NCAA - nesto o timovima pred sezonu 2011

By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com


Nebraska Cornhuskers
The Cornhuskers fizzled down the stretch in their last season in the Big 12, losing three of their last four games, including an ugly 19-7 loss to Washington in the Bridgeport Education Holiday Bowl. Coach Bo Pelini made adjustments to jump-start his team heading into their first season in the Big Ten. Running backs coach Tim Beck was promoted to offensive coordinator, and he'll try to get the Cornhuskers to play at a faster pace. Keeping quarterback Taylor Martinez healthy and restoring his confidence will be paramount. Replacing cornerback Prince Amukamara and safety Eric Hagg are big concerns on defense. Nebraska's first Big Ten slate includes home games against Ohio State, Michigan State and Iowa and road contests at Wisconsin and Penn State.

By Amy Daughters

Nebraska


No matter how you feel about Nebraska football or the Big Ten Conference, the marriage between the two is among the most exciting storylines in the recent history of college football.

What were regular trips to Kansas, Kansas State, Colorado, Iowa State and Missouri are now annual visits to exotic places like East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Evanston, Minneapolis and Iowa City.

Boarding the bus are 12 starters from the last Big 12 offering which (at least offensively) has been retooled to atone for last season's poor finish.

What is interesting is the fact that Nebraska comes into the Big Ten ranked No. 63 in rushing defense (but No. 5 in passing defense), which works well for a Big 12 schedule but could prove disastrous for its new conference home.

Despite all of this, the Cornhuskers should field a formidable squad next season and a Top 15 ranking is not at all a stretch.

By Tim Hyland

Nebraska Cornhuskers

It is one of the most seismic shifts in recent college football history: Mighty Nebraska is moving on to the Big Ten.

The announcement last summer that the 'Huskers would join the stately old Big Ten radically reshaped the college football landscape. I mean, if nothing else, with the addition of such a storied and successful program, the Big Ten has secured its place near the top of the college football hierarchy.

There's simply no question: Adding Nebraska was a home run for Jim Delany.

But how will the change affect Nebraska? Will the 'Huskers be able to compete in a league in which they have no historical ties? Can they make a run for the Big Ten title in their first year in the conference?

Find out here, in our 2011 Nebraska football preview.

OVERVIEW: If the Huskers are going to win the Big Ten crown next season, they're going to have do it the hard way. The league office did the 'Huskers no favors in drawing up the 2011 conference schedule, slating the newbies to take on Wisconsin, Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State, Michigan and Iowa in their first league campaign. Three of those games--against the Badgers, Nittany Lions and Wolverines are--are on the road. It's a brutal schedule, and will probably be enough to keep the 'Huskers from claiming a share of the championship. But with such talents as quarterback Taylor Martinez and defensive tackle Jared Crick returning, Nebraska seems certain, at the very least, to finish near the top of the league.

THE CEILING: A New Year's Day bowl game. Heavy losses along the offensive line and a lack of talent on the flank mean the Huskers won't have enough juice on offense to topple league favorite Ohio State. But other than the Buckeyes, every other team in the conference is beatable. While Huskers fans are almost certainly dreaming of Pasadena (and why wouldn't they), they may have to settle for Orlando (Capital One Bowl) or Tampa (Outback Bowl). Which wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

REASON FOR CONCERN: The offense. True, Taylor Martinez is a gamebreaker--a quarterbacking threat every bit the equal of Michigan's sensational Denard Robinson. But just as Big Ten defenses eventually figured out (and wore down) Robinson, they figure to do the same the Martinez, too. The sophomore just won't have enough support around him to consistently move the ball against the Big Ten's better defenses (and, yes, Robinson had the same issue). He's going to take some hits. A lot of hits, actually. My guess is that, by late October, those hits will start to take their toll.

THE SCHEDULE (key games in bold): 9/3 vs. Chattanooga; 9/10 vs. Fresno State; 9/17 vs. Washington; 9/24 at Wyoming; 10/1 at Wisconsin; 10/8 vs. Ohio State; 10/22 at Minnesota; 10/29 vs. Michigan State; 11/5 vs. Northwestern; 11/12 at Penn State; 11/19 at Michigan; 11/26 vs. Iowa

THE PREDICTION: It's not easy being the new team in the league. Even for a superpower like Nebraska, the transition from one conference to another can be jarring, and just as Penn State had to spend a year getting adjusted to Big Ten life back in 1993, so, too, will Nebraska endure some ups and downs. Nebraska will prove its mettle (especially on defense, where Crick, linebacker Levtone Davis and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard will form the nucleus of a good-to-great unit). It will likely register a couple wins over Big Ten powers. And it may even win ten games. But the grind of the Big Ten schedule will be too much for a team with limited offensive options. Look for the 'Huskers to get tripped up by at least two of the following: Wisconsin, Ohio State and Penn State.

