College Football Preview (All Teams)

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College Football Preview: Maryland


MARYLAND TERRAPINS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 9-4 (5-3 in ACC)
ATS Record: 9-4
Over/Under: 7-4-1
Points Scored: 32.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 22.2 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win ACC Championship: 15/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 100/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 7
Randy Edsall takes over a Maryland program that improved by seven wins (2 to 9) in 2010. QB Danny O’Brien (2,438 pass yards, 22 TD, 8 INT) played very well as freshman and had a great spring in new OC Gary Crowton’s up-tempo system. O’Brien loses WR Torrey Smith, but senior Ronnie Tyler (61 rec, 720 yds in career) and juniors Kerry Boykins and Kevin Dorsey form an adequate WR trio. Leading rusher Davin Meggett (720 rush yds, 5.6 YPC) will be the key to this offense, which racked up 38.2 PPG in its last six games.

Defense:
Base 34 - Starters Returning: 5
New DC Todd Bradford is excited about his unit that allowed just 4.7 yards per play (3.4 YPC) last year. The D-Line returns three starters, but lacks a monster pass-rushing DE. Despite the loss of leading tackler MLB Alex Wujciak, junior WLB Demetrius Hartsfield (88 tackles) returns. The secondary is excellent, led by senior CBs Cameron Chism and Trenton Hughes.

2011 Schedule:
Mon, Sept. 5 – Miami (FL)
Sat, Sept. 17 – West Virginia
Sat, Sept. 24 – Temple
Sat, Oct. 1 – Towson
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Georgia Tech
Sat, Oct. 15 – Clemson
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Florida State
Sat, Oct. 29 – Boston College
Sat, Nov. 5 – Virginia
Sat, Nov. 12 – vs. Notre Dame (in Landover, MD)
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Wake Forest
Sat, Nov. 26 – at NC State

******* Take: The Terps will be tested right off the bat, hosting Miami on Labor Day and then Big East power West Virginia 12 days later. Otherwise, this schedule is quite favorable. They only leave home once in the first six games and will play eight times in the state of Maryland. Three of the four road trips are winnable (with the exception being at Florida State), and Coastal favorite Virginia Tech is not on the schedule. Maryland should have little problem earning another bowl bid this season. Prediction: 7-5 record.

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College Football Preview: Miami (FL)

MIAMI (FL) HURRICANES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 7-6 (5-3 in ACC)
ATS Record: 5-8
Over/Under: 4-7-1
Points Scored: 26.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 20.7 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win ACC Championship: 9/2
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Single Back - Starters Returning: 6
Former Temple head coach Al Golden takes over the top spot for a talented Miami team, which is reportedly on board with the new offensive and defensive schemes. The biggest question for the Hurricanes is who the starting QB will be, Jacory Harris (14 TD, 15 INT) or Stephen Morris (7 TD, 9 INT)? Golden and new OC Jedd Fisch are expected to wait until mid-August to name a starter. Speedy RB Lamar Miller (6.0 YPC) finished the spring No. 1 on the depth chart, but slasher Mike James (5.7 YPC) will also figure prominently in the rushing attack. Leonard Hankerson departs, but senior WR Travis Benjamin (17.3 yds per catch) is a true playmaker.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
New DC Mark D’Onofrio left Temple with Golden, and is thrilled with his defense. Miami led the nation with 115 TFL and ranked third in passing defense (151 YPG). MLB Colin McCarthy (120 tackles) and OLB Sean Spence (16 TFL) lead a strong front seven, but the ‘Canes must replace both starting corners.

2011 Schedule:
Mon, Sept. 5 – at Maryland
Sat, Sept. 17 – Ohio State
Sat, Sept. 24 – Kansas State
Sat, Oct. 1 – Bethune Cookman
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Virginia Tech
Sat, Oct. 15 – at North Carolina
Sat, Oct. 22 – Georgia Tech
Thu, Oct. 27 – Virginia
Sat, Nov. 5 – Duke
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Florida State
Sat, Nov. 19 – at South Florida
Sat, Nov. 26 – Boston College

******* Take: The Hurricanes usually play a difficult schedule and this is no exception with three difficult non-conference games against Ohio State, Kansas State and at South Florida. In ACC play, they have to travel on the road against the conference’s two elite teams (Virginia Tech and Florida State), but they have a pretty easy ACC home schedule. Miami will likely play in a lot of close games this year and if it can upset Virginia Tech, a conference title shot is not impossible. Prediction: 9-3 record.

