2011 College Football Rankings: Predicting Number of Bowl Berths by Conference
Amidst the excitement of March Madness, it’s time we get back to everyone’s top sport—football.
As awesome as March Madness 2011 has been, there’s nothing like the BCS Bowl season. That is the time when us football fans get to see the top players in the nation on the grand stage. I know there’s nothing like waking up in the morning and being able to turn on football to watch the rest of the day and seeing each and every talent out there put on the best show they can.
The Bowl season is truly like none other and, including the BCS National Championship, its weeks of 35 exciting gridiron battles. Although most teams receive a bowl berth, it’s still an honor to be chosen to any bowl, but mainly the Rose, Sugar, Orange and Fiesta Bowls. As every team in the nation fights for the top spot in the BCS Rankings and a chance to represent their school in the BCS Championship game, we still see spectacular games from top to bottom in the Bowl season.
We’re going to analyze each conference to see which teams, and how many, will receive a bowl berth in 2011-2012. Just as important, we’re going to take a look at some of the top players who will lead their team to their bowl berth.
Western Athletic Conference
1 of 12
Top Three Bowl Games:
Hawaii Bowl
MAACO Bowl
Alamo Bowl
Nevada Wolf Pack
2010 Record: 7-1 Conference; 13-1 Overall
The Wolf Pack lost a couple of star players in quarterback Colin Kaepernick and linebacker Dontay Moch, but now that Boise State is in the MWC, Nevada will reign supreme once again.
Wide receiver Rishard Matthews will miss Kaepernick, but he’s still a talented receiver. He was able to put up 56 receptions, 879 yards and five touchdowns in his first year with the team.
Senior linebacker James-Michael Johnson is the most important piece for the defense after posting 88 tackles and three sacks and three forced fumbles last year. He’ll go down as one of the best linebackers in 2011.
Hawai’i Warriors
2010 Record: 7-1 Conference; 10-4 Overall
Quarterback Bryant Moniz is hoping to have another remarkable statistically season after exploding in his junior campaign. After putting up 2396 yards, 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a sophomore, he put up an amazing 5040 yards, 39 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
Linebacker Corey Paredes is entering is hoping to follow up his remarkable junior campaign as a senior. He recorded 130 tackles, two forced fumbles and four interceptions. He might be the best defender in the WAC.
Western Athletic Teams Spilled Out of the Bowl:
Fresno State Bulldogs
2010 Record: 5-3 Conference; 8-5 Overall
Idaho Vandals
2010 Record: 3-5 Conference; 6-7 Overall
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
2010 Record: 4-4 Conference; 5-7 Overall
New Mexico State Aggies
2010 Record: 1-7 Conference; 2-10 Overall
San Jose State Spartans
2010 Record: 0-8 Conference; 1-12 Overall
Utah State Aggies
2010 Record: 2-6 Conference; 4-8 Overall
Total Western Athletic Conference Berths: 2
Sun Belt Conference
2 of 12
Top Three Bowl Games:
Sun Bowl
GoDaddy.com Bowl
New Orleans Bowl
Florida International Golden Panthers
2010 Record: 6-2 Conference; 7-6 Overall
Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton has had a very good career at FIU, but he’s still looking to meet his career highs recorded as a freshman. That season, he posted 41 receptions for 1,013 yards and seven touchdowns. In the past two seasons, he’s put up 116 receptions, 1,480 yards and 10 touchdowns combined. He also has six career rushing touchdowns, five return touchdowns and even a passing touchdown.
Linebacker Winston Fraser is looking to improve on a fine sophomore campaign. He recorded 66 total tackles, one forced fumble, one sack and one interception for the Panthers last year.
Troy Trojans
2010 Record: 6-2 Conference; 8-5 Overall
Corey Robinson is hoping to continue the immediate success he achieved as a freshman last year. He put up awesome numbers as he threw for 3,725 yards, 28 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He’ll be just fine without star wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan who will be in the NFL next season.
Junior linebacker Brannon Bryan will look to improve upon the fantastic R+L Carriers Bowl performance in which he made eight tackles, one sack and one interception.
Sun Belt Teams Spilled Out of the Bowl:
Arkansas State Red Wolves
2010 Record: 4-4 Conference; 4-8 Overall
Florida Atlantic Owls
2010 Record: 3-5 Conference; 4-8 Overall
Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns
2010 Record: 3-5 Conference; 3-9 Overall
Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks
2010 Record: 4-4 Conference; 5-7 Overall
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
2010 Record: 5-3 Conference; 6-7 Overall
North Texas Mean Green
2010 Record: 3-5 Conference; 3-9 Overall
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
2010 Record: 2-6 Conference; 2-10 Overall
Total Sun Belt Conference Berths: 2
Mid-American Conference
3 of 12
Top Three Bowl Games:
Humanitarian Bowl
GoDaddy.com Bowl
Little Caesar's Bowl
Miami (OH) RedHawks
2010 Record: 7-1 Conference; 10-4 Overall
The RedHawks are hoping that quarterback Zac Dysert can improve in his junior campaign. He’s already posted 5,020 yards passing in two seasons but just 25 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. He did miss the last four games of his sophomore campaign, so the team would prefer if he stayed on the field for the entire campaign.
Defensive tackle Austin Brown improved from his freshman season as a sophomore. He recorded 10 more tackles and instead of a doughnut in the sack column, he was able to pull down the quarterback three times and also forced a fumble. Brown will be relied upon to lead the defense up front and create pressure for the rest of the team.
