Last season, conference realignment and the long arm of the NCAA law were hot topics as we kick the season off. Never in a million years could we have envisioned the goings on last season with the horrific events surrounding Penn State. The story is tragic on so many levels. Several Nittany Lion players have transferred, and conference shifting continues as Texas A&M and Missouri join the SEC while TCU and West Virginia become members of the Big XII. Most of the prognosticators have the same teams among the top ten, and most think the champion will once again be a member of SEC. If you can't beat them, join them. Could USC play Florida State for the title and break the streak? Perhaps. If you are looking for a sleeper, try North Carolina, which could well go undefeated; although they are not eligible for any postseason play. If should be fun, and we can't wait! Please feel welcome to use to comment link to post your thoughts on the upcoming season.
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| 1. LSU |
The National Championship game was embarrassing to watch, given the ineptitude the Tigers displayed offensively. Poor quarterback play was the major factor. LSU aims to right that wrong this fall, welcoming in Georgia transfer Zach Mettenberger, who the coaches just love. LSU has talented receivers Odell Beckham and Russell Sheppard, top targets for the new signal caller to work with. Kenny Hilliard may emerge at running back for the Tigers after flashes as a freshman a year ago. In the trenches, however, LSU will be stout. Alex Hurst and Chris Faulk are major honors candidates. These guys practice against what may be the best defensive line in college football, anchored by Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo, two All America candidates. LSU is a bit thin at linebacker, but they got plenty of 4 and 5 star recruits ready to go. The loss of All America cornerback Tyrann Mathieu to suspension takes away their top playmaker and is huge, but Eric Reid remains to patrol the secondary. LSU is loaded, particularly up front on both sides of the ball. In addition, the coaches confidence in the new quarterback, athleticism everywhere and a bad taste in the mouth from letting 2011 get away says the Tigers, who host Alabama, get it done this time.
2. Southern Cal
The Trojans, behind signal caller Matt Barkley, the odd on favorite to win The Heisman Trophy, are load for bear offensively. USC has a pair of gifted wideouts in Robert Woods and Maqise Lee, for Barkley to fire at, and four lineman return. Silas Redd, a speedy back with power, transfers in from Penn State to give the Trojans the final piece to what will no doubt be an explosive offense. Safety T. J. McDonald anchors a young but talented defensive unit. All his mates in the secondary return, and the linebackers have a year under their belt coming off early playing time. LB Dion Bailey could breakout at the position this year. Even with the youth, USC was playing pretty well on defense at years end, shutting out cross town rival UCLA. Although USC does visit an emerging Washington team, the other major opponents are home games. Defensive shortcomings are the only thing that could stop USC from running the table and playing for the title, as the offense should be lethal and a blast to watch.
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| 3. Florida State |
This isn't the old days, when Florida State had mental aptitude to make legitimate runs at a national championship. Last season, with lofty early rankings, the Seminoles crumbled under the pressure in a home game with Oklahoma, and then coupled with an injured quarterback, could not regain footing taking two more losses across the chin. While that was somewhat excusable, a late season home loss to Virginia was not. Did the Seminoles learn anything from it? We will find out in 2012, as Florida State is once again carries quite lofty expectations. Defense is where FSU will excel, perhaps fielding the nations best unit. Ends Brandon Jenkins and Bjorn Werner are going to bring immense pressure on opposing signal callers. The Seminoles are talented and deep up front, while the linebacking core is young, they are experienced. Even with the loss of CB Greg Reid, the secondary, led by safety LaMarcus Joyner and corner Xavier Rhodes, is deep. It is time for Senior E. J. Manuel to realize his potential at quarterback, and that could hold the key. FSU has elite wideouts, and underrated running backs. The line needs to come together and remain healthy. This ranking feels a bit high given the recent past, but with West Virginia backing out of the schedule, the path to the BCS is most favorable, as only a trip To Virginia Tech may have FSU an underdog. The time is now.
