College Football Notebook

[WorkHorse]

If any of you guys can find two other guys who care more about you and college football than the guys mentioned above.....look for guys who will gobble up your soul. (TVZ)

I'm (workhorse) wrong many times. (I don't lie).
I'm (Bigdaddy) wrong many times. (I don't lie).

College Football is something we care about or we wouldn't go through the same old sillyness year after year. Greatest game in town.....we both love it.

Looking for other people who do............................

[BigdaddyQH]

Thanks for the kind words Workhorse. They are appreciated. We are here because we love college football.

Jeff Tedford at Cal has named former Buffalo starting QB Zach Maynard as the Bears starting QB. Maynard transfered to Cal and sat out 2010, mainly because his half brother Keenen Allan decided to go to Cal, even though he had previously committed to Alabama. I wonder what ever happened to Senior QB Brock Mansion. He was suppose to be the next great QB at Cal, but never played very much.

[Jasonal_98]

If any of you guys can find two other guys who care more about you and college football than the guys mentioned above.....look for guys who will gobble up your soul. (TVZ)

I'm (workhorse) wrong many times. (I don't lie).
I'm (Bigdaddy) wrong many times. (I don't lie).

College Football is something we care about or we wouldn't go through the same old sillyness year after year. Greatest game in town.....we both love it.

Looking for other people who do............................

As a college football junkie, I appreciate what you (WorkHorse) and Bigdaddy do to keep CFB conversations going during the offseason. Great source of info.

[WorkHorse]

WASHINGTON HUSKIES
The Huskies will begin the 2011 season with a new quarterback (Jake Locker to NFL) and a suspect offensive line. Last season's offensive line was a revolving door that included seven different lineups of the starting five. During spring practice, the O-line continued to struggle and this is a cause of concern expecially with a new quarterback. Washington figures to be a run first team this season with running back Chris Polk (1,415 yards) as the feature back. For the running game to be successful, the O-line will need to come together in a hurry. Whoever wins the quarterback competition this fall and it appears to be Keith Price coming out of spring practice, will have plenty of guys who can catch the ball. The receiving unit is deep and should be good if the offensive line can give the QB time to deliver the ball.

The defensive line, led by tackle Alamenda Ta'amu, appears to be a deep and formidable front. Redshirt freshman Josh Shirley looked like an explosive edge rusher this spring who could complement Hau'oli Jamora. There are four of five quality guys that could complement Ta'amu inside. Much of the linebacking corp is up for grabs. Cort Dennison returns in the middle but other positions need to be filled. Depth will be a big question mark heading into the 2011 season.

Washington opens with two home games before having to travel to play a tough Nebraska team. They then return home the following week to open conference play against California. The Huskies finish with three straight conference road games.

Sept. 3, Eastern Washington
Sept. 10, Hawaii
Sept. 17, at Nebraska
Sept. 24, California
Oct. 1, at Utah
Oct. 15, Colorado
Oct. 22, at Stanford
Oct. 29, Arizona
Nov. 5, Oregon
Nov. 12, at USC
Nov. 19, at Oregon St.
Nov. 26, at Washington

[WorkHorse]

OHIO STATE DELAYS MICHIGAN AWARDS
An NCAA investigation into rules infractions by the Ohio State football program has delayed release of the teams's 2010 "gold pants" charmes, awards that team members receive if they beat rival Michigan. The Gold Pants Club that distributes the trinkets is waiting to see if the NCAA vacates any of last season's wins. President Jim Lachey, a former Ohio State All-American offensive lineman, told the Columbus Dispatch for a Sunday story. The university licensed club pays about $50 each for the charms. Ohio State has suspended five players, for the first five games of the 2011 season for violating NCAA rules by selling a Columbus tattoo parlor owner several pieces of memorabilia including the 2008 gold pants charm QB Terrell Pryor earned for the 2008 season. Coach Jim Tressel failed to reveal that he knew about the players' violations, as required by his contract and NCAA rules, and the university suspended him for five games and fined $250,000. "We're dealing with some outstanding issues that we've never had to deal with before." Lachey told The Dispatch. "If they vacate the Michigan win, it makes no sense to award the gold pants. And if you hand them out and say. 'Oh yeah, we'll need to get them back if the win is vacated'...I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be a smart way to go." I got a laugh out of this dilemma.

[WorkHorse]

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This contest is all about guys who love college football and contribute during the off-season here at SBR.

[BigdaddyQH]

Washington actually hosts Washington State at the end of the season, but the three games before, Oregon, at USC and at Oregon State will be very difficult, as will the Sames at Nebraska and Stanford. It is possible that Washington loses all 5 of their away games.

[WorkHorse]

You are correct BD...I posted Washington State as a road game rather than being at home for the Huskies. Three straight conference road games would have been tough...two is manageable.

BD, at some point, can you post your early conference writeups here in the Notebook without the commentary by posters. If there's someway to post these write ups without having to retype everything, it would be appreciated. Some of the guys ask for this Saturday night. I got in the firewater during our card game and forgot to ask.

Thanks if you can.

[mlb]

Good stuff in here guys

[WorkHorse]

ALABAMA
The Tide picked up its 12th public commitment for the Class of 2012 in a Monday evening announcement. Linebacker Dillion Lee of Buford, Georgia, chose Alabama over Georgia, Florida State and Southern Cal. Both major recruiting services rated Lee a four-star prospect on the five-star scale. He's the younger brother of Georgia offensive lineman Dallas Lee. Lee becomes the third linebacker who has committed to Nick Saban for his next recruiting class, joining Reggie Ragland of Huntsville, Alabama, and Tyler Hayes of Thomasville, Alabama. All commitments for the Class of 2012 are nonbinding until official letters of intent are signed in February.

