NCAA - nesto o timovima pred sezonu 2011

By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com


Oklahoma State Cowboys
Even without former offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, who left to become West Virginia's coach-in-waiting, the Pokes figure to have one of the country's most explosive attacks in 2011. Record-setting quarterback Brandon Weeden and receiver Justin Blackmon are back, and running backs Jeremy Smith and Joseph Randle will share carries while replacing departed star Kendall Hunter. New offensive coordinator Todd Monken didn't revamp OSU's spread offense; he only applied a few adjustments, so expect a smooth transition. Just as important, the Pokes will bring back all five starting offensive linemen, including four seniors. In 13 games last season, OSU allowed only 10 quarterback sacks in 532 pass attempts. The Pokes will have to find depth at defensive tackle, but Shaun Lewis looks like a future star at middle linebacker. OSU's offense is good enough to lead it to a BCS bowl game, but its defense will have to continue to improve.

By Amy Daughters

Oklahoma State


The fate of the Cowboys in 2011 all comes down to two critical questions.

First, can they be as offensively dominant minus offensive coordinator and mastermind Dana Holgorsen and leading rusher Kendall Hunter?

Second, can the Cowboys make any improvement, even small steps, to a defense that ranked No. 61 in scoring and No. 88 in yardage allowed in 2010?

If the answer to both of these is "yes," Oklahoma State will be flat-out unstoppable; anything less could spell trouble, especially in a conference where three teams are ranked in the preseason Top 10.

In this scenario, somebody will have to beat somebody, which means somebody will have to lose.

Oklahoma State

By Tim Hyland

Like Missouri, Texas A&M and Texas Tech, Oklahoma State may be on the precipice of bigger things.

Much bigger things, in fact.

With the departure of Nebraska to the Big Ten, new opportunities have opened up for the Big 12's historically second-tier programs, so just like Tigers, Aggies and Red Raiders, the Cowboys now have their chance to finally take the great leap forward; they may never compete on an annual basis against Texas and Oklahoma for league supremacy, but they certainly can build their program up to the point where they're just one notch below those two powerhouses (you know, kind of like Nebraska was).

So the question, then, is obvious: Can coach Mike Gundy and gang pull this off--and, if so, will we see any evidence of that progress this season? Find out here, in our 2011 Oklahoma State preview.

OVERVIEW: The 2010 season in many ways represented a huge step forward for Gundy and Cowboys. Coming off a strong 2009 season that saw them earn a Cotton Bowl bid, Oklahoma State bounced right back with another great year--an 11-2 overall mark, including wins over Texas A&M, Texas and Arizona. Even the bummer season-ending loss against Oklahoma (a 47-41 shootout) was respectable. Under Gundy, it appears, this program is enjoying greater stability and consistency than it's seen in years. And given the talent coming back in 2011, another double-digit-win season is certainly possible.

THE CEILING: Ten wins. Though the defensive front seven needs to be almost completely rebuilt, a ridiculously talented offense figures to keep the Cowboys in the game against anybody--including the powerful Sooners. The Cowboys averaged more than 44 points per game in 2010, third-best in the nation, and here's the scary thing for Big 12 defenses: Ten starters are back. That includes quarterback Brandon Weeden and otherworldly wideout Justin Blackmon. So yeah, this team is going to score some points.

REASON FOR CONCERN: As mentioned above, the defense has issues. While the bulk of the secondary is back, only two starters from the front seven return for 2011. And let us remember, those returning starters really aren't all that good anyway; as good as the Cowboys offense was last season, the defense simply wasn't physical enough or talented enough to get the team over the hump. Gundy's bunch gave up more than 26 points per game in 2010 (that's thoroughly average, in case you were wondering) and will give up even more this year. Until the defense is fixed, the Cowboys will remain Big 12 also-rans.

THE SCHEDULE (key games in bold): 9/3 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette; 9/10 vs. Arizona; 9/17 at Tulsa; 9/24 at Texas A&M; 10/8 vs. Kansas; 10/15 at Texas; 10/22 at Missouri; 10/29 vs. Baylor; 11/5 vs. Kansas State; 11/12 at Texas Tech; 11/19 at Iowa State; 11/26 vs. Oklahoma

THE PREDICTION: If nothing else, Oklahoma State games will be awfully fun to watch. Weeden, Blackmon and gang may well put up Oregon-in-2010-ish numbers, and the defense will be porous enough to allow most of their opponents to light up the scoreboard, too. In other words, expect a lot of 45-38 kind of games, with the Cowboys coming out on top most of the time. But not enough to claim that long-sought Big 12 crown.

