NCAA - nesto o timovima pred sezonu 2011

Key Player

T.J. Moe, WR Made miraculous catch and run to rally Tigers past San Diego State and continued big-play production en route to 1,045 yards

Dominique Hamilton, NT Defense wasn’t the same when 300-pounder suffered season-ending ankle injury in Oklahoma win.

Michael Egnew, TE Continued the legacy of Tiger tight ends in first season as a starter by catching 90 passes and earning Walter Camp All-America honors.

Brad Madison, DE Started only two games last year but still led Tigers with 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles behind the line.

Zaviar Gooden, LB Posted a team-high 85 tackles in his first season as a starter

2011 Spring Football: Missouri Tigers

By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com



West Virginia Mountaineers
On the field, West Virginia's transition to coach-in-waiting Dana Holgorsen's spread offense seemed to be pretty seamless during the spring. Quarterback Geno Smith threw for 388 yards with four touchdowns in Friday night's spring game (albeit against the No. 2 defense), and Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey looked like big-play weapons. Whether WVU's progress carries over into the 2011 season might depend on what happens behind closed doors. Can Holgorsen coexist with Mountaineers coach Bill Stewart, who wasn't exactly ready to retire after the 2011 season? WVU must still find a No. 1 tailback and replace seven starters on defense. The Mountaineers are going to score a ton of points on offense with Holgorsen at the controls, which will probably be enough to send Stewart out with a Big East title.

By Tim Hyland,

West Virginia Mountaineers

Well, somebody’s gotta win the Big East, I suppose. With Randy Edsall bizarrely jumping ship for Maryland, and with Pitt undergoing something of a rebuild under Todd Graham, the ‘Eers look like the safest bet to take the league title. New offensive coordinator Dana Holgerson figures to improve the play of Geno Smith, who was spectacular in the 'Eers spring game, but the defense loses a ton of talent. Even still, eight wins may be good enough in the Big East. This bunch will easily accomplish that.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
2011 PRESEASON TOP 25

West Virginia Mountaineers
NATIONAL FORECAST #17
Big East PREDICTION #1

HEAD COACH: Dana Holgorsen, | OFF. COORDINATOR: Dana Holgorsen | DEF. COORDINATOR: Jeff Casteel

OFFENSE

West Virginia’s offense has gone through a makeover. Dana Holgorsen was brought in from Oklahoma State as the new offensive coordinator and assumed the head coaching duties after Bill Stewart resigned in June. A Hal Mumme “Air Raid” offense disciple, Holgorsen — and a whole new offensive staff — will try to bring back the fast tempo WVU lost when Rich Rodriguez departed.

Quarterback Geno Smith is among seven starters returning on offense. Smith has had two foot surgeries, but when healthy, he’s effective. His 2,763 passing yards and 2,980 total yards were school records for a sophomore. He finished last season No. 1 in the Big East in pass efficiency (144.7) and No. 2 in total offense (229.2 ypg) and passing yards per game (212.5).

Smith will demand more of the spotlight because of Holgorsen’s offense and the loss of Noel Devine, WVU’s all-time all-purpose yardage leader. Shawne Alston, a bigger back at 5'11", 219 pounds, will probably take Devine’s spot.

The receiving corps will certainly receive more work. Holgorsen likes the talent on hand. “It’s probably the best-looking group I’ve had,” he says.

Leading the way will be big-play junior Tavon Austin, a second-team All-Big East selection in 2010. Watch, however, for a breakout season from 6'3" sophomore Ivan McCartney.For the second year in a row, WVU returns four starters on the offensive line.

DEFENSE

Defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel has his work cut out. In the last four years, WVU’s defenses have ranked No. 8, 11, 31 and 3 nationally in scoring. But gone are anchors Scooter Berry and Chris Neild from the front of the 3-3-5 odd stack. The good news is that end-turned-tackle Julian Miller returns, and Bruce Irvin is being inserted as an every-down end. Irvin played mostly on third downs last season, yet led the Big East in sacks with 14, a number that ranked second nationally.

Linebacker could be a problem area, with only one returning starter, Najee Goode. WVU also lost a trio of talented defensive backs, including Robert Sands, who declared early for the NFL Draft. The Mountaineers do, however, return Spur safety Terence Garvin, who led the team in tackles last season. Also back is cornerback Keith Tandy, whom the school is touting as an All-America candidate. He led the Big East in interceptions with six last season.

SPECIALISTS

In the area of special teams, there are more than a few areas of concern. Among them is the search for the team’s fourth punter in four years. Also, WVU is hoping kicker Tyler Bitancurt returns to form. He converted 13-of-15 field goal attempts as a freshman but hit only 10-of-17 last season. Punt and kickoff return play also needs improvement.

FINAL ANALYSIS

There’s a new sheriff in Morgantown. In is Holgorsen, who takes over the offense this season and was promoted to head coach a year earlier than expected. Holgorsen’s track record with offenses is stellar. Casteel also has a fine national reputation.

The Mountaineer schedule sets up nicely. LSU visits Morgantown. And in Big East play, WVU hosts Connecticut, Louisville and Pitt.