Head coach Nick Saban is hoping football will help Tuscaloosa cope with the terrible storm that hit the city. Saban said Monday night the season "will be an escape for a lot of people who have had a lot of heartbreak." He participated in a two hour radio show at Bryant-Denny Stadium to raise money for the UA's Acts of Kindness Fund and other organizations involved in relief from the April 27 tornado. In addition to Saban, more than 30 players and Tide coaches and school officials attended the memorial service for offensive tackle Aaron Douglas in Knoxville on Sunday. Douglas was found dead last Thursday in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

[WorkHorse]

ALABAMA AND AUBURN
Here's a look at Alabama and Auburn's nonconference opponents that have been scheduled at this time.

Alabama
2011 Kent State, at Penn State, North Texas, Georgia Southern
2012 Michigan (at Arlington, Tx), Western Kentucky
2013 Chick-fil-A Kickoff, Atlanta TBA
2014 TBA
2015 TBA
2016 Michigan State
2017 at Michigan State
2018 TBA
2019 Georgia Tech
2020 at Georgia Tech

Auburn
2011 Utah State, at Clemson, Fla Atlantic, Samford
2012 Clemson (Atlanta), McNeese State
2013 Jacksonville State, Washington State
2014 at Kansas State

As an Alabama fan I would like to offer Kudos to Auburn for playing in-state schools. Why Alabama won't schedule some of these teams is beyond me. Rather than give San Jose State $1 million last year, why not keep the money in state by scheduling some of the state schools.

[BigdaddyQH]

My early predictions:

A Very Early Look. SEC East

The SEC has been the dominating conference this century, but a closer look reveals that while 3 SEC West Teams have won the NC (Alabama, Auburn, and LSU), only one SEC East team has managed that feat, and they lose their Head Coach. Here is a look at the SEC East.

1. Georgia. To put it simply, it is "do or die" for HC Richt. The offense loses WR Green, but had to play without him for parts of last season. They return QB Murray and 5 other starters. The defense also returns 5 starters, but gets hit hard at the LB position. The schedule is not too bad. UGA gets South Carolina, Mississippi State, and Auburn at home, and ducks Alabama, LSU, and Arkansas. They open with Boise State in Atlanta. If Richt can not make a divisional winner out of this group, with an unusually soft SEC East, he will be gone next season. He had better find some consistancy with this team.

2. South Carolina. The old ball coach finally won a divisional title, but was no match for Auburn in the Conference Championship game, or Florida State in their bowl game. QB Garcia returns, along with 5 other starters on offense, but the line will need work. The defense loses 4 starters, and will need work up front. The schedule is tricky, going to Georgia, and then Missisippi State, Tennessee, and Arkansas, with a bye thrown in. That is a long time to be away from home. They also host Florida and Auburn. A lack of consistancy has always haunted South Carolina, and it could cost them this season.

3. Florida. The start of a new era, and Will Muschamp takes over for Urban Meyer. Muschanp inherits a team that loses 4 out of 5 starting linemen. QB Brantley returns after a questionable season. The defense gets ripped, losing 9 starters. This will be a huge rebuilding project. The schedule offers little help, with away games at LSU, Auburn, South Carolina, and the Cocktail Party against UGA. 'Bama and Floirda State come calling. Muschamp has a huge rebuilding job this season, and an unfriendly schedule. Florida will do very well to win 8 games.

4. Tennessee. New H.C. Dooley did exactly what he was expected to do last season, going 6-6 in the regular season. This season will not be much better. The Vols lose 5 on offense, and get hit very hard at WR and TE. Their QB's are all unproven. The defense loses 6 starters, including all of their starting LB's. The schedule only as 4 away games on it, but 3 of those are very loseable, at Florida, Alabama, and Arkansas. Home games against UGA, LSU, and South Carolina are no bargain deals either. The Vols still need more talent to compete in the SEC East. Another 6 wins season seems to be in the cards.

5. Kentucky. Another 6 win team in the SEC, thanks largely to a very soft non-con schedule. Kentucky went 4-0 against their non-con opponents, but 2-6 against the SEC. This year, they lose their QB, RB's and WR's on offense. That will be a huge rebuilding job. The defense returns 7 starters, but the line will need work. Once again, the non-con schedule is very soft. Kentucky is going to need that to match last years win total of 6 games this season.

6. Vanderbilt. Vandy only won two games last season. The good news is that they return 9 starters on both sides of the line. The bad news is that there is not a lot of talent returning. The schedule is a bit kinder, with Elon, Mississippi, and Army traveling to Nashville. Vandy will need a lot of overall improvment from their returning starters to win more than 3 games this season. With their coaching situation settled, they may get just that.

[BigdaddyQH]

A Very Early Look. SEC West

Hands down, the best division in football, as long as they stary away from playing USC. (Had to throw that in). Half of the SEC West teams have won NC's in the last 4 years. This promises to be an extremely close race, with possibly 4 teams being involved to some degree.

1. Alabama. The Tide lose a ton of skill players on offense. Richardson can replace Ingram, but QB McCarron had better be able to do the job. Alabama's strength will be in it's defense that returns 9 starters. Marcel Dareus leaves early, but the defense should be one of the best in the NCAA. The schedule features trips to Penn State, Florida, Mississippi State, and Auburn. While' Bama is my pick to win the SEC West, it is unlikely they will escape that mine field unscathed.