REGULAR SEASON PREDICTION: 9-3

Oklahoma State Cowboys

NATIONAL FORECAST #12
Big 12 PREDICTION #3

HEAD COACH: Mike Gundy, 47–29 (6 years) | OFF. COORDINATOR: Todd Monken | DEF. COORDINATOR: Glenn Spencer, Bill Young

OFFENSE

Before getting his chance to play, Brandon Weeden was portrayed as a somewhat disinterested underachiever with the Cowboys. Apparently, he was just awaiting his opportunity.

Seizing the starting quarterback job a year ago, Weeden produced one of the greatest passing seasons in school history, shattering six major records while guiding a recharged spread offense. Now, after contemplating a jump to the NFL, the 27-year-old former pro baseball player is back for more.

Same for wideout Justin Blackmon, another record-setter and the Biletnikoff Award winner. And the good news continues with an offensive line that returns intact and more emerging playmakers, prompting optimism and grand goals for a Cowboys team that produced a school-record 11 wins in 2010.

All-Big 12 tackle Levy Adcock anchors a line equally adept at protecting the passer or paving running lanes. The Cowboys lost All-America running back Kendall Hunter, yet return a tandem in Joseph Randle and Jeremy Smith that was productive a year ago and appears primed to take off.

The receiving corps beyond Blackmon is deep and talented, too, with Josh Cooper, Michael Harrison and Hubert Anyiam proven producers.

The biggest loss would figure to be the exit of offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen. But new coordinator Todd Monken, who brings NFL experience, is sticking with the system, which played well in the spring.

“I like the way things are going,” Blackmon says. “We’re getting back in the groove and everything’s pretty smooth.”

DEFENSE

There’s some rebuilding going on, yet the talent and athleticism for an overhaul has never been more plentiful at OSU. And there’s star power, too, even as youngsters are being called to fill in the gaps.

The strength of the unit is the back four. “There’s a little added pressure on the secondary to carry the load,” says strong safety Markelle Martin, whose physical play sets a tone that carries throughout the defense. Martin, a pro prospect, and free safety Johnny Thomas provide a veteran playmaking tandem. Cornerbacks Brodrick Brown and Devin Hedgepeth form one of the best duos in the league.

The concerns come in the front seven, where two new tackles must develop and two linebacker spots remain up for grabs.

Still, in ends Richetti Jones and Jamie Blatnick and Star linebacker Shaun Lewis — the Big 12’s co-Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2010 — there are players to lean on.

SPECIALISTS

The biggest chore will be replacing Lou Groza Award winner Dan Bailey, who was all but automatic on field goal and extra point tries. Quinn Sharp may have to inherit those duties, along with his punting and kickoff chores. The return game is explosive with burner Justin Gilbert and the shifty Cooper.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Many of the key figures from last year’s special season are back, prompting dreams of a Big 12 championship and more. The Cowboys must find positive answers at defensive tackle and have players emerge at linebacker. The schedule is tougher, too, with trips to Texas A&M, Texas, Texas Tech and Missouri.

Still, the offense could be better than the one that averaged a school-record 520.2 yards and 44.2 points per game. If so, there may be no stopping the Cowboys.

FANTASY IMPACT

The Cowboys were a prime source of fantasy options last season and the same can be expected in 2011. Even with the departure of offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, the Cowboys should be near the top of the Big 12 in scoring offense. Quarterback Brandon Weeden was stellar in his first season as a starter, throwing for 4,277 yards and 34 scores. Expect Weeden to post similar stats in 2011, while receiver Justin Blackmon should be the first or second receiver off the board in fall drafts. With Kendall Hunter departing, the running back position is an open competition between Joseph Randle and Jeremy Smith. Randle is expected to see the majority of the carries, but Smith will also figure into the rotation. Consider Randle a RB3 or RB4 in 120 formats.

Key Player

Brandon Weeden, QB After a breakout season as the starter, Weeden has only gained confidence to go with skills and intangibles.

Justin Blackmon, WR Sparing no one, Blackmon abused defensive backs on a weekly basis. His work ethic will push him to be better.

Markelle Martin, SS A punishing hitter, Martin puts fear in anyone who wanders into the Cowboys secondary.