FANTASY IMPACT

The arrival of Dana Holgorsen should provide a quick fix for West Virginia’s offense. The Mountaineers struggled to maintain any consistency on offense last year, but Holgorsen’s spread passing attack has produced instant results at Houston and Oklahoma State. Quarterback Geno Smith should easily surpass last season’s passing totals (2,763 yards and 24 touchdowns) and will likely come off the board as one of the top 20 quarterbacks in fall drafts. Receiver Tavon Austin should also benefit from the change in offenses, with the junior likely to approach 80-90 catches this year. Keep a close eye on the rest of the receiving corps, as Tyler Urban or Ivan McCartney are worth a selection in the late rounds of fantasy drafts.

Key Player

Geno Smith, QB When healthy, Smith is calm, efficient — and one of the Big East’s best signal-callers.

Tavon Austin, WR The most lethal offensive threat on WVU’s roster.

Bruce Irvin, DE Mostly played on passing downs in 2010 — and still led the Big East in sacks.

West Virginia Football: Be the Hammer

By Tim Hyland,

Miami Hurricanes

There is a new feeling of hope down in Coral Gables. Al Golden is the reason why.

Golden, the man who actually turned the Temple Owls into winners, is now in charge at once-mighty Miami. And already, it seems, the fiery and disciplined Golden has fans of "The U." excited about the future.

It's hard to blame them.

Though Golden never won a MAC title at Temple, and though he fell short of getting the Owls that long-sought bowl win, there is simply no downplaying the enormity of his accomplishments in North Philly, where he literally saved a program that had appeared on the brink of collapse.

At Miami, of course, Golden will have more resources and more talent. Which means he should win more games, more quickly (or so, one would think).

But how quickly will those wins come? Can Golden win big in his first season down in Coral Gables? Find out here, in our 2011 Miami preview.

OVERVIEW: Randy Shannon did some good things at Miami. But the simple truth is that he just didn't win enough. Though it may not be realistic anymore, Miami fans and Miami boosters still expect their program to be what it was in the 1980s--the biggest, fastest, baddest team in the nation. Under Shannon, the 'Canes were never close to that. Whether or not Golden can accomplish what Shannon couldn't remains to be seen, but at the very least, it seems that this program stands to benefit from a fresh new message--and a new man at the top. Golden is a proven winner. He's also a proven workaholic. So the guess here is that this guy will eventually get Miami an ACC title--and that the first signs of progress will make themselves apparent as early as this season, even though there are likely to be some bumps along the way.

THE CEILING: Nine wins. It is beyond a cliché at this point, but it's also true to say that this program has talent. Lots of talent. And so, even with the losses of such standouts as wideout Leonard Hankerson, cornerback Brandon Harris and several others, the reality is that Golden is hardly inheriting an empty cupboard here. He'll have two legit talents at quarterback (Jacory Harris, Stephen Morris), an experienced offense line and a potentially very good defensive front seven. In other words, he's got more than enough material to win. Maybe not win big. But win enough (for his first season, at least). REASON FOR CONCERN: Though the 'Canes will be fine at quarterback and offensive line, it's unclear at this point whether they will have enough playmakers to improve on last season, when they ranked 67th nationally in scoring. With Hankerson gone, this team will really need LaRon Byrd, Travis Benjamin and others to step up. Finding a legit, every-down tailback would be helpful, too.

THE SCHEDULE (key games in bold): 9/5 at Maryland; 9/17 vs. Ohio State; 9/24 vs Kansas State; 10/1 vs. Bethune-Cookman; 10/8 at Virginia Tech; 10/15 at North Carolina; 10/22 vs. Georgia Tech; 10/27 vs. Virginia; 11/5 vs. Duke; 11/12 at Florida State; 11/19 at South Florida; 11/26 vs. Boston College

THE PREDICTION: It's going to be a transitional year in Carol Gables. It took Golden at least two years to establish a winning culture at Temple, and while the timeline is likely to be shorter at Miami (because, simply, it has to be), it's still going to take some time for the coach to get the players he inherited to buy in to his system--and, of course, to recruit his own guys into the program. As for the on the field stuff? Well, look for Miami to play smarter, more physical football in 2001--and win a couple more games than most experts expect.

REGULAR SEASON PREDICTION: 9-3

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
2011 PRESEASON TOP 25


Miami Hurricanes
NATIONAL FORECAST #19
ACC Coastal PREDICTION #2

HEAD COACH: Al Golden, First Season | OFF. COORDINATOR: Jedd Fisch | DEF. COORDINATOR: Mark D’Onofrio

OFFENSE

As a sophomore in 2009, Jacory Harris was considered a Heisman Trophy candidate and a sure bet as the next star at Quarterback U. But Harris isn’t even certain of being a starter after a woeful junior season marred by injuries and interceptions. Pushing Harris for the starting job is Stephen Morris, who started the last four regular-season games after Harris sustained a concussion. Morris was only 2–2 in his starts but impressed with his poise, arm strength and athletic ability.

