6-6 record.

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College Football Preview: Florida State


FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 10-4 (6-3 in ACC)
ATS Record: 7-6
Over/Under: 4-9
Points Scored: 31.4 PPG
Points Allowed: 19.6 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win ACC Championship: 7/4
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 8/1

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

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

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Louisiana-Monroe
Sat, Sept. 10 – Charleston Southern
Sat, Sept. 17 – Oklahoma
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Clemson
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Wake Forest
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Duke
Sat, Oct. 22 – Maryland
Sat, Oct. 29 – NC State
Thu, Nov. 3 – at Boston College
Sat, Nov. 12 – Miami (FL)
Sat, Nov. 19 – Virginia
Sat, Nov. 26 – at Florida

******* Take: FSU certainly has the schedule set up to go unbeaten in conference play. The Seminoles don’t face the ACC’s other top dog Virginia Tech, but they do get to play Coastal Division bottom feeders Duke and Virginia. Trips to Clemson and B.C. could be dangerous, but the Seminoles were 6-1 on the road last year, and should win both of those games as well. The two biggest challenges on FSU’s schedule will be Sept. 17 hosting an Oklahoma team many pundits are picking to win the national championship, and the season finale on Nov. 26 in Gainesville against rival Florida. The ‘Noles could certainly win both of these matchups, but it’s just too difficult to finish the regular season without a blemish these days. Prediction: 11-1 record.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Georgia Tech


GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-7 (4-4 in ACC)
ATS Record: 5-6-1
Over/Under: 5-7
Points Scored: 26.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 25.2 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win ACC Championship: 25/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 100/1

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

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

2011 Schedule:
Thu, Sept. 1 – Western Carolina
Sat, Sept. 10 – at Middle Tennessee State
Sat, Sept. 17 – Kansas
Sat, Sept. 24 – North Carolina
Sat, Oct. 1 – at NC State
Sat, Oct. 8 – Maryland
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Virginia
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Miami (FL)
Sat, Oct. 29 – Clemson
Thu, Nov. 10 – Virginia Tech
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Duke
Sat, Nov. 26 – Georgia

******* Take: There are many pitfalls to Georgia Tech’s schedule with eight opponents coming off a bowl appearance from last season. The Wramblin’ Wreck drew a seven-game home schedule, which is a great thing for a team with a 15-4 home mark over the past three years. However, some of these home contests will certainly end in defeat with a slate that includes Virginia Tech, Clemson, North Carolina and Georgia. Luckily for the Yellow Jackets, they should be able to tally road wins against Middle Tennessee State and Virginia. That won’t be enough to put this team in a bowl, though. Prediction: 5-7 record.