USA Today Coaches Top 25 Poll: Team By Team Breakdown (Part II)

Not everything has been so consistent in Madison, though.  Head coach Bret Bielema will be starting a new quarterback for the third season in a row.  On the bright side, the nod will probably go to fifth year senior Allan Evridge, who has had plenty of time to learn the offense.  Evridge should have sufficient protection from an experienced line, and will also have All American tight end Travis Beckum floating in the flats should he get in a jam.

Prediction:  The Badgers are a solid team but have some real concerns to address.  Their off season has been plagued by injuries, and breaking in a new kicker may give them field position issues.  A back to back sequence against Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State in the first half of the season will test them early.  If Bielema’s team can stay healthy, they may be able to surpass expectations in the Big 10; but look for the Badgers to realistically win seven or eight in the regular season and land in a New Year’s Day bowl.

13. Kansas 12-1 714

The fighting Mangino’s woke up the sleeping basketball fans in Kansas last year with their magical BCS run.  Their “rock chalk” quarterback Todd Reesing is back under center and will have many of his favorite receiving targets returning to the party with him.

The Jayhawk defense returns nine starters to the lineup, but new coordinator Clint Bowen will seek to beef up the pass rush in a Big 12 conference that has multiple superstar quarterbacks and solid veteran offensive lines.

Prediction:  The Jayhawks’ conference schedule won’t bypass Texas and Texas Tech like last year, and an out of conference contest at South Florida might prevent another 12-1 season.  But the high scoring offense returns most of its stars and should display a respectable follow-up to 2007.  If they fall short of the Big 12 North championship, the Jayhawks will still play in a prominent bowl game.

14. Texas Tech 9-4 644

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