REGULAR SEASON PREDICTION: 10-2

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2011 PRESEASON TOP 25

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Nebraska Cornhuskers

NATIONAL FORECAST #10
Big Ten Legends PREDICTION #1

HEAD COACH: Bo Pelini, 30-12 (3 years) | OFF. COORDINATOR: Tim Beck | DEF. COORDINATOR: Carl Pelini

OFFENSE

The offense has a new coordinator and quarterbacks coach (Tim Beck), a new running backs coach (replacing Beck), a new receivers coach and an additional offensive line coach. It also has been restructured and simplified, with an emphasis on no-huddle as well as learning concepts rather than memorizing plays — “flipping the whole thing over on its side and starting over,” says Barney Cotton, the carryover offensive line coach and a former coordinator himself.

Quarterback Taylor Martinez is the key. The Huskers’ late-season offensive woes in 2010 coincided with his being slowed by an ankle injury suffered in the eighth game. In the first seven games, he rushed for 870 yards and 12 touchdowns. Over the final seven — he missed one and didn’t have a carry in another — he rushed for only 95 yards and didn’t score a touchdown.

Developing a physical running game is a recurrent theme for coach Bo Pelini, and that begins with a line built around returning starters Mike Caputo and Jeremiah Sirles. Rex Burkhead will be complemented at running back by some talented freshmen with breakaway speed.

The Huskers ranked No. 113 nationally in passing, but that can’t be laid entirely on Martinez. Brandon Kinnie and tight end Kyler Reed are the top returning receivers.

DEFENSE

This could be the best defense during his time at Nebraska, according to defensive coordinator Carl Pelini. And that’s saying something. The Huskers ranked third nationally in pass efficiency defense, fifth in pass defense, ninth in scoring defense and 11th in total defense in 2010.

The Huskers have honors candidates at all three levels — tackle Jared Crick, linebacker Lavonte David and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard. David, a junior college transfer, set the school single-season record for tackles last season, while Crick and Dennard were both good enough to consider bypassing their final season of eligibility and testing their value in the NFL Draft.

The defensive line is three-deep at tackle and two-deep at end. The concerns are depth at linebacker and unproven but talented cornerbacks. The Huskers might use the Peso position — a hybrid nickel back/linebacker — less this season, in favor of three linebackers in dealing with more run-oriented Big Ten offenses.

SPECIALISTS

The absence of Alex Henery, who punted as well as kicked, is significant, as is the loss of Adi Kunalic, who handled kickoffs. Brett Maher, the holder for placements and Henery’s backup last season, could fill all three kicking roles. Maher is a good athlete who has competed in the pole vault for the Husker track and field team.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Nebraska faltered last season, losing three of its final four games, primarily because of an unproductive offense — hence, significant staff changes and a new no-huddle system that will feature the breakaway ability of Martinez.

However, the move to the Big Ten is the most significant storyline for 2011. Defense is the signature of Pelini’s teams, and the Huskers are preparing to deal with more physical, run-oriented offenses in their new conference. They will face a welcome-to-the-Big-Ten schedule, opening at Wisconsin and then playing Ohio State at home before finishing with back-to-back trips to Penn State and Michigan and a game against Iowa in Lincoln on the day after Thanksgiving. Despite that difficult slate, Nebraska is the clear favorite in the new Legends Division. Anything short of double-digit wins will be a disappointment.

FANTASY IMPACT

Moving to the Big Ten should be an interesting x-factor when it comes to the fantasy value of Nebraska in 2011. The Big Ten should be a tougher defensive conference, which could have an impact on quarterback Taylor Martinez and running back Rex Burkhead. Martinez was one of the breakout players of 2010, but leg injuries limited his effectiveness over the second half of the season. New coordinator Tim Beck has to find ways to keep Martinez healthy, while maximizing his ability to make plays on the run. Consider the sophomore among the top 30 options at quarterback this year, but be sure to draft another option or two as backups, especially with his injury history. Burkhead should be a steady performer in 2011, easily topping 1,000 yards and 10 scores. Outside of Martinez and Burkhead, Nebraska’s best fantasy options will be its defense and tight end Kyler Reed.

Key Player

Taylor Martinez, QB Gamebreaker when healthy, which was not the case for the final half of 2010.

Lavonte David, LB Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year broke school single-season record with 152 tackles.

Jared Crick, DT Two-time first-team all-conference pick is one of the best in the nation

2010 Nebraska Football

Dr.Dule ::Yahoo! User Rankings

1.Oklahoma
2.Alabama
3.LSU
4.Auburn
5.Missouri
6.TCU
7.Boise State
8.South Carolina
9.Oregon
10.Iowa
11.Arkansas
12.Ohio State
13.Florida
14.Arizona
15.Notre Dame
16.Virginia Tech
17.Northwestern
18.Oklahoma State
19.Stanford
20.Wisconsin
21.Florida State
22.Pittsburgh
23.Utah
24.Texas Tech
25.Nebraska

Stenford tek devetnaesti?!?!

