College Football Preview Part 4: Pac-12

The new look Pac-12 goes into 2011 as easily the 2nd best conference in the NCAA. Divisions and a conference championship game will be a new experience for west coast fans, but I love the way the conference has been set up. Let's break it down!

MY Preseason Rankings:

NORTH

1. Oregon Ducks-

Fresh off a 12-1 season and BCS title game appearance, this team is still loaded and ready for another try. They have lost a couple starters o-line and defense, but the primary pieces stay in place, including QB Darron Thomas and one of the conference's two leading Heisman candidates in RB LaMichael James. While they have the Pac-12's best team, they will have an extremely tough challenge when they play @ Stanford, who gave them trouble last season. Still, I would be surprised if the Ducks don't become the first ever Pac-12 Champs.

2. Stanford Cardinal-

They've got the best QB in the nation, Andrew Luck, and the potential to win the Pac-12 if not go undefeated. They have a manageable schedule including the favored Oregon Ducks at home. The main thing working against them, besides the loss of some key starters on both lines, is the loss of Coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh provided this team with the discipline and toughness that made them so great. But will the 2011 Cardinal still be able to thrive under Luck's leadership? We'll have to see.

3. Washington Huskies-

Don't let the departure of Jake Locker worry you too much. The Huskies return 15 starters. Many have called this Washington's most talented team in at least 4 years. While last year they needed some luck to reach bowl season, it shouldn't be nearly as big of a challenge this year. Don't expect a conference championship though. The top of this division is simply too powerful. 

4. Oregon State-

The Beavers should be improved from last year, despite the loss of star RB JaQuizz Rodgers. His brother, James, does return at WR and Ryan Katz is starting his 2nd year as QB. This is a very scrappy team with the ability to pull off a few upsets before all is said and done. Their best opportunity to play giant killer is at home against Stanford. In the end, expect a mediocre season ending in a bowl trip. 

5. California Golden Bears-

This could be a season to forget for the Golden Bears. All of this year's home games will be played at AT&T Park and the team is fairly raw and inexperienced. Not to mention, their arch rival Stanford is not exactly beatable. There is some talent, but not enough to field a very competitive conference outing. Cal still may manage to reach the postseason though, if only to play in the "Toilet Bowl". 

6. Washington State-

They say there's always someone who has it worse than you, and in the case of the Pac-12, that someone is WSU. The Cougs are 2-25 in Pac-10 play over the last 3 years. While an arguement could be made that this team has improved, absolutely nothing is working in their favor for this season. For one, they only play 3 conference home games and are in the toughest division of the conference. Personally, I'm skeptical this team can exceed 2 wins in 2011.

SOUTH

1. Arizona State Sun Devils-

The Pac-12 South is a wide open race and, regardless of who wins, the champion will have a really hard time dethroning either Oregon or Stanford for the conference title. Still, after weighing the options, I like the Sun Devils to win the South. Last years team had a lot of talent, but was simply too young to make any waves. But now, with 15 returning starters, this group is more experienced and ready to give ASU fans their first winning season since 2007. Two tough road tests await however @ Oregon and Utah.

2. Utah Utes-

The Utes aren't a popular pick for success in their first year of BCS inclusion. But, despite the loss of a few great players, I believe people are selling the Utes short for many reasons. First, the schedule is great: Utah does not play Oregon or Stanford and gets 5 conference games at home (including ASU and Washington). People who have never associated themselves with the MWC have a tendency to not take altitude into account. This could increase an already significant homefield advantage, not to mention the late season cold, especially in this first year. Also this team is hungry and their division is mostly evenly split. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Utah pulled a coup and ended up in the Pac-12 title game in their first year.

3. USC Trojans-

Some are picking USC to win the South, but the fact is (due to their probation) they cannot play for a conference title this year anyway. However, that won't stop them from being competitive. They have some great talent, as is to be expected, but most of the talent is young. Another considerable setback is that they do have to play Stanford and will also have to face Oregon and Arizona State on the road. Give it another year, then I'll believe it when people say that USC belongs in the mix for conference title conversation.