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College Football Preview: North Carolina


NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 8-5 (4-4 in ACC)
ATS Record: 7-5
Over/Under: 5-7
Points Scored: 25.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 23.2 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win ACC Championship: 8/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 100/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Pro Style - Starters Returning: 6
Uncertainty surrounds the 2011 Tar Heels, as head coach Butch Davis was fired less than two weeks before preseason practice begins. There are also question marks on the field, as sophomore QB Bryn Renner only has two career pass attempts, but will try to fill the shoes of the departed T.J. Yates. The 6-foot-3 Renner does have dynamic senior WR Dwight Jones (62 rec, 946 yds, 4 TD) as his favorite target, but the two other players with 30+ catches last year, TEs Zack Pianalto and Ryan Taylor have both graduated. UNC ranked 94th in rushing offense (126 YPG) and lost three RB that totaled 1,653 rushing yards last season. Senior RB Ryan Houston led the Heels with 713 rushing yards and 9 TD in 2009 before redshirting in 2010. He broke his shoulder blade in the spring game, but is expected back on the field in August.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
The defensive line remains intact and very good with Quinton Coples (10 sacks) and Donte Paige-Moss (7 sacks), but MLB Kevin Reddick (74 tackles) is one of only two returning starters in the back seven.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – James Madison
Sat, Sept. 10 – Rutgers
Sat, Sept. 17 – Virginia
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Georgia Tech
Sat, Oct. 1 – at East Carolina
Sat, Oct. 8 – Louisville
Sat, Oct. 15 – Miami (FL)
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Clemson
Sat, Oct. 29 – Wake Forest
Sat, Nov. 5 – at NC State
Thu, Nov. 17 – at Virginia Tech
Sat, Nov. 26 – Duke

******* Take: With seven home games they should be favored in (with the possible exception of Miami), the Tar Heels will have no trouble making a bowl. The lack of FSU on the schedule gives them more optimistic ACC title hopes, but trips to Clemson and Virginia Tech will be quite difficult. The non-conference slate features two Big East teams (Rutgers and Louisville) and a trip to East Carolina, which could be dangerous. Prediction: 8-4 record.

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College Football Preview: Miami (FL)


MIAMI (FL) HURRICANES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 7-6 (5-3 in ACC)
ATS Record: 5-8
Over/Under: 4-7-1
Points Scored: 26.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 20.7 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win ACC Championship: 9/2
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Single Back - Starters Returning: 6
Former Temple head coach Al Golden takes over the top spot for a talented Miami team, which is reportedly on board with the new offensive and defensive schemes. The biggest question for the Hurricanes is who the starting QB will be, Jacory Harris (14 TD, 15 INT) or Stephen Morris (7 TD, 9 INT)? Golden and new OC Jedd Fisch are expected to wait until mid-August to name a starter. Speedy RB Lamar Miller (6.0 YPC) finished the spring No. 1 on the depth chart, but slasher Mike James (5.7 YPC) will also figure prominently in the rushing attack. Leonard Hankerson departs, but senior WR Travis Benjamin (17.3 yds per catch) is a true playmaker.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
New DC Mark D’Onofrio left Temple with Golden, and is thrilled with his defense. Miami led the nation with 115 TFL and ranked third in passing defense (151 YPG). MLB Colin McCarthy (120 tackles) and OLB Sean Spence (16 TFL) lead a strong front seven, but the ‘Canes must replace both starting corners.

