College Football 2011: 50 Burning Questions for Media Days

College football's "Media Days" mark the beginning of football's return.

It's like a cool oasis after a long, hot summer in the desert of NFL labor issues.

This list runs down some of the biggest questions heading into media days.

If you read it slowly, you might be able to stretch it out until media days actually begins.

50. Will the Orange Win 10 Games?

Last season, quarterback Ryan Nassib led the Orange to an eight-win season.

Is double digits within the reasonable realm of possibility in 2011?

49. Is Case Keenum Ready To Go?

Houston quarterback Case Keenum has been around forever.

The NCAA granted him a sixth year of eligibility after an injury sidelined him early last season.

Keenum may be one of the better passers in the country, and he has a ton of talent surrounding him, especially in the backfield.

Will he be able to return at 100 percent?

48. Will Someone Step Up for Baylor?

Robert Griffin III has all the tools to lead a great team.

That is the problem.

Baylor has not had anyone to step up in recent years.

All their top receivers are returning, so the production should be there in the passing game, but who will complement that with a solid rushing performance?

47. Will Dominique Davis Lead the Pirates to an Upset?

Dominique Davis is the dual-threat quarterback of the East Carolina Pirates.

C-USA's East division is being a little overlooked, as the West is stacked, but Davis and the Pirates are a dangerous squad.

South Carolina, Virginia Tech and North Carolina had better be prepared, or they might get ambushed.

46. Will Mike Glennon Make N.C. State Forget Wilson?

Mike Glennon is slated to take over the quarterback duties at N.C.State.

How good will he be?

Russell Wilson obviously left mark on the program, will Glennon be able to make a bigger one?

45. How Good Can Northern Illinois Actually Be?

Offensively, the Huskies return nine starters, including talented quarterback Chandler Harnish.

Defensively, they are a little more shaky.

In a weak MAC, will they be able to step up and seize control?

A good barometer will be their meeting with Wisconsin at Soldier Field early in the season.

44. Will Tulsa Miss Todd Graham?

Todd Graham has departed for the greener pastures up north at Pitt, and he has a left a wealth of offensive talent in the capable hands of new Tulsa head coach Bill Blankenship.

G.J. Kinne is the reigning C-USA Offensive Player of the Year, and he gets to operate behind five returning starters on the offensive line.

Receiver Damaris Johnson is a speedy threat to score on the outside and also great return man, leading the NCAA in all-purpose yards through three seasons.

Graham has his hands full in Pitt, but will the Tulsa offense falter without him?

43. Can Rick Neuheisel Hold It Together Another Year?

Rick Neuheisel is in hot water.

The Bruins were atrocious last season; there is no other way to put it.

Neuheisel is only 15-22 since taking over at UCLA and another 4-8 season would be disastrous for his career plans.

42. Who Will Win the Big East?

While West Virginia seems to be the favorite, the conference is as wide open as it was last season.

Can Pitt or Syracuse step up and take it away from the Mountaineers?

Who is lurking in the wings to snatch the conference crown?

41. Can Air Forcce Hang with TCU and Boise State?

Troy Calhoun has quietly coached Air Force into a very successful squad.

But the Falcons aren't just going to have to rely on the run this season.

Quarterback Tim Jefferson has a solid cannon as well.

Will it be enough to challenge the MWC elite?

40. Is There Reason for Concern in Tuscaloosa?

There have now been five departures from the Tide since the end of the 2010 season.

While none of them, with the exception of maybe Robby Green, is a huge blow, it gives one pause.

Keep an eye on things in Tuscaloosa.

39. Is ASU Ready To Challenge Oregon?

The Sun Devils may not have the cachet of an Oregon or Stanford, but they have enough talent that the other Pac-12 schools will regret not paying more attention.

The question for ASU, however, is simple.

Can the offensive production match the defensive intensity?

38. Can Tino Sunseri Lead Pitt to the Big East Title?

Dan Marino he ain't.

But with new head coach Todd Graam and his new offense, will Tino Sunseri be able to navigate the Pitt Panthers to a BCS game?

