College Football Preview Part 8: WAC

This should be the last year of semi-relevancy for this tired old conference. The ever changing WAC is sinking faster than the Titanic, and like the Titanic, there aren't enough life boats to go around. Nevada, Fresno State, and Hawaii have all successfully deployed their parachutes and will land in the MWC next season. They will be replaced by Texas State, UT-San Antonio, and Denver. Yikes. But for this season, WAC fans, reflect on the good times and enjoy one last year of competitiveness, before you are lowered to Sun Belt status.

  MY Preseason Rankings:


1. Nevada Wolf Pack-
With Boise State out of the picture, the top 4 teams in the WAC are very evenly matched and it could be anybody's conference. However, I feel like Nevada has the best shot at the title for one big reason. Because they return only return 12 starters and have lost star QB Colin Kaepernick and others to the NFL, this team will not be as talented as last year's. However, the primary reason they are my 2011 favorites is their extremely favorable schedule. They only play 3 conference road games, and they are against the conference's 3 worst teams. Altitude is always a factor and will add to their home field advantage. They also don't play talented, but warm weather teams, Hawaii and LA Tech, until back-to-back weeks in cold November. If the Wolf Pack doesn't manage to win the WAC, it will be no one's fault but theirs.

2. Hawaii Warriors-
I firmly believe Hawaii to be the most talented team in the WAC this year, despite returning only 9 starters (3 on offense). I've been impressed with QB Bryant Moniz whenever I've watched him and he is perfect to lead Hawaii's explosive offense. The fact that their defense is more experienced than the offense is probably a good thing, because the offensive scheme can make up for some rawness. 2 of their 3 toughest conference games are on the road, and if they had a schedule like Nevada's I would certainly chose them 1st. For now though, they remain my close 2nd.

3. Fresno State Bulldogs-
Fresno finds itself right in the middle of a very evenly matched top 4 of the 2011 WAC. They only return 10 starters, but I am very interested to see how QB Derek Carr (younger brother of former Houston Texan's QB David Carr) does leading the Bulldogs. The conference schedule is manageable, but the OOC slate is tough. Road games against Hawaii and Nevada should result in losses and place FSU at a solid 3rd in the conference standings.

4. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs-
The other bulldogs of the WAC, though talented this year, should still be chasing FSU. QB Colby Cameron is a question, but he is surrounded by a good o-line and a great RB and WR. The d-line is also solid. The schedule difficulty is similar to FSU: 2 tough conference road games and a very challenging OOC. If Cameron steps up, this team could easily compete for the title. A finish in the top half of the conference is to be expected, but myself, and most experts, anticipate 4th.

5. Idaho Vandals-
Idaho finds themselves in a somewhat disappointing position in 2011. They appear much better than the conferences bottom 3, but not good enough to crack the top 4. Thus, they are stuck in the middle. They lose virtually every major contributor to last season's offense, but the defense is salty and experienced. Replacements at QB and RB are solid as well. Idaho's best shot at a title would be if the top four evenly beat each other to the point that a tie is created including the Vandals.

6. San Jose State Spartans-
For what it's worth, I see SJSU as easily the most talented of the WAC's worst teams. 18 returning starters make the Spartans among the WAC's most experienced teams. An arguement could actually be made that they have the conference's best defense. But will it translate to wins? I will say this: once the WAC is evacuated following this season, SJSU could emerge as one of the WAC's new dominant teams under Coach Mike MacIntyre.

7. Utah State Aggies-
While this could quite possibly be USU's best team in the last 3 years, they lose their QB and their schedule does them no favors. I see multiple upset opportunities, to the point where the Ags could flirt with a winning season, but I'm being conservative and placing them at a safe 7th.



8. New Mexico State Aggies-
NMSU finds themselves in a similar situation to in-state rivals UNM. They are the conference's worst team and are slowly rebuilding. There is nowhere to go but up, especially considering their 16 returning starters. The Ags are in their 2nd year of a new offense and will be improved, but they simply aren't on the same plane as this year's WAC competition. 7th place and beating UNM is the best case scenario.