Lamar Miller and Storm Johnson might be the two fastest tailbacks in the ACC and are expected to provide the long-distance capability lacking in the team’s running game in recent years. But they both may take a back seat to Mike James, a tough and smart runner who has the edge in experience.

Receivers LaRon Byrd and Travis Benjamin have unique physical talent, but their contributions haven’t always matched their skills because of dropped passes and mental gaffes. Offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch plans to use a scheme primarily employing two tight ends. Blake Ayles, a USC transfer who will be eligible immediately, is the biggest and most experienced among a half-dozen tight ends fighting for playing time.

The offensive line, which returns four starters, is the team’s strongest position group.

DEFENSE

More question marks than sure things on this side of the ball. The interior of the defensive line could be a big worry. Tackle Marcus Forston is a talent who’s fallen far short of his potential because of injuries. The end positions look like a strength with Adewale Ojomo and Olivier Vernon, who combined for 11 sacks last year and could push that number up around 20 this season.

Outside linebacker Sean Spence is the best player Miami will put on the field. Bulked up to 224 pounds, Spence is a ferocious hitter who does most of his damage behind the line of scrimmage. He could move to the middle if neither Jordan Futch nor Jimmy Gaines proves capable.

Both cornerbacks will be first-time starters at the position. Brandon McGee is fast and quick but has struggled in limited duty. The other starter figures to be JoJo Nicolas, who moved to corner from safety during spring practice. The starting safeties are set with Vaughn Telemaque and Ray-Ray Armstrong, a ferocious hitter. But, like every other position on defense, safety depth is virtually nonexistent.

SPECIALISTS

Matt Bosher’s departure means that a new placekicker, punter and kickoff specialist will have to be found. Junior college transfer Dalton Botts will be the punter while either Jake Wieclaw or Matt Goudis will kick. Miami has no shortage of potential kick and punt returners.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Al Golden inherits a team with a solid talent base that has the capacity, if everything goes right, to contend for the school’s first ACC Coastal Division title. But there are also many challenges awaiting the Hurricanes’ new coach. Foremost among them is ridding his new team of its penchant for undisciplined, boneheaded mistakes. Last season, Miami ranked near the bottom nationally in both penalties and turnovers.

Golden is also tasked with finding a starting quarterback, creating depth on a depleted defense and re-energizing a fanbase that lost patience with the team’s bumbling ways. The schedule — which includes trips to FSU, Virginia Tech and North Carolina — won’t be Golden’s friend, either.

FANTASY IMPACT

Outside of receiver Leonard Hankerson, Miami produced few fantasy options last season. Much of the same core returns on offense once again, which makes the Hurricanes a tricky offense to predict for fantasy purposes. Running back Lamar Miller has the most upside, but Mike James and Storm Johnson will figure into the mix. Miller averaged 5.9 yards per carry last season, while rushing for 646 yards on 108 attempts. The sophomore should be Miami’s top fantasy pick in fall drafts, but consider him a backup until more is known about how the carry situation for each Miami rusher will look.

Key Player

Sean Spence, LB Arguably the ACC’s best linebacker; provides big hits and does his best work behind the line of scrimmage.

Lamar Miller, RB It’s up to Miller and his backfield cohorts to return Miami’s ground game to prominence.

Olivier Vernon, DE Skilled pass-rusher could easily double his 2010 sack total of six.

Miami Hurricanes 2010 Season

Huddle je rekao po neku o Oregonu http://koledzfudbal.blogspot.com/2011/07/oregon-menja-strategiju-u-napadu.html

Iowa Hawkeyes

HEAD COACH: Kirk Ferentz, 89-60 (12 years) | OFF. COORDINATOR: Ken O'Keefe | DEF. COORDINATOR: Norm Parker


OFFENSE

Junior James Vandenberg will be handed the keys to the Iowa offense as the replacement for Ricky at quarterback. Vandenberg has a stronger arm than Stanzi, but he is still mostly unproven. Iowa fans are hoping that Vandenberg can do on a regular basis this season what he did for two quarters against Ohio State as a redshirt freshman in 2009 when he threw for over 200 yards against the Buckeyes on the road with a conference title on the line. But he also threw three interceptions, including two in the fourth quarter, and struggled in his only other start, a 12–0 victory over Minnesota the week after the Ohio State game.


Vandenberg will certainly benefit from the return of senior receiver Marvin McNutt, who nearly left for the NFL. McNutt led Iowa with 53 catches for 861 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

But as usual, the key to Iowa’s grind-it-out offense will be the running game, and signs point to a potentially potent attack. Five players with starting experience return on the offensive line to block for rising star Marcus Coker, who as a true freshman rushed for 219 yards during Iowa’s 27–24 victory over Missouri in the Insight Bowl.


DEFENSE

Iowa’s heralded defensive line didn’t live up to the hype last season, but it still won’t be easy replacing three of the four starters from that unit, including All-America defensive end Adrian Clayborn.
 Senior end Broderick Binns has played mostly in the shadow of Clayborn, but Binns still has 18 starts under his belt. The defense needs him to be more than just a role player. The same goes for hard-nosed senior tackle Mike Daniels, who started eight games last season. Daniels has a motor that never stops, and his teammates feed off his energy.