West Virginia and Syracuse might have something to say about that.

37. What about Bob?

He is referred to at times as "Big Game Bobby."

The Sooners propensity for losing big games under his leadership may be overrated, but it shouldn't be overlooked.

Can Stoops find the right combination at defensive line?

Can he find guys to fill the holes in the secondary?

Will all the hype end in another disappointing loss?

36. Can Arkansas Throw off Underdog Role?

Bobby Petrino finally has the defense to at least play a support role to an explosive offense.

But can the Hogs translate that into success at an elite level in the SEC.

LSU and 'Bama are the favorites, and Arkansas has to travel to play both of them in 2011.

They will be the underdog in those games, and those games will determine the success of their season.

35. Who Will Follow Cam Newton?

That is one tough act to follow.

So who will it be, Chizik?

Barrett Trotter would seem logical, but the emergence of Clint Moseley and the potential of Kiehl Frazier have us wondering.

34. How Does Michigan State Bounce Back?

The Spartans only lost two games last season, but they were brutal.

MSU was outscored 86-14 in beatings by Iowa and Alabama.

Will veteran leadership on offense be enough to counterbalance the loss of leading tacklers?

How will the Spartans shake of their doldrums and will they compete for a Big Ten title again?

33. Matt Barkley for Heisman?

The Trojans are going to be sitting out postseason play yet again.

Potentially, they could finish undefeated and be left out of the Pac-12 championship and a bowl game.

The catalyst of USC's offense will be the play of quarterback Matt Barkley.

Even with the disappointment of no postseason play, Barkley could ease the pain a bit by bringing home the Heisman.

32. Who Starts at Quarterback?

Joe Bauserman is the safe choice.

Braxton Miller the smart one.

Which way will Luke Fickell go?

31. Is BYU Being Overlooked?

Yes.

The Cougars return the leading passer, receivers and running backs.

Their defense is solid, and the schedule is conducive to a fair amount of wins.

So why aren't we hearing more about them?

30. Are Weis/Muschamp Going to Succeed?

The Florida offense was less than scary last season, unless you are a fan of the Gators, in which case, your nightmares are still haunting you.

The offensive line should be a little improved, and John Brantley might not one-hop any more passes, but can Will Muschamp and Charlie Weis turn them into a challenger in the SEC?

29. Is TCU a Threat to Boise State?

The Frogs lost some talent on offense.

All-American offensive linemen are gone, along with quarterback Andy Dalton.

With Boise State moving into the conference this season, the Frogs have a shot at derailing the Broncos' BCS dreams.

Do they have the offensive horsepower to do so?

28. Can Stephen Garcia Avoid Suspension?

Suspensions from the football team seem to be an annual tradition for Stephen Garcia.

When South Carolina takes the field in September, will he be focused enough to take the Gamecocks one step further than last season?

27. Can Dabo Find a Defense?

The Clemson Tigers' offense is going to put up points, especially with Tajh Boyd at the helm. Will the defense be able to match their level of success?

The departure of  Da’Quan Bowers and Jarvis Jenkins up front, Marcus Gilchrist and Byron Maxwell at corner and DeAndre McDaniel at safety leave a plethora of holes to try and fill on that side of the ball.

26. Is Maryland a Legitimate BCS Threat?

Randy Edsall has a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball at Maryland.

In a wide open ACC, can the Terps challenge Virginia Tech and Florida State for the Championship?

An Orange Bowl berth would be a great way to start of Edsall's tenure.

25. Is Brady Hoke Up to the Task?

To this point, nobody seems to have anything negative to say about Brady Hoke.

Once the season starts, it will be interesting to see if that continues.

How will Hoke cope if the Wolverines take another nosedive?

Is Denard Robinson durable and talented enough to function in the new offense?

24. What Can We Expect from Logan Thomas?

Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas is no Tyrod Taylor, but he could provide the spark that the Hokies' offense will need to keep on truckin'.

Where Thomas has the edge on Taylor will be his height.

He is six inches taller than Taylor, so it will be easier to see over the offensive line.

He is not as mobile but can be shifty when necessary.

