1 Thing That Could Derail Each BCS Conference Team's Season

As we continue to wait for the 2012 season to kick off, college football fans are continuing to review their teams' schedule, depth chart and incoming recruiting class. 

While we begin to review the upcoming season, there are also some things that could stand in the way of a team reaching its potential. Whether it be an injury, coach, player, schedule, game or situation, here is a look at one thing that could derail each BCS team. 

Maryland: Losing Danny O'Brien

After a bad start to his career at Maryland, Randy Edsall has a new fight on his hands and the result could lead to an even worse 2012 season. 

Starting quarterback Danny O'Brien is currently trying to transfer but is having it blocked by Edsall. O'Brien is trying to dispute this move but either way you look at this, it may have already derailed Maryland's season.

Florida State: Expectations

Seems like every year, Florida State enters the season with high expectations and something always seems to derail their momentum. 

For the past two year, Florida State has been defeated by Oklahoma and has fallen off the map. This year, the out of conference schedule doesn't look bad but will the yearly expectations cause them to fold up again?

Miami: Nevin Shapiro

Miami is another school that while they continue to prepare for the upcoming season, winds of investigation will surround them and that is in the back of every fans mind.

Nevin Shapiro has come out and admitted to being a major booster at the program. He is on record for offering players money, parties, drugs, cars and sex parties. 

While nothing has happened yet, Miami knows that when the ruling comes down, it could be a huge hit to the program. 

Clemson: Auburn Game

Despite a strong start in 2011, Clemson struggled down the stretch and got bombed by West Virginia in the Orange Bowl. 

While the loss was tough, Clemson returns a ton of young and talented weapons but start the season off with a game against Auburn. A win in this game would be a huge boost but at the same time, a loss could continue the downward spiral that occurred at the end of last year. 

Virginia: Tight End Production

Virginia had a great year in 2011 and surprised a lot of people. While their rushing game was sufficient, the Cavaliers struggled in stretching the field with a passing game. 

As the 2012 season approaches, one thing that is standing in their way is not getting enough production from the tight end position. If Jeremiah Mathis and Paul Freedman can be more of a factor this coming year, Virginia could get even better.

Virginia Tech: Clemson

Last year, Virginia Tech was very quietly putting together a great season but on two separate occasions, the Hokies went up against the Clemson Tigers and got dominated. 

In their regular season game, the Hokies lost at home 23-3 and then in the ACC title game, they again lost to the Clemson Tigers 38-10. Avoiding the Tigers this year may be the best thing possible for the Hokies. 

North Carolina: Backfield Growing Up

After a 7-5 season, North Carolina finds itself with a new head coach and a hope that the youth of its backfield is able to take a step in the right direction. If both Bryn Renner and Giovani Bernard are able to step their game up, then the Tar Heels should improve in 2012. 

Duke: The 2012 Schedule

Plain and simple, Duke is a basketball school and will always be one. Ever since Steve Spurrier left the program, they have gone down hill farther and farther to the point that a three game win streak may have been the highlight for the past few years. 

This will again be another tough year for the Blue Devils and above everything else, making it through each game will be a struggle. 

NC State: Quarterback Play

For the second straight year, Mike Glennon will be under center for NC State and if he is able to match or even improve on last years performance, then the Wolfpack will be in great hands.

Many believed that NC State would truly struggle without Russell Wilson, but Glennon has been a great successor and should be even better in 2012. 

Georgia Tech: Stephen Hill's Inconsistency

One thing about Paul Johnson's offense is he doesn't ask for much from his wide receivers. He needs them to be solid in their blocks and make some timely catches. 

In 2011, Stephen Hill was a big target in the Yellow Jackets offense but struggled at times with consistency. If he can get things together this year, the Georgia Tech offense could be even better.

Wake Forest: Josh Harris Not Being Ready

The rushing game of Wake Forest was a disappointment and ultimately let it down as the year went on. Brandon Pendergrass has graduated, and now Josh Harris is next in line to fill the roll.