Iowa was decimated by injuries at linebacker last season, but that allowed James Morris to step in as a true freshman and show star potential. Senior Tyler Nielsen started the first eight games at outside linebacker last season before suffering a season-ending neck injury. Nielsen spent nearly two months in a neck brace but has since made a full recovery.


The secondary will feature a new look now that the safety duo of Tyler Sash and Brett Greenwood has moved on. Sash decided to skip his senior season to enter the NFL Draft after twice making first-team All-Big Ten.
Senior cornerback Shaun Prater also flirted with leaving a year early for the NFL, but he decided to return.


SPECIALISTS

For the first time since the 2006 season, somebody other than Ryan Donahue will be Iowa’s punter. Senior Eric Guthrie should get the first chance to replace him. Sophomore Mike Meyer beat out two kickers with more experience last season and solidified himself as the starter by making 14-of-17 field goal attempts with a long of 42 yards.
 The return game was a work in progress during spring practice.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Unlike a year ago, this team won’t be burdened by high expectations entering the season. Last year’s November collapse is still fresh in everybody’s mind, and there are too many holes to fill on both offense and defense for Iowa to be considered much of a threat by outsiders.

The good news is that the Hawkeyes usually do better under veteran coach Kirk Ferentz when they are flying under the radar. His teams have a history of overachieving when little is expected from them.

Auburn Tigers
By Tim Hyland,

Cam Newton is gone. Nick Fairley is gone. A whole bunch of other star players from Auburn's 2010 national championship squad are gone, too.

So, suffice to say, it's a rebuilding year for the Tigers.

Last season was in most every way a dream season for Auburn fans. Despite the never-ending drama surrounding Newton, those fans saw their quarterback win the Heisman Trophy. They saw their team knock off Alabama in one of the great Iron Bowl comebacks ever. And, of course, they saw the national championship trophy return to Auburn for the first time since 1957.

In other words, in 2010, pretty much everything went right for the navy blue and burnt orange

But as for 2011?

Well, let's just say it doesn't figure to be quite as memorable.

OVERVIEW: A pretty good case could be made that Auburn boasted not only the best offensive player in the country last season (Newton), but the best defensive player as well (Fairley). And I'm sorry, you just don't lose talents like that without taking a (rather significant) step back. And here's the thing: The personnel losses hardly stop there, as Auburn will also have to replace almost its entire staring offensive line. In 2010, we saw what coach Gene Chizik could do with a team of superstars. In 2011, we'll see how he handles starting (almost) from scratch. Should be interesting.

THE CEILING: Nine wins. And that would be an achievement. The SEC West looks like the best collection of teams in all of college football, and it wouldn't be a stretch to say that the Tigers are only the fourth (or fifth?) most talented team in their own division. There is certainly some firepower here, especially in the offensive backfield (tailbacks Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb are among the best in the SEC), but while Chizik has proven himself to be a winner down in SEC country, and while his recruiting efforts are sure to pay dividends in the near future, Auburn fans would be wise to view for this season for what it is: Preparation for 2012.

REASON FOR CONCERN: The offensive line. Lee Ziemba and Ryan Pugh anchored a powerful and at-times dominant unit in 2010. But both of those guys are now gone, along with two other starters, and that doesn't figure to make life any easier for either Barrett Trotter or Clint Moseley, the two guys battling for the starting quarterback job. I mean, think about it: One of those poor kids will not only have to replace the most exciting player in Auburn history, but will also play behind a bunch of guys who are getting their first big-game action. Not a great situation.

THE SCHEDULE (key games in bold): 9/3 vs. Utah State; 9/10 vs. Mississippi State; 9/17 at Clemson; 9/24 vs. Florida Atlantic; 10/1 at South Carolina; 10/8 at Arkansas; 10/15 vs. Florida; 10/22 at LSU; 10/29 vs. Ole Miss; 11/5 vs. Samford; 11/12 at Georgia; 11/26 vs. Alabama

THE PREDICTION: Auburn will be tested early. The Week 2 home showdown against much-improved Mississippi State will be massively important to the Tigers hopes in the SEC West. More than that, it could play a huge role in either giving the Tigers momentum (or sapping momentum) ahead of a tricky Week 3 trip to Clemson. Back-to-back losses there aren't entirely out of the realm of possibility, but even if the Tigers survive, they seem unlikely to win at South Carolina, at LSU or at home against 'Bama. One year after enjoying the ultimate dream season, Tigers fans may be in for a rough one. Again, Tigers fans, just think about 2012. It figures to be much more to your liking.

