College Football 2011: 61 Things We Can't Wait to See This Season

Seems like just yesterday Auburn was kicking a last-second field goal to win the BCS national title. With the calendar ready to turn to August, summer practices are about to get started, and fans are becoming more and more anxious.

With the season almost a month away, here are 61 things college football fans cannot wait to see in 2011.

Erin Andrews

One thing college football fans love is the sight of Erin Andrews helping out on College GameDay doing some sideline reporting.

That time is drawing closer.

Les Miles Eating More Grass

Nothing was stranger than the sight late in the game against Alabama last year. Les Miles was seen bending over and eating grass off the field.

What will he do for an encore in 2011?

SEC Cheerleaders

Many are of the belief that the South—and the SEC in particular—has provided college fans with some of the more beautiful sights on the sidelines in the nation.

Who am I to argue?

Steve Spurrier Throwing a Visor

The Ol' Ball Coach has been at it for a while, and one thing you can always count on during the year is Steve Spurrier getting so worked up that the visor about goes flying.

The Army Band Playing "Onward to Victory"

The service academies provide us fans with so much more than entertaining football, but the sight of the Army band playing "Onward to Victory" is always a welcome sight.

A Non-SEC Team Winning the BCS Title

2005 was the last time a team outside of the SEC went out and won the BCS national title.

Coming into 2011, the question will be, is there a team that can dethrone the SEC from the top of the college football world?

E.J. Manuel Taking His First Steps to Becoming This Year's Cam Newton

Christian Ponder is now gone from Florida State, which means E.J. Manuel is now at the controls. Manuel has the ability to be a tough-to-defend, dual-threat quarterback, but we will all see if he can live up to the hype once the season begins.

The Gators Continue Wallowing in Mediocrity

Most people around the nation loved to watch the Gators struggle last year. When you are as successful as Florida was with Tim Tebow, people love to watch you come down from the mountain top.

Lou Holtz Gettin' Spittin' Mad at Mark May

After most games are over, college football fans often tune into ESPN to watch the day get recapped. When watching ESPN, you will be treated to seeing Lou Holtz getting fired up about something Mark May has said.

National Media to Mess Up, Then Make Fun Of, Big Ten's Ridiculous Division Names

Legends and Leaders are the two division names the Big Ten has decided to go with. With the new conference format, it will be funny to watch announcers slip up and also discuss their thoughts on the new names.

Nebraska Settling Old-School Feuds

With the move to the Big Ten, Nebraska gets the chance to revive some old rivalries.

During its schedule, Nebraska plays Penn State and Michigan in back-to-back weeks. Both teams have ties to the Huskers' championship years.

Finding out If Stanford's Success Was Due to Harbaugh or Luck

With David Shaw now taking over at Stanford, people will get a glimpse into the Stanford program. Many believe Jim Harbaugh elevated that program, but 2011 will help us see if it had more to do with Andrew Luck.

Another Year for Oregon Uniform Upgrades

It won't take long this year, as Nike and Oregon have already announced the Ducks will be wearing new Pro Combat jerseys in their game against LSU.

Love them or hate them, they have been an effective recruiting tool for Oregon.

Season-Long Debates About How Dirty the SEC Is

One thing that is often brought up is that teams outside the SEC can never get away with what goes on in the SEC.

Many believe the conference more than just bends the rules, and this is a common topic throughout the season.

Michigan-Notre Dame Under the Lights at the Big House

For the first time, Michigan and Notre Dame will be meeting under the lights. No matter how you feel about the two schools, this will be a historic event you want to see.

Yet Another BCS Controversy

Almost every year you can count on a team causing pain on the BCS system.

If Boise State is able to get past Georgia with a win, you may see the Broncos take another run at an undefeated season. This will only bring further debate about if they should be put into the BCS national title game.

The National Media Finally Giving Pac-12 Players Some Love from Start to Finish

The Pac-12 has a good amount of players who not only deserve respect, but will actually get it in 2011.

Andrew Luck, LaMichael James, Nick Foles, Matt Barkley and Darron Thomas are all players who should receive national love.

TCU Traveling to the Smurf Turf to Meet Boise State

For the past few years, TCU and Boise State have been causing pain on the BCS system. This year, the two teams meet in Boise and will help the BCS out by eliminating one of them from title contention.

Lane Kiffin Leading USC to a Surprise Season

Lane Kiffin is starting to build the talent pool back up at USC, and despite still being on probation, fans may be surprised by the success USC has in 2011.

Mark Richt Canned After Another Underachieving Season

It may not take long for Mark Richt to lose his job, as Georgia starts off the year with games against Boise State and South Carolina.