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| 4. Alabama |
Given the run under Nick Saban, coupled with top notch recruiting classes, how could the defending national champion Tide not be the team to beat. Well, this team is mighty young and travels to Baton Rouge. That being said, this is Alabama, and after losing in overtime to LSU in mid-season, the Tide dominated the Tigers to win the title, buoyed by offensive ineptitude by LSU. Alabama got very good play from new signal caller AJ McCarron, who is back to lead the Tide offense, which returns a top notch group of big uglies led by All American Barrett Jones. Eddie Lacy will try to step in for multi-talented Trent Richardson, and the receivers are young. Much of the starting defense will be new, but they will be talented. Top 5 recruiting classes will do that for you. DT Jesse Williams and linebacker CJ Mosely lead the unit, which although young, will be among the best in the nation. Obviously, Bama is well talented and well coached, but there appears to be too much youth, and a collision with a smarting LSU, to repeat as National Champs.
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| 5. Oklahoma |
Landry Jones returns to lead what should be an explosive offense for the Sooners. Four starters return up front, and Kenny stills is an honor candidate at wideout. The Sooners need a running back, but have high hopes Damien Williams, a highly touted JUCO transfer. No worries on O with a healthy Jones at the helm. The defense returns key personnel at each stage. Demontra Hurst leads a very experienced secondary, and Tony Jefferson is among the nation's best at safety. Outside of a late trip to unfamiliar territory against high flying West Virginia, the pieces are in place for OU to have a special season. For OU to win it all, an accomplishment of reaching a new level of maturity and discipline is needed out in Norman, as each of the last several years OU has lost a game in which they were heavily favored; and some have not been pretty; on television much less the film room.
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| 6. Georgia |
Back in 2008, the Georgia Bulldogs entered the season as the favorite to win the national title, and the Dawgs stumbled under the spotlight. After some whipsaw seasons, Georgia is once again primed for a deep run. Behind string signal caller Aaron Murray, Georgia will be strong on offense. TB Isaiah Crowell could not harness off the field problems, so he is gone, opening the path for stellar recruit Keith Marshall. Although the line is young, two outstanding receivers return as targets for Murray. Right out of the Junkyard is the 2012 stop troops, who will be among the best in the conference, which is saying something. The Dawgs are led by LB Jarvis Jones, and return the entire ball hawking secondary; nine starters overall. Unfortunately, Georgia will have to deal with several suspensions, particularly on defense, for a few early games, which in concerning with an early trip to Mizzou. Georgia should win the SEC East, but they will have to step it up to win the SEC.
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| 7. Michigan |
Outside of a comeback win over Notre Dame and a thumping of Nebraska, it was not an overpowering season for Michigan. But alas, they won eleven games, dumped Ohio State and held on to win the Sugar Bowl. Excitement abounds in Ann Arbor, as the Wolverines return quality players at every level offensively and defensively. It all starts with Denard Robinson, the fleet footed dual option quarterback, a threat to reach the end zone 24/7. Robinson returns high prized target Roy Roundtree and Fitzgerald Toussaint at running back, although he will be serving a suspension period of some time to begin the season. Three return up front as well, led by Taylor Lewan. Seven starters return on defense, including a strong linebacking core. Craig Roh will rush from his end spot and three secondary starters return, led by J. T. Floyd. A neutral kickoff to the season against defending champion Alabama will be telling, and the schedule has a few too many road tilts for the liking, but the Wolverines are a deep and veteran team in all the right places.
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| 8. South Carolina |
If you can only imagine, Steve Spurrier has continued having quarterback issues at South Carolina. In 2011, after finally having enough with Stephen Garcia, Spurrier settled in on Connor Shaw, and South Carolina closed out the season strong. Shaw returns to direct the offense, which would love to welcome back a healthy Marcus Lattimore. The Gamecocks have to replace some lineman and must replace Alshon Jeffrey at receiver, but Lattimore is a Heisman candidate if 100% healthy. Although the secondary lost some good people, the front seven of the defensive unit could be outstanding. JaDeveon Clowney is about unblockable on the end, complimented by Devin Taylor and Kelcy Quarles. The linebacking core is solid as well. The Gamecocks may not have enough to win at LSU, but the sandwich games at home versus Georgia and Florida will direct South Carolina's fate, and 10 wins is expected.