While the bar from last year is not that high, the Demon Deacons need Harris to be ready to carry the load and help Wake Forest improve from last year. 

Boston College: Chase Rettig Having a Repeat Performance

When the 2011 season came to an end, Chase Rettig and Boston College finished the year with the 100th overall passing offense in the nation. Rettig struggled to get comfortable and finished the year with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

If the Eagles hope to get things turned around from last year, Rettig must be more efficient and not give the nation a repeat performance of 2011. 

Oregon: NCAA Investigation

As Oregon continues to win conference titles and has now won a Rose Bowl, the one thing that is in the back of every Duck fans mind is the fact that there is the understanding that the investigation is still out there and there has been no ruling either way thus far.

While most believe that penalties will be light, the potential is still there and the fear of the unknown is always hard to handle.

Washington State: Injury to Jeff Tuel

Last year, the Cougars had to deal with an injury to starting quarterback Jeff Tuel. Now that a new season has come around, Washington State has hired Mike Leach as its head coach and have a positive outlook on the season.

A quick way for that good feeling to go away would be with another injury to Tuel, especially with how he could perform in Leach's offense. 

Stanford: Losing Andrew Luck

Over the past two years, Stanford has enjoyed the success that Andrew Luck has brought to the program. This year, the Cardinal will be without Luck and moving on as he heads to the NFL. 

While the team is built for a power run game, its season may have already been derailed by the loss of Luck. 

Cal: September

Things will roll out to a rough start as Cal has a difficult September to try to navigate through. In the month of September, the Golden Bears play Nevada, Southern Utah, at Ohio State, at USC and Arizona State. 

Before we even get out of September, Cal could be out of the Top 25 and out of the Pac-12 conference race.

Oregon State: Nicholls State

In 2011, Mike Riley and the Oregon State Beavers started off their season by losing to Sacramento State at home 29-28. This year, the Beavers are playing another FCS team to start the year, and if they repeat last years performance and lose to Nicholls State, things will hit a new low in Corvallis. 

Washington: Defense

Coming into the 2012 season, Washington has a strong offense that could help them compete in the Pac-12 North. The problem that the Huskies are going to run into is their defense will not help them close out many games.

With a weakened defense, more pressure will be placed on the offense to consistently put up points and put games out of reach. 

USC: Injury to Matt Barkley

Coming out of a post-season band, the Trojans are already being viewed as one of the best teams in the nation for 2012 and a potential title winner. On top of the team expectations, Matt Barkley is back at quarterback and has Heisman hopes.

With all of the hype and promise around this team, an injury to Barkley would take all of the wind out of their sails and would cause the Pac-12 South to be wide open. 

UCLA: Jim More Coaching at the College Level

Jim Mora has made the move to college and only time will tell if this is a good move for him and for UCLA. Mora has experience in the NFL with San Diego, San Francisco, New Orleans, Atlanta and Seattle.

Now with UCLA, More will have to adjust quickly because UCLA has continued to fall further and further off the national landscape.  

Utah: John White IV Progressing

Last year, John White had a great season rushing for over 1,500 yards and 15 scores. One thing that become clear was the fact that as White went, the Utes went.

In 2010, the Utes had difficulty transitioning to Pac-12 play. In every game that White went over 100 yards, the Utes won but when held under that, they would lose.

If White can progress and give Utah a consistent run threat, the Utes can give the Trojans a run in the Pac-12 South. 

Colorado: Run Game

Last year, the Buffaloes throughout could get more out of their running game and Rodney Stewart, but the season was a disaster, and Colorado had an awful season.

In 2012, the Buffaloes will need a consistent running game as the offense was ranked 109th in the nation last year. If they hope to be competitive in an wide open conference, the run game must take a step forward. 

Arizona State: Belief

For the past three seasons, Todd Graham will have been the head coach of a different team each year. In 2010 he coached Tulsa, in 2011 he coached Pittsburgh and this year Graham has landed at Arizona State.