REGULAR SEASON PREDICTION: 9-3

Auburn Tigers

HEAD COACH: Gene Chizik, 22-5 (2 years) | OFF. COORDINATOR: Gus Malzahn | DEF. COORDINATOR: Ted Roof

OFFENSE

For the third season in a row, Auburn plans to enter August with at least a hint of mystery about its starting quarterback. But unlike last year, when it was a matter of when — not if — Cam Newton would eventually win the job, the 2011 race is more difficult to handicap. Barrett Trotter spent last season as Newton’s top backup, but played sparingly because of Newton’s invincibility. Clint Moseley emerged as a viable option this spring. Then there’s Kiehl Frazier, the true freshman phenom from Arkansas who was personally and aggressively recruited by offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn.

Running back Michael Dyer is likely to have an even bigger role after reaching 1,000 yards rushing as a freshman. Few doubted Dyer’s talent, but his durability might have been most impressive. Coaches are trying to develop other options to relieve pressure on Dyer. Onterio McCalebb, now a junior, keeps gaining weight and has likely shed the “scatback” label because of his toughness.

With Darvin Adams and Terrell Zachery gone and wide-open paths to the starting jobs, there are no excuses remaining for highly recruited receivers DeAngelo Benton and Trovon Reed, both of whom are expected — and needed — to catch a lot of passes this season.

The line might be most worrisome after being one of the best units in the country last year. Even the lone returning starter, senior Brandon Mosley, has spent most of his career on defense or at tight end.

DEFENSE

Nick Fairley barely received cursory mention in preview magazines like this one last summer. Sure, the bulky tackle was considered an intriguing talent, but coaches largely spoke of him as someone who needed to work harder to reach his potential rather than a finished product ready to dominate the SEC. That should give hope to new defensive line coach Mike Pelton as he works with Auburn’s youthful linemen who are the face of a thoroughly depleted defense.

Sophomores like Kenneth Carter and Jeff Whitaker seem poised for breakout years after light duty as freshmen. Among linebackers, the enigmatic Eltoro Freeman has shown glimpses of brilliance but has never reached the stardom that many predicted for him. He’s a senior now, so 2011 is his last chance.

In the secondary, Neiko Thorpe has moved from cornerback to safety, freeing him to focus on big hits. T’Sharvan Bell began to establish himself as a bona fide SEC cover corner last year.

SPECIALISTS

Punter Steven Clark and placekicker Cody Parkey got a taste of action in 2010, so they won’t be starting from scratch after winning their jobs full-time.

FINAL ANALYSIS

The Tigers have an undersized roster and a collection of unproven underclassmen vying to fill roles that used to be occupied by veterans. No, the Tigers don’t look like defending national champions, but appearances can be deceiving. Back-to-back top-five recruiting classes have stocked the bottom half of Auburn’s roster with elite players eager to prove their worth.

This year’s brutal schedule will make it all but impossible to duplicate last year’s success. But if the Tigers are able to weather this year’s challenges while adapting new players to SEC competition, they will be poised to return to the national title discussion in 2012, when they’ll have a friendlier schedule and a more experienced roster.

By Tim Hyland,
Penn State Nittany Lions


Joe Paterno is still there. So, too are the questions about his future. But as always, this program rolls on, doing things the Penn State way--and, from the looks of things, preparing another Big Ten title contender in 2011. Despite an up-and-down 7-6 season in 2010, the fact is that there’s plenty of young talent here, especially on offense, where Rob Bolden will battle Matt McGloin for control of a unit that should put up some serious points. Keep an eye on tailback Silas Redd, who is due for a breakout season, and wideout Derek Moye, one of the more underrated playmakers in the Big Ten. The defense should be better, too, keyed by star-in-the-making linebackers Mike Mauti and Gerald Hodges.

Penn State Nittany Lions

HEAD COACH: Joe Paterno, 401-135-3 (45 years) | OFF. COORDINATOR: Galen Hall | DEF. COORDINATOR: Tom Bradley

OFFENSE

If the Nittany Lions can get their quarterback situation resolved, the passing game should be strong. Senior wideout Derek Moye has field-stretching speed — his average of 16.7 yards per catch was second in the Big Ten last season — and he’s got lots of company in a deep and experienced receiving corps.

The Lions also have a potential breakout star in tailback Silas Redd. Now a sophomore, Redd showed great moves and acceleration in averaging 5.7 yards per carry as Evan Royster’s backup last season. He could be the Lions’ next great runner, provided the team addresses its concerns in the middle of the offensive line, where two starters are gone, including All-America guard Stefen Wisniewski.

But about that quarterback situation … ugh. Sophomore Rob Bolden sought a transfer in January, only to be denied his release by Joe Paterno. Matt McGloin, after a hot start, was ineffective in three of Penn State’s last four games, including a five-interception afternoon in the Outback Bowl against Florida. Bolden completed 58 percent of his passes for 1,360 yards in his debut season and may be Penn State’s best long-term bet — if he decides to stay.

DEFENSE

The Lions’ problem on defense is that their biggest strength and biggest weakness may cancel each other out. Their biggest strength is the secondary. Four regulars return, three of whom — safeties Drew Astorino and Nick Sukay and cornerback D’Anton Lynn — are seniors.