Northern Illinois Huskies
2010 Record: 8-0 Conference; 11-3 Overall
Chandler Harnish was excellent last year as one of the more underrated signal callers in the country. He posted 2,530 yards, 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions. For his career, he’s already amassed 5,728 yards, 40 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.
Sean Progar is looking to improve in all areas. In two seasons, he has 68 tackles, one forced fumble and 10 sacks. The Huskies will hope he can develop further in his junior season.
Toledo Rockets
2010 Record: 7-1 Conference; 8-5 Overall
Running back Adonis Thomas will look to become the best running back in the conference in his senior season. He emerged as a go-to back for the Rockets last year as he ran for 1,098 yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries. He even added 31 receptions for 372 yards and two touchdowns. He posted his best game of his career in the two-point loss to FIU in the Little Caesar’s Bowl when he ran for 193 yards and two touchdowns on 24 attempts.
The Rockets are counting on defensive tackle Malcolm Riley to contribute even more in 2011 and lead the defense to the top of the Conference. He will be asked to come closer to double-digit sacks after tallying six last season.
Mid-American Teams Spilled Out of the Bowl:
Akron Zips
2010 Record: 1-7 Conference; 1-11 Overall
Ball State Cardinals
2010 Record: 3-5 Conference; 4-8 Overall
Bowling Green Falcons
2010 Record: 1-7 Conference; 2-10 Overall
Buffalo Bulls
2010 Record: 1-7 Conference; 2-10 Overall
Central Michigan Chippewas
2010 Record: 2-6 Conference; 3-9 Overall
Eastern Michigan Eagles
2010 Record: 2-6 Conference; 2-10 Overall
Kent State Golden Flashes
2010 Record: 4-4 Conference; 5-7 Overall
Ohio Bobcats
2010 Record: 6-2 Conference; 8-5 Overall
Temple Owls
2010 Record: 5-3 Conference; 8-4 Overall
Western Michigan Broncos
2010 Record: 5-3 Conference; 6-6 Overall
Total Mid-American Conference Berths: 3
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Independents
4 of 12
Top Three Bowl Games:
Independence Bowl
Armed Forces Bowl
Military Bowl
Army Black Knights
2010 Record: 7-6 Overall
Quarterback Trent Steelman is a dual-threat, but more a rusher than a passer. He only threw for 995 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions, but he ran for 721 yards and 11 touchdowns on almost 200 attempts. He’s going to have to put it all together in 2011.
Running back Jared Hassin was even more impressive, rushing for 1,013 yards and nine touchdowns on 191 attempts.
Senior linebacker Steve Erzinger has been consistent throughout his career with Army. He has posted at least 70 tackles the past two years and has three sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception in that span.
BYU Cougars
2010 Record: 5-3 Mountain West Conference; 7-6 Overall
The freshman connection was in full effect in 2010. Quarterback Jake Heaps and wide receiver Cody Hoffman put on a show in their first season together. Heaps threw for 2,316 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions as Hoffman caught 42 passes for 527 yards and seven touchdowns. Instead of calling it the Heaps and Hoffman connection, perhaps we should call it the Heavy Hitters connection—just a thought.
Linebacker Brandon Ogletree will look to continue his fine play as a junior. As a sophomore he was able to put up 51 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and two interceptions. He also had five tackles for loss.
Navy Midshipmen
2010 Record: 9-4 Overall
Running back Alexander Teich improved drastically from his sophomore to junior seasons and justifiably received more carriers. On 147 attempts, he gained 863 yards and five touchdowns. Expect him to receive closer to 200 carries as Navy leans on him on offense.
Linebacker Aaron McCauley is looking to improve upon a fine junior season. He totaled 79 tackles and three sacks last year.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2010 Record: 8-5 Overall
Things will certainly be interesting now that star wide receiver Michael Floyd has been suspended indefinitely for drunken driving.
They at least have running back Cierre Wood to lean on. He only ran for 603 yards and three touchdowns last year, but he’s set to emerge as one of the better running backs in the nation. He always keeps his legs moving, eyes down the field and stays upright to gain positive yardage. Expect him to be the star of the show.
Linebacker Monte Te’o is ready to emerge as one of the best inside linebackers in the country after a remarkable first year with the Fighting Irish. He posted 129 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. Te’o is looking to bring respectability back to the program.
Total Independent Berths: 4
Mountain West Conference
5 of 12
Top Three Bowl Games:
Rose Bowl
Holiday Bowl
Independence Bowl
Air Force Falcons
2010 Record: 5-3 Conference; 9-4 Overall
Air Force is looking for big things from runner Asher Clark in his senior campaign. Last year, he ran for 1,031 yards and five touchdowns on 182 attempts. He’s run for 2,484 yards and 17 touchdowns in his career.
Senior linebacker Jordan Waiwaiole is also expected to dominate this season. Last year, he put up 96 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and one interception. He’s clearly the man to look for to breakout further for this defense.
Boise State Broncos
2010 Record: 7-1 Western Athletic Conference; 12-1 Overall
It’s still all about Kellen Moore, which gives the Broncos every opportunity to boast the best offense in the country. Moore puts up video game-like numbers for Boise State. Although they are heading to the Mountain West Conference, don’t expect anything to change. He threw for 3,845 yards, 35 touchdowns and just six interceptions last year. For his career, he’s put up a whopping 10,867 yards, 99 touchdowns and just 19 interceptions. Expect him to be in the Heisman hunt once again in his senior season.
The Broncos return an experienced group led by defensive tackle Shea McClellin. He tallied 30 tackles, one interception, one touchdown and 10 sacks. He should emerge as one of the best defenders in college football.
