NCAA - nesto o timovima pred sezonu 2011

Key Player

Terrelle Pryor, QB Even with five games wiped away, he’s still extremely important to the offense.

Mike Brewster, C A legit All-America candidate, he’ll be called on to help lead the offense.

John Simon, DL A team strongman who has developed into an all-around force up front.

Ohio State 2010-2011 Highlights

By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com


Oregon Ducks
The Ducks are going to be very prolific on offense again in 2011, with quarterback Darron Thomas and tailback LaMichael James returning to the team. But Oregon will have to replace three starting offensive linemen and its top two receivers from last season. There are even more questions on defense, where the Ducks will have to replace three starting linemen and middle linebacker Casey Matthews. Ends Dion Jordan and Brandon Hanna and tackles Ricky Heimuli and Wade Keliikipi emerged as potential starters during spring practice. Kiko Alonso, who missed all of last season because of injuries and suspensions, was the top candidate to replace Matthews before he was arrested Sunday on burglary charges; Alonso has since been suspended indefinitely.

By Ryan Faller(Analyst)

Oregon Ducks (2010 Record: 12-1)

Chip Kelly has things humming in Eugene, where Oregon has ridden its Nike-funded success to become one of college football’s new-wave powers. In just two short years, Kelly has won 22 games, is the only head coach in Pac-10 history to win the conference his first season, and has a national championship appearance on his résumé.

There’s no reason to expect a drop-off any time soon either. Though the Ducks lose several key performers on defense next season, a significant portion of the nation’s leading offense returns to wreak more havoc. The schedule away from Autzen, outside of a neutral-site game against LSU, is favorable.

By Tim Hyland,

Oregon Ducks


An outstanding 2010 season ended with a thud for the Oregon Ducks.

After blitzing through their regular season schedule and putting up an almost incomprehensible amount of points against the Pac-10, the Ducks were mostly shut down—and physically dominated —by the Auburn Tigers in the 2010-2011 BCS National Championship Game.

That game, along with the Ducks' Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State at the end of the 2009-2010 season, has exposed at least one glaring weakness in the otherwise powerful Oregon program: It seems this team just may not be strong enough.

That being said, this bunch still has to be considered a national title contender—maybe even the national title contender—in 2010-2011. Find out why here, in our 2010-2011 Oregon preview.

OVERVIEW: Oregon is a near-unanimous pick as a Top 5 squad heading into 2010-2011, and it's not hard to see why. The Ducks will return not only Heisman finalist tailback LaMichael James, but also star quarterback Darron Thomas and superstar punt returner Cliff Harris. There are a few key losses (wideout Jeff Maehl will be sorely missed), but it's hard to see this team losing more than one game next season. Yes, they're that good.

THE CEILING: This is a national title-caliber team that should expect nothing less than another appearance in the BCS National Championship Game. The offense will score a ton of points; of that, there is no doubt. The defense should again be solid, too. I've got this bunch at No. 1 for 2011--and they are, in my mind, a comfortable No. 1 at that.

REASONS FOR CONCERN: The Ducks will be good enough to outrun, outskill and outscheme their Pac-10 opponents. But here's the question: Is this program strong enough to compete with the big boys from the SEC? Like it or not, the SEC has established itself as the nation's premier conference--not only in speed, but also in size and strength. Two years running now, we've seen the Ducks bow out in a bowl game to a more physical opponent. They have to get stronger, or a national title may remain out of reach.

THE SCHEDULE (key games in bold): 9/3: vs. LSU (at Cowboys Stadium); 9/10 vs. Nevada; 9/17 vs. Missouri State; 9/24 at Arizona; 10/6 vs. California; 10/15 vs. Arizona State; 10/22 at Colorado; 10/29 vs. Washington State; 11/5 at Washington; 11/12 at Stanford; 11/19 vs. USC; 11/26 vs. Oregon State.

THE VERDICT: The entire season boils down to one game--the season opener against LSU. The Tigers have underachieved in recent years, but seem loaded for 2011; they will pose a significant challenge for the Ducks. If Oregon gets past that one, they may not be tested again until a mid-November showdown against Stanford. Man for man, I think this team is better than everyone they'll play in 2011. Another undefeated regular season should not just be the "goal." It should be the expectation. REGULAR SEASON PREDICTION: 12-0

By Amy Daughters

Oregon


Last year's bridesmaid to Auburn's bridal party will be back after the coveted flowery BCS bouquet in 2011 with a vengeance.