Their biggest weakness is the pass rush. Penn State totaled only 17 sacks last fall, and the health of its defensive ends continues to be a major concern. Its best pass rusher, senior end Jack Crawford, had foot surgery following the season and was wearing a boot in the spring. Worse, junior Pete Massaro suffered a torn ACL in spring practice and will miss the season. Eric Latimore is coming off a season-ending wrist injury last season, and even if he and Crawford both are healthy, there appear to be opportunities aplenty for the young defensive ends.

The situation is better at linebacker, where standout junior Michael Mauti is prepping for a move inside. Shoddy tackling was a big problem in 2010, but if Mauti and outside linebackers Gerald Hodges, Khairi Fortt and Nate Stupar can stay healthy — all four were hurt at times last year — the defense will likely be improved.

SPECIALISTS

With Anthony Fera returning, the Lions should be fine on punts and kickoffs. Fera had 19 touchbacks on 49 kickoffs before an appendectomy in November all but ended his season. Everything else is unsettled. The frontrunner for the placekicking job is incoming freshman Sam Ficken, while the Lions may turn to speedy redshirt freshman Alex Kenney to charge up a lackluster return game.


FINAL ANALYSIS

Everybody’s focused on the quarterbacks, but the Lions’ other sore spots — the offensive and defensive lines — could prove even more vexing. On offense, they’ve got a Wisniewski-sized hole at guard and uncertainty at center. On defense, their ends are either coming off injuries, are out for the year or have yet to play a down in college. And they’ve got exactly one week to get their house in order once the season begins; Alabama is scheduled to visit on Sept. 10. Throw in a brutal November schedule — Nebraska, at Ohio State, at Wisconsin — and you can understand why Paterno isn’t talking retirement. This rebuilding project is far from finished.

By Tim Hyland
Mississippi State Bulldogs

Dan Mullen is one of the hottest names in coaching--and it's not hard to figure out why.

Mullen, who first made his mark in the SEC as Urban Meyer's offensive coordinator down at Florida, has only bolstered his reputation since taking over at Mississippi State in 2009. In just two seasons, Mullen has built the program into a legitimate SEC West contender. The Bulldogs finished 9-4 under Mullen in 2010, capping a breakout season with a 52-14 stomping of Michigan in the Gator Bowl, and with several key starters returning, expectations are sky-high heading into 2011.

Can Mullen live up to the hype? Find out here, in our 2011 Mississippi State preview.

OVERVIEW: Mississippi State is not an easy place to win. Other coaches have may enjoyed some short-term success down in Starkville (Jackie Sherrill, who went 10-2 at the school in 1999, comes to mind), but Mullen's performance stands alone. The reason? Simple: He's actually got this team playing exciting over on offense. Likely because it's so darn difficult to recruit elite players to State, this program has for years relied on defense to get the job done; there just wasn't enough talent on the other side of the ball to do much more than "play not to lose." With Mullen in charge, however, that's finally changed. He's an offensive whiz who gets the most out of his players, and recruits are starting to take notice. For the first time in a long time, it appears as though State might actually have a shot to play for the SEC title--if not this year, than maybe in the years to come (so long as Mullen sticks around, that is).

THE CEILING: Ten wins. The defense has some holes to fill, but the offense returns pretty much everybody of note from a unit that scored nearly 30 points a game in 2010. If quarterback Chris Relf and tailback Vick Ballard can take that proverbial next step--if they can transform themselves from merely "good" players to truly "great" ones--State will be a handful on offense, even for those brutal defenses down in SEC country.

REASON FOR CONCERN: Linebacker. The Bulldogs lose all three starting linebackers from 2010, which means they might have trouble replicating last season's impressive defensive effort; they gave up just 19.8 points per game and absolutely shut down Michigan in that Gator Bowl blowout. This certainly won't be a bad defense. But it's unlikely to be a dominant one.

THE SCHEDULE (key games in bold): 9/3 at Memphis; 9/10 at Auburn; 9/17 vs. Louisiana Tech; 9/24 vs. Louisiana Tech; 10/1 at Georgia; 10/8 at UAB; 10/15 vs. South Carolina; 10/29 at Kentucky; 11/5 vs. Tennessee-Martin; 11/12 vs. Alabama; 11/19 at Arkansas; 11/26 vs. Mississippi

THE PREDICTION: The Week 2 trip to Auburn might be the key to the season. With a win there, the Bulldogs would give themselves a massive confidence boost ahead of that massive Week 3 showdown, in Starkville, against LSU. Later in the season, the Bulldogs also get Alabama at home. While they are unlikely two beat both LSU and 'Bama, they are certainly capable of beating one. This program may not be ready for Atlanta ... but it's getting there. Look for another successful season for State under Mullen--and a lot of speculation about his next stop come December or so.

REGULAR SEASON PREDICTION: 9-3

Mississippi State Bulldogs

HEAD COACH: Dan Mullen, 14-11 (2 years) | OFF. COORDINATOR: Les Koenning | DEF. COORDINATOR: Geoff Collins, Chris Wilson

OFFENSE

Mississippi State had a decent passing game last season, but it was the run game that made the offense go. With quarterback Chris Relf’s continued progress and a more experienced receiving corps, the Bulldogs are looking to be equally dangerous through the air.

