Will 2012 Be Better, Worse or More of the Same for Every BCS Conference Program

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With signing day around the corner, programs are looking to fill their needs and try to secure that big recruit that could help take their program to the next level.

Now that the 2011 season is behind us, fans will begin to look at their teams' schedule and likely roster and begin to wonder how 2012 will shake out for them.

Based on returning starters and schedule, here is a look at ever BCS team and if they will end up doing better, worse or the same in 2012. 

 

Joe Penkala is a B/R National Featured Columnist who covers college football. You can contact him @joepenkala.

Clemson

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Last year, Clemson went 10-4 but were completely embarrassed in the Orange Bowl against West Virginia.

While the loss was tough, Clemson has a lot of young talent and should bounce back for an even better 2012.

Verdict: Better

Florida State

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Much like last year, Florida State will enter the season with high expectations and will likely have a good preseason rank to start with. While the out of conference isn't as difficult as last year, an early-season home win over West Virginia would go a long way.

Verdict: Better

Wake Forest

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While last year started off great for the Demon Deacons, the last half of the season was a train wreck. If Wake Forest and Jim Grobe can close out the year better in 2012, things will move forward for this program.

Verdict: Better

NC State

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In year one without Russell Wilson, things seemed to go as well possible for NC State and they ended the season at 8-5. Look for Tom O'Brien's program to go backwards this year, as many expected them to do last year. 

Verdict: Worse

Boston College

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Boston College has fallen off, and things are not going to get turned around in 2012.

Without the needed depth on offense and defense, Boston College will remain near the bottom of the Atlantic division. 

Verdict: Worse

Maryland

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Year one did not go well for Randy Edsall and Maryland. Despite the lack of success, the talent is there and Edsall should begin to turn this program back around and certainly improve on last year's 2-10 record.

Verdict: Better

Virginia Tech

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Seems like every year Frank Beamer fields a great team, but after two losses to Clemson and a loss to Michigan, it looks like the Hokies could take a step backwards this season.

Verdict: Worse

Virginia

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Mike London did an impressive job with Virginia this past season and even had them in position to win the division late in the year. Despite how well things went in 2011, look for the Cavs to take a small step back in 2012.

Verdict: Worse

Georgia Tech

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Despite their 6-0 start last year, Georgia Tech could only manage an eight-win season. While they may not get off to the same type of start, look for Paul Johnson's offense to have a more complete 2012 season.

Verdict: Better

Duke

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During the 2011 season, Duke went on a three-game win streak and started to turn some heads around the nation. Even with the winning streak, Duke ended the season 3-9, and you will get more of where that came from in 2012.

Verdict: More of the same

Miami

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Every year, Miami fans have waited for the program to take a step back towards national prominence and as of late, the fans have been let down in a big way.

Despite an average 2011, Al Golden appears to have this team going in the right direction. 

Verdict: Better

North Carolina

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North Carolina was another ACC team to get off to a hot start and another to fizzle down the stretch. If the Tar Heels hope to get things turned around, they are going to need a better season from their offense. 

Verdict: More of the same

West Virginia

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The way that the Mountaineers closed out this season has to have their fans excited at the prospects of next year. They should be the favorite to win the Big East once again, and with the amount of talent on offense, things should be even better for West Virginia in 2012.

Verdict: Better

South Florida

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South Florida may have been one of the most underachieving teams in the nation last year. After a huge win the opening week at South Bend, the Bulls would jump out to a 4-0 start, only to win one game the remainder of the season.

If quarterback B.J. Daniels can do a better job in his final season, they should be the major competitor in the Big East.

Verdict: Better

Louisville

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Louisville was the other team involved in the three-way tie for the conference win and things look bright for this program.

Last year, Teddy Bridgewater took a lot of snaps as a freshman quarterback and did well. If he is able to progress through the offseason, the Cardinals could give West Virginia a run for their money.

Verdict: Much of the same

Rutgers

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Rutgers closed out the 2011 season by winning four out of their last five games and appear to be back on track under Greg Schiano. Behind a young and talented defense, look for the Scarlet Knights to be towards the top of the conference standings.

Verdict: Better

Cincinnati

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Despite a good season and earning a share of the Big East crown, Cincinnati lost out on a BCS game due to the tie breakers that were in place.