A 0-2 start could be all it takes for Richt to be out of a job.

Russell Wilson Becoming the New Cam Newton in Madtown

E.J. Manuel is not the only player with the talent to have a Cam Newton impact in 2011.

Russell Wilson is now in Wisconsin and has all the tools around him to make the Badgers offense potent.

Denard Robinson Throwing the Ball Well Enough to Become Legit Dual-Threat

This is what every Michigan fan is hoping and praying. We all know Denard Robinson has the legs to change the outcome of a game—imagine if he had the arm to do the same.

This Is the Year JoePa FINALLY Decides to Call It Quits

Every year people have been saying this will be the last year for Joe Paterno, so why not say it again?

This will be the final year for Joe Paterno as a head coach.

Luke Fickell Won't Get a Fair Chance in Columbus, Urban Meyer Rumors Persist

Luke Fickell is simply filling in for one year. With the loss of Jim Tressel, fans and people around college football believe this time next year, the Buckeyes will be led by Urban Meyer.

"College GameDay"

There is nothing like waking up on a Saturday morning and tuning into ESPN for College GameDay. The show is a great way to start any Saturday morning in the fall.

San Diego State Threatening to Become This Year's Boise/TCU

Every year there is a team that threatens the BCS system. Despite the loss of Brady Hoke, San Diego State has a chance to be that team in 2011.

Charlie Weis Helping John Brantley Reach His Potential

Charlie Weis has done wonders with offenses and quarterbacks. Florida is in need of his assistance to help John Brantley have a much more successful year than he had in 2010.

Seeing If Trent Richardson Can Hold Up for a Whole Season as a Featured Back

While at Alabama, Trent Richardson has had the benefit of splitting carries. In 2011, Richardson will be the featured back for the Crimson Tide and will carry the load throughout the SEC schedule.

Will Luck, Nick Foles and Travis Lewis Regret Bypassing NFL Draft?

The one player who stands the most to lose is Andrew Luck. By most people's accounts, Luck was a lock to be the first overall pick and stood to make millions.

SEC Championship Game and Its Usual Broadcasting Travesty

The SEC title game often turns into a platform for the announcers to start pushing for the winner of the game to automatically make the BCS title game.

Regardless of the records of both teams, you will hear the argument that they play the toughest schedule and should be rewarded with a title shot for doing so.

Ohio State Ruling

The nation will be waiting for the NCAA to make its ultimate ruling against Ohio State. While Buckeyes fans are nervous, other fans are waiting with a smile on their face.

NCAA Oregon Investigation

Speaking of rulings, people are still waiting to see if anything comes of the Oregon investigation.

Unlike the case with Ohio State, the NCAA still has to see if there was a direct violation or if Oregon was playing in a grey area.

The Holgorsen Effect on the WVU Offense

One thing is for sure: Dana Holgorsen better make a quick impact on the Mountaineers offense, or fans will quickly start to wonder if the program has made the right choice.

How Georgia Survives First Two Weekends

With a game at home against Boise State and South Carolina, Georgia has a lot to gain and lose. Not only could two losses hurt its season, but it could also cost Mark Richt his job.

Whether or Not Jordan Jefferson Is Finally Championship-Worthy

Last year, people viewed Jordan Jefferson as a weakness on the LSU team.

This year, the Tigers will go up against Oregon in the first week of the season, and we will be able to see if Jefferson is still that weakness or if he has the potential to lead LSU to a title.

If USC Has Depth/Motivation

With another season where USC cannot go to a bowl game or even the first conference title game, you have to wonder if the Trojans will have the depth or motivation to consistently win.

Last year it was clear depth was an issue, and it will be interesting to see how that plays out in 2011.

Landry Jones for Heisman

Not only is Oklahoma a serious title contender, but many believe that with the offense Landry Jones has around him, he has a chance to win a Heisman Trophy. He will have the nation's attention early in the year when Oklahoma goes to Florida State for a rematch of last year's game.

How Russell Wilson Fits in at Wisconsin

While on the surface it appears Russell Wilson could be the missing piece in Wisconsin, it will still be interesting to see how he fits into the Badgers offense.

If Skip Holtz Can Lead USF to a Win at His Alma Matter in Week 1

In the first week of the season, Skip Holtz and South Florida head up to South Bend for their season-opener. The Holtz name is sacred at Notre Dame, and it will be interesting to see how this situation plays out.

Whether Neuheisel Can Avoid the Axe at UCLA

Rick Neuheisel promised a winner at UCLA and has yet to deliver on that promise.