4. Arizona Wildcats-

The Wildcats are getting picked everywhere from 1st to 5th in this division. But that's also a testament to just how wide open it will be in 2011. I'm putting Arizona at 4th for a few reasons. While they arguably have some of the division's best talent, they have the least returning starters in the conference. Not to mention they have to play the North's top 3 teams and almost all of their tough games on the road. The only thing they got lucky with as far as scheduling was that Utah, Oregon, and, Stanford are all home games. Still, I'd count those as loses. They'll make a bowl, and they'll be in the hunt for the South crown, but in the end, they'll come up short.

5. UCLA Bruins-

This is another team that has been picked all over the map. Many experts expect them to be vastly improved from last year's 4-8 mark, but they will have to go through the ringer to do so. The Bruins are looking at two tough OOC games against teams thirsting for revenge in Texas and Houston. Then after that, they play Oregon State, Stanford, Arizona, Utah, and USC all on the road. Their conference home schedule consists of three crappy teams and ASU. Let me just say, IF the Bruins can manage to survive this schedule and still compete for a Pac-12 title, they deserve every bit of it. However, I don't think it's likely.

6. Colorado Buffaloes- 

From the doghouse to... well, the doghouse again. The only conversation CU will be in is whether or not they are worse than WSU (a score which will be settled when the two teams meet in October). If the Buffs were still in the Big 12, their 16 returning starters might be a strong indication of an improved season ending with a bowl trip. But with their Pac-12 schedule gifting them matchups of @ Stanford, @ Washington, Oregon, @ Arizona State, USC, Arizona, @ UCLA, and @ Utah back-to-back and in that order (oh ya, and throw in an early season trip to Ohio State), Colorado will be fortunate to get 3 or, if I'm being generous, 4 wins. I'm anticipating 2. Hope the Pac-12 pays well...

MY All Conference Team:

Andrew Luck, Stanford

QB- Andrew Luck, Stanford


RB- LaMichael James, Oregon


RB- Chris Polk, Washington


WR- Juron Criner, Arizona


WR- Jermaine Kearse, Washington


WR- Robert Woods, USC


TE- David Paulson, Oregon

LaMichael James, Oregon

C- Garth Gerhart, Arizona State


OG- Ryan Miller, Colorado


OG- David DeCastro, Stanford


OT- Matt Kalil, USC


OT- Jonathan Martin, Stanford

DE- Junior Onyeali, Arizona State

Justin Washington, Arizona

DE- Nick Perry, USC


DT- Justin Washington, Arizona


DT- Alameda Ta'amu, Washington


LB- Mychal Kendricks, California


LB- Shayne Skov, Stanford


LB- Sean Westgate, UCLA


CB- Cliff Harris, Oregon

TJ McDonald, USC

CB- Nickell Robey, USC


S- Delano Howell, Stanford


S- TJ McDonald, USC




K- Erik Folk, Washington


P- Jeff Locke, UCLA


Ret- Cliff Harris, Oregon

5 Games to Watch:

1. Oregon @ Stanford: This game comes down to not only a battle for the North division, but the first ever Pac-12 champion. Last year's game was a shootout and Stanford put up a heck of a fight on the road. This time Stanford's at home and Andrew Luck is a senior, but will it be enough to topple the Oregon juggernaut?

2. Utah @ USC: The Utes' first ever conference game as a BCS school, and it's on the road against a traditional power. I'm anticipating a Utah victory, but I'm also anticipating a great, emotionally charged game. This game will also have considerable bearing on the final Pac-12 South standings and it's only in the 2nd week of the season. It's nice to that kind of drama early.

3. Oregon vs LSU (Cowboys Stadium): Another early season game that could make or break a team. This is a great matchup of two very talented teams with a lot of speed. While it is a neutral site game on paper, you can bet that the Tiger fans will be out in full force at Jerry World, and the Ducks might as well be playing in Death Valley. Even with the hostile environment considered, I still think Oregon can pull this one off. Either way, it will be fun to watch.

