NCAA - nesto o timovima pred sezonu 2011

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Bowl Subdivision Polls
AP Top 25

1.Oklahoma (36)
2.Alabama (17)
3.Oregon (4)
4.LSU (1)
5.Boise St. (2)
6.Florida St.
7.Stanford
8.Texas A&M
9.Oklahoma St.
10.Nebraska
11.Wisconsin
12.South Carolina
13.Virginia Tech
14.TCU
15.Arkansas
16.Notre Dame
17.Michigan St.
18.Ohio St.
19.Georgia
20.Mississippi St.
21.Missouri
22.Florida
23.Auburn
24.West Virginia
25.USC

USA Today

Oklahoma (42)
Alabama (13)
Oregon (2)
LSU (2)
Florida St.
Stanford
Boise St.
Oklahoma St.
Texas A&M
Wisconsin
Nebraska
South Carolina
Virginia Tech
Arkansas
TCU
Ohio St.
Michigan St.
Notre Dame
Auburn
Mississippi St.
Missouri
Georgia
Florida
Texas
Penn St.

No. 1 Oklahoma

Coach: Bob Stoops (129-31 in 12 seasons at Oklahoma) | Staff
Last season: 12-2, 6-2 (T-1st in Big 12 South; beat Nebraska in Big 12 championship game, beat Connecticut in Fiesta Bowl)
Returning starters (At least seven starts last year): Offense ( 8 ): WR Ryan Broyles, G Tyler Evans, C Ben Habern, TE James Hanna, G Gabe Ikard, QB Landry Jones, T Donald Stephenson, WR Kenny Stills. Defense (7): E Frank Alexander, CB Jamell Fleming, CB Demontre Hurst, LB/S Tony Jefferson, LB Travis Lewis, T Stacy McGee, LB Tom Wort. Special teams (2): K Jimmy Stevens, P Tress Way.

OFFENSE

OVERVIEW: Oklahoma employs a spread offense and can score in bunches. The Sooners have averaged more than 30 points per game in each of the past six seasons. They will make it seven. An offense with a Heisman candidate at quarterback, arguably the best pair of wide receivers in the country, an experienced line and speed at tailback will score a lot of points. The biggest question about the Sooners' offense is how much OU will miss former coordinator Kevin Wilson, now the coach at Indiana. It's undoubtedly a loss, but co-coordinators Josh Heupel and Jay Norvell know what they're doing, too. Heupel will call the plays.

BACKFIELD: Junior QB Landry Jones enters his third season as a starter. Last season, he showed remarkable improvement by throwing for 4,718 yards while completing better than 65 percent of his passes. If he progresses even more, he could win the Heisman. The only knock on him is that he has had games with too many interceptions. In the event that he misses action, the Sooners can turn to highly regarded redshirt freshman Blake Bell. The running back situation isn't quite as strong, but it's not fragile by any means. Diminutive Roy Finch has great speed and will be used in various ways, as a slot receiver among them. Sophomore Brennan Clay may head a committee approach at tailback until five-star freshman Brandon Williams is ready.

RECEIVERS: A strong case can be made that Ryan Broyles and Kenny Stills is the best wide receiver duo in the nation. Broyles is a big-time playmaker who led the nation with 131 catches and scored 14 touchdowns last season. Though the second option, Stills is coming off a brilliant freshman campaign in which he had 61 catches. If that's not enough, true freshman Trey Metoyer was rated the country's No. 2 receiving prospect. TE James Hanna isn't flashy, but he caught seven touchdown passes a year ago.

LINE: The talk in Norman is that senior Donald Stephenson could be the Sooners' next great tackle. He's part of a quartet of fulltime starters that returns up front. C Ben Habert and G Gabe Ikard are among the Big 12's best. There is some uncertainty - but tremendous size - at right tackle, where redshirt freshman Daryl Williams is moving in.


DEFENSE

OVERVIEW: The Sooners face serious questions on defense. They were not overpowering in '10 and the death of LB Austin Box, an injury to star LB Travis Lewis and the losses of all FS Quinton Carter and E Jeremy Beal raise doubts. OU has to bolster its run defense, which ranked 58th in the nation last season, and maintain a strong pass rush without Beal.

LINE: Improvement is needed up front. OU was vulnerable to the run last season and also must replace Beal, last season's Big 12 defensive lineman of the year. The Sooners have a lot to hope for this season. They hope E Ronnell Lewis can be a pass-rush threat. They hope E Frank Alexander can be more consistent. They hope sophomore T Jamarkus McFarland can develop into a dominant run stuffer. All of those are possible. None are assured.

LINEBACKER: This has become an area of concern for the Sooners. Box, who returned from injury and started the last five games of 2010, was a solid middle linebacker and a team leader. Lewis was the best player on the unit, maybe on the team, but he suffered a broken bone in his foot and will miss at least the first month of the season. Without them, the Sooners are a little undersized and somewhat unproven at linebacker. Still, there is talent. Sophomore Tom Wort started nine games in the middle last season, while sophomore Tony Jefferson, who plays a hybrid outside linebacker/safety position, is a rising star. He was the Big 12's defensive freshman of the year in 2010. Highly regarded sophomore Corey Nelson will fill in until Lewis returns from injury.

SECONDARY: Few teams are as secure at corner as Oklahoma, which returns 2010 starters Jamell Fleming and Demontre Hurst. Fleming had a team-leading five interceptions a year ago, while Hurst broke up 11 passes. But both safety positions will be filled by new starters. Junior Javon Harris and sophomore Aaron Colvin are ready to step in, but if they falter, OU has several other options. Jefferson could see time at safety, too.


http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1252344

No. 2 Alabama

Coach: Nick Saban (43-11 in four seasons at Alabama; 134-53-1 in 15 seasons overall) | Staff
Last season: 10-3, 5-3 (4th in SEC West; beat Michigan State in Capital One Bowl)
Returning starters (At least seven starts last year): Offense (7): T D.J. Fluker, G Barrett Jones (may move to T), WR Darius Hanks, WR Marquis Maze, C William Vlachos, G Chance Warmack, TE Michael Williams. Defense (: SS Mark Barron, NT Josh Chapman, LB Dont'a Hightower, LB Nico Johnson, CB Dre Kirkpatrick, FS Robert Lester, CB Dee Milliner, LB Courtney Upshaw. Special teams (2): K Jeremy Shelley, P Cody Mandell.

OFFENSE

OVERVIEW: The Tide never is going to wow anyone with their schemes or be tricky with their play-calling. Coach Nick Saban and coordinator Jim McElwain are rather simplistic in their preferences, running an old-fashioned pro-style attack, complete with two-tight end sets. Yes, there will be use of three- and four-receiver sets, but for the most part, the Tide wants to line up and out-tough its opponents.

BACKFIELD: In 2009, Alabama was breaking in a new starting quarterback and a new tailback - and it won the national title. The Tide are hoping history repeats. That season, it was hoped that TB Mark Ingram could make the jump from productive backup to productive starter. Fast forward to 2011, and the same thing is happening, with junior Trent Richardson assuming the Ingram role. Richardson has rushed for 1,451 yards and 14 TDs in his first two seasons, and as the focal point of the offense, he could surpass those numbers this season and contend for the Heisman. Depth at tailback is iffy, and if Richardson is lost for a significant amount of time, the Tide will suffer. In '09, Greg McElroy led the Tide to the national title as a "game-manager" quarterback. This season, the same will be asked of either sophomore A.J. McCarron or redshirt freshman Phillip Sims. McCarron has an extra year of experience and that should be enough to assure that he will be the starter. As always with Alabama's quarterbacks, McCarron (or Sims) won't be asked to win games; rather, he will be told to make sure he doesn't lose them.

