Monday, August 31, 2009

8/31/09 Rankings

The rankings are basically the same as the preseason with a tweak or two due to injury.
1. Florida
2. Oklahoma
3. Texas
4. Alabama
5. Oklahoma State
6. California
7. USC
8. Penn State
9. Ohio State
10. LSU
11. Oregon
12. Ole Miss
13. Georgia
14. Kansas
15. Georgia Tech
16. Virginia Tech
17. Iowa
18. Boise State
19. Arkansas
20. Clemson
21. Nebraska
22. TCU
23. Utah
24. Florida State
25. NC State

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Week 1 Picks

Football season is finally upon us. Its the Sunday before games start and we can officially say its the season, since we are all encountering the same wait we experience every week during the season. Week 1 is the hardest week to have a gauge on simply because no team has played yet and as much as people think they know about the upcoming season nothing's been proven yet. Sure Florida returns essentially there whole team, but how well did the team work in the offseason? How are they going to replace Murphy and Harvin? Questions surround all 120 teams in the country and some will be answered this weekend, while others won't. Week 1 features a few interesting matchups, but for the most part the weekend just features the big teams getting a warm-up cupcake matchup. Each week I'll be showing people my picks for the week's marquee match-ups and my pick for upset of the week.

Thursday

South Carolina @ NC State
This isn't a marquee matchup, but it will be beneficial in showing how good NC State is and how much of a contender they are in the ACC. South Carolina has too many question marks in the early season with a green secondary, a situation at running back, and a quarterback that hasn't reached everyone's expectations quite yet. Russell Wilson should avenge last year's result at home this season.
Pick - NC State

Oregon @ Boise State
Oregon lost last season to the Broncos in Eugene and this season they have to travel to the blue turf. Boise State has a weapon at quarterback in Kellen Moore, but so does Oregon in Jeremiah Masoli. LaGarrette Blount finally gets to be the man for the Ducks and a hungry Oregon team should pull out a pivotal game for Boise State's BCS hopes.
Pick - Oregon

Georgia @ Oklahoma State
In what might be the most exciting matchup of the week, Georgia travels to Stillwater. Zac Robinson, Kendall Hunter, and Dez Bryant should be operating at a high level. Georgia must recover from the loss of Moreno and Stafford. Joe Cox and Richard Samuel will be the replacements, but the potential loss of Caleb King to injury could hold back the Georgia offensive attack. Georgia should be better on defense this season, but the three headed monster of Oklahoma State at home should be too much for the Bulldogs.
Pick - Oklahoma State

BYU vs Oklahoma
BYU returns quarterback Max Hall this season after he put up ridiculous numbers to start last season and was gaining some Heisman hype. The problem for BYU though is they have to play the player that ended up with the Heisman last season in Sam Bradford. Bradford has weapons at his disposal in Jermaine Gresham, DeMarco Murray, and Chris Brown and BYU just won't have the athletes to keep up.
Pick - Oklahoma

Alabama vs Virginia Tech
Alabama starts the season with a new quarterback in McElroy and technically a new starting back in Mark Ingram (even though he proved himself last year as a freshman). Virginia Tech needs a new running back after receiving a devastating blow by losing Darren Evans for the season. Tyrod Taylor must prove that he's capable of leading a competent offense against a stingy Alabama defense. The game should be low scoring, but I don't see Virginia Tech putting the points on the board they need.
Pick - Alabama

Upset Alert - Notre Dame (against Nevada)
Notre Dame faces a team in Nevada that majorly underachieved last season. Colin Kaepernick is one of the top quarterbacks in the country and threw for almost 3000 yards and rushed for over 1100 last season. He was part of 39 TDs to only 7 picks. His back Vai Taua isn't too shabby either rushing for over 1500 yards as a sophomore. Dontay Moch will be the man to watch on defense and it should be interesting to see if he can put pressure on Jimmy Clausen. Notre Dame appears stacked at certain positions on paper, but there are weaknesses. Clausen has a tendency to throw a lot of picks and the running game leaves some to be desired. David Bruton will be missed at safety and it will be interesting to see if Kaepernick can capitalize. Don't be surprised if Nevada pulls out a game with the score in the mid-20s.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Big Ten - Purdue

Purdue - Purdue is known for quarterback play. More recently Drew Brees and Kyle Orton come to mind and Curtis Painter was expected to play well last season. He struggled at times last season and the team did with him. Joey Elliott will be the starter this season, looking unimpressive in very limited action the pass couple seasons. Elliott is a senior this season and the fact he was third on the depth chart last season gives a bleak outlook for Boilermaker fans. Jaycen Taylor will be the starter at running back pending a successful recovery from a knee injury last season and could be even better than his predecessor Kory Sheets. The defense is middle of the pack, but where the Boilermakers are really going to struggle is in the trenches. The line probably won't protect too well and that could affect both Taylor's play and that of Elliott's development. It's a shame how Purdue struggled last season, but success doesn't seem near and Purdue will finish in the basement of the Big Ten this season.

Strength - Running Back
It's kind of a stretch to call running back a strength with a guy coming off an ACL tear, but Taylor was very good before the tear. He has a 5.6 career ypc with 37 receptions to his name after he transferred in from junior college. Al-Terek McBurse is the highest rated freshman in Purdue's recruiting class and could see action this season in the back-up role to Taylor. Taylor and McBurse will provide different styles of play as McBurse is 24 pounds heavier than Taylor and thats comparing a senior to a freshman. The passing game is going to be very weak this season and Purdue will have to rely on the running game with the weak pass protection.

Weakness - The rest of the offense
The passing attack is pathetic. Joey Elliott was a decent recruit out of high school, but he has done minimal in his first three years playing for the Boilermakers. The offensive line is potentially the worst in the Big Ten and breaking in a new quarterback is going to be hard. Sacks shouldn't be hard to come by for opposing team, which is what will give Indiana the advantage in their head to head match-up. Keith Smith provides a solid option at receiver, but he didn't average over 10 ypc last season and is not a breakaway type of threat. The rest of the receivers and tight ends are very raw in game production.

Key Game - 11/21/09 @Indiana
Purdue is going to be the underdog in this game like every other game in Big Ten play. They also play Notre Dame and Oregon out of conference and unless something crazy happens both of those games will be losses. Indiana presents a bad matchup for Purdue. Indiana's weakness is their secondary. Purdue's passing game is subpar. Purdue struggles against strong defensive lines, Indiana has the best end duo in the conference potentially. Expect Middleton and Kirlew to go off for 3 or more combined sacks in this game. Purdue will be lucky to match the win total of 4 from last season and Boilermaker fans might as well start looking forward to basketball season.

Key Player - Joey Elliott
Elliott should be the starter. He's completed 55% of his passes in back up roles over his 3 year career with a 2-2 ratio. He hasn't had the opportunity to be the man yet and that should worry fans as he wasn't the first option last season when Painter struggled. Justin Siller was okay, but nothing to excited about. The running game will be fine, but Elliott must prove that he can make quick decisions in the passing game. The line will probably break down fast and Elliott will be needed to make plays not only with his arm but with his feet. If Elliott could put up decent numbers with a green bunch of receivers, he should be commended even if it doesn't result in many wins.

Impact Freshman - Al-Terek McBurse

Predicted Big Ten finish - 11th

Top 5 Players
1. RB Jaycen Taylor
2. DE Ryan Kerrigan
3. DT Mike Neil
4. WR Keith Smith
5. CB David Pender

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Big Ten - Indiana

Indiana
Skinny - Indiana caught a tough break as Kellen Lewis was officially dismissed from the team after being switched from quarterback to receiver. Lewis was stellar two seasons ago, but struggled mightily last season as he split time with Ben Chappell. Lewis was a heck of an athlete, but he struggled with off the field problems and coach Bill Lynch decided to just move past the Lewis era. Chappell isn't a bad quarterback, but he's nothing spectacular. The running back situation is bleek. Redshirt freshman Darius Willis should challenge Bryan Payton and Demetrius McCray for carries this season. The secondary is week and the linebackers aren't much better, but the defensive ends are possibly the best duo in the league, if not one of the better duos in the country. Kirlew had a monster season last year at one spot, even though he was supposed to play second fiddle to Greg Middleton last season. Middleton had a monster '07 season and if he returns to form, the two could be nightmares for opposing tackles. Indiana could progress some from last season's 3 wins, as they could put together a 3-0 start, but the rest of the season could get ugly. With wins over Virginia and Purdue, Indiana could fight for a bowl birth.

Strength - Defensive Ends
Greg Middleton was a monster two seasons ago. He came into last season as a first team Big Ten player last season and was expected to compete for postseason awards and All-American honors, but he had a disappointing year. This year he's looking to rebound and he has great help in doing so. Kirlew is on the opposite side of the line and after being overshadowed last off-season, he's the one who is gaining press and preseason awareness after accumulating over 10 sacks last season. If they can get some help from the defensive ends, the line for Indiana could put some serious pressure on the quarterbacks, thus minimizing the impact the weak secondary has on the game.

Weakness - Running Game
The team loses their two biggest running threats. Marcus Thigpen was a solid first option and averaged 6.7 yards a carry, but he only carried the ball 94 times. Kellen Lewis was always dangerous with the ball in his hands and was one of the best running quarterbacks in the nation. Back this year are 2nd and 3rd backs, Bryan Payton and Demetrius McCray, and Darius Willis, a more highly touted redshirt freshman. All three will see carries, but can any of them step up as a go to guy? Indiana has some decent possession receivers, but lacks a true playmaker on offense and a guy from the running game being that man would be a great addition.

Key Game - 11/7/09 Wisconsin
The same day the top of the Big Ten has its big game (Ohio State-Penn State), the teams fighting for bowl eligibility have their defining game. Winning this game is crucial for both Wisconsin and Indiana. Wisconsin has a better stable of players and is traditionally better, but their quarterback situation is weak right now and Indiana will have time to find a running back to challenge the rushing attack of John Clay and company. Wisconsin should be the favorite, but don't disregard the fact the game is in Bloomington. Wisconsin had a down year last year and blew away Indiana, so Indiana is going to need to do something way different if they stand a chance.