Before the ball is even kicked off, Graham has the task of winning over his players and ensuring that they have a complete belief in him and his system. In order for Graham to get the most out of his team, it must trust him and want to play for him.

Arizona: Replacing Nick Foles

Over the past three years, Nick Foles did his best to elevate the Arizona program but came up short, but stuck with things during a rough 2011 season. 

This year, Rich Rodriguez is taking over at Arizona and the first thing the Wildcats will need to do is find a replacement at quarterback. If the Wildcats can find a replacement that will work in Rodriguez's offense they could be a force in the Pac-12. 

Michigan : Alabama

While 2011 was a great season for the Wolverines, things will not be as easy as they were in 2012. Last years out of conference schedule was really weak but to start the season off this year, Brady Hoke and the Wolverines will head to Dallas to take on Alabama.

With the size and speed of the Crimson Tide, this is a loss that can really takeaway a lot of the good that Hoke did last year. 

Ohio State: Post-Season Band

The job that Urban Meyer faces in 2012 is getting players to buy in for the season while knowing that they will not be allowed into the Big 10 title game or any bowl game due to a one year post-season ban. 

Meyer is going to have get a committed effort from juniors and seniors who are not only the leaders and most important part of this team but also may be facing the reality that this could be their last season at Ohio State.

Minnesota: Jerry Kill's Health

Minnesota had a bad 2011 season, but what made it even worse was when Jerry Kill suffered a stroke on the sidelines of a Gophers game.

This year, Kill is back and appears to be healthy, but with the program struggling so much, the last thing they would need is to be setback by the loss of a coach who has to retire due to health concerns. 

Michigan State: Loss to Boise State

To start the 2012 season, Michigan State is playing host to Boise State. This year, the Broncos will be moving on without Kellen Moore and may not be making their usual BCS run.

While the Spartans did lose some key players of their own on offense, the defense is still young and talented and they are at home. A loss could send doubts throughout the entire Michigan State program. 

Iowa: Marcus Coker Regressing

In 2011, Iowa slipped toward the middle of the pack and was not a factor in the Big 10 conference race. With the 2012 season around the corner, Iowa is not being talked about but with the return of Marcus Coker, Iowa could quietly do some damage in conference. 

Purdue: Coaching Staff

Purdue continues to slip farther and farther down the Big 10 ladder and Danny Hope and the coaching staff need to find a way to stop this trend from continuing. 

Last year, the offense finished 60th in the nation in terms of points for and then finished 63rd in the nation for points against. If it hopes to move forward, Purdue and its coaching staff must help them improve. 

Penn State: Off the Field Issues

Unfortunately for Penn State, the end of the 2011 season was spent being distracted by the off the field issues caused by Jerry Sandusky and likely the 2012 season will continue to be derailed by this story. 

With a new coach and this still hanging over the program, it will take a huge effort from every member of the team to not let this get in the way this year. 

Wisconsin: Matt Canada Picking Up as Offensive Coordinator

In the offseason, Wisconsin had some work to do in replacing its former offensive coordinator. In mid-January, the Badgers hired Matt Canada from Northern Illinois, and he will take over the Wisconsin offense that has been great the past two years.

During the 2012 season, it will be Canada's responsibility to retool this offense and make sure they don't miss a beat. 

Illinois: Second Half Nathan Scheelhaase

Illinois got off to a hot start last year, going 6-0, and much of that could be credited to the strong play of quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase. As the season went on, Scheelhaase struggled, and the Illini dropped their last six games of the regular season. 

When the 2012 season kicks off, the Illini will need Scheelhaase to play the way he did at the start of last year all season to remain in the Big 10 hunt. 

Indiana: First Two Games

The 2011 season was one that Indiana would like to forget, and one way to ensure that they can is by getting off to a quick start in 2012. To start the year, the Hooisers will play against Indiana State and UMass and wins in those games could already have them ahead of last years mark. 