RECEIVERS: The Tide is going to miss WR Julio Jones, who might've been the most talented receiver in school history. While there are some solid receivers still on the roster, none of them is going to scare opposing corners like Jones did. Marquis Maze and Darius Hanks should share go-to duties, and senior Brandon Gibson, sophomores Kenny Bell, Michael Bowman and Kevin Norwood and redshirt freshman DeAndrew White will vie for time. JC transfer Duron Carter, who began his career at Ohio State before running into academic issues, signed with the Tide this spring, but hasn't been cleared academically. Like his dad, Cris, Duron is not a burner, but he runs crisp routes, is physical and has good hands. Starting TEs Michael Williams and Brad Smelley are better blockers than receivers, but they will get some passes thrown their way in this offense.

LINE: Junior Barrett Jones is the Tide's best lineman, and he should receive postseason attention. The question is at what position. Though he starred at guard last season, he was moved to left tackle early in summer camp because Saban wasn't pleased with the line's performance. Jones unquestionably is a starter - but will it be at guard (his natural position) or tackle? Senior C William Vlachos and sophomore RT D.J. Fluker are the other potential standouts, with Fluker, especially, a talented physical specimen who has a ton of promise. If Jones stays at tackle, the guard spots will be filled by returning starter Chance Warmack, a junior, and sophomore Anthony Steen. If Jones moves back to guard, Steen and Warmack will battle it out for the other starting spot. Jones' return to guard might hinge on five-star freshman T Cyrus Kouandjio. Saban has singled out Kouandjio for praise, but it certainly would be a gamble to start a true freshman at left tackle on a team that has legit national title aspirations. Depth looks fine in the interior, especially if Jones moves back inside, but iffy at tackle.


DEFENSE

OVERVIEW: Saban and coordinator Kirby Smart run a 3-4 set, and linebackers blitz from everywhere. There is some concern about the starting front this season, but the back eight should be the best in the nation, with four potential All-Americans.

LINE: The Tide is going to miss Marcell Dareus as much, if not more, than they miss Julio Jones. As with Jones, Dareus turned pro early and was a top-10 pick. NT Josh Chapman is an established starter in the middle, but the other two spots along the front bear watching. Two highly touted JC transfers, E Quinton Dial and T Jesse Williams, arrived in time for spring ball, and both could start. Both also could be reserves, but each will see a lot of time. Converted LB Ed Stinson is in the hunt for a starting job at end, as is junior Damion Square, who was a part-time starter last season. Nick Gentry, Undra Billingsley, Brandon Ivory and true freshman LaMichael Fanning also should see time. This is a bulky, physical group. The Tide lost part-time starter Kerry Murphy to a knee injury.

LINEBACKERS: There are no concerns here. ILB Dont'a Hightower and OLB Courtney Upshaw should vie for All-America honors. Hightower missed most of 2009 with a knee injury and didn't seem to be fully back until late last season; he still was second on the team with 69 tackles. Upshaw led the Tide with seven sacks. Senior Jerrell Harris and junior Nico Johnson look as if they will start at the other two spots, though sophomore C.J. Mosley is coming off an excellent freshman season (67 tackles, a team-high 10 pass breakups) and will push Johnson. Depth looks good, too.

SECONDARY: This is another Tide strong suit, as all four starters return. Alabama has the best set of safeties in the nation with senior SS Mark Barron and junior FS Robert Lester. Barron is heading into his third season as a starter and was the team's leading tackler with 75 last season; he also had three interceptions and six pass breakups. Lester filled a big hole at free safety last season - and did it so well that he garnered some All-America notice; he had four picks and eight breakups. CB Dre Kirkpatrick had an up-and-down freshman season, but turned into a steady performer last season; he has excellent size (6-3/192). Dee Milliner was thrown into the fray as a true freshman last season and performed admirably, with four interceptions and seven breakups. DeQuan Menzie is a solid No. 3 corner and will see a lot of time. Depth at safety is a bit iffy, though.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Ks Cade Foster and Jeremy Shelley combined to go 19-of-25 on field-goal attempts, with Foster's 49-yarder the longest. P Cody Mandell needs to improve; he averaged just 39.2 yards per attempt last season. Maze did a good job as the punt returner last season, and Richardson was excellent as a kick returner. Saban has hinted, though, that he might not use Richardson in that role this season, instead going with White. The punt coverage was good, the kickoff coverage inconsistent last season.

http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1252344

No. 3 Oregon

Coach:: Chip Kelly (22-4 in two seasons at Oregon) | Staff
Last season: 12-1, 9-0 (1st in Pac-10; lost to Auburn in BCS championship game) | 2011 schedule
Returning starters (minimum seven starts last season): Offense (7): T Mark Asper, RB LaMichael James, TE David Paulson, QB Darron Thomas, WR Lavasier Tuinei, G Carson York, T Darrion Weems. Defense (5): FS John Boyett, CB Cliff Harris, LB Josh Kaddu, SS Eddie Pleasant, E Terrell Turner. Special teams (2): K Rob Beard, P Jackson Rice.

OFFENSE

OVERVIEW: In four seasons under spread proponent Chip Kelly as coordinator and/or coach, Oregon routinely has fielded one of the highest-scoring offenses in the nation. The Ducks have averaged more than 36 points in all four of those seasons. This season, they figure to make it five in a row. The Ducks have a proven quarterback and group of running backs that would make an impressive 4x100 relay. Though there are a couple of new starters up front, the Ducks have a knack of putting together a strong line. Kelly prefers a fast pace and says he wants an even faster pace from this season's team.

BACKFIELD: Heisman finalist LaMichael James has rushed for more than 1,500 yards in consecutive seasons and had 1,731 last season. But James, a junior, is by no means the only star in the backfield. Kenjon Barner rushed for 551 yards in a backup role last season, and heralded 2010 recruit Lache Seastrunk figures to make a contribution after sitting out a redshirt season. The Ducks also have freshman De'Anthony Thomas, a five-star prospect and a high school sprint champion from Los Angeles. The Ducks are good but not as deep at quarterback. Darron Thomas surprised some by beating out Nate Costa for the starting job last season, then went on to earn second-team all-conference honors. He's a fine passer and a good runner, and should be even better with a year's experience. But no other quarterback on the roster has thrown a college pass.

RECEIVERS: Oregon doesn't emphasize receivers in its offense, but that doesn't mean the Ducks don't have guys who can make big plays. Oregon will miss reliable Jeff Maehl, last season's leading receiver, who completed his eligibility. Lavasier Tuinei is a big target who figures to add to his 36-catch total of 2010. Overall, the Ducks will be more athletic with sophomore Josh Huff getting more action. Junior college transfer Rahsaan Vaughn and Devon Blackmon could make an impact. Expect a true freshman or two to get playing time, too. TE David Paulson doesn't get much attention, but is productive.