2. LSU. LSU returns their QB controversy, and adds on to it, by having UGA transfer Mettenberger join the circus at the QB position. LSU MUST settle on one QB. The line returns 4 starters. The defense, which has been the strength of LSU, returns 7 starters, but loses CB Peterson early. The schedule is not kind, with a game against Oregon at Jerryworld starting things off, and games at Mississippi State, West Virginia, and Alabama, adding to a tough schedule. LSU must find a solution to their QB situation, or they may finish lower than this.

3. Mississippi State. To sum it up in two words for this team, WATCH OUT. Dan Mullen did a brilliant joblast season, winning 9 games. This season 7 starters return on an offense that ran hot and cold last season. The defense returns 7 starters, but will need work at the LB position. The schedule is not real easy, with games at Auburn, Georgia, and Arkansas, but they play Alabama and LSU at home. State is the type of team that can upset anyones apple cart. With a little more consistancy, this team could be a player in the SEC West race.

4. Arkansas. Ryan Mallett leaves early, and his loss will be huge for the Razorback offense. Seven starters do return, but someone must relance the QB. Their defense also returns 7 starters, but needs work in the secondary. Arkansas had a solid season last year, but their defense gave up too many points. That is going to have to improve. A three week run at Alabama, vs Texas A&M at Jerryworld, and home against Auburn should tell us wherer this team is going in 2011. They also play LSU on the road.

5. Auburn. This team was the "dirty" team in the SEC last season and everyone knows it. On offense, QB Newton, along with his payoff, and 7 others, including most of the line, are gone. On defense, DT Fairley, the dirtiest player in the NCAA, leaves along with 7 other players including the entire line. Both kickers also depart. The schedule is a disaster waiting to happen, with away games at Clemson, South Carolina, Arkansas, LSU, and Georgia. Add on home games vs Miss. State, Florida, and Alabama, and Auburn may be lucky to win 6 games this season. The entire SEC is waiting for them. They may finish dead last. The mighty will take a mighty fall. This team is fade material.

6. Mississippi. This team managed only 4 wins last season after two consecutive 9 win seasons. Their problems were wide spread. This season OleMiss returns 8 starters on a team that ran hot and cold on offense last year. THe defense gets hit very hard by graduation, losing 8 starters. That might be a good think as the defense was not very reliable last season. Their schedule sees most of their tough competition going to Oxford. Ole Miss is going to have to get consistancy out of their offense, and play decent defense to escape the SEC West cellar

[BigdaddyQH]

Very Early Looks: ACC Atlantic.

This will be the first in a series of very early looks at the BCS Conferences and what they may have to offer this season: In alphabetical order, so we lead off with the ACC.

Atlantic:
1. Florida State. A no brainer here. With 17 returning starters, all the 'Noles need do is develop a good QB and Florida State should cruise in this division. Many think the E.J. Manuel is that QB. A schedule with no Va. Tech or North Carolina on it, and N.C. State and Maryland at home make Florida State the easy pick here. The toughest game they may have could be against Oklahoma. Loook for N.C. asperations here.

2. North Carolina State. The Wolfpack finally got ontrack last season, and finished the year with 9 wins. To repeat that success, N.C. State's QB Wilson will have to depend on some new WR's as the pack loses 3. The defense must find replacements on the line. Still, with a schedule that is very user frinedly, look for the possibility of 10 wins for the Pack this season.

3. Maryland. New H.C. Randy Edsel inherits a team that shocked everyone last season with 9 wins. This year promises to be more difficult, with the loss of RB Scott, two WR's and two LB's. The schedule promises to be a lot tougher also, with games at Florida State, North Carolina State, and Georgia Tech, plus a game in Landover with Notre Dame. Maryland should be bowl bound, but 9 wins is a lot to ask this season.

4. Wake Forest. The Deacons had a very poor 2010, but return 9 starters on offense, and 8 on defense. H.C. Grobe has done very well with teams like this, who fly under the radar. The schedule is difficult, but look for Wake to surprise a few teams.

5. Boston College. This team needs to find some scoring punch, now that the defense is losing 5 starters. The offense must replace 3 on the line. The schedule is very tough, with games at Notre Dame, Va. Tech, and Miami, plus the Atlantic rivals. Perhaps their opener against Northwestern will tell us a lot.

6. Clemson. This may be a very tough year for H.C. Swinney, whose team finished a disappointing 6-7 last season. With QB parker and three others gone on offense, and 6 gone on defense incoudling most of the LB and secondary corps, Clemson has a lot of holes to fill in. Add on a killer schedule that includes games against Auburn and at South Carolina, N.C. State and Virginia Tech, and it could be a very long year for Dabo.

[BigdaddyQH]

I continue with the ACC. A look at the Coastal Division, which promises to be a lot closer than last year's race.

Coastal:

1. Virginia Tech. Why? Because they get the most back on defense. They take major hits on the offense, losing QB Taylor and RB Williams, but so does everyone else in the Coastal. They do have experience on the the offensive line. They also get a very cozy conference schedule, avoiding Florida State, and North Carolina State.

2. North Carolina. They also lose QB Yates, and a lot of seniors, but they were racked by suspensions last season and lots of players got plenty of playing time because of this. They also avoid Florida State, and have a favorable non-con schedule. The fact that so many players got quality playing time is an advantage for UNC.

3. Miami. New HC Golden has a QB controversy on his hands. Jacory Harris has proven ineffective in crunch time. A lot of skill players on offense graduate. The loss of LB Brandon Harris does not help. The schedule is very tough with a non-con game against Ohio State minus 5 starters, and away games at Florida State, UNC, and Va. Tech. Still, if the QB situation can resolve itself, Miami could well be a contender in this wide open division.

4. Georgia Tech. Josh Nesbitt and Anthony Allen are gone. So are 6 out of the 7 starters in the defensive LB corps and secondary. Tech's problem is that they are too one dementional on offense. Johnson has to open up his passing game. The schedule is doable. Tech's success will rest solely on the shoulders of their new QB's arm, and legs.