San Diego State Aztecs
2010 Record: 5-3 Conference; 9-4 Overall
Ronnie Hillman is clearly the go-to star here. He emerged as a workhorse back and one of the best in the nation. He ran for almost six yards per carry, gaining 1,532 yards and 17 touchdowns on 262 attempts. If you haven’t heard of him yet—you will in 2011.
Linebacker Miles Burris was the glue to the defense and excelled. He totaled 80 tackles, two forced fumbles and a whopping 10 sacks. With more power and experience in 2011, expect him to become one of the best producing linebacker in college.
TCU Horned Frogs
2010 Record: 8-0 Conference; 13-0 Overall
Now that quarterback Andy Dalton is in the NFL, it’s time for running back Ed Wesley to step up and become the leader of this offense. He ran for 1,078 yards and 11 touchdowns, scoring in all but three regular season games.
Linebackers Tank Carder and Tanner Brock create a devastating tandem that absolutely nobody wants to mess with. Combined, they totaled 167 tackles, six sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble in 2010.
Mountain West Teams Spilled Out of the Bowl:
Colorado State Rams
2010 Record: 2-6 Conference; 3-9 Overall
New Mexico Lobos
2010 Record: 1-7 Conference; 1-11 Overall
UNLV Rebels
2010 Record: 2-6 Conference; 2-11 Overall
Wyoming Cowboys
2010 Record: 1-7 Conference; 3-9 Overall
Total Mountain West Conference Berths: 4
Conference USA
6 of 12
Top Three Bowl Games:
Beef O'Brady's Bowl
Liberty Bowl
Military Bowl
UCF Knights
2010 Record: 7-1 Conference; 11-3 Overall
Senior running back Ronnie Weaver will once again be the focal point of the offense as the workhorse. He should reach 1,000 yards finally after rushing for 890 yards on 186 attempts. Expect another double-digit touchdown campaign after totaling 11 touchdowns last season.
Kemal Ishmael is the most talented man on defense. He has 153 tackles, three forced fumbles and three interceptions as a starter the past two seasons. We can only expect another quality season from the safety.
Houston Cougars
2010 Record: 4-4 Conference; 5-7 Overall
It’s all about the return of quarterback Case Keenum, who will be back in action to completely tear up the nation as a senior. He was injured last year but he’ll be ready to go for the start of the season. As a sophomore and junior, he compiled 10,691 yards, 88 touchdowns and just 26 interceptions—wow. That’s all we can saw about Keenum.
Marcus McGraw is the beast of the defensive unit. In three years as a starter, he’s totaled 369 tackles, six sacks, seven forced fumbles and one interception. Expect another remarkable defensive season.
East Carolina Pirates
2010 Record: 5-3 Conference; 6-7 Overall
Senior quarterback Dominique Davis had one of the greatest seasons in ECU history at the position. He posted 3,967 yards, 37 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He’ll look to have another remarkable season and end it with a bowl victory in 2011.
Linebacker Lamar McLendon is returning for his junior season and although he will need help on this defense, he enjoyed a breakout sophomore season. He accounted for 63 total tackles last year. He posted four games with at least eight tackles in 2010.
Senior cornerback Emanuel Davis was the star last for the defense and in three years, has accumulated 158 tackles, eight interceptions and three forced fumbles.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane
2010 Record: 6-2 Conference; 10-3 Overall
Quarterback G.J. Kinne is the true star of the offense. He’s been remarkable in his first two seasons as the Golden Hurricane signal caller and improved big time in his junior season. After throwing for 2,732 yards, 22 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a sophomore, he threw for 3,650 yards, 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a junior last season. Expect another monster outburst in 2011.
Linebacker Curnelius Arnick was the most vital piece to the Tulsa defense. In the bowl win against Hawaii, he managed to intercept two Bryant Moniz passes and even took one back for a touchdown. He finished the season with four interceptions, five sacks and 108 total tackles.
Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles
2010 Record: 5-3 Conference; 8-5 Overall
Quarterback Austin Davis had a fantastic year for Southern Miss in 2010 after missing the final eight games of the 2009 season. He’s been excellent for the Golden Eagles throughout his career and will continue on the right track this season. Last year, he threw for 3,103 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Senior Cordarro Law is looking to make his last name his nickname in 2011. He’s had three quality seasons but will look to breakout as a senior. Thus far in his career he’s cumulated 127 tackles, 18 sacks and four forced fumbles.
Southern Methodist Mustangs
2010 Record: 6-2 Conference; 7-7 Overall
Junior running back Zach Line will once again be the focal point. He was excellent last season as he was a true workhorse for SMU. He galloped for 1494 yards and 10 touchdowns on 244 carries. It would be mighty interesting to see what he could do with around 300 carries.
Safety Chris Banjo has been very good to his Mustang teammates. Over the past two seasons, he’s tallied 178 tackles, three forced fumbles and three interceptions. You’ll be able to see him cruising all over the field for this SMU defense.
Conference USA Teams Spilled Out of the Bowl:
Marshall
2010 Record: 4-4 Conference; 5-7 Overall
Memphis
2010 Record: 0-8 Conference; 1-11 Overall
Rice
2010 Record: 3-5 Conference; 4-8 Overall
Tulane
2010 Record: 2-6 Conference; 4-8 Overall
UAB
2010 Record: 3-5 Conference; 4-8 Overall
Total Conference USA Berths: 6
Pacific-12 Conference
7 of 12
Top Three Bowl Games:
BCS National Championship
Orange Bowl
MAACO Bowl
Arizona Wildcats
2010 Record: 4-5 Conference; 7-6 Overall
Wide receiver Juron Criner is the star of the offense. He was on a torrid pace in 2010 as his receptions jumped from 45 to 82, yards from 582 to 1,233 and touchdowns from nine to 11. Expect to see Criner and quarterback Nick Foles establish an elite connection.
