College Football 2011: Power Ranking Every Program After National Signing Day

Now that National Signing Day has come and passed, it's time to take another look at the rankings for the upcoming 2011 college football season. 

You see top 25 rankings a lot, but these are the rankings for all 120 teams in the FBS. 

I did a set of rankings before recruiting was finished, which you can see here: College Football 2011: Power Ranking Every Program Heading Into 2011. 

For this set, you'll get to see the previous ranking and explanation, along with a breakdown of the incoming freshmen classes and how that will affect the team. 

Enjoy reading through the next 120 slides and be sure to leave a comment when you feel so inclined. 

120. New Mexico Lobos

Previous Rank:  No. 119

Previous Explanation: After beating Wyoming in the midst of 11 losses, the Lobos are still in the hunt for 5-star offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio, but one offensive lineman won’t be able to single-handedly turn around this rather inept team.

Post-NSD Explanation: Alas, Kouandjio didn’t end up a Lobo. Now cornerback Zoey Williams and offensive tackle Korian Chambers are the only commitments even garnering 3-stars. A recruiting class ranked 113th won’t get it done here. 

119. Buffalo Bulls

Previous Rank:  No. 118

Previous Explanation: The Bulls actually shut out Rhode Island to open the season and then won one more game, but a loss to Akron to finish the season with a seven-game losing streak proves that this team is far from ascending the college football ladder by even the tiniest amount of rungs.

Post-NSD Explanation: The No. 106 recruiting class in the nation boasts two good additions to the defensive line: 3-star prospects Kendall Patterson and Joe Felicia. Will the new players help earn more than just one win in 2011? Probably not. 

118. San Jose State Spartans

Previous Rank:  No. 117

Previous Explanation: The Spartans could only defeat Southern Utah in 2010, but with quarterback Jordan La Secla graduating, that one win may be a difficult thing to accomplish again.

Post-NSD Explanation: Two 3-star recruits help to give the Spartans some hope. Quarterback Joseph Gray is the best of the 108th-ranked bunch and should take over where Jordan La Secla left off pretty quickly. Cornerback Mercy Maston could help, too. 

117. Eastern Michigan Eagles

Previous Rank:  No. 115

Previous Explanation: Somehow, the Eagles managed to win two games, one against Buffalo and one in overtime against Ball State, but they’ll have to find someone other than Dwayne Priest to score the ball in 2011 as the running back will be moving on from college life. 

Post-NSD Explanation: Safety Sean Cotton is the only 3-star caliber player of the bunch that the Eagles pulled in. There’s a reason that the class ranks just 116th. Eastern Michigan did sign four running backs, all 2-stars, who might be able to help replace Dwayne Priest. 

116. New Mexico State Aggies

Previous Rank:  No. 114

Previous Explanation: This team was just six points away from a winless season as they won each of their two games by two points. Instead they came out of 2010 with a pair of wins and some hope for the next season. That hope will be proven false as the Aggies can’t score or stop other teams at all.

Post-NSD Explanation: No relief is in sight for the Aggies. New Mexico State put together the third-worst recruiting class in the nation. Kemonte Batemon, a wide receiver transferring from a junior college, is the only player with three stars to his name. 

115. Memphis Tigers

Previous Rank:  No. 120 

Previous Explanation: After going 1-11 in 2010 with their sole win against Middle Tennessee State, this team doesn’t have the offense or the defense necessary to do any better than finishing in the cellar yet again.

Post-NSD Explanation: Memphis actually managed to put together the No. 69 recruiting class in the country. Defensive tackle Terry Redden is the best of the six 3-star prospects, but none of them will be able to bring the Tigers up from that aforementioned cellar. 

114. Akron Zips

Previous Rank:  No. 116

Previous Explanation: Akron beat Buffalo last season, but as you can see from these rankings, that’s not much of an accomplishment. Now the run-based offense is losing starting running back Alex Allen and may find it difficult to avoid slipping farther toward the bottom of the pack.

Post-NSD Explanation: 4-star middle linebacker Nick Rossi was the 13^th-ranked player at his position and it will be up to him to carry the No. 87 class in the country. For a team that only had one win in 2010, landing a player like Rossi is a huge accomplishment and should do quite a bit for them during the upcoming season.

113. UNLV Running Rebels

Previous Rank:  No. 113 

Previous Explanation: Head coach Bobby Hauk is going to try to improve this team in his second season with the program, but the two wins against New Mexico and Wyoming may prove to be too high of a bar for him to have his team jump over.

Post-NSD Explanation: Bobby Hauk is going to begin his second season with a mediocre freshman class, at best, as it ranks just 93rd. 4-star middle linebacker Princeton Jackson is going to be an immediate impact player on the Running Rebels defense, but it doesn’t appear as though too many other players other than the two 3-star recruits are going to be that helpful at first. 

112. Colorado State Rams

Previous Rank:  No. 112

Previous Explanation: The three wins were nice in 2010, but none were against quality opponents, and the 44-0 shutout loss against Wyoming to close the season proves that these Rams are charging in the wrong direction. One good sign is that quarterback Pete Thomas was just a freshman last year and showed some potential.

Post-NSD Explanation: Defensive tackle Isiah Norton, tight end Joe Kawulock and running back Dorian Brown are the 3-stars in this No. 82 recruiting class. The young talent should help out Pete Thomas as he continues to grow at the quarterback position. 

111. Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns

Previous Rank:  No. 108 

Previous Explanation: Mark Hudspeth was imported from Mississippi State to direct the football team, but this passing offense is going to have to make up for a lot of other holes on the team. One certainty is that talented tight end Ladarius Green will produce.

Post-NSD Explanation: The Ragin’ Cajuns two 3-star prospects in their 94^th-ranked recruiting class were the No. 3 fullback, Alonzo Harris, and running back Montrel Carter. However, Louisiana-Lafayette passes a whole lot more than they run, so the imnpact will be relatively minimal. 

110. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Previous Rank:  No. 110 

Previous Explanation:  A lot of the Hilltoppers' games were close in 2010, but they only got two wins. The program boasts a strong running game and running back Bobby Rainey will be back for his senior season. Expecting more than two wins may be giving Western Kentucky too big of a hill to climb, though.

Post-NSD Explanation: The Hilltoppers put together the 83^rd-ranked recruiting class, one that contains four 3-star prospects with great names. Cornerback Eric Robinson-Berry has a name very similar to former Tennessee safety Eric Berry. Then there’s safety Champ Lewis, who might make you think of Champ Bailey. And as for their top prospect, running back Quartterrio Morgan, well, who doesn’t like the name Quartterrio?

109. Florida Atlantic Owls

Previous Rank:  No. 107

Previous Explanation: The Owls are appropriately named as many of their players will leave you wondering “whooo whooo whooo” they are. A fairly decent defense boosted them to a 4-8 record and a similar level of success should follow in 2011.

Post-NSD Explanation: The owl continued to question Florida Atlantic after it put together the worst class in the country. Florida Atlantic failed to sign even one 3-star prospect. Ouch. 

108. Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks

Previous Rank:  No. 104

Previous Explanation: With freshman quarterback Kolton Browning calling the shots, the Warhawks managed to win five of their 12 games in 2010. In their penultimate game, Browning threw five touchdown passes and showed off the potential that won him the job. Expect some improvement for this team in 2011. 

Post-NSD Explanation: Out of the 21 commitments in Louisiana-Monroe’s 110^th-ranked class, only one generated even three stars. That player would be quarterback Earnest Carrington, but it’s doubtful that he’ll get much playing time in 2011 after Kolton Browning’s scorching finish to the season. 

107. Vanderbilt Commodores

Previous Rank:  No. 109

Previous Explanation: New head coach James Franklin is going to try to turn around this SEC bottom-feeder, but we could be in store for a third-consecutive 2-10 season. Not many positions have strong players and the quarterback spot is up for grabs. 

Post-NSD Explanation: Vandy put together the No. 45 recruiting class, but it’s devoid of top-level talent. Two 4-star prospects isn’t going to get it done in the SEC. 

106. Wyoming Cowboys

Previous Rank:  No. 105

Previous Explanation: After going 3-9 in 2010, junior Austyn Carta-Samuels, the team’s starting quarterback, used a text message to tell head coach Dave Christensen that he was leaving Wyoming. Now the Cowboys will have to rely even more on 2010’s 86th-ranked scoring defense. Good luck with that.

Post-NSD Explanation: One 3-star prospect is the pick of Wyoming’s 95^th-ranked litter. The Cowboys will probably go ahead and use Adam Pittser, the No. 25 quarterback, as a freshman after the loss of Austyn Cara-Samuels. So at least they’ve got that going for them. 

105. Bowling Green Falcons

Previous Rank:  No. 111

Previous Explanation: Matt Schilz will be a sophomore at quarterback for the Falcons in 2010 and should be able to improve on his dreadful freshman campaign. It’s hard to do worse than eight touchdowns and 14 interceptions, although the wins against Marshall and Central Michigan were nice bright spots during a dismal season.

Post-NSD Explanation: Bowling Green’s 86^th-ranked class is full of elite talent (for the teams around this spot in the rankings), but not much else. They signed six 3-star prospects, four of which play on offense and two of which are defensive ends. 

104. Ball State Cardinals

Previous Rank:  No. 102

Previous Explanation: Stan Parish is gone as head coach of Ball State after a 4-8 campaign in 2010 and Pete Lembo will replace him. Ball State has the second-best recruiting class in its conference and should see a slight improvement over last year.

Post-NSD Explanation: Ball State is the proud owner of the No. 111 recruiting class in college football. It’s always great when you manage to sign just one 3-star, right?

