One Thing Every College Football Team Has to Look Forward to in 2012

The 2011 college football season is just about over.

This time of the year brings a lot of sadness and disappointment for many fans.

So, in an effort to help you endure such a difficult thing, we thought we would look forward to 2012.

Every team has something to look forward to, and we thought it would be a great idea to explore that.

One thing every college football team has to look forward to in 2012.

Boston College

Boston College can look forward to a considerable return of talent.

Which means opponents won't be feasting on Boston cream pie in 2012. After all, they probably got their fill in 2011.

With only 10 seniors on the 2011 roster and the starting quarterback, leading running back and leading wide receiver all coming back, the future looks bright.

After a 4-8 season in 2011, the Eagles should be flying high.

Let's just hope for B.C. fans they don't drop their first three games of the season like they did this year.

Clemson

Clemson can look forward to changing its teams colors.

After all, orange might be too painful to wear after what happened to them against West Virginia.

But seriously, with half their team roster filled with freshmen, the Tigers do have a bright future.

However, I don't think any of them will be drinking orange juice for quite a while.

Duke

The Duke Blue Devils football team and their fans are looking forward to—basketball season.

At 3-9 in the 2011 season and finishing the year with seven straight losses, you can bet the Duke faithful are just happy to get a new start next year.

Will they do better in 2012?

Well, they can't do much worse.

Florida State

Florida State is very excited for next season.

The one thing they most have to look forward to is a better ACC record.

After going 9-4 this season with three of those losses in the ACC, the Seminoles will no doubt improve.

They have a lot of talent returning, and they will certainly be contending for the ACC championship.

Let's just hope they advise their fans on appropriate attire.

Georgia Tech

The Yellow Jackets can look forward to finally stopping another team's offense in 2012.

With some defensive problems down the stretch, you can expect Georgia Tech to be much improved next season.

This should help fans of the Yellow Jackets not be so frustrated watching running backs and quarterbacks move the ball up and down the field on their beloved team.

Maryland

Maryland can look forward to burning all their uniforms except maybe one.

The rest of those "interesting" combinations can go the way of the Terrapins' record.

On another bright note, you can't do much worse than 2-10, so they may be looking at an improvement next season. But, don't count on it.

Fear the Turtle? More like, fear Turtle soup; it gives you indigestion.

Miami

Miami can look forward to waiting for the other shoe to drop.

It's the waiting that is the hard part.

If you don't understand that reference it's okay; that's why you went to Florida State.

Just kidding—relax.

North Carolina

North Carolina is looking forward to trying on its new fedora.

It should be a great fit, and stylish too.

Tar Heels can expect a wild ride with their new coach and his staff.

North Carolina State

North Carolina State can't wait! Next year they might play three FCS schools instead of two.

Okay, probably not, but without those two games on their schedule in 2011 they may not have made a bowl game.

As it is, they made it.

Of course, it is probably appropriate that they were in the Belk Bowl, a game that sounds like someone throwing up.

Virginia

The Virginia Cavaliers can look forward to some good players returning.

They had a decent 2011 season, but honestly, even with the returning talent they may have a hard time duplicating their success.

Still, fans will be excited for the 2012 season and it will be interesting to see how they do.

Now, if they could only upgrade their mascot. The only thing missing from this fabulous outfit is a few gold chains and some chest hair.

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech is excited to actually "earn" its way into a BCS game next year.

The 2012 team will be good, and they have a legitimate shot at being a Top Five team.

It's too bad so many around the nation are still bitter over the Hokies' appearance in the Sugar Bowl.

Maybe they can use that as motivation to prove they belong next year.

Wake Forest

Wake Forest can look forward to finishing better.

The Demon Deacons lost six of their last eight games including the bowl game they somehow got selected for.

The regular season in 2011 brought a 6-6 record, and one of those victories was over the law firm Gardner-Webb. Oh, that's a football team? My apologies.

Baylor

Baylor can look forward to watching Robert Griffin III do his magic—in the NFL.

Not confirmed yet, but all indications are that he is going pro.

It is probably his best decision, but for the Baylor football team and their fans it will be hard to let him go.