Key Player - Darius Willis
Willis is the key to the Hoosiers success. Chappell is a viable option at quarterback and the wide receivers should be fine if Indiana was willing to move their best option, Ray Fisher, to cornerback in the spring. Willis performed very well on scout team last year, but than again this is Indiana's defense, which just isn't that good. Darius Willis is the only guy in the stable of backs to have any respect coming out of high school and with Thigpen gone, he has the opportunity, as much as anyone else to be that guy. Payton and McCray had terrible ypc last year and the job is Willis' to grasp.

Predicted Big 10 finish - 10th

Impact Freshman - Nick Zachery

Top 5 Players
1. DE Jammie Kirlew
2. DE Greg Middleton
3. LB Matt Mayberry
4. OL Cody Faulkner
5. WR/CB Ray Fisher

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Washington State

Washington State
Skinny - Washington State, o, Washington State. I struggle to think of teams that are worse than the Cougars from Washington State. The defense was next to last in the NCAA last season in terms of scoring and guess where the offense was? You guessed it, next to last. As pitiful a team as they are they killed a non D-1 school in Portland State and managed to squeak a thriller (haha a thriller) out against Washington in the battle of defeated Pac-10 schools last season to salvage the season. Kevin Lopina was miserable last season at quarterback. He managed to throw a goose-egg in terms of touchdowns, while throwing a dazzling 11 picks. Dwight Tardy ran for a tremendous 481 yards as the feature back. Brandon Gibson was the one bright spot at receiver, but the talent was so bad around him, he made no difference. He's gone so now the Cougars rely on the amazing weapons of Jeshua Anderon (less than 10 ypc) and Kevin Norrell. Sick of the sarcasm, well the defense isn't any better. Washington State, I expect, to go defeated this season in Pac-10 play and its possible with a loss to SMU to play a perfectly defeated season. Washington State was good in the beginning of the century, but now they're just a laughing stock.

Strength - None
There is nothing at all to look forward to about this team. I'm sorry but this team is in shambles. Kenny Alfred, the center, is the team's top player, but he's in his senior season and the team needs to start building for the future. James Montgomery should challenge for the starting role at running back after transferring from California. He was a top 30 running back out of high school and should help a program with no back surpassing the 500 yard barrier or 3 TDs last season. Louis Bland is the bright spot on the defense after totaling 7 TFLs in his freshman season. Washington State didn't bring home a stellar recruiting class and the future looks bleak.

Weakness - Pretty much everything
The quarterback situation is bad. Kevin Lopina had a 0-11 ratio last season and will battle Marshall Lobbestael for the job. Both players battled injuries last season and Lobbestael is coming off a torn ACL. The receivers they're throwing to are weak after the graduation of Brandon Gibson. The offensive line won't provide much protection and Lopina will probably be the starter as he provides a little more mobility and he'll need to escape the pocket as it will consistently break down. Toby Turbin is the leading sack returner with 3 and the pressure from the defensive line is weak and the defense should be tired with the amounts of time it will spend on the field. The linebackers and secondary don't give the team much hope.

Key Game - 11/28/09 @Washington
Washington State's only shot at a win in the Pac-10 pending the other doesn't forfeit or forget the two deep at the airport is their season finale at in state rival Washington. Washington State won last year, but several things point in favor of the Huskies. The Huskies should have an improved running game highlighted by Jake Locker's return and a healed starter to aid the running back position. The defense is stronger for the Huskies and the game is at home, which will prove difficult for the Cougars. A rivalry game can go either way, but I'm willing to believe after State winning last season, that Washington will win this game by double digits.

Key Player -Kevin Lopina
Lopina was the starter last season although Lobbestael got some playing time while Lopina was on the mend. Lopina failed to throw a TD pass, while Lobbestael had a 4-4 ratio, but Lopina had a better passing percentage and is better on his feet than Lobbestael. Lopina is the senior, so he has one last shot at the job. If he fails to improve on last season, the position will be handed to the future in Lobbestael, if he fully recovers from the ACL tear last season. The loss of Gibson as a first option will put even more pressure on the quarterback position. Games against Hawaii and SMU are winnable and the Cougars could match last season's win total if they pull those two out.

Impact Freshman - Gino Simone

Predicted Pac 10 finish - 10th

Top 5 Players
1. C Kenny Alfred
2. S Chima Nwachukwu
3. LB Louis Bland
4. LB Andy Mattingly
5. WR Jeshua Anderson

Washington

Washington
Skinny - Washington is an absolute disgrace right now in terms of football and thats not referring to the University of Washington, rather the state of Washington football. Washington State is even more abysmal than Washington and will contend for honors of worst BCS school in the country. There biggest opponent could be their in state rivals, the Huskers, who successfully went defeated last season at 0-12. Washington has one bright spot and that is the return of dual athlete Jake Locker. Locker has put a possible baseball career on hold as he returns from an injury last season. Locker is the face of the program and was expected to be Tebow-west season last season before a season-ending thumb injury. Chris Polk flashed signs of potential before he got injured to last season and should surprise some people as a redshirt freshman this season. If he doesn't play well, the rest of the options are very weak. The rest of the offense is bad and the defense isn't much better, despite a good DE in Te'o-Nesheim and a solid linebacking corps. Washington should beat Idaho and Washington State, but any more is a stretch.

Strength- Jake Locker
The most given on the team. Locker had over 2000 yards as a freshman passing in addition to being 14 yards short of 1000 on the ground. Locker has good size and is a true dual threat and athlete. Locker lacks the weapons a Tebow or Bradford has, but he creates for himself. D'Andre Goodwin caught 60 passes last season and the best of the receiving corps returns only aiding Locker in his recovery comeback season. Locker will get his yards both on the ground and through the air, but he needs to improve on his passing percentage. He's not as good a passer as Tebow, but he's pretty close in the running game. It should be interesting to see how this year plays out and what Locker does in terms of his career (football and baseball).

Weakness - The rest of the team
Yes. there are bright spots. Te'o-Nesheim is one of the better ends in the conference and the linebacking corps is solid led by Mason Foster, a TFL machine, but the rest of the team lacks playmakers and overall just talent. Steve Sarkisian has one heck of a job to do at Washington, but his specialty is recruiting and offense and that's where the biggest holes are on the team. Washington had 11 wins as recently as 2000, but spiraled quickly from there. Sarkisian must start building from the bottom up. There won't be many senior starters on the team this season and the focus will be on the future and not the present. The 2010 recruiting class will be of great importance.

Key Game - 10/10/09 Arizona
Yes, Arizona will be a heavy favorite in this game and rightly so. Washington has a daunting schedule for a team that needs a morale and confidence boost. They face a lot of the middle of the pack type Pac 10 teams on the road. Washington State and Idaho will be wins for Washington unless they screw up, which is entirely possible. Notre Dame and LSU provide very difficult OOC games for the Huskies and UCLA, Stanford, and Arizona State are all away games in conference play. Beating Arizona would give a little excitement to a state that is already looking forward to basketball season despite a 0-0 record for both BCS schools.

Key Player- Chris Polk
Polk was the starter before he took a medical redshirt last season. Polk was recruited to play wide receiver, but at 200 pounds he isn't a bad size for a running back. Polk needs to give Locker a viable second option in the offense. He needs to prove he is durable enough for a 12 game season and he just needs to prove his worth overall. The running back situation was miserable last season. Terrance Dailey was the leading rusher on the team with a big 338 yards and a touchdown. The co-leaders in rushing touchdowns had 3, while the team sported a big 5 TDs through the aerial game in Locker's absence.

Predicted Pac-10 finish - 9th

Impact Freshman - James Johnson

Top 5 Players
1. QB Jake Locker
2. DE Daniel Te'o-Nesheim
3. LB Mason Foster
4. S Nate Williams
5. WR D'Andre Goodwin

Monday, August 17, 2009

Big Ten - Wisconsin

Wisconsin
Skinny - Wisconsin had been a top contender in the Big Ten for a few years, but coach Bret Bielema's team has gotten worse each season he's been there after going 12-1 his first season and instilling a state of excitement in Badger nation. One of the problems for Wisconsin has been living up to expectations and quarterback play. Dustin Sherer was less than stellar at quarterback last season after he took over Allan Evridge's position. Evridge was supposed to be a solid two year starter after transferring in from Kansas State, but got beat out by Tyler Donovan in an interesting quarterback race to replace John Stocco and lost his job last season to Sherer after Donovan graduated. Sherer was less than stellar and could lose his job before the season starts to a host of candidates. Coach Bielema stated the other day that up to four people are in the race to start. Curt Phillips looks like the obvious pick for the future and will probably have the job at some point this season. John Clay replaces PJ Hill and may actually be an upgrade. The defense is decent but they don't exactly play the most efficient offenses either. Wisconsin won't be very good this season and will probably repeat last year's 7-6 performance.

Strength - Running Back
John Clay wasn't the starter last year but he ran for 884 yards and 9 TDs in a backup role to PJ Hill. His 5.7 ypc was better than Hill's and Clay's potential is a lot higher. Most teams hope to replace people like Hill with adequate players, but Clay could actually bolster the position. Zach Brown moves from third string to second team this season and is a solid backup option for the Badgers. The quarterback situation in very unsettled in Madison, but the receivers should ease the pain to a degree and the offensive line will be solid, so all the pressure shouldn't be on the running backs even though Wisconsin will heavily rely on the run game if they want to win a few games in Big Ten play this season.

Weakness - Quarterback Play
Dustin Sherer played half of last season after replacing a failed transfer player in Allan Evridge. Sherer didn't play all that great and the quarterback position was opened up in the spring. Curt Phillips is probably the long term answer for the Badgers as a redshirt freshman, but he has yet to seize the position and uncertainty could plague them all season. Scott Tolzien presents another horse in the race, but the chance he wins the job is very low. Wisconsin had a decent offense last season in terms of production overall, but they struggled mightily in the 6 defeats and strong performances against Marshall and Indiana can't overshadow the struggles experienced.

Key Game - 10/3/09 @Minnesota
The Minnesota game follows a difficult Big Ten opener against Michigan State. Wisconsin plays at Ohio State and against Iowa the following weeks and will be in danger of a 0-4 start in Big Ten play if they can't steal one at Minnesota. An 0-4 start would be devastating, especially since Wisconsin will have a chance to win all 4 of the next games with the toughest being at Northwestern to close Big Ten play. Wisconsin catches a huge break in conference play missing both Penn State and Illinois and as a result could finish better in terms of win/loss record in the Big Ten than they should.