103. Central Michigan Chippewas

Previous Rank:  No. 106 

Previous Explanation: After going 3-9 with no quality wins (Hampton, Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan), things aren’t looking up for the Chippewas. Defense was their calling card in 2010, but the loss of their defensive line coach to Syracuse will hurt.

Post-NSD Explanation: The Chippewas’ 76^th-ranked recruiting class will bring the talents of five 3-star prospects to Central Michigan next year. Two of the players will serve on the defensive line and try to help mitigate the impact of losing their defensive line coach, who departed after the season for Syracuse. 

102. Tulane Green Wave

Previous Rank:  No. 101

Previous Explanation: The Green Wave swept over Rutgers, Rice and UTEP on the way to a 4-8 record in 2010. That’s only going to get a bit better now that quarterback Ryan Griffin has a year under his belt.

Post-NSD Explanation: With three 3-star prospects, Tulane pieced together the 96^th-best recruiting class in the country. Quarterback Nick SanGiacomo is one, but he probably won’t beat Ryan Griffin out for the job. The other two are safety Renaldo Thomas and wide receiver Marc Edwards, both of whom will see action. 

101. North Texas Mean Green

Previous Rank:  No. 100

Previous Explanation: It’s tough to take solace in any loss during a 3-9 season, but the Mean Green should be encouraged by a close 49-41 loss to Kansas State during their last game. Running back Lance Dunbar will be back for his senior season after running for 1,553 yards and 13 touchdowns last season.

Post-NSD Explanation: North Texas couldn’t parlay the late season success into the recruiting process and as a result, they’re stuck with the No. 109 class. Cornerback Freddie Warner and wide receiver Chazz Sampson are the only 3-stars and can’t make up for the team’s problems by themselves. 

100. UTEP Miners

Previous Rank:  No. 98

Previous Explanation: The Miners finished their season slightly below .500 after getting blown out in the New Mexico Bowl by BYU, 52-24. This is a classic case of programs heading in opposite directions as the Miners will now have to play without key senior Trevor Vittatoe. Don’t expect to see the orange uniforms back in another bowl game. 

Post-NSD Explanation: With just two 3-star prospects amongst this 107^th-ranked class, UTEP doesn’t look to be on the rise. Two quarterbacks were picked up, both 2-stars, in the hopes of eventually filling in the hole left by Trevor Vittatoe, but both 3-star prospects play on the defensive side of the ball. 

99. Kansas Jayhawks

Previous Rank:  No. 103

Previous Explanation: Much like their 3-9 2010, the Jayhawks 2011 football season is going to leave them pining for the Rock Chalk Jayhawk chant during basketball season. It will be head coach Turner Gill’s second season, but it won’t go much better.

Post-NSD Explanation: With 20 3-star prospects and not much else, there is still room for improvement for the Jayhawks. Unfortunately for Kansas though, the highest ranking among a player’s position is just seven, and that’s the positional rating of kicker Alex Mueller. No other player is even in the top 20 among this 39^th-ranked class. 

98. Rice Owls

Previous Rank:  No. 99

Previous Explanation: The Owls went 4-8 last season as they beat UAB, East Carolina, Houston and North Texas. They had the No. 52 scoring offense in the nation and that figures to get better as they don’t lose any key skill position players.

Post-NSD Explanation: This No. 83 recruiting class brings six 3-star prospects to the team. The three best recruits, outside linebacker Nick Elder, cornerback Jaylon Finner and defensive end Michael Sam should be able to help bring the defense up to a similar level as the offense. 

97. Ohio Bobcats

Previous Rank:  No. 97

Previous Explanation: The Bobcats went 8-5, ending their season with a 48-21 loss to Troy in the New Orleans Bowl. But now, their entire offense will need to be revamped following the departure of dual-threat quarterback Boo Jackson.

Post-NSD Explanation: Considering they play in the MAC, the Bobcats should be quite pleased with their No. 78 recruiting class. Upgrading the defensive line was a priority and it seems as though Ohio brought in the players necessary to do it. Antwan Crutcher, Andrew Bennett, Justin Haser and Tony Davis are all 3-star prospects that will eventually line up against opposing offensive linemen. 

96. Utah State Aggies

Previous Rank:  No. 95

Previous Explanation: The Aggies won four games, including a great win over their fellow Utahans from BYU. Quarterback Diondre Borel will be graduating and leaving the school, but there is a good bit of talent around him, at least for a team around this level in the rankings. 

Post-NSD Explanation: One of the three 3-star recruits in this 102^nd-ranked recruiting class is quarterback Chuck Keeton, the eventual successor to Diondre Borel. Utah State’s other top recruits were safety Peni Vea and defensive end Bojay Filimoeatu. 

95. Duke Blue Devils

Previous Rank:  No. 96

Previous Explanation: The Blue Devils beat Navy and Virginia toward the end of the season and then finished up with a bunch of close losses. Somehow, it appears as though Duke football is actually headed in the right direction. I hope you were sitting down when you read that. 

Post-NSD Explanation: Continuing their trend of heading in the right direction, Duke put together the 62^nd best class in the country, one that contains 12 3-star recruits. Will Monday was the best punter in high school and he’ll get a lot of opportunities to shine for Duke. 

94. UAB Blazers

Previous Rank:  No. 93

Previous Explanation: The Blazers went 4-8 last season, which included upset wins over both Southern Miss and Troy. Their 24th-ranked passing offense was led by Bryan Ellis, who will be a senior in 2011. Ellis threw 11 touchdown passes in his last three games and appears to be headed for a very good under-the-radar season.  

Post-NSD Explanation: 3-star tight end Kennard Backman will have a chance to immediately catch passes from Bryan Ellis and help the offense just keep on humming along. Two other 3-stars will join the team, along with the rest of the No. 89 class. 

93. Kent State Golden Flashes

Previous Rank:  No. 92

Previous Explanation: Ohio State assistant coach Darrell Hazell will take over as the head coach of the Golden Flashes, who went 5-7 in 2010 thanks to a good defense. Kent State only had 17 seniors on their roster, so they should still be fine as not all of them contributed.

Post-NSD Explanation: Kent State didn’t really have too many players to replace, and fittingly they only secured one 3-star prospect and the second-to-worst recruiting class. The Golden Flashes’ top incoming freshman is the No. 4 fullback in the country, Trayion Durham. 

92. Arkansas State Red Wolves

Previous Rank:  No. 91

Previous Explanation: Hugh Freeze was promoted to head coach of the previously 4-8 Red Wolves, and he’ll look to improve the team in 2011. The team had a very good offense last season and that shouldn’t change going into next year.

Post-NSD Explanation: Arkansas State’s 104^th-ranked recruiting class featured two 3-star recruits, both of whom will help make the offense even better. Running back Artez Brown and wide receiver Kyle Coleman should both be able to help Hugh Freeze look good. 

91. Idaho Vandals

Previous Rank:  No. 89 

Previous Explanation: Idaho football was in the news recently as speculation abounded about whether or not it was Vandals' head coach Robb Akey who voted for TCU at No. 1 in the season-ending coaches’ poll. That might be the most publicity the team gets until the end of the 2011 season as another 6-7 season may be in store for the school.

Post-NSD Explanation: There’s a reason that the Vandals could only put together the No. 114 recruiting class. Their only 3-star player is wide receiver Marquan Major. While there’s a chance that he makes a major impact, there’s a better chance that Idaho doesn’t win too many games. 

90. Marshall Thundering Herd

Previous Rank:  No. 94

Previous Explanation: The Thundering Herd finished 5-7 in 2010 and won four of their last five games, proving that they are indeed headed in the right direction. The defense is what this team relies on, finishing 74th in scoring defense, and after adding a 4-star linebacker, it’s only getting better.

Post-NSD Explanation: With 13 3-star prospects, the Thundering Herd thundered their way to herding together the No. 51 class in the nation. The top four recruits are all linebackers, which should only make a good defense stronger.

89. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Previous Rank:  No. 90

Previous Explanation: The perennial cellar-dweller in the ACC only beat Vanderbilt, Duke and Presbyterian in 2010, but they did have a freshman quarterback calling the signals. Tanner Price had a pretty bad season and didn’t throw a single touchdown pass in any of his last four games, so while I would normally say that freshmen quarterbacks get better, I’m not sure he is in fact improving.

Post-NSD Explanation: The Demon Deacons failed to secure any of the elite talent going to the ACC. They could only pick up nine 3-star recruits and the No. 74 recruiting class. The top player is quarterback Kevin Sousa, who may already challenge Tanner Price for the starting job. 

88. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Previous Rank:  No. 87

Previous Explanation: None of Louisiana Tech’s five wins were against very good teams, but most of their losses weren’t too bad either. They managed to score 20 points against Boise State, only lost by 18 to Nevada and so on. The recruiting class is pretty decent and the Bulldogs aren’t losing too much talent so they should do just about the same.

Post-NSD Explanation: Louisiana Tech’s 88^th-ranked recruiting class was made up of five 3-star recruits and not much else. 

87. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

Previous Rank:  No. 86

Previous Explanation: The Blue Raiders’ 2010 campaign ended on a sour note when they fell to Miami (Ohio) in the GoDaddy.com Bowl. It’s a shame they didn’t capitalize on that bowl bid because they most likely won’t be returning to the postseason in the near future. The offense ran through quarterback Dwight Dasher, but he was a senior in 2010 and won’t be on the team in 2011. 

Post-NSD Explanation: Middle Tennessee had the second-worst recruiting class in the Sun Belt and the sixth-worst in the country. Only two 3-stars signed with the Blue Raiders and both players are cornerbacks. Rodney O’Neal is the No. 68 player at his position and Jared Singletary is the No. 121. 