2010 Oklahoma State Football Highlights

By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com



South Carolina Gamecocks
The Gamecocks have enough talent to repeat as SEC East champions, but it's unclear whether they'll have an experienced quarterback to lead them back to Atlanta. Fifth-year senior Stephen Garcia was suspended from the team indefinitely during spring practice -- the fifth time he has been suspended by coach Steve Spurrier -- and his future at South Carolina is uncertain. If Garcia isn't back this fall, sophomore Connor Shaw will get the starting job. The Gamecocks have two of the country's best skill players -- tailback Marcus Lattimore and receiver Alshon Jeffery -- but Garcia might be the key to winning an SEC championship. South Carolina's defense might get a boost from incoming freshman Jadeveon Clowney, the No. 1 recruit in the country. The Gamecocks play SEC road games at Georgia, Mississippi State and Arkansas and host Auburn and Florida.

By Amy Daughters

South Carolina


With QB Stephen Garcia out of the dog house (at least for now) the Gamecocks look primed to improve on their 9-5 finish in 2010.

The schedule is somewhat easier (LSU and Alabama aren't there), 14 starters return and the No. 1 recruit in the land will be wearing Gamecock red come game days in Columbia.

This team could truly be special and with the help of a relatively weakened SEC Eastern division, consistent play could equal the next step in the long road to a first ever SEC title and possibly more

South Carolina Gamecocks

By Tim Hyland,

2010 was a breakout season for Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks.

After languishing for years as an SEC East also-ran, the Gamecocks last season took advantage of a relatively weak division—Florida, Georgia and Tennessee were all rebuilding—and claimed their first-ever division crown.

While the season ended with a thud—the 'Cocks got clobbered by Auburn in the SEC title game—there is no denying that 2010 represented a huge step forward for this long-suffering program.

Can the 'Cocks build on that success and remain a contender in 2011? Find out here, in our 2011 South Carolina preview.

OVERVIEW: The best news for South Carolina fans? Simple: The 'Cocks return their two best offensive players--and possibly the two best in the entire SEC. Tailback Marcus Lattimore looked like anything but a freshman in 2010, rushing for 1,197 yards and helping the 'Cocks to important wins over Georgia and Florida. Wideout Alshon Jeffery (1,517 yards, nine touchdowns), meanwhile, proved to be a nearly unstoppable physical threat on the outside. With Lattimore and back, the South Carolina offense should be just fine.

THE CEILING: The SEC East title. A conference championship is probably out of the question--it's amazing, really, how much better the SEC West is than the SEC East right now--but there's no reason why Spurrier's bunch can't make a return trip to Atlanta. Indeed, anything less and Gamecocks fans would have a right to feel disappointed.

REASON FOR CONCERN: The front seven. Under Spurrier, Carolina has built a reputation for fielding one of the stingiest defenses in the SEC, and the 2010 group certainly was stingy (save for that meltdown against Auburn, of course). But the 'Cocks lose a ton of talent from that 2010 group--defensive end Devin Taylor is the only playmaker returning--which means Spurrier has a real rebuilding job on his hands.

THE SCHEDULE (key games in bold): 9/3 vs. East Carolina (at Charlotte); 9/10 at Georgia; 9/17 vs. Navy; 9/24 vs. Vanderbilt; 10/1 vs. Auburn; 10/8 vs. Kentucky; 10/15 at Mississippi State; 10/29 at Tennessee; 11/5 at Arkansas; 11/12 vs. Florida; 11/19 vs. The Citadel; 11/26 vs. Clemson.

THE PREDICTION: The young, inexperienced defense is going to be an issue, possibly as early as Week 3, when the Gamecocks welcome Navy and the Mids' maddening triple-option offensive attack. But while the shortcomings along the front seven will probably cost this bunch a game or two, when you have the best tailback and best wideout in the SEC, you're going to win some football games. Spurrier hasn't built this program into a championship contender just yet, but he's certainly making progress. 2011 will provide further evidence of exactly that. REGULAR SEASON PREDICTION: 10-2

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2011 PRESEASON TOP 25



South Carolina
Gamecocks
NATIONAL FORECAST #21
SEC East PREDICTION #3

HEAD COACH: Steve Spurrier, 44–33 (6 years) | OFF. COORDINATOR: Steve Spurrier | DEF. COORDINATOR: Ellis Johnson

OFFENSE

Finally with some experienced weapons in tow, Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina program has some substantiated expectations for a change. Not that the Ball Coach believes the Gamecocks are deserving, even though they won nine games in 2010 and reached the SEC title game for the first time in the program’s history.