Key Player - Curt Phillips
Dustin Sherer had his opportunity last season and unless he has a huge senior season, the Badgers should turn to the young gun Phillips at some point in the season. Phillips has a couple things going for him. He was a more highly rated player coming out of high school (but star gazing means nothing in the end), he is more athletic than his peers and could present a better option for Wisonsins offense, and he performed well on the scout team last season and will be the quarterback of the future for the Badgers. Phillips doesn't have to be the staple of the offense, that's the job of John Clay, but he has to be a steady game manager and help his team to victory like John Stocco did a few years ago.

Impact Freshman - Jordan Kohout

Predicted Big Ten finish - 9th

Top 5 Players
1. RB John Clay
2. TE Garrett Graham
3. WR David Gilreath
4. OT Gabe Carimi
5. K Philip Welch

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Half a month away

The wait for college football is an agonizing one, but at least we got fall practice now. Reports leak out and more information is revealed every day.

Penn State - Michael Mauti went down in a scrimmage with a knee injury. ACL tear is the most likely, but the final report won't be available until the MRI or at the earliest Monday.

Auburn - Chris Todd was named starter yesterday, but does that really mean much? I guarantee he won't start all 12.

Missouri - In the first fall scrimmage, Blaine Gabbert put up a solid stat line for Mizzou. 17/22 219 1/1

The final 5 previews will be out soon.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Pac 10 - Stanford

Stanford
Skinny - Stanford has gotten better in each of the past few seasons. This season they'll upgrade at quarterback as Andrew Luck is most likely going to unseat incumbent Tavita Pritchard. Luck is a high profile player, which isn't a common sight at a school like Stanford, an academic school. Toby Gerhart provides a good option at running back after rushing for over 1100 yards and 15 TDs last season. Tyler Gaffney was highly recruited and could help provide a 1-2 punch this season at running back. Stanford had a very good recruiting class last season having a top 20 type class. Third year coach Jim Harbaugh has the team heading in the right direction and Stanford could return to a bowl game for the first time since 2001 this season. The defense was average last season and Stanford hopes that will improve this season. Stanford didn't do well in the turnover category last season and if they can improve on that, Stanford could surprise some people. They won't be winning a league title, but a push for a top 5 finish isn't out of the realm of possibility within the conference. Stanford is a team building for the future.

Strength - Young players
Jim Harbaugh is turning this dormant program around. The recruiting class this season could see several true freshman getting considerable playing time. Tyler Gaffney could see some time at running baack, Jamal-Rashad Patterson and Jemari Roberts will get looks at Stanford as they possess good size and LB Shayne Skov is built to play immediately. Andrew Luck is only a redshirt freshman and should be a threat for years to come, unless highly touted true freshman Josh Nunes provides a push for the starting position. The team features several sophomore starters and the team overall is pretty young. Stanford is trying to become a force and it's very possible considering the fertile recruiting land they live in.

Weakness - Secondary
Bo McNally is one of the team's best players, but although the rest of the secondary provides a high number of tackles, the pass coverage must improve. The Pac-10 is becoming a more mobile league in terms of quarterback, which will aid a secondary that is better defending the run than the pass. Austin Yancy, Sean Wiser, and Delano Howell all provide depth at safety and Kris Evans returns at cornerback. The experience is vast and Stanford must keep improving in this aspect of the game to get up there in the league standing. McNally should compete for all conference honors by the end of the season.

Key Game - 10/24/09 Arizona State
Stanford has a shot to take down a team going in the opposite direction at the end of October. The Wake Forest game will be difficult in the second week considering they have to travel across the country, but Wake isn't really much different from Stanford in terms of ability. Stanford is probably more talented, but Wake is better coached. Notre Dame will be a challenge to finish the season, but San Jose State, Washington, and Washington State should all see Stanford as the favorite. Beating Arizona State and either Notre Dame or UCLA or Wake Forest would give Stanford that 13th game they've been lacking for so long. Stanford has a high ceiling if the freshman provide a spark like expected.

Key Player - Andrew Luck
Andrew Luck is a highly touted quarterback. Enough so that he is unseating two year starter Tavita Pritchard. Luck is built well at 6'4" 225 and is being highly spoken of by his coach Harbaugh. If it's not Pritchard pushing him in camp, true freshman Josh Nunes should be. Nunes, while not as highly touted, is another top 20 quarterback to sign on with the rising program. Luck will be throwing to an experienced, yet average bunch of receivers behind a strong line of scrimmage. Gerhart should also take some of the pressure off him from the backfield.

Impact Freshman - Jemari Roberts

Predicted Pac 10 finish - 8th

Top 5 Players
1. OL Chris Marinelli
2. OL Andrew Phillips
3. FS Bo McNally
4. RB Toby Gerhart
5. QB Andrew Luck

Big Ten - Michigan

Michigan
Skinny - Oh how one season can take a prideful program downhill. Yes, Michigan is just regrouping after a drastic change in tradition. Out is giving the number 1 jersey to the star receiver, in is the spread offense. The problem for Rich Rodriguez in his first season was the quarterbacks he had in the cupboard. Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan both weren't suited to run his system efficiently. It tooks Rodriguez awhile to figure out Brandon Minor was his best option at running back too. The defense performed way under expectations and was the reason Michigan played so awful and lost to Toledo. The learning curve and adjustment to the system is still going to be taking place this season, but Tate Forcier, the true freshman quarterback, should immediately take the reigns after coming in for the spring. Forcier and Minor will solidify two unstable positions last season. Greg Mathews and Martavious Odoms provide solid support at the receiver position and the offensive line will be much better. Michigan is still a year or two from competeting in the Big Ten, but they shouldn't be quite as bad as last season and should match their win total from last season in the non-conference slate.

Strength - Offensive Line
Stephen Schilling leads one of the best offensive lines in the Big Ten and if Justin Boren wouldn't have transferred, Michigan would have two All-Big Ten first teamers going into the season. 4.5 starters return to a unit that had to adjust to blocking for a spread based attack last season. Mark Ortmann, Schilling, David Molk, and David Moosman all return as starters and Perry Dorrestein started a few games before facing injury last season. With a definitive number 1 at running back this season, the offensive line will have better cohesion with the running game and the quarterback situtation, despite having a true freshman, should see an immediate upgrade and pass blocking should be easier for a more dual-threat quarterback in Forcier.

Weakness - Lack of star power
Michigan is a solid team across the board units wise, but no unit stands out as a superhuman unit. Michigan has good players; Schilling, Minor, and Brandon Graham are all All Big Ten players, but the team is just solid. Mathews and Odoms are good at receiver, Minor is solid at running back, but none of the offensive players are the breakaway threats that Rich Rodriguez was famous for at West Virginia. There is no Steve Slaton, Noel Devine, or Pat White on the team. There's also no tough grit player like an Owen Schmidt. Michigan needs playmakers to be competing for titles again not a bunch of role players. Role players complement playmakers, not displace them.

Key Game - 11/14/09 at Wisconsin
This is a very winnable game for the Wolverines despite having to play in a very difficult climate. Michigan should go 3-1 in non-conference play with a chance at 4-0 just because Michigan always plays Notre Dame tough despite the talent on the teams. Indiana, Purdue, and Wisconsin present three winnable games in the Big Ten and Michigan could return to a bowl game. Michigan can compete with anyone as they were beating Penn State for a good portion of the game last season. Stealing a game at Michigan State, Iowa, or Illinois will be tough however, so winning 6 would be a good goal for the Wolverines. 7 or 8 is probably the highest this team can go, but winning in Madison is a must for postseason play.

Key Player - Tate Forcier
Forcier's family lineage isn't too great in terms of success. Both his brothers Jason and Chris were recruited for division 1 football, but it didn't work out for either of them and usually the Forcier name is heard in terms of failure (see Furman letter) rather than living up to the expectations. Tate hopes to change that as he is the best of the bunch and is already being given the reigns to the position at Michigan. His competition isn't too much and he is more of a dual threat than the rest of the quarterbacks in competition. He has a solid supporting cast and the adjustment will be made easier with lightened expectations at Michigan.

Impact Freshman - Tate Forcier

Predicted Big Ten finish - 8th

Top 5 Players
1. OL Stephen Schilling
2. DE Brandon Graham
3. RB Brandon Minor
4. LB Obi Ezeh
5. LB Jonas Mouton

Pac 10 - Arizona State

Arizona State
Skinny - Dennis Erickson was loved two years ago, but than out of no where Arizona State struggled mightily last season on route to a 5-7 record and no bowl game. The Rudy Carpenter era is over and it ended without a bang like many expected, since Carpenter was good enough to kick Sam Keller out of town. Dimitri Nance was technically the leading rusher last season, but he was nothing special. Shaun DeWitty should get some snaps from the backfield, but neither him or the offensive line are anything to get excited about. The receivers are average, but the quarterback situation won't be pretty. The defense will be the bright spot on the team. The linebackers are near the top in the league and the defensive line will be all right. Arizona State won't be much better than they were last season if they even are. The talent is not as good as it was last season, but that team struggled to meet expectations and it should be interesting how the team responds not facing much respect this season.

Strength - Linebackers
Mike Nixon returns on the outside and led the team with 5 interceptions and 90 tackles last season. He's a first team member of the All-Pac 10 team. Travis Goethel led the team in TFL last season with 7.5, had 71 tackles, and 2 picks last season. The last linebacker spot will go to a new starter. Vontaze Burfict is the darkhorse to win the job as a true freshman and if he lives up to his potential quickly as a top recruit, this unit could be scary. Burfict is huge as a freshman at 6'3" 245 pounds and can pack a punch. The defensive line is strong in addition to the linebackers led by DE Dexter Davis and the pass rush should be incredible between the two units. Davis had 11 sacks last season and Lawerence Guy will be solid at the tackle position again.

Weakness - Quarterback
The options at quarterback are bleak. Danny Sullivan was the back up last season and struggled mightily in relief appearances last season. Samson Szakacsy is a more mobile option at quarterback, but is only a sophomore and didn't play any football last season. Brock Osweiler is an interesting option at 6"8" as a freshman and would tower over his own lineman, as the Sun Devils offensive line is not particulary tall. Rudy Carpenter was a multi-year starter and a tough act to follow. Michael Jones is gone as the top receiver, but Chris McGaha is backs, as is Kerry Taylor and Kyle Williams. The offense will probably struggle this season and it goes back to quarterback play.