It starts with Relf, who has made huge strides from both a technical standpoint and in his confidence. He’s taken ownership of coach Dan Mullen’s offense, taking charge during offseason workouts — even doling out punishments for dropped passes — and finding a very high comfort level with the schemes and his teammates. “It shows great respect to him, because he’s showed great leadership skills, and he’s stepped it up a whole other level, because he wants to win,” tailback LaDarius Perkins says. “And he has everybody else wanting to win, too.”

Relf will be helped by a deeper, more experienced group of receivers, led by Chad Bumphis, a junior. Bumphis injured his ankle after spring practice but should be good to go in the fall.

Perkins is a key part of the running game, which on paper figures to be even better than last year, when MSU averaged 214.9 yards per game. The speedster rushed for 566 yards, third on the team behind Relf (713 yards) and senior Vick Ballard, who gained 968 yards and scored a school-record 20 total touchdowns (19 rushing, one receiving).

The only real question mark is the offensive line, which lost All-America left tackle Derek Sherrod. Senior Quentin Saulsberry, who’s spent his career floating along the line, likely will play center.

DEFENSE

A good bit of turnover at the linebacker position is cause for concern. All three starters, including Chris White and K.J. Wright, are gone, and defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, who coached the position, left for Texas.

Enter Geoff Collins, who pulled a 180 with FIU’s defense last season and now holds the dual titles of co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at State. He’s got some good parts to work with, like senior Brandon Wilson and junior Cam Lawrence. And the Bulldogs will get a boost from Brandon Maye, a three-year starter at Clemson who arrives at State as a post-graduate transfer.

“To play in this league, you’d better be able to run,” Collins says. “I think we have that; at the linebacker position there are some guys that can run.”

There’s a greater comfort level with the line, especially the interior, and a secondary chock full of experience. Chris Wilson, promoted from co-DC to lead the defense after Diaz left, has plenty of options for mixing up personnel and coverages.

SPECIALISTS

Derek DePasquale has been outstanding for the Bulldogs. In his two seasons as the primary placekicker, he has made 20-of-24 field goals and all 50 of his extra points. Brian Egan (kickoffs) and Baker Swedenburg (punting) have also shown big legs. In the return game, MSU will utilize several players, including Perkins, junior Brandon Heavens, sophomore Michael Carr and shifty redshirt freshman Jameon Lewis.


FINAL ANALYSIS

Mullen, entering his third season, has MSU on the right track. The mantra this offseason has been to work even harder and build on 2010, when State went 9–4 and pounded Michigan in the Gator Bowl, 52–14.

Most of the parts are in place for a sustained run under Mullen, but the SEC West is a monster and showing no signs of slowing down. State figures to be locked in a battle with Arkansas and Auburn for third place in the division.

Sta je sa Georgia Tech?
Sta su sad zeznuli?!
http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story/_/id/6769894/ncaa-places-georgia-tech-yellow-jackets-four-years-probation

Red man ::Sta je sa Georgia Tech?
Sta su sad zeznuli?!
http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story/_/id/6769894/ncaa-places-georgia-tech-yellow-jackets-four-years-probation

Uopste ne gotivim GT, ali ovo su ciste gluposti.

Kada bi se krenulo redom, garantujem da niti jedan program u elitnom NCAA takmicenju ne bi bio cist.

Decenijama igraci primaju materijalna dobra prilikom resavanja dileme pri odaberu koledza.

pa naravno, javna tajna

gledam onaj dan dokmentarac o P.Petersonu. Gajba u kojoj je živeo koledž dane ne liči mi na studentsku uopšte.

verovatno da ima i nekih stimulativnih pomagala ali svakako lova na ruke pred ljudima nije dozvoljena. mada ima love svuda. skoro kada sam radio jedan objekat za potrebe univerziteta , vlasnici su trazili da imaju kamere u svim prostorijama kako bi kontrolisali nastavnike i ucenike upravo u pogledu stimulacije, finansijske

North Carolina Tarheels

HEAD COACH: Butch Davis, 28-23 (4 years) | OFF. COORDINATOR: John Shoop | DEF. COORDINATOR: Everett Withers

OFFENSE

The success of North Carolina’s offense will depend largely on its new quarterback. The Tar Heels finished last season in the middle of the pack offensively in the ACC, relying heavily upon the arm and mind of T.J. Yates, a four-year starter who set 37 school records before graduating.

Sophomore Bryn Renner is bigger and faster than Yates and has a stronger arm, but he has thrown only two passes in his college career. The team can’t afford Renner to make major mistakes as he gains experience, and Renner knows it. His primary goal during the spring was to minimize turnovers.

Fortunately for Renner, he has some talent around him. Dwight Jones is one of the ACC’s top wide receivers, averaging 105.3 yards in the last eight games in 2010. Jheranie Boyd excels at getting open deep down the field, while Erik Highsmith is adept on intermediate routes. Plus, Renner’s blind side will be well-protected by standout left tackle James Hurst.