5. Virginia. This team had it's moments last season, and does not get hit real hard by graduation. They still lose QB Verica, but litle else on offense. DE Parr left early, but the defense still returns 8 starters. The big question is consistancy. Virginia defeated Miami last season, but lost every other conference game. Virginia still has a lot of growing up to do. They will improve, but not enough to challenge in the ACC Coastal.

6. Duke. Duke returns their starting QB and 6 others on the offense. The problem is that their offense did not play very well most of the time last season. The defense loses 5 of their front 7. Duke managed only three wins last season. Their is room for improvment, but anything over 4 wins will be a major accomplishment.

[BigdaddyQH]

Early Look: Big East

Can the Big East possibly be as bad this season as they were last season? In a word, yes. The Conference will be hit very hard by graduation, NFL defections, and coaching changes. Still, we have to pick someone, so here goes.

1. Rutgers. Why? Because they have 10 starters returning on offense. This is head coach Schlano's chance to prove that he is a legitimate head coach and that Rutgers has a legitimate program. They get a huge break in the schedule, playing West Virginia, South Florida, Pitt and Cincinnati at home. If they can find any semblence of a defense, they should be the favorites to win the Big East.

2. Cincinnati. The Bearcats return their QB, RB, and some WR's but must replace 3 on the line. The defense returns intact. If that defense can improve, look for Cincinnati to be back in the fight for the Big East crown. If not, it will be a long season. Butch Jones will feel a little heat this season.

3. Pittsburgh. Pitt got ripped by the early defections of RB Lewis, FB Hynoski, and WR Baldwin. The good news is that the offsesive line will have plenty of experience, and the defense loses only 3 starters. Pitt plays 8 home games this season, but their non-con schedule includes a game at Iowa, and Notre Dame and Utah at home. If new HC Graham can find an offense, Pitt will be the thick of things.

4. South Florida. Holtz did an admirable job with this team last season. The bad news is that only 5 starters return on each side of the ball. The good news is that QB Daniels is one of those returnees. I liked the way USF finished the season, even though they lost a tough game to UConn. Holtz returns to South Bend for game one against Notre Dame. That may tell us how he will fare in 2011.

5. West Virginia. It's not so much the fact that the defense gets ripped by graduations and defections. They lose 8 starters. It is not so much that RB Devine and 3 others depart from the offense. What hurts West Virginia is their current coaching fiasco. I do not like "lame duck" head coaches, and that is what Stewart is. This cannot be a good thing for the team. West Virginia goes into a transitional state this season.

6. UConn. UConn loses their top playmakers on offense, plus a couple of linemen. They also lose 4 on the defense including two LB's. But the biggest loss came when Randy Edsell headed South to Maryland. Enter Paul Pasqualoni, the long time former head coach of Syracuse. He has been out of football for 6 years. Let's give him a year to get his feet wet before we go looking for a championship. He does have a very soft non-con schedule.

7. Lousiville. A solid first season under Charlie Strong may bode well for the Cards, but the still lose a lot of talent. Gone is QB Froman and 4 of the starting 5 offensive linemen, as well as 5 starters on defense. A very challenging schedule sees the Cards playing North Carolina, Kentucky, and 4 Big East teams on the road. Will Strong have another successful year, or will the sophmore jinx strike yet again?

8. Syracuse. It is tough picking the Orange this low after such a successful season in 2010, but graduation really kills them. They lose 6 on offense, including 4 on the line, and 8 starters on defense, including all 3 LB's and 3 in the secondary. HC Marrone has a huge rebuilding job ahead of him. Well, at least he gets to take a trip to sunny California when he plays USC in Los Angeles.

Just a note here. This is by far, the toughest conference to call. Any one of the eight teams can win this conference, or finish dead last. The winner could have 4 losses, and the last place team could have 4 wins.

[BigdaddyQH]

Early Look: Big 10 Leaders

I really shoud get kudo's just for keeping a straight face when I refer to the Big 10 Conference's divisions as "Leaders" and "Legends". They should be named "Laggers" and "Losers". We will move on with the Leaders Division.

1. Ohio State. The Buckeyes should have enough to prevail in this division, even with the suspension of the "Tattoo 5" for the first 5 games of the season. Ohio State's bigger concern should be losing 6 out of 7 starters at LB and in the defensive secondary. Another concern is that when the 5 players return, their first game will be at Nebraska. Still, with the talent that other teams in the division lose, Ohio State should prevail.

2. Wisconsin. This team will be a ghost of last years team. They get hammered by graduation and NFL defections, losing 7 starters on offense. Their defense must lead the team while the offense is rebuilt, and while they only lose three starters, the defection of DE Watt to the NFL is huge. A realtively soft schedule keeps Wisconsin in 2nd place in this conference.

3. Penn State. Much like Wisconsin, the Lions get hit hard offensively by graduation, losing 6 starters including RB Royster. Joe Pa will have to depend on his defense to keep him in games early on. The difference between Penn State and Wisconsin is the schedule. Penn State's is brutal, with home games against Alabama, Iowa, and Nebraska, and finishing on the road against Ohio State and Wisconsin.

4. Illinois. This team surprised a lot of people last season, going 7-6, including a bowl win. The defenctions of RB LeShoure, DT Liuget, and LB Wilson hurt this team, and keep Illinois from competing with the top 3, but the Illini still have 7 starters returning on offense and 6 on defense. Their schedule features 8 home games including Ohio State and Wisconsin, and away games against Indiana, Purdue, and Minnesota, as well as a rather soft non-con schedule. Keep your eyes on the Illini this season.