Foles essentially mirrored his stellar 2009 campaign, except he threw for 3,191 yards last year compared to 2486 in 2009. He also threw for 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his junior season.
Brooks Reed is gone on defense so senior Paul Vassallo is going to be asked to step up even more in 2011. He posted a fantastic junior campaign as he put up 102 tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble. Although Reed is in the NFL, expect to see the defense carry on his intensity in his honor.
Colorado Buffaloes
2010 Record: 2-6 Big 12 Conference; 5-7 Overall
Running back Rodney Stewart was a stud for the Buffaloes. On 290 attempts, Stewart showed he was as strong as the school mascot and stampeded for 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns. He improved upon his stellar sophomore season in which he ran for over 800 yards and nine touchdowns. Expect to hear his name often during his senior campaign.
The defense is really going to miss cornerback Jimmy Smith, who is my No. 3 overall cornerback in the 2011 NFL draft class. Entering his senior season, defensive end Josh Hartigan will look to post double-digit sack totals after bringing down quarterbacks seven times as a junior. He even added an interception in his first season of extended action.
Oregon Ducks
2010 Record: 9-0 Conference; 12-1 Overall
The Ducks boast one of the top offenses in the nation as they are led by the best running back in the nation, LaMichael James. James literally ran through college football in 2010, rushing for 1,731 yards and 21 touchdowns. He led the nation in yards, yards per game and was second in rushing touchdowns.
Quarterback Darron Thomas enjoyed a remarkable season of his own as he threw for 30 touchdowns, nine interceptions and 2,881 yards. Now with more experience, expect the Ducks’ offense to be even scarier this season.
Cornerback Cliff Harris will lead the defense with the departure of Casey Matthews to the NFL. In 2010, Harris recorded 30 tackles, six interceptions and one touchdown. You can expect to see Harris highlighted in many game recaps this season.
Stanford Cardinal
2010 Record: 8-1 Conference; 12-1 Overall
Not much needs to be said about quarterback Andrew Luck, who would have been the dead-on lock as the No. 1 overall selection in this year’s NFL draft. The senior has all of the intangibles needed to play the position, win ball games and become a possible Heisman trophy winner. Last year, Luck enjoyed a breakout season, recording 3338 yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He threw for four touchdowns in four games last year.
Stanford boasts one of the best linebacker tandems in the nation in Shayne Skov and Chase Thomas. Together, they combined for 154 tackles, 16 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception.
Stanford should fight for a major bowl berth once again in 2011.
Utah Utes
2010 Record: 7-1 Mountain West Conference; 10-3 Overall
Quarterback Jordan Wynn improved from as freshman to a sophomore, so we can only expect more of the same from him as a junior. He threw for over 1,000 more yards and almost 10 more touchdowns in 2010 than in 2009. He has thrown 14 interceptions and has only been sacked 13 times in his career. Watch for his rapid growth to continue.
The defense will certainly miss cornerback Brandon Burton, who will be in the NFL, but linebacker Chaz Walker will be all over the field for this defense. He exploded on the scene as a junior, putting up 113 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and two interceptions. The rest of the Pac Conference will not be too pleased with him.
Washington Huskies
2010 Record: 5-4 Conference; 7-6 Overall
Although star quarterback Jake Locker will be in the NFL, these Huskies will be just fine. The team will rely heavily upon one of the best backs in the nation in Chris Polk. Last year, he ran for a 1,415 yards on 260 carries, good for 5.4 yards per carry, and nine touchdowns. He has great speed and power, but his foot work is even better. Watch him continue his explosion next season.
Linebacker Cort Dennison was great last season in his junior year and will continue that pace once again. He recorded 92 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions. Expect him to step up as a leader for the entire team and not just the defense.
Pacific-12 Teams Spilled Out of the Bowl:
Arizona State Sun Devils
2010 Record: 4-5 Conference; 6-6 Overall
California Golden Bears
2010 Record: 3-6 Conference; 5-7 Overall
Oregon State Beavers
2010 Record: 4-5 Conference; 5-7 Overall
UCLA Bruins
2010 Record: 2-7 Conference; 4-8 Overall
USC Trojans – Ineligible for Bowl Appearance in 2011
2010 Record: 5-4 Conference; 8-5 Overall
Washington State Cougars
2010 Record: 1-8 Conference; 2-10 Overall
Total Pacific-12 Conference Berths: 6
Big East Conference
8 of 12
Top Three Bowl Games:
Champs Sports Bowl
Chick-fil-A Bowl
Fiesta Bowl
Cincinnati Bearcats
2010 Record: 2-5 Conference; 4-8 Overall
Senior Zach Collaros is looking to become one of the elite quarterbacks in the nation. Expect Isaiah Pead to run better in the backfield, which will open up the field even more for Collaros to dominate. Last year, he posted 2,902 yards, 26 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Linebacker J.K. Schaffer has been a stud in his first two seasons. He’s recorded 199 tackles (111 last year), four sacks, four interceptions and one forced fumble thus far for the Bearcats. Watch him erupt as one of the best linebackers in the Big East.
Connecticut Huskies
2010 Record: 5-2 Conference; 8-5 Overall
The Huskies will look to rely on their wide receivers Michael Smith and Kashif Moore. Together, they combined for 82 receptions, 1,067 yards and six touchdowns.
Kendall Reyes is entering his senior campaign and looking to continue honing his craft. He has remained consistent during his career, posting three sacks each of the past two seasons. Last season, he even intercepted two passes.