Iowa State

Iowa State can look forward to rebuilding a 6-7 team.

Sure, they had some bright spots, none bigger than the Oklahoma State upset, but they are losing quite a bit of talent off a mediocre team.

Not only that, but since defeating the Cowboys in that dramatic upset, the Cyclones haven't won another game. Still, it will be fun to watch what Mr. Rhoads has up his sleeve in 2012.

Kansas

Kansas can look forward to Charlie.

Charlie Weis, that is.

In his first official "speech," as he was introduced at a Kansas basketball game, Charlie threw down the gauntlet.

Charlie asked, "Here's the one question I have to ask you. We're 2-10. The other school in this state is 10-2? Why?"

The crowd booed and then Charlie told them that he was hired to do something about that.

Of course, it isn't that intimidating coming from a man wielding a cane.

Get well soon, Charlie.

Kansas State

Kansas State can look forward to a duplicate season.

With all the talent returning and momentum from the 2011 season, the Wildcats will look much the same in 2012.

Who knows? They might actually beat a team from Oklahoma.

Missouri

Missouri can look forward to being added to the wheel of SEC.

Of course, you know the old saying: "Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it."

Thank goodness for Ole Miss and Vanderbilt.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma can look forward to much less.

Between graduation and some who might go pro, the Sooners will be looking back at 2011 as the "good ole days."

Rebuilding will be the buzz word around Norman.

Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State can look forward to singing the Little Texas song "What Might Have Been."

However, since that band is from Texas they probably won't sing it out loud.

An amazing year ended on a high note. However, it wasn't as high as it should have been—or could have been for that matter.

What a crying shame.

Texas

The Texas Longhorns can look forward to annoying the entire nation—once again.

Look for the 2012 team to be much improved and contending for the Big 12 title and maybe more.

They are full of talent and confidence. They will be on the front page all season long.

Texas A&M

The Aggies can look forward to a new league, a new coach and a new quarterback, but with similar results.

The Texas A&M SEC schedule has been released and they open with Florida. They then host Arkansas before getting some relief when they visit Ole Miss.

However, they follow up that little journey with LSU at home and at Auburn. Another possible win comes when they visit Mississippi State, but then they go to Alabama before finally finishing at home against Missouri.

The first year in the SEC will probably see a 2-6 or at best 3-5 record.

Texas Tech

Texas Tech can look forward to beating Oklahoma again.

They did it in 2011 and, you heard it here first, they will do it again in 2012.

They have the talent coming back, and Oklahoma will be losing some serious talent of their own.

Let's just hope the Red Raiders don't do what they did this year and forget how to win once they beat the Sooners again.

Cincinnati

The Bearcats can look forward to a decent recruiting class. That's a nice way to say it will be a rebuilding year.

After a very good year that should have been better, they are losing some serious talent.

They were contenders for the Big East title in 2011, but they won't be anywhere near that in 2012.

Connecticut

Connecticut can look forward to the return of their quarterback and running back.

They will lose some talent, but they are going to return some key elements.

Look for the Huskies to be improved and make it back to a bowl game.

It might be the Alaska Ice Bowl or something like that, but it will be a bowl game nonetheless.

Louisville

The Cardinals can look forward to an incredible defense.

They looked good this year, but with all those returning starters they can expect to be great.

They tied for the Big East title in 2011 and you can expect they will be right there again in 2012.

After all, defense wins championships.

Even if it is boring to watch—looking at you, LSU and Alabama.

Pittsburgh

Pitt can look forward to a new coach—again.

Todd Graham left his "dream job" for his other "dream job."

That leaves many fans with pits in their stomachs.

However, this is the third time in about a year that Pittsburgh has named a brand new head coach. By this point they are probably used to it.

Look for the Panthers to do better than expected.

Rutgers

Rutgers can look forward to winning the Big East.

They have so many key players coming back, and you can bet that Schiano will have his team ready.

You heard it hear first: Rutgers will win the Big East in 2012.

That is, of course, unless they don't.

South Florida

The Bulls of South Florida can look forward to a much better season in 2012.