“We don’t deserve much preseason ranking,” Spurrier says.Why not, Coach? For starters, the Gamecocks bring back All-America candidates at running back and receiver. Sophomore Marcus Lattimore rushed for 1,197 yards last season, breaking the school’s freshman rushing record by 349 yards. And now he’s getting his first legit opportunity in the school’s weight program. Alshon Jeffery does not wow with speed, but physicality and consistency allowed him to rack up eight 100-yard games last season.

As usual, much of the team’s success will be determined by its mercurial quarterback, Stephen Garcia. Suspended indefinitely to close out the spring — the fifth time he’s been suspended — Garcia could as easily flame out as he could spark the team. But when Garcia is on, he is on.

The offensive line is again a giant question mark, even though this is the first time since 2008 that it retains the position coach for a second straight season.

DEFENSE

As much as Lattimore was a game-changer for the offense, the Gamecocks are hopeful Jadeveon Clowney does the same for the defense. They’re not shy about that, either.

“Signing players like Jadeveon ups our expectations,” Spurrier says.

South Carolina allowed an average of 15 points in its nine wins. In its five losses, however, the Gamecocks were torched for 37.8 points.

Clowney is a 6'6", 245-pound machine designed to get to the quarterback. He’ll have help from All-SEC rusher Devin Taylor (7.5 sacks in 2010) on the opposite end. Throw in Melvin Ingram (nine sacks), who can play both tackle and end, and tackle Travian Robertson, and the Gamecocks have one of the best starting defensive lines in the country. Linebacker will be an improved position with the return of Shaq Wilson from a hamstring injury that cost him the 2010 season. Moving physical junior DeVonte Holloman from strong safety to Spur linebacker figures to bolster a group that was previously a bit undersized.

The secondary regularly struggled in 2010, but moving senior Akeem Auguste back to his familiar corner spot should go a long way toward steadying things. Expect Stephon Gilmore to bounce back at the opposite corner. D.J. Swearinger must take over as a leader at free safety.

SPECIALISTS

Spencer Lanning, who kicked field goals the past two seasons and punted the past three, will be sorely missed by the Gamecocks. The audition for both placekicker and punter will extend into August. There are some big-leg options, such as North Carolina transfer Jay Wooten and Joey Scribner-Howard, but no one has proven he can consistently put the ball through the uprights.

FINAL ANALYSIS

A bevy of opportunities is again out there for Offense PerGame SEC National South Carolina. A relatively soft division. A manageable schedule. A host of returning talent, along with the addition of the nation’s top recruit.

But there are some issues, most notably with Garcia at quarterback. And keep in mind that even in a breakthrough season, South Carolina still lost five games in 2010. A repeat in the SEC East is definitely a possibility — but the Gamecocks still have plenty to prove.

FANTASY IMPACT

Marcus Lattimore posted a spectacular freshman year last season, rushing for 1,197 yards and 17 scores. Some of Lattimore’s best performances came in the most important games for South Carolina, rushing for 212 against Florida and 182 against Georgia. Even though the Gamecocks lose three starters on the line, Lattimore should be one of the first running backs off the board in 2011 drafts. Consider the sophomore a first or second round pick. Quarterback play is a big question mark, but Alshon Jeffery remains one of the top 15 fantasy receivers. Outside of Jeffery and Lattimore, the Gamecocks lack proven fantasy options. With Stephen Garcia in trouble once again, fantasy owners would be wise to stay away from the South Carolina quarterback situation.

Key Player

Marcus Lattimore, RB Has pedal to metal in weight room to improve on
terrific freshman season. Should be one of the best running backs in
the nation in 2011.

Alshon Jeffery, WR Safety net for any quarterback in the game.
Catches everything. Faster than you think, too.

Stephon Gilmore, CB Had decent sophomore season, but several lapses.
Expect a bounce-back year before leap to NFL.

2010-2011 South Carolina Gamecock Football

By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com



Texas A&M Aggies
If quarterback Ryan Tannehill picks up where he left off last season, the Aggies might end up being Oklahoma's biggest threat in the Big 12. Texas A&M brings back two productive running backs (Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael) and two big-play receivers (Jeff Fuller and Ryan Swope). Tannehill completed 65 percent of his passes for 1,638 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions after taking over the starting job, leading the Aggies to a 5-1 record. The Aggies should be better in their second season in defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter's 3-4 scheme, but they'll have to replace All-American linebacker Von Miller. Texas A&M plays only four true road games this coming season and gets Oklahoma State, Missouri and Texas at home.