MY All Conference Team:

Bryant Moniz, Hawaii

QB- Bryant Moniz, Hawaii


RB- Lennon Creer, Louisiana Tech


RB- Robbie Rouse, Fresno State


WR- Rishard Matthews, Nevada


WR- Royce Pollard, Hawaii


WR- Ahmad Paige, Louisiana Tech


TE- Kellen Bartlett, Utah State

Rishard Matthews, Nevada

C- Jeff Meads, Nevada


OG- Chris Barker, Nevada


OG- Kevin Saia, Louisiana Tech


OT- Matt Cleveland, Idaho


OT- Bryce Harris, Fresno State




DE- Matt Broha, Louisiana Tech

Bobby Wagner, Utah State

DE- Travis Johnson, San Jose State


DT- Logan Harrell, Fresno State


DT- Kaniela Tuipulotu, Hawaii


LB- Corey Paredes, Hawaii


LB- Bobby Wagner, Utah State


LB- Aaron Brown, Hawaii


CB- Isaiah Frey, Nevada

Duke Ihenacho #2, San Jose State

CB- Peyton Thompson, San Jose State


S- Duke Ihenacho, San Jose State


S- Duke Williams, Nevada




K- Kevin Goessling, Fresno State


P- Bobby Cowan, Idaho


Ret- Kerwynn Williams, Utah State




5 Games to Watch:


1. Hawaii @ Nevada: A matchup of two of the WAC's best teams, and one of the hardest games on Hawaii's schedule. Nevada has a major homefield advantage, but Hawaii has a lot of talent. Should be a shootout and likely decide the WAC champion.


2. Fresno State @ Nevada: Fresno State is historically a pretty solid road team, and they will need to muster all their past successes in order to get past Nevada at home. Both teams are evenly matched and will be jockeying for position in the WAC championship race.


3. Fresno State @ Hawaii: As I said before, the Bulldogs are strong on the road, but Hawaii is a LONG trip, and the Warriors are tough. Yet another game with major championship implications. Fresno's defense will have their hands full.


4. Louisiana Tech @ Fresno State: This is somewhat of a rivalry game and should have a major impact on the order of the top 4 teams in the final standings. LA Tech is much better than many think and could pull the upset on the road. Both Bulldogs could potentially be in the mix for a WAC championship, and the winner of this game will have a huge advantage over the other.


5. BYU @ Hawaii: The Warriors are one of many WAC schools this year to play BYU. While Hawaii should already be bowl eligible, and this game will have no impact on conference standings, I think this season finale presents a very juicy matchup. I believe these two teams to be fairly evenly matched and I'm excited to watch BYU's improved defense take on Bryant Moniz and his air raid offense.




We're on the home stretch! Last (and probably least) I'll talk through the worst of all BCS conferences and the future home of the TCU Horned Frogs (heck of a deal for us, if you ask me): the Big East! Stay Tuned!!!!

College Football Preview Part 7: ACC

Ah, the ACC. A conference largely devoted to either trying to match success long since past, or achieve  it in the first place. Some great places to get a degree, but not to win a championship. All these schools will be on display for Part 7 of my 2011 College Football preview. Let's get it started! The ACC!

MY Preseason Rankings:

ATLANTIC

1. Florida State Seminoles-

Jimbo Fisher is in his second year of replacing legendary head coach, Bobby Bowden, and looks to be the man to return the Seminoles to ACC, and potentially national, prominence. A lot of top shelf talent returns to this team including their top 3 RBs, every WR to catch a pass last season, and the bulk of the offensive line. The defense is also very deep and aggressive. The only question mark is QB EJ Manuel, who backed up an injury-plagued Christian Ponder last season. Manuel is talented, but still has some improving to do before he can be on the level FSU needs him to be. Even so, FSU is my favorite this year to win not only the Atlantic division, but the entire ACC.

2. Clemson Tigers-

Clemson's 6-7 record last year was not indicative of the potential and talent that their team possessed. This year's team loses its top 2 defensive players, one of which being Da'Quan Bowers, and draws 2 tough non-division opponents in UNC and Virginia Tech. The Tigers benefit from a great recruiting class and a number of upper-classmen on defense, but still have some considerable growing to do before they can surpass FSU. These Tigers have the potential to be great in the near future, but for 2011, expect a successful winning season and a 2nd finish in the Atlantic. 