With key players coming back, including their quarterback and leading rusher, the Bulls have a lot to look forward to.

It will certainly help fans forget the 2011 "season of bull."

Instead, the faithful will be declaring this the season "of the Bulls."

Don't look for them to take the Big East, but do look for them to go bowling.

Syracuse

Syracuse can look forward to changing their team colors from orange to black and blue.

The Orange started of 5-2 in 2011 only to falter down the stretch, losing five straight.

Well, look for that latter result to continue on into next season.

It is going to be a long year for Syracuse in 2012. If they win three games it will be surprising.

West Virginia

The Mountaineers can look forward to legal battles.

The 2011 season brought the announcement that West Virginia would be leaving to go to the Big 12.

Now, it is just a matter for the lawyers of when that will be.

You can look forward to this being hashed out in the courts. Mountaineer fans are hopeful it doesn't drag into next season—but it could.

Some good advice for all you West Virginia fans would be to get comfortable, put on your favorite dead animal slippers and pull up some of Grandpa's moonshine.

It's fixing to be a long year.

Illinois

Holy Toledo! Illinois can look forward to a new coach but similar results.

The Illini will lose some key players, and they will be learning a whole new system under Tim Beckman.

It is certain to be a bit of a long year. Especially as winter creeps in and there is no bowl game to go to.

However, give Beckman some time. He is a good coach, and though 2012 will be a tough one, look for the Illini to rebound in 2013.

Indiana

Indiana has a football team?

Well, I guess they can expect to beat a Division I FBS team next season.

They didn't do that in 2011.

Oh, they did beat South Carolina State out of the MEAC. What's a MEAC anyway?

Hoosier fans can expect at least three wins next season. Who knows? Maybe they get four.

Iowa

Iowa can look forward to a bit of a challenging year.

The team loses much of its defensive power, and that is going to hurt.

Still, they will have some key offensive players coming back. If they can rebuild that defense then they could be a good team.

If they don't, however, it will be a long year.

Let's just hope they open the season with another powerhouse like Tennessee Tech again. It always starts your season off well when you can pummel an FCS school.

Michigan

Michigan can look forward to contending for the Big Ten title and maybe even more.

They return nearly every key player from this year's Sugar Bowl-winning team. They will lose some defensive players, but expect them to replace those guys with no problem.

Next season the Wolverines will earn their way into a BCS game and maybe even the title game.

The down side to that is that it will make an already-annoying fanbase even harder to contend with.

Michigan State

Michigan State fans can look forward to reloading.

They will lose a significant amount of talent from the 2011 team and big holes will need to be filled.

Their opening game is against another rebuilding team—Boise State. The game is at home for the Spartans, but it will be interesting to see how both of those teams do against each other.

They played in the Big Ten title game and lost a heartbreaker in 2011.

So, look on the bright side Michigan State fans—you won't have that same kind of disappointment in 2012.

Minnesota

Minnesota can look forward to the fact that the 2011 season is over.

Seriously, the Golden Gophers were more like moldy loafers in 2011.

This had to be one of the worst seasons in Minnesota's history. They did finish with a win over Illinois, however, which gives some hope for the future.

Whatever the case, the fans, players, coaches, announcers, mascots, cheerleaders, janitors, concession workers, family members and ball boys all have to be happy to see 2011 in the rear-view mirror.

Although there was one win on their schedule that they can remember with fondness.

Yeah, we are looking at you Iowa.

Nebraska

Nebraska can look forward to getting revenge.

Wisconsin demolished the Cornhuskers the first week of October 2011.

Look for Nebraska to return the favor in 2012. Although, don't look for the kind of beating the Badgers laid down.

It will be a tough game between two excellent opponents.

Let's just hope Nebraska fans don't get too excited and wreck the tractor going home.

Northwestern

Northwestern can look forward to having December off in 2012.

Did you guys know that Northwestern went to a bowl game in 2011?

Neither did they.

They did score 15 points in the fourth quarter of the Car Care Bowl to make it respectable against Texas A&M, but it was a game they probably shouldn't have been in.

Still, they did beat Nebraska during the 2011 season, but don't expect that next year.