86. Indiana Hoosiers

Previous Rank:  No. 85

Previous Explanation: After Kevin Wilson was let go from his post at Oklahoma, he was hired as the head coach at Indiana. He’ll have a chance to improve upon 2010’s 5-7 record. He’ll have a chance to start over with Edward Wright-Baker making his first start at quarterback in 2011.

Post-NSD Explanation: First a correction. Kevin Wilson was not let go from Oklahoma. He left the school because he was hired by Indiana. The Hoosier’s first recruiting class under Wilson contained 15 3-star recruits and ranked 56^th in the nation. It’s hard to identify any standout players, though, as all are mediocre or slightly-less-than-mediocre 3-stars. 

85. Washington State Cougars

Previous Rank:  No. 88 

Previous Explanation: The Cougars may have only gone 2-10 last season, but they performed admirably in each of their last three games. A win against Oregon State was sandwiched between seven-point losses to California and Washington. The offense revolves around quarterback Jeff Tuel, who will be back for his junior season.

Post-NSD Explanation: Washington State put together a surprisingly good recruiting class, one that ranked 54^th in the nation. Jeff Tuel will have a new weapon to work with in wide receiver Dominique Williams. Plus, the linebacking corps is going to receive a sudden infusion of young talent. The No. 15 outside linebacker in the country, Chester Sua, is a 4-star prospect and he’ll be joined by 3-star linebackers Logan Mayes, Max Hersey and Darryl Paulo. 

84. Toledo Rockets

Previous Rank:  No. 84

Previous Explanation: The Rockets went 8-5 and finished their season off by losing a close contest to Florida International in the Little Caesar’s Bowl thanks to a last-second field goal. Their season was not a fluke, as we’ll see in 2011.

Post-NSD Explanation: Toledo’s 75^th-ranked class contained nine 3-star prospects and 10 players who couldn’t generate any more than two stars. Running back Antwan Gilbert, the 39^th-ranked player at his position, is going to be fun to watch. 

83. Florida International Golden Panthers

Previous Rank:  No. 82

Previous Explanation: The Golden Panthers finished 7-6 after stunning Toledo with a game-winning field goal in the Little Caesars Bowl. This is one of the more underrated teams in the country and should be back, especially if the momentum carries over into 2011. The reason for the low ranking is the fact that they play in the Sun Belt Conference and get a bunch of easy wins. 

Post-NSD Explanation: The 99^th-ranked recruiting class belonged to the Golden Panthers of Florida International. They won’t get too big a boost from the incoming players as the only two 3-stars are offensive guard Derrick Thorpe and cornerback Corey Tindal. 

82. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Previous Rank:  No. 83

Previous Explanation: The Scarlet Knights’ 2010 season was filled with up and downs. The roller coaster started out up high with four wins in the first six games, including a marquee victory against the BCS-bound Connecticut Huskies. But then they lost six straight at the end of the year and signed a fairly good recruiting class to replace the seniors. Next year will be better, but a bowl may be a bit of a stretch.

Post-NSD Explanation: The Scarlet Knights put together the 31^st-ranked recruiting class to replace their departing seniors. The stud of the class is 5-star running back Savon Huggins. Huggins is the No. 4 back in the nation and will do his best to make Rutgers fans forget about Ray Rice. 4-star wide receiver Miles Shuler will be helping on offense as well. 

81. Miami (Ohio) Redhawks

Previous Rank:  No. 77

Previous Explanation: The Redhawks improved nine wins from 2009 to 2010, going from 1-11 to 10-4. They even beat Middle Tennessee 31-24 in the GoDaddy.com Bowl to end the season. I can guarantee that they won’t improve again; instead they’ll slip down a bit in the wins column rendering the 2010 season as somewhat of a fluke.

Post-NSD Explanation: The fourth-worst recruiting class in the nation isn’t going to help Miami prove that their 2010-2011 season wasn’t a fluke. Only one 3-star prospect is coming to play for the Redhawks: offensive guard Marcus Matthews. 

80. Iowa State Cyclones

Previous Rank:  No. 79

Previous Explanation: Iowa State appeared to be a program on the upswing after beating Texas in Austin and losing to Nebraska by just a failed extra point. Unfortunately for the Cyclones, the recruiting class coming in to replace quarterback Austen Arnaud and the seniors isn’t too great, and they still lost seven games in 2010. But there is hope at least in 2011.

Post-NSD Explanation: The 70^th-ranked recruiting class isn’t going to fully replace Austen Arnaud and the seniors. Quarterback Jaquarius Daniels is one of the nine 3-stars and he’ll need to step it up to put Iowa State in a position to win a lot of games. 

79. Kentucky Wildcats

Previous Rank:  No. 80

Previous Explanation: Kentucky went 6-7 and displayed some tantalizing signs of potential in 2010, but they’ll fall way back this next season. Mike Hartline is gone. Randall Cobb is gone. Derrick Locke is gone. Ouch.

Post-NSD Explanation: Kentucky had the No. 32 recruiting class and it better be quite good to replace all that talent. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, though, it doesn’t look like any of their skill position signees have that amount of potential.

78. UCLA Bruins

Previous Rank:  No. 78

Previous Explanation: The Bruins hoped to turn things around in 2010, but instead went 4-8. Now they’ll have to deal with the losses of two vital defensive players, Rahim Moore and Akeem Ayers, and hope that their 86th-ranked scoring defense doesn’t get even worse.

Post-NSD Explanation: UCLA managed to sign the No. 3 quarterback in the land, 5-star prospect Brett Hundley, but their recruiting class still comes in at No. 52. You’d think they’d put an emphasis on defense, but only four defensive recruits even got three stars. 

77. Fresno State Bulldogs

Previous Rank:  No. 75

Previous Explanation: Fresno State finished the 2010 season 8-5 after getting crushed in their bowl game. Senior quarterback Ryan Colburn played in his last game when Northern Illinois beat the Bulldogs 40-17 in the Humanitarian Bowl. With top wideout Jamel Hamler leaving for the NFL, Fresno State may have trouble making another bowl game in 2011.

Post-NSD Explanation: The 92^nd-ranked recruiting class is going to have trouble replacing Ryan Colburn and Jamel Hamler. In fact, 3-star running back Dillon Root was the only offensive prospect among the class’ six 3-star recruits. 

76. Virginia Cavaliers

Previous Rank:  No. 81

Previous Explanation: The Cavaliers thought they got a big win when they took down Miami (FL) at a time when the Hurricanes were still ranked, but Miami slipped and the win lost its luster. There wasn’t much shine on any other part of Virginia’s season and there won’t be  in 2011 either thanks to the loss of senior quarterback Marc Verica. 

Post-NSD Explanation: Somehow, Virginia managed to garner enough good high school players to generate the 25^th-best class out of all 120 schools. The passing game is going to improve on both offense and defense. The Cavaliers signed the No. 3 cornerback, Demetrious Nicholson, and the No. 23 cornerback, Dominique Terrell. The other two 4-star recruits were Brandon Phelps and Darius Jennings, the No. 37 and No. 43 wide receiver. 

75. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Previous Rank:  No. 74

Previous Explanation: The Golden Gophers only finished 3-9, but the end of their season shows that they’re officially headed in the right direction. Minnesota took down Illinois and Iowa by a combined seven points in the school’s last two games and would love for that winning streak to carry over into 2011.

Post-NSD Explanation: Just cracking double-digits in the 3-star recruit column, Minnesota put together the No. 71 recruiting class. Quinn Bauducco is the best of the bunch as the No. 40 middle linebacker out of high school. 

74. Colorado Buffaloes

Previous Rank:  No. 72 

Previous Explanation: The Buffaloes finished 5-7, but the season was not quite devoid of quality wins. Colorado beat Georgia at the beginning of the year and then stampeded over Kansas State 44-36 at the end. New head coach Jon Embree takes over a team headed in the right direction.

Post-NSD Explanation: The 61^st-best recruiting class in the country isn’t going to get it done for a team looking to improve in the Pac-12. Offensive tackle Paulay Asiata is the lone 4-star prospect. Look for Colorado to be on the cusp of bowl eligibility once more. 

73. East Carolina Pirates

Previous Rank:  No. 76

Previous Explanation: The Pirates ended their 6-7 2010 campaign with a bitter taste in their mouth, getting shelled by the Maryland Terrapins 51-20 in the Military Bowl. The Pirates still have one of the better offenses in all of college football and should be able to put up a lot of points once more in 2011 behind the arm of Dominique Davis, who may be the best quarterback you’ve never heard of thanks to his 37 touchdown passes and nine touchdown runs last season.

Post-NSD Explanation: Five 3-stars signed on with the Pirates to give them the 81^st-ranked recruiting class in the country. Running back Chevelle Buie is the best of the bunch and will help make Dominique Davis’ job even easier. This should be a fun team to watch regardless of whether or not the freshmen make a big impact. 

72. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Previous Rank:  No. 69

Previous Explanation: The Yellow Jackets finished the season with losses to arch-rival Georgia and then Air Force in the Independence Bowl, finishing with a losing record. Georgia Tech will always be able to run the ball with their triple-option offense, but they may not be able to score without Josh Nesbitt. When the quarterback went down with a season-ending injury, the Yellow Jackets lost their sting, giving us a sneak preview of what 2011 may be like. 

Post-NSD Explanation: Georgia Tech had 16 3-star prospects, but not a single one with any additional stars. Only one player, outside linebacker Jabari Hunt-Days, ranks inside of the top 30 at his position. For a supposedly elite school, putting together the No. 42 class isn’t very impressive. 