2011 Schedule:
Mon, Sept. 5 – at Maryland
Sat, Sept. 17 – Ohio State
Sat, Sept. 24 – Kansas State
Sat, Oct. 1 – Bethune Cookman
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Virginia Tech
Sat, Oct. 15 – at North Carolina
Sat, Oct. 22 – Georgia Tech
Thu, Oct. 27 – Virginia
Sat, Nov. 5 – Duke
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Florida State
Sat, Nov. 19 – at South Florida
Sat, Nov. 26 – Boston College

******* Take: The Hurricanes usually play a difficult schedule and this is no exception with three difficult non-conference games against Ohio State, Kansas State and at South Florida. In ACC play, they have to travel on the road against the conference’s two elite teams (Virginia Tech and Florida State), but they have a pretty easy ACC home schedule. Miami will likely play in a lot of close games this year and if it can upset Virginia Tech, a conference title shot is not impossible. Prediction: 9-3 record.

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College Football Preview: North Carolina State


NORTH CAROLINA STATE WOLFPACK

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 9-4 (5-3 in ACC)
ATS Record: 9-3
Over/Under: 4-8
Points Scored: 31.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 21.3 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win ACC Championship: 25/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 100/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Pro Style - Starters Returning: 6
The Wolfpack lose QB Russell Wilson, the ACC’s total offense leader, but head coach Tom O’Brien loves 6-foot-6 junior Mike Glennon, even comparing him to former BC great Matt Ryan with his throwing motion and intangibles. Glennon will need to be a leader as NC State loses its top three receivers from last year. Senior WRs T.J. Graham (25 rec) and Steven Howard (12 rec) will likely be the starters. The rushing attack should improve its No. 95 rank (123 YPG) with a healthy Mustafa Greene (869 total yds, 6 TD).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 8
The opportunistic defense, which tied for fourth in the nation in sacks (41) and forced 36 fumbles last year, returns eight starters. OLBs Audie Cole (86 tackles, 10 TFL) and Terrell Manning (75 tackles, 10.5 TFL) lead this unit, which lost two starting linemen, but returns all four starters in the secondary.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Liberty
Sat, Sept. 10 – at Wake Forest
Sat, Sept. 17 – South Alabama
Thu, Sept. 22 – at Cincinnati
Sat, Oct. 1 – Georgia Tech
Sat, Oct. 8 – Central Michigan
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Virginia
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Florida State
Sat, Nov. 5 – North Carolina
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Boston College
Sat, Nov. 19 – Clemson
Sat, Nov. 26 – Maryland

******* Take: With no Virginia Tech or Miami (the two best ACC Coastal teams) on the schedule, NC State could make some noise in the conference this season. The first half of the 2011 slate is quite soft, with a real possibility the Wolf Pack jumping out to a 7-0 start to the season. The opponents are better in November, but three of those ACC foes must come into Raleigh. Prediction: 8-4 record.

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College Football Preview: Virginia


VIRGINIA CAVALIERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 4-8 (1-7 in ACC)
ATS Record: 5-6
Over/Under: 5-5
Points Scored: 25.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 28.3 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win ACC Championship: 60/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 8
Mike London’s first year as head coach didn’t turn out so well (4-8, 1-7 in ACC), and now he loses graduated leaders in QB Marc Verica, RB Keith Payne and WR Dontrelle Inman. Four QBs (two freshmen, two sophomores) will all compete to start. TB Perry Jones (870 total yds, 4.7 YPC) and WR Kris Burd (58 rec, 799 yds, 5 TD) will be the keys on offense.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 9
The defense had problems adjusting to the 4-3 last year, but most of the unit returns to hopefully improve on 204 rushing YPG allowed and just five fumble takeaways. The strength of the defense will be its three leading tacklers – SLB LaRoy Reynolds (66 tackles), MLB Steve Greer (59 tackles) and WLB Ausar Walcott (56 tackles). Senior DE Cam Johnson (6.5 sacks, 14.5 TFL) needs a few of his linemates to help out, and take pressure off an improving secondary.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – William & Mary
Sat, Sept. 10 – at Indiana
Sat, Sept. 17 – at North Carolina
Sat, Sept. 24 – Southern Mississippi
Sat, Oct. 1 – Idaho
Sat, Oct. 15 – Georgia Tech
Sat, Oct. 22 – NC State
Thu, Oct. 27 – at Miami (FL)
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Maryland
Sat, Nov. 12 – Duke
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Florida State
Sat, Nov. 26 – Virginia Tech

