#12 Georgia Tech
2009-2010: 11-3...lost to Iowa in Orange Bowl
The Ramblin' Wreck reached the orange bowl last year, but could not take down Iowa in the game. Paul Johnson brought immediate excitement when he came to Georgia Tech, boasting a triple-option attack that brought success to the Naval Academy and now Georgia Tech. This season he has Quarterback Josh Nesbitt back. Nesbitt ran for over 1,000 yards last year, and is the Boise State of Heisman hopefuls, hoping to break open the party. Lining up behind Nesbitt is Fullback Anthony Allen and taking Johnathan Dwyer's spot at Running Back will most likely be speedster Roddy Jones. The ACC isn't as favorable as it has been in years past and Georgia Tech plays in the much more difficult Coastal Division, which carries four teams with an opportunity to win the conference, but they have as good as any other team to be visiting Miami for the Orange Bowl this season.
2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: Thursday November 4th at Virginia Tech (Georgia Tech wants to beat Virginia Tech for a key road win that can lead to a BCS berth via at-large)
Predicted record: 9-3, 6-2 (losses at Virginia Tech, versus Miami Florida, and at Georgia)
Monday, August 9, 2010
#13 USC
#13 Southern California
2009-2010: 9-4...defeated Boston College in Emerald Bowl
USC doesn't have much to play for this year. Reggie Bush has all but completely slammed the door on USC's 2010-2011 campaign. The Trojans cannot play for a bowl game even if they go undefeated throughout their 13 game season. Despite this, many Trojans say they will go all out just to preserve the tradition of the university. Matt Barkley returns for his second year at the helm and as always USC brings in a plethora of high ranked recruits. Lane Kiffin comes over from Tennessee to help the Trojans from one of their darkest hours. The only question this year for USC to have a great year is motivation, which will be hard to find.
2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: November 20th at Oregon State (USC may not have any motive to win this season, but they could ruin Oregon State's Rose Bowl bid with a win)
Predicted Record: 10-3, 6-3 (losses at Stanford, at Arizona, and at Oregon State)
2009-2010: 9-4...defeated Boston College in Emerald Bowl
USC doesn't have much to play for this year. Reggie Bush has all but completely slammed the door on USC's 2010-2011 campaign. The Trojans cannot play for a bowl game even if they go undefeated throughout their 13 game season. Despite this, many Trojans say they will go all out just to preserve the tradition of the university. Matt Barkley returns for his second year at the helm and as always USC brings in a plethora of high ranked recruits. Lane Kiffin comes over from Tennessee to help the Trojans from one of their darkest hours. The only question this year for USC to have a great year is motivation, which will be hard to find.
2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: November 20th at Oregon State (USC may not have any motive to win this season, but they could ruin Oregon State's Rose Bowl bid with a win)
Predicted Record: 10-3, 6-3 (losses at Stanford, at Arizona, and at Oregon State)
Friday, August 6, 2010
#14 Wisconsin
#14 Wisconsin
2009-2010: 10-3...defeated Miami in Champs Sports Bowl
Wisconsin comes into a season where the Big 10 may be stronger than the SEC ( :O ). The Badgers feature one of the best teams they have had in recent memory (which for me is like the last two years, but I digress, again). Running Back John Clay is the darkest of Heisman horses, but he is exactly that, running in the Clydesdale Division. Clay can carry the Badgers offense, but he doesn't have to. Wisconsin has ever improving Quarterback Scott Tolzien who threw for over 2,700 yards last year (2,705) and a junior Wide Receiver who can threaten for 1st team all-Big 10 this year in Nick Toon. Wisconsin may be overshadow by Ohio State, Iowa, and Joe Paterno (I mean Penn State), but they may be better than all three teams...and they are the only ones that don't have to play the other three (they miss out on Penn State).
2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: October 16th at Iowa (Many look to the week before versus OSU as Wisconsin's key game, but every team is bound to slip up in the Big-10 this year, Wisconsin cannot afford to lose this game to Iowa if they want to smell roses.)
Predicted Record: 11-1, 7-1 (loss versus Ohio State)
2009-2010: 10-3...defeated Miami in Champs Sports Bowl
Wisconsin comes into a season where the Big 10 may be stronger than the SEC ( :O ). The Badgers feature one of the best teams they have had in recent memory (which for me is like the last two years, but I digress, again). Running Back John Clay is the darkest of Heisman horses, but he is exactly that, running in the Clydesdale Division. Clay can carry the Badgers offense, but he doesn't have to. Wisconsin has ever improving Quarterback Scott Tolzien who threw for over 2,700 yards last year (2,705) and a junior Wide Receiver who can threaten for 1st team all-Big 10 this year in Nick Toon. Wisconsin may be overshadow by Ohio State, Iowa, and Joe Paterno (I mean Penn State), but they may be better than all three teams...and they are the only ones that don't have to play the other three (they miss out on Penn State).