Key Game - 11/28/09 Arizona
In a rivalry game, either team could win despite the talent gap. Arizona State and Arizona aren't too different in situations this year. Arizona will have the better offense with the return of Grigsby, but Arizona State may end up with the better defense. Both teams lose veteran quarterbacks in Tuitama and Carpenter. Arizona State should go 2-1 in the non-conference and win games against Washington and Washington State without too much of a problem. Stanford and Arizona will be potential wins, and Arizona State will need both wins if they want to return to postseason play.

Key Player - Vontaze Burfict
The key to the season is having a quarterback step up, but it is yet to be seen what quarterback is going to fill that role, if one even is able to. Burfict is a physical specimen at 245 and being a true freshman linebacker. He could eventually grow into a defensive end, but for now his impact needs to be felt at the middle linebacker position. The other two linebacker spots are on lock down by two proven vets, but the other spot is wide open. The middle of the defense will be strong with a good middle backer and Burfict has the chance at being a four year strong hold and starter.

Impact Freshman - Vontaze Burfict

Predicted Pac 10 finish - 7th

Top 5 Players
1. DE Dexter Davis
2. LB Mike Nixon
3. LB Travis Goethel
4. DT Lawrence Guy
5. K/P Thomas Weber

Big Ten - Minnesota

Minnesota
Skinny - Minnesota has one of the better QB-WR combos. Eric Decker is one of the most unappreciated players in the country. Decker is what makes the Minnesota offense role and was the main reason Minnesota was even in the top 100 in scoring and why they were 55th in passing yardage as he had 1074 yards alone. Adam Weber's not too shabby himself at the quarterback spot. He may not be a touchdown machine, but he's efficient and he can beat you on the ground if he needs to. Minnesota used to be known for their power running game when Barber and Maroney were playing and they are hoping Duane Bennett can recover from an early injury last season and be the back the need. The defense was good at the beginning of last season when Minnesota started 7-1. It was in those final five losses, also the final five games, that the offensive and defensive wheels both came unglued. If Minnesota can start strong again, which will harder with a game versus California and an early season trip to Northwestern, and finish stronger they could return to a bowl game. The schedule is much more difficult this season, so don't expect another 7-1 shocker.

Strength - Passing Game
Adam Weber is good on his feet, but he's better through the air. Last season he threw for 2761/15/8 and hopes to improve on those numbers this year. Decker is back and will leave his name in the record books, as he completes his senior year at receiver. Ben Kuznia and Brandon Green will provide solid depth at receiver, but the true wildcard is one of the top JUCOs in the country in Hayo Carpenter. Carpenter is relatively small at 5'11" 185 lbs., but he has 4.4 speed and could be the perfect complement to Decker with his speed. Decker and his receiving troops should get Minnesota in the top 40 in passing yards this season, behind an improved line.

Weakness - Secondary
Luckily for Minnesota, the passing attacks in the Big 10 are not nearly as strong as they are around the rest of the country. Daryll Clark and Juice Williams will be the two strongest attacks with Pryor and Kafka being more dual threats. Stanzi could also provide some trouble for the Golden Gophers, but for the most part having a weaker pass defense unit isn't a death sentence in the Big 10. Traye Simmons, Marcu Sherels, Kyle Theret, and Tramaine Brock all return in the secondary, but the unit only ranked 93rd in the country last season and the teams they faced weren't overwhelming by any margin. The unit will see a lot of pressure this season with a weak defensive line, and if the unit doesn't play well they will be exposed.

Key Game - 9/26/09 @Northwestern
Minnesota's schedule gets much tougher as the season progresses and winning a game on the road in Evanston would be huge with Wisconsin and Purdue following on the schedule. That would give Minnesota a chance at 3-0 in the conference before heading to Penn State and Ohio State back to back weeks and than playing a difficult final four that includes Michigan State, Illinois, and Iowa. The same result of W/L last season could be very possible, but at least this time the teams on the schedule will be more difficult. Coming off a tough game versus California, Minnesota could either be dejected or motivated.

Key Player - Duane Bennent
Bennent flashed his potential his true freshman season with over 400 yards and seemed to be the go to guy week 1 last season. In game 2 he got injured and that ended his season. After using a medical redshirt, he returns this season and looks to regain his starting role. DeLeon Eskridge didn't do much in replacing Bennent last season, so Minnesota needs someone to balance a potentially potent offense. The offensive line is better than last season and should be able to open some holes for Bennent. Bennent also has ability out of the backfield and look for Weber to hit him for some screens and just utilize his abilities.

Impact Freshman - Ra'Shede Hageman

Predicted Big 10 finish - 7th

Top 5 Players
1. WR Eric Decker
2. CB Traye Simmmons
3. QB Adam Weber
4. RB Duane Bennent
5. LB Lee Campbell

Big 12 - Texas A&M

Texas A&M
Skinny - Last year was the Aggies worst year since 2004, as they played for new coach Mike Sherman. Despite the influence of the 12th man, Texas A&M fans shouldn't have to much to cheer about this season. If they played in the North division, they would finish as a middle of the pack type of team, but playing in the stacked South they'll be at the bottom with little hope of finishing better. Jerrod Johnson is a solid option at quarterback and WR Jeff Fuller, WR Ryan Tannehill, and TE Jamie McCoy all provide solid receiving options. Fuller and Tannehill are only sophomores and should be even better. The Aggies hope a back up quarterback develops, so Tannehill can focus on receiver without the threat of being back up quarterback and practicing for emergency play. Cyrus Gray was one of the better backs out of high school and will see the prominent running role in this years offense as Mike Goodson leaves. The offensive line won't be too good, which will be the main thing holding the offense back. The defense was pretty bad last season and with the exception of a few players in the secondary and the defense line, the defense will be pretty new. The Aggies will win a few, but just gaining bowl eligibility should be the goal.

Strength - Wide Receiver
The passing attack was strong last season for the most part with Jerrod Johnson starting most of the season, as new coach Sherman decided to go against the incumbent Stephen McGee. Ryan Tannehill is the back up quarterback going into camp, but he is also the leading receiver for the team. He is a talented third year sophomore and should be incorporated highly into the offense. The biggest threat could be sophomore Jeff Fuller. Fuller had 50 receptions and 9 TDs as a true freshman last season and will have a years experience heading into this season. Terrence McCoy returns as the third option and provides a solid target. TE Jamie McCoy is a second team Big 12 selection and remember 1st teamer is Jermaine Gresham, showing McCoy's talent.

Weakness - Offensive Line
The unit has five returning starters. The bright side is Evan Eike was a 2nd team freshman All-American last season and Matt Allen is a transfer from LSU. Beyond that this unit isn't too great. They had a dynamic back in Mike Goodson behind them last season, and he struggled to gain yards. Jorvorskie Lane was something like 270 pounds and he couldn't do anything in very limited action behind the line last season. Cyrus Gray provides a potentially dangerous target for the Aggies, but he must run behind something. The unit gave up a ridiculous 39 sacks last season and their run defense was one of the poorest in the nation, especially considering the talent.

Key Game - 11/21/09 Baylor
Baylor is my surprise pick, but this matchup could very important for the Aggies. They should be able to win 3 in the non-conference and a win versus Iowa State is highly likely. An upset or win versus either Kansas State or Colorado on the road would give them 5 wins heading into the next to last week (The last week is probably not winnable in a very important contest to Texas, as it could have National Title implications). Having 5 wins, a reasonable guess, going into this game would mean the game means the difference between 12 and 13 games. After failing to play last season, Aggie players should be hungry to return to the post season, but to beat Baylor the new linebackers must step up and be able to contain the elusive Robert Griffen.

Key Player - Cyrus Gray
The passing game should be good as the bulk of the players from last season return at receiver and quarterback. Gray will be asked to assist a running unit that struggled mightily last season. He'll have to use his athletic prowess to overcome the weakness of the offensive line and he will really have to take what's given to him and take full advantage. Mike Goodson was a capable receiver in addition to running the ball, so Gray would be best if he could showcase more dynamic play in the passing game, in addition to his work as the feature back running between the tackles. Gray is undersized at less than 200 pounds, so developing hands in crucial or he could take a beating on the ground.

Impact Freshman - Rhontae Scales

Predicted Big 12 finish - 6th (South)

Top 5 Players
1. TE Jamie McCoy
2. WR Ryan Tannehill
3. FS Trent Hunter
4. WR Jeff Fuller
5. QB Jerrod Johnson

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Big 12 - Texas Tech

Texas Tech
Skinny - In a very similar situation to Missouri, Texas Tech loses a heralded receiver/quarterback combo. It's hard to decide who meant more to the team. Michael Crabtree was the playmaker, the one who beat Texas, the one who made the National Championship Game controversy. But Graham Harrell was the one who threw him that pass, he was the one who was a four year performer, the one who spread it to all the receivers. Three receivers had over 70 receptions last season. It might be different from scouts points of view, but from the college football point of view it wasn't Crabtree or Harrell, it was Crabtree and Harrell. Both are gone and so is co-leading rusher Shannon Woods. The offense should be devastated right? Wrong, this is Texas Tech. Quarterbacks move on and the next one gets plugged in. Taylor Potts will continue that legacy this year and Detron Lewis will take the torch as designated receiver. The defense continues to improve and Texas Tech is not the same dormant program it used to be. The problem for Tech is the Big Twelve South is the best division in the country and the first three programs are way better than most of the country. Baylor, I expect to surprise people behind Robert Griffen. That leaves Tech at the bottom of the pecking order, but don't expect less than say 8 wins.

Strength - The ability to reload
Its hard to really pick a unit that is the strength. Brandon Carter and Marlon Lynn lead an offensive that is otherwise not so great, but they play well themselves. The defensive line was hit hard when McKinner Dixon entered the supplemental draft due to academic problems at Tech. His precense would have been huge for the Tech defense. But if Tech is known for one thing, it is there ability to recover from personnel losses. Losing Harrell is costly because he was a four year starter, but haven't we gone through this before when a big time production quarterback graduates from Tech and the next one plays just as well. Taylor Potts will be given the chance to play in one of the best college football systems in America and so will the receivers, with the top 3 all gaining considerable starting or relief experience from a season ago.

Weakness - Half the offensive line
Like I mentioned in the strength. Carter and Lynn are two very good lineman, with Carter getting 2nd team All-American honors on my list. The other three starting spots are up for grabs after the loss of the productive Louis Vasquez and Rylan Reed. Center Ryan Hamby is also gone. Its hard to lose players of that quality, but Tech is lucky to have some stars left on the line. Center Shawn Byrnes was the starter two years ago, so Tech should be all right in that position, but Chris Olson and Mickey Okafor are both frontrunners and inexperienced for the other positions. This system excels on good pass blocking and this unit must pick it up quickly and gel.