In fact, don't expect the usual upset that the Wildcats normally pull off each year. They are losing too many players off an already-mediocre team.

Ohio State

Ohio State can look forward to an Urban renewal. However, they won't be going bowling because of the ban.

Still, they are a decent team and you can expect Urban Meyer to take them to the next level.

They return quite a few good players so 2012 should be a good year.

Penn State

Penn State is looking forward to a fresh start.

With a new coach, whoever that might be, Penn State will try to rebuild a program.

With all that happened in 2011 it will be interesting to see how the football team handles 2012. Of course, it will matter who they get as coach.

Whoever that person is, they will have a heavy shadow to avoid. They will also have to deal with the rebuilding of the reputation and integrity of a once-great program.

Purdue

Purdue has so much to look forward to.

They have their quarterback, running backs and key wide receivers all coming back. They also have some excellent defensive players returning.

Look for Purdue to make a splash in 2012.

Now, if they can figure out a way to avoid the Wisconsin game they will be extremely happy.

After losing 62-17 in 2011, no matter how good they are in 2012, they can't be looking forward to that one.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin can look forward to competing for another Big Ten championship.

Even with losing their quarterback, the Badgers have enough talent coming up and returning to continue to compete for the title.

For Wisconsin fans let's hope that the Badgers don't have the middle-of-the-season breakdown that they did in 2011.

Their only two regular-season losses came back to back in the middle of their schedule at Michigan State and at Ohio State.

That probably won't happen in 2012. But if it does, feel free to make fun of them.

East Carolina

East Carolina can look forward to keep trying to get into the Big East.

They would be a good fit, but who knows if it will happen.

It has been no secret that they would like to do so, and it will be intriguing to see how it all pans out.

On the field, the Pirates will be better, and should improve on their 5-7 record.

Houston

Houston can look forward to a brand new start.

A new coach, a new quarterback and a rebuilding year. However, that is probably not a bad thing. It gives them a year to get ready to enter the Big East.

Still, it is going to be painful saying goodbye to Case Keenum.

Look for Houston to do okay in 2012, but don't expect to see them in the C-USA Championship Game.

Marshall

The Thundering Herd can look forward to the end zone in 2012.

Offense won't be their problem next season, but defense will be.

They return several key players on offense but they lose key players on defense.

You can expect them to play hard and score points, but the loudest thunder might come from other offenses running up and down the field on them.

Memphis

Memphis is so looking forward to 2012, if for no other reason than to forget 2011.

The only wins on the year for the Tigers were Austin Peay and Tulane.

They were ranked 119th in rushing, 115th in points scored, 85th in passing and 105th in points against.

With a new coach and some key players returning, Memphis might get their growl back.

Rice

Rice is looking forward to hope.

Because that may be all that is left.

They are losing several key starters from a team that went a disappointing 4-8 on the 2011 season.

Southern Methodist University

SMU can look forward to winning the C-USA West division.

The Mustangs probably won't win the championship game, but they will win at least nine games.

They have some key players returning, and June Jones will be returning after nearly going to Arizona State.

It should be a good 2012 for the Mustangs, although June might be a tough month.

Southern Miss

Southern Miss can look forward to a new coach.

They had a great coach, but he left town for some other gig.

It will be a bit of a challenge to rebuild the C-USA championship team. However, don't expect this team to collapse.

They will still be contenders for the title.

Tulane

Tulane can absolutely look forward to a Saint of a coach.

Curtis Johnson will have a lot of talent on the Tulane team as he takes over the helm.

Look for the Green Wave to be competitive next year. They may only win five games, but that will be an improvement over the two they won in 2011.

They may even surprise us all and land in a bowl game.

Tulsa

Tulsa can look forward to surprising everyone.

Many people are writing them off for next year because they lose their quarterback and a few other key players.

However, they have enough talent waiting and enough key players coming back to compete for a C-USA title.

They lost five games in 2011, and all but one of those losses were to ranked opponents. The only exception was the heartbreaking bowl-game loss to BYU 24-21.

UAB

UAB can look forward to improvement.

Of course, they probably couldn't do worse. They are coming off a 3-9 2011 season.