LINE: T Mark Asper and G Carson York are experienced, full-time starters, while senior T Darrion Weems made seven starts a year ago. They form the nucleus of what should be a typically effective unit under line coach Steve Greatwood. But there are concerns. C Jordan Holmes completed his eligibility and likely will be replaced by sophomore Karrington Armstrong, who is strong and agile but has played just in one game in two years. Redshirt freshman Hroniss Grasu also is in the mix at center. Redshirt freshman Hamani Stevens, who just returned from a Mormon mission, is seeking playing time at guard. Senior Ramsin Golpashin, who hasn't played much, went into fall drills atop the depth chart at the guard spot opposite York. Junior Nick Cody is another who could play guard.


DEFENSE

OVERVIEW: Nick Aliotti fields aggressive, attacking units, but he has some work to do this season. Oregon must replace six defensive starters, including four who earned all-conference honors last season. The Ducks are counting on newcomers solidifying the line, and there have been some off-field problems with their linebackers. But the Ducks always seem to have defensive backs capable of making big plays, and this season won't be any different.

LINE: The Ducks have to replace the 10 sacks and 22.5 tackles for losses that were recorded by departed E Kenny Rowe and T Brandon Bair. E Terrell Turner is a returning starter coming off surgery. He'll be ready on one side, but the other side is more unsettled. Senior Brandon Hanna and junior Dion Jordan - who arrived on campus as a tight end - are the candidates. While both starting tackles have to be replaced, there is no shortage of candidates. Hulking sophomore T Ricky Heimuli is a solid prospect who could emerge as a force inside. Sophomore Wade Keliikipi is another possible starter, as is sophomore Taylor Hart. Former junior college transfer Isaac Remington, who sat out as a redshirt last season, will press for time. Jared Ebert, who went through spring practice, was considered one of the top JC defensive linemen in the nation last year and should be in the mix, as well.

LINEBACKERS: A position of strength last season has become one of uncertainty with the two top tacklers from 2010 departed and Josh Kaddu the lone returning starter. Junior MLB Kiko Alonso was suspended indefinitely after a second alcohol-related arrest in the spring. Senior Dewitt Stuckey could wind up the starter there, though touted true freshman Anthony Wallace will get a close look. Michael Clay is back after posting 42 tackles as a reserve last season, and sophomore Boseko Lokombo will bid for playing time as a possible starter or top backup.

SECONDARY: The defense's strength undoubtedly is the secondary, with playmakers roaming throughout the defensive backfield. All-America CB Cliff Harris can turn the defense into offense in a split second. Last season, he had six interceptions and returned one for a touchdown. But he has been suspended for at least one game because of numerous traffic citations and unpaid fines. Junior FS John Boyett earned all-conference mention in 2010 after posting 78 tackles, five interceptions and nine pass breakups. Senior SS Eddie Pleasant moved from linebacker before last season and had a solid season; he is a jarring tackler. Senior CB Anthony Gildon also has starting experience, though he was primarily a backup last season. Redshirt freshman Terrance Mitchell, Troy Hill and Dior Mathis will press for time. Mitchell has excellent size (6-0/189).

SPECIAL TEAMS

Elements of Oregon's kicking game range from spectacular to steady. Harris is a nightmare for opponents on punt returns. He averaged more than 18 yards per return and had four touchdowns last season. Huff averaged more than 24 yards on kickoff returns. K Rob Beard is coming off a solid season in which he converted 10-of-13 field-goal attempts, but none were longer than 42 yards. P Jackson Rice averaged 42.3 yards and dropped almost half of his attempts (18 of 40) inside the 20. Kickoff coverage was excellent, while the punt coverage was adequate last season.

http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1252023

No. 4 LSU

Coach:: Les Miles (62-17 in six seasons at LSU; 90-38 in 10 seasons overall) | Staff
Last season: 11-2, 6-2 (T-2nd in SEC West; beat Texas A&M in Cotton Bowl) | 2011 schedule
Returning starters (minimum seven starts last season): Offense (: TE Chase Clement, G Josh Dworaczyk, G T-Bob Hebert, T Alex Hurst, QB Jordan Jefferson, C P.J. Lonergan, WR Rueben Randle, WR Russell Shepard. Defense (7): E Kendrick Adams, LB Ryan Baker, CB Morris Claiborne, E Lavar Edwards, LB Stefoin Francois, FS Karnell Hatcher (moved to LB), SS Brandon Taylor. Special teams: None.

OFFENSE

OVERVIEW: The Tigers parted ways with former coordinator Gary Crowton, who now is at Maryland, and former Louisville and Tulsa coach Steve Kragthorpe was brought in as quarterback coach and coordinator. But Kragthorpe had to give up coordinator duties late last month, when he announced that he had Parkinson's disease. The new coordinator is line coach Greg Studrawa, but he will follow Kragthorpe's blueprint. Kragthorpe, like Crowton a former NFL assistant, prefers a pro-style attack, but there will be some elements of the spread. How Studrawa - who was Bowling Green's offensive line coach under Urban Meyer - handles the play-calling will be a storyline to follow this season.

BACKFIELD: Kragthorpe's key pupil is senior QB Jordan Jefferson, who last season did his best impression of a mediocre Conference USA quarterback. Jefferson has some physical tools, most notably his running ability, but he never has been more than a middling passer. Can Kragthorpe coax more out of him? It's not a stretch to say that if Jefferson can become just a competent SEC quarterback, LSU can win the league - and the national title. JC transfer Zach Mettenberger, who began his career at Georgia, signed with LSU amid much fanfare, but he didn't live up to the accompanying fervor during spring practice. Senior Jarrett Lee looks as if he will be the backup. LSU lost 1,000-yard rusher Stevan Ridley, but the Tigers should be fine at tailback. There is talent, but it is unproven. A committee approach is possible, though it seems likely that sophomore Spencer Ware - who had a big Cotton Bowl (102 yards) - is the guy the coaches want to win the job. He has good size (5-11/223) and also the speed to run away from people; he was a high school quarterback in Ohio. Fellow sophomores Alfred Blue and Michael Ford also will be in the mix. Blue, Ford and Ware combined for 89 carries, 542 yards and five TDs last season.

RECEIVERS: There are some great athletes, but they have been criminally underutilized, partly because of issues at quarterback but also partly because of a lack of imagination on offense. Rueben Randle is a former five-star recruit, but in two seasons, he has just 46 total touches. He has the size and speed to be a big-time deep threat, but he also lacks consistency. Russell Shepard is another former five-star recruit. Shepard has had some success on reverses and the like, but he's still a bit raw as a receiver after playing quarterback in high school. He had 33 receptions last season, but he averaged a paltry 7.7 yards per reception and scored just once. He's the kind of athlete who needs to place stress on opposing secondaries by running crossing routes and fly patterns. Depth is a question, as the only other receivers on the roster who had a reception last season are Kadron Boone (four) and James Wright (two). True freshman Jarvis Landry was a five-star recruit and should see plenty of time this fall. DeAngelo Peterson is a big-time athlete who headlines a deep group of tight ends. Again, though, LSU's tight ends have suffered from a lack of use as receivers.

LINE: This is a rather anonymous group, but it's still one of the best lines in the SEC and one of the top 10 in the nation. It's a big, physical, nasty unit. RT Alex Hurst is getting a lot of preseason acclaim. The one new starter is LT Chris Faulk, a former four-star recruit. His backup is Chris Davenport, who was a five-star signee as a defensive tackle. Gs Josh Dworaczyk and Will Blackwell, C P.J. Lonergan and G/C T-Bob Hebert - the son of former NFL QB Bobby Hebert - are either returning full- or part-time starters. Depth looks good in the interior, but a bit iffy on the outside. Expect at least one true freshman to see time as a reserve.