******* Take: Despite a manageable, seven-game home schedule, another lean season appears to be in store for the Cavaliers. The offense needs to adjust quickly and take care of business early in the season, because the final six contests are a bear with road trips to Miami, Maryland and Florida State. Virginia could certainly go bowling with strong quarterback play, but it’s more likely the Cavs will fall short of a .500 season. Prediction: 5-7 record.

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College Football Preview: Virginia Tech


VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 11-3 (9-0 in ACC)
ATS Record: 10-4
Over/Under: 6-7
Points Scored: 33.9 PPG
Points Allowed: 20.6 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win ACC Championship: 7/4
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 15/1

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 6
Although many players are gone from this team that won 11 straight games (after losing to James Madison), the Hokies still have the talent to win the ACC again. They led the nation with a +19 turnover margin and had a scoring margin of 13.3 PPG. Sophomore Logan Thomas takes over for Tyrod Taylor, the winningest QB in school history. Thomas had a superb spring, and he will benefit from four senior offensive linemen protecting him. He also has a strong supporting cast with RB David Wilson (11 total TD, 5.5 YPC) and senior WRs Jarrett Boykin (53 rec, 847 yds, 6 TD) and Danny Coale (732 rec yds, 18.8 avg).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
The defensive line will miss DE Steven Friday and his 14 TFL, but DEs J.R. Collins (5 sacks) and James Gayle (4 sacks) are capable of bigger things. Bruce Taylor (91 tackles, 6 sacks, 15.5 TFL) leads a solid linebacker corps, and the secondary is excellent with CB Jayron Hosley coming off a nation-leading nine interceptions.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Appalachian State
Sat, Sept. 10 – at East Carolina
Sat, Sept. 17 – Arkansas State
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Marshall
Sat, Oct. 1 – Clemson
Sat, Oct. 8 – Miami (FL)
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Wake Forest
Sat, Oct. 22 – Boston College
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Duke
Thu, Nov. 10 – at Georgia Tech
Thu, Nov. 17 – North Carolina
Sat, Nov. 26 – at Virginia

******* Take: This is the perfect schedule for a good team to become great with some confident boosters early in the season. Although neither C-USA opponent East Carolina or Marshall figures to challenge for their conference crown, these could be the two most difficult road games for the Hokies all year. Virginia Tech’s four ACC road games are against arguably the four worst teams in the conference (Wake Forest, Virginia, Duke and Georgia Tech). The home slate is obviously much tougher. Although this team will likely play Florida State in the ACC Championship, the Hokies won’t be unbeaten heading into that Dec. 3 game. Prediction: 10-2 record.

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College Football Preview: Wake Forest


WAKE FOREST DEMON DEACONS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 3-9 (1-7 in ACC)
ATS Record: 4-8
Over/Under: 5-6
Points Scored: 22.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 35.8 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win ACC Championship: 100/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 7
The cupboard is pretty bare for Jim Grobe’s Wake Forest team coming off a 3-9 season. The offense ranked 108th in yards (302 YPG) and 91st in points (22.8 PPG), while the defense was 101st in yardage (431 YPG) and 110th in scoring (35.8 PPG). QB Tanner Price (7 TD, 8 INT) finished his freshman year with no TD tosses in his final four games, a span of 85 pass attempts. It doesn’t help Price that his receiving corps is paper-thin after Chris Givens (35 rec, 514 yds, 4 TD). But TB Josh Harris (720 rush yds, 5.7 YPC, 7 TD) should be able to help sustain a decent ground game.

Defense:
Base 34 - Starters Returning: 9
The D-Line is still suspect, but undersized DT Nikita Whitlock is highly skilled, and Grobe thinks DE Zach Thompson can play at an All-ACC level. Wake lost its two ILBs, and will depend on OLB Kyle Wilber (6 sacks, 14.5 TFL) even more. The secondary, which started three freshmen to close the season, is still subpar.