3. NC State Wolfpack- 

NC State will not be helped by the loss of arguably their most talented player, QB Russell Wilson. According to Coach Tom O'Brien though, Wilson's replacement, QB Mike Glennon is of the same caliber as Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons. I'll believe it when I see it. Still, things look good for the 2011 Wolfpack. NC State had a surprisingly good season last year, and they look to build off that success. While I believe BC to have a considerably more talented team, NC State's schedule is paddy-cake soft, whereas BC's is not. Lucky for NC State, that should lead to a #3 Atlantic finish and a decent bowl bid. 

4. Boston College Eagles-

BC has a rough conference schedule, drawing the Coastal's 2 best teams in Miami and Virginia Tech, but they have a talented enough team to remain competitive. They have arguably the conference's best RB in senior, Montel Harris, and probably the conference's 3rd or 4th best defense. Looking at their schedule, BC could easily start the season 5-0, but then things get rough. Games against Clemson, VA Tech,  Miami, and Notre Dame are all on the road, and FSU (though playing in Boston) is just too good. Even if the Eagles lose all these games, which they are sure to win at least one, they will still make a bowl game. 8-5 is the best this team can hope for, but that's not half bad considering.

5. Maryland Terrapins-

The Terps faithful seem pretty confident in the ability of their new Head Coach, Randy Edsall, to lead them to the promised land. If it does happen, it won't be this season. They return 14 starters from last season's 9-4 squad, but I don't see them to be on the same level as much of their ACC competition. QB Danny O'Brien, however, is pretty solid. The Terps have the ability to pull some upsets, but I think it's unlikely that they will sniff the upper half of the Atlantic division in 2011.

6. Wake Forest Demon Deacons-

As tightly contested as the middle of the Atlantic is sure to be, there is no question who will occupy the bottom. That's right, its the Demon Deacons (what the hell is a demon deacon anyway?), still wishing it was 2006. While this team has certainly improved and will have veteran leadership thanks to 17 returning starters, their schedule is simply not very conducive to a winning season.   

COASTAL

1. Virginia Tech Hokies-

Virginia Tech has carried the torch for the ACC in recent years as usually its best team. This won't be their best team in recent memory, but Coach Beamer always manages to maximize his teams potential. The defense should be back to its old dominant self and the Hokies should get some great play out of QB Logan Thomas. The biggest factor working in VA Tech's favor is the friendliness of their schedule in comparison to the toughness of Miami's. All of VT's toughest games are at home and the OOC schedule presents no real challenges. VT could very easily have a 2010 Auburn-esque season and go undefeated before facing FSU in the ACC Championship game. 

2. Miami Hurricanes-

New Coach Al Golden is fresh off of doing the near impossible and resurrecting Temple's football program. But he will have a lot of work to do yet before he can bring "The U' back to Coral Gables. Miami is consistently among the ACC's most talented teams, and this year is no different. But under another new Head Coach, and facing an incredibly difficult schedule, a return to glory will not be immediate. While the 'Canes can win double digits this year, they will have to play on the road against VT, UNC, and rival FSU and also face a weakened, but still strong Ohio State team. Also, Miami MUST throw fewer interceptions. All things considered, I see Miami doing no worse than 2nd in the Coastal.

3. North Carolina Tarheels-

Last season's injuries and suspensions were a disaster if you were a Tarheel fan. But what was considered a curse could very well be a huge blessing. Due to all of the above circumstances, far more players received considerable experience than just the 13 returning starters. That makes for a more seasoned team, already with a lot of talent. Their schedule is neither impossible or easy, but a key game against Miami will be at home. Don't be shocked if the Tarheels become the surprise team in the ACC to leap into the conference championship game.

4. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets-

With their 12 returning starters being the fewest in the ACC, this team is good, but not great. While they face both Duke and Virginia (improved teams) on the road, GT is simply more talented. However, the Jackets aren't on the same level as the division's top 3. But you can never count out Paul Johnson's teams, or any team that runs a triple option for that matter. Expect a mediocre season and a sub-par bowl.

5. Duke Blue Devils-

This will be Duke's best football team in a long time. The offense has some serious weapons and potential. The defense, however, is a huge weakness. This team is definitly good enough to finish better than Virginia, and maybe even good enough to capture a winning season. Let's not get too ahead of ourselves though.