Seriously, they will be a much-improved squad in 2012. You can probably count on at least five to six wins for the Blazers.

UCF

UCF has a bowl game to look forward to.

They missed it in 2011 by just a couple of touchdowns. They have some talent returning, and they will be better in 2012.

Look for them to win at least seven.

UTEP

UTEP is another team that can look forward to a bowl game after missing one in 2011.

They return many key starters in 2012, and they should be competing for the C-USA West spot in the championship game.

They may not get there, but they will certainly be in the mix.

Army

Army is looking forward to avenging some losses.

With all those returning starters you can expect them to beat Air Force and Navy in 2012.

If you are an Army fan, that is.

BYU

BYU can look forward to a great season in 2012. They have a considerable amount of talent returning and they pick their own schedule.

Pair that with not wanting to lose on ESPN, and you have a recipe for a 10-win season.

They will certainly start and finished ranked.

Navy

Navy can look forward to an impressive defense.

Nine starters return on defense for the Midshipmen. If they can get the offense going with some new personnel, it will be bowl time again for Navy.

Expect them to make some serious waves in 2012.

Notre Dame

Notre Dame has a few things to look forward to: more shiny helmets, their coach busting a vein in his neck and winning more games.

Okay, only one of those is possible, and it's not winning more games.

2011 should have been a better year for the Irish, but it started off badly and they never fully recovered.

Still, they will be a decent team. BCS-game quality? Probably not—but they will be bowling again.

Akron

Akron is looking forward to winning more than one game in 2012.

With a 1-11 record in 2011, they should have no problem improving.

With a team nickname like "Zips" you would think they would have a bit more team speed.

Ball State

Ball State can look forward to a bowl game—maybe.

They went 6-6 this year, but still didn't get the nod. They will have to win at least seven to go bowling, and that may be challenging with some key personnel losses.

Still, they have enough talent to compete. It will be fun to watch.

Bowling Green

Bowling Green can look forward to a good 2012 season.

They will win at least seven games, go to a bowl and surprise many people along the way.

Of course, none of that changes the fact that a team called "Bowling Green" didn't play in a bowl, nor are their uniforms green.

Buffalo

Buffalo is so looking forward to redemption.

They had a miserable 3-9 season in 2011. This included a 2-6 record in the MAC.

That is not good enough for the level of talent they have.

Look for them to play much better in 2012.

Mess with the bull, you get the horns—and next season could be painful for teams who don't expect it.

Central Michigan

Central Michigan is looking forward to a much better year.

They went 3-9 in 2011, but they are returning their quarterback, most of their defense and other key offensive personnel.

They may win as many as six games, but only time will tell.

Eastern Michigan

Eastern Michigan is looking forward to scoring more points.

They have their quarterback coming back, and they are hopeful they can average more than 21 points per game.

They were 104th on the list for points per game, and they must improve to allow the Eagles to fly higher.

Passing was the missing element. They ranked 117th while ranking 15th in rushing.

If the Eagles can soar, they will go bowling. If they are grounded once again, they can assume the same results as 2011.

Kent State

Kent State is looking forward to a much better offense.

They were horrible in 2011 and yet still won five games.

They ranked 114th for points scored, 107th in rushing yards per game and 110th in passing.

With a returning quarterback and receivers, expect that offense to improve greatly.

The Golden Flashes may just live up to their name.

Miami (OH)

Miami (OH) should be looking for more out of its players in 2012.

They lost so many close games in 2011.

It had to be frustrating to be a fan, a coach or a player for that matter.

However, expect them to do better in 2012.

Northern Illinois

NIU can look forward to adventure.

Why adventure? Well, they will lose their amazing quarterback Chandler Harnish and several other very key players.

It will be interesting to see how they adjust.

Ohio

Ohio is looking forward to winning the MAC.

They lost it in 2011 because of some key mistakes against NIU.

That won't happen in 2012.

They won 10 games, including a bowl game, in 2011 and you can expect that kind of success to continue.

There will be at least one school in Ohio going bowling in 2012.

Temple

Temple can look forward to mystery.

Because, that is what they will be dealing with.

