Predicting the Final Record of All 120 FBS College Football Teams

The long wait is almost over. This week, the college football season gets started, and fans will once again start filling stadiums around the nation.

As the season begins, each team will begin their individual path to winning their conference championship and keep their eyes on the BCS and other major bowl games.

With the season just starting, here is a prediction for each team on how they will do leading into the bowl season.

Air Force

Not only is Air Force performing well for a service academy program, but they are starting to make a name for themselves nationally.

Last year, the Falcons went 9-4. They return enough starters that they should be able to reach a fourth straight bowl game, which would be great for the program.

Final Record: 8-4

Akron

Last year, Akron was one of the worst teams in the nation, and 2011 will not be much different for the Zips. In 2010, they went 1-11, and their schedule and depth chart did not improve in the offseason.

Look for a repeat performance by Akron in 2011.

Final Record: 1-11

Alabama

The SEC West is a monster of a division, and it is a tall order for a team to run the table and not drop a game.

Alabama comes into the season with a national championship on their mind, and they certainly have the talent to do so.

Despite the talent, getting through this schedule unscathed looks to be impossible, but winning the conference is not out of their reach.

Final Record: 12-1

Arizona

With Nick Foles back for another season, Arizona will have no trouble putting up points. The question will be if their defense has made strides towards improvement. If they have not, it will be another long and stressful season for Mike Stoops.

The one thing that will end up holding the Wildcats back is starting five new players on the offensive line.

Final Record: 7-5

Arizona State

The heat is on at Arizona State, and it is not because of the weather. Dennis Erickson knows he has the talent to win some big games this year and cannot afford to come up short in 2011.

If the Sun Devils can get off to a fast start, they could find themselves in the first conference championship game.

Final Record: 9-4

Arkansas

Arkansas enters the 2011 with a new look on their offense. Ryan Mallett is gone, and Tyler Wilson is taking over, but the huge loss happened early in summer practice when Knile Davis went down with a season-ending injury.

Behind Wilson's arm, the Razorbacks should do well, but the loss of Davis cannot be ignored.

Final Record: 9-3

Arkansas State

The Arkansas State Red Wolves are in the Sun Belt conference and ended up finishing fourth last year with a 4-8 record.

The down side for the Red Wolves is that in 2011, they will be replacing four out of five starters on the offensive line and two more on the defensive line. Not a good way to start the year.

Final Record: 3-9

Army

It appears the Army Black Knights turned a corner last year, going to a bowl game. As the 2011 season gets started, Army returns key starters on both sides of the ball, which should help them return to a second straight bowl.

Final Record: 6-6

Auburn

While Auburn still is a talented team, the loss of Cam Newton and Nick Fairley will be too much to handle in 2011.

The Tigers will likely turn to Michael Dyer to help carry the load, but the conference and schedule will prevent them from a title repeat.

Final Record: 7-5

Ball State

Out of the MAC conference, Ball State turned in a 4-8 record that placed them fourth in the conference.

In 2011, the schedule does not ease up on the Cardinals and could put them in a position to post a worse record than last year.

Final Record: 3-9

Baylor

Don't look now, but the Baylor Bears look poised to have a breakout season in 2011.

During the 2010 season, the team was much improved and went 7-6. If quarterback Robert Griffin III can continue to work his magic and if the defense can continue to improve, Baylor will not only make it back to a bowl game but should also be able to notch eight wins.

Final Record: 8-4

Boise State

Boise State is playing in the Mountain West Conference for the first time this season and has a opening week game against Georgia.

The good news for Boise State is with the change of conference comes a stronger strength of schedule, which could allow them to get into the national championship game.

Final Record: 11-1

Boston College

Head coach Frank Spaziani appears to be heading into a make-or-break type year with Boston College. The coach is entering his third season and has put together a record of 16-11, including last year's 7-6 season.

With talent on both sides of the ball, Boston College should have one of the best defenses in the conference. If the offense is able to step up, then the Eagles could have a good season in front of them.

