• 1. Oregon (7-2): The Ducks will be without star QB Jeremiah Masoli, who has been kicked off of the team. Senior Nate Costa and sophomore Darron Thomas will battle to replace him, but Costa is thought to have the upper hand. The loss of TE Ed Dickson will hurt the passing game as well, but the good news is basically the rest of the offense is back intact. RB LaMichael James will sit out the opener but emerged as one of the best backs in the nation last season. Jeff Maehl leads a solid group of WR’s and all five starters are back on the line, so the offense will be potent regardless of who is calling the signals. You won’t find a faster defense in the conference than the one that resides in Eugene. DE Kenny Rowe leads a line that is somewhat small but is shifty and quick. The LB group has the potential to be the best in the Pac 10, as does the secondary. The Ducks won’t have back-to-back home games all season, but they also will not have to travel for two consecutive weeks either. The last five games are against five of the best teams in the conference, highlighted by road games at USC, Cal, and Oregon St.
• 2. USC (6-3): It has been a busy offseason for the Trojans: first HC Pete Carroll bolted for the NFL, then the school brought in former coordinator Lane Kiffin, and finally the school was handed down punishment from the NCAA on allegations that go back to when Reggie Bush was starring for USC. Now that the punishment has been announced, which includes a postseason ban for two years and a scholarship reduction, rumors are swirling of potential transfers from the Trojan program. One thing seems certain: Matt Barkley will be under center this fall. Assuming no major transfers occur, Barkley will have a perennially loaded backfield behind him and some real weapons at WR, with freshman set to make an impact on both areas (keep an eye on freshman RB Dillon Baxter). The line returns three very good starters and will see uber-recruit Seantrel Henderson likely start from day one at tackle. The defense is expected to return to being one of the best in the nation under the new coaching staff. The LB’s are rock solid, and despite some new players on the line and in the secondary the defense will be as talented as ever. The Trojans avoid Autzen but travel to Stanford and each of the last three conference games are on the road: at Arizona, at Oregon State and at UCLA. With all the uncertainty surrounding the potential transfers, an entirely new staff, and Kiffin’s lackluster win-loss history, it would be surprising to see the Trojans return to the top of the conference this soon into the new staff’s tenure.
• 3. Oregon State (6-3): Oregon State returns some big talent on both sides of the ball, but will be breaking in a new starting QB. Fortunately for the Beavers they have a set of brothers that has the potential to rack up a combined 3,000 yards from scrimmage for the second straight season. Jacquizz Rodgers is a Heisman candidate at RB, while his brother James gives defenses fit as both a WR and a ball carrier on sweeps and reverses. The line will be a strength as well so as long as the Beavers offense can get steady production from the QB they will be among the best in a conference packed with big-time offenses. The defense took some hits in the offseason, first losing two projected starters at LB and DE, then having LB Keith Pankey go down with an injury. Pankey should be back in time for the season, but the loss of David Pa-aluhi and Matt LaGrone will set the defense back a bit. The secondary is talented but got shredded at times last season so must step up. The Beavers will be in the mix at the top of the conference but some questions on defense will likely prevent them from winning it.
• 4. Stanford (5-4): RB Tony Gerhart took his 1800 rushing yards and 28 TD’s to the NFL, so the focal point of the Cardinal offense will shift to QB Andrew Luck, who is considered one of the best young QB’s in the game. Luck has a pair of top WR’s back but there isn’t any proven depth behind them. The good news for Luck is that Stanford has the best offensive line in the conference and some talented players at RB who are expected to establish a solid running game. The defense will have a lot of familiar faces in new places. Each of the OLB spots will be manned by a former DE, and one of the MLB spots will go to Owen Marecic, the team’s starting fullback. The secondary has a pair of solid starters at CB and SS, but the other two spots are somewhat of a question mark. There are high hopes for the new 3-4, but it might take longer than this season for it to improve a defense that was 9th in the conference last year. The Cardinal will be right in the middle of the conference, but don’t expect them to challenge for a title just yet.
• 5. Arizona (5-4): The Wildcats are poised for a big season on offense. QB Nick Foles should be the main starter after winning the job last season. Foles will have a slew of top targets back in the passing game and a solid set of RB’s led by Nic Grigsby. The line will be solid and among the best in the conference. The defense loses all of its starting LB’s but has a solid pair of DE’s and an athletic secondary. Expect to see some looks this fall where the Wildcats put four DE’s on the field and a slew of DB’s in what they call the “Cheetah” defense. Despite the quickness and experimental schemes on defense, it will likely be the D that prevents the Wildcats from challenging for a conference crown. Still, this team is not one to sleep on in the Pac 10.
• 6. Washington (5-4): QB Jake Locker is the star in Seattle, but RB Chris Polk will be just as important to the offense. Polk is coming off a stellar freshman year and will be counted on to provide a steady threat on the ground to prevent defenses from keying too much on Locker. Locker is big threat with his legs and has developed into a fine passer as well. He will have all of his WR’s back and will be protected by what should be a solid line. The defense was near the bottom of the conference last season and it’s hard to see them being much better this year. There is some talent, especially in a young but fast-improving secondary, but to expect the Husky defense to be in the top half of the conference statistically is a stretch. The Huskies haven’t gone bowling since 2002, and a rough schedule will make it tough to do it this year. A tough non-conference slate will give way to a conference schedule that has road games at USC, Arizona, Oregon, Cal, and rival Washington St.