Returning are many of the skill positions that led the Ducks to a No. 1 ranking in offensive scoring, but gone are three starters on both the offensive and defensive lines as well as two starting linebackers.

And Oregon won't have much time to revamp the trench warriors because the 2011 season kicks off with LSU in Arlington, Texas on September 3.

Despite the attrition, Oregon will be one of the top teams in the country until somebody knocks them out.

The good news is whoever losses the opener (the Ducks or Tigers) will have suffered an "acceptable" loss that could be forgotten by the time the season is over.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
2011 PRESEASON TOP 25


Oregon Ducks
NATIONAL FORECAST #3
Pac-12 North PREDICTION #1

HEAD COACH: Chip Kelly, 22–4 (2 years) | OFF. COORDINATOR: Mark Helfrich | DEF. COORDINATOR: Nick Aliotti

OFFENSE

Since Chip Kelly took over Oregon’s offense as coordinator in 2007, the Ducks have been all about skill on offense, and there’s plenty on hand for his third season as head coach. Directing Oregon’s attempt to win a third straight conference title will be junior quarterback Darron Thomas, who led the Ducks to the first unbeaten regular season in UO’s modern history as a first-year starter last fall. Thomas has some mechanical faults as a passer and isn’t the runner Dennis Dixon was, but he’s a tough, charismatic leader with the potential for further improvement. And he has the luxury of running the spread-option with backfield mate LaMichael James, who should become Oregon’s all-time career rushing leader early this season.

The Ducks have a sure-handed tight end in David Paulson and a capable backup in Brandon Williams. Oregon may run more formations featuring Williams or running back Kenjon Barner rather than their traditional third receiver, because they’re thin at wideout behind returning starter Lavasier Tuinei.

But the biggest concern on offense is up front. Oregon lost three offensive linemen to graduation and two who retired due to injury over the winter. Of primary concern is finding a new center, with sophomore Karrington Armstrong or redshirt freshman Hroniss Grasu looking to replace Jordan Holmes.


DEFENSE

The Ducks also lost three starters on the defensive line, but because they played such a deep rotation last fall, coaches feel good about who’s coming back. That begins at tackle with the trio of Taylor Hart, Ricky Heimuli and Wade Keliikipi, and junior end Dion Jordan, a converted wideout/tight end who looked like the team’s best pass-rusher during the spring.

A bigger concern might be at linebacker, where senior Josh Kaddu is the only returning starter and projected middle backer Kiko Alonso has been suspended for yet another arrest. Depth is a concern.

The Ducks need to play a deep rotation on defense because of the withering pace at which the offense plays, and some true freshmen may need to help at linebacker. The secondary is set, though, led by corner Cliff Harris and free safety John Boyett.


SPECIALISTS

The Ducks are in good shape in the kicking game. Punter Jackson Rice and placekicker Rob Beard are back, as is long snapper Drew Howell and short snapper Jeff Palmer. And the stable of returners include Harris, Barner and receiver Josh Huff, all threats to go the distance.


FINAL ANALYSIS

When the final gun sounded ending Oregon’s loss to Auburn in the BCS National Championship Game last season, confetti barely had time to flutter to the ground before Kelly proclaimed: “We’ll be back."

Oregon may have been s relative newcomer to the national title race in 2010, but after falling just short in the championship game, the Ducks want another taste. And they’re making no secret of their goals. During spring practice, the athletic department kicked off a local radio advertising campaign focused on the football team’s effort to not just reach but win the 2011 national title game.

Guys like Thomas, James and Harris are a good base to build on, but the questions about the lines must be answered by the end of fall camp, because Oregon opens 2011 with a huge non-conference showdown against LSU. Of course, those questions won’t stop the Ducks from thinking big entering this fall. Not after flirting with a national championship in 2010.

“This time,” Thomas says, “we want to win.”


FANTASY IMPACT

With running back LaMichael James and quarterback Darron Thomas back to lead a high-powered offense, Oregon should be a popular place for fantasy players in 2011. James ranks as Athlon’s No. 1 fantasy running back this season. Even though Kenjon Barner will likely see more carries this year, James is still one of the safest fantasy picks at running back. Thomas turned in a solid season in his first as a starter and should have a chance to finish among the top 10-15 fantasy quarterbacks once again. The departure of Jeff Maehl has opened the door for new targets to emerge at receiver. Josh Huff and Lavasier Tuinei figure to be Thomas’ new No. 1 and No. 2 receivers, but tight end David Paulson is probably the safest pick in the receiving corps for fantasy value in 2011.