6. Virginia Cavaliers- 

Ever since Lebron took his talents, and ringless fingers, to South Beach, the word Cavalier seems to have become synonymous with futility. Virginia is no exception, in fact they've sucked more in recent years than Cleveland. 2nd year coach, Mike London has 18 returning starters and a great recruiting class, so there is light at the end of the tunnel. Virginia can turn things around when these talented freshmen get a bit older, but I foresee at least one more losing season first.

MY All Conference Team:

Lamar Miller, Miami

QB- Danny O'Brien, Maryland


RB- Montel Harris, Boston College


RB- Lamar Miller, Miami


WR- Jarrett Boykin, Virginia Tech


WR- Dwight Jones, North Carolina

Jarrett Boykin, Virginia Tech

WR- Connor Vernon, Duke


TE- Dwayne Allen, Clemson


C- Dalton Freeman, Clemson


OG- Omoregie Uzzi, Georgia Tech


OG- Brandon Washington, Miami


OT- Andrew Datko, Florida State


OT- Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech

Quinton Coples #90 & Tydreke Powell #91, UNC

DE- Brandon Jenkins, Florida State


DE- Quinton Coples, North Carolina


DT- Tydreke Powell, North Carolina


DT- Marcus Forston, Miami


LB- Luke Kuechly, Boston College


LB- Nigel Bradham, Florida State


LB- Bruce Taylor, Virginia Tech

Luke Kuechly, Boston College

CB- Xavier Rhodes, Florida State


CB- Chase Minnifield, Virginia


S- Kenny Tate, Maryland


S- Ray-Ray Armstrong, Miami




K- Dustin Hopkins, Florida State


P- Dawson Zimmerman, Clemson


Ret- David Wilson, Virginia Tech




5 Games to Watch:


1. North Carolina @ Virginia Tech: Depending on how Miami fares this year, this late season matchup could very well decide the winner of the Coastal division. Title rights aside, this should be a great game. Can UNC handle the pressure of a hostile Hokie crowd?


2. Miami @ Florida State: One of the great rivalries in all of College football, this game almost never disappoints. As both these teams try to return to dominance, there is a possibility that this could be a preview of the ACC championship. 


3. Oklahoma @ Florida State: The 'Noles get to measure the quality of their program against a top 5 opponent on their home field. FSU could easily pull the upset here. A win would set the stage for an outstanding 2011 season.


4. Florida State @ Clemson: The team with the best chance of any in the ACC to upset FSU are the Tigers. FSU must visit Death Valley after a tough game, win or lose, against Oklahoma. If Clemson can pull off the upset, it puts them in the drivers seat for an Atlantic division title.


5. Miami @ North Carolina: Regardless of whether or not the 'Canes can pull off the upset of VA Tech in Blacksburg the week before, this game will have a major effect on the Coastal division standings. Both teams are fast and very talented. Should make for a great matchup.




Getting close to done with the 2011 preview! Up next, we'll take a look at the "Ol' Gill" of FBS conferences: our old friends, the WAC.

Ol' Gill: Simpsons character and businessman chronically on hard times 

College Football Preview Part 6: Big 10

You will never find a conference with a greater sense of entitlement than the Big 10, the new division names alone make me want to vomit. But just in case not all of my readers are fellow Texans, I'll keep the bashing to a minimum. Despite my annoyance with the conference as a whole, I am very excited and interested to see how Nebraska integrates and the new rivalries that develop. And who couldn't be happy that Ohio State is now likely looking at a down year? How sweet it is! Anyway, on with the preview!

MY Preseason Rankings:

LEADERS

1. Wisconsin Badgers-

Every issue the Badgers appeared to have going into this season seems to be getting solved. Their chief competition in Ohio State essentially has a gunshot wound in both knees. QB was a huge question mark, but now Wisconsin will benefit from the transfer of NC State's talented Russell Wilson. Granted, all he will be doing (and need to do) is hand the ball to Montee Ball. The division, and perhaps whole conference, is theirs to lose. Hey Wisky, y'all might get another shot at the Rose Bowl trophy after all! How wonderful...