Tipujem na Alabamu i totalan pad Auburna. Naravno, nadam se dobrim rezultatima Boise State-a!

Yahoo! User Rankings

* 1.Oklahoma
* 2.Arkansas
* 3.South Florida
* 4.North Carolina
* 5.North Carolina State
* 6.Oregon
* 7.Oklahoma State
* 8.Florida State
* 9.Boise State
* 10.Ohio State
* 11.Virginia Tech
* 12.Alabama
* 13.Stanford
* 14.South Carolina
* 15.Florida
* 16.Tennessee
* 17.Penn State
* 18.Auburn
* 19.Miami (FL)
* 20.TCU
* 21.LSU
* 22.Michigan State
* 23.Notre Dame
* 24.Pittsburgh
* 25.Iowa

View Complete Results Tue Jul 5, 2011
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/teamrankerresults

By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com


Michigan State Spartans
With so much turmoil at Ohio State, the Spartans might enter the 2011 season as Big Ten favorites. Coach Mark Dantonio has led Michigan State to four consecutive bowl games, and the pieces seem to be in place for another run at a Big Ten title. Quarterback Kirk Cousins returns for his third season as a starter, along with tailbacks Edwin Baker and Le'Veon Bell. The Spartans must replace three starting offensive linemen, as well as star linebackers Greg Jones and Eric Gordon and two starters in the secondary. MSU's schedule is much more difficult than a year ago, with road games at Notre Dame, Ohio State, Nebraska and Iowa.

By Amy Daughters

Michigan State

It doesn't seem likely that folks will be overlooking the Spartans in 2011, but the big difference between the upcoming season and the one just past is the schedule.

Both units, especially the offensive skill positions, return fairly intact but the 2011 slate of games is nowhere near as welcoming as that in 2010, which didn't have the Spartans play out of Michigan until an October 23 road trip to Northwestern.

This year Ohio State is back on the schedule (in Columbus), Notre Dame is a road game, and Sparty will have to pack his toga for a historic trip to Lincoln, Nebraska on October 29 to face the children of the corn.

This makes the magical finishes to many of last season's games seem less likely; but don't completely count out Mark Dantonio's team which, at least on paper, should be one of the strongest teams in the Big Ten.

Michigan State Spartans

By Tim Hyland,

The 2010 season was a dream come true for the Michigan State Spartans.

Right up until the bowl game.

There's no denying that the Spartans took a massive step forward in 2010 under coach Mark Dantonio. The 11-1 record, the titanic wins over Wisconsin, Michigan and Penn State and, of course, the share of the Big Ten title were among the greatest achievements that the long-underachieving Spartans program had seen in years. Decades, even.

It's just a shame that things had to end on such a sour note. The 49-7 loss to a not-so-mighty Alabama squad in the Capital One Bowl was a rather depressing end to an otherwise stellar year in Spartyland. And so as we look ahead to 2011, the big questions in East Lansing are obvious.

Will the Spartans use that bowl-game humiliation as motivation toward an ever bigger and better season in the new year? Or will this team return to its historic mean in the middle of the Big Ten pack?

Find out here, in our 2011 Michigan State preview.

OVERVIEW: Dantonio has been absolutely dogged in his work to rebuild--or, let's be honest, build--the Michigan State program, and the successes of 2010 validated the coach's talent, work ethic and genius. Make no mistake: This program is healthier right now than it's been at any time since the George Perles era; indeed, it could be argued that the program is enjoying its best run of success since the Duffy Dougherty era. But if Dantonio is to truly take Sparty to the next level, he'll have to make this team more than just "occasional" contenders. Sparty won't be taken seriously until they can compete for the Big Ten crown on an annual basis. That's Dantonio's challenge for 2011.

THE CEILING: A return trip to Orlando--most likely, not as a Big Ten co-champion. While a good number of key cogs from that championship team of 2010 return next season, there are just enough holes here to make it clear the Spartans won't be able to compete with the Ohio States, Wisconsins and Nebraskas of the world for league supremacy. This team won't take a huge step back--Dantonio simply won't allow it--but there will be a step back nonetheless. Another appearance in the Capital One Bowl--probably the best non-BCS bowl destination--is a worthy goal.