4. Arizona State @ Utah: The crowd will be hostile and the oxygen particles will be few. ASU isn't used to playing in high altitude and it could prove to be a problem. Take the weather out of the equation, and this will still be a war, likely with the South division title on the line. If both these teams can stay competitive in years to come, this could develop into a nice little, hate-filled conference rivalry.

5. Arizona State @ Oregon: This one's worth watching, if for no other reason, because there is a strong chance it could be a midseason preview of the first ever Pac-12 Championship game. I can't guarantee a tightly fought game, but there is a level of intrigue. It will be interesting to see how evenly matched the divisions are in 2011, assuming these two are the best of each. 

If you don't think the Pac-12 is the NCAA's best conference, than you won't be disappointed next. Coming up, I'll tackle the ever butt-kissed SEC!

College Football Preview Part 3: C-USA

Good ole C-USA. Personally I'm glad the Frogs are out of there, but life goes on for the teams still holding it down in one of the Nation's most spread out conferences. Four Texas teams to talk about in this conference, so let's get it on!

MY Preseason Rankings:

EAST

1. Central Florida Knights-

UCF has owned this conference in recent years and this season could well be an audition for Big East inclusion: an opportunity the Knights will not likely squander. The East will bend to their will, except perhaps Southern Miss and ECU who should put up quite a fight. Still, UCF will be the team to beat in the C-USA Championship. So what else is new...

2. Southern Miss Golden Eagles-

If any team is going to step up and smack UCF off their East throne, it's the Golden Eagles. They have talent on both sides of the ball and a reputation as a tough team. Best of all, they get UCF at home in front of their small, but rowdy crowd. Look out ladies and gentlemen, we could have a spoiler on our hands!

3. East Carolina Pirates-

ECU is not awful by any stretch of the imagination, however they are in the process of rebuilding and that will keep them out of the division's top 2. There is still some good talent on both sides of the ball, so they should have no trouble snagging the #3 spot. QB Dominique Davis and his top target, Lance Lewis, could light up some C-USA scoreboards in 2011.

4. UAB Blazers-

The team with the coolest mascot in C-USA won't have the coolest season. But that comes as no surprise to anyone who has ever watched C-USA football. Their strongest suit this year is probably their offensive line, but there simply isn't sufficient talent around it to crack the East's top 3. ECU will likely be their biggest game and only hope at moving up in the conference.

5. Marshall Thundering Herd-

This year's Marshall team is a bit of an enigma to me. I feel like they have the potential to end as high as third or as low as fifth in the East. Southern Miss, ECU, and UAB are all home games for the Herd, but will it make a difference? This team still has some improving to do, but they might finish better this year than most are giving them credit.

6. Memphis Tigers-

No contest here. Memphis is the worst football team in the conference right now. They could be looking at a max of 2 to 3 wins, none in conference. Memphis fans will be eagerly awaiting basketball season.

WEST

1. Houston Cougars-

Although most seem to have forgotten about him, QB Case Keenum will be back this season and looking for redemption. Not to mention, he is surrounded by a considerable amount of talent. For this reason, I'm finding it hard to pick against the Cougs in 2011. They have a realistic shot at an undefeated season. Look out C-USA!


2. SMU Mustangs-
SMU is finally rising from the ashes of the death penalty and is on the brink of national prominence again. They will have to wait one more year though, as this year's schedule is a rough one. That's not quite a bad thing though, because next year will be the senior season for most of their best players. The future looks bright, and this season won't be half bad either. A third consecutive bowl is certainly something for this team to hang its hat on.

3. Tulsa Golden Hurricane-
Rounding out the top of a very solid C-USA West at a close 3rd is Tulsa. Led by QB, GJ Kinne, Tulsa is a frequent contender and this year will be no different. The difference maker and reason why I've picked them 3rd rather than 2nd, is they have a brand new head coach. Still, this year will be nothing to frown upon for Golden Hurricane fans.


4. Rice Owls-
Rice has had a rough road since their 10-3 season in 2008, but things are starting to look up. They return 17 starters this year, including a wealth of experience on both lines and at RB. Remember Sam McGuffie, the kid whose high school highlight tape was him jumping over defenders? Ya, he's their starting RB. If only their schedule wasn't such a beating, they would have a shot at bowl eligibility.