DEFENSE

OVERVIEW: John Chavis seemingly has been coordinating defenses in the SEC since the turn of the century - and we mean the 1900s, not the 2000s. "The Chief" likes an aggressive, attacking unit, and with the Tigers, he has a bunch of good athletes to do his bidding. At times, he takes too many chances, but opposing coaches know a Chavis-led defense also is going to make a few big plays each game. LSU lost a star player at each level of its defense - T Drake Nevis, LB Kelvin Sheppard and CB Patrick Peterson - but the talent is on hand for another sterling unit.

LINE: Nevis was a disruptive force in the interior, but expect the havoc to be wreaked by the ends this season. Sophomores Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo have big-time potential as pass rushers, and Montgomery, especially, seems ready for a breakout season. Mingo needs to get better against the run. Returning starter Kendrick Adams is a steadying force, but he hasn't been a big-play guy. Lavar Edwards, who will back up Montgomery, is another end who is solid against the run. There is untested talent in the middle. Keep an especially close eye on true freshman T Anthony Johnson, who was the nation's top high school defensive tackle last year. Johnson enrolled early, went through spring ball and was atop the depth chart going into fall camp. He is a freakish athlete for a guy who goes 6-5 and 300 pounds, and he eventually should be a pass-rush threat at tackle. He's expected to start alongside sophomore Michael Brockers, who signed as an end but has moved inside. He also has great size (6-6/300) and good side-to-side mobility. Their sheer athleticism will serve them well, but their inexperience will hurt at times. Depth is OK on the inside, but not close to as good as it is at end.

LINEBACKERS: This is the potential defensive weak link. Returning starter Ryan Baker needs to be a steadying influence. He's coming off an 87-tackle season and should vie for All-SEC - and maybe even All-America - honors this season. He's not the biggest guy (he's listed at 6-0, with "listed" being the operative word), but he weighs 230, runs well and knocks the slobber out of people. Both his running mates will be converted safeties. Stefoin Francois made the move before last season and was adequate in his first season at the position. He made 37 tackles last season, and he needs to be more productive this season. The new middle 'backer will be Karnell Hatcher, who made 11 starts at free safety last season. Hatcher wasn't the fastest guy around, but he was fast enough to rank third on the team with 64 tackles last season. He weighs just 215 pounds, though, and it will be interesting to see how he holds up against the run at linebacker instead of safety. His backup is Kevin Minter, a former four-star signee who is exceptionally strong but was a non-factor as a redshirt freshman backup last season. Baker is a given, but the other two spots are question marks.

SECONDARY: Peterson was the nation's best cornerback last season, but he won't be missed as much as you'd expect. Indeed, even without him, LSU still might have the best set of corners in the league with Morris Claiborne and Tyrann Mathieu, who was a first-team freshman All-America performer last season. Claiborne (6-0/177) is long and lean, while Mathieu is the more physical of the two. Mathieu had 57 tackles, two picks, seven pass breakups, 4.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss last season, playing mostly in a nickel back role. Both have good speed and will be used as return men. Backups Ron Brooks and Tharold Simon are solid, too. Senior Brandon Taylor is the returning starter at strong safety, but he'll have to fend off sophomore Eric Reid, who made three late-season starts when Taylor was injured. Taylor probably is the "safer" pick, but Reid has a much bigger upside. The free safety should be sophomore Craig Loston, another former five-star prospect. Loston didn't flash as expected last season, but perhaps a season of seasoning will help. His backup is Derrick Bryant, who has made 14 tackles in three seasons.

http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1251365

No. 5 Boise State

Coach: Chris Petersen (61-5 in five seasons) | Staff
Last season: 12-1, 7-1 (T-1st for first in WAC; beat Utah in Las Vegas Bowl)
Returning starters (At least seven starts last year): Offense (7): C Thomas Byrd, TE Kyle Efaw, G Joe Kellogg, RB Doug Martin, QB Kellen Moore, T Nate Potter, WR Tyler Shoemaker. Defense (7): T Chase Baker, LB Byron Hout, S George Iloka, E Shea McClellin, CB Jamar Taylor, LB Aaron Tevis, T Billy Winn. Special teams (0): None.

OFFENSE

OVERVIEW: Boise State returns the nucleus of an offense that ranked second in the nation last season in points per game (45.08) and yards per game (521.31). The Broncos' biggest holes are in the receiving corps and on the sideline. Heisman finalist Kellen Moore could have a tough time matching his 2010 totals because he no longer has the luxury of throwing to star WRs Austin Pettis and Titus Young, who completed their eligibility last season. Boise State also lost coordinator Bryan Harsin, who was hired away by Texas during the offseason. The Broncos are replacing Harsin with Brent Pease, who worked as Boise State's quarterback coach last season. Pease actually left to join new Indiana coach Kevin Wilson's staff during the offseason, but he returned to Boise State after being offered the coordinator's job.

BACKFIELD: Moore and Doug Martin give Boise State one of the nation's top quarterback/tailback duos. Moore finished fourth in the Heisman balloting last season. He leads all active FBS quarterbacks in career passing efficiency (166.74) and wins by a starter (38). He's an accurate quarterback who never hurts his team. Over the past two seasons, Moore has thrown 74 touchdown passes while getting intercepted only nine times. He also benefits from outstanding pass protection. Martin rushed for 1,260 yards and 12 touchdowns last season while averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Senior FB Dan Paul is a quality blocker who rarely carries the ball, though he does have nice receiving skills. The Broncos could miss departed backup TB Jeremy Avery, who ran for a combined 1,645 yards and 17 touchdowns over the past two seasons. TB D.J. Harper, who has missed most of the past two seasons with knee injuries, is back and healthy; he was injured in Game 3 both seasons.

RECEIVERS: Young (71 catches, 1,215 yards, nine TDs) and Pettis (71-951-10) formed one of college football's most prolific receiving duos last season. Now both are gone. Boise State still has plenty of talented receivers, but they're mostly unproven. The exception is fifth-year senior Tyler Shoemaker (32-58-5), who moves from the slot to the outside this season. Shoemaker showed plenty of upside last season while totaling 11 catches for 241 yards and two touchdowns in back-to-back midseason victories over Louisiana Tech and Hawaii. He's the most experienced candidate in a crowded field of receivers. Other potential contributors include sophomore Geraldo Boldewijn (11-160-0), junior Chris Potter (8-125-1) and sophomore Aaron Burks (6-58-0). There's also sophomore Kirby Moore - Kellen's brother - who redshirted last season after catching 21 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns as a true freshman in 2009. Redshirt freshman Matt Miller has performed well early in the preseason and also could make an impact. The lack of proven receivers could create more pass-catching opportunities for senior TE Kyle Efaw (24-299-5).

LINE: Boise State returns three starters from a line that yielded just eight sacks last season. Only Air Force and Stanford allowed fewer. The Broncos are particularly strong on the left side, with Nate Potter at tackle and Joe Kellogg at guard. Potter earned first-team All-WAC honors in each of the past two seasons and heads into his senior season as a legitimate All-America candidate. Senior C Thomas Byrd also is a former first-team All-WAC selection. Boise State is breaking in two new starters on the right side. Fifth-year senior Chuck Hayes is a former defensive lineman who exited spring practice ahead of sophomore Jake Broyles at right guard. Sophomore Charles Leno Jr. is competing with junior Brenel Myers at right tackle.