Louisville Cardinals
2010 Record: 3-4 Conference; 7-6 Overall
Senior Josh Bellamy is looking to improve on his junior campaign with Louisville. Although he only caught 29 passes, he was able to put up over 400 yards and five touchdowns. Against Memphis, he put up six receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns. He will need to be more consistent as four of his touchdowns came in back-to-back games early in the season.
Safety Hakeem Smith was excellent in his freshman season. He posted 88 tackles, one forced fumble and one sack. Look for him to continue producing at a rapid rate.
Pittsburgh Panthers
2010 Record: 5-2 Conference; 8-5 Overall
The Panthers will be missing two important pieces on offense in tackle Jason Pinkston and wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin. Quarterback Tino Sunseri had a fine first year as starter. He put up 2,572 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Expect him to improve.
Brandon Lindsey was very good last season, recording 10 sacks and 51 tackles. He will have to continue that pace this season.
South Florida Bulls
2010 Record: 3-4 Conference; 8-5 Overall
USF is looking for B.J. Daniels to emerge as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the nation and especially the Big East. He needs to manage the game better and protect the ball better after throwing 13 interceptions in 2010 compared to nine in 2009. He also only threw 11 touchdowns last season compared to 14 the year before. He was far better running the ball in 2009 than 2010 as well. He ran for 772 yards and nine touchdowns in 2009 and just 259 yards and five touchdowns in 2010.
The Bulls are hoping safety Jerrell Young continues improving as a senior. He recorded 41 tackles and three interceptions. Expect the defense to improve if Daniels improves on offense, which would keep the defense fresh during games.
Syracuse Orange
2010 Record: 4-3 Conference; 8-5 Overall
Syracuse is hoping do-it-all playmaker Antwon Bailey truly emerges. Perhaps it’s because the Orange ask him to do just about everything imaginable on offense. He’s best used as a receiver out of the backfield as he tallied career highs in receiving last season with 35 receptions for 306 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed 554 yards and two touchdowns.
Syracuse is hoping senior defensive end Chandler Jones can carry the defense. In two seasons, he recorded 109 tackles, six sacks and one forced fumble.
West Virginia Mountaineers
2010 Record: 5-2 Conference; 9-4 Overall
The Mountaineers boast one of the top breakout candidates at quarterback for 2011. Geno Smith showed great promise last year, as he threw for 2,763 yards, 24 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He did have offseason surgery on his foot but will be healthy and prepared to excel at the start of the season.
Defensive end Bruce Irvin will prove he’s not just one of the best defensive ends in the Big East but in the entire nation. He has the ability to become the best, actually. He put quarterbacks to the ground 14 times last year for a very good West Virginia defense. He will be the most important piece to the defense as he matches his sack total.
Big East Team Spilled Out of the Bowl:
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
2010 Record: 1-6 Conference; 4-8 Overall
Total Big East Conference Berths: 7
Big 12 Conference
9 of 12
Top Three Bowl Games:
BCS National Championship
Fiesta Bowl
Cotton Bowl
Baylor Bears
2010 Record: 4-4 Conference; 7-6 Overall
Star quarterback Robert Griffin III is a potential Heisman candidate entering his junior season. In 2010, he threw for 3,501 yards, 22 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. He also ran for 635 yards and eight touchdowns. Sit back and enjoy the ride!
Linebacker Elliot Coffey had another fine season for the Bears. He put up 61 tackles and one interception.
This team will go as far as Griffin III can take them.
Missouri Tigers
2010 Record: 6-2 Conference; 10-3 Overall
The Tigers are missing key components to their surprising 2010 season as quarterback Blaine Gabbert and pass rusher Aldon Smith are heading to the NFL.
Tight end Michael Egnew is looking to become the top tight end in the nation. Last season, he caught 90 passes for 762 yards and five touchdowns in his breakout season.
The main man in the secondary is senior safety Kenji Jackson, who had 67 tackles, one forced fumble and two interceptions last season.
Although the Tigers won’t be as good in 2011, they’ll still make a bowl appearance.
Oklahoma Sooners
2010 Record: 6-2 Conference; 12-2 Overall
The Sooners head into the season with arguably the best chance to win the BCS National Championship.
They are led by quarterback Landry Jones and wide receiver Ryan Broyles. Last year, Jones threw for 4,718 yards, 38 touchdowns and just 14 interceptions. Broyles, one of the best in the nation, caught 131 balls for 1,622 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The star on defense is senior linebacker Travis Lewis. He was one tackle shy in 2009 of posting triple-digit tackle seasons in his career. Last year tallied 109 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
2010 Record: 6-2 Conference; 11-2 Overall
The Cowboys boast one of the top quarterback/wide receiver combos in the nation. Quarterback Brandon Weeden threw for 4,277 yards, 34 touchdowns and just 13 interceptions. Star wide receiver Justin Blackmon caught 111 passes for 1,782 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Senior safety tandem Markelle Martin and Johnny Thomas combined for 118 tackles, six interceptions and two forced fumbles. Watch them lead the defense as a duo in 2011.
Texas A&M Aggies
2010 Record: 6-2 Conference; 9-4 Overall
Running back Cyrus Gray is hoping to become one of the best backs in the country. He was the workhorse back for the Aggies last season and will receive more carries in 2011. He will be a focal point of the offense once again after running for 1,133 yards and 12 touchdowns. His most impressive performance was against Texas when he ran for 233 yards and two touchdowns.
I would expect the defense to take a step back with pass rusher Von Miller in the NFL, but cornerback Coryell Judie will keep that from happening.