While 2011 may have been good, 2012 may be going in the other direction as Zach Collaros graduates, leaving some question marks at quarterback.

Verdict: Worse

Syracuse

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Going only 1-6 in conference play was definitely a step back for Syracuse this past season. What makes things worse for the Orange is they will lose starting quarterback Ryan Nassib, and will likely suffer a setback even with the bar being low. 

Verdict: Worse

Connecticut

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Without the depth of talent on offense and defense, Connecticut floundered to a 5-7 season in 2011. The same issues surfaces this season, and could lead to the Huskies having a similarly unimpressive season. 

Verdict: Much of the same

Pittsburgh

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Pittsburgh continues to be competitive but not a serious challenger for the conference crown. While they had hoped that the time and effort invested into Tino Sunseri would pay off, it appears that Panther fans may see much of the same in his last season.

Verdict: More of the same

Oklahoma

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Despite a relatively disappointing 2011, Sooner fans are excited at the prospect of Landry Jones returning to school for his senior season at Oklahoma.

While the Sooners will lose some talent to the NFL, the cupboard is full and the Sooners should have a better showing in 2012.

Verdict: Better

TCU

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Despite not having Andy Dalton last season, TCU surprised some people and had a strong season in 2011.

Now in the Big 12, TCU will once again have to adjust and despite having the talent to compete, 2012 may be a rough season for the Horned Frogs as they settle into conference play. 

Verdict: Worse

Kansas State

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Last year, Kansas State stunned most people around the nation and had an outstanding season. With both John Hubert and Collin Klein returning this year, Kansas State should be the major competitor to Oklahoma for the conference title. 

Verdict: More of the same

Texas

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After returning to a bowl game, Texas appears to have a young nucleolus of players that could lead them back to competing for the Big 12 championship. One thing they need to figure out is who is the true leader of their offense and then continue to develop Malcolm Brown at running back.  

Verdict: Better

Oklahoma State

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The sad thing for Oklahoma State fans is that the 2011 season will always be the season of what if. Now with Brandon Weedon and Justin Blackmon gone, the Cowboys will have to rebuild an offense that could have likely given one of the SEC giants a run for their money.

Verdict: Worse

Texas Tech

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Another Big 12 team to suffer from a big-win hangover was Texas Tech. Tech managed to earn a huge win on the road at Oklahoma, but then followed it up by dropping the last five games of the season and missing a bowl game.

With Seth Doege back at quarterback, it is hard to believe that the Red Raiders cannot take a step forward and avoid last year's pitfall. 

Verdict: Better

Baylor

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Simply put, Robert Griffin III led the Bears to a special season last year, but with him turning pro, it is almost a sure thing that Baylor will take a step back in 2012.

Without Griffin under center, the Bears will have to look elsewhere for both leadership and points. 

Verdict: Worse

Iowa State

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After pulling off a stunning upset of Oklahoma State last season, Iowa State seemed to cash in their chips as they failed to win another game. While they do have some major contributors on both sides of the ball returning, last year's 6-7 record may be as good as it gets for the Cyclones. 

Verdict: More of the same

Kansas

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No matter how you slice it, last year was an awful season for the Jayhawks and not much is going to change in 2012. With a lack of talent on both sides of the ball, Kansas will continue to get beat up in conference and will struggle to surpass the two wins they had last year. 

Verdict: More of the same

Notre Dame

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Over the past two years, Brian Kelly has not been able to help Notre Dame take that next step that the program has desired.

In 2012, the Irish will still be successful but are missing the talent to take that next step.

Verdict: More of the same

Michigan State

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Mark Dantonio has done an amazing job of turning the Michigan State program around and has kept them in competition for conference championships. Despite some big losses on offense, the Spartans defense should be enough to carry them back to the Big 10 title game.

Verdict: Much of the same

Michigan

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Last year's success had a lot to do with the schedule that Michigan had in front of them. This year, things get kicked up a notch right from the start, as the Wolverines take on Alabama in the first week of the season. 

Verdict: Worse

Iowa

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With the addition of Nebraska and both Michigan schools finding success, Iowa has been pushed to the middle of the Big 10 pack.

In 2012, Iowa will need both James Vandenberg and Marcus Coker to take another step in their development and help them compete for a division title. 