REASON FOR CONCERN: Well, let's start with this: Greg Jones is gone. Jones spent most of his Big Ten career living in rather unjustified anonymity, and only got his just due in his senior season, when the entire Midwest (and entire nation, for that matter) realized just how good this all-everything linebacker really was. And now? Well, he gone--along with all of his fellow starters at linebacker and half the 2010 secondary. The 2011 Sparty offense figures to put up some points--quarterback Kirk Cousins and playmakers Keith Nichol and B.J. Cunningham will make sure of that--but the defense will be enduring a half-way rebuild. Inexperienced defense is not the path to success in the ultra-physical Big Ten

THE SCHEDULE (key games in bold): 9/3 vs. Youngstown State; 9/10 vs. Florida Atlantic; 9/17 at Notre Dame; 9/24 vs. Central Michigan; 10/1 at Ohio State; 10/15 vs. Michigan; 10/22 vs. Wisconsin; 10/29 at Nebraska; 11/5 vs. Minnesota; 11/12 at Iowa; 11/19 vs. Indiana; 11/26 at Northwestern.

THE PREDICTION: Sorry to say it, Sparty fans, but here's the reality: Eleven wins is absolutely out of reach. Between the road dates at Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio State and the home contest against Wisconsin--plus classic trap games against Michigan and Northwestern--three losses seem rather inevitable. But let's face it. Given your tortured history, a 9-3 mark is hardly something to lament. Take heart: Dantonio has this program on the right track. You might not win the Big Ten title every year. But you'll certainly be in the mix.

REGULAR SEASON PREDICTION: 9-3

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2011 PRESEASON TOP 25


Michigan St Spartans
NATIONAL FORECAST #22
Big Ten Legends PREDICTION #2

HEAD COACH: Mark Dantonio,, 33–19 (4 years) | OFF. COORDINATOR: Dan Roushar | DEF. COORDINATOR: Pat Narduzzi

OFFENSE

Kirk Cousins, honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2010, will be one of the best pocket-passing quarterbacks in the country. Cousins throws downfield effectively and is a superb leader as a third-year captain.

Edwin Baker is the Big Ten’s leading returning rusher among running backs. He ran harder and with improved vision in the spring. He is a difference-maker. Bruising Le’Veon Bell added leg strength and is seeking improved durability after rushing for 605 yards as a true freshman in 2010. Few programs have as talented a third-string running back as Larry Caper.The Spartans are stacked at wide receiver. Consistent, clutch split end B.J. Cunningham needs 10 catches to become Michigan State’s all-time leader in receptions. His more explosive counterpart Keshawn Martin is among the Big Ten’s best in all-purpose yardage. Big-bodied, athletic Bennie Fowler is a star on the rise.

Michigan State must replace starters at center and both offensive tackle positions, but will fill those slots with upgraded talent and athleticism at each position. Left guard Joel Foreman and right guard Chris McDonald are sturdy and battle-tested. Overall physicality is not yet up to coach Mark Dantonio’s expectations. Questions at left tackle, where gifted defensive line transplant Dan France is the likely starter, will determine how good this offense can be.

DEFENSE

Michigan State will have its strongest defensive line interior of the Dantonio era, led by junior Jerel Worthy, who was honorable mention all-conference in 2010. Tall defensive ends William Gholston and Tyler Hoover bothered Cousins’ vision in the spring. Gholston has star potential.

Coaches are challenging sophomore middle linebacker Max Bullough to eventually be better than two-time All-America Greg Jones. Bullough is more of an inside banger and film rat, but not quite as quick as Jones. Chris Norman is long, strong and poised for a breakthrough as a second-year starter, moving to the strong side.

In the secondary, two good starters return and two promising replacements are stepping in. Second-team All-Big Ten safety Trenton Robinson provides quality in all categories as the new leader of the unit. Field cornerback Johnny Adams is fearless and sticky. Sophomore strong safety Isaiah Lewis is a punishing hitter and more talented than his predecessor. If the talented new faces can continue State’s recent trend of same-page accountability in the back row, the Spartan defense will be stout.

SPECIALISTS

Kicker Dan Conroy was 14-of-15 in 2010 with a long of 50. Redshirt freshman punter Mike Sadler looks promising as the replacement for dynamic Aaron Bates. Martin is a quality return man, and the Spartans’ coverage units are improving as Dantonio’s roster continues to fill out and mature.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Michigan State may be as good, or possibly better, than a year ago, but will have trouble approaching last year’s shiny 11–2 record. Ohio State and Nebraska are now on the schedule, and both games are on the road. The Spartans must also travel to Notre Dame and Iowa.

Michigan State may not have an equal in the Big Ten at the offensive skill positions. Coaches expect the offensive line to get squared away by September, but it won’t be an area of strength. How well that unit comes along will determine whether Michigan State can make another run at double-digit wins.