5. Tulane Green Wave-
Tulane is bad, but they certainly are trying to improve. A big reason they'll stay out of the West's cellar is that they don't have to play UCF or Southern Miss this year. That could be the only bright spot for this team besides an opening win vs SE Louisiana. You won't see the Green Wave in December.



6. UTEP Miners-
Before you start labeling Coach Mike Price as a failure, consider their recent success and also consider that the Miners go into this season missing 35.3% of their lettermen. This team will be rife with inexperience and play the role of hopeful upsetter while they rebuild.

Case Keenum, Houston

MY All-Conference Team:


QB- Case Keenum, Houston


RB- Zach Line, SMU


RB- Sam McGuffie, Rice


WR- Lance Lewis, ECU


WR- Damaris Johnson, Tulsa


WR- Patrick Edwards, Houston

Sam McGuffie, Rice

TE- Luke Wilson, Rice


C- Chris Thompson, Houston


OG- Joe Duhon, Southern Miss


OG- Clint Anderson, Tulsa


OT- Kelvin Beachum, SMU


OT- Jake Hicks, Rice

Vinny Curry, Marshall

DE- Taylor Thompson, SMU


DE- Vinny Curry, Marshall


DT- Dontari Poe, Memphis


DT- Elliott Henigan, UAB


LB- JG Davis, SMU

Kemal Ishmael #18, UCF

LB- Marcus McGraw, Houston


LB- Curnelius Arnick, Tulsa


CB- Emanuel Davis, ECU


CB- Josh Robinson, UCF


S- Omar Brown, Marshall


S- Kemal Ishmael, UCF




K- Danny Hrapmann, Southern Miss


P- Kyle Martes, Rice


Ret- Damaris Johnson, Tulsa




5 Games to Watch:


1. UCLA @ Houston: Houston opens the season at home against a team that not only embarressed them on the road last year, but injured Case Keenum and his backup. Revenge anyone? If Houston pulls off a win here, they could be smelling an undefeated season.

2. UCF @ Southern Miss: Huge conference game that should determine the East's representative in the conference championship game. Southern Miss plays in a hostile environment and UCF has some great talent. Sounds like a classic.


3. SMU @ Tulsa: Two great teams sparring for a shot at Houston and possibly the West title. Also a chance for SMU to prove how far they've come by beating a tough conference opponent on the road. Should be a lot of offense in this game.


4. Houston @ Tulsa: If Houston can put away SMU at home, November 19th, their final obstacle towards a Western division title and possibly undefeated season will be a roadtrip to Tulsa. This could be a huge challenge. Another shootout game with high stakes.


5. UCF @ ECU: Another opportunity for an upset of UCF. Road game against a quality opponent and conference rival. Sounds like a good game to me.




The previews march on next with a look at the PAC 12! If Utah is now in a BCS conference, is it suing itself? Either way... we need a playoff.

College Football Preview Part 2: Big XII

Enter part 2 of my 2011 College preview series: The Big XII, which is now ten, but still called twelve... No matter how you slice it, it's a UT leech conference. But that's a rant for another day. I am here to make predictions in anticipation for the upcoming season. So without further ado...

MY Pre-Season Rankings:

1. Texas A&M Aggies-

I know, if you're like me and you're not an Aggie, it pains you to see maroon at the top of this list. But I truly believe this Aggie team to be the class of the Big XII, no matter how overrated OU is. Without a doubt this conference will come down between OU and A&M. I give A&M the edge because of all their talent across the board. They have been building this team for a long time with some great recruiting classes, and 2011 is when it should come to a head. The Big XII sucks right now and I would not be surprised to see A&M go 11-1 if not undefeated...*vomit*

2. Oklahoma Sooners-

The Sooners will start AP #1 and be everyone's favorite. While they have some great talent (see Ryan Broyles) I believe they are considerably overrated. They will run through their schedule with ease until November 15th. That Texas A&M game will decide the conference championship. I'm giving A&M the edge though, I feel like they have more talent across the board. It's finally the Aggies time. OU can still likely expect a BCS Bowl with one loss. 