Can he grasp enough of the offense for Va. Tech to have another double-digit win season?

23. James Franklin: Serviceable Replacement or Blossoming Superstar?

James Franklin has only seen limited action at quarterback for the Tigers.

The speed with which he gains experience will determine the ceiling for the Tigers.

Franklin has experienced receivers all over the depth chart, as every guy that caught a pass for the Tigers in 2010 is back.

There are four returning starters on the offensive line, and Mizzou's top three rushers are back.

Franklin has to learn quick, as the Tigers have an early season showdown with Arizona State, but if Franklin lives up to his potential, they will be in the BCS hunt.

22. Who Will Replace Ingram and Jones' Production?

Obviously, Trent Richardson is a capable back.

But will he be as effective without a Heisman winner splitting carries?

And who is going to step in and replace the production of wide receiver Julio Jones?

21. Are Tannehill, Gray and Fuller the Most Explosive Trio in the Conference?

Ask almost anyone who is not an Aggie fan who the most explosive players in the Big 12 are, and they will answer either Ryan Broyles and Landry Jones of Oklahoma or Justin Blackmon and Brandon Weeden of Oklahoma State.

But, it might not be completely accurate.

Jeff Fuller is a dynamic receiver that has the ability to change games.

Cyrus Gray is a punishing back, with breakaway speed, and Ryan Tannehill showed what he can do in the last six games of last season.

Will they put up better numbers than the Oklahoma duos?

20. What Will Kyle Padron and Zach Line Do for an Encore?

Head coach June Jones has some good things brewing at SMU.

Kyle Padron threw for a school record 3,828 yards last season to go with 31 touchdowns.

Running back Zach line amassed almost 1,500 yards on the ground and 10 touchdowns, passing every running back who ever played at SMU who isn't Eric Dickerson.

With five returning starters on the line, what will the 'Stangs do for an encore?

19. Will Dan Persa Lead the Big Ten in Passing?

Dan Persa is a beast.

If Northwestern figures out how to play some modicum of defense this fall, the Big Ten is in trouble.

The Northwestern quarterback was one of the most accurate in the nation in 2010, and his loss to injury was definite blow to the Wildcats.

Can he duplicate or better his 2010 performance?

18. Is Mark Richt Feeling the Heat?

He better be.

The Dawgs coach has hung on for years through mediocre performances, and if it continues, he will be looking for a new job.

Georgia avoids Alabama, Arkansas and LSU this season by some miracle, so anything less than a 10-win season is a bust.

17. Can Quinton Coples Lead UNC to ACC Title?

As has been stated, the ACC is wide open.

Why not the Tar Heels?

The offense lost all kinds of talent, but Coples anchors a defense that will be tough to move the ball against.

Can the Heels find the balance on offense to win the conference?

16. Is Iowa Poised for Another 2009, or Will It Look More Like 2010?

In 2010, the Hawkeyes had the burden of high expectations and lofty requirements on their shoulders.

The season ended with an Insight Bowl victory and an 8-5 record.

In 2009, they finished 11-2, with a victory over No. 9 Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl.

'11 poses it's own unique set of issues to deal with, but it seems to be resembling '09 more during the offseason than it does '10.

15. Who Has the Scariest Backfield in the MWC?

Kellen Moore and Doug Martin at Boise State are scary.

But they aren't alone.

San Diego State has Ryan Lindley and Ronnie Hillman.

TCU has Casey Pachall and Ed Wesley.

Air Force has Tim Jefferson and Asher Clark.

Who scares defensive coordinators the most?

14. Who Is the Best Quarterback in the Pac-12

Talk about deep.

The Pac-12 has three guys that have a legitimate shot at the Heisman.

Darron Thomas, Matt Barkley and Andrew Luck highlight the top-tier QBs in the conference, and when you throw in Nick Foles and Jeff Tuel, it's pretty clear which conference has the best QBs.

But which one of them is the best?

13. How Is Dana Holgorsen Adjusting?

Head coach Bill Stewart is out in an unexpected turn of events at WVU.

Dana Holgorsen was thrust into the head coaching position a little bit sooner than expected.