FANTASY IMPACT

If three new starters settle in on the offensive line, the Spartans have a chance to be one of the Big Ten’s top scoring offenses. Running back Edwin Baker rushed for 1,201 yards last season and has already stated his goal for 2011 is to rush for 2,000 yards. However, Baker will face competition for carries from Le’Veon Bell and Larry Caper. Expect Baker to top 1,000, but with a rebuilt offensive line and two other backs competing for carries, managing more than 1,300 will be difficult.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins should be a solid QB4 in 120 formats and has spot starter value. Receiver B.J. Cunningham led the team in touchdown catches last year and will emerge as go-to target once again. Cunningham should be a WR4 in 120 formats. The sleeper for Michigan State could be tight end Dion Sims. The sophomore did not play last year due to an off the field issue, but made an impact in the spring game and could be a player to select in the late rounds of fall drafts.

Key Player

Kirk Cousins, QB Has the arm and accuracy to zip the 20-yard out, and the guts to play through pain and inspire teammates.

Edwin Baker, RB May emerge as the best running back in the Big Ten.

Jerel Worthy, DT Needs to be less of a teddy bear and more of a grizzly if he wants to go from good to great.

2010 Michigan State Football Highlight

By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com


Texas Longhorns
The Longhorns have five new coaches, including both coordinators, and still haven't settled on a starting quarterback after spring practice. But it's just hard to imagine Texas limping through another losing season in 2011. Four players were battling for the starting quarterback job during spring practice, including 2010 starter Garrett Gilbert and Case McCoy, the younger brother of former UT star Colt McCoy. More than anything, the Longhorns need an every-down running back, which is why incoming freshman Malcolm Brown will get a long look during preseason camp. New defensive coordinator Manny Diaz will have to rebuild UT's secondary while installing his aggressive scheme.

By Amy Daughters

Texas

The Longhorns' fall from the BCS national championship in 2009 to a 5-7 team in 2010 makes 2011 more than a hard call.

Texas returns 15 starters in 2011 and has questions at quarterback and offensive line, but should be more settled on the defensive side of the ball.

Despite any analysis we can be confident in assuming that the Longhorns are stacked with top-caliber speedy personnel and have the No. 3 incoming recruiting class coming to Austin later this summer.

Mack Brown threw many of his assistants under the bus during last season's debacle, and if the new staff fails at motivating the talented Texas athletes it will be interesting to see who Brown blames then.

Regardless, it is absolutely difficult to imagine that Texas will finish with less than seven wins in 2011; there is just too much talent and history to predict less.

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2011 PRESEASON TOP 25


Texas Longhorns
NATIONAL FORECAST #24
Big 12 PREDICTION #4

HEAD COACH: Mack Brown, 133–34 | OFF. COORDINATOR: Bryan Harsin & Major Applewhite | DEF. COORDINATOR: Manny Diaz

OFFENSE

The lack of leadership, playmaking and game-planning on offense in 2010 were huge contributors to the Longhorns’ shocking 5–7 record. The aftermath of Mack Brown’s first losing season as a head coach since 1989 saw him replace five assistant coaches, including 13-year offensive coordinator Greg Davis. Now running the attack is Bryan Harsin, 34, formerly at Boise State, and co-offensive coordinator Major Applewhite, 33, UT’s running backs coach.

Harsin’s offense is full of motion and shifting and unbalanced lines, unlike Davis’, which kept things simple. Until Texas can get its quarterback situation figured out, no one knows how good the offense can be.

Most assumed when quarterback Garrett Gilbert signed with Texas in 2009 as the Gatorade National Player of the Year the Longhorns had found the heir to Vince Young and Colt McCoy. But Gilbert struggled mightily last year, throwing 10 touchdown passes and 17 interceptions, including five in a 39–14 loss at Kansas State. This spring Gilbert found himself in a four-way battle to keep his job with Connor Wood, Case McCoy (younger brother of Colt McCoy) and early enrollee freshman David Ash.

Sophomore Mike Davis, the team’s top returning receiver, appears to be the next big thing at wideout. But the search for playmakers elsewhere on offense continues. Fifth-year senior running backs Fozzy Whittaker and Cody Johnson figure to be pushed by freshman Malcolm Brown, one of the top recruits in the country.

The offensive line, one of the team’s biggest weaknesses in 2010, has to find three new starters and will do so under new position coach Stacy Searels, who had the same job at Georgia the past four years.

DEFENSE

The strength of the Longhorns will once again be the defense. New coordinator Manny Diaz, 37 — who came from Mississippi State to replace former coach-in-waiting Will Muschamp, now the head coach at Florida — is excited about his linebackers, led by seniors Keenan Robinson and Emmanuel Acho, the team’s top two tacklers in 2010. Sophomore outside linebacker Jordan Hicks is a star on the rise.

Texas is loaded at safety with hard-hitting junior Kenny Vaccaro and four-year starter Blake Gideon.