• 7. California (4-5): One would think Cal’s biggest problem would be replacing RB Jahvid Best, but Shane Vereen will not be much of a drop off, if at all. The real problem is the rest of the offense around Vereen. QB Kevin Riley has never really developed as a consistent passing threat and he won’t get a ton of help from a shaky WR corp. The line returns four starters so it should be a plus. The defense will have a good line and a playmaker at ILB and at FS, but beyond that the Bears need some playmakers to emerge. A trio of tough road games and a difficult set of home games to close the year will keep Cal from challenging for the upper half of the conference.
• 8. UCLA (4-5): It is tough to figure out why such a talented offense has been so poor the last few years. QB Kevin Prince came in with high expectations and will be expected to take a big step forward this year. RB is the deepest position on offense, especially with two incoming freshman expected to compete for playing time. The defense loses a lot but returns a pair of stars in LB Akeem Ayers and S Rahim Moore. The secondary will be solid around Moore, but there are questions at the other LB spots and along the line. Coach Rick Neuheisel has stated that he expects eight wins this season, but the Bruins will really have to over-achieve to get to that mark.
• 9. Arizona State (1-8): The Sun Devil offense has been going downhill the last couple years and must replace nearly everyone this year. There seems to be a 3-way battle for the starter at QB, a new starter at RB, and really only one accomplished WR at a crucial position for the spread attack. Oh yeah, and the line will be breaking in multiple new starters as well. The good news in Tempe is that ASU’s defense could be the best in the conference or close to it. Coach Dennis Erickson loves to recruit speed, and the defense is filled with it. LB Vontaze Burfict has future All-American written all over him, and the line will wreak havoc on opposing offenses. The only potential weak point is the back end of the secondary, but this defense will still be able to run with anyone. Unfortunately the schedule sets up so ASU will likely start out 0-4 in the conference and will be lucky to pick off more than one or two wins the rest of the way.
• 10. Washington State (0-9): It is shaping up to be another rough season for the Cougars, which is made even more difficult to endure when rival Washington appears to be on the rise. Jeff Tuel should win the QB job and is solid, but the running game will suffer without a healthy James Montgomery. Tuel will have a decent, albeit thin, group of receivers, and there are big expectations for the offensive line. The defense gave up nearly 40 points and over 500 yards per game last year, good enough for worst in the nation. They do have some returning talent, but that might not be a good thing when you are coming off such a horrendous year. With the only “winnable” games on the schedule coming on the road, it is hard to find any game where you can say the Cougars have a good chance at winning.

Let’s hear your predictions in the comments!

• 1. Florida State (6-2): QB Christian Ponder was shredding defenses last season before injuring his shoulder late in the year. Ponder will have a solid set of RB’s and WR’s to work with this year, plus the entire offensive line is back. Considering the offense was one of the best in the conference last year with Ponder healthy, FSU will give defenses nightmares this year. Ponder could be a 1st round pick in next year’s draft and should lead the Seminoles to the ACC Championship Game. What will keep FSU from challenging the best teams in the Coastal is a defense that was terrible last season. New DC Mark Stoops will install a new scheme, but with several new starters breaking in on that side of the ball it is difficult to tell if the Seminoles will be able to improve the defense. FSU misses both Tech teams and gets North Carolina and Clemson at home, so the schedule is fairly favorable. We think they slip up a couple of times in conference play, but Ponder and the offense has the potential to beat anyone on any given night.
• 2. Boston College (5-3): QB Dave Shinskie is the old man of the ACC but is only entering his sophomore year. After returning to football for the first time in six years last fall, Shinskie is poised for a big improvement this year after a full year of football. RB Montel Harris will be the focal point of the offense again and can help Shinskie take advantage as defenses load the box. Four of the lineman are back and will pave the way for Harris, but Shinskie will need to develop chemistry with a new set of WR’s after losing last year’s starters. The big story for the Eagles is that star LB Mark Herzlich is making a comeback from cancer and appears ready to step back onto the football field this fall. If Herzlich plays like his old self (2008 ACC Defense POY), BC’s linebackers will be outstanding. That will help ease the transition for the defense as new pieces are breaking in on the line and in the secondary. Look for the Eagles to take 2nd in the Atlantic, with the potential to overtake Florida State if Shinskie and Herzlich are able to step up.
• 3. Clemson (4-4): Tiger QB Kyle Parker was recently taken in the first round of the MLB draft and it is still up in the air whether he will even strap up for Clemson this fall. If Parker does not play, the offense will take a step back. Backup Tajh Boyd has potential for the future, but will not be able to lead the offense like Parker would. The other big concern on offense is replacing C.J. Spiller. Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper are solid backs in their own right, but there is no replacing what Spiller meant to Clemson. The offensive line has a solid 6 guys who can all start, but depth beyond that is also a concern. The defense will help make up for the lost production on offense. Even with the loss of DE Ricky Sapp, the line will be among the best in the ACC. Safeties DeAndre McDaniel and Rashard Hall are as good of a duo as you’ll find at the back of the secondary. The schedule will be very tough, with road games @ UNC, BC, FSU and Wake and home games against both Miami and Georgia Tech. Couple that rough schedule with the uncertainty surrounding the offense and it will be difficult for the Tigers to climb over .500 in the conference.
• 4. NC State (3-5): QB Russell Wilson is as talented as they come and will have a great group of pass-catchers to help him out. However, the line will have three new starters, and there is no standout at RB. Junior Curtis Underwood redshirted last year and was the favorite to start this year but was hurt throughout spring. That opened the door for other players to impress and it could be as much as a 4-man race for playing time this fall. The defense gave up over 30 points per game last season and loses the entire defensive line. The good news is the LB’s are solid and the secondary has some talent. The schedule is a killer: the Wolfpack open @ Georgia Tech and vs. Virginia Tech and BC, get Florida State and @ Clemson back to back in the middle, then close @ UNC and @ Maryland. Yikes. Winning three games with that schedule can be considered successful.
• 5. Maryland (2-6): The Terps have some serious weapons on offense. QB Jamarr Robinson showed some skills last season and could become one of the best dual-threat QB’s in the nation. RB Da’Rel Scott was slowed by injuries last season but was All-ACC the year before. WR Torrey Smith is a threat to score any time the ball is in his hands. Nearly all of the other skill players are back as well. On defense, the entire LB group is back and will be the strength of the D. The secondary should also improve as it continues to adjust to coordinator Don Brown’s scheme. Don’t expect Maryland to challenge for the top of the division, but they should manage two to three wins and something to build on for the future, which is more than they accomplished last year.
• 6. Wake Forest (2-6): The Demon Deacons have an outstanding trio of WR’s in Marshall Williams, Devon Brown and Chris Givens. The problem for the offense will be replacing QB Riley Skinner, who has been the leader for four years. RB Josh Adams will provide a steady threat on the ground, but the line is breaking in three new players and that is never a good thing for a new quarterback. Wake’s defense has been a turnover machine in the past but was not last year. Coach Jim Grobe hopes they return to those turnover-causing ways. There is a lot of speed on defense and the secondary will be one of the best in the ACC. It may not win them games, but the defense should be able to keep the Deacons in most games. There is a tough set of road games on the schedule that will not be kind to whoever wins the QB job.