Judie had 57 tackles and four interceptions last season and won’t be tested often as he is the best player on this defense.
Texas Longhorns
2010 Record: 2-6 Conference; 5-7 Overall
The Longhorns are trying to get back to prominence after a terrible season following the loss to Alabama in the 2009-2010 BCS Championship game. They need quarterback Garrett Gilbert to step his game up after throwing for 2,744 yards, 10 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.
Linebacker Emannuel Acho had a breakout year last season, posting 79 tackles, three sacks, an interception and one touchdown.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
2010 Record: 3-5 Conference; 8-5 Overall
Running back Eric Stephens is hoping to emerge as an even more effective runner in 2011. Last season, he put up 668 yards and six touchdowns on just 127 attempts. He’s averaged over five yards per carry in his first two seasons and deserves more carries going forward.
Junior safety Cody Davis enjoyed a fantastic sophomore season. He accumulated 88 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles and one interception. Look for him to emerge as one of the better safeties in the conference.
Big 12 Teams Spilled Out of the Bowl:
Iowa State Cyclones
2010 Record: 3-5 Conference; 5-7 Overall
Kansas Jayhawks
2010 Record: 1-7 Conference; 3-9 Overall
Kansas State Wildcats
2010 Record: 3-5 Conference; 7-6 Overall
Total Big 12 Conference Berths: 8
Atlantic Coast Conference
10 of 12
Top Three Bowl Games:
Orange Bowl
Chick-fil-A Bowl
Champ Sports Bowl
Boston College Eagles
2010 Record: 4-4 Conference; 7-6 Overall
Montel Harris is entering his senior season and will carry the Eagles to a Bowl in 2011. He rushed for 1,243 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Expect Harris to come close to reaching 5000 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns for his career at Boston College.
Luke Kuechly, entering his junior season, is a beast of a middle linebacker. He’ll keep offenses limited as he has already amassed 325 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, four interceptions and one touchdown.
Clemson Tigers
2010 Record: 4-4 Conference; 6-7 Overall
Running back Andre Ellington is entering his junior season and is ready to explode. He is a preseason dark horse candidate with his exceptional talent. He carried the rock last year 118 times, gaining 686 yards (5.8 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns.
Senior Andre Branch will have to become a force of his own with Da’Quan Bowers heading to the NFL. He only has eight sacks in three years, so Clemson will need him to pull a Bowers to keep offenses honest. At the very least, Ellington will keep his defense off the field throughout games.
Florida State Seminoles
2010 Record: 6-2 Conference; 10-4 Overall
Although Christian Ponder is in the NFL, E.J. Manuel looks like an excellent replacement next season. We’ve even seen comparisons to Cam Newton of Auburn. In the Chick-fil-A Bowl victory over South Carolina, he completed 11 of 18 attempted passes (73.3 complete percentage) with one touchdown and 49 yards rushing.
Brandon Jenkins is one of the best defensive ends in the nation.
Last year, he had 56 tackles, one forced fumble and a whopping 14 sacks. He had five two-sack performances last season.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
2010 Record: 4-4 Conference; 6-7 Overall
The combination at running back of junior Orwin Smith and senior Roddy Jones will need to carry the offense. Combined last year, they ran for 869 yards and eight touchdowns. Now with more experience together, they should run for over 1,000 yards and double-digits touchdowns.
Junior inside linebacker will look to become a leader for this defense. He had a great sophomore season, tallying 89 total tackles, two forced fumbles and one interception. He posted five double-digit tackling performances.
Maryland Terrapins
2010 Record: 5-3 Conference; 9-4 Overall
Although the Terrapins are losing the dynamic wide receiver Torrey Smith, they still have quarterback Danny O’Brien. He was excellent as a freshman and will be much improved in 2011 with more experience. He put up 2,438 yards, 22 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. He threw at least three touchdown passes in four games.
Tate is one of the best safeties in the country. Last year, he recorded 90 total tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles, three interceptions and one touchdown. Everybody needs to beware of him when he is on the field.
Miami (FL) Hurricanes
2010 Record: 5-3 Conference; 7-6 Overall
Senior Jacory Harris is looking to redeem himself in 2011 after a poor 2010. In 2009, though, he put up 3,352 yards, 24 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Mostly though, the Hurricanes will make it for their reputation.
Senior Sean Spence had a dominant season for the “U.” As a junior, he recorded 110 total tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles. As a senior, he’ll emerge as one of the most heralded middle linebackers in the nation.
North Carolina Tar Heels
2010 Record: 4-4 Conference; 8-5 Overall
Senior Dwight Jones will look to continue his breakout junior campaign. He posted four touchdowns, 62 receptions and 946 yards. He’ll look to become one of the best receivers in the ACC.
The defense lost a good crop of talent in Bruce Carter, Quan Sturdivant, Marvin Austin and Deunta Williams. Senior QuInton Coples will make up the difference for Austin’s departure and simply continue his torrid pace. He recorded 10 sacks, 59 tackles and a forced fumble. Look for him to unleash havoc against opposing offenses.
North Carolina State Wolfpack
2010 Record: 5-3 Conference; 9-4 Overall
Quarterback Russell Wilson has been fantastic thus far in his career. Entering his senior campaign, watch him explode. For his career, he’s totaled 8545 yards and 76 touchdowns.
The Wolfpack features two stud linebackers in Audie Cole and Terell Manning. Cole is the best of the bunch after amassing 81 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception last season. Watch for the NC State linebackers to improve and carry the defense in 2011.