By Amy Daughters

Texas A&M Aggies

Aggie fans have waited for a long time for something really good to happen to their football program.

They have survived the latter part of the RC Slocum reign, gnashed their teeth through the Coach Fran debacle and lasted through the first two seasons of the Mike Sherman era.

And then 2010 happened, a season that looked almost lost by the time the Ags dropped their third straight loss to Missouri on October 16 but in reality signaled the beginning of a glorious six-game winning spree that netted Texas A&M their best finish since 2007 and their first Cotton Bowl appearance since 2005.

Ultimately the six wins were tamed by a 41-24 beat-down at the hands of LSU in the Cotton Bowl, but regardless, good vibrations are oozing out of College Station, Texas as fall approaches.

All the pieces are in place and despite a difficult schedule the Aggies return 19 starters and only are a couple of stellar linebackers away from a dream team.

But as we all know execution and prediction are not always neighbors especially in the world of college football.

Overall, A&M is a more balanced team than Oklahoma State but lacks the dominance and swagger of Oklahoma, but if they are ever going to break through now is the time to do it.

By Tim Hyland,

Texas A&M Aggies

So maybe Mike Sherman is going to save Texas A&M, after all.

After a shaky start in College Station, Sherman turned his Texas A&M Aggies around in dramatic fashion in 2010. One the season’s biggest surprises, the Aggies stormed their way to a 9-3 regular season record—including wins over hated rivals Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska—before being tripped up by LSU in the Cotton Bowl.

The unexpectedly successful run in 2010 has raised the hopes of the Aggie faithful heading into 2011, and with a boatload of talent returning, Sherman appears to have a shot at not only replicating his 2010 success, but maybe even trumping it.

Can the fourth-year coach get his Aggies to the next level? Find out here, in our 2011 Texas A&M preview.

OVERVIEW: The Texas A&M teams of old—think R.C. Slocum and the glory days of the Wrecking Crew—won with defense. But under Sherman, the Aggies have evolved into a much more well-rounded program. The defense may not be as dominant as it was under Slocum, but the 2010 unit wasn't half bad and 2011 group should be, at the very least, adequate. As for the offense? Well, after putting up more than 31 points per game last season, the Aggies return just about everyone on from 2010's impressive unit--including promising quarterback Ryan Tannehill, wideout Jeff Fuller and tailback Cyrus Gray, a potential Heisman candidate. This will be an exciting group to watch.

THE CEILING: The Big 12 championship. Oklahoma probably still boasts more talent than the Aggies, but let's face it: A&M beat Bob Stoops' boys in 2010 and there's no reason they couldn't do it again. The Big 12's loss of Nebraska to the Big Ten has created a vacuum of power beneath Oklahoma and Texas, which means A&M—along with Texas Tech, Missouri and Oklahoma State—has a rare chance to boost their profile. Winning league titles is the best way to do that.

REASON FOR CONCERN: Eighteen starters are back in all, so it's hard to find a weakness here. If there is one potential problem area, it would at linebacker, where Sherman will lose the services of standouts Michael Hodges and Von Miller. Truthfully, this team is solid pretty much across the board. But do they really believe they're ready to compete with the big boys?

THE SCHEDULE (key games in bold): 9/3 vs. SMU; 9/17 vs. Idaho; 9/24 vs. Oklahoma State; 10/1 vs. Arkansas (at Cowboys Stadium); 10/8 at Texas Tech; 10/15 vs. Baylor; 10/22 at Iowa State; 10/29 vs. Missouri; 11/5 at Oklahoma; 11/12 at Kansas State; 11/19 vs. Kansas; 11/26; vs. Texas

THE PREDICTION: The offense will be great—it just won't be good as Oklahoma's. The defense will be solid—it just won't be as solid as Oklahoma's. And Sherman's gameplans will be smart—they just won't be as smart as Stoops'. Sherman has most certainly made some progress in College Station, and this program appears headed in the right direction, but it's not quite elite, and it's not quite ready to make a run at the Big 12 crown. Not yet. For now, playing second-fiddle to the Sooners will have to suffice.

REGULAR SEASON PREDICTION: 9-3

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2011 PRESEASON TOP 25



Texas A&M Aggies

NATIONAL FORECAST #11
Big 12 PREDICTION #2

HEAD COACH: Mike Sherman, 19–19 (3 years) | OFF. COORDINATOR: Mike Sherman | DEF. COORDINATOR: Tim DeRuyter

OFFENSE

When first-team All-Big 12 receiver Jeff Fuller decided to return for his senior season, it gave A&M nine returning starters on an offense that averaged 441.9 yards per game. The Aggies were very good offensively last year. They expect to be much improved.