Northwestern: Kain Colter Not Filling Dan Persa's Shoes

Dan Persa has been the leader at Northwestern for a while but now that he has graduated, Northwestern will look to Kain Colter to take his place and hopefully live up to the level Persa played at. 

While many fans are frustrated at the wait for a bowl win, if Colter cannot be an adequate replacement, the Wildcats will not have to worry about a bowl game. 

Nebraska: Injury to Taylor Martinez

This year, the load is going to have to be carried by Taylor Martinez for the Nebraska offense. Martinez will be a key contributor in the passing and rushing game and an injury could be a devastating blow to the Huskers season and take them completely out of the race. 

Alabama: Repeat

Not only is winning the BCS National Championship hard to do, but the expectations that come the next year are even harder. Now that Crimson Tide fans have gotten another taste of the title, the expectation will be that Alabama will be back in the title game and playing for its second straight championship.

These kinds of expectations will already start to creep in and come spring practice and the spring game, the pressure will already start to mount. 

Texas A&M: A Second Half Collapse

If you are Texas A&M, the last thing that that team can handle mentally is being two games deep in the season, playing Florida, getting a lead heading into the second half and seeing it all go away. If they see another second half collapse this year, the Aggies could fall apart. 

Georgia: Aaron Murray's Health

After starting the 2011 season off 0-2, the Bulldogs ripped off 10 straight wins and turned a lot of heads around the SEC and the nation. This year, the schedule is much kinder and the Dawgs look like a team that could compete with anyone.

At the center of that talent is Aaron Murray who is the linchpin to all of the Bulldogs hopes and dreams for the 2012 season. 

LSU: Alabama

Last year was a tough ending for LSU as it went undefeated through the regular season, won the SEC title game and then failed to show up for the BCS National Championship. 

After beating Alabama on the road in 2011, the Tigers get the Tide at home this year and have a chance to gain some of the pride they may have lost during the title game back.

This will certainly be another great matchup, but a loss could take the Tigers off their game. 

Missouri: The SEC

As both Texas A&M and Missouri head to the SEC, Texas A&M appears to be more equipped for the transition than Missouri is. 

With the speed and strength of the teams Missouri is going to face, the Tigers are not going to be ready right away and will have a hard time competing in 2012. 

Auburn: Clemson

Gene Chizik and Auburn came back down to earth last year after their 2010 national title and things get off to a quick start for the Tigers in 2012. 

Last year, the Tigers struggled severely with Utah State in their home opener and this year they take on Clemson at a neutral field. A loss against Clemson would really get things off to a bad start.

Arkansas: September 15

Tyler Wilson is back, Knile Davis is back and the Razorbacks have all the offensive tools to make a run at a SEC crown. 

Last year, Arkansas had a strong team but losses to Alabama and LSU kept them outside of the SEC title game. This year, they are tested early as Alabama comes to their house on Sept. 15 and it could be either a huge boost or downfall for the Razorbacks.

Florida: Brent Pease Taking over

The Charlie Weis experiment is over at Florida as Weis has bolted for Kansas for the head coaching job. This year, Brent Pease will take over the offense after spending time with Boise State.

Last year the Gators finished 71st overall in terms of points scored and this year, Pease will need to get that turned around because if he doesn't it could be another mediocre season for the Gators. 

Tennessee: Tyler Bray

Tyler Bray had a strong start to his 2011 season but an injury forced him to miss almost half of the year and prevented him from seeing the entire season the whole way through.

In 2012, Tennessee has defensive strength and if Bray can stay healthy and can finish what he started last year, the Vols will be a tough team to beat in the SEC. 

Vanderbilt: Tampering Charges

With the news that Danny O'Brien of Maryland is thinking of transferring to Vanderbilt, it also came with the news that Vanderbilt's head coach, James Franklin, may be guilty of tampering charges dealing with the Maryland transfer.