Coastal

• 1. Virginia Tech (7-1): The Hokies boast the best RB duo in the nation outside of Tuscaloosa in Ryan Williams and Darren Evans. Senior QB Tyrod Taylor also returns with all of his top WR’s to lead what should be Tech’s best offense since Michael Vick was under center. The line will need to replace the left side, but don’t expect much of a drop off. What will keep the Hokies from running away from the rest of the division is a lot of questions on defense. Usually stingy, the defense loses a lot at all three levels. The good news is that there is one proven veteran leader at each level, including standout CB Rashad Carmichael. With an immediate test in week 1 against Boise State’s high-octane offense, VT’s defense will be tested. The Hokies get their top 3 challengers in the Coastal all in a row in November, but the conference slate is manageable outside of that. A 7-1 or even 8-0 conference record is not out of the question, but with the question marks along the defense it will certainly be a challenge.
• 2. North Carolina (6-2): The Tar Heel offense was a liability last season but returns nearly everyone, so a step forward is expected this year. However, QB T.J. Yates might be unseated by redshirt freshman Bryn Renner. Renner outperformed Yates in the spring and is the fan favorite to take over as starter in the fall. Whichever QB starts will have all of the skill players back and the line should be improved. The real strength for UNC is the defense. Already one of the best defenses in the nation last year, nine starters return to make this perhaps the most feared D in the entire country. There are stars and NFL-caliber players at every level of the defense, so good luck trying to exploit any area when facing the Tar Heels. There are seven senior starters and three more juniors, so this year is probably the best shot UNC has to win the ACC. Back-to-back games @ FSU and vs. VT in early November will likely decide how far the Tar Heels can go this season, but this defense will take its toll on every team on the schedule. We peg them for 6-2 because of the question mark at QB, but if the offense can make significant improvement from last season this team will be in the hunt for a National Title.
• 3. Miami (5-3): The Hurricanes will have an outstanding passing game this year, as QB Jacory Harris returns to lead the offense and will have all of his WR weapons back. The running game will miss Graig Cooper if he is unable to play this year, but there is a lot of depth including Damien Barry and Mike James. The key to the offense’s success will be how quickly the line gels; only two starters return and the schedule will be difficult early with road games @ Ohio State and Pitt before conference play starts up. The defense will be very good as well. The d-line has a ton of depth and talent and the secondary has the potential to be one of the best around. The biggest question on defense is at MLB, but OLB’s Sean Spence and Colin McCarthy will help ease in whoever wins the job in the middle. After the road games @ OSU and Pitt, Miami will open conference play @ Clemson and vs. FSU. If they can survive that murderous stretch things start to spread out from there, but games vs. UNC and VT and @ GT will make it tough for the Hurricanes to emerge at the top of a stacked Coastal Division.
• 4. Georgia Tech (5-3): Despite the loss of star B-back Jonathan Dwyer, the running game will be just fine this season and could actually improve. Roddy Jones and Embry Peeples are explosive A-backs, and Anthony Allen is expected to take over for Dwyer. QB Josh Nebitt will still run the show. There will be three new starters on the line but there are high expectations for those guys. The biggest loss may be WR Demaryius Thomas, who WAS the passing game last season. Nesbitt will need to find a new go-to target this season and will also need to be more accurate in order to keep defenses on their toes as they continue to try to adjust to the running game. The defense will miss DE Derrick Morgan and safety Morgan Burnett, but a switch to the 3-4 should actually help them this year. LB is the strongest position on defense and having an extra LB on the field in the 3-4 could do wonders as the Yellow Jackets try to establish a steady pass rush. It will be difficult for Tech to put together a BCS run in such a difficult division, but another solid bowl game is on the horizon.
• 5. Duke (2-6): A passing attack that was in the top 10 in the nation last year should again be among the best. QB Sean Renfree must replace star Thad Lewis, but expectations are high for Renfree and he will have an excellent trio of WR’s returning as well as most of the offensive line. The Blue Devils will need to improve on the WORST rushing attack in the entire country last year, but with the line back and a couple of potentially solid backs in the mix a step up is expected. The defense is paper-thin up front, but a solid group of linebackers and an athletic secondary will help cover up some of the line’s mistakes. The Blue Devils will likely miss a bowl game again, but what more can you expect with a stacked division and a tough non-conference slate.
• 6. Virginia (1-7): The Cavaliers were among the worst offensive teams in the nation last year and will have a host of new starters this year and a new offensive scheme. QB Marc Verica was decent last season filling in for starter Jameel Sewell, but there are no standouts at any other skill position. There has been a lot of moving around on defense in the spring; Virginia is switching schemes and also has several players moving to new positions. CB Ras-I Dowling is the star of the defense and leads a decent secondary. The defense should be average, but average isn’t good enough when the offense has been historically bad lately.

Let’s hear your predictions in the comments!