2. Penn State Nittany Lions-

Penn State is the other major beneficiary of tOSU's legal troubles. Joe Pa's team this year is older and more experienced. Transfer QB Rob Bolden should be just what the offense needs to get jump-started. They will have to play Ohio State in Columbus this season, but I'm confident that they can pull off the win under the current circumstances. Assuming they do beat the Buckeyes, PSU could be an upset at Wisconsin away from a chance at the Big 10 title. While I think a win @ Wisconsin is unlikely, 2nd place in the Big 10's new "Leaders" division, after last season's 7-6 mark, would be a admirable accomplishment.

3. Illinois Fighting Illini:
If you thought Penn State benefited from Ohio State's screwing up, you haven't met Illinois. I am confident that Ohio State will beat Illinois, but I am also confident that Ohio State will lose 4 conference games (see OSU's summary), thus placing the Illini in a satisfactory 3rd place. So enough about OSU, let's talk about Illinois. Roughly 75% of lettermen return and the Illini look to reach back-to-back bowls. Their schedule is very manageable, meaning I see potential for 3 conference losses and 1 outside of conference. We'll see what happens.

4. Ohio State Buckeyes:
Jim Tressel and Terrelle Pryor are gone and 4 more players are suspended for the season's first 5 games. As a result, the Buckeyes will be taking a major step back this season. Due to the suspensions, games against Miami and Michigan State in the first 5 weeks should be automatic losses. This loss of momentum should snowball downhill. Ohio State should have enough talent to survive the majority of their conference schedule, but they do play at Nebraska and they of course play Penn State and Wisconsin, all three of which should be losses. That makes 4 conference losses, so even if they beat Illinois (which they should) it won't be enough to garner 3rd place. Sucks to be OS-you...

5. Purdue Boilermakers-
A big reason last season didn't exactly go as planned is that Purdue's top QB, RB, and WR were all lost to injury by week 4. This year, however, everyone is healthy and it could be just enough to push the Boilermakers into bowl season. A lot of lettermen return, not necessarily starters, but key losses like DE Ryan Kerrigan will be apparent. Personally, I see Purdue falling just short of bowl qualification, winning 5 games. Maybe next year.

6. Indiana Hoosiers-
Indiana has actually managed to improve by one win each of the last 3 years. Don't let that fool you though, this team is pretty awful (except for star WR, Demario Belcher). This year they will have a brand new head coach and QB... recipe for disaster. Not to mention they only return 12 starters, the 2nd fewest in the conference. What's even more sad, is there basketball team isn't even all that good right now. Life's just not fair sometimes.

LEGENDS


1. Nebraska Cornhuskers-
The children of the corn's first year in the Big 10 will be a hard one. They must play Wisconsin, Penn State, and Ohio State from the other division. However, this team is talented and tough. QB Taylor Martinez returns along with 11 other starters, and will be at full health. Their season will come down to a home game against Michigan State. If they can pull off the win, and I believe they will, I predict that Nebraska will appear in the first ever Big 10 championship with a 10-2 record.

2. Michigan State Spartans-
This is an extremely talented team with veteran leadership. QB Kirk Cousins is a Senior, they have a great defense, and arguably the best stable of RBs in the Big 10. They are definitely a threat to win the conference. They will catch a few breaks, like catching OSU at their weakest, but they still must play Wisconsin and @ Nebraska, all pivotal games. Like Nebraska, I fully expect this team to go 10-2. However, loss #2 will come at the hands of Nebraska, thus keeping Sparty out of the conference championship. Nonetheless, this team will certainly be a handful for opponents.

3. Iowa Hawkeyes-
Iowa looks to have another down year, after last season's 8-5 finish. The Hawkeyes are the most inexperienced team in the conference, returning 9 starters. Their schedule presents them with enough favors though that should garner a 3rd place finish. Games against Pittsburgh, Penn State, Michigan State, and Nebraska should all be losses. If it weren't for the fact that every team besides MSU and Nebraska in the "Legends" division is anything but, Iowa wouldn't have a shot at finishing this high. A tough win against Northwestern at home should assure Iowa of this ranking.

4. Northwestern Wildcats-
Northwestern looks to have a pretty solid team team this year, their best in a while. They return a record 56 lettermen, making them a very experienced team. Dan Persa could easily be considered the best QB in the conference. Their division is so heavy at the top, it will still be hard for the Cats to crack the top 3. Gut check time will come for a game @ Iowa. If NW can pull off a win there, they could definitely move into that 3rd spot.