Final Record: 8-4

Bowling Green

Last year's 2-10 record was hard for Bowling Green fans to watch. The upside coming into 2011 is the fact that the team will be starting a lot of young players, which may not cause this season to go as well as they had hoped, but it could pay off next year.

Final Record: 3-9

Buffalo

Since the loss of Turner Gill, Buffalo has gone back to the bottom of the MAC. Last year, the Bulls went 2-10 and are showing no signs of improvement.

When the 2011 season gets started, Buffalo will be starting a new quarterback and looking to replace eight starters on defense.

Final Record: 2-10

BYU

In 2011, BYU has left the Mountain West Conference and is now an independent.

The depth chart remains strong coming into the season, but the Cougars will have to navigate through a tough first half. By the end of September, the nation will know what BYU is all about this year.

Final Record: 8-4

Cal

Last year, Jeff Tedford and Cal went 5-7 and failed to get into a bowl game. Coming into this season, both offense and defensive units suffered losses, but the strength of this team still lies with the defense.

Final Record: 5-7

Central Michigan

After winning the MAC in 2009, Central Michigan had a huge dip in performance and went 3-9 in 2010.

For the upcoming season, the Chips will need some of their new defensive starters to come in and help keep the offense in the game.

Final Record: 4-8

Cincinnati

As recent as 2009, Cincinnati won the Big East. But after a 4-8 season last year, that seems like a distant memory.

Entering the 2011 season, the offense appears to be strong. If the defense can step up, the Bearcats could get back to championship form in a wide open conference.

Final Record: 8-4

Clemson

Dabo Swinney is in a critical year at Clemson, and after going 6-7 last year, the heat might start to turn up on the head coach.

With a new running back and quarterback, key losses on defense and a rough schedule, the Tigers may get more of the same in 2011.

Final Record: 6-6

Colorado

Along with Utah, Colorado is making the move to the Pac-12 this season, leaving the Big 12 behind.

The one bright spot this season should be the play of running back Rodney Stewart. Other than that, Colorado will have to go through some growing pains in its first season in the Pac-12.

Final Record: 3-10

Colorado State

They key to a successful season for Colorado State is truly going to be measured by how they do in September. The Rams start the season off with a light schedule that should allow them to go at least 3-2. If they are unable to reach that mark, it will be a long season for fans of the Rams.

Final Record: 6-6

Connecticut

While the loss of Randy Edsall does not help the program, Connecticut has the benefit of playing in one of the weakest BCS conference and could still compete for the Big East title.

Despite the weakness of the conference, don't expect the Huskies to be there at the end.

Final Record: 6-6

Duke

Last year, Duke went 3-9 and could be on the verge of getting out of the ACC basement. The offense has been effective, and it appears David Cutcliffe is the right man for Duke.

Final Record: 3-9

East Carolina

After a 6-7 season last year, the schedule gives East Carolina a break. With the offensive talent the Pirates have, a winning season and a better bowl are within their reach.

If the Pirates can get better defensively, this could be a team that gets back to competing for a conference crown.

Final Record: 7-5

Eastern Michigan

Ron English improved Eastern Michigan in his second year, but that jump was from zero wins to two wins in 2010.

Eastern Michigan should be able to match their record or improve upon it due to an easier schedule.

Final Record: 3-9

Florida

Last year, the Florida Gators took a dip and finished the year 8-5. At times, quarterback John Brantley struggled to lead the Gators, and they will need much more from him this year.

During the offseason, Florida hired Will Muschamp to be their head coach and Charlie Weis to lead the offense.

As always, the Gators have great talent and depth and will compete to win the SEC East.

Final Record: 9-3

Florida Atlantic

The story with Florida Atlantic in 2011 will be that it is the last season for Howard Schnellenberger.

Last season, Schnellenberger led the Owls to a 4-8 record, and while the team may look to send him out on a positive note, there is just not enough talent on the team to make that happen.

Final Record: 2-10

FIU

The end of last year was capped off by a victory in the Little Caesars Bowl, and FIU hopes to build on that coming into this season.