71. SMU Mustangs

Previous Rank:  No. 71

Previous Explanation The Mustangs are a very balanced team, both in terms of play and record. A second-consecutive 7-7 season is a strong possibility for SMU despite the loss of stud receiver Aldrick Robinson. The Mustangs would love to get the foul smell of a close, hard-fought 16-14 loss to Army in the Armed Forces Bowl with a strong start to 2011.

Post-NSD Explanation: Just one 4-star prospect decided to join the Mustangs for the 2011 season. His name is Davon Mooreland and he plies his trade at the outside linebacker position. Replacing Aldrick Robinson is going to be tough though. The top incoming wide receiver in this 48^th-ranked class is the 110^th-best one out of high school, Arius Holleman.

70. Western Michigan Broncos

Previous Rank:  No. 70

Previous Explanation: Western Michigan was probably the best 6-6 team that didn’t score a bowl invite in 2010. They won their last three games thanks to the 27th-ranked scoring offense and 52nd-ranked scoring defense. The incoming freshmen are not very good, but the number of seniors on the 2010 squad was small. Three of the departing seniors were offensive lineman, so they will need to be replaced quickly.

Post-NSD Explanation: Like I said previously, the incoming freshmen are not very good. In fact, the class comes in at a decidedly less-than-stellar 112th. Dustin Pringle, an offensive guard, was the top recruit and one of just two 3-stars. 

69. Army Black Knights

Previous Rank:  No. 66

Previous Explanation: Army’s 2010 season ended on a high note when it beat SMU 16-14 in the Armed Forces Bowl. But the Black Knights finished just 7-6 and rely too heavily upon quarterback Trent Steelman to move the ball. Last season may have been as good as it gets in the near future for Army.

Post-NSD Explanation: No player for the Black Knights ranks better than 100^th at their respective position. There is nary a 3-star to be found. The class is ranked 105^th. This is not good. 

68. Troy Trojans

Previous Rank:  No. 68 

Previous Explanation: The Trojans finished 8-5 and won the New Orleans Bowl 48-21 against Ohio. Troy’s offense will always be dynamic, but the loss of Jerrel Jernigan is going to hurt. They struggled against good teams in 2010, but the offense can usually score enough points to compete with most teams.

Post-NSD Explanation: With six 3-star prospects, Troy lays claim to the No. 100 recruiting class in the country. All six play on the defensive side of the ball and should be able to contribute in 2011. 

67. Mississippi Rebels

Previous Rank:  No. 73

Previous Explanation: A season that started out with a double overtime loss to Jacksonville State finished with a 4-8 record, but the Rebels played close games at the end of the season. More importantly, quarterback Jeremiah Masoli will be gone and a new quarterback will have to become acquainted with the offense to lead them to bigger and better things in this upcoming season.

Post-NSD Explanation: Mississippi’s No. 24 recruiting class is going to improve the offense quite a bit. The Rebels signed five 4-star recruits, three of which are wide receivers. Nickolas Brassell, Tobias Singleton and Donte Moncrief were the No. 7, 22 and 24 pass-catchers respectively. The top recruit though was middle linebacker C.J. Johnson, the No. 4 player at his position.  

66. Purdue Boilermakers

Previous Rank:  No. 67

Previous Explanation: The Boilermakers struggled to a 4-8 record during a season decimated by injuries. The most notable return will be the one by quarterback Robert Marve. But Purdue will have to overcome the loss of Ryan Kerrigan, one of the best and most active defensive ends in the entire country, a sure first-round pick in the upcoming 2011 NFL Draft.

Post-NSD Explanation: With just one 4-star recruit, the Boilermakers found themselves at the bottom of the totem pole in the Big Ten, putting together just the No. 75 recruiting class. That one 4-star is defensive end Ryan Kugler, so at least they picked the right position to sign. 

65. Northwestern Wildcats

Previous Rank:  No. 65

Previous Explanation: After junior quarterback Dan Persa went down with a ruptured Achilles tendon, the Wildcats failed to win any of their final three games, including a 45-38 shootout against Texas Tech in the TicketCity Bowl. With Persa back, Northwestern has a chance to become bowl eligible once more.

Post-NSD Explanation: With 15 3-stars, the Wildcats claim the No. 57 recruiting class in the nation. Running back Jordan Perkins is the best of the bunch, coming in at No. 35 amongst all running backs. He’ll be able to help Persa out a bit on offense. 

64. Oregon State Beavers

Previous Rank:  No. 63

Previous Explanation: Oregon State only won five games in a tough Pac-10 and now they have to deal with the loss of Stephen Paea. It’s tough to imagine one player making such a difference, but that’s what Paea did. It will be tough for Oregon State to get back into a bowl game without Paea and Jacquizz Rodgers.

Post-NSD Explanation: The 43^rd-ranked recruiting class in the country belongs to the Beavers of Oregon State. Their lone 4-star prospect is defensive end Dylan Wynn, but he’ll make an immediate impact on the line. The best defensive tackle that Oregon State could find though was the 109^th-best: Desmond Collins. He could morph into the next Stephen Paea, but it’s doubtful. 

63. Southern Miss Golden Eagles

Previous Rank:  No. 62

Previous Explanation: The Golden Eagles finished 8-5 and their season ended with a 31-28 loss to Louisville in the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl. Southern Miss boasts one of the most explosive offenses in the country, and their quarterback could soon be mentioned among the nation’s best.  Austin Davis will be a senior and has thrown 53 touchdowns to just 16 interceptions in his three years as the starting quarterback.

Post-NSD Explanation: Southern Miss’ No. 80 recruiting class has five 3-star recruits and not much else. In this space, I’d like to highlight the fact that one of the 3-stars is a wide receiver named Jhyryn Taylor. Jhyryn might take the cake for coolest first name in the recruiting class. 

62. Temple Owls

Previous Rank:  No. 61

Previous Explanation: The best set of Owls yet, the ones from Temple went 8-4 in 2010, giving new head coach Steve Addazio a great starting point. It will be tough to improve from that record, but the stellar defense of Temple will do their best.  The only problem is that a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball will be leaving and the recruiting hasn’t exactly gone so hot.

Post-NSD Explanation: The Owls only managed to put together the 98^th-best recruiting class in the country. Tight end Brandon Chudnoff is the prize of the class as he’s the No. 52 tight end in the country. A team that’s almost in the top half of the rankings should be higher in the recruiting rankings though. 

61. Cincinnati Bearcats

Previous Rank:  No. 64

Previous Explanation: Zach Collaros has one last chance to prove that his 2009 replacement of Tony Pike was no fluke. To do that, he’ll need to cut back on the mistakes that he made way too often during 2010’s 4-8 season. The offense and the defense are both talented enough for the Bearcats to compete in the Big East, but that will require a huge jump in wins.

Post-NSD Explanation: The Bearcats signed the 41^st-ranked recruiting class, consisting of one 4-star, 15 3-stars and nine other players. The 4-star is running back Jameel Poteat and he’ll be a player that is very fun to watch on the field. I also have to give a special shout-out to Ralph Abernathy, a 2-star running back from The Westminster Schools. As a Westminster graduate myself, I can proudly say that I remember watching him play.

60. Nevada Wolf Pack

Previous Rank:  No. 60

Previous Explanation: The Wolf Pack went 13-1 in 2010, including a shocking upset of the previously-undefeated Boise State Broncos. So they should be much higher than No. 62, right? Wrong. Vai Taua and Colin Kaepernick are both leaving which immediately plunges Nevada into a rebuilding season.

Post-NSD Explanation: The rebuilding process won’t be kick-started by Nevada’s No. 101 recruiting class. Only three 3-stars are coming to Nevada next year and they all play on the defensive side of the ball. That’s not going to help the offense out much. 

59. Arizona Wildcats

Previous Rank:  No. 58

Previous Explanation: The Wildcats went 7-6, capping off the season with a disappointing 36-10 loss to Oklahoma State in the Alamo Bowl. Things are going to get better as Nick Foles gets more playing time at quarterback and scores points, while the talented defense keeps doing what it does best.

Post-NSD Explanation: There are no more than three stars to be found among the Arizona recruits, which when put together gave the Wildcats the No. 68 class. Middle linebacker Rob Hankins was the No. 18 player at his position and should be able to help opposing offenses imitate the Oklahoma State offensive explosion. 

58. Syracuse Orange

Previous Rank:  No. 57

Previous Explanation: The Orange finished off an impressive eight-win season by beating Kansas State 36-34 at Yankee Stadium in the inaugural Pinstripe Bowl. Unfortunately for Syracuse, that success may be difficult to maintain in 2011 because their 17th-ranked scoring defense had 15 seniors playing.

Post-NSD Explanation: With 13 3-star recruits, the Syracuse Orange can claim the No. 49 recruiting class in the country. Only five of the players (outside linebacker Cameron Lynch, defensive tackle Ivan Foy, defensive end Donnie Simmons, safety Shutang Mungwa and cornerback Jaston George) play on defense though, so the replacement for all the lost seniors will have to come from non-freshmen. 

57. Kansas State Wildcats

Previous Rank:  No. 59

Previous Explanation: Billy Cosh was supposed to be the replacement for quarterback Carson Coffman, but he’s transferring away from Kansas State. Now the Wildcats have to find a new quarterback and a running back capable of replacing the incredibly talented Daniel Thomas. In other words, another 7-6 season may be a stretch. 

Post-NSD Explanation: Kansas State’s recruiting class came in at No. 64, but there are no 4-stars or 5-stars to be found. 10 of the 12 3-star recruits play defense, but one of the offensive ones is quarterback Justin Tuggle. Tuggle played at Blinn College last season, the same junior college that Cam Newton came from.