In 2011, Neuheisel faces a must-win season, or his time at UCLA will be up.

Whether Erickson Can Avoid the Axe at Arizona State

Another coach with his job in jeopardy in the Pac-12 is Dennis Erickson.

Erickson has a team that has the talent to win the Pac-12 South division, but if they underperform again, it will mark the end for Erickson.

How Buckeyes Fare in First Five (Suspension Window)

Ohio State takes on Akron, Toledo and Colorado at home and Miami and Michigan State on the road the first five games of the season.

Obviously the best-case scenario would be 5-0, but realistically, Ohio State could look at 4-1 while being shorthanded.

Notre Dame Plays Enough Defense to Make BCS Run in 2011

In order for Notre Dame to make a strong run at a BCS game, it will need its defense to step up.

If the defense is able to hold its own, Notre Dame could live up to some of the preseason hype.

Who Really Is the Best Running Back in the SEC?

With all the talent in the backfields of SEC teams, Marcus Lattimore has the most talent at the running back position and will look to improve on his outstanding freshman season.

If Al Golden or Will Muschamp Wins More Games in Year 1

While both coaches inherit history-rich programs, Will Muschamp takes over a team with more talent and depth.

When comparing wins and losses in 2011, Muschamp will come out ahead.

Gus Johnson Calling Pac-12 Games for Fox

Sports fans around the nation are more than aware of the sounds of Gus Johnson, and now Pac-12 fans will become even more familiar with his work.

It will be interesting to hear Johnson try and keep up with the fast-paced tempo of Pac-12 play.

Erin Andrews Part Two

The first lady of college football is back. Any objections?

Lee Corso Head Selection

Not only do fans love College GameDay on ESPN, but those who do not watch the full show will tune in just to see the ending.

In the last minute or two of each show, Lee Corso makes the pick of the day and will wear the mascot head of the team he is selecting.

Which Team Will Be the Last Undefeated?

Every season, teams across the nation start out with the hopes they can go undefeated. As each week goes by, more and more teams fall short on that goal until ultimately a couple teams remain.

In 2011, Oklahoma could be the team that finishes the year without a loss.

Which Program Is Hit by Scandal Next?

If you are still of the belief that your school is a dominant program and does it by the book, you're only fooling yourself.

As media outlets dig deeper into some of the major programs, violations will continue to pop up throughout the country.

How TCU Fares Without Andy Dalton

Gary Patterson will be facing his biggest test at TCU in 2011. Last year, Patterson had the luxury of having Andy Dalton at quarterback.

This year, Dalton is gone, and there are questions about how the offense will run without him.

Cal Defensive Backs Trying to Tackle Andrew Luck

Take a look at this play by Andrew Luck and try not to be excited about college football.

Brent's "You Are Looking LIVE..."

If you closed your eyes and turned on the television to the sound of "You are looking live at..." you could immediately know you are watching a college football game being called by Brent Musburger.

Musburger has been doing a great job calling games for a long time and continues to be involved with major college games throughout the season.

Helmet Stickers

One thing that stands out between college football and the NFL is the history behind helmet stickers. While not all programs have them, the schools that do have done a nice job incorporating them into their uniforms.

The Initial BCS Rankings

No matter how many predictions come out or people who may have the formula figured out, there is always a bit of nervousness and excitement surrounding the release of the BCS rankings.

How Many Times the No. 1 Ranking Changes Hands

While some years have seen teams go through the season and not relinquish the top spot, other years have had the No. 1 ranking switching hands weekly.

At the end of the day college football can be like magical chairs, so who will have the last seat when the music stops?

Any Cheerleaders

No matter how bad the game may be, you can always count on entertainment from the sidelines.

Lou Holtz Talking with Applesauce in His Mouth Per Usual

If you have a 3-D television and are watching Lou Holtz, it may be time to turn off that feature.

Tyler Wilson Matching Ryan Mallett's Numbers During Brilliant Campaign

With Ryan Mallett now gone, the Arkansas offense will turn to Tyler Wilson. Based on the flashes we have seen from him, Wilson could turn in an outstanding season.

Inaugural Pac-12 and Big Ten Championship Games

Both the Pac-12 and Big Ten will be playing their first conference championship games. The one unique aspect of the Pac-12 game will be that the team with the better record will receive home-field advantage.

Which FCS Team Upsets an FBS?

Seems like there has been a FCS team jumping up and surprising an FBS team every year.

Last year, Virginia Tech lost to James Madison, and do not be surprised to see Appalachian State pull it off for the second time by beating the Hokies.