Key Player

Darron Thomas, QB This offense is only as good as the quarterback operating it, and Thomas should be All-Pac-12 caliber in ’11.

LaMichael James, RB A finalist for the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore, James figures to set the school rushing record as a junior.

Cliff Harris, CB An electrifying cover corner who doubles as a punt returner

Oregon Ducks 2010 - 2011

By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com



Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies will have a new look on offense in 2011, with Logan Thomas replacing Tyrod Taylor, the winningest quarterback in school history. Coach Frank Beamer also shook up his staff, giving play-calling duties to quarterbacks coach Mike O'Cain. Thomas, a 6-foot-6 sophomore, had a good spring. Dynamic kick returner David Wilson takes over at tailback, after Darren Evans and Ryan Williams entered the NFL draft. The Hokies bring back four starting offensive linemen and most of their top receivers. The defense returns seven starters, but much of the line will have to be replaced. The Hokies' nonconference schedule isn't as demanding as it usually is and they play ACC Coastal foes Miami and North Carolina at home

By Ryan Faller

Virginia Tech Hokies (2010 record: 11-3)

As long as Bud Foster is in Blacksburg, the Hokies will be salty on defense. That’s good, because Frank Beamer has some issues to deal with on offense, and they extend beyond having to replace Tyrod Taylor at quarterback.

Running backs Ryan Williams and Darren Evans, who combined with Taylor for 1,990 of Virginia Tech’s 2,782 yards on the ground in 2010, have both decided to enter the draft, leaving the primary back duties to junior David Wilson.

By Tim Hyland

Virginia Tech Hokies

The Hokies have always been built around defense—though it should be noted that the 2010 group was less than impressive—and they’ll have to be especially stout on that side of the ball in 2011. The reason? Simple: Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Williams and Darren Evans are all on their way to the NFL. The Hokie offense needs to be rebuilt … and yet, even still, the Hokies are probably the team to beat in the ACC. That says a lot more about the ACC than it does about the Hokies

By Amy Daughters

Virginia Tech


With QB Tyrod Taylor out of the picture and only 13 starters coming back, Virginia Tech is easy to count out of the BCS equation for 2011.

But this is a team that was balanced in 2010, ranking No. 21 in offensive scoring and No. 26 in defensive scoring; these are the kind of stats that more than one guy has to be responsible for.

The Hokies have a schedule that hopefully won't allow the unfortunate start that happened last season: FCS Appalachian State at home (don't expect a repeat of James Madison shocker), at East Carolina, Arkansas State and at Marshall.

Florida State, NC State and Maryland are all off the schedule; the Miami game is at home as is North Carolina.

Virginia Tech has a realistic shot at another ACC crown and a run at the BCS; this is just the type of "perfect storm" that makes a No. 19 preseason ranking look ridiculous, but first you have to convince me that QB Taylor is really that easy to replace.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
2011 PRESEASON TOP 25


Virginia Tech Hokies
NATIONAL FORECAST #7
ACC Coastal PREDICTION #1

HEAD COACH: Frank Beamer , 198–95–2 (24 years) | OFF. COORDINATOR: Bryan Stinespring | DEF. COORDINATOR: Bud Foster

OFFENSE

Sophomore Logan Thomas takes over for Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech’s all-time leader in passing yards. Thomas might not be as shifty as Taylor, and he certainly won’t have Taylor’s understanding of the position in Year 1. But Thomas, who stands 6'6" and weighs 245 pounds, is five inches taller than Taylor and should have a better view of receivers cutting across the middle.

Tailbacks Ryan Williams and Darren Evans left early for the NFL. Now, it’s junior David Wilson’s turn to see if he can match their accomplishments. Evans ran for 1,265 yards in 2008, an ACC freshman record. Williams ran for 1,655 yards in 2009, a school record. Wilson is an athletic marvel who has proven himself capable of being a big-play threat. He carried 113 times for 619 yards and five touchdowns last season, and caught 15 passes for 234 yards and four touchdowns. He also had kickoff returns for touchdowns of 90 and 92 yards.

The Hokies don’t pass the ball very often — 38 percent of the time last season, when Taylor blossomed into a complete quarterback. But they have an experienced group of wide receivers. Senior Jarrett Boykin is the best and should hold school records for career catches and yards by season’s end.