2011 Schedule:
Thu, Sept. 1 – at Syracuse
Sat, Sept. 10 – NC State
Sat, Sept. 17 – Gardner-Webb
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Boston College
Sat, Oct. 8 – Florida State
Sat, Oct. 15 – Virginia Tech
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Duke
Sat, Oct. 29 – at North Carolina
Sat, Nov. 5 – Notre Dame
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Clemson
Sat, Nov. 19 – Maryland
Sat, Nov. 26 – Vanderbilt

******* Take: Other than Gardner-Webb, there is no opponent on this schedule that Wake Forest can definitely beat. The Deacons will most likely be underdogs to the other 11 teams they play, which includes three improved non-conference opponents (Syracuse, Notre Dame and Vanderbilt). Wake’s best chances to avoid a winless ACC season will be in Week 2 versus NC State and Oct. 22 at Duke. Prediction: 2-10 record.

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College Football Preview: Baylor


BAYLOR BEARS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 7-6 (4-4 in Big 12)
ATS Record: 5-7
Over/Under: 7-5
Points Scored: 31.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 30.5 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 100/1

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

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

2011 Schedule:
Fri, Sept. 2 – TCU
Sat, Sept. 17 – Stephen F. Austin
Sat, Sept. 24 – Rice
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Kansas State
Sat, Oct. 8 – Iowa State
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Texas A&M
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Oklahoma State
Sat, Nov. 5 – Missouri
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Kansas
Sat, Nov. 19 – Oklahoma
Sat, Nov. 26 – vs. Texas Tech (in Arlington)
Sat, Dec. 3 – Texas

******* Take: The Bears only play four true road games in their 12 contests. They should be able to easily win three home games (Stephen F. Austin, Rice, Iowa State), but the other four visitors are all formidable foes (Oklahoma, TCU, Texas and Missouri). Baylor has been a strong road team in the past two seasons (5-5), making their trips to Kansas and Kansas State very winnable, as is the neutral-site game versus Texas Tech. The Bears aren’t likely to challenge the top dogs in the Big 12, but they should be able to post back-to-back winning seasons. Prediction: 7-5 record.

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College Football Preview: Kansas


KANSAS JAYHAWKS

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

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

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

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – McNeese State
Sat, Sept. 10 – Northern Illinois
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Georgia Tech
Sat, Oct. 1 – Texas Tech
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Oklahoma State
Sat, Oct. 15 – Oklahoma
Sat, Oct. 22 – Kansas State
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Texas
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Iowa State
Sat, Nov. 12 – Baylor
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Texas A&M
Sat, Nov. 26 – vs. Missouri (in Kansas City)

******* Take: The Jayhawks are 2-14 in Big 12 play over the past two seasons, and that record doesn’t expect to improve much this year. The only three conference games they should be competitive in are home versus Texas Tech and rival Kansas State, and possibly a trip to Ames to visit Iowa State. The non-conference schedule isn’t too terrible with McNeese State and a rebuilding Georgia Tech program, but Northern Illinois is a quality team that could win the MAC. Prediction: 3-9 record.

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College Football Preview: Iowa State


IOWA STATE CYCLONES

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

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

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

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Northern Iowa
Sat, Sept. 10 – Iowa
Fri, Sept. 16 – at Connecticut
Sat, Oct. 1 – Texas
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Baylor
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Missouri
Sat, Oct. 22 – Texas A&M
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Texas Tech
Sat, Nov. 5 – Kansas
Fri, Nov. 18 – Oklahoma State
Sat, Nov. 26 – at Oklahoma
Sat, Dec. 3 – at Kansas State

******* Take: The Cyclones surprised many pundits with three conference wins last year, but they will be hard-pressed to duplicate that feat this season. They only have four Big 12 home games (five on the road), and Kansas will be the only school they will be favored to beat in conference play. ISU also has two tough non-conference games against in-state foe Iowa and at Connecticut. Prediction: 2-10 record.