DEFENSE

OVERVIEW: Boise State is known more for its high-powered offense, but the Broncos led the nation with 48 sacks last season and ranked second in total defense (254.69), scoring defense (12.77) and pass efficiency defense (95.19). The Broncos gave up 14 or fewer points in nine of their 13 games last season. Seven starters return from that defense. Boise State runs a 4-2-5 base defense, but employs three linebackers at times.

LINE: This unit was primarily responsible for Boise State leading the nation in sacks and ranking second in tackles for loss (109) last season. E Shea McClellin had 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks last season as a first-team All-WAC end. All-America candidate Billy Winn had 9.5 tackles and his play at tackle was a big reason Boise State ranked seventh nationally in run defense. Tyrone Crawford wasn't a starter, yet he still collected 13.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Senior T Chase Baker is set to begin his third season as a starter. E Jarrell Root had three sacks and adds depth. Depth on the interior is good, too.

LINEBACKERS: Boise State should get a boost from the return of senior Byron Hout, who earned second-team All-WAC honors last season despite missing the Broncos' last four games with a broken foot. The Broncos also return fifth-year senior Aaron Tevis and junior J.C. Percy. Tevis has started 18 games over the past two seasons and made 46 tackles in 2010. Percy made three starts in 2010 and has ranked second on the team in tackles in each of the past two seasons. Junior Tommy Smith made 26 tackles last season and could push for a starting job this year. All this experience should provide plenty of competition, particularly since Boise State often only has two linebackers on the field.

SECONDARY: Boise State has one of the nation's best safeties in George Iloka, a senior who has started 27 consecutive games. Iloka heads into his senior season with seven career interceptions. The other starting safety likely will be Cedric Febis, a fifth-year senior who had been a career reserve up to this point. Febis still must beat out redshirt freshman Jeremy Ioane for the starting job. Jamar Taylor returns at cornerback after starting 12 of Boise State's 13 games last season. Senior Jerrell Gavins also could emerge as a full-time starter this season after totaling three starts over the past two seasons. Fifth-year senior Hunter White is the likely starter at nickel back.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Boise State is breaking in a new kicker and punter to replace Kyle Brotzman, who had performed both duties for the Broncos before ending his career as the highest-scoring kicker in NCAA history. Redshirt freshman Dan Goodale, junior college transfer Michael Frisina and true freshman Jake Van Ginkel are competing for the kicking duties. Goodale exited spring practice atop the depth chart, but nobody's won the job. The punting competition is between fifth-year senior Brad Elkin and sophomore Trevor Harman, who also serves as the Broncos' kickoff specialist. Boise State has a solid punt returner in Chris Potter, who ranked 13th nationally with an average of 13.3 yards per attempt last season. But Boise State ranked 68th in kickoff coverage and 81st in punt coverage a year ago.

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No. 6 Stanford

Coach:: David Shaw (first season at Stanford) | Staff
Last season: 12-1, 8-1 (2nd in Pac-10; beat Virginia Tech in Orange Bowl) | 2011 schedule
Returning starters (minimum seven starts last season): Offense (5): G David DeCastro, TE Coby Fleener, T Jonathan Martin, QB Andrew Luck, RB Stepfan Taylor. Defense (6): CB Johnson Bademosi, SS Delano Howell, E Matthew Masifilo, LB Shayne Skov, LB Chase Thomas, CB Michael Thomas. Special teams (1): P Daniel Zychlinski.

OFFENSE

OVERVIEW: The nation's best quarterback, a 1,000-yard rusher and two returning first-team all-conference linemen pace an offense that last season scored a school-record 524 points and ranked ninth in the nation in scoring offense. Some holes must be filled along the line and consistent receivers must emerge, but perhaps the most uncertain aspect is how the offense will fare under new coach David Shaw rather than Jim Harbaugh, who left to lead the NFL's San Francisco 49ers. Shaw had been offensive coordinator, but he did not call the plays. Still, with Andrew Luck at the controls, the offense figures to be among the country's most productive.

BACKFIELD: Luck is the best quarterback in the country and was the Heisman runner-up last season. Over the past two seasons, Stanford is 20-5 in games he has started. Last season, he ranked third in the country in passing efficiency while throwing for 3,338 yards and 32 touchdowns with a 70.7 completion percentage. And as YouTube viewers and Cal S Sean Cattouse can attest, he's also a strong runner. As long as he's in the lineup, Stanford's offense is dangerous. But sophomore Josh Nunes is the only other quarterback on the roster who has thrown a college pass - and he has thrown two. Tailback is much deeper. Junior Stepfan Taylor gained 1,137 yards last season, his first as a starter. Sophomore Anthony Wilkerson and junior Tyler Gaffney provide good depth.

RECEIVERS: Stanford is in great shape at tight end. Coby Fleener is coming off a solid junior season in which he had 28 catches and seven touchdowns. Three of those touchdown grabs came in the Orange Bowl rout of Virginia Tech. One of his backups will be junior Levine Toilolo, who is back from an injury that forced him to miss almost all of last season. He has the potential to make big plays in the middle of the field. Wide receiver is more worrisome, with the top receivers from last season having completed their eligibility. Senior Chris Owusu is a deep threat who has 67 career receptions for 1,158 yards, but he has been injury-prone. Senior Griff Whalen had 17 catches in a backup role in 2010 and will get more chances this season. The other wide receivers on the roster combined for just six catches last season.

LINE: Last season, Stanford ranked second in the nation in sacks allowed and had a 1,000-yard rusher. In addition, the Cardinal have allowed just 13 sacks total the past two seasons. That doesn't happen without a dominant line. But only two starters return, though both will contend for All-American honors. T Jonathan Martin is viewed as a potential first-round NFL pick, while G David DeCastro is a mauler who has started 26 consecutive games. The rest of the line is in transition, though. The loss of All-America C Chase Beeler leaves a major void that will be filled by junior Sam Schwartzstein or sophomore Khalil Wilkes. The other spots feature competition between young players and fifth-year seniors. Senior Tyler Mabry or one of two redshirt freshmen, Cameron Fleming or David Yankey, will start at tackle, while senior Matt Bentler is vying with sophomore Kevin Danser at guard.


DEFENSE

OVERVIEW: The Cardinal was 10th in the country in scoring defense in 2010. Stanford posted three shutouts and held each of its last six opponents to 17 points or less, including Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl. This season, Stanford is without All-Pac-10 lineman Sione Fua and hard-nosed inside LB Owen Marecic. The defense's greatest loss, though, may be coordinator Vic Fangio, who left to join Harbaugh in the NFL. Derek Mason takes over supervision of the defense that returns its top four tacklers from last season.

LINE: Having lost two starters from its three-man front, Stanford is counting on players previously in backup roles to step in and raise the quality of their performance. Junior Terrance Stephens spent two seasons learning behind Fua at nose tackle. Stephens posted three tackles last season; he obviously will be more productive this season, but can he come close to replacing Fua's production? Cardinal fans can only hope. Sophomore Ben Gardner had a strong spring and earned a starting role at end opposite returning starter Matthew Masifilo, who had 33 tackles and four sacks in 2010.