2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: October 16th at Iowa (Many look to the week before versus OSU as Wisconsin's key game, but every team is bound to slip up in the Big-10 this year, Wisconsin cannot afford to lose this game to Iowa if they want to smell roses.)
Predicted Record: 11-1, 7-1 (loss versus Ohio State)
#15 Oklahoma
#15 Oklahoma
2009-2010: 8-5...defeated Stanford in Sun Bowl
Sam Bradford darted at his opportunity to be the overall #1 pick in the NFL Draft after missing 11 of the Sooners 13 games last year (and finishing zero). Oklahoma's promising 2009-10 campaign was derailed when BYU injured Bradford on opening week (and even lacked the decency to allow the Sooners to win the game). The only positive thing coming out of Bradford's shoulder situation was boat loads of playing time for Freshman Landry Jones. So maybe the Sooners did not contend for the championship or even the Big 12 title. Maybe the finished in the prestigious Brut Sun Bowl...the injury can still be worthwhile...wait.......I digress. Oklahoma come into this season looking to do what they always do, pass. Just like every other team in the vastly overrated Big 12, Oklahoma loves to pass. This strategy has benefited in the regular season, but where are the BCS Bowl wins? If Oklahoma expects to win any BCS Bowls, I suggest they use Senior Running Back DeMarco Murry to his full potential, the way Texas did with Selvin Young in 2005, that team did pretty well.
2010-2011 Outlook
Key Game: October 2nd versus Texas in Dallas (The Red River Rivalry seems to be the deciding factor in the winner of the Big 12 South (in other words the Big 12))
Predicted Record: 9-3, 6-2 (losses at Cincinnati, versus Texas, and at Missouri)
2009-2010: 8-5...defeated Stanford in Sun Bowl
Sam Bradford darted at his opportunity to be the overall #1 pick in the NFL Draft after missing 11 of the Sooners 13 games last year (and finishing zero). Oklahoma's promising 2009-10 campaign was derailed when BYU injured Bradford on opening week (and even lacked the decency to allow the Sooners to win the game). The only positive thing coming out of Bradford's shoulder situation was boat loads of playing time for Freshman Landry Jones. So maybe the Sooners did not contend for the championship or even the Big 12 title. Maybe the finished in the prestigious Brut Sun Bowl...the injury can still be worthwhile...wait.......I digress. Oklahoma come into this season looking to do what they always do, pass. Just like every other team in the vastly overrated Big 12, Oklahoma loves to pass. This strategy has benefited in the regular season, but where are the BCS Bowl wins? If Oklahoma expects to win any BCS Bowls, I suggest they use Senior Running Back DeMarco Murry to his full potential, the way Texas did with Selvin Young in 2005, that team did pretty well.
2010-2011 Outlook
Key Game: October 2nd versus Texas in Dallas (The Red River Rivalry seems to be the deciding factor in the winner of the Big 12 South (in other words the Big 12))
Predicted Record: 9-3, 6-2 (losses at Cincinnati, versus Texas, and at Missouri)
Thursday, August 5, 2010
#16 Pittsburgh
#16 Pittsburgh
2009-2010: 10-3...defeated North Carolina in the Meineke Bowl
Pittsburgh comes into 2010 as the favorite to win the ever questionable Big East. A heartbreaking loss to rival Cincinnati ended the Panthers hopes of being the Big East Champs last year. This year, Pitt hopes to once again ride the back of Half Back Dion Lewis to the Orange Bowl. Lewis ran for over 1,600 yards as a freshman after not being highly ranked as a recruit. Lewis is definitely a front runner for this years Heisman hunt. As is customary for Dave Wannstedt (and all football in the city of Pittsburgh) a strong defensive corp is featured. Pitt's offensive will go as far as Lewis can carry them. The Panthers and the faithful who show up for the college games at Heinz Field hope the 5'8" back can carry them to Miami and an opportunity for a BCS bowl game.
2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: December 4th at Cincinnati (The Bearcats ended the Panthers BCS hopes last year, it may be the Bearcats who thwart Pitt's hopes again)
Predicted Record: 9-3, 5-2 (losses versus Maimi , at Cincinnati, and at Connecticut)
2009-2010: 10-3...defeated North Carolina in the Meineke Bowl
Pittsburgh comes into 2010 as the favorite to win the ever questionable Big East. A heartbreaking loss to rival Cincinnati ended the Panthers hopes of being the Big East Champs last year. This year, Pitt hopes to once again ride the back of Half Back Dion Lewis to the Orange Bowl. Lewis ran for over 1,600 yards as a freshman after not being highly ranked as a recruit. Lewis is definitely a front runner for this years Heisman hunt. As is customary for Dave Wannstedt (and all football in the city of Pittsburgh) a strong defensive corp is featured. Pitt's offensive will go as far as Lewis can carry them. The Panthers and the faithful who show up for the college games at Heinz Field hope the 5'8" back can carry them to Miami and an opportunity for a BCS bowl game.