Verdict: Better

Nebraska

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Last year was a feeling-out process for Nebraska as they spent their first year in the Big 10. After a 9-4 season, Nebraska returns with Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead, which should help them compete to win the Legends division. 

Verdict: Better

Northwestern

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Last season was a season of runs for the Wildcats. Northwestern started off the year 2-0 and then lost five straight, only to respond with four straight wins to become bowl eligible. With the loss of Dan Persa, look for the Wildcats to be home during the bowl season and taking a step back to rebuild. 

Verdict: Worse

Minnesota

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In 2012, Minnesota needs to find better production out of their offense. They managed only three wins last year, two coming in conference, and the major struggle they faced was putting points on the board. That issues will likely linger this year until Jerry Kill is able to get some of his recruits on the field.

Verdict: More of the same

Wisconsin

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Despite losing Russell Wilson, the Badgers will still be able to lean on the talent and skills of Montee Ball. With the running back back in the fold, the Badgers should win their division and make a return trip to the Big 10 title game. 

Verdict: Much of the same

Ohio State

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6-7 at Ohio State is unheard of. With the recent hire of Urban Meyer, the Buckeyes certainly have the talent to move forward in 2012.

The only thing that will limit the growth of the Buckeyes is remaining motivated without the ability to go to a bowl game.

Verdict: Better

Penn State

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The biggest challenge for Penn State is now off the field. Penn State ran into a lot of off-the-field issues that have left the program in question.

In order to maintain a competitive status in the Big 10, they must find a way to combat the off-the-field image they now have. 

Verdict: Worse

Illinois

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Despite the complete collapse in 2011, Illinois does have the talent to step up and be one of the competitors to Wisconsin in the Leaders division. With Ohio State being ineligible for postseason play, Illinois needs to take advantage and put themselves in a position to win the division.

Verdict: More of the same

Indiana

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After a 1-11 season and going without a win in conference, the Hoosiers are simply not a competitive team and that is not going to change after one year. 

Verdict: More of the same

Purdue

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Consistency is what stood in the way for Purdue last year. During the regular season, the Boilermakers were unable to string together two straight wins and it led to a 6-6 record.

If they hope to improve, they must learn from last year's mistakes and correct them from the start of camp.

Verdict: More of the same

Oregon

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In 2011, the Ducks went 12-2 and ended up winning their third straight conference title and also the Rose Bowl. Despite losing Darron Thomas and LaMichael James, Oregon seems to be loaded at the skill positions and fans can expect more of the same from the Ducks.

Verdict: More of the same

Washington

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With the talent in the Pac-12 North, Washington is prepared to take a step forward despite losing Chris Polk to the NFL Draft. After a 7-6 season, the Huskies should have no problem taking a step forward. 

Verdict: Better

Cal

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For the past few years, Cal has become very quiet in the Pac-12 and has been overshadowed by the success of Stanford and Oregon.

Despite Oregon remaining towards the top of the division, Cal should begin to close the gap on Washington and Stanford this year. 

Verdict: Better

Oregon State

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Based on the way 2011 went, it would be hard for the Beavers to have a worse season than they had this past year. After only getting three wins, the Beavers have enough returning talent to push towards becoming bowl eligible again.

Verdict: Better

Stanford

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When you lose Andrew Luck as your quarterback, it would be hard for the Cardinal to not take a step backwards. David Shaw has his hands full, as he must now look to replace Luck while keeping the program competitive. 

Verdict: Worse

Washington State

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For the Washington State Cougars, they simply are looking for Jeff Tuel to remain healthy. On top of a healthy Tuel, the Cougars have gone out and hired Mike Leach, who may be able to do wonders for this team.

Verdict: Better

USC

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On top of having a weak out-of-conference schedule, the Trojans are playing in the weak Pac-12 South, which has given them a golden opportunity to aim for an undefeated season.

Verdict: Better

Arizona State

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Last year Arizona State had the talent to take care of the Pac-12 South but feel apart at the end of the year. With all of the change that has already occurred, the Sun Devils will be looking at going backwards before taking a step forward.

Verdict: Worse

Arizona

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Things went so bad last year that the Wildcats were forced to part ways with head coach Mike Stoops. With the loss of Nick Foles, the Wildcats are in store for another rough season in the Pac-12. 