With a solid amount of returning starters and if the Golden Panthers can get some support from their younger players, another bowl game or possible conference championship is not out of the picture.

Final Record: 7-5

Florida State

Despite the loss of Christian Ponder, the Florida State Seminoles have high expectations coming into this season, and a lot of people are buying in.

New quarterback EJ Manuel is a dual-threat player who could help the Seminoles get over the top this year.

An early game against Oklahoma will tell us a lot.

Final Record: 12-1

Fresno State

Pat Hill has done an outstanding job at Fresno State, but he is not satisfied with the program being considered good. Hill is pushing to get this program to breakthrough from being a consistently good team to a great team.

While it may not happen this year for Hill, he has done a nice job of bringing in solid talent and could have a shot of meeting his goal in the next couple years.

Final Record: 9-3

Georgia

Everything we need to know about Georgia will be learned in the first two weeks of the season as they take on Boise State and then South Carolina.

Despite the loss of A.J. Green, the offense still has some firepower, the defense is strong and the schedule lacks both LSU and Alabama.

Final Record: 9-3

Georgia Tech

Last year, Georgia Tech went 6-7 and were clearly struggling to even get to six wins. This year, the Yellow Jackets are putting new people in place to run their triple threat option and will likely struggle to hit the six-win mark again.

Final Record: 6-6

Hawaii

This is the year for Hawaii to separate from the rest of the WAC. Last year, the Warriors shared the conference crown, but with Boise State out of the way, the conference is theirs for the taking.

Final Record: 10-3

Houston

Houston fans have a bright outlook on the 2011 season and with good reason. Case Keenum is returning for another season after last year was cut short by a knee injury.

If Keenum returns and picks right up where he left off, the Houston Cougars will turn some heads in 2011.

Final Record: 9-3

Idaho

Another team likely to take a dip from their previous year's record is the Idaho Vandals. Last year, the Vandals went 6-7, but coming into 2011, they have lost eight offensive starters and will not match the success they had last year.

Final Record: 4-8

Illinois

If there was ever a season to get back into contention in the Big 10, this is the season for Illinois. The Fighting Illini start the season with five straight home games and only go on the road four times all year.

Led by Nathan Scheelhaase at quarterback, the Illini should be able to put up points. The question will remain if the defense can stop offenses from doing the same.

Final Record: 7-5

Indiana

Indiana has started to turn the program around, but instead of being a team with a history of losing, they are now becoming a team that keeps a game competitive but cannot finish the deal.

Last year, Indiana went 5-7, and if they hope to become bowl eligible, they will need their new quarterback and running back to step up right away.

Final Record: 4-8

Iowa

With the new season has come a lot of new starters on the Iowa roster. While the team still has talent and depth to compete in the Big 10, there are likely too many obstacles in their way for the Hawkeyes to end up in the conference championship.

Final Record: 8-4

Iowa State

Nobody in the country is going to envy the schedule of Iowa State and for good reason. The Cyclones have road games against Baylor, Missouri, Texas Tech and Oklahoma.

While the young talent may be starting to come around, don't look for Iowa State to improve on last year's 5-7 record.

Final Record: 4-8

Kansas

Year one under Turner Gill did not go so well, as the Kansas Jayhawks went 3-9. The bad news for Kansas fans is it appears that year two may go just about as bad.

While the offense appears to have the firepower to put up big points, the defense still lacks depth and will get eaten alive in the Big 12.

Final Record: 3-9

Kansas State

One thing that Kansas State has entering the 2011 season is youth. The Wildcats have a lot of first-time starters on the depth chart, and while they are certainly not going to make a push for a Big 12 title, Bill Snyder is setting himself up for a solid 2012 season.

Final Record: 4-8

Kent State

Another team that could take a step backwards in the MAC is Kent State. During the offseason, the Golden Flashes were hit hard on the defensive side of the ball and will likely cause them to end the 2011 season below their previous record.