3. Oklahoma State Cowboys-

OSU will go into 2011 with a pretty solid team and can be far and away considered the "best of the rest" in this conference. Get used to hearing Brandon Weeden to Justin Blackmon, as the two of them will score a lot of points. If the defense was on par with the offense, you might be looking at an elite team in the 2011 'Pokes. Expect 2 to 3 losses and a 3rd place finish. If they could pull off the OU upset at home, it would make a huge difference in their season. Don't count on it.

4. Texas Longhorns-

The team that is responsible for the Big XII's continued existence is now writhing in mediocrity. Things won't get better any time soon. This team is young and undisciplined, not to mention Garrett Gilbert sucks. Enjoy this time everyone who is not a Longhorn! Texas should at least have a winning season this  year. 7-5 is the mark to expect. At least they should beat Baylor this year. Can I remain unbiased if I say their struggle makes me very happy?

5. Missouri Tigers-

Unfortunately for Mizzou, they can no longer rely on easy Big XII North competition to guarantee them a spot in the Big XII Championship. However, I believe the Tigers will remain competitive. Mizzou has proven to be consistent in replacing their top QBs. As for 2011, they will be breaking in a new QB with a tough road schedule, including Arizona State, Oklahoma, and A&M. A middle of the road season is to be expected, unless they can manage to beat Texas.

6. Texas Tech Red Raiders-

Rebuilding continues for the Red Raiders. Tommy Tuberville is doing a good job, but he has an uphill climb to try and 180 a program to go in the direction he wants. Air it out with no defense to run first and defensive focus is a huge change both in recruiting and philosophy. This could make for a long road. As for 2011, expect a record mush the same as last year, a good but not great 8-4. The schedule is benificial and the defense should begin to show marked improvement under Chad Glasgow.

7. Baylor Bears-

Congratulations Baylor, you are no longer in the Big XII's perennial cellar. But don't get too cocky. OSU and A&M will be brutal road games, and the last 3 games of the season will be a bit of a gauntlet, albeit at home (OU, Texas Tech, and Texas). The Bears will be 6-6 at best and possibly sneak into a bowl. Still, 6-6 should be good enough to place them in 7th place in this "elite" conference.

8. Kansas State Wildcats-

As evident by my rankings, the former North teams have a lot of work to do to be competitive in this conference. Of the "other guys"besides Mizzou, KSU is clearly best. However, they suffered considerable losses on offense which will set them back. The highlight of their likely 4 win season will be smashing their rival Jayhawks on the road. 

9. Iowa State Cyclones-

The battle for last place will come down to the November 5th "showdown" between ISU and the ever embarrassing Kansas Jayhawks. Give the Cyclones the edge because they're at home and have made minimal progress in the last few seasons. 3 wins max and ISU fans can start talking about 2012.

10. Kansas Jayhawks-

The 2007 season and the Orange Bowl feel like centuries ago. These Jayhawks are at the bottom and not getting up soon. Thanks to 2 FCS opponents, KU can be assured of 2 wins. There's not much else to say. Stick to basketball.

MY All-Conference Team:

Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M

QB- Landry Jones, Oklahoma


RB- Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M


RB- Bryce Brown, Kansas State


WR- Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State


WR- Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma


WR- Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M


TE- Michael Egnew, Missouri

Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

C- Ben Habern, Oklahoma


OG- Lane Taylor, Oklahoma State


OG- Lonnie Edwards, Texas Tech


OT- Dan Hoch, Missouri


OT- Levy Adcock, Oklahoma State

Kheeston Randall, Texas

DE- Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma


DE- Frank Alexander, Oklahoma


DT- Kheeston Randall, Texas


DT- Tony Jerod-Eddie, Texas A&M


LB- Travis Lewis, Oklahoma


LB- Keenan Robinson, Texas


LB- Emmanuel Acho, Texas


CB- Coryell Judie, Texas A&M

Travis Lewis, Oklahoma

CB- Demontre Hurst, Oklahoma


S- Markelle MArtin, Oklahoma State


S- Blake Gideon, Texas




K- Justin Tucker, Texas


P- Quinn Sharp, Oklahoma State


Ret- Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma




5 Games to Watch:


1. Texas A&M @ Oklahoma: Slightly different than your traditional Red River Rivalry, but this game will decide the 2011 Conference Champion. Oklahoma will have the upper hand at home, but I like A&M in the upset. No matter who wins, it should be a great game to watch.