The Hokies return four of five offensive line starters, including senior Blake DeChristopher, a fourth-year starter at right tackle. They should be deeper up front, which will benefit Thomas.


DEFENSE

It’s not too early to say that sophomore James Gayle might be Tech’s next great defensive end, following the likes of Chris Ellis, Darryl Tapp and Corey Moore. At tackle, sophomore Derrick Hopkins was dominant during spring practices. But coordinator Bud Foster wants more production from his outside linebacker spots in order for the Hokies to improve their run defense.

While junior Bruce Taylor should be one of the ACC’s best linebackers, Tech’s questions are at the Backer and Whip outside linebacker positions. At Backer, sophomore Tariq Edwards takes over for Lyndell Gibson, who decided to transfer after an inconsistent 2010 season. Edwards should be rangier and faster than Gibson. Last season, Foster essentially eliminated his Whip in favor of a nickel package, because Jeron Gouveia-Winslow wasn’t good enough in pass coverage. But the nickel had liabilities in blitzing and run defense, so Foster wants to get back to using the Whip more, as long as that player can thrive in pass coverage. To that end, Gouveia-Winslow and fellow junior Alonzo Tweedy both impressed during spring.

If junior cornerback Jayron Hosley plays as well as he did last season, you have to think he’ll turn pro. He was an All-American at the field corner spot, but with the departure of Rashad Carmichael, he likely will move to the boundary, which requires more man-to-man defense.


SPECIALISTS

The past four seasons, the Hokies debuted a new kicker — and each time, it was a fifth-year senior. That probably won’t be the case this season, as sophomore Cody Journell leads the competition for the job.


FINAL ANALYSIS

Even with a new quarterback, Virginia Tech should be the class of the Coastal Division. The schedule sets up favorably, with four winnable non-conference games to open the season. The Hokies also host Miami and won’t play Florida State or NC State during the regular season. They’re a dark horse national title contender.
FANTASY IMPACT

Virginia Tech has been home to several solid fantasy picks at running back and defense over the last 10 years and expect much of the same this season. With the departure of Ryan Williams and Darren Evans to the NFL, David Wilson has moved to the top of the depth chart. Wilson has totaled nearly 1,000 yards in two seasons and should easily surpass that mark with a full workload in 2011. Defense and special teams always seem to be a strength in Blacksburg, and fantasy owners should target this defense as one of the first off the board in fall drafts. With a favorable schedule, the Hokies could be an every week start at the defense spot. Quarterback Logan Thomas is inexperienced, but is one to target in keeper and the late rounds of 120 leagues as a backup

Key Player

David Wilson, RB It’s his turn to be the every-down back, probably the most important role in Virginia Tech’s offense.

Bruce Taylor, ILB He led Tech last season with 91 tackles, including 15.5 for a loss, and also had six sacks.

Jayron Hosley, CB Might not grab nine INTs again, as opposing quarterbacks figure to throw away from him.

Virginia Tech 2010 football highlights

By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com



Alabama Crimson Tide

The Crimson Tide didn't settle on a new starting quarterback during spring practice, as AJ McCarron and Phillip Sims will continue the battle during preseason camp. In fact, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban hasn't ruled out using both quarterbacks during games this coming season. Despite losing 2009 Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, the Tide still appear to be stacked at running back. Trent Richardson might be a leading Heisman Trophy contender in 2011, and Eddie Lacy and freshman Dee Hart provide quality depth. Linebacker Dont'a Hightower and safety Mark Barron, who battled injuries last season, will lead a very good defense.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Unless you include having to choose which 5-star recruit will replace Marcell Dareus, the Tide’s only real concern for 2011 will be whether A.J. McCarron can ably serve as a worthy successor to Greg McElroy.

Ravaged by the 2010 NFL Draft on defense, Alabama endured somewhat of a transitional season, but 2011 could set up nicely for another national title run. Dareus is the only starter gone on defense, and while Trent Richardson will ensure the Tide won't miss a beat without Mark Ingram, finding someone to fill the shoes of Julio Jones could be troublesome.

Overall, there’s not much to dislike about ‘Bama, which may as well be interchangeable with the No. 1 team.

By Amy Daughters

Alabama


The Crimson Tide will enter 2011 without QB Greg McElroy, WR Julio Jones and RB Mark Ingram but still look stacked enough to make a title run.