Virginia Tech Hokies
2010 Record: 8-0 Conference; 11-3 Overall
Running back David Wilson is looking to break out this season. Last year he gained 619 yards and five touchdowns on just 113 carries. He also caught 15 receptions for 234 yards and four touchdowns. Now that Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Williams are in the NFL, watch the Hokies to rely on Wilson and the defense.
Va Tech boasts one of the best defenses in the entire country heading into 2011. The team is returning most of their starters so the chemistry is going to play a huge role in their success. Cornerback Jayron Hosley is looking to emerge as the best shutdown corner in the nation. He had 39 tackles and an managed nine interceptions last season, but don’t expect many quarterbacks to throw his way this season.
ACC Teams Spilled Out of the Bowl:
Duke Blue Devils
2010 Record: 1-7 Conference; 3-9 Overall
Virginia Cavaliers
2010 Record: 1-7 Conference; 4-8 Overall
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
2010 Record: 1-7 Conference; 3-9 Overall
Total Atlantic Coast Conference Berths: 9
Big Ten Conference
11 of 12
Top Three Bowl Games:
Rose Bowl
Insight Bowl
Sugar Bowl
Illinois Fighting Illini
2010 Record: 4-4 Conference; 7-6 Overall
Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase is looking to improve upon his stellar freshman season. In 2010, he accumulated 1,825 yards, 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also ran for 868 yards and five touchdowns. Watch for him to become a star in the Big Ten.
Senior linebacker Ian Thomas has done a fine job in the middle for the Fighting Illini. Over the past two season of extended play, he’s posted 163 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and one interception.
Iowa Hawkeyes
2010 Record: 4-4 Conference; 8-5 Overall
The new star for the Hawkeyes goes by the name of Marcus Coker, who will also emerge as one of the best running backs in the nation. He has the ability to dominate a game with his speed, but even more with his power. He was excellent in the Insight Bowl against Missouri, racking up 223 yards and two touchdowns.
Cornerback Shaun Prater is the returning star for the Hawkeyes on defense. Last season he put up his best year, putting down ball carriers 68 times and intercepting quarterbacks four times while taking one to the house for a touchdown.
Michigan Wolverines
2010 Record: 3-5 Conference; 7-6 Overall
Denard Robinson returns to lead the Wolverines back to prominence. He was an early Heisman candidate but injuries derailed him in 2010. He still managed to put up gaudy numbers as he threw for 2,570 yards, 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also ran 1,702 yards and 14 touchdowns. Watch him be considered a Heisman hopeful all season.
Safety Jordan Kovacs was arguably the best player on defense for Michigan. He had a fantastic sophomore season, tallying 112 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and two interceptions. They’ll look for him to become one of the best safeties in the conference in 2011.
Michigan State Spartans
2010 Record: 7-1 Conference; 11-2 Overall
Quarterback Kirk Cousins is the man who will be asked to excel further in 2011 to lead the Spartans to the top of the Big Ten. Last year, he threw for 2,825 yards, 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Now that he is more comfortable, he will improve greatly.
Cousins does have a lot of help in the backfield in running back Edwin Baker, who gained 1,201 yards and scored 13 touchdowns, including one game with four touchdowns.
Although the team lost inside linebacker Greg Jones, one of the best in the nation, the Spartans still have quality starters.
Safety Trenton Robinson will be asked to step in as the leader for the defense with Jones in the NFL. Last year, he put up 71 tackles and four interceptions.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
2010 Record: 6-2 Big 12 Conference; 10-4 Overall
Rex Burkhead will be asked to dominate the backfield with Roy Helu Jr. in the NFL. Last year, he received 157 carries and gained 951 yards and seven touchdowns. He’ll show the Big Ten that Nebraska is not to be taken lightly.
The defense is led by defensive tackle Jared Crick and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard. Crick accumulated 36 tackles, one forced fumble and a whopping 10 sacks in 2010. Dennard will show he’s one of the best corners in the country after posting 31 tackles, one forced fumble, four interceptions and one touchdown.
Ohio State Buckeyes
2010 Record: 7-1 Conference; 12-1 Overall
It’s going to be an interesting season with head coach Jim Tressel, quarterback Terrelle Pryor, offensive tackle Mike Adams, wide receiver DeVier Posey and running back Dan Herron suspended for the first five games of the season. Still, the schedule isn’t tough and the Buckeyes will make a run at becoming Big Ten Champions.
The defense, led by linebacker Andrew Sweat, will be the unit to hold down the fort with the offense suspended to open the season. They’ll come back to lead the team for the stretch run but Sweat will be the leader early. The senior linebacker recorded 41 tackles, one forced fumble and one interception last year.
Wisconsin Badgers
2010 Record: 7-1 Conference; 11-2 Overall
The offense is lead by the supreme running back duo of Montee Ball and James White. Ball managed 6.1 yard per carry as he ran the ball 163 times just shy of 1,000 yards. More importantly, he scored 18 touchdowns.
White ran for 1,052 yards and 14 touchdowns and provides the lightning to Ball’s thunder.
The Badgers are looking to replace J.J. Watt and Jay Valai on defense, but they have the talent to do so.
The team has a few potential stars on defense, but the first would be safety Aaron Henry, who posted 57 tackles, two interceptions and took them both back for touchdowns.
Penn State Nittany Lions
2010 Record: 4-4 Conference; 7-6 Overall
Penn State will get to a bowl game on recognition alone and because Joe Paterno is still the head coach. Running back Silas Redd is looking to replace Evan Royster. The Nittany Lions have issues on offense and will rely on Redd’s speed and agility to carry the team. As a freshman in 2010, he averaged 5.7 yards per carry as he ran for 437 yards and two touchdowns on just 77 attempts.