5. Purdue. QB Mauve returns with 6 other starters on offense, but the loss of two WR's does not help. The defense returns 9, but played very poorly in the last half of last season. After a win against Minnesota, Purdue was 4-2,and then lost every game for the rest of the season last year. This team must find some type of consistancy. Starting off the year at Rice, sandwiched in between home games against Middle Tennessee and Southeast Missouri State is a good way to develop that consistancy.

6. Indiana. It's the same old story every year for Indiana. They beat up on cream puff non-con teams, only to get crushed by their Big 10 opponents. Indiana has won 3 Big 10 games in 3 years. This season, they lose their QB, and two WR, plus the right side of the offensive line. They do get 9 back on defense, but that was the defense that gave up 83 to Wisconsin. This season they do host Virginia, and that game will tell us a lot about both of those teams. Indiana lacks talent. It is that simple.

[BigdaddyQH]

Early Look. Big 10 Legends

These guys should be called the "Losers" after their bowl performaces last year. At any rate, here is how I see it.

1. Nebraska. This team certainly has potential, but lacks consistancy. The Huskers return 6 starters on an offense that ran hot and cold last season. The defense did it's job, holding all but two opponents to 23 or less points. This unit returns 8 starters. Pelini is going to have to find some consistancy from his offense and QB Martinez. If he does, Nebraska is good enough to win this division.

2. Michigan State. There is no polite way to say it. MSU got their asses handed to them by Alabama in the Capitol One Bowl. Memories linger on. Michigan State only loses 3 starters from their offense, but loses 2 LB's and 2 from the defensive secondary. MSU lived a charmed life last season, winning three games by 6 points or less. With away games at Notre Dame, Nebraska, Ohio State, Iowa, and Northwestern, that will not happen again.

3. Northwestern. The team that everyone overlooks, but who has the best coach (IMO) in the Big 10. Coach Fitzgerald welcomes back QB Persa and 9 other starters on offense, and 7 on defense. Their schedule is not the hardest in the Big 10, as they duck Ohio State and Wisconsin. The Wildcat defense fell apart in their last 3 games of the season last year. If they can improve, Northwestern is a player in the Legends this season.

4. Iowa. This team was a huge disappointment last season, with 5 losses, including three in a row to end the regular season. This season, Iowa must replace QB Stanzi and 4 others on offense, and seven players on defense, plus find a new punter and PK. As usual, Iowa will be mentioned in the mix, and as usual, Ferentz will underproduce. On the plus side, a very soft schedule will help Iowa.

5. Michigan. The Rich Rod era at Michigan is over, and new HC Hoke inherits a team with a ton of petential, but not much defense. The offense returns every starter but one. The defense loses two LB's and a corner. This should be great news, but Michigan must find players. The kicking game was a joke last season, and the defense was worse. The schedule features only 4 away games (Northwestern, Iowa, Michigan State, and Illinois), but home games include Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio State (back to back). This team can actually improve, but have a losing record again.

6. Minnesota. You have to love the way that this team finished the season, but will any of that momentum carry over? With the loss of QB Weber and 5 other starters( including 4 on the line), and the defnesive secondary, probably not. Minnesota has a new stadium. Now they must start to rebuild their program, and that takes athletes, something they do not have. They do have three soft non-con opponents at home, but that is after they open up at USC.

[jwbama23]

nice writeups BD, I too believe that Bama going undefeated is gonna be a very tough task. The SEC west is just getting stronger and stronger.

[BigdaddyQH]

Early Look. Big 12-2

There will be lots of changes in the Big 12-2 this season. No Colorado or Nebraska. A Round Robin Schedule. No Championship game. The only thing that may not change is the eventual Conference Champion. An Early look.

1. Oklahoma. The Sooners return everyone on offense minus RB Murray. They are loaded, and should score just about at will. The defense loses two starters on the line, and both safeties. The schedule features games at Florida State and Oklahoma State. If OU can get past those two games, and get consistant play from their defense, they could easily find themselves in the N.C. game.

2. Oklahoma State. Much like OU, State returns everyone on offense minus RB Hunter and one lineman. They should have no problem scoring. The defense is where the work is needed. The Cowbows lose 3 starting linemen and 2 LB's. Okie State gave up 98 points in their two losses last season, and 28 or more points in 5 other games. If the Cowboys want to contend, that stat must improve. The schedule takes them to A&M, Texas, Missouri, and Texas Tech. That is a lot of tough conference road games.

3. Texas A&M. This team finished with 6 straight wins after a 3-3 start last season. The offense reurns 9 starters, but loses QB Johnson. The defense loses 3 starters, two of which are LB's. The schedules features a home game against Oklahoma State, followed by a trip to Jerryworld to play Arkansas. Those two game may tell the fate of A&M this season. They do travel to Norman to play OU. Let's see if H.C. Sherman can continu the improvment.

4. Missouri. Another successful 10 win season for H.C. Pinknel last year. His offense must replace QB Gabbert and RB Washington, but 8 other starters return. The defense loses DE Smith to the NFL, and 3 starters in the secondary, plus a LB. Missouri scored 17 points in both of their regular season losses last year, both on the road. This season, they get OU and A&M on the road. They also travel to Tempe to play Arizona State early on. That should give us a good indication of where this team is going this season.

5. Texas. This team is in total disarray at the coaching level, with many new assistant coaches arriving. On top of that, the Horns lose 6 starters on offense, 4 of which were on the line. The defense loses DE Acho, and both starting CB's. In order for Texas to succeed, they are going to need a lot more production from the offense, and and some consistancy from the defense. Games at Missouri and A&M near the end of the season do not help. Texas needs to produce a running game.