56. Illinois Fighting Illini

Previous Rank:  No. 55

Previous Explanation: Illinois fans are going to have the pleasure of watching Mikel Leshoure run again, but it will be in the NFL after he entered his name into the NFL Draft pool. That’s going to leave a gaping void in the offense. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase (yes, I spelled that right on my first try) is going to have to shoulder more of a load in both the running and passing game to make a repeat of 2010’s 7-6 season a possibility.

Post-NSD Explanation: Illinois may have only signed one 4-star prospect, but the 18 3-stars make up for it and give the Fighting Illini the No. 34 recruiting class in the country. No. 7 tight end Jon Davis is the lone 4-star and he’s going to be able to contribute right away. 

55. Louisville Cardinals

Previous Rank:  No. 56

Previous Explanation: The Cardinals outlasted Southern Miss 31-28 in the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl at the finish of a 7-6 2010 campaign. With a top-20 recruiting class, they’ll have a chance at seeing the same type of success. But the loss of quarterback Adam Froman and running back Bilal Powell will make any sort of improvement tough. 

Post-NSD Explanation: Three 4-star prospects will join Louisville’s current players in 2011, part of the No. 36 recruiting class in the country. No. 6 quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will be in the mix to replace Adam Froman while No. 10 safety Gerod Holliman and No. 26 wide receiver DeVante Parker will both contribute as well.

54. Northern Illinois Huskies

Previous Rank:  No. 52

Previous Explanation: Northern Illinois ran its way to an 11-3 record and a 40-17 win over Fresno State in the Humanitarian Bowl, but they lose a key component of the offense. Running back Chad Spann will have moved on from the Huskies, and his 22 touchdowns on the ground are going to be incredibly difficult to replace. Fortunately for the Huskies, quarterback Chandler Harnish and most of the 14th-ranked scoring defense will be back.

Post-NSD Explanation: Northern Illinois signed just four 3-star recruits while building its No. 91 class. That’s not very good for a team expected to win double-digit games. Junior college transfer Jamal Womble has a chance to become the next great Huskies running back. 

53. California Golden Bears

Previous Rank:  No. 53

Previous Explanation: Running back Shane Vereen and quarterback Kevin Riley won’t be back for an offense that needs to score more points. California only won five games in a tough Pac-10, but they showed a lot of potential late in the year. Losing by two points to the Oregon Ducks and holding the quick Oregon offense to just 15 is incredible.

Post-NSD Explanation: The No. 2 defensive tackle in the country, Viliami Moeala, is the only 5-star prospect coming to play for California in 2011, but eight 4-stars will join him. All in all, California put together the 14^th-best recruiting class in the land. Quarterback Kyle Boehm and running back Daniel Lasco, both in the top 20 players at their position, will have a chance to replace Shane Vereen and Kevin Riley. 

52. Boston College Eagles

Previous Rank:  No. 51

Previous Explanation: The Eagles won seven games and only lost by seven points to Nevada in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, but they weren’t exactly buoyed by a high-flying offense. That needs to change if they’re going to improve, and it should now that Chase Rettig has a year under his belt.

Post-NSD Explanation: One 4-star prospect will become an Eagle next season. His name is Albert Louis-Jean and he’s the No. 14 safety in the country. But defense isn’t where Boston College needs its No. 35 recruiting class to help. 

51. Hawaii Warriors

Previous Rank:  No. 48

Previous Explanation: Hawaii’s ridiculous passing offense, the best in the country, put up the 10th-most points in the nation and won 10 games in 2010 despite losing to Tulsa in the Hawaii Bowl. Quarterback Bryant Moniz will be back, but he’ll be protected by four new starters on the offensive line. His three top receivers all graduated as well and the defense lost five starters. 2011 could see Hawaii experience a bit of a decline.

Post-NSD Explanation: Just three 3-star prospects and the 85^th-ranked class aren’t going to help keep Bryant Moniz and the Warriors from declining a bit. All three of the best recruits play on the defensive side of the ball, but they won’t be enough to minimize the losses. 

50. Washington Huskies

Previous Rank:  No. 50

Previous Explanation: Washington proved that it could play with the elite teams in the country when it beat Nebraska 19-7 in the Holiday Bowl. The problem now is that Jake Locker will no longer be calling the signals, and Locker was the clear nucleus of the team. There’s too much talent at Washington for the Huskies to slip back down into the depths of the college football rankings, but they don’t belong at the top without Locker. 

Post-NSD Explanation: Jake Locker is going to wish he could have played for Washington for one more year. They signed the 19^th-best class in the country, one that included two 5-star prospects. Both ranking second at their respective positions, wide receiver Kasen Williams and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins are those two players. 

49. South Florida Bulls

Previous Rank:  No. 46

Previous Explanation: One of the Big East’s surprise teams, the Bulls fought their way to an 8-5 season that culminated in a 31-26 win over Clemson in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. South Florida even came within three points of beating Connecticut, the eventual Big East champions.

This may be as good as it gets for South Florida, though, as the Bulls only return five starters on offense and six on defense.  While the Bulls were ranked No. 22 in scoring defense, the loss of all but Cory Grissom on the defensive line will push that number way higher in 2011. 

Post-NSD Explanation: The nation’s No. 58 recruiting class won’t help too much. The lone 4-star prospect is wide receiver Andre Davis and just one of the 11 3-stars plays on the defensive line. Cody Grissom can’t be too pleased. 

48. Navy Midshipmen

Previous Rank:  No. 44

Previous Explanation: Navy’s triple-option offense ran to a 9-4 season that finished in a 34-14 loss to San Diego State in the Poinsettia Bowl. Now, they will struggle to achieve similar results without quarterback and leader Ricky Dobbs. Dobbs’ 27 total touchdowns are going to be incredibly difficult to replace as the triple-option is a tough offense for any quarterback to learn.

Post-NSD Explanation: One 3-star prospect and the 103^rd-ranked recruiting class is just not going to cut it for a team hoping to achieve a similar level of success to the 2010-2011 Navy squad. The only 3-star was defensive tackle Bernie Sarra. 

47. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Previous Rank:  No. 47

Previous Explanation: Texas Tech possesses another great passing offense, one that led them to eight wins and a victory over Northwestern in the TicketCity Bowl. All but seven starters will return for the Red Raiders, but one of those graduating is quarterback Taylor Potts. Seth Doege will have some rather large shoes to fill when he takes over the offense. 

Post-NSD Explanation: Texas Tech didn’t have much to replace, but they still put together a great class of replacements, one that ranked 18^th in the nation. The Red Raiders added seven 4-star recruits, and the worst of them is running back Deandre Washington, coming in at 20^th among the players at his position. 

46. Connecticut Huskies

Previous Rank:  No. 41

Previous Explanation: Going from playing in the Fiesta Bowl to the No. 43 ranking has to be tough for the Connecticut Huskies. But what else do you expect when you lose your starting quarterback, Zach Frazer, and your best player, running back Jordan Todman? Nine returning starters on defense will help, but there are no BCS bowl games in the near future for this squad.

Post-NSD Explanation: From playing in a BCS Bowl to putting together the No. 79 recruiting class with nary a 4-star prospect to be found, such is the life of the Connecticut Huskies. This is just embarrassing…

45. Clemson Tigers

Previous Rank:  No. 54 

Previous Explanation: After falling to the South Florida Bulls in the Meineke Car Care Bowl, the Clemson Tigers slipped below .500 to 6-7. Without Kyle Parker and Da’Quan Bowers on the roster in 2011, that may be just about how the Tigers finish this upcoming season. 

Post-NSD Explanation: I admit that the Tigers should have been higher in the last set of rankings. Tajh Boyd is better than Kyle Parker and will provide an immediate improvement. They’ll also add the No. 12 recruiting class in the country, one with two 5-stars and seven 4-stars. No. 2 outside linebacker Stephone Anthony and No. 5 wide receiver Sammy Watkins will both immediately help. 

44. Michigan Wolverines

Previous Rank:  No. 45

Previous Explanation: Denard Robinson ran and passed his way to a 5-0 start, but then Big Ten play started and the Wolverines finished just 7-6, including a 52-14 loss to Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl. Even though the Wolverines return 18-of-22 starters, we could be in for a similar story. Michigan just isn’t good enough on defense to let even their elite offense stay in the game, even with Brady Hoke as the new head coach. 

Post-NSD Explanation: The recruiting class didn’t need to be too great in Ann Arbor and it came in at 27^th after signing five 4-star prospects. Brady Hoke’s most talented freshmen will be defensive end Brennen Beyer, middle linebacker Kellen Jones, outside linebacker Antonio Poole, running back Justice Hayes and cornerback Blake Countess. At least the focus was on the correct side of the ball. 

43. Air Force Falcons

Previous Rank:  No. 38

Previous Explanation: The Falcons are losing 11 starters between the defense and the offense, so it may be unrealistic to expect a repeat of 2010’s 9-4 record. Air Force, last year, played well throughout and finished the year with a 14-7 win over Georgia Tech in the Independence Bowl. Part of the challenge will be preparing the new starters on offense to run the triple-option effectively, but they will finish the year strong.

Post-NSD Explanation: Without signing a single player that generated more than 2-stars, the Falcons of Air Force didn’t exactly put together a high-flying recruiting class. In fact, it ranks just 96^th. 