Verdict: Worse

UCLA

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Despite their 6-6 record, the sanctions against USC allowed UCLA to back into the Pac-12 title game. That experience will be their last for a while.

The program is going through a lot of changes, and if not for the weakness of the division, UCLA would be heading backwards.

Verdict: More of the same

Colorado

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For Colorado fans looking for good news, turn the other way. Colorado really struggled in the Pac-12 last year, and will continue to do so in 2012. Look for Colorado to show us more of the same during the upcoming season.

Verdict: More of the same

Utah

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Despite the poor start to their conference experience, Utah appeared to be getting more comfortable as the season went on, and actually had a chance to win the division in the last week of the season.

With a good amount of returning starters on both sides of the ball, look for Utah to remain competitive.

Verdict: Better

South Carolina

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Despite the loss of Marcus Lattimore and transitioning to Connor Shaw, South Carolina still finished out the season strong. With the return of both players, South Carolina is poised to win their division and take a shot at the SEC title.

Verdict: Better

Georgia

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Despite their 0-2 start to the season, Georgia ran the table the rest of the way and ended up in the SEC Championship.

While the Bulldogs return a lot of talent, I do not see things working out as smoothly. While their record may be similar, they likely will not end up in the SEC title game again.

Verdict: More of the same

Florida

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After a 7-6 season, it is hard to imagine next year going worse for the Gators. With the recruiting class shaping up nicely, look for Florida to start to regain their grip on the SEC East, but at this point, they are not a serious conference contender. 

Verdict: More of the same

Tennessee

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This is the year that Tennessee should start to see some serious promise with young players they have been bringing along. The defense has some depth, and with Tyler Bray at quarterback and Da'Rick Rogers out wide, the Vols will score some points this year.

Verdict: Better

Missouri

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Missouri is stepping into a whole new world this year, playing in the SEC.

While they will be able to compete with teams like Kentucky, Vanderbilt and maybe Tennessee, Missouri will have a rough couple of seasons before they can get things turned around.

Verdict: Worse

Vanderbilt

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Last year was a good season for Vanderbilt and is definitely something to build off in the future. In 2012, they have both Jordan Rodgers and Zac Stacy returning, which should continue to keep them competitive with their ability to put up points. 

Verdict: More of the same

Kentucky

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Last year, the Wildcats ended the season with five wins and ended up falling short of a bowl berth. With the extremely strong talent in the SEC, Kentucky will once again struggle to become bowl eligible and will likely fall short once again. 

Verdict: Worse

Arkansas

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Last year, Arkansas was faced with the task of playing both LSU and Alabama on the road. This year, the roles are reversed and the Razorbacks have both Tyler Wilson and Knile Davis back for the 2012 season. 

Verdict: Better

Alabama

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Despite missing out on the conference crown, Alabama got into the BCS national title game and took advantage of it. While the defense will remain strong, the loss of Trent Richardson will cause Alabama to take a small step backwards. 

Verdict: Worse

LSU

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Last year, LSU was 13-0 and looking at one of the best seasons in college football history. With their loss to Alabama, that all came to an end.

While LSU will be as competitive as last year, look for a small step back because it would be tough to have that good of a season twice in a row.

Verdict: Worse

Texas A&M

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Much like Missouri, Texas A&M is going to need a year to adapt to SEC football and understand the type of football it will take to win consistently in conference.

While the comeback losses were hard to swallow in 2011, things will likely take a step back this year before Texas A&M can move forward. 

Verdict: Worse

Auburn

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Auburn fans are now a year removed from their national title and after an 8-5 2011, the Tiger fans may be seeing more of the same this year. With Alabama, LSU and Arkansas all in front of them, Auburn will likely be looking at another four- or five-loss season, especially with the loss of Michael Dyer.

Verdict: More of the same

Ole Miss

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0-8 in conference and 2-10 overall is how things went for the Rebels in 2011. Along with an awful season, they once against lost to rival Mississippi State. Despite any changes, Ole Miss is in store for another long season as the depth on both sides of the ball still is not there.

Verdict: More of the same

Mississippi State

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While winning a bowl game and beating Ole Miss was good, Dan Mullen needs to find a way to move this program forward. That needs to start with winning in conference, as the Bulldogs only managed to win two conference games last year. 

Verdict: More of the same