Besides the obvious skill position losses the biggest lingering concerns are at defensive line and the unknown quantity of leadership (which becomes even scarier when you consider what happened at Texas last season).

All in all, Alabama returns 17 starters and has a somewhat favorable schedule (remembering that all things are relative to SEC West membership) with Georgia and South Carolina off the slate and Arkansas and LSU both at home.

If you watched Alabama play last season you saw impressive hunger, and by the time they whipped Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl you witnessed ugly dominance; if these commodities can be carried over into 2011 (despite the personnel losses) the sky is the limit for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama Crimson Tide


Tuscaloosa is reeling. Tornadoes tore through Alabama earlier this spring, leaving disaster in their wake. And though it's "just" football, you can bet that the Crimson and White faithful will be looking to their Tide to offer them something to cheer about. Not surprisingly, coach Nick Saban appears likely to deliver. Though several key stars have moved on to the NFL, there's enough talent here to enable Saban to make a run at yet another SEC title--and possibly another national title. Look for tailback Trent Richardson to establish himself as one of the nation's best, and for Dont'a Hightower to lead another stout Saban defense.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
2011 PRESEASON TOP 25



Alabama
Crimson Tide
NATIONAL FORECAST #1
SEC West PREDICTION #1

HEAD COACH: Nick Saban, 43–11 (4 years) | OFF. COORDINATOR: Jim McElwain | DEF. COORDINATOR: Kirby Smart

OFFENSE

The quarterback battle between AJ McCarron and Phillip Sims is expected to continue into fall camp and could include shared time in the opener against Kent State. McCarron has the edge in experience, having served as Greg McElroy’s backup the past two seasons. Sims redshirted last season but took equal snaps in the spring with the first-team offense.

Whoever wins the job will be helped by junior running back Trent Richardson, who is Alabama’s No. 1 threat on offense. Richardson played in the first nine games last fall before a knee injury suffered against LSU forced him to miss wins against Mississippi State and Georgia State. He returned for the final two games and finished with 112 carries for 700 yards and six touchdowns. Eddie Lacy, a sophomore, is the leading candidate to trade carries with Richardson. But senior Demetrius Goode will also contend for playing time, as will true freshman Dee Hart, who enrolled in January.

Seniors Marquis Maze and Darius Hanks are the leading contenders to step up at wide receiver. Maze is Alabama’s top returning receiver with 38 catches for 557 yards and three touchdowns. Duron Carter, a junior college transfer from Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College and former Ohio State Buckeye, could also have an immediate impact.

Alabama’s offensive line returns four of five starters, including three-year starters William Vlachos and Barrett Jones. Alabama’s lone vacancy was at left tackle, where two-year starter James Carpenter needs to be replaced. Senior Alfred McCullough is a top candidate to fill the spot, though Jones also got a look at left tackle in the spring.

DEFENSE

The defensive line is arguably the biggest question mark entering the season. The base 3-4 defense is expected to feature senior Josh Chapman at nose guard to start. The rest of the line is up in the air. A potential career-ending injury to Kerry Murphy, who started four games at end, won’t help matters.

A deep linebacking corps will be led by Courtney Upshaw and Dont’a Hightower. Upshaw finished the ’10 season playing the best football of his career, with five sacks in his final two games. Hightower shed the brace that protected his surgically repaired knee in time for Alabama’s 49–7 win against Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl.

Senior Mark Barron is the leader of what should be one of the top secondaries in the nation. Barron spent the spring in a black non-contact jersey while recovering from a torn pectoral muscle. He is joined in the secondary by three other returning starters, free safety Robert Lester and cornerbacks Dre Kirkpatrick and Dee Milliner.

SPECIALISTS

Alabama rotated field goal kickers, with Jeremy Shelley taking most kicks within the 40-yard range and Cade Foster attempting the longer kicks. The coaches are expected to use a similar system again. Cody Mandell handled the punting duties, and ended the season with a 39.2-yard average. Jay Williams could challenge Mandell for the job in preseason camp.
FINAL ANALYSIS

Alabama is locked and loaded for another run at a national title. There are issues that need to be addressed — at quarterback, wide receiver and the defensive line — but talent is never at a shortage in Tuscaloosa.

The schedule sets up nicely as well. Bama has to go to Florida but doesn’t play South Carolina or Georgia and hosts LSU and Arkansas, its two biggest challengers in the West.