Key Game - 10/31/09 Kansas
Texas Tech has a winnable game at home against the North division favorite Kansas at the end of October before a pivotal three game stretch that includes two of the big three and my darkhorse Baylor. Tech should be bowl eligible going into this game and this game should only improve their stock if they were to pull it off. Kansas should be better this season after flying under the radar for most of last year. Reesing has the ability to win and he'll try to pull a Graham Harrell this year.

Key Player - Taylor Potts
Every quarterback it seems like excels in this system. The list goes on and on with players under Mike Leach. The torch has been passed and Potts shouldn't have much contention for the job. Potts has a very experienced group of receivers back in Lyle Leong, Edward Britton, Detron Lewis, and Tramain Swindall. Baron Batch is also a very good receiver out of the backfield and could catch 50 balls from Potts this season. With tons of weapons at his disposable and Brandon Carter more than likely defending his backside, the offense will operate however Potts will allow it. Potts has done well career wise in relief and boasts a 5-2 ratio with a 65% percentage in his limited time.

Impact Freshman - Joel Gray

Predicted Big 12 finish - 5th (South)

Top 5 Players
1. OL Brandon Carter
2. OL Marlon Winn
3. WR Detron Lewis
4. CB Jamar Wall
5. RB Baron Batch

Big 12 - Iowa State

Iowa State
Skinny - Austen Arnaud is a really good quarterback given the level of talent around him and he should only be better this season. Iowa State's top back is back, but neither Alexander Robinson or his offensive line are anything to scare an opponent with. RJ Sumrall is the only receiver not back, but again, the receivers coming back are nothing special. The defense, like other defenses in the bottom half of the Big 12, was pretty miserable last year and things don't look any brighter going into this season. Iowa State didn't have anyone make All Big-12, although give Arnaud credit. If he had a better supporting cast and played in a conference like the Big Ten or the ACC, he'd be getting a lot more national attention. Iowa State lost ten in a row after a 2-0 start last season and this season doesn't look much better. They might get three non-conference wins this season as Army replaces UNLV, but another defeated Big 12 season is probable unless Iowa State could spark an upset.

Strength - Austen Arnaud
Finding a strength on a team like this, sadly, is hard to find. One strength is there turnover margin ranked 40th in the nation in the positive side last season. Besides that their quarterback is really their only "good" player. Arnaud got a bit of action his freshman season, but burst on to the scene, as much as an Iowa State player can, last season with 2792 yards through the air and 401 on the ground. He had 20 TDs between the two to 10 picks. Arnaud is built well at 6'3" 220 and should keep the games relatively close.

Weakness - Everything else
Most of the receivers are back, but none of them really stand out as playmakers. The ypc were low for most of Arnaud's targets, diminishing the chance for a big play. The running back situation isn't great behind Robinson. His 4.6 ypc isn't bad, especially for a team of this caliber, but its nothing spectacular and the offensive line he runs behind doesn't do much to help. Christopher Lyle had a solid 5 sacks last year and outperformed starter Rashawn Parker. Frere is a solid option at one tackle, but the other is up for grabs. The linebackers were nothing spectacular. You're bound to get tackles when your always on the field and a safety actually led the team, which means teams are getting to the second level. The secondary was terrible last year and gets two new starters this year.

Key Game - 9/26/09 Army
You know its bad when this is a game you need to win. Army should give Iowa State a third win unless they lose to a team they shouldn't. That mean they'll get to start the season 3-1 and give them a false sense of hope before fading away with the progression of the Big 12 schedule. Iowa State just needs to recruit better if they want to get better. Recruiting is a result of winning, so new coach Paul Rhoads better figure something out or the cycle of losing under Gene Chizik will just continue.

Key Player - Alexander Robinson
Robinson is just one of about 21 starters that needs to step up if Iowa State wants to compete with the teams in the Big 12. Iowa State looked like they had a shot at a few games last season. They lost to UNLV in overtime and the next week they lost a two point game to Kansas. They lost at Colorado by just 4 points near the end of the season too. If Robinson and a few other players can step up there game just a little, Iowa State might be able to win one or two of those games and maybe make an impact in the Big 12 standings by screwing over other teams.

Impact Freshman - Josh Lenz

Predicted Big 12 finish - 6th (North)

Top 5 Players
1. QB Austen Arnaud
2. OL Reggie Stephens
3. FS James Smith
4. LB Jesse Smith
5. DT Nate Frere

Big 12 - Colorado

Colorado
Skinny - Colorado has a lot more potential than Kansas State does, thus why they're ranked higher than Kansas State. Cody Hawkins has been a less than desirable quarterback in a conference that feeds off of big time offense. Ranking 100th in the nation in offense in the Big 12 is a very bad thing. The offensive weapons are there though. Rodney Stewart showed glimpses of stellar play early last season as a freshman and the other back Darrell Scott was one of Colorado's biggest recruits in years. Hawkins will be challenged for the starting job if he struggles by Tyler Hansen, a more physically gifted player, and it will interesting to see how long daddy sticks with his son at quarterback. Markquest Simas is the supposed to be the target at receiver after being ineligible to play last season. The defense is starting over with just a couple starters returning, but that probably isn't a bad thing as the defense was less than stellar last season. Colorado won't be world beaters this season, but they should return to a bowl game.

Strength - Running Back
For a position that only ranked 86th, the running backs have dangerous potential. Rodney Stewart was not the one who was supposed to emerge as the starter. Knowing that Stewart is a reliable first option, after averaging a solid 4.7 ypc as a freshman behind an okay line. Darrell Scott has and incredible amount of potential after being the number 1 running back in the nation coming out of high school. Scott struggled through his freshman campaign and also had to battle the injury bug, so he should only be better this season as he gets to start over fresh and healthy. The line should be better this season with the return of a player just as coveted as Scott in Ryan Miller from the injury bug last season.

Weakness - Quarterback
Cody Hawkins has constantly been criticized in the starting role and the criticism is pretty great considering his dad being the coach makes people question the priorities of the lead man. Tyler Hanson has a year of experience. He had 261 rushing yards last season but also had 4 picks in only 65 pass attempts. Dan Hawkins will have a tough decision to make this year. Hanson was being reshirted last season before he had to be called into duty. After struggling the job returned to Hawkins, who player better. Maybe the competition will help Hawkins and he'll begin to excel or maybe Hanson's experience will be good for him going into his second year in the system.

Key Game - 10/31/09 Missouri
This will be the pivotal game in a stretch that figures to have a shot at a few Big 12 conference wins for the Buffaloes. Kansas Stat, Missouri, Texas A&M, and Iowa State all present winnable games and Colorado should finish non-conference play either 3-1 or 4-0, depending on the result of the West Virginia game. Colorado struggled in games they managed to win last season, so they really need to play better. The offense is good enough to put up points, but they need to actually do it.

Key Player - Taj Kaynor/Eugene Goree
Football starts in the trenches and where better to repair a defense but at the defensive tackle position. Colorado is planning on using a mix between 3-4 and 4-3 formations. Although one tackle is needed for a 3-4, 4-3 alignments will be present too. Goree and Kaynor didn't get much experience last season and the run defense wasn't very good with the previous starters, and the pass defense wasn't much better. Attacking the center of the line will be key to let the linebackers knock the running backs back, and give the defensive ends a chance at 1 on 1's in passing situations. If Kaynor and Goree can be the stronghold, the job will be easier for the rest of the defense and Colorado's win total may increase in return.

Impact Freshman - Nick Kasa

Predicted Big 12 finish - 4th (North)

Top 5 Players
1. CB Cha'pelle Brown
2. LB Jeff Smart
3. RB Darrell Scott
4. RB Rodney Stewart
5. LB Shaun Mohler

Big 12 - Kansas State

Kansas State
Skinny - He's back. For 17 years, Bill Snyder coached Kansas State and after watching the program's fall the past couple of years, he returns to the head coaching position. Snyder should not be expected to be a miracle maker his first year in Manhattan. Snyder doesn't have Josh Freeman, the leader of the Wildcats, back, but he does have his favorite target Brandon Banks back for his senior season. Banks is very small (150 pounds) and could be Percy Harvin-lite. Snyder will need to worry about rebuilding the offense, but the bigger issue is not rebuilding, but rather building a defense. Kansas State was 110th or worse in scoring defense, rushing defense, and total defense. Pass defense didn't manage to crack the top 100 either. Kansas State won't be competing for a Big 12 North title this season, but they shouldn't be at the very bottom of the division either with Iowa State still the bottom dweller.

Strength - Brandon Banks
Banks is only 5'7" and 150 pounds, but he's a speedy target that has good hands. Banks had 67 receptions last year, doubling the next closest player. He also had 126 yards on the ground last season in only 7 carries. Perhaps with no proven running back, Kansas State should use the talent of Banks with more end around type of plays. Banks surpassed 1000 yards (1049) and had 9 TDs. Lamark Brown and Aubrey Quarles will play alongside Banks, but both only had a few starts at receiver last season. Quarles is on his last stint as a senior and hasn't been a breakaway performer yet and Brown split time last season between receiver and running back and actually led to team in rushing yards last season.

Weakness - Back 7
Kansas State has a pair of new defensive cooridinaters from the ACC. Kansas State should see a blend of a 4-3 and 4-2-5, as the latter is more suitable to the defensive coaching staff. The secondary was downright bad last season, but than again so was the rest of the defense. Josh Moore is the best defender at corner (2nd team All-Big 12) and he should only get better in his junior season. He led the team in tackles last season and added 3 picks and 12 passes broken up. Courtney Herndon and Tysyn Hartman return at safety. The other corner spot is up for grabs with JCs and true freshman being given a legit shot at the position. Alex Hrebec and John Houlik will be the linebackers with Ulla Pomele providing a third option. Their production needs to improve. The hybrid position will also be up for grabs. This unit must find a set of players that can be productive.

Key Game - 10/10/09 @Texas Tech
If Kansas State can find a quarterback by this non-divisional match-up they'll have a chance at the upset. The only game that will be in question before this game will be the UCLA game and that game is winnable; although, it won't be easy. Going into this game 5-0 or 4-1 would give Kansas State a chance to make themselves bowl eligible quickly. After Texas Tech, they have another winnable game at A&M before the schedule becomes much harder. Kansas State will have the opportunity to make themselves bowl eligible after failing last season, but it will be a challenge.