Final Record: 4-8

Kentucky

Joker Phillips completed his first year in 2010 and led the Kentucky Wildcats to a 6-7 season, which ended with a loss in a bowl game.

Coming into 2011, the Wildcats will once again struggle to become bowl eligible. Their only saving grace may be their relatively weak out of conference schedule.

Final Record: 5-7

Louisiana Tech

Lots of things could be going Louisiana Tech's way in 2011. The Bulldogs return some key starters and competing in the WAC could be a lot easier this year, as they will not have to contend with Boise State.

Final Record: 7-5

Louisville

Charlie Strong completed his first year as head coach of Louisville last year and led the Cardinals to a 7-6 record.

One thing that will hurt Louisville this year is the fact that they lost a ton of senior leadership from last year's team.

Strong must help the young talent on this team come along and become productive so they do not take a step backwards.

Final Record: 5-7

LSU

Up until a few days ago, LSU was going full steam ahead into the regular season. The recent events that have led to Jordan Jefferson being suspended indefinitely as he deal with his legal issues puts some uncertainty into the Tigers season.

With a strong offense and defense, LSU is still an extremely strong team, but a lot will depend on how long the suspension is and how the offense runs without him.

Final Record: 10-2

Marshall

Marshall has the potential to surprise some teams in Conference USA this year.

Doc Holliday is entering his second year as coach and made it a priority to get his young players into games last year. The payoff could be this year, as they ended 2010 by winning four out of five games.

Final Record 8-4

Maryland

In 2011, the hope is that new coach Randy Edsall can help turn Maryland into an ACC contender.

Coming into the season, Edsall has the program in good hands but will need a couple of seasons to help this program earn their first conference crown since 2001.

Expect the Terrapins to take a step back from last year's 9-4 record.

Final Record: 7-5

Memphis

Under new head coach Larry Porter, things did not go so well in year one. Last year, the Tigers went 1-11, and coming into this season, the depth chart and returning starters were hit hard.

Replacing your entire backfield and four out of five starters could have Memphis in danger of not winning a single game.

Final Record: 0-12

Miami

Miami is an interesting team to make a prediction on. With the current investigation that is going on and the suspensions that will stem from that, it is hard to know what this team will look like in the middle of the year.

The U still has talent, but the depth could be an issue this year.

Final Record: 7-5

Miami of Ohio

In 2010, Miami of Ohio won the MAC conference and will be looking for their second straight in 2011.

While Toledo will prove to be a challenger for the conference crown, the Redhawks are solid on both sides of the ball and will lock up their second conference title in a row.

Final Record: 8-4

Michigan

Michigan's season really rests on the throwing arm of Denard Robinson. The defense will be marginally better then last year, which isn't saying much, so the pressure will again be on the offense.

If Robinson is able to develop in the passing game, then Michigan could be a very dangerous team. If he has a repeat performance of last year, the Wolverines will again be an average team.

Final Record: 7-5

Michigan State

Coach Mark Dantonio has a good thing going in East Lansing and has positioned the Spartans towards the top of the Big 10.

Last year, Michigan State won a share of the conference title. In 2011, the program hopes to get a shot to win it all on its own behind a solid offense led by Kirk Cousins.

Final Record: 9-3

Middle Tennessee

It has been a while since Middle Tennessee has competed for the Sun Belt championship, and 2011 is not the year they will get back to it.

Last season, the Blue Raiders had a 6-7 record, but expect a dip in that record during 2011, as they have to replace both their starting quarterback and running back.

Final Record: 4-8

Minnesota

Jerry Kill is taking over at Minnesota and will have his work cut out for him. Last season, the Gophers went 3-9 and appeared to be heading nowhere fast.

If Kill is able to get some consistency out of his offense, then the Gophers might reach four or five wins in 2011.

Final Record: 4-8

Mississippi State

Mississippi State is a team that will be a victim of the strength of their division. The Bulldogs have the talent on both sides of the ball to be competitive but will have to go through too many strong teams.