5. Michigan Wolverines-
After multiple years of unsurpassed futility, Michigan looks to have found their answer at head coach with Brady Hoke. However, he'll need some time to get the Wolverines back to where they were before. Hoke will be installing yet another new offensive scheme, which should set the Michigan back a season. Not to mention I'm not confident in QB Denard Robinson's ability to run a pro-style offense. Michigan does have a talented team though, that returns 16 starters. Despite this though, they will still need at least one more year to rebuild. I see 3 to 4 conference wins and a bowl game, but that's it.

6. Minnesota Golden Gophers-
14 returning starters make this a veteran squad. The only problem is, they are veteran chronic losers and will have a brand new coach this year to assimilate to. The odds are stacked against the 2011 Gophers. Rebuilding continues.










MY All Conference Team:

Montee Ball, Wisconsin

QB- Kirk Cousins, Michigan State


RB- Montee Ball, Wisconsin


RB- Edwin Baker, Michigan State


WR- Demario Belcher, Indiana


WR- Derek Moye, Penn State


WR- Marvin McNutt, Iowa


C- Mike Brewster, Ohio State

Mike Brewster, Ohio State

OG- Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin


OG- Joel Foreman, Michigan State


OT- Riley Reiff, Iowa


OT- Jeff Allen, Illinois




DE- Vince Browne, Northwestern


DE- Broderick Binns, Iowa 

Jared Crick, Nebraska

DT- Jared Crick, Nebraska


DT- Mike Martin, Michigan


LB- Michael Mauti, Penn State


LB- Andrew Sweat, Ohio State


LB- Lavonte David, Nebraska


CB- Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska


CB- Shaun Prater, Iowa

Shaun Prater, Iowa

S- Aaron Henry, Wisconsin


S- Trenton Robinson, Michigan State




K- Derek Dimke, Illinois


P- Brad Nortman, Wisconsin


Ret- Keshawn Martin, Michigan State




5 Games to Watch:


1. Michigan State @ Nebraska: This will easily be the game of the year in the Big 10. Two very good teams will square off for a spot in the first ever Big 10 title game. Both teams are evenly matched, but playing in a hostile Nebraska environment. The matchup to watch will be MSU's offense vs Nebraska's defense. I smell an ESPN classic.


2. Nebraska @ Wisconsin: One of two likely previews of the Big 10 Championship game. This will be a big measuring stick game for both teams. Nebraska's introduction to Camp Randall will also be their first ever Big 10 game. It's historic, has championship implications, and will be a hard fought game.


3. Wisconsin @ Michigan State: Another possible preview of the Big 10 championship. This is a classic Big 10 matchup and both teams are at the height of their power. This one could be decided in the game's final minutes.


4. Ohio State @ Michigan: By no means does this year's game have the same implications as many of the great ones of the past. But the 2011 installment of this rivalry could be surrounded by the most intrigue since 2006. Ohio State is in a considerable down year, while Michigan is fighting to improve, thus evening the playing field. Title implications will be stripped bare, leaving both teams with the pure hatred of the rivalry and their season finale. All things considered, this will be a great game.


5. Iowa @ Nebraska: I've picked this game for the sole reason of what I believe it can become. Based on geography and the consistent equal talent of these two teams (excluding this season perhaps), Iowa looks to be the best fit to become Nebraska's biggest conference rival in their new home. While I don't foresee this 2011 game being overly close, it has the potential to be so, if Iowa is fired up enough. 




Coming up next, I'll tackle a conference that seems to be better known for it's academia and basketball than for it's football prowess lately. That's right, it's another underachieving BCS conference: the ACC!

College Football Preview Part 5: SEC

It's been pretty well documented that the SEC is the best conference in recent college football history. If you're like me, you recognize this, but you get a little sick of all the SEC worship. Well, today we must swallow our pride, because this post is all about the SEC. Can they produce a 6th consecutive BCS Champion? We'll have to see. So ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, I give you the Securities Exchange Commission!!.... I mean, Southeast Conference!!!