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| 9. Oregon |
You really have to step back appreciate the job Chip Kelly has done up in Eugene, and the Quack Attack faithful are thankful he turned down an offer to coach the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Oregon is competing at an elite level nationally, and an annual favorite to win the Pac 12. Oregon has reached this level built around a fast pace offense that utilizes every inch of the field and wears out opposing defenses in route to hanging a good half a hundred on most. But in 2012, the attack will be quite inexperienced. Marcus Mariota appears to have won the job to replaced the very talented Darron Thomas at quarterback, and scatback Kejohn Barner jumps in for LaMichael James, but the receiving core, integral is help out green signal callers, is well, green. Three lineman return up front, so although we can expect to drop an octane or two, Oregon will still score plenty of points. The defense has always trailed the offense, but has made strides in recent seasons. Dion Jordan will patrol the line of scrimmage while rising sophomore Terrance Mitchell plays field corner. With SC loaded, it will be tough for Oregon to repeat as conference champs, but a favorable schedule says the will win the rest of them.
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| 10. West Virginia |
Once again, West Virginia looks the part, with sensational signal caller Geno Smith returning to lead a high octane offensive unit, who when we last saw them, threw 70 on Clemson. Although the Mounties are looking for a running back, Smith has most of his outside weapons, and the nucleus of a solid offensive line returning. West Virginia should score plenty of points. Defensively, West Virginia will hope the unit can some together quickly, as there are holes. Darwin Cook, a hard charging safety, will lead the unit which must replace both pass rushing ends, a strength in 2011, and most of the linebacking core. Offensively, the Mounties will be fine, but the defense will not be defending familiar Big East foes; they are not members of the Big XII, and with that comes the likes of Texas and Oklahoma. How far can Smith and the high octane offense carry them is the burning question.
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| 11. Arkansas |
The Hogs were set to emerge as a very significant threat to win the SEC with strong armed quarterback Tyler Wilson and top notch running back Knile Davis returning. Somewhere along the summer after a motorcycle ride of hidden lovers, Arkansas was forced to dismiss head coach Bobby Petrino. Most knew Petrino had issues, but this was one for the tabloids. John L. Smith, former boss at Michigan State, takes over as head coach. The Razorbacks have a lot of talent to work with. Two solid lineman return up front, as do some swift footed receivers; so the Hogs will score points. The defensive unit has been steadily improving and will be led by tackle Bryan Jones. Smith was a solid choice given the timing, but even so, the ripple effect of Petrino's departure will be felt on the gridiron. The Hogs don't play in the old SWC, they are in the SEC, where any weakness is placed under the stoplight.
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| 12. Nebraska |
The famed Blackshirt defense took some lumps last year, but none was the fault of the one man wrecking crew named Lavonte David, who is now in the NFL. David will be sorely missed, and with former coordinator Carl Pelini now the head man at FAU, the defense must make some improvement. Baker Steinkuhler will anchor the interior line while Will Compton is solid at inside linebacker. The secondary is decent, although this is a no name group, and coaches are hoping JC transfer Mohammed Seisay can contribute immediately. Taylor Martinez is back at quarterback with multi-talented running back Rex Burkhead at his side. Kenny Bell and Jamal Turner give Nebraska weapons in the receiving core to balance the offensive attack. The performance of the offensive line has been suspect in recent years, and this an area which needs to improve if Nebraska is to reach the next level of BCS competition. I think Martinez is better than given credit for, and Burkhead is great, so Nebraska may hit stride offensively, while the defense plugs holes. Michigan comes to Lincoln, which cold settle the Legends Division.