Final Record: 8-4

Missouri

Missouri is in a state of change as they look to replace quarterback Blaine Gabbert. One thing to keep your eye on with Missouri is that based on the schedule, they will likely fall out of the Top 25 in September but then build some steam towards the end of the season and find themselves back in the rankings.

Final Record: 8-4

Navy

In 2011, Navy will need to replace Ricky Dobbs, who led the Midshipmen at quarterback.

Last year, Navy went 9-4 but getting back to that level of success will be a long shot in 2011.

On this year's schedule, Navy must play South Carolina, Army, Southern Miss, East Carolina and Notre Dame, all games that could be difficult to earn victories in.

Final Record: 6-6

Nebraska

In their first season in the Big 10, Nebraska comes in as one of the two teams that will likely win this conference.

With a tremendous defense and an offense that can be explosive as long as Taylor Martinez stays healthy, the Huskers could have a great first year in the Big 10.

Final Record: 12-1

Nevada

Last year was an outstanding season for Nevada, as they ended the season 13-1 and defeated Boise State.

2010 is gone and so is a lot of the talent that helped make it so successful. While Nevada won't fall far, they will struggle to replace quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Final Record: 8-4

New Mexico

Coming into the 2011 season, New Mexico has the honor of being the worst team in the nation. Under head coach Mike Locksley, the Lobos are 2-22 over the past two seasons, and 2011 will likely be a repeat performance of the past two.

Final Record: 1-11

New Mexico State

The state of New Mexico has it rough when it comes to college football. New Mexico State is not that much better then New Mexico and comes in at No. 118.

Last year, the Aggies went 2-10, and with a tough schedule in front of them, getting back to that record might be all they can do.

Final Record: 2-10

North Carolina

Not only did North Carolina fire their head coach before the start of summer practices, but they also have a lot of questions on the offensive side of the ball.

If the defense can carry this team, then North Carolina could be okay, but too many factors are working against them this year.

Final Record: 7-5

North Carolina State

The loss of Russell Wilson is going to be the difference between a nine- or 10-win season and a six-win season.

Wilson added an element to this offense that Mike Glennon cannot replicate. While Glennon is a solid option, he does not offer the run threat that Wilson did.

Final Record: 6-6

North Texas

Last year, the North Texas Mean Green went 3-9 and did not have much success. In 2011, they are replacing their quarterback and looking to replace players on both lines.

While 3-9 may have been bad last year, 2011 will be even worse.

Final Record: 2-10

Northern Illinois

The fans at Northern Illinois are hoping this might be the year the school earns its first conference title.

With the solid offense the Huskies enter 2011 with, the expectations may not be too far off. But when you look at the depleted defense, you realize that it could be a rough year.

Final Record: 6-6

Northwestern

The success of Northwestern's season is being put squarely on the shoulders of Dan Persa. Persa has done an outstanding job at quarterback for the Wildcats, and if he is able to stay healthy through the season, the Wildcats should have no trouble getting into another bowl game.

Final Record: 7-5

Notre Dame

Many believe this is the year Notre Dame gets back to glory and into a BCS game. With a strong defense and solid offense, they may have the talent and certainly the schedule to do so.

Final Record: 9-3

Ohio

With only two returning defensive starters, the Ohio Bobcats will be looking to lean on the offense this year. The downside to that is the offense will be replacing four starters, including their quarterback and running back.

Final Record: 6-6

Ohio State

Despite everything that has happened to Ohio State during the offseason, they still have the talent and depth to have an outstanding 2011.

While the losses will not cause them to dip too badly, this will be the year the run of Big Ten championships comes to an end.

Final Record: 9-3

Oklahoma

Oklahoma is coming into the season as the No. 1 team in the nation and for good reason.

The Sooners are stacked on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball and do not have to win a conference championship game in 2011.

If the Sooners stay focused every week, they should run the table.

Final Record: 12-0

Oklahoma State

The Sooners are not the only team in Oklahoma that are ready to make a series run at the national championship. The Oklahoma State Cowboys have a ton of offensive firepower as well and will be extremely hard to contain.