• 1. Pittsburgh (6-1): Dion Lewis burst onto the scene last season with nearly 1,800 rushing yards. The sophomore is back again this season to lead the offense and give defenses fits. QB Bill Stull is gone, but there are high expectations for sophomore Tino Sunseri. Sunseri will have some huge targets to throw to in Jonathan Baldwin and Mike Shanahan. Baldwin is one of the best receivers in the nation and a physical freak. On defense, two premier DE’s lead a deep line, and LB Max Gruder and S Dom DeCicco will solidify the back seven. The Panthers were at the top of the nation last year in sacks, and with Greg Romeus back to wreak havoc on the edge they should be again. There is a good chance for Pitt to get off to a fast start in conference play, but the final four games will be brutal on the Panthers’ hopes for a Big East Championship; they close @ UConn, @ USF, vs. West Virginia and @ Cincinnati.
• 2. West Virginia (5-2): The Mountaineers return more than any team in the Big East. If they can get reliable play from the QB position, this may be the year for Bill Stewart’s club to get back on top. Anticipated starter Geno Smith missed the spring but is still expected to start. His main goal will be to get the ball in the hands of electric RB Noel Devine and shifty WR Jock Sanders. With four of five starters back on the line WV’s offense should be very tough to stop, as long as Smith can be at least adequate at the QB position. The 3-3-5 defense should be amongst the best in the conference as well and will keep the Mountaineers in every conference game. Road games at UConn and Pitt will be tough to win, but if they take care of those two and handle business in Morgantown, West Virginia will find themselves in the fight for the Big East until the end.
• 3. Connecticut (5-2): QB Zach Frazer has established himself as the starting QB for the Huskies and will provide a nice complement to star RB Jordan Todman. The WR’s will need to find a dependable group of starters but should be solid, and the line returns four starters from last season. If Frazer is as good as Huskie fans think, the UConn offense will be loaded. The defense must replace stud DE Lindsey Witten but think that former LB Greg Lloyd can step in at DE. The rest of the defense returns mostly intact. If there is a weak point it may be in the secondary, where the only returning starters were just freshman last season. Pitt, WV and Cincy all travel to Rentschler Field this year, so the Huskies appear primed for a run at the conference championship.
• 4. Rutgers (4-3): If you are looking for the most underrated QB-WR duo in the nation, it might just be Rutgers’ Tom Savage and Mohamed Sanu. Both started and looked great last season as freshman, and now they are the most productive returning duo in the conference. Look for both of these guys to get national attention before their careers are over. Also returning is leading RB Joe Martinek, who will help keep defenses from dropping too many guys into coverage. The only question on offense is a somewhat re-built offensive line. The D-line will wreak havoc, with two solid ends in Jonathan Freeny and Alex Silvestro and a Freshman AA at DT in Scott Vallone. The Scarlet Knights do lose some talented players including CB Devin McCourty. Reports out of Piscataway indicate that this defense might be the fastest and most athletic that Coach Greg Schiano has had. The conference road games will be brutal and will test Savage and company this year, but look for this team to emerge as the class of the conference in the next couple of years.
• 5. Cincinnati (4-3): Coach Brian Kelly may have bolted to Notre Dame, but don’t expect the Bearcats to change much under Butch Jones, who also replaced Kelly at UCM. QB Zach Collaros was excellent filling in for Tony Pike at times last year, so there shouldn’t be much of a drop-off at QB. RB Isaiah Pead established himself as a potentially great back last year. The WR’s lost Mardy Gilyard but gained former USC WR Vidal Hazelton and return D.J. Woods and Armon Binns. After averaging nearly 40 points per game last year the offense will again be deadly. The defense will be what keeps the Bearcats from another Big East Championship. After giving up nearly 40 points per game over the final five last season and losing its top players, things could be ugly at times this season. The final four games will be against the four best teams in the conference, so Cincy will either emerge as one of the top teams or fade into the middle of the conference down the stretch.
• 6. South Florida (3-4): The Bulls will be breaking in only the second coach in their history, as Jim Leavitt is gone and Skip Holtz is taking over. Lucky for Holtz he has dual-threat QB B.J. Daniels back to lead the offense. Daniels will only be a sophomore and has the potential to be a household name. The offense will miss WR A.J. Love, who is out for the season after tearing his ACL, but the line has a ton of experience and Daniels will have some nice complements in WR Dontavia Bogan and RB Moise Plancher. The defense will sorely miss DE’s George Selvie and Jason Pierre-Paul but has a pair of solid senior LB’s and a pair of potential lockdown CB’s. The Bulls are not yet good enough to compete for a conference title, but with Daniels still maturing the future is bright in South Florida.

• 7. Syracuse (1-6): It’s never good when you are coming off a 1-6 year and lose almost the entire offense. To make matters worse, RB Delone Carter was involved in an altercation in the spring and his role this season is still up in the air. If Carter does not play, the offense might be among the worst of any BCS team. Ryan Nassib looks to be the starting QB but will be working with a thin WR corp. The line should be all right, but without Carter the offense has no proven weapons. The defense led the league against the run last year and should again be solid this year. The Orange have moved some pieces around on defense but return most of the starters from last season. Even with an above-average defense, the offense could be historically bad and won’t be enough to get the Orange more than a couple of conference wins at most.
• 8. Louisville (0-7): New coach Charlie Strong will find out real quick that Louisville is a far cry from the team he had at Florida. The Cardinals don’t have a clear-cut QB. It appears senior Adam Froman is the frontrunner but he has plenty of competition. Only 1 starting WR returns, but the line returns a ton of experience. That may not be such a good thing, as that same line was downright terrible last season. RB may be the strongest position on offense, but how they much they will be used is unknown at this point. The defense might be more unsettled than the offense. The LB’s will be solid but the secondary is thin and the line has some questions. Strong is known as a defensive guru so in time he may have the Cardinals defense among the best in the Big East. This year though, Louisville just doesn’t have enough talent to be considered a favorite in any Big East game except maybe Syracuse, but since that game is @ Syracuse we give the nod to the Orange.

Let’s hear your predictions in the comments!

• 1. Florida (7-1): It’s not often a team has 9 players drafted and is still picked this highly, but Florida is still that good. QB John Brantley will step in to fill Tim Tebow’s shoes. Brantley has all the physical tools to be successful, but we will have to see how he handles it mentally. He will be aided by an experienced line that returns four starters, as well as a dynamic set of RB’s and some potentially explosive WR’s. The defense must also replace some high draft picks but the defensive line will be strong, especially up the middle, and the secondary will still be one of the best in the conference even without CB Joe Haden. The LB’s may take a step back from last year, but there is plenty of speed and talent looking to step in. The Gators only have three games that look at all losable: @ Alabama, and against LSU and Georgia. It is possible the Gators slip up in more than one of those games, but we think they have enough to beat both LSU and Georgia and make a return trip to the SEC Championship.
• 2. Georgia (5-3): The bad news for Bulldog fans is that they will be breaking in a new starting QB this fall and have virtually no QB with major game experience anywhere on the roster. The good news is the rest of the offense is so good they can take a lot of the load off of whoever wins the job. RB’s Caleb King and Washaun Ealey form the best running combo outside of Alabama, and WR AJ Green is one of the best in the nation. The line will be one of the best in the conference as well. New Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham has vowed to be aggressive, and the Bulldogs have several defenders capable of getting to the QB. There are some new starters littered throughout the defense, but each position has the potential to be improved over last year. We don’t think the Bulldogs will escape the schedule with any less than at least 2 losses, but they will still have enough talent to make the Gators sweat at the top of the division.
• 3. South Carolina (4-4): This might be Steve Spurrier’s best team since he has been at South Carolina. QB Stephen Garcia has been erratic at times, and may have a bit of a short leash if he struggles this year. Heavily recruited freshman RB Marcus Lattimore joins a backfield that has promise but has been last in the conference in rushing for three straight years. WR Alshon Jeffery is the star of the offense, but it will be tough to get anything going if the line doesn’t become more consistent. Expect the defense to be slightly better than last year’s D, which was good enough to keep the Gamecocks in most games. The schedule is tougher than either Florida’s or Georgia’s, and that will be what will keep South Carolina from challenging for one of the top two spots.
• 4. Tennessee (3-5): The Vols are breaking in a new coach (Derek Dooley), a new quarterback and a whole new offensive line. With an absolutely brutal first two months of the season, things could be real ugly in Knoxville early on. Matt Simms is projected as the starter at QB and will have three returning pass catchers to help him. Unfortunately no experienced running game and five new line starters will be too tough to overcome. The defense loses probably its four best players but is in better shape than the offense and should be in the middle of the pack in the SEC. The Vols opening five conference games are Florida, @ LSU, @ Georgia, ‘ Bama, and @ South Carolina. Ouch. Staring 0-5 is a real possibility, and you have to wonder if all the new pieces will be mentally tough enough to finish the season strong after a potentially horrible first half.
• 5. Kentucky (4-4): The Wildcats came out of the spring game still looking to settle on a starting quarterback, but it still looks to be a 3-man race between Mike Hartline, Morgan Newton and Ryan Mossakowski. Hartline probably has the upper hand, but Newton led victories on the road against both Auburn and Georgia last season. Whoever lines up under center will have some good weapons in WR Randall Cobb and RB Derrick Locke. The defense loses several of its top players from last year and must have players step up at the linebacker spot. The secondary will be the strength of the defense despite losing outstanding CB Trevard Lindley. The schedule sets up so that the Wildcats can finish strong over the final four games, and should find themselves in another bowl game.
• 6. Vanderbilt (1-7): The Commodores have some major questions on offense coming into 2010. QB Larry Smith struggled mightily last year, and no WR emerged as a dependable target. The line will be completely re-tooled, which might not be such a bad thing for the rest of the offense. The good news on O is that Vandy has a strong combo of RB’s in warren Norman and Zac Stacy. The D will have many new starters but has talent at each tier. CB Casey Hayward is turning into a premier corner, and LB Chris Marve is a tackling machine. The line also has some experience and depth. Even so, Vandy will have a tough time picking up any more than a single SEC win.