LINEBACKERS: Mohawk-wearing sophomore Shayne Skov is an All-American candidate on the inside. A fearless player and a powerful hitter, he posted 84 tackles and 7.5 sacks in 11 games last season. He just needs more consistency. Marecic's loss is going to hurt. Fifth-year senior Max Bergen likely will step in, but true freshman James Vaughters will challenge. On the outside, Chase Thomas aims to build on an impressive sophomore season in which he had 70 tackles and 7.5 sacks. Trent Murphy, an imposing 6-foot-6, 242-pound sophomore, is coming back from injury and should start on the other side.

SECONDARY: Delano Howell and Michael Thomas aren't the biggest safeties around, but they have tremendous chemistry, are sure tacklers and are playmakers. Howell won All-Pac 10 acclaim last season after recording five interceptions and 60 tackles. Senior Johnson Bademosi made significant improvement and emerged as a solid starter at cornerback last year. Sophomore Barry Browning moves in as the other starting corner after playing well in a backup role in 2010.

SPECIAL TEAMS

In '09, Owusu returned three kickoffs for touchdowns and averaged more than 30 yards per return. He's dangerous. He's also subject to injury, which explains why Stanford coaches are considering removing him from the return team. If that happens, Usua Amanam or Jeremy Stewart will handle kickoff returns. They're not bad, but they're also not as good as Owusu. Drew Terrell averaged more than 12 yards per punt return last season. The Cardinal are also set at punter with either Daniel Zychlinski, who averaged 41.8 yards in 2010, or David Green, who averaged 43 yards on eight kicks. Kicker is a position of concern. All-Pac-10 pick Nate Whitaker completed his eligibility. Redshirt freshman Jordan Williamson, who twice hit from 50 yards as a high school senior, is Whitaker's probable successor. The coverage units need improvement; the punt coverage was awful last season.

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No. 7 Wisconsin

Coach: Bret Bielema (49-16 in five seasons) | Staff
Last season: 11-2, 7-1 (T-1st in Big Ten; lost to TCU in Rose Bowl)
Returning starters (At least seven starts last year): Offense (5): TE Jake Byrne, C Peter Konz, WR Nick Toon, T Ricky Wagner, G Kevin Zeitler. Defense (6): T Patrick Butrym, CB Antonio Fenelus, FS Aaron Henry, T Jordan Kohout, E Louis Nzegwu, LB Mike Taylor. Special teams (2): P Brad Nortman, K Philip Welch.

OFFENSE

OVERVIEW: The arrival of North Carolina State transfer Russell Wilson answers the biggest question: Who will play quarterback? That means this offense may be more quarterback-centric than usual. But, hey, this still is Wisconsin, so the ground game will be the hallmark of this offense. But it will be interesting to see how coordinator Paul Chryst changes the passing attack because of Wilson's presence.

BACKFIELD: Two-year starter Scott Tolzien is gone, but Wisconsin looks to have struck gold by landing Wilson, who immediately becomes the starter (sorry, Jon Budmayr) and should contend for All-Big Ten honors. Wilson, a three-year starter for the Wolfpack, is just 5 feet 11, but he's a productive passer with a lot of mobility. He is No. 4 among current quarterbacks in career passing yards (8,545) and third in TD passes (76). The Badgers haven't had a quarterback of this ability in years, as they typically employ pedestrian signal-callers who excel at "managing" the game. In his three seasons as NCSU's starter, Wilson never had a rushing attack that averaged more than 124 yards per game; that, of course, is a good half for the Badgers. While John Clay left early for the NFL after running for 1,012 yards and Zach Brown transferred, the Badgers remain loaded at running back. Montee Ball ran for 996 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, while James White was the Big Ten's freshman of the year after rushing for 1,052 yards and 14 scores. The staff also is high on Jeff Lewis, who redshirted as a true freshman. FB Bradie Ewing is one of the top blocking backs in the Big Ten and gives coaches a lot of versatility in the backfield.

RECEIVERS: This unit lacks proven playmakers. The Badgers will miss star TE Lance Kendricks, a valuable weapon and defensive mismatch who led the team with 43 catches last season. Still, the staff likes the 1-2 punch of Nick Toon, who had 36 receptions for 459 yards in an injury-marred 2010, and Jared Abbrederis, who had a strong debut last season. Jake Byrne, a strong blocker, and Jacob Pedersen will share time at tight end, which usually is a strong position in Madison. Depth is a concern, and it will be important for other receivers to emerge so the Badgers can take full advantage of Wilson's arm.

LINE: Even without stud T Gabe Carimi and G John Moffitt, as well as valuable reserve Bill Nagy, this still may be the top line in the Big Ten. The unit returns three starters in Ricky Wagner (who will move from right to left tackle), Peter Konz (center) and Kevin Zeitler (right guard). After he started a handful of games as a true freshman, Travis Fredrick is back after redshirting in 2010 and will be plugged in at left guard. Right tackle is appears to be wide open, with once-touted prospect Josh Oglesby the favorite.


DEFENSE

OVERVIEW: Wisconsin promoted secondary coach Chris Ash to coordinator after Dave Doeren left to become coach at Northern Illinois. The defense will remain basically the same, with Ash adding some tweaks. In the spring, Ash blitzed often. If he wants to do that this fall, he'll need good coverage.

LINE: This group could go 10 deep and should be among the best in the conference. But the pass rush is a question. E J.J. Watt left early for the NFL, and the Badgers generated little quarterback pressure from Louis Nzegwu and David Gilbert on the other side last season. Both must step up. There's a lot to like at tackle in Patrick Butrym, Jordan Kohout and Beau Allen. Running against the Badgers will be difficult.

LINEBACKERS: The return of LB Chris Borland is important. He was the 2009 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, but suffered a shoulder injury that ended his season last September. He also missed spring drills. Coaches have moved him to middle linebacker, but he must remain healthy because the backups are unproven. Look for Kevin Claxton to man the strongside, while Mike Taylor will play on the other side after ranking second on the squad in tackles for loss and interceptions last season.

SECONDARY: Aaron Henry could be one of the league's top safeties in his second season at the position after moving from corner before last season. But the Badgers must replace SS Jay Valai. Dezmen Southward or Shelton Johnson are the likely candidates to replace Valai. CB Antonio Fenelus returns, but the Badgers have to replace Niles Brinkley on the other side. Texas natives Devin Smith and Marcus Cromartie will battle for the open spot, but neither impressed last season. Wisconsin would love for true freshmen Jameson Wright and Peniel Jean to give Smith and Cromartie a serious run.

http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1250804

No. 8 Florida State

Interim Coach: Jimbo Fisher (10-4 in one season) | Staff
Last season: 10-4, 6-2 (1st in ACC Atlantic; lost to Virginia Tech in ACC championship game, beat South Carolina in Chick-fil-A Bowl).
Returning starters (At least seven starts last year): Offense (7): T Andrew Datko, WR Bert Reed, TE Beau Reliford, T Zebrie Sanders, WR Rodney Smith, G David Spurlock, RB Jermaine Thomas. Defense (9): LB Nigel Bradham, T Everett Dawkins, E Brandon Jenkins, T Anthony McCloud, T Jacobbi McDaniel, CB Greg Reid, CB Xavier Rhodes, FS Nick Moody, SS Terrance Parks. Special teams (2): K Dustin Hopkins, P Shawn Powell.