A late-season game against the Sooners could be an epic game between two undefeated teams, Unfortunately, the Cowboys will come out on the losing end of that game.

Final Record: 11-1

Ole Miss

Ole Miss is in for another long season full of struggles. In 2011, the Rebels will be starting a lot of new faces on the defensive side of the ball as well as a new quarterback.

Final Record: 5-7

Oregon

While Oregon returns some explosive offensive talent, they also have some questions along both lines and at the receiver group.

If Oregon can earn a key victory over LSU in the first week of the season, they could be off to an outstanding start to 2011.

Final Record: 13-0

Oregon State

Oregon State is a team that routinely falls off the radar early in the year but slowly builds up steam leading toward the end of the season.

In 2011, Mike Riley will have a tough task in front of him, as he will have to compete with Oregon, Stanford and Washington in the Pac-12 North and could fail to make a bowl game for the second straight season.

Final Record: 5-7

Penn State

Penn State continues to be a solid team in the Big 10, but they have an issue on both lines this year. Along with the issues along the lines, Penn State has Alabama and Nebraska on their schedule this year, and it could lead to a long season in Happy Valley.

Final Record: 7-5

Pitt

After an interesting offseason for the Pittsburgh Panthers, Todd Graham landed the head coaching job entering 2011.

Last year, the Panthers went 8-5 and fell short of winning the Big East.

If the offense come together in 2011, there is no reason that the Panthers could not compete for the conference title.

Final Record: 8-4

Purdue

Danny Hope is entering his third year as Purdue head coach and needs to show this program is starting to turn the corner. After going 9-15 over the past two seasons, making a bowl game would be a step in the right direction.

Final Record: 5-7

Rice

In 2011, the Rice offense should be able to get on track, but the difficulty could be found on the other side of the ball. The Owls will be replacing three out of four defensive linemen, and if they want to start moving up the ladder in Conference USA, they must get some help from the offense.

Final Record: 3-9

Rutgers

It has been a few years now since Rutgers has been relevant in the Big East, and Scarlet Knight fans will need to wait another year in 2011. 

If the defense is able to retool, Rutgers should be able to improve on last year's 4-8 record and make a run at getting into a bowl game.

Final Record: 5-7

San Diego State

Rocky Long will be taking over at San Diego State and looking to keep the program in the condition it was left by Brady Hoke.

With the offensive and defensive talent San Diego State is returning, they have the potential to be a BCS buster.

Final Record: 9-3

San Jose State

Last year's 1-12 record was tough to sit through for Spartan fans, and in 2011, the team will be looking to start a new quarterback.

The upside for San Jose State is the defense returns all but one starter and should help the program reach two wins in 2011.

Final Record: 2-10

SMU

June Jones has done an outstanding job turning the SMU program around and led them into a Conference USA title game and bowl game last year.

For the 2011 season, the Mustangs are returning 17 out of 22 starters and appear to have another level they can reach this season.

Final Record: 7-4

South Carolina

Just like last year, the South Carolina Gamecocks are going to have an outstanding offense. Also like last year, the question is their defense and if they can come up with enough stops in 2011.

With a favorable schedule, look for South Carolina to make another appearance in the SEC title game.

Final Record: 10-3

South Florida

After a good season in 2010, Skip Holtz has won over the South Florida fans and team. Coming into 2011, the program is being viewed as a team that is under the radar and could certainly compete to win the Big East.

Final Record: 8-4

Southern Miss

Southern Miss will be the major competition for UCF as they attempt to win Conference USA.

Both the offense and defense return a good amount of starters and should prove to be good competition for UCF.

Final Record: 8-4

Stanford

Stanford received a huge gift when Andrew Luck decided to return for another season at Stanford. While the Cardinal will be led by a new head coach, the offense will still be explosive, and their season could come down to a home game against Oregon.

Final Record: 10-2

Syracuse

The Syracuse Orange caught some people off guard last year when they went 8-5.