After his stellar performance down the stretch, strong-armed Ryan Tannehill enters 2011 as a legitimate candidate to become the first A&M quarterback to earn first-team all-conference honors since 1991. While the media focused on Tannehill’s role in A&M’s six-game winning streak to conclude the regular season, equally important was Cyrus Gray’s emergence in the second half of the season. The powerful and explosive Gray rushed for at least 100 yards in each of the final seven games.

With Fuller back, A&M features an exceptional group of receivers. Fuller, a physically imposing, game-altering force, became the first Aggie to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season in 2010. Ryan Swope is also a sure-handed, big-play receiver who matched Fuller last season with 72 receptions.

One of the main reasons for A&M’s second-half surge was the development of highly talented true freshman offensive tackles Jake Matthews and Luke Joeckel, who flashed All-America potential as the season progressed. Talented guard Patrick Lewis has moved to center, where he’ll be flanked by Brian Thomas and Shep Klinke on a potentially dominant front.

DEFENSE

Replacing pass-rushing phenom Von Miller may be next to impossible, but the Aggies do return Damontre Moore, who did a nice impersonation of Miller at the Joker position, as well as Caleb Russell, who may have moved ahead of Moore in the spring. The defensive front should be solid, as senior ends Tony Jerod-Eddie and Jonathan Mathis and senior tackle Eddie Brown return to anchor a line that helped A&M tie for fourth in the Big 12 with 30 sacks.

Garrick Williams (112 tackles) should have a big senior season. Sean Porter is also a proven, versatile performer. But the Aggies really need a few unproven linebackers to emerge — Jonathan Stewart, Charlie Thomas, Kyle Mangan and Donnie Baggs are the candidates — in order for the defense to continue to evolve.

Everyone on last year’s secondary two-deep returns, including senior cornerback Coryell Judie, who may prove to be the best man-to-man coverage corner at A&M since Sammy Davis departed A&M in ’02. Fellow senior cornerback Terrence Frederick also possesses lock-down skills, while senior free safety Trent Hunter is the vocal leader of the group.

SPECIALISTS

While the punting position is somewhat uncertain, the special teams appear to be in excellent shape elsewhere. Kicker Randy Bullock hit 76.2 of his field goal attempts last year, and he has connected on a school-record 120 consecutive extra points. Judie could be an even better return specialist than cornerback. He returned kickoffs for touchdowns last year against Baylor and Oklahoma. Kenric McNeal ranked among the top two punt returners in the Big 12 last season.

FINAL ANALYSIS

After ranking 114th nationally in total defense in 2008 and 105th in ’09, A&M took a major step toward respectability in 2010, ranking 55th. If the Aggies can continue to improve defensively and maintain their high-powered offense, this is a team that could win the school’s first outright league title since 1998.

FANTASY IMPACT

Ryan Tannehill’s arrival into the starting lineup sparked the Texas A&M offense last season and with nearly everyone back, the Aggies will once again remain a good source of fantasy value. Tannehill’s numbers should climb with a full season to start, especially with Jeff Fuller - one of the nation’s top receivers - back for his senior season. Fantasy players should consider Fuller one of the top 10 fantasy options at receiver on draft day. In addition to Fuller, Ryan Swope is a top-75 fantasy receiver and a WR3 in BCS-only formats.

Running back Cyrus Gray finished with seven straight 100-yard performances last season, but will have to contend for carries with Christine Michael. Gray should be the top Texas A&M back to own, but don’t count out Michael from rushing for 600-800 yards in 2011.

Key Player

Jeff Fuller, WR First A&M receiver in school history to surpass 1,000 yards in a single season will leave Aggieland with virtually every receiving record.

Ryan Tannehill, QB Emerged last year as a tremendous leader, beginning his career as a starting quarterback with a 5–0 record.

Coryell Judie, CB/KR Explosive playmaker who can take an opposing receiver out of the game or break open a game by taking a kickoff back for a touchdown.