42. North Carolina Tar Heels

Previous Rank:  No. 43

Previous Explanation: The Tar Heels earned an 8-5 record and a double-overtime victory against Tennessee in the Music City Bowl despite the yearlong suspension of Marvin Austin.  Now we’ll see if they can do as well without starting quarterback T.J. Yates. It will be a difficult season for North Carolina. 

Post-NSD Explanation: A very talented recruiting class that ranks 17^th should make things look brighter for North Carolina. Offensive tackle Kiaro Holts and defensive tackle Delvon Simmons are both 5-star prospects that will contribute immediately. Each ranks third at his position. North Carolina also signed an additional five 4-star players and 13 3-star players. 

41. Miami (Florida) Hurricanes

Previous Rank:  No. 42

Previous Explanation: Brandon Harris and Allen Bailey are going to be tough for the defense to replace, but if Jacory Harris can improve and live up to the lofty expectations, Miami may actually have a good season and become somewhat relevant again. The Hurricanes struggled to a 7-6 record and a loss to Notre Dame in the Sun Bowl in 2010. Similar results should be expected.

Post-NSD Explanation: You’d think that The U would be able to put together a recruiting class that ranked higher than 37^th, but that is just not the case. Fortunately for the Hurricane, the talent is top-heavy with two 5-star prospects. Those players are Anthony Chickillo, the No. 3 defensive end, and Jalen Grimble, the No. 7 defensive tackle. 

40. Houston Cougars

Previous Rank:  No. 40 

Previous Explanation: You can throw out all the numbers from 2010. I’m not even going to mention a single one here. The only thing that matters is that Case Keenum is back from his season-ending injury. Remember that Keenum was talked about as a dark-horse candidate going into 2010. With three starting receivers returning and eight starters on a quickly improving defense, this team should be much better than last season.

Post-NSD Explanation: Houston gathered 10 3-star prospects and 12 other players as they put together the newest class of Cougars. Other than quarterback Bram Kohlhausen, not a single player in this 72^nd-ranked recruiting class is ranked in the top 70 players at their position. Something tells me that Kohlhausen won’t make too big of an impact this year either. 

39. Pittsburgh Panthers

Previous Rank:  No. 37

Previous Explanation: The Panthers went 8-5, finishing the year off with a great win over Kentucky in the Compass Bowl. But without Dion Lewis and Jonathan Baldwin (who I maintain is the best receiver nobody knew about during the 2010 season), it’s going to be a struggle to be quite as successful.

Post-NSD Explanation: Just one 4-star prospect and the 55^th-ranked recruiting class isn’t going to get it done for a Pittsburgh team hoping to replace its two offensive stars. The one 4-star is cornerback Lafayette Pitts, a man with a very fitting name for the team. 

38. Central Florida Knights

Previous Rank:  No. 39

Previous Explanation: Central Florida finished the season ranked No. 25 with an 11-3 record and a victory over Georgia in the Liberty Bowl. But then the Knights lost their defensive coordinators and seven starters on the defensive side of the ball. So much for having the eighth-best scoring defense again in 2011.

Post-NSD Explanation: Upgrading the defense so that it could be as good as last year’s unit was the top priority for the Knights of Central Florida. The school put together the 60^th-best recruiting class, one that contained 15 3-star prospects. Of those, 12 will play against the offenses that Central Florida faces in 2011. 

37. West Virginia Mountaineers

Previous Rank:  No. 36

Previous Explanation: The Mountaineers won nine games and made it to the Champs Sports Bowl in 2010 thanks to a stifling defense that allowed just 13.5 points per game, the third-lowest average in the country. But now, they only return four starters from that defensive squad and will be hard-pressed to perform as well. Geno Smith and Tavon Austin will also have to work extra hard to make up for the loss of Noel Devine on the offense. Fortunately, the Mountaineers got used to not having a Devine inspiration during his injury-plagued season.

Post-NSD Explanation: The Mountaineers 53^rd-ranked recruiting class for 2011 is relatively devoid of top-tier talent. In fact, the 15 3-star recruits that signed are the best incoming players for West Virginia. Nine do play defense though. 

36. Baylor Bears

Previous Rank:  No. 33

Previous Explanation: After a disappointing 7-6 season which saw the Bears lose to Illinois 38-14 in the Texas Bowl, a de facto home game, it’s becoming harder and harder for me to justify keeping Baylor this far up in the rankings. They do, after all, return just five starters on defense. The reason for the lofty spot is Robert Griffin III. He’s too talented to let this team perform poorly.

Post-NSD Explanation: A recruiting class ranked No. 50 isn’t going to help me validate having Baylor so high. The Bears only managed to add two 4-star prospects. Offensive tackle Spencer Drango and wide receiver Jonathan Lee are those two players. 

35. Maryland Terrapins

Previous Rank:  No. 31

Previous Explanation: The Terrapins sent head coach Ralph Friedgen out in style with a 51-20 win over East Carolina in the Military Bowl to earn the team’s ninth win of the season. Now Randy Edsall must lead a Maryland team that returns just seven players on both offense and defense. Unfortunately for the Terrapins, standout wide receiver and return ace Torrey Smith is not one of those players.

Post-NSD Explanation: The 59^th-ranked recruiting class is not going to help the Maryland Terrapins from moving up these rankings. There is not a single 4-star player to be found. 

34. Iowa Hawkeyes

Previous Rank:  No. 49

Previous Explanation: The Hawkeyes won eight games in 2010, including a 27-24 victory over Missouri in the Insight Bowl. However, the three straight losses at the end of Big Ten play do not bode well for the 2011 season, especially when you consider the fact that they’ll be missing Adam Robinson, Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and Ricky Stanzi on offense.

Post-NSD Explanation: To all the Iowa fans out there, I apologize for not having your team higher up last time. This should make up for it. Marcus Coker should easily be able to replace Adam Robinson and the 26^th-ranked recruiting class will load up the Hawkeyes’ squad with young talent. 

33. Tennessee Volunteers

Previous Rank:  No. 35

Previous Explanation: The Volunteers fought their way to a .500 record before losing to North Carolina in double overtime at the Music City Bowl. With seven starters returning on both sides of the ball, the Vols will have a good chance to improve on last season’s late success. Tyler Bray showed that he has a lot of potential as a signal-caller and will get better as he gains more experience.

Post-NSD Explanation: I know I had Tennessee a lot higher than most people thought was fair last time, mostly because of Tyler Bray’s potential. But now the Volunteers’ 11^th-ranked recruiting class justifies my ranking. Nine 4-stars are never shabby. 

32. Penn State Nittany Lions

Previous Rank:  No. 34

Previous Explanation: Penn State had one of the more disappointing seasons in the country as they finished just 7-6 with a loss to Florida in the Outback Bowl. While Joe Paterno will be back, running back Evan Royster will not. That means that either Matt McGloin or Rob Bolden will need to pick it up at the quarterback position to avoid slipping even further down in the rankings.

Post-NSD Explanation: The Nittany Lions put together the No. 33 recruiting class in the country, which should help them a little bit as they try to restore their program after a disappointing 7-6 season. Offensive guards Angelo Mangiro and Anthony Zettel, along with offensive tackle Donovan Smith, are three of the six 4-star recruits and will help make Matt McGloin/Rob Bolden not have to run for his life quite as often. 

31. Utah Utes

Previous Rank:  No. 32

Previous Explanation: Between the offense and defense, the Utes return just 12 starters from 2010’s 10-3 team that lost to Boise State in the Las Vegas Bowl. Eddie Wide and Matt Asiata will both be missing from the offense, but quarterback Jordan Wynn will be back, stronger than ever. Utah will be nowhere near a 10-win caliber team in 2011, but they’ll still be playing in a decent bowl game.

Post-NSD Explanation: With two 4-star prospects and the 45^th-best class in the country, Utah won’t be able to return to the same level they were at in 2010. One of the two is running back Harvey Langi, the No. 13 player at his position, and he’ll hope to fill in for Matt Asiata. Wide receiver Anthony Denham is the other. 

30. Arizona State Sun Devils

Previous Rank:  No. 30

Previous Explanation: The Sun Devils only won six games in 2010 and failed to secure an invite to even the worst of the myriad bowl games, but that should change in 2011. All 11 starters are returning on offense and another nine will remain in the defensive starting lineup. Steven Threet, Arizona State’s quarterback, will have benefited from a year of learning the offense and will carry the Sun Devils along with him.

Post-NSD Explanation: Arizona State doesn’t really need too much help from their 67^th-ranked recruiting class because they return a ridiculous 18 starters. Defensive tackle Mo Latu will have a chance to make an impact as a freshman after Lawrence Guy opted to go pro. 

29. San Diego State Aztecs

Previous Rank:  No. 29

Previous Explanation: New head coach Rocky Long takes over a squad that went 9-4 last season, finishing with a 21-point shellacking of Navy in the Poinsettia Bowl. The Aztecs return seven players that made the 2010 All-MWC Team, including Ronnie Hillman. Hillman is a good bet to match his 1,532 yards and 17 touchdowns from 2010 while running behind an offensive line that returns four starters.

Post-NSD Explanation: Just like Arizona State on the last slide, San Diego State doesn’t need much help from its 90^th-ranked class. Only four 3-star prospects signed with the Aztecs and none will get to much playing time during their freshmen years. 

28. North Carolina State Wolf Pack

Previous Rank:  No. 26

Previous Explanation: When the dust cleared after North Carolina State’s 23-7 win over West Virginia in the Champ Sports Bowl, it revealed a sparkling 9-4 record. We should expect something similar from this Wolfpack squad that returns eight starters on each side of the ball.

Post-NSD Explanation: With just 10 3-star prospects and a goose egg in the 4-star column and the 5-star column, North Carolina State could only muster up the No. 70 recruiting class. They did sign the No. 3 kicker, Nilas Sade, and the No. 3 punter, Wil Baumann. 