MY Preseason Rankings:

WEST

1. Alabama Crimson Tide-

It's not really any mystery that the Tide are the preseason favorites again. However, the race for SEC West champ should be very close, as this division seems to be deeper and tougher than it has in a while. The QB is unproven, but the talent around him is kind of redonkulous. The defense should be the real jaw-dropper, with 10 returning starters. Also, if you have not yet heard of RB Trent Richardson, start watching some tape. This guy is a workout warrior and a BEAST (in all caps). Most of 'Bama's tough games are at home and that should be enough to put them in another SEC title game. 

2. LSU Tigers-

With LSU, you are looking at a VERY close 2nd in the West, that has the potential to easily be 1st. 15 returning starters, including an improving QB, Jordan Jefferson, make this Les Miles' most experienced team yet. They will need every bit of that veteran savvy to go undefeated, as they play two fellow top 5 teams (Oregon and Alabama). The 'Bama game is in Tuscaloosa, and that's why I give the tide a slight edge. Still, 11-1 or 10-2 will be nothing to scoff at with their schedule, and likely still get them into a BCS game.

3. Arkansas Razorbacks-

I feel like last year for the Razorbacks was about missed opportunities. Every time I watched them they managed to underperform. But 2011 is a new year, and this team will still be very good, if not better. QB Ryan Mallett is with the New England Patriots, but his replacement, Tyler Wilson, looks to be very talented as well. If it weren't for an incredibly rough schedule, the Hogs might really make national waves, but with games against Texas A&M and South Carolina and LSU and 'Bama both on the road, 3rd place in the West looks like the best case scenario. I'm sure it's times like these when many old Hog-callers miss the SWC...

4. Mississippi State Bulldogs-

Dan Mullen has got the (maroon) Bulldogs rapidly improving and every year I am surprised by how much better they seem to be than I expect. The starting lineup is laden with Juniors and Seniors, and MSU could be more than just the team that pulls a few upsets if some chips fall their way. LSU, South Carolina, and Alabama are all home games, and if they pull those off, they could be a road win at Arkansas away from an SEC title appearance! Don't count on it though. 4th is likely where they'll stay.

5. Ole Miss Rebels-

Ole Miss football has fallen on hard times, unless you count DVD sales for The Blind Side. While they shouldn't finish last again in the West this year (lucky for them, Auburn will suck), spoiler is the best role they can play. Their 4 toughest conference opponents (Alabama, LSU, Arkansas, and Georgia) are all home games, but that doesn't make them that much more winnable. The best thing that Rebel fans can hope for in 2011, is an upset against hated MSU in the Egg Bowl in Starkville. 

6. Auburn Tigers-

"From first to worst" is not a moniker that most fans want said about their favorite team. Alas for Auburn fans, such will be the case for the 2011 Tigers. I believe there's another saying that goes something like: "Karma's a bitch," but that's another discussion. Auburn returns just 6 starters (that's the fewest in the NCAA) and lose 31 lettermen! The Tigers also get the joy of playing the 3 best teams in the East (Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina) in addition to their stout fellow West teams. Hope you enjoyed that "Magical" 2010 campaign, you War Eagle...ites? Don't worry (if you care), Auburn won't be down forever, but 2011 will be one to forget. Look on the bright side Auburn, at least Vanderbilt is still in the conference. 

EAST

1. Georgia Bulldogs-

I think this pick will surprise some people, but I have every reason to believe that UGA can bounce back from their first losing season since 1996, and compete for the SEC crown. QB Aaron Murray has a year under his belt and is one of 14 returning starters. Georgia also adds a solid JUCO NT, Jonathan Jenkins, who should shore up the d-line, and a true freshman RB, Isaiah Crowell, who should make a splash right away. Another reason I picked this Bulldogs team is that their schedule is oh so manageable. Their 3 conference road games are all against teams at the bottom of the SEC barrel (Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, and Tennessee). Facing South Carolina and Florida "Between the Hedges" should help considerably, not to mention Georgia does not have to play LSU or 'Bama. However, I do anticipate a game against one of the two... in the SEC Championship.

2. South Carolina Gamecocks-

It's good to see a team like USC in this position. Last year's surprise SEC East Champ, has the talent and the ability to repeat. Like LSU in the West, I consider South Carolina to be a VERY close 2nd and possible 1st in the East. RB Marcus Lattimore and WR Alshon Jeffrey are something of an Offensive coordinator's dream. The defense is also among the nation's best. An early matchup with Georgia will likely decide the SEC East champion. It's theirs for the taking.