Texas A&M Football 2010-2011 Highlights

By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com


Wisconsin Badgers
The Badgers lost as much star power as any team in the country, with four All-Americans departing, including defensive end JJ Watt and offensive tackle Gabe Carimi. But with tailbacks Montee Ball and James White coming back, Wisconsin again figures to have one of the country's best running games. Junior Jon Budmayr left spring practice as the heir apparent to quarterback Scott Tolzien. Curt Phillips, who was battling Budmayr for the starting job, will miss all of the 2011 season after undergoing knee surgery for the third time. The Badgers play five of their first six games at home -- they'll face Northern Illinois at Soldier Field in Chicago -- and play Big Ten road games at Michigan State and Ohio State.

By Amy Daughters

Wisconsin

All the drama at Ohio State makes the entire Big Ten picture fuzzier and less apt to be discussed, but regardless of what's going on in Columbus, Wisconsin will have a good football team in 2011.

Returning to Madison in 2011 are the dynamic rushing duo of Montee Ball and James White, which should take some of the pressure off of new QB Jon Budmayr.

All in all, the Badgers return enough depth next season to work towards achieving the high statistical bars set by the 2010 squad, which included a No. 5 ranking in offensive scoring and a No. 25 ranking in defensive scoring.

Especially now that the Buckeyes are in totally flux, Wisconsin is the clear front-runner to win the first ever Leaders Division title and participate in the first ever Big Ten Championship Game.

By Tim Hyland

Wisconsin Badgers

Let's start with this: No team in the nation will boast a better running game than Wisconsin next season.

With the return of tailbacks John Clay, James White and Montee Ball, the Badgers can claim the services of three of the most talented backs in the Big Ten, and the 1-2-3 punch of Clay, White and Ball figures to make life difficult for even the stingiest of defenses.

In other words, yes, despite the departure of the underrated Scott Tolzien, Wisconsin is going to be in the Big Ten title hunt once again in 2011.

Can they claim a share of their second straight title and book a return trip to Pasadena? Find out here, in our 2011 Wisconsin preview.

OVERVIEW: Wisconsin in 2010 reasserted itself as a legit Big Ten power. After a couple up-and-down years in 2008 and 2009, coach Bret Bielema last year led the Badgers to one of their best seasons ever--an 11-1 regular season mark, a share of the Big Ten crown, a trip to the Rose Bowl. And while the season ended on a bit of a sour note--the Badgers had their chances to knock off TCU in the bowl game--there's no way that 2010 can be considered anything but a smashing success, not to mention a sign of better things to come. Indeed, one of the most notable aspects of the Badgers' success last season was the way they put up points on offense; in 2010, the Badgers were not just a running team. They were a legit offensive juggernaut. Whether or not they can replicate that performance will determine just how far they can go in 2011.

THE CEILING: A Big Ten title. Ohio State once again will enter season as the league favorite, and justifiably so, but Wisconsin certainly has the talent to grab a share of the title--or even win it outright. Clay, White and Ball will fuel what figures to be another good-to-great offense, and while the defense takes some hits to graduation--linebacker, especially, could be a problem area--a solid defensive line and experienced secondary should make life easier for the new starters.

REASON FOR CONCERN: Tolzien is gone. He may not have been flashy, and he may not have gotten the respect national that he deserved, but the poised, strong-armed quarterback was crucial to the Badgers' title run last season. He threw for nearly 2,500 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2010, and was good enough, at least, to ensure that defenses couldn't focus entirely on the running game. Jon Budmayr, Tolzien's projected replacement, has some raw skills but almost no relevant experience. There will be a learning curve here--both for Budmayr, and for the offense as a whole.

THE SCHEDULE (key games in bold): 9/3 vs. UNLV; 9/10 vs. Oregon State; 9/17 vs. Northern Illinois (at Chicago); 9/24 vs. South Dakota; 10/1 vs. Nebraska; 10/15 vs. Indiana; 10/22 at Michigan State; 10/29 at Ohio State; 11/5 vs. Purdue; 11/12 at Minnesota; 11/19 at Illinois; 11/26 vs. Penn State

THE PREDICTION: The Badgers are going to miss Tolzien. That much is certain. But the reality is, Bielema isn't going to ask Budmayr to make plays; as the cliche goes, the new quarterback will simply have to "manage the game." If he can do that--if he can simply hand the ball off to that incredible trio of tailbacks--the offense should be just fine. Maybe not great. But good enough. The defense will be solid as always. While the Badgers probably don't have enough talent to topple Ohio State on the road, and while they figure to get tripped up by either Nebraska or Penn State at home, this team will hover around the Top 15 all season long. With a break here or there, another 11-win season isn't out of the realm of possibility. But ten wins--and another good bowl bid--seems about right.