While he has enjoyed great success as offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State, will he be able to do the same at WVU?

Can he turn Geno Smith into a gunslinging passer who puts up video game like numbers?

12. Can Boise State Make It to the BCS?

The Broncos' struggles to reach the BCS have been well-documented and deliberated upon in sports circles everywhere.

It would be interesting to hear Chris Petersen and Kellen Moore's response to this question.

Taking the politically correct, high road?

Or stating the truth?

11. How Old Is JoePa?

The man just keeps going.

That annoying pink rabbit has got nothing on this guy.

Anyway, the real issue at Penn State is at quarterback.

Regardless of what PSU fans would tell you, they have no quarterbacks that have shown the capability of throwing accurate balls for any extended length of time.

Who will JoePa use?

10. Does Andrew Luck Have Enough Help?

Andrew Luck is the best pure passer in the country.

Stanford needs somebody to help him out.

The offensive line loses some starters, and Owen Maracic is gone.

Receiver Chris Owusu finally getting healthy could be a huge factor.

9. Can Miami Count on a Consistent Quarterback?

Jacory Harris struggled last season.

Stephen Morris is no better.

The 'Canes have a plethora of talent across the board, but in the first season of "The Golden Age," will they be able to get consistency from a quarterback?

If they do, a BCS game is a real possibility.

8. Will Jerel Worthy Eat His Words?

The Wisconsin contingent is going to have a ton of questions directed their way, particularly Coach Bielema and quarterback Russell Wilson.

After Michigan State D-Lineman Jerel Worthy spouted off via Twitter, a question regarding the situation could make for some great responses.

Wilson already has to learn a new offense and get acclimated to new teammates, so he will face questions pertaining to those subjects on a regular basis.

If one wants to add a little spice, a "Worthy" question would be fun...

7. Can Les Miles Avoid Eating the Vegetation?

Alright, alright, there are more important questions facing the Tigers.

Can Jordan Jefferson show some consistency?

That is the question.

The defense is set, but if Jefferson doesn't have a solid season, the Tigers have no shot at the BCS.

Will Miles consider replacing Jefferson if needed?

Interesting thoughts...

6. Can E.J. Manuel Lead the 'Noles to the BCS?

With the departure of Christian Ponder, E.J. Manuel inherits the quarterback position at FSU.

The defense is loaded with talent and the 'Noles return just about everyone from a pretty solid offense.

Can Manuel step in and lead them back to the BCS?

5. How Will Nebraska Fare in the Big Ten?

It's great trying to figure out what is going to happen before it actually takes place.

The Cornhuskers look primed for a solid season in the Big Ten.

However, if Taylor Martinez has some durability issues, they are in trouble.

How will they fare with a ridiculously brutal inaugural conference schedule.

4. Will Oklahoma State Challenge Oklahoma?

Bedlam might decide the Big 12 champion.

Or it might not matter.

Either way, discussing the rivalry between these two teams and Okie Lite's chances of challenging the Sooners always makes for interesting conversation.

3. Can Oregon Duplicate Their Frenetic 2010 Pace

Darron Thomas and LaMichael James are back and form one of the best quarterback/running back duos in the country.

But the Ducks lost some production at wide receiver and three offensive linemen.

With those losses, will they be able to duplicate the success of their insane offense?

2. Can Texas Rebound?

After last season's debacle, the Texas Longhorns will face questions about rebounding coming at them thick and fast.

Forget the usual pressure, it will be ratcheted up on the 'Horns this season.

Mack Brown has the most pressure, after cleaning out his assistant coaching closets...

Another season just as horrible is unlikely but just the prospect of such a mess will put plenty of pressure on Texas and quarterback Garrett Gilbert to deliver.

1. Is It All Hype...Again?

The Irish can be found in the upper half of most preseason top 25 rankings.

Is it deserved?

Or is it the same song, second verse?

Brian Kelly may use a two-quarterback system, and how will that work?

Is the defense going to be as stout as advertised?

Is Michael Floyd going to stay out of any more trouble?

The list goes on and on for the Irish.