Pass-rushing ends Sam Acho and Eddie Jones have to be replaced. Jackson Jeffcoat, the son of former NFL sack artist Jim Jeffcoat, and Alex Okafor, both 5-star recruits in 2010, will get the first shot. Senior Kheeston Randall is a proven commodity at tackle. But Diaz remains concerned, saying at the end of the spring, “We don’t have anyone on our line who an opposing team would be afraid to block. That has to change.”

SPECIALISTS

Texas should be solid on special teams with veteran kicker Justin Tucker, who was 23-of-27 on field goals in 2010, and impressive redshirt freshman punter William Russ. Punt returns were a nightmare last season because of several muffs, but Davis and freshman Quandre Diggs showed promise in the spring.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Brown’s string of nine consecutive 10-win seasons before 2010 were a big reason ESPN signed on to launch the Longhorn Network for $300 million over 20 years. Now, the network launches this fall as Brown is trying to pick his program up off the deck. No one knows how quickly Texas can bounce back in 2011, but ESPN will be there to document every second.

FANTASY IMPACT

Last year’s dismal offensive showing produced few fantasy options in Austin, but that’s expected to change in 2011. New coordinator Bryan Harsin joins Texas from Boise State and should add some punch to an offense that ranked 10th in the Big 12 in scoring. Quarterback is still a question mark, with Garrett Gilbert expected to hold off Connor Wood for the starting job. True freshman running back Malcolm Brown is expected to immediately compete for playing time and could be this year’s version of Marcus Lattimore. Although Brown has to beat out Fozzy Whittaker for playing time, Brown is worth a gamble as a third or fourth running back in 120 leagues. If the passing game improves, receiver Mike Davis should easily build upon last year’s numbers.

Key Player

Kheeston Randall, DT For a team that struggled to stop the run last season, his veteran presence in the middle of the line will be huge.

Keenan Robinson, LB A tackling machine who led the team in stops with 113 in 2010, Robinson moves from outside to the middle in 2011.

Emmanuel Acho, LB The team’s second-leading tackler in 2010, Acho is a leader who brings swagger and speed sideline to sideline.

Kenny Vaccaro, S The biggest hitter on the team. You hear him play football by the sound of his physical contact.

Mike Davis, WR Texas’ top returning receiver should be the next big thing at wideout in an offense that desperately needs playmakers.

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2011 PRESEASON TOP 25

USC Trojans
NATIONAL FORECAST #20
Pac-12 South PREDICTION #1

HEAD COACH: Lane Kiffin, 8–5 (1 year) | OFF. COORDINATOR: Lane Kiffin | DEF. COORDINATOR: Monte Kiffin

OFFENSE

Lane Kiffin’s specialty is offense, and in his second season as head coach, he will try to return the Trojans to the good, old, high-scoring days. Any team located just a couple of deep post patterns from Hollywood needs star power, and the Trojans will have their share. Quarterback Matt Barkley, who improved dramatically as a sophomore, will attempt to raise the bar again, with the help of what could be his most skilled set of wide receivers yet.

Robert Woods, the 2010 Pac-10 Offensive Freshman of the Year, becomes his new go-to guy. The other receiver position is wide open, but look for freshman George Farmer — a bigger, faster Woods clone from the same high school — to get an early shot at the job. Redshirt freshman Kyle Prater also should be a major contributor, if he’s healthy.

USC is no longer Tailback U, but that doesn’t mean it lacks gifted runners. Senior Mark Tyler should get the majority of the carries, although shifty sophomore Dillon Baxter and swift redshirt freshman D.J. Morgan will both get their opportunities. Fullback is a mystery, with true freshman Soma Vainuku the only non-walk-on listed on the roster.

The real key is an offensive line that has been badly depleted. Among the returning linemen, only left tackle Matt Kalil and center Khaled Holmes were starters a year ago. A talented but raw group of kids will have to figure it out quickly, or it will be a problem.

DEFENSE

This is the unit that has everyone worried. A year ago, the defense gave up 400.1 yards per game, the most in recent school history. It certainly didn’t resemble any of the famous defenses previously directed by coordinator Monte Kiffin, Lane’s 71-year-old father who was a legendary NFL assistant.

If there is a strength to this unit, it is up front, where there is a talented core of experienced players led by end Nick Perry. The linebacking was something less than credible a year ago, and if such players as Chris Galippo and Devon Kennard don’t take it up a notch, watch out for freshman Lamar Dawson.

The secondary is led by All-Pac-12 candidate T.J. McDonald at free safety, pesky cornerback Nickell Robey and spring star Tony Burnett, a former walk-on who looks like the other starter at corner.

SPECIALISTS

New special teams coach John Baxter made startling improvements in this unit in his first season. Now he begins with a strong-legged freshman, Andre Heidari, as his likely placekicker and Kris Albarado, another freshman, as his punter. Heidari will kick off. Woods, Farmer and Curtis McNeal will return kicks.