27. BYU Cougars

Previous Rank:  No. 27

Previous Explanation: The Cougars finished off 2010 in a very strong fashion, winning six of their last eight games with the sole losses coming against TCU and Utah (by one point). The final game was a 52-24 blowout of UTEP in the New Mexico Bowl. Now the Cougars return 10 starters on offense.

Post-NSD Explanation: Even though the Cougars are no longer competing against any other teams within a conference for recruits, they could still only sign 10 3-star recruits and the 60^th-best class. At least they didn’t need too much help from the incoming freshmen. 

26. Florida Gators

Previous Rank:  No. 25

Previous Explanation: Trey Burton can do it all and John Brantley has yet to play up to his potential, but the Florida Gators still aren’t ready to ascend back up into the ranks of the truly elite teams. New head coach Will Muschamp will have the difficult task of replacing six lost starters on defense and improving upon last season’s eight wins in a tough SEC.

Post-NSD Explanation: Quarterback Jeff Driskel, the nation’s top incoming signal-caller, is the lone 5-star recruit in this 21^st-ranked class and it wouldn’t be surprising to me if he was in the hunt for the starting job right off the bat. The Gators also added another nine players who are within the top 25 at their respective positions. 

25. Virginia Tech Hokies

Previous Rank:  No. 23 

Previous Explanation: After losing their first two games to Boise State and James Madison, the Hokies reeled off 10 straight victories before falling to Stanford 40-12 in the Orange Bowl. Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Williams will both be gone, putting the Hokies offense into somewhat of a tough situation. On defense, the loss of Rashad Carmichael will hurt as well. Getting back to 10 wins is going to be truly difficult.

Post-NSD Explanation: The 38^th-ranked recruiting class isn’t going to provide the Hokies with any freshman sparks. There are just three 4-star recruits in the class. But fortunately, Virginia Tech has a very easy schedule which will help to lessen the damages done by the losses and lack of additions. 

24. Arkansas Razorbacks

Previous Rank:  No. 22 

Previous Explanation: After losing in heartbreaking fashion to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl, the Razorbacks remained stuck at 10 wins in 2010. That’s not anything to be ashamed of, but it will be tough to match in 2011 without the strong arm of Ryan Mallett. Only six starters return on offense and seven on defense. Arkansas will not be as big a factor in the SEC this year as they were last year. 

Post-NSD Explanation: Arkansas put together the No. 16 recruiting class in the nation to replace Ryan Mallett and the rest of the Razorbacks that will be missing in 2011. Offensive tackle Brey Cook is the only 5-star prospect to be found. There are also just six 4-star recruits.

23. Missouri Tigers

Previous Rank:  No. 21

Previous Explanation: When Blaine Gabbert declared that he would leave school early to enter the 2011 NFL Draft, the Tigers took a step backwards, but it wasn’t a leap. Missouri still returns nine starters on offense and six on defense, including five All-Big 12 members between the two. The Tigers were 10-2 going into the Insight Bowl, but a 27-24 loss to Iowa dropped them to 10-3. Missouri fans should expect a similar story to unfold in 2011.

Post-NSD Explanation: Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, a junior college transfer,  is the only 5-star prospect in this class. Similarly, defensive end Shane Ray is the only 4-star player. All in all, Missouri only put together the 47^th-best class. 

22. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Previous Rank:  No. 16

Previous Explanation: It may not seem like it, but Chris Relf and the Mississippi State Bulldogs are quickly morphing into SEC contenders. The team won nine games in 2010, including a 52-14 blowout of Michigan in the Gator Bowl. Losing offensive tackle Derek Sherrod will hurt, but the talent at Mississippi State will overcome the hole left by the massive lineman.

Post-NSD Explanation: The 44^th-best recruiting class isn’t something that will help make Mississippi State elite. Only two 4-star prospects are to be found among that incoming players and one of them is punter Dee Arrington. 

21. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Previous Rank:  No 28

Previous Explanation: As talented as Taylor Martinez is, I’m not sure that he can lead his team to anything better than the 10-win season they had in 2010. Now, Martinez will not only have to make sure his head is screwed on straight, but he will also have to overcome the loss of Niles Paul, Roy Helu and three members of the offensive line. The vaunted defense will take a hit as well, specifically in the secondary. Washington beat this team in the Holiday Bowl and it could very well be the beginning of a slide down the rankings.

Post-NSD Explanation: Nebraska’s 23^rd-ranked recruiting class should help the Cornhuskers at least partially make up for the departing talent. The lone 5-star prospect is running back Aaron Green, the sixth best back in the country. Nebraska also adds eight 4-star recruits, including the second-best cornerback in the nation: Charles Jackson. 

20. Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Previous Rank:  No. 20

Previous Explanation: The Golden Hurricane return 19 starters, including All-Conference USA players G.J. Kinne, Damaris Johnson, Clint Anderson and Marco Nelson. Tulsa went 10-3 in 2010, getting the win total into double digits with a 62-35 trouncing of Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl. That may be the floor for this team. Double-digit wins seem to be a lock.

Post-NSD Explanation: Tulsa’s recruiting class doesn’t really need to be that great since they return 19 starters. It’s not. In fact, it’s just the 66^th-best. 

19. Wisconsin Badgers

Previous Rank:  No. 15

Previous Explanation: The Badgers finished the season ranked No. 5 after losing to the TCU Horned Frogs in the Rose Bowl and dropping to 11-2. The problem at this elite football school is that not too many players are returning. Only five starters on offense remain. Scott Tolzien, David Gilreath, Lance Kendricks, Gabe Carimi and John Moffitt are not among them. On defense, just six starters will be back.

Wisconsin is too good to drop from the top 20, but they will not be back in a BCS Bowl. 

Post-NSD Explanation: I’m feeling better about my prediction that Wisconsin will fail to make a BCS Bowl now that they only put together the 40^th-best class. Outside linebacker Jake Keefer is the only 4-star prospect and no other player ranks higher than 34^th among players at their position. 

18. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Previous Rank:  No. 18 

Previous Explanation: With yet another strong recruiting class, could this be the year that Notre Dame finally regains some of its relevancy as a national power? Maybe so after last season’s disappointing 8-5 campaign, which ended in a 33-17 victory over the Miami Hurricanes in the Sun Bowl. Michael Floyd is the best of the 19 returning starters. 

Post-NSD Explanation: The No. 8 recruiting class in the land belongs to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. With 19 starters returning, not too many freshmen will get chances to contribute. But top tight end Ben Koyack and defensive ends Aaron Lynch and Ishaq Williams probably will. 

17. Georgia Bulldogs

Previous Rank:  No. 24 

Previous Explanation: Despite the loss of the best wide receiver in the country, A.J. Green, the Bulldogs will improve drastically upon last year’s 6-7 record. Aaron Murray, just a freshman last year, is already one of the best quarterbacks in the nation and may even be a dark-horse Heisman candidate. On defense, the Bulldogs will miss Justin Houston, but the eight returning starters will be much better in year two of defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s new defensive system.

Post-NSD Explanation: The No. 7 class in the land belongs to the Georgia Bulldogs, who successfully assembled what they dubbed the Dream Team. Top running back recruit Isaiah Crowell could start immediately, as could the other 5-star prospect, defensive end Ray Drew. 4-star tight end Jay Rome, cornerback Malcolm Mitchell and defensive tackle John Jenkins could all have huge impacts as well. 

16. Southern California Trojans

Previous Rank:  No. 17

Previous Explanation: The Trojans are the forgotten about team because of the postseason sanctions, but Matt Barkley is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation and should easily guide this team into the top 25. They won eight games in 2010 and return seven starters on each side of the ball.

Post-NSD Explanation: The Trojans gathered together enough top high school players to earn the fifth-best incoming freshman class. The only 5-star player is wide receiver George Farmer, but he’ll have a chance to make an immediate impact. USC also boasts another 14 4-star recruits. 

15. Michigan State Spartans

Previous Rank:  No. 14

Previous Explanation: The Spartans’ only two losses in 2010 came late in the season to Iowa and in the Capital One Bowl against Alabama. There will be more than two losses in 2011 as Michigan State will be without its top two tacklers. Greg Jones, an All-American and the nation’s top tackler, and fellow linebacker Eric Gordon will both be gone, as will three other starters on defense.

Post-NSD Explanation: The 29^th-ranked class is going to help Michigan State stay afloat, but they’ll have trouble doing much else. Defensive end Lawrence Thomas is the only 5-star recruit and the top incoming linebacker is 3-star outside linebacker Ed Davis. It seems as though the replacements for Greg Jones and Eric Gordon will have to come from within the system.

14. Texas Longhorns

Previous Rank:  No. 19

Previous Explanation It’s hard to justify having Texas this high in the rankings, but as a fan, I just can’t help it. Garrett Gilbert showed none of the potential he was supposed to have during 2010 and needs to learn to throw the ball more than three yards past the line of scrimmage. The seven returning starters on each side of the ball will have to play with much more heart. This team has unlimited potential, especially with the best overall recruiting class, but it remains to be seen if this is just me being a homer.

Post-NSD Explanation: Texas’ recruiting class dropped to No. 4 in the country, but that doesn’t take away from its excellence too much. There are still four 5-star recruits: No. 2 running back Malcolm Brown, No. 2 middle linebacker Steve Edmond, No. 5 defensive tackle Desmond Jackson and No. 6 wide receiver Jaxson Shipley. The Longhorns also added another 11 4-stars and No. 39 wide receiver Miles Onyegbule is the worst of the bunch.