If Franklin is found to have tampered with transfers, the Vanderbilt season could be over before it even starts. 

Kentucky: Coming Up Empty at Quarterback

Last year, Kentucky and Joker Phillips had gone between Maxwell Smith and Morgan Newton at quarterback and regardless of who was under center, the Wildcats struggled in the passing game and finished in the bottom 10 for passing yards.

If the Wildcats have any hopes of their football team drawing headlines, they must figure something out at quarterback. 

Mississippi State

Last year was an average season for the Bulldogs, and they had one of the top 20 defenses in the nation. This year, they have lost Vick Ballard and Chris Relf, which will put even more pressure on the defense in 2012. 

If Dan Mullen and Mississippi State hope to take that next step in the SEC this year, the Bulldogs defense will have to be as good, if not better, than it was last year.

Ole Miss: Not Getting Production from the Tight Ends

As if the two wins were not bad enough, the Ole Miss offense was brutal and the passing game ranked 107th in the nation. 

The good news is the Rebels get quarterback Randall Mackey back and while the receivers will need to play a big role, tight ends Ferbia Alleen and Jamal Mosley could be huge as his outlets.

If Mackey can utilize these two tight ends, Ole Miss could step forward. 

South Carolina: Marcus Lattimore Not Returning to Form

Half way through the season last year, Marcus Lattimore had a great season come to an end with a season ending knee injury, and while the Gamecocks offense picked up the slack, Lattimore was missed. 

This year, Lattimore will return, but it could hurt the South Carolina offense if he is not able to recapture the form he showed his freshman and first half of his sophomore year. 

Connecticut : First Five Games

Last year, the Huskies only managed to win five games and were unable to get back to a bowl game, let alone defend their conference crown.

In 2012, Connecticut opens up with a very manageable five game stretch that includes UMass, NC State, at Maryland, at Western Michigan and home again for Buffalo. With this kind of opening schedule, the Huskies have a chance to either make or break their season. 

Pittsburgh: Tino Sunseri Never Developing

Since 2010, the Pittsburgh Panthers have been hoping that Tino Sunseri would pan out to be a quality starting quarterback and to this point, he has largely disappointed. 

This year is Sunseri's senior season and his last chance at making that first step forward. In a weak conference, Pittsburgh has a chance at winning but will need Sunseri to step up in his final season. 

South Florida: Last Years Collapse

With the loss of West Virginia in the Big East, a team like South Florida could step forward and take over the conference. Last year, the Bulls had an extremely strong start but completely fell apart down the stretch. 

As this year gets underway, the schedule will not be as challenging, so if they start to falter, last years struggles could come back and repeat themselves. 

Rutgers: Losing Greg Schiano

Greg Schiano had been a huge part of Rutgers football and to a certain extent, the loss of Schiano to the NFL may have already derailed the Rutgers football season. 

In the mean time, Rutgers has brought Kyle Flood on board to replace Schiano but it will take more than one season for the Scarlet Knights to move on without their former head man. 

Louisville: Teddy Bridgewater

As a freshman, Teddy Bridgewater led the Cardinals to a share of the Big East title. 

While things went great in his first year, Bridgewater will need to continue to develop in order to keep Louisville towards the top of the conference.

If Bridgewater can improve upon last years season, Louisville will have a serious shot at winning the Big East for a second straight season. 

Cincinnati: Vs Virginia Tech

Along with Louisville and West Virginia, Cincinnati was the third team to earn a share of the Big East title and will be back in 2012 to try to win the weakened conference for the second straight year. 

As Cincinnati continues to improve, it will play teams like Virginia Tech who are a clear gauge of how far this program has come. 

Syracuse: Second Week Game Against USC

Two things immediately work against the Orange in this years game against USC. The first is Orange quarterback Ryan Nassib has graduated and the second is that Matt Barkley decided to come back for his senior year. 

Despite this game being at home, the Orange will struggle immensely in this game and it could be the beginning of a tough season. 