FINAL ANALYSIS

By the old Pete Carroll glory day standards, USC has been in something of a slump for the past two seasons, Carroll’s last and Kiffin’s first. The surprising record over that span is an undistinguished 17–9.

For Kiffin to get the Trojans’ mojo back, he will need his questionable offensive line to mesh early and provide the strong-armed Barkley with the kind of protection he needs. If that happens, the Trojans — featuring Tyler, Morgan, Woods and Farmer — could score plenty of points. Defensively, though, there has to be a major improvement, especially with the schedule calling for road trips to Oregon and Notre Dame.

At least the first-year Pac-12 schedule allows Kiffin to play five conference home games and seven overall. The problem is, in order to return to 10 victories, he might have to win all of them.

FANTASY IMPACT

Matt Barkley enters his junior year knowing there’s a lot at stake in 2011. Another year of growth and improvement by Barkley will likely mean a first-round grade from the scouts and a potential spot among the top-10 picks in the 2012 NFL draft. Barkley needs to cut down on his mistakes, but with a cache of talented receivers, he should easily post career highs in passing yards and touchdowns. The Trojans have a shaky defense, so expect Barkley to be involved in plenty of shootouts in 2011.

Receiver Robert Woods is the next sure bet among fantasy options at USC. Woods is coming off a solid freshman season and has plenty of room to improve his 2010 numbers, especially with the departure of Ronald Johnson. Woods should be one of the top 10-15 receivers off the board in fall drafts. Freshman receiver George Farmer is a darkhorse to monitor in fall practice. The running back situation remains clouded once again. Marc Tyler appears to be the No. 1 back, but D.J. Morgan and Dillon Baxter will figure into the mix. Until a clear pecking order is established, fantasy players should take a wait and see approach on the USC running backs.

Key Player

Matt Barkley, QB If he keeps improving, Barkley can be one of the best quarterbacks in the country.

Robert Woods, WR Mr. Excitement as a Freshman All-America receiver, and he figures to only get better.

T.J. McDonald, FS He’s the leader and best tackler on a defense that needs to improve quickly.

2011 USC Spring Game Highlights

By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com



Missouri Tigers
Gary Pinkel guided Missouri to 40 victories over the past four seasons with high-octane offenses built around quarterbacks like Chase Daniel and Blaine Gabbert. If Missouri is going to be a legitimate contender in 2011, its defense might have to carry the load. The Tigers are going to have one of the league's best defensive lines, even after losing NFL first-rounder Aldon Smith. Brad Madison and Jacquies Smith are solid pass rushers, and Kony Ealy had an outstanding spring. James Franklin held off Tyler Gabbert (Blaine's younger brother) for the No. 1 quarterback spot in spring practice, but the battle probably won't be decided until preseason camp. The Tigers will play at least three difficult road games: at Arizona State, at Oklahoma and at Texas A&M.

Missouri Tigers

By Tim Hyland,

Under the leadership of coach Gary Pinkel, the Missouri program has, at long last, evolved into the consistent winner than college football watchers always thought it could be. After years of mediocrity, this program can now be counted to to win more than it loses, to earn decent-to-good bowl bids and to throw a scare into the big boys.

But now? Well, now the Tigers have the opportunity to take the next step.

Nebraska's departure for the Big Ten will create a power vacuum in the Big 12, because while Texas and Oklahoma are certain to maintain their longtime spots at the top of the league, somebody's got to step in and become, for lack of a better term, "the next Nebraska."

That program should be Missouri.

Will the Tigers seize their opportunity? And will they seize it starting in 2011? Find out here, in our 2011 Missouri preview.

OVERVIEW: The 2010 season was rather emblematic of the Tigers' recent form. After jumping out to a 7-0 start that included an upset win over then-No. 1 Oklahoma, the Tigers were blitzed by Nebraska and upset by Texas Tech. Those two losses destroyed the buzz that had been building around the Tigers all year; a season-ending loss against Iowa didn't help matters, either. In short, there is a sense that the 2010 Tigers really could have been so much more. But maybe, just maybe, the 2011 Tigers can make up for the failings of last season.

THE CEILING: Ten wins. A lack of depth in the secondary and some obvious questions regarding quarterback (James Franklin is talented, yes, but will be really be as good as Blaine Gabbert?) probably mean this team isn't capable of making a run for the Big Ten title, but there is certainly enough talent here for another ten-win season. The defensive line, led by end Jacquies Smith, will anchor the defense, and an experienced crop of receivers--wideout T.J. Moe, tight end Michael Egnew--will make life easier for Franklin.

REASON FOR CONCERN: The secondary. Missouri shocked the Sooners in 2010, but a similar upset seems unlikely in 2011, if only because that Tiger secondary would appear to be woefully unprepared to slow down Landry Jones and that high-flying Sooner offense. Only safety Kenji Jackson returns from last season's underrated defensive backfield.