2. Oklahoma State @ Texas: Another variation of the Red River Game. These teams are fairly evenly matched as far as talent goes, but OSU has much better leadership. It will be interesting to see if the 'Pokes can truly assert themselves as the dominant team in Texas' backyard.


3. Texas A&M vs. Arkansas (Cowboys Stadium): I love old SWC rivalries and this one will make for a great game. The Ags have struggled with Arkansas a lot recently, but in what could be a charmed season, can Texas A&M pass this early season challenge. Although this is an OOC game, it could easily decide the fate of the rest of A&M's season.


4. Baylor vs Texas Tech (Cowboys Stadium): It's developing into a stronger rivalry. These are two fairly evenly matched teams trying to improve. Both will be jockying for position in the middle of the conference with the other being their primary competition. 


5. Texas vs. Oklahoma (Cotton Bowl): I almost didn't include this game on the list, but I might as well considering the history and intensity of the rivalry. I'd be surprised if it's a tight game though. Look for Oklahoma to smash Texas right after the opening kick.



Next time, I'll round out the rest of the Texas schools with C-USA! Rest of the Texas schools besides UNT that is...

College Football Preview Part 1: MWC

I absolutely love the Texas Rangers. But the summer always has and always will make me ITCH for football season! The NFL is awesome, and I hope you enjoyed my NFL preview, but as a Texan, there is nothing comparable to college football. Thus begins my series of conference by conference previews of the 2011 NCAA Football season! Where better to begin than the Mountain West?! By the way, In case you're wondering why I'm still using the old MWC logo, it's cuz the new one absolutely sucks. It looks like the logo for Dr. Who.  Now let's get this started!

MY Pre-Season Rankings:

1. Boise State Broncos-

As much as it pains me to do this as a lifelong TCU fan, the Broncos must be considered the favorites for 2011 in this conference, until someone knocks them off. Here's hoping that happens. 14 starters return, including senior QB, Kellen Moore. It helps a ton that the toughest game on their schedule (TCU) was moved to the smurf turf at the last minute. The way I see it, there are three teams with a realistic shot at beating Boise. However, it is likely that we will witness yet another undefeated Broncos regular season in 2011.

2. TCU Horned Frogs-
This is by no means a rebuilding year, but it is still a step back from 13-0, Rose Bowl Champs. The last year in the MWC could be a challenging one. The defense does not worry me at all. There is a lot of young talent on this team on both sides, and the stable of RBs has to be the best in the nation. Prime areas of concern are o-line depth, safety experience, and QB leadership. The game that worries me the most, besides Boise, is Air Force, who is always tough at home and this young team won't have much time to prepare for the complicated triple option. Undefeated is not impossible this year, but 11-1 or 10-2 would be admirable and expectable records for a young group with potential running out their ears.

3. Air Force Falcons-
Starting this year, Air Force will have the opportunity to be a legitimate conference title contender every season. This has always been a scrappy group of disciplined servicemen who truly run a complicated offense to defend. Troy Calhoun is also a great coach. A win against TCU virtually guarantees a 2nd place finish, and you can bet these boys have that home game circled. Air Force is ready to stop playing spoiler and step into the MWC spotlight.

4. San Diego State Aztecs-
They've lost their coach and some talented WRs, but the precedent has been set and this is a program on the rise. Like AF, this team is trying to take advantage of realignment and establish itself as one of the new leaders of the MWC. Ryan Lindley and Ronnie Hillman are a formidable backfield combo at QB and RB (respectively). The schedule is also pretty favorable. The Air Force and CSU games should be very heated. They will definitely be bowl eligible again, but that is not their ceiling.