OFFENSE

OVERVIEW: Florida State returns eight starters from a team that averaged 31.4 points per game last season, but there are plenty of newcomers. EJ Manuel takes over for first-round pick Christian Ponder as the Seminoles' starting quarterback. In the middle of the line, the Seminoles must replace four-year starters Rodney Hudson and Ryan McMahon. The Seminoles' balanced rushing attack should take some of the pressure off Manuel.

BACKFIELD: While it's technically accurate to call Manuel a first-year starter, he heads into his junior season with plenty of experience. Manuel has started against Florida in the Swamp, started an ACC championship game and earned ample playing time in each of the Seminoles' past two bowls, including a start in one of them. Manuel went 65-of-93 for 861 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions last season. Manuel also is a running threat, as he rushed for 71 yards and a touchdown in a win over Clemson last fall. Manuel needs to stay healthy, as the Seminoles lack depth at quarterback. The Seminoles boast three quality tailbacks in junior Chris Thompson (134 carries, 845 yards, six TDs last season), senior Ty Jones (87-527-5) and senior Jermaine Thomas (86-490-6). Junior FB Lonnie Pryor (23-112-4) is an outstanding blocker who also is effective in short-yardage situations. Pryor had three touchdown catches to go along with his four touchdown runs last season.

RECEIVERS: FSU lost some depth when Taiwan Easterling (43 catches, 551 yards, five TDs) opted to begin a pro baseball career this summer, but the Seminoles still return their top two receivers in senior Bert Reed (58-614-2) and junior Willie Haulstead (38-587-6). The Seminoles also return junior Rodney Smith (31-448-3), who showed his potential last season with a 121-yard performance against Clemson. Senior TE Beau Reliford (17-198-1) offers 15 games of starting experience. It's also worth noting that FSU's backs are good receivers. Thompson, Thomas and Pryor combined for 43 receptions and five touchdown catches last season.

LINE: FSU's biggest challenge will be replacing Hudson, a guard who was an Outland Trophy finalist last season and a two-time winner of the Jacobs Trophy as the ACC's most outstanding blocker. The Seminoles also must find someone to step in for McMahon, a four-year starter at center. The Seminoles currently plan to go with senior David Spurlock and sophomore Bryan Stork at guard while junior college transfer Jacob Fahrenkrug takes over at center. Spurlock has 28 games of starting experience, though he missed the second half of the 2010 season with a concussion and a hand injury. Stork made four starts in place of an injured Spurlock at guard last season. Fahrenkrug enrolled at Florida State in January as a four-star prospect from North Dakota State College of Science. FSU has plenty of experience at tackle, as seniors Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders have a combined 64 career starts. FSU averaged 4.8 yards per carry last season, but quarterbacks also were sacked 27 times.


DEFENSE

OVERVIEW: Perhaps no defense in the country improved last season as much as Florida State's progressed under Mark Stoops, who was in his first year as the Seminoles' coordinator. The Seminoles were 20th in scoring defense (19.64) and 42nd in total defense (353.71); one year earlier, FSU was 94th in scoring defense (30.0) and 108th in total defense (434.62). The Seminoles have no obvious weaknesses on this side of the ball.

LINE: FSU has one of the nation's best pass rushers in junior E Brandon Jenkins, who had 13.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss last season. Sophomore Bjoern Werner is expected to replace the departed Markus White at the other end spot. The Seminoles also could get a boost from Cornellius Carradine, the No. 1 junior college prospect in the 2011 recruiting class. The Seminoles have plenty of depth in the middle. Junior Jacobbi McDaniel was a full-time starter last season, while juniors Anthony McCloud and Everett Dawkins each made seven starts. This group helped FSU record 48 sacks last year, tying Boise State for the most nationally.

LINEBACKERS: Although senior Nigel Bradham is the only returning starter, the Seminoles have plenty of young talent here. Those underclassmen would do well to learn from Bradham, a third-year starter who recorded a team-high 98 tackles to go along with five sacks last season. Sophomore Christian Jones is likely to start at one linebacker spot, while junior Vince Williams and sophomore Telvin Smith are competing for the other starting assignment. Jones played primarily on special teams as a true freshman last year, but the former five-star prospect was the No. 2 outside linebacker and No. 20 overall recruit in the 2010 recruiting class. Williams made 17 tackles as a reserve last season after missing 2009 with a back injury. Smith, a cousin of cornerback Greg Reid, developed a reputation as a hard hitter while playing special teams last season.

SECONDARY: FSU looks loaded here. Junior Greg Reid and sophomore Xavier Rhodes form one of the nation's top cornerback tandems. Rhodes earned second-team All-ACC honors last season and was named the ACC defensive rookie of the year. He had four interceptions and 12 pass breakups. Reid was the defensive MVP of the Chick-fil-A Bowl, as he forced two fumbles and broke up four passes in that game. Senior Terrance Parks made 44 tackles as the starting strong safety last season, but he has been moved free safety, where he is expected to back up junior Nick Moody. Moody was third on the team with 79 tackles last season. The projected starter at strong safety is sophomore Lamarcus Joyner, a former five-star prospect who was a backup cornerback last season.

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No. 9 Nebraska

Coach: Bo Pelini (30-12 in three seasons) | Staff
Last season: 10-4, 6-2 (T-1st in Big 12 North; lost to Oklahoma in Big 12 championship game, lost to Washington in Holiday Bowl)
Returning starters (At least seven starts last year): Offense (5): C Mike Caputo, WR Brandon Kinnie, QB Taylor Martinez, TE Kyler Reed, T Jeremiah Sirles. Defense (6): SS Austin Cassidy, T Jared Crick, LB Lavonte David, CB Alfonzo Dennard, E Cameron Meredith, T Baker Steinkuhler. Special teams (0): None.

OFFENSE

OVERVIEW: Shawn Watson and his West Coast attack are out, and running backs coach Tim Beck was promoted to coordinator. He never has called plays but was passing game coordinator at Kansas in 2007, when the Jayhawks averaged 43 points and won the Orange Bowl. His offense holds the key to the season. Beck will install a simplified scheme that will incorporate elements of the spread and also use "big" sets, with two tight ends and a fullback. The zone-read will remain, as could the "Wildcat" formation.

BACKFIELD: QB Taylor Martinez was brilliant early as a redshirt freshman in 2010. He had a four-touchdown, 241-yard rushing effort at Kansas State. But after suffering an ankle injury against Missouri on Oct. 30, he wasn't the same. Martinez ran for just 79 yards and tossed one touchdown pass and four picks the rest of the season. Nebraska needs a healthy Martinez. The Huskers scored just one touchdown in the last six quarters of the season and lost three of their last four games. Quarterback depth was depleted when Cody Green opted to transfer to Tulsa ; the backup likely will be redshirt freshman Brion Carnes, who is from the same high school - Bradenton (Fla.) Manatee - as former Huskers great Tommie Frazier. Even with RB Roy Helu (1,245 yards) gone, Nebraska still has a good option at tailback in Rex Burkhead, who ran for 951 yards in 2010. The versatile Burkhead also will line up at receiver and take snaps from the "Wildcat." Depth is unproven, but incoming freshmen Aaron Green and Amer Abdullah are heralded.