THE SCHEDULE (key games in bold): 9/3 vs. Miami of Ohio; 9/10 at Arizona State; 9/17 vs. Western Illinois; 9/24 at Oklahoma; 10/8 at Kansas State; 10/15 vs. Iowa State; 10/22 vs. Oklahoma State; 10/29 at Texas A&M; 11/5 at Baylor; 11/12 vs. Texas; 11/19 vs. Texas Tech; 11/6 vs. Kansas (at Kansas City)

THE PREDICTION: The Week 4 trip to Norman looms large. If the Tigers somehow get a win there, the possibilities are endless. But in reality, the Sooners are simply the better team, and the Tigers are just vulnerable enough in just enough key spots that It's hard to see them navigating the Big 12 with at least one more loss (maybe the road date at Kansas State)? Ten wins seem well within reach, however, and a second-place league finish is there for the taking.

REGULAR SEASON PREDICTION: 10-2

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2011 PRESEASON TOP 25


Missouri Tigers
NATIONAL FORECAST #25
Big 12 PREDICTION #5

HEAD COACH: Gary Pinkel, 77-49 (10 years) | OFF. COORDINATOR: David Yost | DEF. COORDINATOR: Dave Steckel

OFFENSE

Missouri’s muddled quarterback picture cleared up in early May with Tyler Gabbert’s surprising announcement that he intended to transfer. Gabbert, the younger brother of 2010 Tiger starter Blaine Gabbert, emerged from spring practice virtually even on the depth chart with sophomore James Franklin. With Gabbert out of the picture, the job will fall to Franklin, who played sparingly in certain offensive packages as Blaine Gabbert’s backup last season.

Franklin, a former 4-star recruit, will have plenty of experienced receivers to throw to. All 14 players who caught a pass for the Tigers last year are back, including leading receiver T.J. Moe (92 receptions for 1,045 yards) and Walter Camp All-America tight end Michael Egnew.

Missouri also returns its top three rushers. De’Vion Moore’s 517 yards led a balanced running back rotation that included Henry Josey (437 yards) and Kendial Lawrence (422). Four returning starters on the line should open up more running lanes and help protect the new quarterback. Left tackle Elvis Fisher has a string of 40 consecutive starts, and Dan Hoch and Austin Wuebbels are entering their third season as starters for a unit that boasts four seniors with a combined 108 starts.

DEFENSE

Despite losing its most feared playmaker in Aldon Smith, who also left early for the NFL, production from this unit could be better. Ends Jacquies Smith and Brad Madison combined for 13 sacks and 21 tackles for a loss last year, with Madison leading the team in both categories. Redshirt freshman Kony Ealy has received comparisons to Aldon Smith after adding 40 pounds from his listed weight of 210 when he first arrived on campus. The return of nose tackle Dominique Hamilton from an ankle injury will be critical to the success of the defense, which struggled when he was lost for the final six games of 2010. Heralded recruit Sheldon Richardson could also be a difference-maker. Considered the nation’s top line recruit two years ago, he’s finally expected to take Faurot Field after a junior college detour.

Missouri’s had a linebacker on the All-Big 12 team in six of the past seven years, and Zaviar Gooden could add to that number if he improves on an impressive sophomore campaign that saw him lead the Tigers with 85 tackles. Will Ebner and Luke Lambert have considerable starting experience, but injuries sidelined the two seniors for a combined 12 games last year. Strong safety Kenji Jackson is the lone returning starter from a secondary that helped the Tigers improve their national ranking from 104th to 37th in pass defense, but Missouri might possess more playmakers in its secondary than it’s had in years.

SPECIALISTS

Combining field goals and extra points, senior Grant Ressel has missed only five kicks in 132 attempts the past two years, with a long field goal of 50 yards. Trey Barrow handled the kickoff duties last year and will likely take over at punter.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Plenty returns from a team that reached 10 wins for the third time in four years, but the lack of experience at quarterback adds a lot of intrigue as the Tigers attempt to compete at the top of the reconfigured Big 12 Conference. Franklin will have only one game under his belt before a nationally televised Friday night game at Arizona State, and Big 12 play begins two weeks later with a Sept. 22 trip to Oklahoma.
FANTASY IMPACT

This will be one of Missouri’s more complete teams under Gary Pinkel, but there’s a question mark under center. The last three Missouri signal-callers (Brad Smith, Chase Daniel and Blaine Gabbert) have been solid fantasy options in all formats. The new No. 1 man, sophomore James Franklin, is worth a look. With tight end Michael Egnew and receiver T.J. Moe, Franklin will have no shortage of capable weapons. For now, consider Franklin to be a QB3 in 120 formats.