6. Baylor. Baylor started hot, then slumped badly at the end of the season. On offense QB Griffin and 9 others return. Griffin's health is critical to Baylor's offensive success. The defense loses 2 starting LB's, and 3 in the secondary, plus their NG. Baylor's defense was non-exiatant too may times last season, giving up 35 or more points 7 times. For Baylor to succeed, this must improve. Opening at home against TCU will show us how far this team can go this season.

7. Texas Tech. Graduation hit this team that underproduced last season very hard. The offense loses Their starting backfield and a WR, plus one on the line. The defense, which gave up 34 or more points 6 times last season, loses 5 starters. The schedule features games at OU, Texas, Missouri and Baylor. If T-Tech wants to improve, they are going to have to rebuild their offense and find some way of stopping their opponents from scoring.

8. Kansas State. K-State won 7 games last season, thanks in part to a very kind non-con schedule. That is not the case this year, losing a non-con game and going to Miami (FL). The offense loses their starting QB, RB, and 3 on the line. The defense loses 6 starters, and was very inconsistant last season. A pretty decent recruiting day, and some other signings will help this team in the future, but this season, 6 wins and another bowl trip would be a major accomplishment.

9. Kansas. Las season was terrible for 1st year HC Gill, but it did have it's moments, with upsets of Ga. Tech and Colorado. This season, Gill returns 9 starters on an offense that was just terrible last season, scoring 16 or less points in 9 games. The defense loses 6 starters, and was also very bad last season. Both kickers also graduate. With all of this going on, Kansas will have the luxury of flying under the radar. Kansas may be better, but will need a lot of improvment to win more than 3 games this season.

10. Iowa State. This team gets hit hard by graduation, losing 7 starters on offense, including their starting backfiekd and two WR's. The defense loses two on the line, and both starting safeties. Iowa State was very inconsistant on both sides of the ball last season. The losses on offense will not help the situation at all. Neither will the tough non-con schedule that takes them to UConn and has them hosting Iowa. It is tough to see more than 2-3 wins for this team this season.

[BigdaddyQH]

Early Look: Pac 12 North

How strange does that sound? Pac 12 North. This is the first year of divisional play for the Pac 12. Oddly enough, the two premier teams of last season find themselves in the same division, and not the one USC is in. An early look.

1. Stanford. This pick will surprise a lot of people, but Stanford gets the nod for two reasons. First, they host Oregon. Second, they have the best player in the Pac 12, if not the nation, returning. Andrew Luck is one of 5 starting offensive players returning for the Cardinal. The defense also returns only 5 starters. Stanford will have to fill in some holes on both sides of the ball, but last years revanped Stanford defense managed to pitch three shutouts and shut down Va. Tech in the Orange Bowl. Stanford should be undefeated until 10/29, when they start a tough three week run, at USC, at Oregon State, and hosting Oregon. That should decide things for the Cards in 2011.

2. Oregon. This team shocked the nation with it's speed oriented offense last season, and the offense returns it's star players. The Ducks do lose 3 starters on the line and two WR's. The defense is Oregon's problem, only returning 4 starters. If Oregon had a weak spot, it was the defense last season. The schedule is no bargain, opening up at Jerry world against LSU, and then playing at Stanford, followed immediately by home games against USC and Oregon State. The trouble with gimmick offenses is that they beome ineffective once they are figured out. Cal and Auburn figured out Oregon's gimmick offense. More teams will be able to do this in 2011.

3. Oregon State. This team would have been able to challenge the top two had it not been for the untimely and strange defenction of Jacquizz Rodgers to the FNL, especially since his borther decided to stay at Oregon State. Still, Oregon State whould have a good offense, with 8 returning starters, including QB Katz. The defense must replace 3 starters on the line, but little more. Oregon State gets a break in the schedule. Their non-con schedule is easier, with only a game at Wisconsin looming large. They also duck USC. The Beavers are the very definition of the word "sleeper" in 2012.

4. Washington. Yes they lose QB Locker, but Washington returns a ton of talent. Only two other losses hit the offense, and a total of three on the defense. Sark has done a good job rebuilding this program. The schedule presents a real challege. The Huskies paly 5 away games, but they are at Nebraska, Utah, Stanford, USC and Oregon State. The USC and Oregon State games are back to back, following a home game aginst Oregon. If Sark can manage this schedule, and continue to improve in recruiting, Washington may be a team to watch in 2012.

5. California. This team is a real puzzle. Tedford's team once again underachieved last season, losing their last 3 games at home, and failed to get to a bowl game for the first time in 7 years. On top of all of this, Cal loses QB Riley and RB Vereen on offense, plus two others. The defense returns 7 starters, but loses two starters on their three man front line. Their non-con schedule is not set as of yet, but Cal does play at Oregon and then hosts USC on back to back Thrusdays, and finishes the season at Stanford and Arizona State. Someting is wrong with the chemestry on this team. Tedford's seat has to be very hot now.

6. Washington State. This team won only two games last season, but managed to show improvment, going 6-4-1 ATS. Wazzu returns 7 starters on offense and defense. QB Tuel showed some promise last season. Non-con games against Idaho State and UNLV at home to start the season should get the Cougs off to a good start this season. They also go to Pac 12 South also-rans UCLA and Colorado. Make no mistake about it. Wazzu still has a long ways to go to become competitive, but the schedule this year allows them to possibly win 3 or 4 games, which would equal or exceed their total for the last two seasons.

[BigdaddyQH]

Early Look: Pac 12 South

The Pac 12 South will feature the two new teams in the Conference. These picks are assuming that USC does NOT wil their appeal to the NCAA. If they do win, things could be different. With that in mind, here goes.