Key Player - Daniel Thomas
Thomas won't be the favorite to be the starter going into the season, but he'd probably give Kansas State the best shot at winning. The former junior college player is more dynamic than the rest of quarterbacks on the roster. A mobile quarterback would be especially helpful in keeping a defense honest, considering Kansas State doesn't have a legitimate threat at running back. Thomas will be the underdog to Carson Coffman, as Coffman was number 2 on the depth chart last season.

Impact Freshman - Torell Miller

Predicted Big 12 finish - 5th (North)

Top 5 Players
1. WR Brandon Banks
2. CB Josh Moore
3. LT Nick Stringer
4. DE Brandon Harold
5. DE Eric Childs

Big 12 - Mizzou

Mizzou
Skinny - Missouri suffers two major personnel losses, but those two could destroy the team. Jeremy Maclin, Mr. Do-it-all, is gone along with the director of Missouri's emergence Chase Daniel. Filling the spots will be quarterback Blaine Gabbert, a former highly touted player, and proven receiver Jared Perry. Gabbert will have a solid supporting cast with Perry, a proven vet, and a touchdown machine at running back in second team All-Big 12 back Derrick Washington. Gabbert won't however have Daniel's safety valve that was Chase Coffman at tight end. Instead his receiving corps features Perry, Danario Alexander, Jerrell Jackson, and TE Andrew Jones. Tommy Saunders, the third leading receiver is also gone from last season. The defense returns first team All-Big 12 threat Sean Weatherspoon, a true tackle machine, average over 10 a game. A terrible pass defense from last season will feature a new bunch of players, and that overhaul is badly needed. Missouri should have a serviceable offense, but after relying on its top 10 talent the last couple seasons the defense is going to need to step up. Missouri will take a step back in the national scene as they recover.

Strength - Running Back
Derrick Washington is a dangerous player and plays behind a solid line. Washington had 17 TDs last season along with 2 receiving ones and had 29 receptions for 277 yards in addition to 1036 rushing yards. With Maclin and his his Harvin-type carries gone, expect Washington's carry count to improve this season as he's very efficient with each carry (5.9) and his back up De'Vion Moore loooked solid as a freshman. Moore (5.6) was solid in his 41 carries last season and should see more carries this season, as the passing attack won't be the strength this year and could play second fiddle to the rushing attack if Pinkel changes the play calling.

Weakness - Secondary
The secondary was atrocious last season. The finished 117th in the nation in pass defense and even though Missouri got screwed by playing Oklahoma, Texas, and Oklahoma State the production for the players was just sad. Carl Gettis is the lone returner at the cornerback position and having 78 tackles from the corner position is not something to necessarily be proud of. Kenji Jackson will start at one safety position after getting a lot of playing time and 4 starts as a true freshman (62 tkls). Hardy Ricks also played considerably last season and will try to bolster the other safety position. Kevin Rutland and ND transfer Munir Prince will battle for the other corner position. Prince is known for his speed which could give him the edge in the job battle.

Key Game - 10/8/09 Nebraska
The Big 12 opener is not a must win, but Missouri must compete. Stealing a win against the Hornhuskers in definitely possible. They will still be adjusting to a new set of linebackers, giving Washington a chance to shine. The game is at home. Missouri's sad pass defense could be disregarded with Nebraska's inexperience at quarterback and having to rely on Helu. If Helu gets going, Weatherspoon matches up well. The match-up is very favorable for the Tigers and could open up the Big 12 North. The Kansas game is not home or away, so Kansas fields no locational advantage. Oklahoma isn't on the schedule and the Baylor game is home. The schedule is favorable, but Mizzou will have a tough opener against Illinois.

Key Player - Blaine Gabbert
This is a pretty obvious selection. Gabbert follows in the footsteps of one of the most productive quarterbacks in the history of Missouri football. Gabbert was a top 10 quarterback coming out of high school, but didn't put up great statistics in very limited action last season. He did play behind two quarterbacks with pro potential, as Chase Patton was one of the top back ups in the country. Gabbert doesn't have all that many weapons at his disposable relatively. Perry is his best option, but thats not even fair when you consider Daniel had Coffman and Maclin. Gabbert will have to show the same stuff he showed in high school if Missouri wants to compete in the shoot-outs the Big 12 is known for.

Impact Freshman - Sheldon Richardson

Predicted Big 12 finish - 3rd (North)

Top 5 Players
1. LB Sean Weatherspoon
2. RB Derrick Washington
3. OL Kurtis Gregory
4. DT Jaron Baston
5. WR Jared Perry

Big 12 - Nebraska

Nebraska
Skinny - After taking a step back in the national limelight, Bo Pelini is trying to bring Nebraska back. He had a solid season last season, only losing to ranked teams (although Virginia Tech wasn't ranked at the time). They ended a good season with their 9th win over Clemson in the bowl. Offense was the key to the team last season but only a running back that split time is a returning starter in the skill/quarterback positions. Joe Ganz is gone after a rather productive season at quarterback last season and Nebraska is going to be relying on Zac Lee, a player with 2 career pass attempts. Look for true freshman Cody Green to challenge for playing time, as he's probably the quarterback of the future with a solid 6'4" 215 frame. Roy Helu is returning after leading the team in rushing despite giving snaps to Marlon Lucky, so his production should go up this season. The defense struggled for a Cornhusker defense last season, but the cornerstone of the team is back in DT Ndamukong Suh. The schedule is lighter than last season, despite an early season trip to Virginia Tech and Nebraska should be competing for a Big 12 North title with Kansas.

Strength - Roy Helu Jr.
Helu is the team's only proven offensive threat and comes off a season where he average 6.4 ypc, had 803 yards and 7 TDs. He didn't make my all conference team, but that's more a testament to Murray, Hunter, Brown, and Washington than it is a diss to Helu. Helu will have the opportunity to put up huge numbers this season behind an experienced that includes C Jacob Hickman. Helu had 500+ yards in the final four last season and had a quarter century in terms of receptions last season. He should take the nation by storm this season in terms of production due to not getting a full season of reps last season, but his performance shouldn't be all that much of a shocker.

Weakness - Quarterback
Joe Ganz had over 3500 yards last season in addition to a ratio north of 2-1. Having a productive offense is a must in the Big 12 and Nebraska has to go from a quarterback that led his team to top 20 performances in passing and scoring offense in the nation to a quarterback that doesn't know the college level. Zac Lee will be the favorite for the position and has the lineage to play well. Lee is mobile, which is good after Ganz put up over 250 yards in addition to his passing skills. Lee will be challenged by incoming freshman Cody Green, who has the build and the potential of a good quarterback.

Key Game - 11/14/09 @Kansas
This game could determine the Big 12 North champion. It'll be interesting to see what kind of year Kansas QB Todd Reesing has. Will he be last year's Chase Daniel or last year's Graham Harrell. Kansas kind of fell of the radar last season after their shocking season the year before. Briscoe was cleared to play and Reesing will have targets at his disposable to throw to. Nebraska struggled in pass coverage last season and Colt McCoy wasn't on the schedule. The Nebraska secondary returns from last season and can't be any worse as S Larry Asante will be the leader of the unit. Nebraska could be a very good team in 2010, but will the inexperience of the offense and the continual rebuilding of the defense hold them from a North title this year?

Key Player - Ndamukong Suh
Suh is a second team All-American and is the best player on Nebraska. So why is he the key player to Nebraska's success? Suh led the team in tackles last season along with sacks. A top player is expected to lead a team in tackles when he plays linebacker or possibly safety, but Suh stars from the defensive tackle position. Suh has a new bunch of linebackers behind him and if Nebraska wants to win in a league that has a better bunch of backs this season, he'll need to make sure the running backs stay in front of him and he stops them before they can reach the next level.

Impact Freshman - Cody Green

Predicted Big 12 finish - 2nd (North)

Top 5 Players
1. DT Ndamukong Suh
2. RB Roy Helu Jr.
3. OL Jacob Hickman
4. K/P Alex Henery
5. S Larry Asante

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

ACC - Virginia

Virginia
Skinny - As Duke and North Carolina have made way on the upswing, Virginia is falling victim to the downswing and cellar-dwelling as of late. The talent level is below-average and the playmakers aren't playmakers. Cedric Peerman was a decent option at tailback last season, but he's gone and Mikell Simpson will try to pick up the slack. The quarterback position is up for grabs. Marc Verica was a below average starter last season and probably won't start again this season. Jameel Sewell was the previous starter, but had academic issues last season and former cornerback Vic Hall fits the new spread system the best. Changing systems, in addition to a lack of talent, should provide for a very bad year for the Cavaliers. The non-conference schedule provides one easy win, but 3 games they could lose to TCU, Southern Miss, and Indiana. Getting to 4 wins will be a challenge for Virginia this year, as they must regroup to get better.

Strength - Secondary
This unit is by far the best on the team. Ras-I Dowling is the team's best player and only player to make the All-ACC team (1st team). Dowling had 3 picks last season in addition to 11 passes broken up. Vic Hall will a great option at the other corner if he doesn't win out at quarterback, but the other option Chris Cook was very solid before he sat out last season with academic issues like Sewell. Corey Mosley returns after his freshman season starting at safety and doing well for a freshman. Mike Parker, Brandon Woods, or Rodney McLeod should take over the other spot, but the unit should be fine with whoever starts as this position has the most depth as any on the team.

Weakness - Wide Receivers
The number 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 guys in receptions last season are gone, albeit not all were receivers. Whoever the new quarterback is, is going to need some options to throw to. Jared Green is the obvious starter getting the most action last year as a freshman, but who else is going to be in the lineup is still up for grabs. Don't be surprised if a true freshman like Tim Smith gets a look as most of the receivers in the program are younger anyway. An inept offense last season could be even worse this season.

Key Game - 10/17/09 @Maryland
If Virginia can steal one at Maryland, it will relieve the pain of the season. Virginia could be 1-4 going into this game or 2-3 (but I don't see much better) and only 1 game after that will see Virginia with a reasonable chance. Virginia proved last season they could beat better teams, but the cornerstone of their team Eugene Monroe is gone and the offensive playmakers are nearly as much. The out of conference schedule wouldn't be too bad for a normal team, as it has a BCS school and 2 reputable mid-major schools but all three of those schools will provide a big challenge to a team of the caliber of the Cavaliers.