FANTASY IMPACT

Trent Richardson has waited his turn behind Mark Ingram and 2011 will be his time to shine. Richardson was a first-round selection in Athlon’s first college fantasy mock draft for 2011 and figures to remain there when fall drafts open. Fantasy players can expect season totals well over 1,000 yards and at least 10 scores.

There is some uncertainty surrounding the quarterback and receiver spots, which makes Richardson and the Alabama defense the top two fantasy options from Tuscaloosa this year.

Fantasy players in SEC-only formats will want to watch the battle between AJ McCarron and Phillip Sims closely for a potential waiver wire pickup, but this situation likely won’t raise much fantasy interest in 120 formats.

Key Player

Trent Richardson, RB Has the tools to be one of the elite players in the nation as a junior.

Barrett Jones, OL Starting right guard last season, but took some snaps at left tackle in the spring.

Dont’a Hightower, LB Back to his ferocious form — look for Hightower to lead the defense through his words and his play.

Alabama 2010

let's be honest: The 2010 Crimson Tide fell far short of expectations.

Coming off a national title in 2009, the Tide entered the 2010 season as the preseason favorite to win the title once again. But even with the return of offensive stars Mark Ingram, Julio Jones and Greg McElroy, Alabama finished the regular season with an unspectacular 9-3 mark -- including a devastating season-ending loss to Auburn in the Iron Bowl.

Nick Saban's bunch would redeem themselves, however, in the Capital One Bowl, utterly destroying a very good Michigan State team, 49-7.

The bowl hinted at better things to come in 2011. How much better? Find out here, in our 2011 Alabama season preview.

OVERVIEW: First, the bad news: Ingram is gone. And Jones is gone. And McElroy is gone, too. And yes, all of those guys will be missed. But Trent Richardson will make for a more than adequate replacement for Ingram, and though there are questions about who will play quarterback, the Tide have talent--serious talent--pretty much everywhere else ... including the offensive and defensive lines (OG Barrett Jones, DE Damion Square). And yeah, that matters a little bit.

THE CEILING: The SEC West is going to be brutal. Absolutely brutal. LSU is a consensus pick for the preseason Top 10, Arkansas figures to be tough once again, Mississippi State is on the rise under Dan Mullen and Auburn, despite the losses of Nick Fairley and Cam Newton, won't fall all that far. That being said, the Tide still look like the most complete team--and Saban, having been stung by that three-loss disappointment last year, will be looking to bounce back in a big way. The Tide look like the safest best to win the SEC title.

REASON FOR CONCERN: Ingram is replaceable. McElroy is replaceable. But Jones? Not so much. The superstar wideout wasn't always on top form, but when he was, he was a real handful -- the kind of game-changing, physically dominating wideout that can literally dominate a defense. The Tide will certainly miss him, and it's almost certain that the Tide offense will have be tweaked in order to account for his absence. A player like Jones can spoil you a bit. Saban, of course, will always have talent. But he's not likely to find a talent quite the one he had with Jones. THE SCHEDULE (key games in bold): 9/3 vs. Kent State; 9/10 at Penn State; 9/17 vs. North Texas; 9/24 vs. Arkansas; 10/1 at Florida; 10/8 vs. Vanderbilt; 10/15 at Mississippi; 10/22 vs. Tennessee; 11/5 vs. LSU; 11/12 at Mississippi State; 11/26 at Auburn.

THE VERDICT: The SEC, once again, will be the nation's toughest league. Which means 'Bama will, once again, have to navigate a very tricky schedule if they want to play for the national title. That may be too much to ask--you have to figure this bunch, with a new quarterback running the show, will get tripped up at least once--but an SEC crown is there for the taking. At the very least, this team will win 10 games. I like them to win 11. REGULAR SEASON PREDICTION: 11-1

By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com


Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners probably have fewer areas of concern than any other team in the country, which is a big reason why they might be poised to appear in their fifth BCS Championship Game since 2000. Quarterback Landry Jones and receiver Ryan Broyles are back to lead what should be a very prolific offense, albeit under new direction after former offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson left to become Indiana's head coach. It appears OU will use a tailback-by-committee approach to replace departed leading rusher DeMarco Murray, and converted tight end Lane Johnson might have to replace right tackle Jarvis Jones, who will miss several months with a knee injury. Another big concern: All-Big 12 cornerback Jamell Fleming isn't enrolled in classes after reportedly being suspended for academic misconduct. If Fleming doesn't return this fall, it will be a big blow to a thin OU secondary.