They will lose their quarterback and other key players.

Can they rebuild?

Who knows? But it will certainly be nearly impossible to duplicate the success they had in 2011.

They may need more prayer in this temple come 2012.

Toledo

Toledo can look forward to new beginnings.

New head coach Matt Campbell will have to play alphabet soup with his team to fill several key spots that will be vacated.

It will be a rebuilding year for the Rockets, but in time they will launch again.

Western Michigan

The Broncos can look forward to a great 2012 season.

Look for Western Michigan to be in the mix for the MAC title.

They went 7-5 in 2011 and they have several key starters returning.

Saddle up the Broncos because they are going for a wild ride in 2012.

Air Force

Air Force can look forward to a very similar year.

They went 7-6 in 2011 and they should match that in 2012.

Still, it is funny that Air Force has the 113th-ranked passing game and the third-ranked ground game.

Boise State

Boise State can look forward to its best recruiting class ever.

Sure, they are losing so many amazing players. Quarterback Kellen Moore, running back Doug Martin and several starters on defense will all be playing in the NFL by this time next year.

However, it will be intriguing to see how head coach Chris Petersen rebuilds this team.

Another thing BSU and its fans can look forward to is that Craig James finally answered his true calling in life. He has left ESPN to become a politician.

Colorado State

Colorado State can look forward to vast improvement.

Look for the Rams to be the surprise of the Mountain West Conference.

They were 1-6 in the MWC and 3-9 overall. Look for that to climb to at least four wins in conference and six wins overall.

Also, they will not be buffaloed in 2012. Look for them to ram home the victory against their in-state rivalry.

New Mexico

New Mexico is probably one of the most optimistic programs around these days. They are certainly looking forward to Bob Davie being the head coach.

It is a winning situation for both parties. New Mexico can only improve so expectations on the coach are quite reasonable.

Look for New Mexico to do a bit better next year, but real improvement will probably not be seen for a few years.

It took a long time to be as bad as the Lobos are, and it won't be fixed overnight.

San Diego State

San Diego State will be looking forward to watching another one of their amazing running backs in the NFL.

Ronnie Hillman has decided to turn pro. It has to be heartbreaking for the coaching staff and fans of the Aztecs.

It is probably the right choice for the player, but it puts the program in a bind.

The challenge to replace him will certainly be up-Hillman.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

TCU

TCU can look forward to its first-ever Big 12 title.

Seriously, you heard it here first. The Horned Frogs will take the Big 12. They are returning enough talent, and they are the unknown commodity.

They could even be in the mix for the national title game. Look for purple power to overwhelm the competition in 2012.

UNLV

UNLV can look forward to vast improvement.

If you are a betting man, or woman for that matter, you might want to put your money on Vegas.

They are going to be much improved with a lot of talent returning.

Go all in on the Rebels, because they are going bowling in 2012.

Wyoming

Wyoming can look forward to competing for the MWC title.

They were much improved in 2011 and that will only continue in 2012.

They have several key players returning, including their quarterback, but only time will tell if they can ride it out.

Arizona

Arizona is looking forward to seeing what their new coach can do.

Well, Rich Rodriguez is certainly capable of turning it all around.

It will be very fun to watch how it all transpires in the desert.

Arizona State

ASU is looking forward to having someone else's coach.

Still, it should help them overcome a miserable finish to a very unsatisfying season.

Look for the Sun Devils to win at least nine games in 2012.

California

Cal can look forward to another bowl game—loss.

They will not have the talent they had in 2011, and if they do make a bowl game it will no doubt end like the Holiday Bowl.

A game in which they lost to Texas 21-10.

Colorado

Colorado can look forward to joining the Pac-12 in 2012.

What?

They already joined?

Then someone should probably tell them.

Oregon

Oregon can look forward to 137 new uniform combinations.

They will also need to rebuild their defense.

Look for the Ducks to compete once again for the Pac-12 title and the craziest uniforms.

Fully expect to see light-up numbers and headlights on their helmets.

You might also see real duck wings sewn onto the uniforms. Of course, that will bring protests, but none worse than what we had to listen to from the guys covering the Rose Bowl.