West

• 1. Alabama (8-0): All QB Greg McElroy does is win, and he has an outstanding set of WR’s to throw to in Julio Jones, Marquis Maze, and Darius Hanks. The line returns 3 starters and will see the emergence of DJ Fluker at RT. The real stars of the offense, though, are RB’s Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson. Without a doubt the best 1-2 punch in the nation, Ingram and Richardson could each rack up over 1,000 yards this year without much difficulty. Richardson is so good he might even be better than Ingram, last year’s Heisman winner. The defense has to replace 9 starters this year, but there is some good experience across the line and incredible talent at LB and in the secondary. Don’t’a Hightower is recovering from a severe knee injury but looks ready to step into the void left by Rolando McClain. Mark Barron will lead a secondary that is very young but has loads of potential. The Tide will have to navigate tough games against Florida and at LSU and avoid any other upsets, but they are everybody’s favorite to repeat as SEC Champions and National Champions.
• 2. Arkansas (6-2): No team in the SEC returns as much talent as the Razorbacks. QB Ryan Mallet has the strongest arm in the nation and is a potential #1 pick in next year’s back. Returning are the top three WR’s and one of the best TE’s in the nation in D.J. Williams. The loss of guard Mitch Petrus will hurt, but the rest of the line is back and will be among the best around. The only other loss on offense is RB Michael Smith, and the Razorbacks go four deep with talented players ready to replace him. Perhaps the only defense in the nation that can slow down the offense is Arkansas’ own. They were downright terrible at times last year and will need to step it up this year if Arkansas has hopes of challenging Alabama. The first two conference games are @ Georgia and then ‘Bama, so we will find out pretty quick if Arkansas has what it takes to compete at the top of the conference. If they somehow start off 2-0, they have a great chance to run the table the rest of the way.
• 3. LSU (4-4): There are some question marks on offense for the Tigers this fall. QB Jordan Jefferson will have some new toys on offense, as former highly-touted QB Russell Shepard will make the switch to WR. He joins Terrance Toliver, one of the better WR’s in the conference, and Rueben Randle, who has a world of potential. The Tigers need guys to step in and fill some holes on the line, and also need a RB to establish himself as a legitimate threat in order for the offense to reach its potential. The defense is led by LB Kelvin Sheppard, one of the best in the conference, and CB Patrick Peterson, perhaps the best cover corner in the nation. If the offense clicks early the Tigers could finish above this prediction, but we think they will do no better than fighting Arkansas and Auburn for the right to finish 2nd to Alabama.
• 4. Auburn (4-4): Auburn has some big-time talent on both sides of the ball in 2010. JUCO QB Cameron Newton could have a big year in Gus Malzahn’s offense, and has two terrific WR’s to throw to in Darvin Adams and Terrell Zachery. The Tigers will be strong up front with four returning starters, and RB Onterio McCalebb will be an excellent change of pace for RB Mario Fannin. The defense will have three returning starters at LB and both CB’s returning. Head Coach Gene Chizik used to be a top-flight defensive coordinator, so expectations will be high for a strong defense. Despite starting 5-0 last year, Auburn stumbled to a 3-5 finish last season. They will need to win a couple more games this year to please Tiger fans.
• 5. Ole Miss (2-6): Losing star QB Jevan Snead and RB Dexter McCluster will set the Rebels back, especially considering the other losses along the offense as well. There is some hope at the skill positions, with quality depth at RB and a few WR’s with bright futures. Replacing Snead will be the biggest issue, along with settling on a starting 5 on the line. The defensive line will be a strength, with two outstanding players in DT Jerrell Powe and DE Kentrell Locket. The LB’s will also be solid, but the secondary could struggle against the big-passing teams in the West. Coach Houston Nutt will have the Rebels back in the picture within a couple of years, but this year the Rebels will take their lumps.
• 6. Mississippi State (1-7): QB Chris Relf will likely win the quarterback job and had a strong finale last year against Ole Miss. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs don’t have much quality depth at WR and will need to replace RB Anthony Dixon, who put the team on his back at times last fall. The good news is the line is experienced and will be a major asset to the new QB. The defense returns some good talent and is expected to be heavy blitzers under new coordinator many Diaz, but the Bulldogs just don’t have the horses to stop the offensive powerhouses that reside in the SEC. A brutal schedule that includes road games @ Florida, Alabama and LSU will suffocate the Bulldogs this year.

Let’s hear your predictions in the comments!