5. Colorado State Rams-
With both Air Force and SDSU at home, this Rams team has a realistic possibility of finishing 2nd in the conference as well. However, I'm being conservative with my ranking. For the first time in a long time, CSU returns a starting QB, which could make a big difference. Native Texan Mychal Sisson, provides a spark on defense at LB.  No matter what, look for them to improve on the 3-win mark they posted the last two seasons. It may not sound like much, but it's a start.

6. Wyoming Cowboys-
For what it's worth, these Cowboys should without a doubt be the best of the worst in the 2011 MWC. That being said, this team should show marked improvement with 14 returning starters under 3rd year coach, Christensen. There is no reason why this team should not start 5-1, but then their schedule turns brutal. They should end up 6-6 and sneak into a bowl game. It may not be much, but it's a heck of a lot better than 3-9.

7. New Mexico Lobos-
My God, this team was vomit-endusingly awful last year. Yet I'm picking them out of the cellar, and I'll tell you why. First, they get UNLV, SHSU, and rival NMSU (which could be a swing game) at home. So no matter what, you're looking at at least 2 wins, (2 is better than 1). Furthermore, Coach Locksley somehow managed to net some talented transfers from bcs schools, i.e. Ohio State, West Virginia, Illinois, etc. These talented transfers and 15 returning starters sound to me like a formula for 3 wins and a 7th place finish. Well done Lobos.

8. UNLV Rebels-
This year, UNLV will show its rebellion by refusing to win more than once, sorry Southern Utah. This is actually the least experienced team in the conference as far as starters returning, and that especially doesn't bode well when you're also arguably the least talented. Recipe for disaster. In short, don't bet on UNLV.

Ed Wesley, TCU

MY All-Conference Team:


QB- Kellen Moore, Boise State


RB- Ed Wesley, TCU


RB- Doug Martin, Boise State


WR- Phillip Payne, UNLV


WR- Josh Boyce, TCU

Tyler Shoemaker, Boise State

WR- Tyler Shoemaker, Boise State


TE- Lucas Reed, New Mexico


C- Weston Richburg, Colorado State


OG- Kyle Dooley, TCU


OG- AJ Wallerstein, Air Force


OT- Nate Potter, Boise State


OT- Tommie Draheim, SDSU

Tank Carder #43 & Stansly Maponga #90, TCU

DE- Stansly Maponga, TCU


DE- Braylon Broughton, TCU


DT- Billy Winn, Boise State


DT- Jerome Long, SDSU


LB- Tank Carder, TCU


LB- Tanner Brock, TCU

Anthony Wright, Air Force

LB- Mychal Sisson, Colorado State


CB- Leon McFadden, SDSU


CB- Anthony Wright, Air Force


S- George Iloka, Boise State


S- Jon Davis, Air Force




K- Abel Perez, SDSU


P- Anson Kelton, TCU


Ret- Whoever TCU starts... SPEED!




5 Games to Watch:


1. TCU @ Boise State: Duh. This one should be for all the marbles. It's developed into a fierce rivalry ever since the first TCU loss in the Fort Worth Bowl in 2003. First and last time these two play in the same conference. Both want a win BAD! Need I say any more?


2. TCU @ Air Force: This could decide the fates of both teams in week two. Air Force is ALWAYS tough at home and the Frogs have a young and raw but very talented team. Loser will end in 3rd place, winner could be 2nd or even first.

3. SDSU @ Colorado State: Well it's not for all the marbles, but it's for some of them. The winner of this game will be in the hunt for 2nd and insure that they won't finish in the bottom 4. Two rapidly improving teams that will take over once TCU leaves.


4. SDSU @ Michigan: It's an OOC game, but I like the story line. SDSU's Head Coach, Brady Hoke, and their offensive coordinator left after last season for the new look, but still arrogant, Big 10. I smell revenge. SDSU is better and Michigan still ain't what they used to be. Can the Aztecs pull the upset in the Big House?


5. Boise State vs Georgia (in Atlanta): Another OOC game. Boise gets to test its skills against SEC competition. They've beaten teams like this before, but UGA will likely finish in the SEC Championship this year, so they're pretty good. Things could get dicey. If Boise loses the opener, it changes the whole season.  


Up Next... the Big 12.... 10?..... you know, the one with Texas, OU, and everybody else.