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College Football Preview: Kansas State


KANSAS STATE WILDCATS

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

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

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

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Eastern Kentucky
Sat, Sept. 17 – Kent State
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Miami (FL)
Sat, Oct. 1 – Baylor
Sat, Oct. 8 – Missouri
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Texas Tech
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Kansas
Sat, Oct. 29 – Oklahoma
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Oklahoma State
Sat, Nov. 12 – Texas A&M
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Texas
Sat, Dec. 3 – Iowa State

******* Take: With four home games in the first five contests, the Wildcats have the ability to start strong and build some serious momentum. Kansas State has a favorable Big 12 schedule with five home games and winnable road dates at Texas Tech and at Kansas. They should also win four or five home games, with the only certain losses coming to conference favorites Oklahoma and Texas A&M. The Sooners and Aggies loom as part of a brutal four-game stretch that also includes trips to Oklahoma State and Texas, possibly the third and fourth-best teams in the Big 12. Prediction: 6-6 record.

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College Football Preview: Missouri


MISSOURI TIGERS

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

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

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

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Miami Ohio
Fri, Sept. 9 – at Arizona State
Sat, Sept. 17 – Western Illinois
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Oklahoma
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Kansas State
Sat, Oct. 15 – Iowa State
Sat, Oct. 22 – Oklahoma State
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Texas A&M
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Baylor
Sat, Nov. 12 – Texas
Sat, Nov. 19 – Texas Tech
Sat, Nov. 26 – vs. Kansas (in Kansas City)

******* Take: The Tigers will have a very tough time on the road this year, with games at Oklahoma and Texas A&M, the two best teams in the Big 12. Going to Baylor and Kansas State will also be no picnic, and they also visit a Top 25-caliber team in Arizona State. Missouri should rack up some easy home wins (Western Illinois, Iowa State and Texas Tech), but Oklahoma State and Texas will not be pushovers, and Miami Ohio is the defending MAC champion. The Tigers will reach a bowl game, but they won’t come close to 10 wins again. Prediction: 7-5 record.

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College Football Preview: Oklahoma


OKLAHOMA SOONERS

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

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

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

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Tulsa
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Florida State
Sat, Sept. 24 – Missouri
Sat, Oct. 1 – Ball State
Sat, Oct. 8 – vs. Texas (in Dallas)
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Kansas
Sat, Oct. 22 – Texas Tech
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Kansas State
Sat, Nov. 5 – Texas A&M
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Baylor
Sat, Nov. 26 – Iowa State
Sat, Dec. 3 – at Oklahoma State

******* Take: The Sooners will be tested early in the year with a trip to Tallahassee to take on a Florida State team with national title hopes. But after that game, there doesn’t expect to be many challenges. The three most dangerous Big 12 opponents will be Texas (neutral site), Texas A&M (in Norman) and the season finale at rival Oklahoma State. Expect a slip-up in one of these games to prevent the Sooners from a perfect season, but they should still be kings of the Big 12 once again. Prediction: 11-1 record.

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College Football Preview: Oklahoma State


OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 11-2 (6-2 in Big 12)
ATS Record: 10-3
Over/Under: 8-5
Points Scored: 44.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 26.4 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 40/1

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

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

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Louisiana-Lafayette
Thu, Sept. 8 – Arizona
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Tulsa
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Texas A&M
Sat, Oct. 8 – Kansas
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Texas
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Missouri
Sat, Oct. 29 – Baylor
Sat, Nov. 5 – Kansas State
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Texas Tech
Fri, Nov. 18 – at Iowa State
Sat, Dec. 3 – Oklahoma

******* Take: The Cowboys usually play a challenging non-conference schedule, and this year is no exception with hosting Arizona and traveling to a very good Tulsa team that will challenge for the Conference USA crown. OSU has to play five conference road games, including visits to Texas A&M, Texas and Missouri in three of its first four Big 12 games. But the Cowboys should be able to run off a four-game win streak after that, giving them plenty of momentum heading into the Dec. 3 showdown with rival Oklahoma. Prediction: 9-3 record.