Key Player - Vic Hall
Hall will play. Hall was one of Virginia's best defenders at cornerback, but his athletic talent needs to be maximized, which is why he is being given a shot at quarterback. He starred at the position in high school, but so many years removed from consistently playing the position could be questionable. Hall did start the spring game at quarterback and seems to be getting a good look in the newly installed spread system at Virginia. Hall only has one season of eligibilty left, so even if Hall exceeds all expectations, its not a long term fix and Virginia will have to regroup again next season.

Impact Freshman - Tim Smith

Predicted ACC finish - 6th (Coastal)

Top 5 Players
1. CB Ras-I Dowling
2. CB/QB Vic Hall
3. OL Will Barker
4. FS Corey Mosley
5. DE Matt Conrath

ACC - Maryland

Maryland
Skinny - Maryland has a first team All-ACC linebacker in Alex Wujciak, a solid running back, and return specialist Torrey Smith. Beyond that, the team is just average and lacks starpower. Maryland plays in the ever changing ACC Atlantic Division. Maryland was 8-5 last season including a non-conference win over California and a bowl win over Colin Kaepernick and Nevada. They beat Clemson and NC State and lost to Middle Tennessee State and got destroyed by Virginia. Gone is Darrius Heyward-Bey and the majority of the defense, so the team is going to take a step back this season and could find themselves in the cellar of the Atlantic this season. Maryland has to travel to California this year, which is almost a sure loss but they should be able to knock off Middle Tennessee State this year. Rutgers replaces Eastern Michigan, but the ACC schedule is not too grueling. Maryland's goal should be to return to the postseason in a rebuilding year. Maryland does always manage to show up and shock a team they shouldn't, so they're not to be taken lightly.

Strength - Running Back
Da'Rel Scott is the team's offensive weapon and he averaged 5.4 ypc on the ground last season. His back-up Davin Meggett provides a solid second option with 457 yards on the ground last season (5.1). Maryland only ranked 61st in the country in rushing yards last season but Scott and Meggett should be able to eclispe 1800 yards as a duo this season. The one thing that could be holding them back from 1800 yards or more is the offensive line. Its a brand new line minus the LT and C and the new players aren't exactly world beater prospects.

Weakness - Offensive Line
The offensive line returns Bruce Campbell (LT) and Phil Costa (C). Costa is the top lineman for Maryand and was moved to C this year to guide the new lineman. Campbell was the highest rated player out of high school of the starters, but still has room for improvement. The rest of the line is very green, which needs to open holes for Da'Rel Scott and give time for Chris Turner to operate at quarterback. Turner is a good quarterback but he lost his top target, Heyward-Bey, and will have to rely on an average, inexperienced group of receivers. Lamar Young and Justin Lewis should be two of the three starters with Paul Pinegar and Tyler Bowen fighting for the last spot.

Key Game - 10/10/09 @Wake Forest
A year ago, Maryland shut down Wake Forest in dominating fashion, but this year they travel to play the Deamon Deacons with a lesser squad. This is the second ACC game of the season and expect them to be coming in with a loss after playing a revenge game with Clemson the week before. Maryland has better athletes than Wake Forest, but Riley Skinner is a game manager that will put up a big game against a raw Maryland defense. Wujciak needs to quarterback the Maryland defense as it grows up and he needs to be a tackle machine again with a new defensive line.

Key Player - Torrey Smith
Torrey Smith has made his mark for Maryland as a returner, but now the Terps need him as a number 1 receiver. He was third on the team last season in receptions and yardage, but quarterback Turner needs some new targets this season. Smith provides a playmaking option for an offense that isn't too scary after finishing just 92nd in the country in scoring last season despite having a skill player taken in the top 10 last spring in the NFL Draft. Smith is average in size at 6'1" 200 but performed well as a freshman and should only improve as a sophomore.

Impact Freshman - Pete White

Predicted ACC finish - 6th (Atlantic)

Top 5 Players
1. RB Da'Rel Scott
2. LB Alex Wujciak
3. WR Torrey Smith
4. QB Chris Turner
5. C Phil Costa

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

ACC - Duke

Duke
Skinny - Duke is traditionally known as one of the worst college football programs in the country. The only two ways you used to hear about Duke in a football sense was losing streaks and Steve Spurrier's traditional 25th place vote for them in the coaches poll. That's it. Things are changing in Durham and head coach David Cutliffe is the catalyst. Former Tennessee offensive coordinator, Cutliffe led Duke to an unprecedented 4 wins last season and they actually had a winning record 7 games into the season last year. A lot of their losses weren't as bad as they've been in the past either last season. The nonconference slate has 3 potential wins for Duke and the young team has an outside, and I mean outside shot, at potentially earning a bowl birth. They play Virginia and Maryland, the ACC's worst teams and if they can win those 5 games only one upset would be needed. When was the last time Duke was being considered for bowl eligibilty?

Strength - Quarterback
Thaddeus Lewis is a solid option at quarterback, before Cutliffe is able to bring in quarterbacks that fit his system. Lewis threw for over 2000 yards, had 62% completion percentage, and a very solid 15-6 ratio last season. Duke games aren't always filled with the same level of competition as other games may, but Lewis performed very well as a starting quarterback in the ACC. One problem is his prime target Eron Riley is gone, so somebody namely Johnny Williams, a sophomore who performed admiraly as a freshman, needs to step up in his absence.

Weakness - Running Game
The running game will take a step forward this, but a giant leap is really what is needed. Re'quan Boyette is the teams best back and returns from an injury last season. He has a career 4.3 ypc average, which way outdoes the top player from last seasons 3.7. Hollingsworth (3.7) will be his backup after leading the team with less than 400 yards a season ago. Desmond Scott is the future of the program, being a highly touted true freshman. Look for Scott to get considerable action this season, as Duke continues to build for the future.

Key Game - 10/24/09 Maryland
This game will be pivotal for all bowl hopes for Duke. If Duke could beat a down Maryland program, they'll set up a very important game at Virginia the following week. Duke should have 3 wins going into this matchup. A win here and at Virginia will give them 5 going into the final 4. Playing a rival at North Carolina and a game against Wake Forest could provide Duke with that final game they need. Bowl hopes are stretching it for fans in Durham, but for once there is hope.

Key Player - Desmond Scott
This guy is the future of the program in my opinion. He needs to prove to the nation, players at Duke can excel in a competitive environment. If Duke can start to win with this guy, more players will want to apart of the rising program. If Scott struggles, no motivation is given to big time recruits to play at Duke. Scott was the clear jewel of this class for Cutliffe, and coming into a struggling program with a bad run game, he should see substantial playing time this year.

Impact Freshman - Desmond Scott

Predicted ACC finish - 5th (Coastal)

Top 5 Players
1. OL Kyle Hill
2. LB Vincent Rey
3. DT Vince Oghobaase
4. QB Thaddeus Lewis
5. P Kevin Jones

ACC - Boston College

Boston College
Skinny - Like Penn State a year before, Boston College fans were given devastating news about a star linebacker. Unlike Penn State linebacker Sean Lee, Mark Herzlich faced a much more severe circumstance. Herzlich is facing cancer and his presence will be severely missed by fans and coaches alike in Chestnut Hill. Boston College had a solid defense last season and were very tough against the run. They pitched two shut outs including Notre Dame and Golden Tate. Chris Cane began the season as starter last season, but gave way to freshman Dominique Davis by season's end. Davis flashed signs of potential last season, but also seemed lost at times, especially in defeats to Virginia Tech and Vanderbilt. Montel Harris and Josh Haden add a great 1-2 punch on offense and Rich Gunnell heads a solid receiver corps. The defense returns 6 starters from last season (but Herzlich won't be there) and should be solid despite some considerable personnel losses. The schedule is manageable, but a new coach and a raw quarterback could hold back the team.

Strength - Secondary
Roderick Rollins, Donnie Fletcher, and DeLeon Gause are a solid bunch at corner and should be flanked by a proven veteran in Wes Davis at free safety and Marcellus Bowman at strong safety. The unit was 18th in pass defense last season and are relatively the same bunch of guys. Boston College was only +3 in turnover margin, but that was not due to a lack of interceptions. Boston College had 26 picks last season but twelve are lost with Paul Anderson and Mark Herzlich. The corners and safeties will have to contribute more this season to that total, but the returners had a solid amount last season.

Weakness - Quarterback
Dominique Davis was less than stellar in his starts last season. He could be handed the benefit of the doubt for being a freshman, but he just looked lost at times. He threw under 50% of his passes for completions last season and had an okay 6-4 ratio. He wasn't a fear on the ground last season only averaging 1.1 ypc last season. Justin Tuggle will provide competition to Davis in camp, as Tuggle fits offensive coordinator Gary Tranquill's system a lot better being a more mobile quarterback. Davis has talent around him and he needs to utilize it or he'll find himself in the same position he was before Crane's injury last season.

Key Game - 9/26/09 Wake Forest
Boston College plays a home game against Wake early in the season after a tough game in Death Valley. Boston College won't want to find themselves in the 0-2 hole to start conference play and they match up pretty similarly to Wake Forest. Winning this game would be important as the next three games include Florida State, Virginia Tech, and NC State, who are all title contenders. Boston College may be projected 5th in the division, but this conference is wide open and they could easily find themselves near the top of the conference and repeat last season's championship game performance if they can find a quarterback.

Key Player - Dominick LeGrande
If you asked LeGrande last winter if he expected to start this season, he probably would have of thought it was possible. If you told him it was in Herzlich's slot and not the other outside linebacker spot, he probably would have been baffled. LeGrande is just a sophomore and had 9 tackles as a true freshman. His second year in the system will be greatly important in terms of team success. Mike McLaughlin will be the leader of the linebackers if he's 100 percent, but if he's not LeGrande could quickly become the needed leader of a young linebacking corps.