3. Florida Gators-

After a comparatively disappointing 8-5 season last year, Florida goes into 2011 with basically an all-star coaching staff. Charlie Weiss will be Offensive Coordinator (The Gators are well suited to run his pro-stye offense) and ex-Texas Defensive Coordinator, Will Muschamp, will be head coach. While Florida is very talented, the key reason I have them at third is that they must play both LSU and Alabama, whereas USC and Georgia play neither. The Gators will give teams fits, but likely not vie for the conference championship.

4. Kentucky Wildcats-

Kentucky is on a streak of bowl game appearances and goes into 2011 with one of their best teams in years. 16 starters return, including solid LB, Danny Trevathan. The Cats, like MSU, are slowly moving out of obscurity and into a competitive position. They will be in an all out race with Tennessee for this 4th spot, but due to veteran savvy and the Tennessee game being at home and the season finale, I give UK the edge.

5. Tennessee Volunteers-

While I have picked Tennessee to repeat as the worst team in the East besides Vanderbilt, I don't think they are far from coming to a point where they can be competing for titles again. This team has talent, but is very young. As if youth weren't enough to set them back, they drew games with all the top 3 teams in the West (Alabama, LSU, and Arkansas). As mentioned before, I give Kentucky the surprise edge in the season finale, and that will be enough to keep the Vols down, at least for one more season.

6. Vanderbilt Commodores-

Ok... I don't know what I need to say about this. The SEC's perennial cellar dweller doesn't have anything new to bring to the table. They return 19 starters, but seriously? They might win one conference game at best. 5 wins won't be enough for a bowl. Sorry Vandy.

MY All Conference Team:

Trent Richardson, Alabama

QB- Aaron Murray, Georgia


RB- Trent Richardson, Alabama


RB- Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina


WR- Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina


WR- Greg Childs, Arkansas

Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

WR- Rueben Randle, LSU


TE- Orson Charles, Georgia


C- Ben Jones, Georgia


OG- Barrett Jones, Alabama


OG- Larry Warford, Kentucky


OT- Bradley Sowell, Ole Miss


OT- Cordy Glenn, Georgia

Jake Bequette, Arkansas

DE- Devin Taylor, South Carolina


DE- Jake Bequette, Arkansas


DT- Jaye Howard, Florida


DT- Malik Jackson, Tennessee


LB- Danny Trevathan, Kentucky


LB- Dont'a Hightower, Alabama


LB- Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

Danny Trevathan, Kentucky

CB- Morris Claiborne, LSU


CB- Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina


S- Robert Lester, Alabama


S- Mark Barron, Alabama




K- Blair Walsh, Georgia


P- Drew Butler, Georgia


Ret- Joe Adams, Arkansas




5 Games to Watch:
* Because there are so many great/key games in the SEC this year, I am excluding games that I have mentioned in previous posts.


1. LSU @ Alabama: The top teams in the SEC West square off, likely for a shot at the SEC title. This game will be hard-hitting, great football. Need I say more?


2. South Carolina @ Georgia: It will only be the 2nd week and conference title hopes for both teams will already be on the line. Both teams are very talented. This one should go down to the wire.  


3. Alabama @ Florida: Considering the hostile environment, this is probably Alabama's toughest game. It's also developed into a strong rivalry, and will be a major measuring stick for a Gator program under new management. You can bet LSU fans will be rooting hard for Florida this week. Another tough game, that could be decided in the 4th quarter.

4. Georgia vs Florida (Jacksonville): Formerly known as the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, this intense rivalry is always a tough, smashmouth game. This year will be no different, as the SEC East will be on the line. The winner will be a giant step closer to achieving that goal. 


5. Arkansas @ LSU: Intense rivalry and season finale. This game will have major bearing on the outcome of the SEC West standings. If Alabama has lost a game or two, the winner of the Golden Boot could very well also play for the SEC title. You can bet that this will also be a close and fun game to watch.




Next up my Conference-by-Conference preview marches on with the only collection of schools arrogant enough to refer to themselves as "Legends" and "Leaders". That's right, it's the "We're one step slower than you, but still think we're better and justify ourselves by Ohio State's recent occasional success"Big 10 (who used to have 11 teams, but now actually have 12). What a bunch of morons.