Oregon State

Oregon State is looking forward to not losing to Sacramento State—again.

Seriously, how does a Pac-12 team do that?

How do they lose to an FCS opponent?

Especially one like Sacramento State?

Well, look forward to a much-improved Beavers team with a chip on their shoulder.

Stanford

Stanford can look forward to relying on luck in 2012. Oh, not the player; he is going to the NFL.

They will need to rely on real luck to have close to any kind of success they had this year.

Look for Stanford to finish middle of the pack.

They may win as many as eight games, but if they do that will be a successful season.

UCLA

UCLA can look forward to erasing the 2011 season out of their minds—forever. It had to be one of the craziest and strangest seasons on record for the Bruins.

Certainly they are happy to see it go the way of the trash heap. With a new coach and some remaining talent, the Bruins should be in decent shape for 2012.

USC

USC can look forward to competing for a national title.

With Matt Barkley coming back and so much talent returning, look for the Trojans to go for it all.

Will they make it?

We will all see come the 2012 season. One thing is for sure: It won't be a sneak attack.

Utah

Utah is looking forward to improvement.

They could have done so much better in 2011.

If truth be told, the Utes should have been playing for the Pac-12 title. However, they have no one to blame but themselves.

They have enough talent returning so look for Utah to compete again for the Pac-12 South title.

The only problem in 2012 is that the USC Trojans will be eligible.

Washington

Washington can look forward to competing against Oregon for the Pac-12 North title. They have key players coming back, including their quarterback.

The defense will get some much-needed help with a brand new coordinator. Look for the Huskies to win at least nine games in 2012.

Washington State

Washington State can look forward to a kick in the ol' wazoo.

Mike Leach isn't one to hold back. His attitude and presence on the Cougars' campus will change the entire program.

Look for WSU to win at least seven games, and play extremely strong in every game. It will be fun to watch.

Alabama

Alabama can look forward to raising the championship banner in 2012.

What, you didn't hear?

The Crimson Tide will beat LSU in the rematch, 24-17.

Arkansas

Arkansas can look forward to missing another BCS game.

You have to feel bad for the Razorbacks.

They have missed BCS games two years in a row when they were better qualified than several teams that played in those games.

However, in 2012 they will not be as good as they have been.

Look for them to go 8-4 on the year.

Auburn

Auburn can look forward to being back in the "conversation."

They surprised a lot of people with their 2011 performance. Look for them to keep the momentum going.

You can expect them to win at least nine or 10 games in 2012.

Florida

Florida can look forward to another year of exceeding expectations. If Gator fans are truthful, they didn't expect what they got in 2011.

It was a nice surprise for them to see their team do as well as they did. That will only continue in 2012, even if they had to replace their offensive coordinator.

Georgia

Georgia can look forward to starting better.

The Bulldogs lost on opening night to Boise State in 2011.

However, that problem has been solved. They will open the 2012 season with the Buffalo Bulls at home.

Look for the Bulldogs to win by at least 56.

Kentucky

Kentucky can look forward to—about the same.

They went 5-7 in 2011 and with the talent they have coming back and those they lost, they should even out.

LSU

LSU can look forward to revenge.

The Tigers will no doubt lose 24-17 in the BCS National Championship Game.

That will be a very hard thing for LSU to deal with after beating the Tide once already.

Still, in 2012 expect them to devour Alabama when they meet during the season.

Mississippi State

Mississippi State can look forward to being the team no one wants to play in 2012.

Look for the Bulldogs to play hard next season. They have decent talent and they will be better than their 7-6 2011 season.

They may even compete for the SEC title.

Ole Miss

Ole Miss can look forward to a dramatic turnaround.

The Rebels will be much better in 2012.

With a new coach and a whole lot of attitude and hope, you can bet that Ole Miss will be bowling.

You better believe they won't be left out in the cold this time around, and it will all be because of a man named Freeze.

South Carolina

South Carolina can look forward to the return of Marcus Lattimore.

He was having an amazing season before his injury.

Let's hope he can come back better than ever and give us all a show.

Tennessee

Tennessee can look forward to progress.