Impact Freshman - Andre Lawrence

Predicted ACC finish - 5th (Atlantic)

Top 5 Players
1. OL Anthony Castonzo
2. LB Mike McLaughlin
3. OL Matt Tennant
4. FS Wes Davis
5. RB Montell Harris

ACC - Wake Forest

Wake Forest
Skinny - Jim Grobe does his best at Wake Forest, but the talent just doesn't compare to that of the Florida State and Virginia Tech's of the conference. Wake does however manage to overachieve most of the time and that can be credited to the coaching staff. Recently that overachieving can also be credited to the face of the program, Riley Skinner. Skinner has been Wake's star player since his freshman season and nothing should deter him from finishing his senior season strong. The talent around Skinner; however, just isn't that great. The running game struggled last season and coaches hope Josh Adams can regain 2007 form and Kevin Harris can maintain the ypc average he had last season in a limited role. Brandon Pendergrass could also impact the position after leading the team in rushing last season, despite a bad ypc. The defense was highly regarded last season and helped keep Wake in games, but the back 7 only have one returning starter and the secondary was the key to the team's success last season. Wake should be a middle of the pack team this season, but look for them to take a step back. They finished 5th in the country with a +17 turnover margin and despite the return of Skinner, most teams can't maintain that great of a margin. Wake is well coached but play dangerous non-conference games against Baylor and Stanford and should be satisfied with a bowl season.

Strength - Riley Skinner
Skinner is the face of the program and has been for the past 4 seasons, leading his team to an 11-3 record his freshman season. Skinner has over 6000 career passing yards in a program that isn't known for amazing offensive performances. If he puts up slightly better numbers than last season he could end his career with 9000 passing yards, and shatter Wake records. Skinner is a second team All-ACC performer, but he probably would make first team on another team with a better supporting cast. He minimizes mistakes, despite playing with a sub-par group of receivers and an average offensive line. Skinner is not a mobile quarterback, but he can also pick up a yard for the team on the ground if needed.

Weakness - Playmakers
Skinner is a great quarterback, accurate and a game manager, but the role players are sub-par. Grobe can talk up the young players all he wants, but until the make an impact on one of the least productive offenses in the country potential means nothing. Adams disappointed at the running back position last season and split time with the other two backs as a result. Blocking should be better this season helping that cause. DJ Boldin is no longer there after tripling the receptions of the closest receiver. That means Marshall Williams majorly needs to step up along with Devon Brown and Jordan Williams.

Key Game - 9/5/09 Baylor
The team destroyed Baylor last season in their best offensive performance of the season. This season Robert Griffen is established and the Baylor defense should be ready as they travel to Winston Salem. The schedule isn't as bad as last season as the Ole Miss game is replaced by Stanford (Wake did beat Ole Miss though). Beating Baylor is important if Wake wants to start strong like they did last season. If they do make it to ACC play unscathed, the offense mst not sputter like it did a season ago. A younger defense won't be able to be relied on as much and the offense must provide some support.

Key Player - Matt Woodlief
Woodlief will be the quarterback of the defense, operating from the middle linebacker position. Woodlief has provided solid back up numbers his first two seasons (about 20 tackles a season, but is built real small. At only 5'11", he's undersized and most overcome that with grit. All three linebackers are gone from last season including the machine that was Aaron Curry. Woodlief joins Hunter Haynes as an experienced back-up, but without proven first team leadership. The defense was pretty strong last season, but losing the backbone of Aaron Curry could set the team back. An experienced defensive line should ease the job of the new backers.

Impact Freshman - Quan Rucker

Predicted ACC finish - 4th (Atlantic)

Top 5 Players
1. QB Riley Skinner
2. DT Boo Robinson
3. DT John Russell
4. TE Ben Wooster
5. OL Chris DeGeare

Darren Evans - Virginia Tech

Its always a sad day when a good player goes down, especially with a season-ender before the season begins. Darren Evans tore his ACL in fall practice and will miss the entire 2009 season. Evans had 1200+ rushing yards last season (albeit only 4 100+ games) including a big performance for Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl victory. Evans made my first team All-ACC team as a sophomore and was very important to an average Hokie offense, whose talented, but underperforming quarterback Tyrod Taylor only mustered a 2-7 ratio last season.

The worst part of the injury is, that at least on the surface, it seems to be the fault of the training staff at Virginia Tech. He apparently sprained his knee in a practice friday and tore the ACL just days later being back on the field. Fall practice is important, but protecting star players is even more important.

Josh Oglesby and Ryan Williams were next on the depth chart and are expected to split time in the wake of the injury. Williams probably has a higher ceiling with Oglesby being more experienced. Expect Williams to take the role for himself by season's end.

Source - http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4392725

ACC - Miami

Miami
Skinny - Miami just can't seem to get back to where it was at the beginning of the decade. Miami used to breed quarterbacks, but they can't seem to find a quarterback of late. Hurricane fans are hoping Jacory Harris is finally that player. Harris had a solid season as a freshman and hopes to build on it along with fellow sophomore Aldarius Johnson. If the duo continues to develop they could remind Miami of the glory days. Miami was a streaky team last season, but they performed admirable in a bowl game against a much better Cal team. Miami, uncharateristically, struggled on run defense last season and hope to beef it up this season with a crew of sophomore starters. Sean Spence is the future of Miami defense at linebacker and could be a first team All-ACC player by the end of the season. Miami has cleaned up their program under Randy Shannon and now are trying to restore their football image after cleaning up the Thug U moniker.

Strength - Jason Fox
The left tackle is team's top player and has a nice 6-7 310 frame. Fox is one of two All-ACC players, in addition to K/P Matt Bosher, and specializes in protecting the quarterback's blind side. Fox didn't get enough credit in post-season honors last season, but he didn't allow a sack last season from the most crucial spot on the offensive line, the quarterback's blindside. Knowing your blind side is safe gives a quarterback more confidence manuevering through the pocket and finding open receivers.

Weakness - Defensive Line
The defensive line is full of highly ranked players from high school, but they ranked real low in the nation in stuffing the run, on a team known for solid defense. Shannon was also a defensive coordinator before his head coaching role, so one would expect better from a Shannon coached team. Allen Bailey had 5 sacks last season and he'll be a starting tackle this season. The good news is five sacks is great for a tackle; the bad news is the 5 sacks came from the end position and 5 sacks is not a great number for a team leader. The line should be shuffled a lot as the team waits for players to develop and emerge.

Key Game - 9/7/09 @Florida State
Miami easily has the toughest 4 game stretch to open the season in the country. Playing @Florida State, Georgia Tech, @Virginia Tech, and Oklahoma seems demoralizing. Miami will be lucky to start the season 2-2 or even 1-3. Of course the schedule only gets easier, but Florida A&M and UCF are the only two non-BCS schools on the schedule. Beating rival Florida State in the opener would ease the pain of the upcoming schedule as the first three games are all pivotal conference games.

Key Player - Jacory Harris
Miami has a nightmare schedule to open the season and Jacory Harris must remain composed through the stretch. Harris was the starter last season, while splitting time with the departed Rober Marve, so he knows what starting in the ACC is like. Aldarius Johnson is a high ceiling receiver to throw to and Graig Cooper and Javarris James are both back at tailback to take the pressure off the passing game. The offense was only 50th in scoring last season and Harris must improve those numbers if Miami wants to compete in the ACC and not get embarassed by teams like Oklahoma.

Impact Freshman - Ray Ray Armstrong

Predicted ACC finish - 4th (Coastal)

Top 5 Players
1. LT Jason Fox
2. WR Aldarius Johnson
3. LB Sean Spence
4. K/P Matt Bosher
5. QB Jacory Harris

ACC - North Carolina

North Carolina
Skinny - North Carolina fans were excited when Butch Davis was named coach a couple seasons ago. North Carolina was a perennial bottom feeder in the conference standings and remained there with 4 wins in Davis' first season trying to turn the program around. After a year in his system, North Carolina turned heads last season in the second week shutting down an upbeat Rutgers program and a quarterback in Mike Teel, that was supposed to have a strong year. The team won 7 of the first 10, with all three losses being by three or less points. They got blown out by NC State, before beating Duke and losing a hard fought game to West Virginia in the bowl by 1 point. North Carolina played a lot of close games last season and with a lot of talent coming back, the team could potentially improve on last season's performance. The schedule gets tougher though as they have to travel to NC State, Virginia Tech, and Georgia Tech and Florida State rotates onto the schedule. North Carolina is probably a year or two from reallly competing with the conference big boys, but they definitely should show an impact on the conference standings and return to a bowl game this season.

Strength - Linebacker
Quan Sturdivant is the team's best player after racking up 122 tackles last season including an incredible 87 solo. Bruce Carter provides a good complement to Sturdivant, garnering 5 sacks in addition to his 68 tackles. The third position will be filled by new starter Zach Brown, a young player showing the transition to Davis' players. The defensive line returns intact from last season. Led by Marvin Austin, the defensive line should give the linebackers ample opportunity to eat up opposing running backs and hassle the quarterback. Sturdivant is a first team All-ACC member and Carter will have a chance of postseason recognition.

Weakness - Wide Receiver
The group is very inexperienced, with hybrid Greg Little being the only experienced player at the position. Little has seen more touches through the ground game the last couple of seasons and will need to develop into a more pure receiver as the the team has to replace Hakeem Nicks and Brandon Tate, two of the most talented receivers to play at North Carolina. The position will feature a battle of freshman and sophomores. Dwight Jones and Josh Adams will be the favorites and don't be surprised if Adams is joined by fellow true freshman Jheranie Boyd as two true freshman starters. TJ Yates is a proven quarterback and should help the receivers adjust.

Key Game - 9/26/09 @Georgia Tech
North Carolina had Georgia Tech's number last season as the beat them 28-7 in a surprising game. How well will North Carolina be prepared this season as they travel to Atlanta in a rematch game that could be very important to North Carolina's Coastal division hopes. Georgia Tech returns Nesbitt, Dwyer, and Jones and should provide an interesting battle against North Carolina's strong front 7. North Carolina probably won't be able to beat both Tech's on the road this season, but they match up well against Georgia Tech and could pull a repeat of last season.

Key Player - Shaun Draughn
The running game will have added emphasis this season with the departure of Hicks and Tate and Draughn needs to improve on a modest 4.4 ypc last season. He also only had 3 TDs so the numbers could be improved. He back up and Greg Little both put up 300+ yards last season, but only one is a true back. Draughn has one year of starting experience under him and runs behind pretty much the same line as last season.

Impact Freshman - Josh Adams

Predicted ACC finish - 3rd (Coastal)

Top 5 Players
1. LB Quan Sturdivant
2. CB Kendric Burney
3. LB Bruce Carter
4. DT Marvin Austin
5. QB TJ Yates