13. TCU Horned Frogs

Previous Rank:  No. 13

Previous Explanation: TCU rattled off 13 straight wins in 2010, culminating in a 21-19 win over Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. Now they will return just five starters apiece on offense and defense. Both Andy Dalton and Jeremy Kerley will be missing from the Horned Frogs roster, but head coach Gary Patterson is a master at finding talent. It’ll be a new-look squad but TCU will be up there in 2011.

Beating Boise State is going to be the game that could keep them from going undefeated now that the Broncos are in the Mountain West Conference as well, at least until TCU leaves for the Big East in 2012. 

Post-NSD Explanation: The 28^th-best recruiting class doesn’t look too elite on paper, but I have confidence in Gary Patterson. That’s all that needs to be said. 

12. Texas A&M Aggies

Previous Rank:  No. 12

Previous Explanation: Once Ryan Tannehill took over as the starting quarterback, the Aggies won six-straight games before losing to LSU in the Cotton Bowl. Tannehill should navigate the Aggies through a season of similar success in 2011, thanks to the fact that there are 10 returning starters on offense. Center Matt Allen will be the only missing piece.

Post-NSD Explanation: The nation’s 30^th-best class features four 4-stars and 15 3-stars. The lack of 5-star prospects doesn’t look good, but A&M can overcome it. 3-star center Ben Compton is going to be the eventual replacement for Matt Allen, but he may need some work done on his game first. 

11. South Carolina Gamecocks

Previous Rank:  No. 10

Previous Explanation: The Gamecocks lost the Chick-fil-A Bowl to Florida State, but it’s hard to judge them based on that because Marcus Lattimore was knocked out of the game early. The offense will run through Lattimore in 2011, and the soon-to-be sophomore running back could be a Heisman candidate if he can carry his team to anything better than last season’s 9-5 record.

Post-NSD Explanation: Steve Spurrier just knows how to recruit. The Head Ball Coach put together the 13^th-best recruiting class in the country. The one 5-star prospect is offensive tackle Brandon Shell and safety Sheldon Royster is the best of the five 4-star guys. 

10. Boise State Broncos

Previous Rank:  No. 7

Previous Explanation: Moving to the Mountain West Conference shouldn’t prove to be too much of a problem for the Boise State Broncos. Now it will be TCU instead of Nevada that gives them the most trouble. Wide receivers Austin Pettis and Titus Young will be gone, as will six other starters from 2010’s 12-1 squad, but Kellen Moore is more than talented enough to make up for the losses.

Post-NSD Explanation: It amazes me that Boise State can’t manage to have a class ranked higher than 65^th. Shouldn’t at least one 5-star player want to go play for the Broncos? Safety Dextrell Simmons is the only guy who managed to get even four stars attached to his name. 

9. Auburn Tigers

Previous Rank:  No. 11

Previous Explanation: The defending national champions will most likely not repeat in 2011. The loss of Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton and stud defensive tackle Nick Fairley will cripple those hopes. Auburn only returns four starters on each side of the ball, and it will be up to running back Michael Dyer to pick up the slack left behind by so many of his teammates. This will be a completely different team than it was in 2010.

Post-NSD Explanation: The nation’s second-best recruiting class fittingly belongs to the national champions from last season. Offensive guard Christian Westerman is the No. 1 player at his position and it looks like No. 4 quarterback Kiehl Frazier will have the reins handed over to him from Cam Newton. The Tigers also hope that defensive tackle Gabe Wright, one of 14 4-star players, can become the next Nick Fairley.

8. Florida State Seminoles

Previous Rank:  No. 9

Previous Explanation: Florida State won 10 games last year, including a year-ending win against South Carolina in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Now they add the nation’s second-best recruiting class and return eight starters on both offense and defense. The key loss will be quarterback Christian Ponder, but E.J. Manuel has proven to be a more than capable replacement.

Post-NSD Explanation: The nation’s No. 1 overall recruiting class belongs to Jimbo Fisher and the Florida State Seminoles. FSU corralled a ridiculous five 5-star recruits. They are safety Karlos Williams, running back James Wilder, offensive tackle Bobby Hart, defensive tackle Tim Jernigan and defensive end Cornellius Carradine. Remember their names. 

7. Oregon Ducks

Previous Rank:  No. 6 

Previous Explanation: We’ll know early on in the 2011 season if these Ducks are for real when they play LSU in the opening week. Oregon lost in the national championship game last season but they probably won’t be back after losing six players on defense that combined to make over 70 starts. Darron Thomas and LaMichael James are both back on offense, but even the fast-paced Ducks may not be able to completely make up for the problems on defense.

Post-NSD Explanation: Having the 10^th-ranked recruiting class is going to help things. Cornerback DeAnthony Thomas is the top player at his position and will immediately bring the Ducks defense more respect. Oregon also gained five 4-stars on the defensive side of the ball. 

6. Ohio State Buckeyes

Previous Rank:  No. 8

Previous Explanation: The first thing to talk about is the suspension levied against Terrelle Pryor, Boom Herron, Devier Posey, Mike Adams and Solomon Thomas. Those players will all miss the first five games (right now at least), but only the game against Michigan State will be tough without their services. Ohio State could still come out of that stretch undefeated. Another 12-1 season seems unlikely, but it could definitely happen. Ohio State is a football powerhouse that never seems to skip a beat.

Post-NSD Explanation: Ohio State put together the third-best recruiting class in the country and it will come in handy. Outside linebacker Curtis Grant is the latest top linebacker to go to THE Linebacker U and fellow 5-star prospect, defensive end Steve Miller, will have a big impact as well. 

5. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Previous Rank:  No. 5

Previous Explanation: If you were looking for the surprise team in my rankings, this is it. To justify this ranking, the Cowboys defense is going to have to improve and the five new starters will have to play extraordinarily well. But in the Big 12, you don’t win games with defense. Offense reigns supreme.

With Justin Blackmon and Brandon Weeden returning along with eight other starters, this is the best offense in the country. The only missing contributor is Kendall Hunter and as good as he was, the combination of Joseph Randle and Herschel Sims should help the offense avoid skipping a beat. 

Post-NSD Explanation: Defense needed to be a priority for Oklahoma State. The No. 21 class, which contains one 5-star prospect and five 4-star players, didn’t exactly do that though. The aforementioned Sims is the 5-star running back and middle linebacker Ryan Simmons and safety Lyndell Johnson are the only 4-star defensive players. The offense though is too good for them to move down. 

4. Stanford Cardinal

Previous Rank:  No. 3

Previous Explanation: The return of Andrew Luck should make all the difference. Without him, the Cardinal would have slipped out of the top 10, but now they have a chance to compete for the national title. New head coach David Shaw will have his work cut out for him as Stanford looks to improve upon 2010’s 12-1 record. With only five returning starters on offense and six on defense, that will be a tough task.

Post-NSD Explanation: The 22^nd-best recruiting class in the country belongs to the Stanford Cardinal. Stanford added just seven 4-star prospects and no 5-star prospects, which is kind of a bad sign for a team hoping to win it all in 2011. 

3. LSU Tigers

Previous Rank:  No. 4

Previous Explanation: The Tigers finished off a great 2010 season by getting their 11th win in a 41-24 win over Texas A&M at the Cotton Bowl. The losses of Terrence Tolliver, Stevan Ridley, Drake Nevis and Patrick Peterson will hurt significantly, but this LSU squad is talented enough to fill in those holes. Michael Ford, for example, is a good enough running back that Ridley won’t be sorely missed.

Post-NSD Explanation: Yet another great recruiting class in the always-powerful SEC, LSU’s ranked No. 9. All four of the 5-star prospects (defensive tackle Anthony Johnson, offensive tackle La’el Collins, wide receiver Jarvis Landry and defensive end Jermauria Rasco) could all make significant impacts during their first years on campus. 

2. Oklahoma Sooners

Previous Rank:  No. 2

Previous Explanation: The Sooners went 12-2 during 2010 and finished off their season with a 48-20 destruction of Connecticut in the Fiesta Bowl. With the exception of DeMarco Murray, they return virtually every important starter. Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles should both enter into the Heisman discussion at various points throughout this season. Expect the Sooners to hover near the top of the rankings, if not at the very top, for the entire season.

Post-NSD Explanation: The No. 2 team in these rankings is the one with the No. 15 recruiting class. With barely any players leaving from the 12-2 squad that played in 2010-2011, it will be tough for any freshmen to leave their marks on the team’s success. Wide receiver Trey Meteyor, the top player at his position, and running back Brandon Williams though will have a shot to do so. Two more 5-star prospects, defensive end Nathan Hughes and defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, could as well. 

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

Previous Rank:  No. 1

Previous Explanation: The Crimson Tide finished their 2010 season in dominant fashion with a 49-7 win over Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl to earn their 10th win of the year. They’ll have to overcome the loss of Mark Ingram, Greg McElroy and Julio Jones among others, but Trent Richardson should be able to help with that. Plus, defense is Alabama’s calling card and Marcell Dareus is the only exiting starter. Alabama should be in the hunt for another national championship.

Post-NSD Explanation: Congratulations on making it this far.

Alabama comes in at the top of these preseason rankings once more after pulling together enough top players to have the sixth-best class in the country. The unexpected flip-flopping of Cyrus Kouandjio, the nation’s top offensive tackle, gives the Crimson Tide a freshman who’s already a contender for the All- American team. Middle linebacker Trey DePriest and safety Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix are also tops at their positions. Running back Dee Hart will have a big impact as well, giving Trent Richardson some relief.

There wasn’t really a flaw with this team, and the recruiting class made sure of that.