1. Arizona State. This team finished hot last season. The Devils return 10 starters on offense, including QB Threet. Points should be no problem for them. The defense returns 9 starters, but takes two losses on the line. The schedule has a game at Oregon, but no Stanford, and USC at home. ASU lost 4 games by a total of 11 points last season. If ASU can continue the momentum that they built up at the end of last season, they have to be considered one of the favorites to win the Pac 10 South.

2. USC. The enigma of the Pac 12 South. USC loses 7 players that were listed as starters on the offense last season, but they played so many players that the effect is hard to measure. QB Barkley and a great group of WR's return. The defense loses 4 starters, but should be an improved group. USC lost 3 games by a total of 7 points last season, and played only 45 scholarship players during part of the season. The NCAA appeal looms large. If USC wins that appeal, look out. If they lose, the question will be if they can put it together for another year minus a bowl appearance.

3. Utah. One of the new kids on the block. Utah loses 4 starters on offense, but QB Wynn returns. The defense loses 6 starters, and will have to rebuild the line and secondary. The schedule is not bad at all, with a game at USC being the only major away test in the division. Utah also skips Oregon and Stanford. Utah started red hot last season, only to disappoint at the end of the year. If H.C. Wittingham can get it back together this season, Utah has a shot at winning this division.

4. Arizona. This team unexcusably tanked at the end of last season, losing their last 5 games. That is simply not acceptable. QB Foles returns on the offense, but only has 3 other starters joining him. The line will be a major rebuilding project. The defense returns 6 starters, but also must rebuild the line. The schedule is brutal, with games at Oklahoma State, USC, Washington, Oregon State, and Arizona State, plus home games against Oregon and Stanford. H.C. Stoops has his work cut out for him this season if he wants to make Arizona a legitimate contender on the South.

5. Colorado. The other new kid on the block enters the Pac 12 with a new H.C. and a new outlook. The Buffs return 8 starters on an ofense that was very inconsistant last season. The defense returns 6 starters, but loses both CB's and two LB's. Their schedule is not easy, with games at Hawaii, Ohio State, Stanford, and new rival Utah, and home games against Oegon and USC. Colorado did manage 5 wins last season. While they are not up to challenging for the Pac 12 South title, they are capable of an upset or two, especially in Boulder.

6. UCLA. This team is in coaching chaos. Neuheisel still does not have a complete coaching staff, as of this writing. He is still looking for a D.C, and other assistant coaches. UCLA only loses two starters from the offense, but the problem is that the 9 returning starters are not very good. The defense returns 8 starters, but loses it's three best players. The schedule features games at Oregon State, Stanford, Utah, and USC, but does not have Oregon on it. With all of these returning starters, one would think that UCLA would finish much higher in the Division, but with Neuheisels record (7-3 vs non-con teams and 8-19 vs conference teams), and all of the turmoil at UCLA, plus a terrible recruiting year, UCLA could well finish dead last in the South.

[BigdaddyQH]

The predictions above were all made in February by myself and my staff. A lot hs changed since, and we will be updating these predictions in August, just before the season starts. These were reposted here because my good friend Workhorse and the Mules requested it.

[WorkHorse]

Thanks BD for reposting this resource in the Notebook. Great information by you sir.

[BigdaddyQH]

Thanks BD for reposting this resource in the Notebook. Great information by you sir.

Any time Workhorse. Anything I can do. Remember that these were originally posted way back in February. We hope to have an update in August.

[WorkHorse]

KENTUCKY
Four starters on the offensive line return to assist new starting quarterback Morgan Newton this season. Newton filled in for Mike Hartline as a spot starter the past two years. During the spring drills, Newton impressed the coaching staff with his consistency and improved accuracy and it is hoped these skills will carry over into the fall.

Randall Cobb, Derrick Locke and Chris Matthews accounted for 32 of the Wildcats' 53 touchdowns last year. They're all gone now, leaving a huge void in the playmaking department. Sophomore running back Raymond Sanders was one of the stars of the spring and looks like he's ready to step in for Locke, but there were as many dropped passes as there were big plays from the receivers.

On defense, Kentucky managed just 21 sacks in 13 games last season, finishing tied for 10th in the SEC. Bottom line is the Wildcats need to do better job of harrassing the quarterback. First year defensive coordinator Rick Minter installed a multi-look defense designed for getting the best athletes in a position to make more plays and help create more turnovers. The trick now is playing that way in the games.

With a good offensive line and three really good running backs, I look for Kentucky to lean heavily on the run this season. Again, much will depend on how new quarterback Morgan Newton performs this year.

[WorkHorse]

KENTUCKY'S 2011 SCHEDULE

Sept. 1, Western Kentucky (Nashville)
Sept. 10, Central Michigan
Sept. 17, Louisville
Sept. 24, Florida
Oct. 1, at LSU
Oct. 8, at South Carolina
Oct. 22, Jacksonville State
Oct. 29, Mississippi State
Nov. 5, Ole Miss
Nov. 12, at Vanderbilt
Nov. 19, at Georgia
Nov. 26, Tennessee

[WorkHorse]

Bigdaddy, my best friend Shorty and I just read through your entire post. Damn good and solid early information especially from a California guy. Noted: *** He married a SMART southern girl.***

Our gang had no Tuesday outing tonight, health problems for a couple so we just passed on tonight. I read through the entire Notebook. Some good information and some stupid sillyness and most of the sillyness envolves me and the 'cold ones'. Mean no harm to anyone unless you mean to harm college football.

Thanks loyal posters...................