Luckily for the Orange, they return much of their major contributors from last year, and, as is the theme in the Big East, they have as good as chance as any team to win the conference.

Final Record: 8-4

TCU

In their final season in the Mountain West Conference, TCU has a couple of challenges, as they now must face Boise State and go through the season without Andy Dalton.

The defense will be the strength of this team and should help make up for the loss of Andy Dalton, but playing Boise State on the blue turf will be difficult.

Final Record: 10-2

Temple

With the departure of Al Golden for Miami, Steve Addazio inherits a team that has some pieces in place to compete in the MAC.

Last year, Temple went 8-4, and with a wealth of returning talent on offense, they could repeat that record in 2011.

Final Record: 8-4

Tennessee

While Tennessee does have some talent that is starting to pay dividends, the schedule is going to get in the way of the Vols this year.

Playing in a strong SEC conference, the Vols must take advantage of their out-of-conference schedule to ensure they become bowl eligible.

Final Record: 6-6

Texas

Last year was the first year head coach Mack Brown led Texas to a losing season. With the 2011 season ready to get started, I don't expect Brown to let it happen again.

While the Big 12 is loaded with top end talent, the Longhorns will once again be bowl eligible and will get things turned around.

Final Record: 8-4

Texas A&M

Another team ready for an outstanding season in the Big 12 is Texas A&M. All eyes will remain on the program as the whispers of them switching conferences continue to get louder.

On the field, the team returns a lot of talent on both sides of the ball and will give both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State a run for their money.

Final Record: 10-2

Texas Tech

In the state of Texas, the Red Raiders are going to have to take a backseat to both the Cowboys and Longhorns this season.

Texas Tech lost some key players in the offseason and will be breaking in a new quarterback this season.

Final Record: 7-5

Toledo

This will be year three under head coach Tim Beckman, and he, as well as the program, is hoping this is the year their efforts pay off.

With a solid offense and defense, Toledo will likely pass their 8-5 record of last year and compete for the MAC title.

Final Record: 9-4

Troy

The winner of last year's Sun Belt conference is back and ready to defend their conference crown.

While the offense will need to replace three starting offensive linemen, the defense only lost three players overall and have enough talent to go for a sixth straight Sun Belt title.

Final Record: 8-5

Tulane

After a 4-8 record last year, the schedule is a bit more manageable in 2011. If the Green Wave is able to win some of the close games, they could push their record to six wins and find themselves in a bowl game.

Final Record: 5-7

Tulsa

After going 10-3 last year, Tulsa lost their head coach and inherited a extremely difficult schedule. While the talent to come close to last year's record is there, games against Boise State, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State will prevent that from happening.

Final Record: 7-5

UAB

With the 2011 season approaching, the UAB Blazers return a good amount of their starters from last year's 4-8 season and hope to move up the ranks in Conference USA.

With a tough schedule in front of them, five or six wins may be out of their reach.

Final Record: 4-8

UCF

Last year, UCF won the Conference USA championship and appears to be heading for a second in 2011.

The out-of-conference schedule appears to be easier in 2011, and while they may not be as dominant in conference as they were last year, they still have enough talent to get the job done.

Final Record: 9-3

UCLA

In a year that head coach Rick Neuheisel needs to put together a winner, the schedule and the talent is just not there.

While UCLA does have some good talent on their roster, they are lacking at some key positions that will hold them back in 2011. 

Final Record: 4-8

UL Lafayette

The Ragin' Cajuns lost a lot of players from last year's 2010 team, but I am not convinced that is a bad thing. Last year, Louisiana went 3-9 and struggled to keep up with team.

In 2011, they will be looking to break in a lot of new starters, and 3-9 might be a good thing—if they can reach that mark.

Final Record: 3-9

UL Monroe

Louisiana-Monroe went 5-7 in 2010 and were towards the middle of the pack in the Sun Belt.

In 2011, the Warhawks are replacing the majority of their defensive starters and could be off to a rocky start, as they face Florida State, TCU and Iowa in the first four weeks of the season.