Oklahoma: Wide Receiver Depth

In 2011, Oklahoma was a team that appeared to be heading toward a national championship. After a loss to Texas Tech, the Sooners kept pushing through and as we saw late in the year, a one loss team would make the title game.

During their game with Texas A&M, Ryan Broyles went down with a season and career ending injury. Since that injury, the Sooners struggled and Landry Jones had difficulty in the passing game.

As the 2012 season begins, the Sooners will need to find an answer as Jones has returned for his senior season at Oklahoma. 

Texas: Not Picking a QB

Over the past couple of seasons, Texas has been fairly average and not a real threat in the national landscape. As the 2011 season went on, the Longhorns struggled between starting Case McCoy and David Ash.

As the 2012 season draws closer, Mack Brown still has that decision to make, and he needs to do so to prevent it from becoming a distraction all year long. 

West Virginia: Travel

While going to the Big 12 is a good move for West Virginia, it does come with its challenges. Staying in the Big East was not helping the Mountaineers, and it is becoming clear that the conference is slowly sinking. 

By moving to the Big 12, West Virginia will face a challenge it hasn't had to face and that is constant long distance traveling for conference games. It will be interesting to see how it handles constantly going down to Texas and Oklahoma for games. 

Oklahoma State: Todd Monken

No one is under more pressure this year than Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Todd Monken. This year, Monken will have to run the offense without Justin Blackmon and Brandon Weedon. 

Last year those two players helped lead the offense to an amazing season but replacing them will take a while, and Monken will have his hands full. 

Iowa State: Passing Game

In 2011, Iowa State had a top 40 rushing game and yet it finished the year at 6-7. The main reason for its struggles is the fact that it had very little success in the passing game. 

This year, the Cyclones will have to choose between Steele Jantz and Jared Barnett and must find a way to be successful with either one of them. 

Kansas: A Defense

The one thing that is a positive for Kansas Jayhawk fans is the fact that the defense cannot be worse than it was last year. Last year, Kansas finished dead last in the NCAA in total defense and looked bad all year long.

If Charlie Weis is unable to get things turned around, Kansas and its fans will be in store for another season like 2011. 

Kansas State: Collin Klein

Last year, Kansas State surprised a lot of people and finished the year at 10-3. One of the major reasons for the turn around for the Wildcats is the leadership and help of Collin Klein. 

Klein was a huge force in both the running and passing game and any setback or injury to this leader will be a huge stumbling block for the Wildcats. 

Texas Tech: Middle of the Year

One of the major downfalls for Texas Tech last year was its hot start which was ruined by an awful finish to its season. After starting off 5-2, the Red Raiders finished the year at 5-7 and missed a bowl game. 

This year, the challenges come in the middle of the year when they take on a stretch of games against Oklahoma, West Virginia, TCU, Kansas State and Texas.

If things start to fall apart, the middle of the season could be the downfall of the Red Raiders this season. 

Baylor: Offense

Last year, Baylor was incredible on offense and much of that stemmed from Heisman winner Robert Griffin III. Unfortunately for the Bears, Griffin is gone and offense will be in desperate need of help.

After finishing fourth overall in the nation last year for points scored, expect a huge drop for Baylor in both points and wins. 

TCU: Sanctions

Before we have even hit spring practice, TCU was dealt news that it was not expecting to hear this offseason. Early last week, there was a drug bust on the TCU campus which has led to the arrest of four football players.

While it appears that this will not be as bad as it was believed, anytime you have the NCAA's attention in a negative way, things could go very wrong. 

Notre Dame: Three Games Deep

Over the past two years, Notre Dame has had a lot of trouble getting out of the first three games of the year without losing two games. 

In 2012, the Irish will be taking on Navy, Purdue and Michigan State and not winning at least two of those games could turn the heat up on Brian Kelly. If the trend from the last two years continues, the Irish will have gotten off to another awful start to their season.