• 1. Ohio State (8-0): The reigning Big 10 Champs and winners of the Rose Bowl come into 2010 primed for a big season. QB Terrelle Pryor will be surrounded by the same skill players as last year, with Brandon Saine and Dan “Boom” Herron back to lead a rushing attack that averaged just under 200 yards per game last season. Each of the leading receivers return as well, and OSU is loaded with talent up front to plug the holes on an otherwise experienced offensive line. With all that returning and the potential of Pryor, the Buckeyes will have an offense that can put points up on anybody and could be one of the best in the nation. The scary thing for teams playing OSU is that the offense may not even need to score much, as the defense will be one of the best around. With Cameron Hayward returning to anchor the line, the top two tacklers on the team back at linebacker, and both starting corners back to lead the secondary, opposing teams will have a tough time moving the ball on a stingy Buckeye defense. Only four road games means the Buckeyes have a real good shot at running the table, but a slip up is possible and even likely either @ Wisconsin in mid October or @ Iowa in November in what could turn out to be the Big 10 Championship game – again.
• 2. Iowa (6-2): The Hawkeyes, who took OSU to overtime last year in Columbus without starting QB Rick Stanzi, may again have the best chance to knock the Buckeyes off the top of the conference. Stanzi is healthy this year, and has a ton of weapons at his disposal. WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos has a chance to leave Iowa as the Hawks’ all-time leading receiver, and WR Marvin McNutt bust on the scene last year in his first full season at the position. In addition, the entire backfield is back from last year and a healthy Jewel Hampton will only add to that group; Hampton ran for 463 yards and 7 TD’s as a backup two years ago. The O-line will need to be rebuilt, but OT Riley Reiff is moving to LT and looks to be the next great Hawkeye lineman, and coach Kirk Ferentz is known for being a great offensive line coach. The real strength of the team will be defense, where all four lineman return and are led by pre-season All-American DE Adrian Clayborn. Clayborn’s 20 TFL and 11.5 sacks last season led the team, but each of the three other starters along the line have all-conference potential, making the Hawkeye D-line arguably the best in the country. LB’s Pat Angerer and AJ Edds and CB Amari Spievey, who are all in the NFL now, will be missed, but a great defensive line and two experienced safeties will again have this defense among the fiercest in the nation. Iowa gets OSU, Wisconsin, Penn State and Michigan State all at home, but the schedule is still brutal. Eight bowl teams from last season litter the schedule and the Hawkeyes close with 3 of 4 on the road with Ohio State as the lone home game. They have the potential to make noise on a national level, but it is feasible to think that Iowa could actually be better than last year but finish with a worse record.
• 3. Wisconsin (6-2): Wisconsin will be home to the best offense in the conference. QB Scott Tolzien is a legitimate threat in the passing game, but the real star in Madison is RB John Clay. Clay led the Big 10 in rushing yards and TD’s last year and is set to have a huge year this year. Tolzien will have a solid group of receivers to throw to, led by WR Nick Toon and TE Lance Kendricks. The task of stopping Clay will be made even more difficult by perhaps the best offensive line in the entire nation. The line is anchored by tackle Gabe Carimi, who could be a high 1st round draft pick, and guard John Moffitt, one of the best in the nation. The thing that might prevent Wisconsin from winning the Big 10 is defense. Only average last year, the defense loses a lot up front including an excellent defensive end in O’Brien Schofield. DE JJ Watt is turning into one of the best lineman in the conference, but he doesn’t have much help to speak of. The schedules aligns so that it is almost a sure bet Wisconsin will start 6-0 before back-to-back games against Ohio State and at Iowa. We think the Badgers are a definite threat to win the conference, but the premier defenses of OSU and Iowa can neutralize that offense, while Wisconsin’s own defense might not be enough to contain the opposing offenses. We tab the Badgers for six conference wins, but they could just as easily win one or both of those big games (especially after man-handling OSU last year despite losing the game) and find themselves at the top of the Big 10.
• 4. Penn State (5-3): The Nittany Lions will be a bit down this year as they need to replace a lot of talent, especially on defense. On offense, the key will be finding a replacement for QB Darryl Clark. Kevin Newsome, Matt McGloin and even freshman Paul Jones are in the mix, but the good news is whoever wins the job will have a ton to work with. The skill positions are loaded and Penn State has the best RB tandem in the conference in senior Evan Royster and junior Stephfon Green. The WR’s are experienced and talented and will help ease in the new QB. The o-line has some experiences starters including one of the best interior linemen in the nation in Stefen Wisniewski. There has been a lot of shuffling of positions up front though, so it may take the line some time to hit their stride. The defense, which was great last year, will take a big hit. They lose last year’s Big 10 Defensive POY and all three LB’s. The secondary will be solid, but the front 7 will determine how good this unit is. Tough road games against OSU and Iowa will likely be losses, and we think the Nittany Lions slip up at least once more along the way. Another bowl is on the way, but don’t expect double digit wins again from Penn St.
• 5. Michigan State (4-4): The Spartans lose about half of their starters from last year, but this team is on the rise and could make some noise this season. QB Kirk Cousins shared some snaps with Keith Nichol, but Cousins should be the undisputed #1 this year and has some nice weapons to work with. RB’s Larry Caper and Edwin Baker both have bright futures and form a potent 1-2 punch. The key on offense will be the line, where only two players have much starting experience. The defense loses quite a few guys, but the guys that return can carry this unit. MLB Greg Jones is the favorite for this year’s Conference Defensive POY, and DT Jerrel Worthy will become a star. CB Chris L. Rucker leads what will be a solid secondary, but the depth behind the starters is paper-thin. Michigan State misses Ohio State, but road games at Michigan, Iowa and Penn State and a conference opener against Wisconsin means the Spartans will likely go .500 in the conference.
• 6. Michigan (4-4): Wolverine fans are dying to get back on top of the conference, but this year will only be a small step up from last year. The offense has some talent at the skill positions, with three QB’s capable of running the ball and a pair of deadly slot receivers in Roy Roundtree and Martavious Odoms. A steady ground game is key, and junior Micheal Shaw and sophomore Vincent Smith will step in to replace the departed Brandon Minor. The interior of the line will be boosted by a healthy David Molk, and there is a lot of competition for the tackle spots. Big 10 defenses haven’t seen Rich Rodriguez’s offense at its finest, and despite an expected improvement the offense isn’t going to wow anyone just yet. The defense returns seven, but it has been so bad the last couple years that that might not be a good thing, especially since the best three players have all moved on. No matter how good the offense becomes, Rodriguez will need at least an average defense to win consistently in the Big 10. With Iowa and Penn St back-to-back in the middle of the season and Wisconsin and Ohio State the final two games, Meeeechigan won’t be threatening the top of the conference this year.