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| 13. Clemson |
With a big upset over Florida State and superstar wideout Sammy Watkins bursting upon the scene, it appeared Clemson may have had the ingredients to finally finish strong and score a BCS game. Although the Tigers stumbled again, they made the Orange Bowl only to give up a bowl record 70 points to West Virginia. Boy, was it bad, and that left no option but to show DC Kevin Steele the door. The Tigers return most of an offense that at times was electric, what with Watkins running loose all over the place. Throw in strong quarterback Taj Boyd, receiver DeAndre Hopkins and highly talented tailback Andre Ellington, another speedster for the Tigers, and you have an explosive offense able to score from all points east. The line is short on experience, and will need to gain cohesiveness quickly. If Clemson is to push into the top ten, the defense will have to improve significantly. The Tigers hired Brent Venables from OU, so we should expect improvement. The secondary returns intact, but they were scorched a year ago. There is talent in the linebacking core for Venables to work with. In the trenches on both sides of the ball are significant areas of concern, but Clemson should be able to attack the perimeter with their speed and outscore the schedule, save the trip in September to Tallahassee. The Tigers need to get by Auburn in game one to instill confidence, surely in question after the Orange Bowl.
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| 14. Michigan State |
The Spartans are going to miss Kirk Cousins at quarterback, who had a stellar career. Andrew Maxwell will take over, and fortunately for him, a veteran offensive line and s standout running back are there to help. Le'Veon Bell is fleet of foot and behind the line can carry the load while MSU works in a mostly new receiving core for Maxwell to work with. Defensively, led by All America end William Gholston, the Spartans will be very strong. The linebacking core is strong, and Isaiah Adams and Johnny Adams will patrol an attacking secondary. Behind the downright salty defensive unit the Spartans possess, Michigan State can go far, provided the offense develops a adequate passing game and is not one dimensional.
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| 15. Texas |
The Longhorns are loaded with four and five star recruits, but have not been very good the last couple of seasons. Nine offensive starters return in 2012, but Texas is counting on a freshman running back and the emergence of someone at quarterback, maybe Case McCoy. Defensively, Texas has a pair of top notch ends in Jackson Jeffcoat and Alex Okafor. and Quandre Diggs is an outstanding corner, so if Texas can establish consistency of offense, the 'Horns can ride a defense to contending for the Big XII title. We will learn a lot as September turns October as the schedule show Oklahoma, West Virginia and Okie State.
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| 16. Wisconsin |
It was a brilliant move for Wisconsin, bringing in record setting N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson for his senior season. The Badgers are going that route again, this time by welcoming Danny O'Brien from Maryland. At times, O'Brien was very good, but under a revolving door of coordinators with the Terps, he began to regress. Now at Wisconsin, behind a very solid line and perhaps the nations best running back in Montee Ball, O'Brien may lead a very good Wisconsin offense. On the stop side, Chris Borland is an honors candidate at inside linebacker but the secondary is a concern and up front, the Badgers are counting on a lot of youth to step up. The Badgers will ride the running game while hoping the defense comes together playing a very favorable schedule, with the toughest road tilt at Nebraska.
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| 17. Ohio State |
Former Florida coach Urban Meyer has landed in Columbus to take over at Ohio State, who is coming off a 6-7 campaign, which started under turmoil leading to the ousting of head man Jim Tressel.While the Buckeyes were strong in the trenches a year ago, they lacked sill talent and playmaking ability. In many ways they still do, but the emergence of quarterback Braxton Miller, who is a very talented but young signal caller, could give the Buckeyes spark on offense, particularly given Meyers playbook. Ohio State has a pair of stellar defensive tackles, and returns nine starters on defense, the perfect complement to a young offense. Meyer and Miller will give the Buckeyes some offensive prowess to be sure, and riding the defense could push Ohio State to double digit victories. Unfortunately, probation prohibits playing in the league championship game or going bowling.
