All but one of the starting O-Linemen from last year are returning, so Brandstater will be given the time to pick apart defenses and let his playmakers make plays. The O-Line will be the strongest part of the team, and if they open up holes for Mathews, he will have a very successful year.
Although the Bulldogs lose top tackler Marcus Riley (132 tackles), they return seven starters, three of which are junior defensive backs.
Fresno is known for its speed and athleticism and finds a way to win bowl games, winning four out of their last five.
The Bulldogs do not have an easy schedule—they travel to Rutgers in the first week and two weeks later host Wisconsin, who have a great rushing attack in P.J. Hill and an experienced O-Line. Two weeks after Wisconsin, the Bulldogs travel to UCLA, then host the always dangerous Hawaii offensive attack the following week.
In the final regular season game, the Bulldogs trek to Boise for a much-anticipated battle with the WAC championship possibly in the grasp. If the Bulldogs put some wins together in the early part of the season, they will run the table and beat Boise.
Projected Record: 11-2 (two-and-a-half games over assigned total)
Oklahoma
Over/Under Odds: 10 wins
The Sooners are led by gunslinger Sam Bradford, who was the most efficient passer in college football last season, boasting 36 TD passes to only eight interceptions. It helps to have receivers of the likes of Juaquin Iglesias (907 yards) and TE Jermaine Gresham (11 TD receptions), both of whom are returning.
Bradford is also elated to welcome back all of his starting offensive line, which is the main reason why I believe the Sooners will be very successful this year. The O-Line is massive up front, averaging 6'5" and 317 pounds. Last year the line opened holes for 191 rushing yards per game and only allowed 14 sacks all season.
Led by LG Duke Robinson and LT Phil Loadbolt, the Sooners O-Line has combined for 130 starts, which is the most in the NCAA this year. Look for sophomore RB DeMarco Murray to led the NCAA in rushing yards this year, especially with the holes that will be opened up for him.
The Sooners are stacked on defense with DE Auston English, LB Ryan Reynolds, and S Nic Harris. DT Gerald McCoy received Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors, and he is expected to have a huge year as well.
The Sooners' schedule is in their favor. The front-runners to contend with Oklahoma in the Big 12, Kansas and Texas Tech, both make the trip to Norman. Like every year, the Red River Shootout against Texas will be held in Dallas at a neutral site.
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