• 7. Northwestern (3-5): The Wildcats have been over-achievers under coach Pat Fitzgerald, but Fitzgerald will have a monster job on his hands this year if NW wants to get to .500 in the conference. QB Mike Kafka carried the team often in 2009, but he is gone this year. Dan Persa will step in and has potential, but the Wildcats will need to find a running game to take the pressure of Persa. Persa will have a good set of receivers, but will need to find a true go-to guy. The good news is the line will be the strength of the offense and should be able to buy Persa time to break down defenses. The D loses some big time players in Corey Wootton and Sherrick McManis, but a strong LB corp returns and the Wildcats have some young talent ready to step in. Northwestern probably won’t win two straight conference games all season, but they have shown in the past that they can surprise (just ask Iowa).
• 8. Illinois (3-5): Ron Zook’s Illinois teams have been steady under-performers, which makes being picked near the bottom of the Big 10 even worse news. Nathan Scheelhaase won the QB job and looks like a future all-conference performer. RB’s Mikel LeShoure and Jason Ford form an outstanding duo in the backfield and can make Scheelhaase’s job much easier. The WR’s and line will not wow anyone, but they also won’t be liabilities. The defense won’t be at the top of the conference, but it is better than the bottom three. New coordinators on both sides of the ball will mean some new looks, so it is hard to place the Illini, but .500 would be a pleasant surprise.
• 9. Purdue (2-6): Miami transfer Robert Marve will lead the team this fall and though he doesn’t have a lot of experience, he oozes potential. RB Ralph Bolden will likely miss the season with an injury and the depth behind him is a question mark. WR Keith Smith is one of the top receivers in the conference and will give defenses fits all season. Marve could have a tough time keeping his jersey clean this fall, with only two starters back on the line and no real standouts. Purdue’s rush defense was dreadful last season, but should be improved with five of the front seven back. Unfortunately for the Boilermakers the secondary is a mess. The good news is DE Ryan Kerrigan can get to the quarterback quickly, and he will need to as the secondary is as inexperienced as you will ever find. Marve will need to be terrific to get this team to .500 in the conference, and unfortunately the loss of Bolden and some major question marks will likely prevent even that.
• 10. Indiana (2-6): The Hoosiers have an offense that can compete with any in the conference. QB Ben Chappel is the best pure passer in the Big 10, and he will have an outstanding trio of WR’s to throw to. RB Darius Willis has the potential to break-out this year if he can stay healthy, and the Hoosiers have a nice power back and speed back behind him. The offensive line loses star tackle Roger Saffold but will be good enough to keep the offense clicking. The defense will be what keeps Indiana down, with 8 starters gone. The DT’s will be a strength, but behind them is a load of question marks. The Hoosiers will fight with Purdue and Illinois to be the leader of the bottom tier of the conference, but don’t expect a big jump in the standings.
• 11. Minnesota (1-7): The good: the offense returns 9 starters and QB Adam Weber. The bad: that offense was the worst in the conference last year and loses its best player in WR Eric Decker. The ugly: at least 9 starters need replaced on defense. Finishing above last place in the conference will be a stretch for the Gophers, and you have to figure coach Tim Brewster’s seat is warming up. Minnesota should be able to ride Weber’s arm and five returning offensive lineman enough to steal a game somewhere, but they are more likely to go winless than win more than two games in the conference.

Let’s hear your predictions in the comments!

• 1. Oklahoma (7-1): Don’t get used to the Sooners finishing in the middle of the division; Coach Bob Stoops will have this team back at the top of the Big 12 as early as this season. QB Landry Jones showed last year that he is good enough to lead the team to big things. Super-talented RB DeMarco Murray and WR Ryan Broyles will help Jones carry the load. The only real question on offense is along the offensive line, which received some heat for Sam Bradford going down last year and loses first round pick Trent Williams. The defense loses star DT Gerald McCoy but returns a total of 7 starters and will again be stout. The Sooners avoid Nebraska but will have tough games against Texas and Texas A&M. Oklahoma could end up in the Big 12 Championship this year as long as they can win the close games they failed to win last year; the Sooners lost 4 games by a touchdown or less.
• 2. Texas (6-2): The Longhorns had an undefeated regular season last year and played for the National Championship, but we think they will take a step back this year, albeit a small one. QB Garrett Gilbert showed some toughness and moxie in the loss to Alabama, and was highly touted coming out of high school, but will likely struggle a bit as a first-time starter this fall. The running game hasn’t been very reliable for the Longhorns the last few years, but Colt McCoy was good enough to overcome that. Tre’ Newton, Fozzy Whittaker, Vondrell McGee and TD machine Cody Johnson will all be back in the backfield, so this may be the year the Longhorns can establish a reliable running game. WR Jordan Shipley was unquestionably the top target last year and will be missed, but Malcolm Williams and James Kirkendoll are capable of filling that lost production. The defense will again be the key for Texas, and Sam Acho will lead a unit that will again have the potential to be great under coordinator Will Muschamp. A great defense can take a team far, but a tough schedule and a QB that will no doubt take some lumps means Texas likely won’t repeat as Big 12 Champs.
• 3. Texas Tech (5-3): New Coach Tommy Tuberville has shown an early commitment to stick with Tech’s air-raid offensive style, so this offense should again be deadly. The team has been averaging about 8 wins per year for a long time now, and put a whooping on both Nebraska and Oklahoma last season. All the key skill guys are back, as are BOTH QB’s from last year: Taylor Potts and Steven Sheffield. Both showed last year that they can run the offense, but Sheffield was fantastic at times. If he is given the keys to the offense and plays like he did last year, look out. The D-line will have to patch itself up a bit, but the LB’s will be solid and the secondary could be great. Expect the Red Raiders to again put up 8-9 wins, with the potential to beat anyone at anytime and maybe even push for the South title.
• 4. Texas A&M (3-5): How’s this for a scary thought: the Aggies return stud QB Jerrod Johnson, both running backs, and the top 3 WR’s from a top 5 offense. Johnson alone accounted for over 4,000 yards of offense and 38 TD’s last season. This offense has the potential to be the best in the nation and will tear through Big 12 defenses. The bad news for A&M is that the defense was downright awful last year. DE Von Miller is a sack machine, but the D was last in the conference in yards allowed and points allowed. One would think the defense would get better from practicing against such a phenomenal offense each week, but the sad truth for Aggie fans is the D will hold A&M back yet again. The Aggies schedule sets up so that they could potentially start as good as 7-0, but the last 5 games will all be brutal and A&M will likely suffer through a rough second half of the season. We don’t think the defense will be good enough to get them more than 3 conference wins or 4 at most, but if there is one team that can shake up the entire conference, it’s Texas A&M.
• 5. Baylor (3-5): The Bears struggled to a 4-8 season last year, but that was without their electric QB, Robert Griffin. He will have some weapons around him with RB Jay Finley and WR Kendall Wright. A young offensive line gained some valuable experience last year and should be improved. The thing that will hold Baylor back is the defense. The D was bad last year and loses its two best players in LB Joe Pawelek and safety Jordan Lake. The good news is the Bears were 3-1 last season before Griffin went down, so there is potential for a possible bowl season. With the exception of the season finale against Oklahoma, the home schedule is very favorable and should get the Bears 3 conference wins.
• 6. Oklahoma State (2-6): This is the one team in the South that may take the biggest step back. Nearly the entire offensive line is gone, including star OT Russell Okung. Also graduated is QB Zac Robinson. The return of a healthy Kendall Hunter will make up for the loss RB Keith Tosten, though the addition of a new OC (former Houston OC Dana Holgerson) could make for some slip-ups as well. The defense loses a ton, returning just two starters. QB Brandon Weeden may be able to guide the offense well enough to make the team competitive, but it is hard to place the Cowboys with so many key guys needing replaced. The schedule is somewhat manageable, but facing the clear-cut top 3 teams in the conference is never a good thing.