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| 18. Virginia Tech |
You can count on Virginia Tech to be a sound workmanlike team, with attacking special teams and stout defense. 2012 will be no exception as 8 starters return on D. Ends James Gayle and J. C. Collins combined for 49 sacks a year ago, so expect the Hokies to employ an attacking pass rush. Tech will need the defense as, although talented quarterback Logan Thomas returns, he is one of only three starters who return on offense. Time gaining experience is the Hokies friend as talent is on hand, but opening the season at home against a improved and dangerous Georgia Tech team could settle the Coastal Division title right out of the gate. Florida State visits Blacksburg on an ESPN Thursday night in early November. History often repeats itself, so don't count out the Hokies.
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| 19. Kansas State |
There is no need to wait for the jury to return for the verdict; Bill Snyder is an outstanding football coach. The job he originally did at Kansas State was remarkable, but after leaving he is back and has the Cats on the upswing again. K-State returns much of an offense centered around Collin Klein, who emerged at quarterback and is a poor-mans Heisman candidate. Klein is a dual threat, will have the Cats scoring points. The defense has holes, but does return starters at every defensive level. Nigel Malone is one to watch in the secondary, and Miami transfer Arthur Brown at linebacker has an NFL future. Defeating Miami at home will have the Cats primed for a conference opening visit to Oklahoma. K-State is a dangerous, well coached team who will be bowling again in 2012.
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| 20. North Carolina |
Over the years, the Tar Heels have been known as an athletic and overpowering defensive team. Although they have been a pipeline to the NFL, for the most part they have been a paper tiger. This season, signal caller Brynn Renner returns to lead what could be an explosive offense. Four lineman, including tow honors candidates, return, as does star running back Giovani Bernard and outstanding wideout Erik Highsmith. Defensively, although short on starting experience, the Heels possess outstanding talent. Coach Larry Fedora is about to do some damage in the ACC with this team, which although on probation and unable to play in conference title game or go bowling, could win every game.
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| 21. Oklahoma State |
The good news is the Cowboys under Mike Gundy have gotten their program to an elite level; just ask Oklahoma about the punishing beating they took in Bedlam last year. You got to be happy for ole T. Boone and the Aggie faithful. However, for the 2012, there are staggering personnel looses to overcome. Only four offensive starters are back, and quarterback Brandon Wheeden must be replaced. Thankfully, talented back Joseph Randle is back to help carry the load early as a signal caller develops. Okie State is somewhat systematic on offense, but Wheeden and his leadership and maturity will not be easily replaced. Eight starters return on defense, including the linebacking core. Statistically, this group was average, and often bailed out by the offense. But they attack you, and with a year under their belt, they could lead the while the offense works out the kinks. The schedule is tough, with an early tilt at Arizona, and road trips to K-State and revenge minded Oklahoma; too tall an order for the Pokes in 2012.
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| 22. Stanford |
For three consecutive seasons Stanford has played in a BCS game, and with the wonderful Andrew Luck as field general, we recognize why. Luck was no doubt special, but he did not do it alone and was complimented by some decent players to be sure. Among those, the Cardinal return thirteen starters. The stop troops have experience at each level, and the linebacking core is a strength. Chase Thomas is really good, and young AJ Tarpley has the attention of NFL scouts. Shane Skov, injured much of 2011, seems ready to go. Two stellar offensive lineman must be replaced, but the Cardinal seem to have a mini pipeline going on up front. Stefan Taylor is superb at tailback, and Stanford has two top flight tight ends. This is all good news, but the level of quarterback play will tell the tale, and even if the results rise above expectations, it will be a lower level of play in a conference with USC and Washington rising while Oregon continues to run wild.