Final Record: 5-7

UNLV

After one year at UNLV, coach Bobby Hauck looks to improve on the program's 2-11 record. With the returning starters and easier schedule, Hauck and the Rebels are more than capable of making a step toward not only improving, but being bowl eligible.

Final Record: 5-7

USC

Matt Barkley and the USC Trojans enter another year of probation and will once again struggle with the lack of depth on the team due to those sanctions.

USC certainly does not lack talent to be near the top in the Pac-12, but as last year showed, teams have found a way to wear them down late in games.

Final Record: 8-4

Utah

Utah is on the move this season and is getting their shot in a BCS conference. The Utes are going to be playing in the Pac-12 this season and will have the opportunity to show the nation if they are truly a solid program or a result of their weaker schedule.

Final Record: 7-5

Utah State

Utah State is entering the season with a good amount of offensive talent. The offense could put up some big numbers in 2011, but only if they can get solid play out of first-year starter Adam Kennedy.

Final Record: 5-7

UTEP

Last season's 6-7 record was pretty good for the UTEP Miners. The bad news entering the 2011 season is they lost all but two starters from the offense, including all five linemen and their quarterback.

During this season, Mike Price will have to do his best with his inexperienced talent.

Final Record: 2-10

Vanderbilt

When you look at the talent and depth on the Vanderbilt Commodores roster, you struggle to see how the team could get two wins like they did in 2010.

James Franklin is taking over this year as head coach, and he will need a few years to help get this program back to being competitive.

Final Record: 2-10

Virginia

The first-year under coach Mike London did not go that well, as Virginia finished the year 4-8. Coming into his second year, London knows he will need to find a way to win the close games that eluded him in his first year.

Final Record: 5-7

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech seems like they will run away with the Coastal Division today and likely the ability to win the conference lies on the shoulder of the new quarterback Logan Thomas.

With solid special teams and defense, Virginia Tech will get off to another outstanding start and should end up in the conference championship.

Final Record: 11-2

Wake Forest

Wake Forest had a rough 2010, and things are about to get worse in 2011. The team not only lacks solid talent but also depth.

The upside for Wake Forest is that they are plugging in young players who can hopefully lead to victories in the future.

Final Record: 2-10

Washington

Coming into 2011, Washington is looking to replace Jake Locker and appear to be turning to Keith Price.

As if being in the Pac-12 North will not be hard enough, the Huskies also have Hawaii and Nebraska on their schedule this year.

Final Record: 6-6

Washington State

While Washington State does continue to take baby steps towards improvement, they are still not at a level in which they can get out of the bottom of the Pac-12.

Jeff Tuel is a good quarterback, but the lack of talent around him hurts, and the defense is not going to help things, either.

Final Record: 2-10

West Virginia

West Virginia needs to get off to a fast start and grab control of this conference. The Mountaineers have both the talent and depth to be the class of the Big East but failed to wrap it up last year.

With Geno Smith leading the offense and a defense that should be solid, look for West Virginia to win this conference and not get passed by in a tie-breaker.

Final Record: 10-2

Western Kentucky

2010 was not kind to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, and fans and people around the program should not expect much more from the program in 2011.

Western Kentucky does return a lot of starters, but the offense still lacks firepower and will continue to make things difficult on the offense.

Final Record: 3-9

Western Michigan

One thing that Western Michigan is not short on coming into 2011 is a passing attack. The Broncos passing attack could be tops in the conference, but only if they can develop a running game that defenses must respect.

Final Record: 5-7

Wisconsin

With the addition of Russell Wilson at quarterback, the expectations for Wisconsin have completely changed.

Before Wilson, the Badgers were returning a good defense and running game. Now that they have him calling the plays, this offense could go to the next level and help them win the Big 10 Leaders division.

Final Record: 11-2

Wyoming

Out in the Mountain West Conference, Wyoming has been struggling to get out of the bottom half of the conference. In 2011, the team will need its offense to make stride for improvement if this program is hoping on improving from 3-9.

Final Record: 3-9