At issue is how well the Tar Heels will be able to run the ball, particularly behind a pair of first-year starters on the right side of the line. Ryan Houston, who returns at tailback after sitting out last season, has a knack for getting tough yards in between the tackles. Houston sat out the spring following shoulder surgery but should be ready to go in the fall.


DEFENSE

The Tar Heels should be in good shape defensively up front. The line is strong with ends Quinton Coples and Donte Paige-Moss rushing the passer and Tydreke Powell and junior college transfer Sylvester Williams clogging the middle.

Kevin Reddick enters his third season as the starting middle linebacker. He has a potential star next to him in speed demon Zach Brown, who has waited his turn behind departed studs Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant.

The secondary is a much bigger area for concern. The Tar Heels welcome back cornerback Charles Brown, a former starter who sat out last season, but the rest of their defensive backs have only 21 starts combined. Youngsters Jabari Price, Mywan Jackson and Tre Boston each got opportunities at cornerback last season, probably before they were ready. Boston has since moved to safety. The Tar Heels need a couple of the unproven players to show improvement in 2011.

SPECIALISTS

Kicker Casey Barth has proven to be reliable, making 19-of-22 field goal tries last season, but he was the lone bright spot of North Carolina’s special teams in 2010. The Tar Heels have brought in former LSU special teams coordinator Joe Robinson as their defensive line coach to help out, and they also should benefit from avoiding the depth-sapping suspensions that hurt the team a year ago.

FINAL ANALYSIS

North Carolina’s players are thinking big, believing they have a realistic chance at the Coastal Division title and the ACC championship. None of that is outside the realm of possibility, but plenty of things have to go right to make it a reality: Renner has to excel from the beginning, the Tar Heels have to come up with answers in the secondary, and the team must stay healthy.

The heartbreaking truth for North Carolina fans is that their legitimate chance for a championship was last season, which got short-circuited by off-the-field trouble. This year’s team looks like a solid bet for a fourth consecutive winning season, but inexperience at key positions could keep the Tar Heels out of ACC title contention.

Arizona State Sun Devils

HEAD COACH: Dennis Erickson, 25-24 (4 years) | OFF. COORDINATOR: Noel Mazzone | DEF. COORDINATOR: Craig Bray

OFFENSE

ASU suffered a huge blow in the offseason when starting quarterback Steven Threet retired because of post-concussion syndrome. Threet’s retirement leaves ASU woefully thin at the most important position. Junior starter Brock Osweiler is the only quarterback in the program with any experience, and he’s started only two games.

Osweiler has the physical tools — he’s 6'8" with a strong arm and good mobility — but his accuracy is a concern: He completed only 56.9 percent of his passes last season, and that won’t get it done in offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone’s no-huddle attack that places a premium on the quarterback getting rid of the ball quickly and putting it in the right place.

Compounding matters is the fact that ASU lost starting wideout T.J. Simpson to a torn ACL during spring ball; Simpson was the Sun Devils’ best deep threat.

Fortunately, ASU has enough receiving depth to make up for Simpson’s absence. More important, the Sun Devils should have their best rushing attack in years. Four starters on the offensive line return, as do a stable of talented running backs, led by junior Cameron Marshall.

But the season likely will rise or fall on Osweiler. And no one knows whether he can get the job done.

DEFENSE

The Sun Devils lost two of their three best defensive players in the summer. Tackle Lawrence Guy opted to turn pro after his junior year, and All-Pac-10 cornerback Omar Bolden suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury. With Guy and Bolden, ASU might have had one of the top-10 defenses in the country. Without them, though, the Sun Devils still have enough talent and experience to be one of the best units in the Pac-12.

They return four experienced players on the defensive front — sophomore defensive end Junior Onyeali could have a 10-sack season — and all three starting linebackers, including middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict, who may be the best defensive player in the country. Burfict is a beast — he led the team with 90 tackles last season — and the rare player who must be accounted for on every snap.

Bolden’s loss will hurt, particularly in a conference with so many talented quarterbacks. But ASU has enough athleticism and depth in the secondary to weather his absence.

SPECIALISTS

The Sun Devils should have an explosive return game — they have several players, including Jamal Miles, who can return punts and kickoffs. But redshirt freshman placekicker Alex Garoutte is a huge question mark. He was disturbingly inconsistent in spring ball.

FINAL ANALYSIS

In mid-April Arizona State unveiled new uniforms, new helmets and a new branding campaign entitled, “Fear the Fork.” But will they still be the same ol’ Sun Devils?

Dennis Erickson’s team hasn’t played in a bowl game the last three seasons. Erickson, whose contract runs through 2012, is considered to be sitting on one of the hottest seats in college football.

The good news: The Sun Devils return 11 starters and are considered one of the favorites in the Pac-12’s South Division. If that experience can turn the close losses of 2010 — ASU lost to Wisconsin, Oregon, Oregon State, USC and Stanford by a combined 20 points — into victories, the Sun Devils could challenge for a conference title. But if the ASU struggles again, Erickson may fear for his job.