2010-2011 Outlook:
Key Game: December 4th at Cincinnati (The Bearcats ended the Panthers BCS hopes last year, it may be the Bearcats who thwart Pitt's hopes again)
Predicted Record: 9-3, 5-2 (losses versus Maimi , at Cincinnati, and at Connecticut)
#17 Oregon State
#17 Oregon State
2009-2010: 8-5...lost to BYU in Las Vegas Bowl.
Oregon State looked like the team of destiny in 2009-10. All they had to do was beat Oregon in the great rivalry known as "The Civil War". The Beavers could not be the team of destiny, and Oregon left Autzen Zoo as the Pac-10 champs and headed south to Pasadena. Oregon State returns a bulk of their starters for another run at the Rose Bowl. This includes brothers Jacquizz and James Rodgers. The brothers make up a hefty chunk of the Beavers' offense. With the Rodgers brothers, the starter who replaces Sean Canfield. Oregon State hopes they can ride the 5'7" Rodgers-s to a PAc-10 title as their conference gets weaker thanks to Jeremiah Masoli and Reggie Bush.
2010-2011 Outlook
Key Game: December 4th versus Oregon ("The Civil War" comes to Corvallis this year. It appears this game will once again decide the feeble Pac-10.)
Predicted Record: 9-3, 8-1 (losses versus TCU, at Boise State, and at Washington)
2009-2010: 8-5...lost to BYU in Las Vegas Bowl.
Oregon State looked like the team of destiny in 2009-10. All they had to do was beat Oregon in the great rivalry known as "The Civil War". The Beavers could not be the team of destiny, and Oregon left Autzen Zoo as the Pac-10 champs and headed south to Pasadena. Oregon State returns a bulk of their starters for another run at the Rose Bowl. This includes brothers Jacquizz and James Rodgers. The brothers make up a hefty chunk of the Beavers' offense. With the Rodgers brothers, the starter who replaces Sean Canfield. Oregon State hopes they can ride the 5'7" Rodgers-s to a PAc-10 title as their conference gets weaker thanks to Jeremiah Masoli and Reggie Bush.
2010-2011 Outlook
Key Game: December 4th versus Oregon ("The Civil War" comes to Corvallis this year. It appears this game will once again decide the feeble Pac-10.)
Predicted Record: 9-3, 8-1 (losses versus TCU, at Boise State, and at Washington)
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
#18 Penn State
#18 Penn State
2009-2010: 11-2...defeated LSU in Capital One Bowl
Penn State had a relatively disappointing 2009. They had senior Quarterback Daryll Clark and Junior Half-Back Evan Royster. Their defense was as solid as ever and Joe-Pa and company looked primed to make a run for the Roses or even a BCS National Championship bid. Everything came undone in Beaver Stadium as Iowa upset the Nittany Lions. With Clark gone, Penn State looks to shake up their style. Sophomore Quarterback Kevin Newsome is expected to give Penn State one of the best duel-threat QB's in the nation. With all their leading receivers and Royster returning, Penn State has the chance to be a force on the offensive side of the ball. "Linebacker U" will have the same solid defense as always. If Newsome can be what Joe-Pa and Company expect, this could be another run at the Roses for overlooked Penn State.
2010-2011 Outlook
Key Games: Oct 2 at Iowa (PSU looks to avenge their loss in Happy-Valley as they travel to the pink lockers in Kinnick Stadium as they ease into a softer part of the schedule leading to Ohio Stadium.)
Predicted Record: 9-3, 6-2 (losses at Alabama, at Iowa, and at Ohio State)
2009-2010: 11-2...defeated LSU in Capital One Bowl
Penn State had a relatively disappointing 2009. They had senior Quarterback Daryll Clark and Junior Half-Back Evan Royster. Their defense was as solid as ever and Joe-Pa and company looked primed to make a run for the Roses or even a BCS National Championship bid. Everything came undone in Beaver Stadium as Iowa upset the Nittany Lions. With Clark gone, Penn State looks to shake up their style. Sophomore Quarterback Kevin Newsome is expected to give Penn State one of the best duel-threat QB's in the nation. With all their leading receivers and Royster returning, Penn State has the chance to be a force on the offensive side of the ball. "Linebacker U" will have the same solid defense as always. If Newsome can be what Joe-Pa and Company expect, this could be another run at the Roses for overlooked Penn State.
2010-2011 Outlook
Key Games: Oct 2 at Iowa (PSU looks to avenge their loss in Happy-Valley as they travel to the pink lockers in Kinnick Stadium as they ease into a softer part of the schedule leading to Ohio Stadium.)
Predicted Record: 9-3, 6-2 (losses at Alabama, at Iowa, and at Ohio State)
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