REGULAR SEASON PREDICTION: 10-2

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
2011 PRESEASON TOP 25


Wisconsin Badgers

NATIONAL FORECAST #23
Big Ten Leaders PREDICTION #2

HEAD COACH: Bret Bielema, 49–16 (5 years) | OFF. COORDINATOR: Paul Chryst | DEF. COORDINATOR: Chris Ash

OFFENSE

UW has featured a balanced attack since offensive coordinator Paul Chryst returned in 2005, but the Badgers could be a bit more run-heavy in 2011, particularly early. Chryst has to replace quarterback Scott Tolzien, who completed 72.9 percent of his passes in winning the Unitas Award last season and was 21–5 in two seasons a starter. Also gone is tight end Lance Kendricks, who led UW in catches (43), receiving yards (663) and touchdown catches (five) last season, as well as three experienced wide receivers.

Despite the loss of All-Americans Gabe Carimi at left tackle and John Moffitt at left guard, UW’s line should be very good. Three starters are back from last season and four other players have at least one start. And with James White (1,052 yards, 14 TDs) and Montee Ball (996, 18) returning, UW figures to have the best 1-2 tailback punch in the Big Ten.

Quarterback was a question mark for Wisconsin, but the arrival of Russell Wilson should ease those concerns. Wilson started for three seasons at NC State, but his decision to pursue a baseball career led to his departure from the Wolfpack. Wilson will be eligible immediately and his arrival makes Wisconsin the favorite in the Big Ten's Leaders Division for 2011.

DEFENSE

UW must replace five players who started in the Rose Bowl against TCU. The most critical loss is at defensive end, where J.J. Watt (21 tackles for a loss, seven sacks) often dominated opponents. Line coach Charlie Partridge acknowledges that no single player will be able to match Watt’s productivity. Three players must elevate their level of production for the unit to be a strength — ends Louis Nzegwu and David Gilbert and tackle Patrick Butrym. Butrym was the most consistent tackle on the team last year, but he needs to be more disruptive and make more plays in the backfield, though. Nzegwu and Gilbert are solid against the run, in part because they face a power-running game every day in practice. Both need to apply more consistent pressure on the quarterback.

UW has the makings of a solid linebacker corps if outside linebacker Mike Taylor and middle linebacker Chris Borland can avoid injury. Borland missed the last 11 games last season after season-ending shoulder surgery.

The front seven should be stout against the run but must generate more consistent pressure on quarterbacks. The secondary struggled in coverage last season, and with the loss of cornerback Niles Brinkley, it appears the secondary won’t be significantly better in 2011.

SPECIALISTS

The staff should be confident in punter Brad Nortman and kicker Philip Welch, both of whom enjoyed solid seasons in 2010 and will be seniors. The return and coverage units are the problem areas. UW must find a replacement for David Gilreath, who handled punt and kick returns. The coverage units allowed too many big returns last season.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Despite the loss of several outstanding starters, UW appears equipped to challenge Ohio State for the Leaders Division title and a berth in the first Big Ten Championship Game. UW should be able to run the ball effectively, and Wilson's arrival gives the offense a steady, proven option under center for 2011.

Losing Watt is huge, but Borland was a defensive force as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2009. If he can stay healthy, the loss of Watt won’t be so profound.

The bottom line is that the staff has recruited enough talent, particularly on both lines, to compete for a division title.


FANTASY IMPACT

The Badgers produced two 1,000-yard rushers last season and should be a good bet to equal than number in 2011. James White is back after leading the team with 1,052 yards, while Montee Ball rushed for 996 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Ball topped White in carries (163 to 156) in 2010 and is expected to be the team’s No. 1 back in 2011. With John Clay departing, Ball and White could see an increase in carries, with Zach Brown likely to see 50-75 touches this year. Fantasy players should consider both Ball and White among the top 20 running backs for 2011. Outside of the running backs, fantasy options in Madison could be thin. However, keep a close watch on the tight end position. The Badgers usually produce a fantasy contributor and Jacob Pederson is worth a look in the late rounds of fall drafts.

Key Player

Montee Ball, RB: Emerged late to lead team in rushing TDs with 18 and averaged 6.1 yards per carry.

Ricky Wagner, LT: Moves from right tackle to left tackle and is good enough to replace Gabe Carimi, the Outland Trophy winner.

Nick Toon, WR: Missed four games because of injuries last season but still led the wide receivers in catches (36) and yards (459).

Wisconsin Badgers 2010 Season Highlights