North Division

• 1. Nebraska (7-1): The Huskers put together a nice 10-win season last year, and if not for a dud vs. Texas Tech and a fluke loss to ISU (8 NU turnovers and the Cyclone s still only mustered 9 points), they were playing like a top 15 team all season. Or at least the defense was. Star DT Ndamukong Suh moved on to the NFL, as did key starters LB Phillip Dillard and S Larry Asante. But there are big expectations in Lincoln for DT Jared Crick, and he and DE Pierre Allen will anchor another very good defense. CB Prince Amukamara is the best cornerback in the conference and K/P Alex Henery’s strong leg will continually put the D in good position. The only thing that could prevent the Huskers from a repeat trip to the Big 12 Championship game and a possible BCS birth is the quarterback position. With 10 total starters back on offense and multiple running backs that can carry the ball, Nebraska won’t need a game-breaker at QB, but they do need a steady leader. Zac Lee was inconsistent last year and has missed time this spring with injury. Sophomore Cody Green will likely see an increased role this year and could even win the job. The schedule is very favorable, with the only non-conference test coming @ Washington. If the Huskers can get a win there, things will set up very nicely for a potential title run. We think they slip up once, most likely against Texas or high-powered Texas A&M. Don’t sleep on Nebraska this year though, we may just be talking about them as National Championship Contenders.
• 2. Missouri (5-3): Gary Pinkel’s team is coming off a decent 8 win campaign, and return maybe the best passing QB in the conference in Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert threw for over 3,500 yards last year and had 24 TD’s to go with just 9 INT’s. In the team’s 8 wins Gabbert threw for 19 TD’s with just 2 INT’s, so it’s clear the team goes as he goes. With another big year this year he could position himself into the conversation for a Heisman in his senior season. Gabbert will have a good, experienced offensive line paving the way and the top rusher from last season to take some pressure off. He does lose his top two WR’s so he’ll need to find some new targets. Regardless, the offense should put up big numbers this season. The defense was downright awful at times last season, especially against the pass, so a big improvement will be needed to challenge Nebraska for the North. The schedule will do the Tigers no favors; they will be at home just once in their final 5 games. We still think Gabbert is good enough to get national recognition as an elite QB and get the Tigers 5 conference wins.
• 3. Kansas State (3-5): If there is one thing that Coach Bill Snyder has brought back to Kansas State it is hope. They overachieved in the eyes of many last year, going 6-6 and 4-4 in the Big 12. The Wildcats have a legitimate star RB in Daniel Thomas. The bad news for Thomas is that K-State was the worst passing team in the conference last year. They lose QB Grant Gregory, but there are several players that could see time or win the QB job, including Carson Coffman, who played part-time last year. The Wildcats also lose their top two WR’s, but when you factor in how terrible the passing game was and the fact that there will be a lot of new faces (both JUCO and transfers) and that might not be such a bad thing. The defense should improve on the 23 points per game they allowed last year, and the secondary will be a strength. The schedule isn’t overpowering; the Wildcats avoid Oklahoma and get Nebby and Texas at home. With so many new and moving pieces, especially on offense, it’s hard to place K-State this year, but we don’t think they will win fewer than 3 conference games.
• 4. Iowa State (3-5): Gene Chizik had the Cyclones as bottom-feeders in the North, but new coach Paul Rhoads brought this team back to life. The ‘Clones tied for the biggest turnaround in the nation last year, and beat Minnesota in their bowl game. The schedule is tough this year though, so the team may take a step back record-wise. QB Austin Arnaud hasn’t proved a reliable threat through the air, but coupled with RB Alexander Robinson he gives the Cyclones a potent rushing attack. The O-line will miss recently dismissed OT Scott Haughton, but should be serviceable. The defense was good last year, but loses a lot and will likely struggle a bit this year. The schedule is also troubling, with 8 games against bowl teams and conference road games at Oklahoma and Texas. They do close the season with four straight games against Big 12 North teams, so the potential is there to make some noise late in the year, and with the coaching job Rhoads and staff did last year, you can’t sleep on Iowa State.
• 5. Colorado (2-6): The offense was bad and the defense was worse last season, but what can you expect from a team that went just 3-9. Coach Dan Hawkins needs to get something going if he wants to keep his job, but the Buffaloes have regressed each of the last two years. The offense will return nearly everyone, and the whole front four is back on defense. With all the returning players Hawkins and Colorado will be running out of excuses if they fail to produce this year. RB Darrell Scott was one of the highest rated running backs in the nation in high school but hasn’t been productive in his two years in Colorado. The non-conference schedule is brutal and the conference road games are tough, so it’s hard to see the Buffs improving much, if at all, in 2010.
• 6. Kansas (2-6): Talk about a tough team to figure out. The Jayhawks started 5-0 last season before imploding and losing coach Mark Mangino. New coach Turner Gill may have what it takes to get the Jayhawks back on track, but this year might be too soon to expect a big turnaround. There is basically no quarterback experience at all on the roster, but the team will return the entire offensive line and a good running back in Toben Opurum. The defense struggled last year and lost three key players. The good news is Kansas missed both Texas and Oklahoma and should be able to be competitive in nearly all conference games.

Let’s hear your predictions in the comments!