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| 23. Notre Dame |
In year three of the Brian Kelly regime at Notre Dame, we may have thought that the Irish would have settled in on a signal caller suited to run the wide open attack Kelly has been famous for implementing. Unfortunately, the Irish are seemingly unsettled at quarterback. Even with quarterback problems, the Irish may be ok offensively as the nucleus of the line and skill people return, including perhaps the nation's best tight end in Tyler Eifert. Manti Te'o is an excellent player at linebacker who is set to anchor the defensive unit, particularly strong at linebacker. There is talent up front, but there are questions in the secondary. As usual, the schedule is brutal, so 9 wins would have to be considered a great season.
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| 24. Washington |
The Steve Sarkisian hire is bearing fruit as the Huskies seem poised to take the next step after consecutive bowl seasons. With perhaps the best quarterback you have never heard of, Keith Price, leading the offense, Washington will score points. The Huskies must replace the skill set, but return four big uglies, which is the base for success. There are defensive concerns, witnessed with RGIII and Baylor throwing 67 on them in the Alamo Bowl. A new coordinator is in from Tennessee, and the secondary returns three starters, so the table is set for improvement. Southern Cal comes to Husky Stadium in mid season.
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| 25. Florida |
Seemingly all my life, even in down times, the Florida Gators always played stout defense. When they were able to shine on offense, they had great seasons. 2012 is shaping up to be a season where great defense will carry an offense searching for an identity. A quarterback battle is continuing as fall practice is underway. One would expect Jeff Driskel to emerge, given his stellar high school career, but he has not. Although the offensive line is a strength, the skill people are somewhat pedestrian. On the stop side, S Matt Elam and DE Dominique Easley lead a ferocious defense which returns 10 starters, and this is the forte of Coach Will Muschamp. The schedule is tough, particularly breaking in a signal caller, with early road trips to new conference member Texas A&M and improving Tennessee. The defense will remain stout all season, but a menacing schedule, including four projected top 10 teams, shows about 4 or 5 losses.
POTENTIAL BREAKTHROUGHS: Auburn, Boise State, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, Texas Christian, Louisville, Missouri, Texas A&M, Utah, Iowa, N. C. State, Virginia, Cincinnati, UCF, Baylor, Northwestern and South Florida.
ASCENDING: North Carolina, Texas, Tennessee and Georgia Tech.
DESCENDING: Penn State, Arizona State, Houston, Boston College, Miami and Boise State.
2012 Preseason All America Team
OFFENSE
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| Matt Barkley, no relation to the Barkley clan up in Stockton, should light it up and is the favorite for the Heisman Trophy |
WR Robert Woods, USC
WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson
WR Marqusse Lee, USC
TE Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame
OL Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M
OL Taylor Lewan, Michigan
OL Barrett Jones, Alabama
OL James Hurst, North Carolina
OL Alex Hurst, LSU
QB Matt Barkley, USC
RB Montee Ball, Wisconsin
RB Knile Davis, Arkansas
RB Rex Burkhead, Nebraska
DEFENSE
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| Georgia's Jarvis Jones dominates sideline to sideline anchoring the Junkyard Dawg defense |
DE Brandon Jenkins, Florida State
DT Kawaan Short, Purdue
DT William Gholston, Michigan State
DT Jonathan Hankins, Ohio State
DE Sam Montgomery, LSU
OLB Jarvis Jones, Georgia
ILB Manti Te'o, Notre Dame
ILB Kevin Reddick, North Carolina
ILB CJ Mosley, Alabama
CB David Amerson, N. C. State
S Tim McDonald, USC
DB Robert Lester, Alabama
S Eric Reid, LSU
CB Jonathan Banks, Mississippi State
SPECIALISTS
P Brad Wing, LSU
PK Dustin Hopkins, Florida State
KR De'Anthony Thomas, Oregon
NC Jonathan Gray, Texas
*Tyrann Mathieu, All America safety at LSU, and a Heisman candidate, was originally selected as Defensive Player of the Year and an All American. Mathieu was dismissed from the Tigers in early August for violations of team rules.
*Greg Reid, electric punt returner and potential honors candidate at cornerback for Florida State, was originally selected as All America PR. Reid was dismissed from the Seminoles in early July for violations of team rules.
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