College Football Spring Games 2012: Most Intriguing Schools to Watch This Spring

From the actual games, to around-the-calender recruiting and finally to the spring games each year, college football truly is a year-round sport.

The aforementioned spring games act as a demonstrative state of the union address to fans, a chance to see how the team will set up come the summer. Winter thaws, and football returns.

It's a beautiful thing.

But which programs are the most intriguing to keep an eye on this spring? What schools have the most compelling storylines heading into next season?

I've got you covered.

Arkansas Razorbacks

So, um, who exactly will be coaching Arkansas after Bobby Petrino was axed after his scandal broke?

Will Arkansas still be going with an interim coach at that time? Will they be able to land a big name? How will the ream respond to the scandal?

Questions, so many questions. The circus down in Fayetteville won't be leaving town just yet.

Penn State Nittany Lions

For the first time since 1965, the Penn State Nittany Lions will not be led by the now-deceased Joe Paterno. Let's not rehash the Jerry Sandusky scandal here, other than to say this year's spring game in Happy Valley will be bittersweet, indeed.

But football brings solace, and Bill O'Brien seems to be doing big things already at Penn State. What will the offense under the former offensive coordinator from the New England Patriots? How quickly will the team pick up the new scheme?

And is there enough talent in place for the Nittany Lions to compete for a Big Ten title this year?

Answering those questions will bring a welcome respite to all of the more serious questions that have required answering in Happy Valley since this fall.

Ohio State Buckeyes

The Urban Meyer era begins for the Buckeyes, and you can bet the Ohio State faithful are thrilled to get it going. And they'll have a few questions, I'm sure.

Will the speedy Braxton Miller thrive in Urban Meyer's spread attack? Is the rest of the offense suited to the new attack? Will Ohio State return to prominence in the Big Ten? Will Brent Bielema appear from the shadows and say mean things about Meyer?

It's an exciting time down in Columbus, indeed.

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