RECEIVERS: WR Brandon Kinnie is back after pacing the team with 44 catches. The staff needs some wide receivers to emerge as complementary targets. Freshmen Jamal Turner and Kenny Bell could surprise. There are two good tight ends in Kyler Reed, who made a team-high eight touchdown catches in 2010, and Ben Cotton. In fact, Reed may be the top tight end in the Big Ten.

LINE: The jury is out on this group, as there will be three new starters - both guards and a tackle. The unit will be built around C Mike Caputo and T Jeremiah Sirles. Massive T Marcel Jones was limited for most of 2010 by back issues but presumably is healthy, while T Jermarcus "Yoshi" Hardrick bolsters the two-deep. Sophomores Brent Qvale and Andrew Rodriguez are expected to start, with junior Brandon Thompson in the mix as well. Last season, Rodriguez became the first true freshman offensive lineman to play in a season-opener since 1999, when eventual All-American Toniu Fonoti did so.

DEFENSE

OVERVIEW: This is a championship-caliber defense that will feature a rugged front seven. That will buffer a secondary that still is developing. Count on this again being an aggressive unit, with some complex blitz schemes executed by coordinator Carl Pelini. Since the start of 2009, just 12 of the Huskers' 28 foes have scored 17 points.

LINE: This has the makings to be the best line in the Big Ten with players such as Ts Jared Crick and Baker Steinkuhler. Crick paced the squad with 17 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. E Cameron Meredith is a force off the edge. Former LB Eric Martin could be a breakout player after a strong spring.

LINEBACKERS: Lavonte David leads the way after setting a school single-season record with 152 tackles in 2010 after arriving from a JC. He also notched 15 tackles for loss and six sacks. And he'll be surrounded by talent. Will Compton is back after his 2010 was shortened by a foot injury. Sean Fisher returns after a broken leg forced him to miss last season.

SECONDARY: Nebraska often used sets that included five or six defensive backs when facing pass-happy spread teams in the Big 12. That may change in the more traditional Big Ten, where physical running attacks are more common. Star CB Prince Amukamara is gone from a unit that limited foes to a 48.7 completion percentage, but staffers like their options. The new star will be CB Alfonzo Dennard. Ciante Evans figures to play a big role opposite Dennard. Austin Cassidy and Courtney Osborne must play steadily at safety. This unit will benefit from what figures to be a strong pass rush.

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No. 10 Texas A&M

Coach: Mike Sherman (19-19 in three seasons at A&M) | Staff
Last season: 9-4, 6-2 (T-1st in Big 12 South, lost to LSU in Cotton Bowl)
Returning starters (At least seven starts last year): Offense (: WR Jeff Fuller, TB Cyrus Gray, TE Nehemiah Hicks, T Luke Joeckel, G Patrick Lewis (moving to C), T Jake Matthews, WR Ryan Swope, G Brian Thomas. Defense (: SS Steven Campbell, CB Terrence Frederick, E Tony Jerod-Eddie, CB Coryell Judie, E Jonathan Mathis, OLB Sean Porter, ILB Garrick Williams. Special teams (2): K Randy Bullock, P Ryan Epperson.

OFFENSE

OVERVIEW: This could be Texas A&M's most productive offense since TB Darren "Tank" Lewis was plowing through SWC defenses back in 1990. The Aggies have a winning quarterback, explosive backs, good receivers and a solid line that looks to be getting better as its young tackles grow up. The Aggies exceeded 30 points in seven games in 2010. They will do it more often in 2011.

BACKFIELD: Everything changed for the Aggies last season when QB Ryan Tannehill moved into the starting lineup. He started the last six games of the season and the Aggies responded by going 5-1. He has proved himself an effective passer (65 percent completion rate) and he also is a dangerous runner. As for his athleticism, he led the Aggies in receiving two seasons ago. A&M also has two breakaway threats at tailback. Cyrus Gray took over for injured Christine Michael midway through last season and posted seven consecutive 100-yard games to finish with 1,113 yards. Michael, who rushed 844 yards in '09, is back at full speed. It would be difficult to find a better duo of backs anywhere in the country.

RECEIVERS: Jeff Fuller may be the most overlooked player in the country. In the Big 12, he gets overshadowed by Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon and Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles, but he's a physical 6-foot-4 senior who has 163 career receptions and 28 touchdowns. Last season, Fuller averaged 14.8 yards on 72 catches. Sure-handed complementary receiver Ryan Swope also had 72 catches. The Aggies also have another deep threat in junior Uzoma Nwachukwu, while sophomore TE Nehemiah Hicks will get more opportunities this season. He had 11 catches for 141 yards as a freshman in 2010.

LINE: Coach Mike Sherman, who once was the Aggies' line coach under R.C. Slocum, appears to have finally solidified an area that was a headache for years. True, the Aggies allowed 37 sacks last season, but they did start two true freshmen tackles for most of the season. Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews held up, for the most part, and now are seen as symbols of the Aggies' growing strength up front. Four starters are back, but junior Patrick Lewis shifts from guard to center. G Evan Eike, an '09 starter, is coming back from injury, but may have difficulty getting back into the starting lineup. Sophomore Shep Klinke was impressive in spring.


DEFENSE

OVERVIEW: Sometimes the impact a new coach makes just cannot be ignored. Two years ago, A&M gave up at least 30 points in nine games and ranked 105th in the nation in scoring defense, allowing 33.5 points per game. Then, coordinator Tim DeRuyter was hired away from Air Force. He upgraded what was a woeful secondary and tightened up the run defense. As a result, last season the Aggies allowed an average of 21.9 points and were 34th in scoring defense. A&M must find a replacement for pass-rushing LB Von Miller, who's now in the NFL, and an inside linebacker who can fill a hole. The Aggies need to get tougher in coverage, too.

LINE: E Tony Jerod-Eddie is anticipating a big season. He always has been good against the run, but needs to provide more pressure. Jerod-Eddie may see some action inside in certain sets as the Aggies look to slow opposing running games. Depth at end could be a concern, as Brandon Jackson had to quit football because of a heart condition. The Aggies also got bad news inside when enormous junior college recruit LaMarc Strahan didn't qualify academically. Senior Eddie Brown is a solid starter at nose tackle.

LINEBACKERS: Replacing Miller, who had 27.5 sacks in the past two seasons, may be impossible. Sophomore Damontre Moore had an impressive debut season with 5.5 sacks in a backup role, so he is being counted upon to pick up some of the slack. But he had some off-field issues during the offseason. Walk-on Caleb Russell was a standout in the spring, so that's encouraging. Garrick Williams (inside) and Sean Porter (outside) are returning starters coming off strong 2010 campaigns. When 2010 leading tackler Michael Hodges, who completed his eligibility, was out of the lineup A&M's run defense was noticeably more vulnerable. Kyle Mangan, a starter in '09, is the likely replacement. If he falters, senior Jonathan Stewart, true freshman Donnie Baggs or junior college transfer Steven Jenkins will get the call.

SECONDARY: Seniors Terrence Frederick and Coryell Judie may be A&M's best set of corners since the early '90s, and senior FS Trent Hunter has started since his freshman season. The Aggies feel they've developed excellent depth with Dustin Harris and Toney Hurd. Though A&M was 89th in pass defense last season, it should be noted the Aggies faced five of the top 20 passing quarterbacks in the nation and got better as the season progressed. They held OU's Landry Jones to fewer than 300 passing yards, which is no small accomplishment.

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