They had a bit of a disappointing season, and the loss to Kentucky had to hurt.

Tennessee fans will probably lose patience if progress isn't made, but you can expect a better Vols team in 2012.

Now, let's just hope Dooley changes those pants.

He certainly knows how to change assistant coaches, even if it isn't by his own choice.

Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt can look forward to reminding people they play in the SEC.

They went 6-7 in the 2011 season, and they could probably improve a bit on that mark.

If they do, people will stop being surprised when they find out that the Commodores are part of the Southeastern Conference.

Arkansas State

The Red Wolves can look forward to the unknown.

However, one thing that will be known is that their amazing quarterback Ryan Aplin will return.

With him at the helm, it can't all be bad.

They should have another Sun Belt title if everything goes as planned.

Florida Atlantic

Florida Atlantic can look forward to improvement.

They would have to improve; they won only one game in the 2011 season.

They have a new stadium, a new coach and several returning players.

Look for improvement to come in the form of three wins.

FIU

FIU can look forward to another bowl game.

They had a taste of the bowling life in 2011. Expect the Golden Panthers to stay hungry.

They will certainly be as good as they were in 2011 come the 2012 season.

They may even claw their way into a Sun Belt title.

Louisiana-Lafayette

Louisiana-Lafayette can look forward to coming back down to earth.

No one expected such an amazing season for the Ragin' Cajuns.

However, it will be very difficult to duplicate their success.

Louisiana-Monroe

The Warhawks can look forward to giving more teams fits in 2012.

These pesky Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks gave several teams a run for their money.

Expect that to happen again in 2012 as this team lives up to its name.

Middle Tennessee

Middle Tennessee can expect to improve the turnover game.

Turnovers killed the Blue Raiders. You can expect they will work on that for 2012.

If they do get a handle on them, expect a much-improved squad.

North Texas

North Texas can fully expect and look forward to a bowl game in 2012.

They came close in 2011, but some key mistakes were the difference.

They have a lot of talented players coming back, and their schedule should be favorable.

Look for seven wins, a bowl game and some Mean Green happy fans.

Troy

Troy can look forward to a better year.

They have to be disappointed after the 2011 season.

They will be improved come 2012.

Western Kentucky

WKU will go bowling again in 2012.

What? They didn't go to a bowl game?

But they had a record of 7-5.

So UCLA got to go with a losing record, but WKU got left out?

Tragedy...

Fresno State

Fresno State can look forward to a new coach. It is probably best for both parties, but it will be hard to imagine the Bulldogs without Pat Hill.

Still, hopefully he lands somewhere else. Fresno State might figure out that Hill wasn't the problem, but they did what they had to do.

Hawaii

Hawaii can look forward to a new conference.

The Mountain West will be fun for at least one year. San Diego State and Boise State leave in 2013, but in 2012 it will be interesting.

Hawaii should be improved in 2012 and just in time for some tougher competition.

Idaho

Idaho can look forward to winning at least four more games than they did in 2011.

They will be in a very watered-down WAC, but that may be to their advantage.

Louisiana Tech

Louisiana Tech can look forward to a WAC title.

They almost pulled off a brilliant upset of TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl.

Look for them to cause more teams problems in 2012.

They are a good team with some key offensive players returning.

Nevada

Nevada can look at competing for the MWC title.

They enter the Mountain West with a talented team, and Boise State will be in a rebuilding year.

Look for Chris Ault to stop at nothing in his pursuit of the Mountain West crown.

New Mexico State

New Mexico State can look forward to another surprising year.

They did much better than most thought they would in 2011.

While 4-9 doesn't sound like a great record, it is much better than past years.

Not only that, but they were competitive in many of their losses. Look for them to up their win total in 2012.

San Jose State

San Jose State can look forward to less competition.

The WAC will be cleared of any serious competition. This will leave the Spartans in good shape to compete for the title.

Will they win it?

Probably not, but it will be nice to dream.

Utah State

Utah State can look forward to replacing their amazing running back.

Robert Turbin decided he is going pro.

Too bad for the Aggies, because they would have been a lock for the WAC title.