[cant call it]

Auburn always in the light.
Onterrio mccalebb arrested for driving without proper license or without a tag.
He had to spend 24 hours in jail over this?

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/05/auburns_mccalebb_arrested_for.html

[BigdaddyQH]

Yes I did. I married a smart Southern Girl, who was born in West Point Ga, and grew up in Jacksons Gap Alabama. Her two favorite teams are #1. Georgia. #2. Auburn. She also likes Alabama and Southern Miss. Obviously she roots for any Southern team over a "Yankee" team.

[jwbama23]

Yes I did. I married a smart Southern Girl, who was born in West Point Ga, and grew up in Jacksons Gap Alabama. Her two favorite teams are #1. Georgia. #2. Auburn. She also likes Alabama and Southern Miss. Obviously she roots for any Southern team over a "Yankee" team.

sounds like a good woman BigDaddy. I just married a yankee who I turned into a huge SEC/Alabama fan. She will watch any SEC football game anytime no questions asked. Makes my Saturdays a little more peaceful, except when I want to go watch the games with my friends then she has to watch them alone.

[WorkHorse]

WISCONSIN
Senior running back Zack Brown will not return to the football team in 2011 and will look to transfer. Brown is scheduled to graduate in August and will eligible to play immediately at a Division 1-A school, provided he enters into a graduate program not offered by his former school. During his three year career, Brown rushed for 1,152 yards and eleven touchdowns.

GEORGIA
Bulldog offensive lineman A.J. Harmon has decided to transfer from the program. The redshirt junior had been vying for a starting job on the right side of the line this past spring, but exited the sessions as the No. 2 right tackle. He was the No. 2 guard in the country according to Rivals and was given a four-star rating coming out of high school in Louisville, Georgia.

PENN STATE
Defensive lineman Brandown Ware will be transferring for personal reasons. The truth is Ware would be academically ineligible for the 2011 season. Ware is likely to transfer down to a lower level division school. The 340 pound Ware played in 11 games last season.

AUBURN
Running back Onterio McCalebb was arrested May 14 in Georgia and was charged with driving an unregistered vehicle...no tag and no drivers license. Last season, McCalebb was third on the team in rushing with 810 yards and 9 touchdowns.

NEVADA
Wolf Pack head coach Chris Ault announced yesterday that Casey Moore has been name his new running back coach. Moore will replace Jim Mastro, who spent eleven years with Ault before moving on to UCLA this past February as running game coordinator. Moore started 44 games with Stanford during his college career.

MICHIGAN
Former Wolverine coach Lloyd Carr was introduced as part of the 2011 College Football Hall of Fame Class yesterday. Carr retired after the 2007 season with a record of 122-40 and a national championship in 1997. Carr ran a clean program at Michigan and then came his successor Rich Rodriguez who didn't. I never fully understood why Carr stepped down at Michigan.

[The DiB]

Things seem to be getting worse by the day for Georgia. Their offensive line depth is pretty weak right now.

[jackpot269]

Great thread good info thanks this is one of a kind !

[WorkHorse]

NCAA HEAD COACHES WITH THE MOST VICTORIES (ACTIVE THUR 2010)

1. John Gagliardi, 478-129-11, .782, Carroll (1949-52), St. Johns, MN. (1953-2010)
2. Joe Paterno, 408-165-15, .707, Penn State (1966-210)
3. Larry Kehres, 303-23-3, .926, Mount Union (1986-2010)
4. Ken Sparks, 294-74-2, .797, Carson-Newman (1980-2010)
5. Hank Biesiot, 250-97-1, .720, Dickinson State (1976-2010)
6. Bob Ford, 247-174-1, .586, St. Lawrence (1965-68), Alabany (1973-2010)
7. Kevin Donley, 245-113-1, .684, Anderson, IN (1978-1981), Georgetown, KY (1982-92), California, PA (1993-96), St. Francis, IN (1998-2010)
8. Mel Tjeerdsma, 242-82-4, .744, Austin (1984-93), Northwest Missouri St. (1994-2010)
9. Jim Tressel, 241-79-2, .752, Youngstown St. (1986-2000), Ohio St. (2001-2010)
10. Frank Beamer, 240-118-4, .669, Murray St. ((1981-86), Virginia Tech (1987-2010)
11. Willard Bailey, 230-149-7, .607, Virginia Union (1971-83), Norfolk St. (1984-92), St. Paul's (2005-2010)
12. Dennis Douds, 229-154-3, .597, East Stroudsburg (1974-2010)
13. Jerry Moore, 226-127-2, .639, North Texas (1979-80), Texas Tech (1981-85), Appalachian State (1989-2010)
14. Joe Taylor, 222-86-4, .718, Howard (1983), Virginia Union (1984-91), Hampton (1992-07), Florida A&M (2008-2010)
15. Mack Brown, 219-108-1, .669, Appalachian St. (1983), Tulane (1985-87), North Carolian (1988-97), Texas (1998-2010)
16. Chris Ault, 219-97-1, .692, Nevada (1976-1992), (1994-95), & (2004-2010)
17. Al Bagnoli, 217-76-0, .741, Union, NY (1982-91), Pennsylvania (1992-2010)
18. Andy Tally, 216-125-2, .633, St. Lawrence (1979-83), Villanova (1985-2010)
19. John Luckhardt, 215-67-2, .761, Washington & Jefferson (1982-98), California, PA (2002-2010)
20. Jimmy Laycock, 208-145-2, .589, William & Mary (1980-2010)

*Check out Larry Kehres at Mount Union. I don't care if you are coaching Pee-Wee football, that guy's record is impressive. He's won more college football national titles than any other coach.

*Check out Joe Paterno at Penn State. Forty-five years as head coach at one school. Amazing!