Senior safety Drew Astorino is looking to lead the secondary following two quality seasons. Combined the past two years, he recorded 132 tackles and three interceptions.
The Lions have a lot of issues on both sides of the ball but will still end up with a bowl berth.
Northwestern Wildcats
2010 Record: 3-5 Conference; 7-6 Overall
Wide receiver Jeremy Ebert was the star of the show for the Wildcats last year. He managed to catch 62 passes for 953 yards and eight touchdowns. Entering his senior season, he’s looking to emerge as the go-to receiver in the Big Ten.
Safety Brian Peters had a fantastic season at Northwestern last year and will look to complete his collegiate career with a bang. As he junior, he put up 107 tackles, one forced fumble, three interceptions and one touchdown.
Big Ten Teams Spilled Out of the Bowl:
Indiana Hoosiers
2010 Record: 1-7 Conference; 5-7 Overall
Minnesota Golden Gophers
2010 Record: 2-6 Conference; 3-9 Overall
Purdue Boilermakers
2010 Record: 2-6 Conference; 4-8 Overall
Total Big Ten Conference Berths: 9
Southeastern Conference
12 of 12
Top Three Bowl Games:
Sugar Bowl
Cotton Bowl
Capital One Bowl
Alabama Crimson Tide
2010 Record: 5-3 Conference; 10-3 Overall
Stepping out of the shadows of Mark Ingram is running back Trent Richardson who is ready to take the nation by storm. In 2010, he ran for 700 yards and six touchdowns on just 112 attempts, good for 6.3 yards per carry.
The defense returns most starters and is full with elite talent. It all starts with the man-beast Dont’a Hightower, who is the best linebacker in the nation and and recorded 70 tackles last year. Star safety Mark Barron landed 77 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and three interceptions last year.
Arkansas Razorbacks
2010 Record: 6-2 Conference; 10-3 Overall
Ryan Mallett will be in the NFL in 2011, most likely on one team’s bench, though. Tyler Wilson is prepared to step in to lead the team to an even more successful campaign as he showed great poise in limited action last season. He threw four touchdowns, two interceptions and 332 yards against Auburn last year.
Senior star middle linebacker Jerry Franklin is the catalyst for this defense. Franklin has accumulated 269 tackles the past three seasons and posted a career high 95 tackles in 2010, which surpassed his previous career high of 94 tallied in 2009.
Auburn Tigers
2010 Record: 8-0 Conference; 14-0 Overall
The Tigers are going to take a huge step back in 2010 but will still make a bowl appearance after winning it all in 2010. Running back Michael Dyer looks to be a star in the making and will do everything in his power to keep the Tigers afloat. He starred in the Championship game when he ran for 143 yards. He ran for 1,093 yards on 182 attempts (six yards per carry) and five touchdowns during the season.
The defense will sorely miss defensive tackle Nick Fairly, who is a top overall selection in this year’s NFL draft.
Cornerback Neiko Thorpe didn’t record an interception in 2010 but he has four throughout his career. Last season, he had 62 tackles and one forced fumble in each of the two previous seasons.
Florida Gators
2010 Record: 4-4 Conference; 8-5 Overall
The Gators have talent on offense and will surely make a bowl appearance despite falling out of the top-25. Quarterback John Brantley had a disappointing first season as he threw for just 2,061 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Speedster Jeff Demps is looking to become a superstar with more carries as he scored seven touchdowns and ran for 745 yards on just 99 carries.
The superstar on defense would have been a sure-fire first-round selection in the NFL draft. Instead, he’s returning to Florida to become the best cornerback in the nation. Janoris Jenkins has accumulated 108 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, eight interceptions and one touchdown in three seasons at Florida. Expect him to dominate in 2011.
Georgia Bulldogs
2010 Record: 3-5 Conference; 6-7 Overall
The Bulldogs are set to explode with quarterback Aaron Murray entering his sophomore season. He may have been the best freshman in the entire country. He threw for 3,049 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. In six games last year, he threw for three touchdowns. He threw three touchdowns in each of the last four regular season games. He threw zero interceptions in the final three games.
Brandon Boykin has been one of the most consistent players for the Georgia defense. The cornerback has posted 41 tackles and three interceptions each of the past two seasons and even spiced it up last year throwing in a sack.
Expect the Bulldogs to be much improved in 2011.
Kentucky Wildcats
2010 Record: 2-6 Conference; 6-7 Overall
Quarterback Morgan Newton has fine shoes to fill with the departure of quarterback Mike Hartline. In his only extended action last season, the BBVA Compass Bowl, he threw for 211 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions.
The Wildcats lost talent on offense but the defense will make up for it.
Linebacker Danny Trevathan is one of the top defensive talents in the nation. As a junior last year, he accumulated an obscene stat line of 145 tackles, three sacks and four forced fumbles. He had 10 games with double-digit tackles. In three games, he recorded at least 15 tackles.
LSU Tigers
2010 Record: 6-2 Conference; 11-2 Overall
Junior wide receiver Rueben Randle is looking to become the top wide receiver in the conference. Thus far in two seasons he’s put up 44 receptions for 717 yards and five touchdowns. He’ll have to hope quarterback Jordan Jefferson can improve with him.
Patrick Peterson left for the NFL but the defense still has junior cornerback Morris Claiborne. Claiborne had 37 tackles and five picks last season and will become one of the best cornerbacks in the nation.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
2010 Record: 4-4 Conference; 9-4 Overall
Running back Vick Ballard is returning for his senior year and hopes to improve his NFL draft stock. He should be able to do so with even more power in 2011. Last year, he ran for an obscene 19 touchdowns to go along with his 968 yards.
Junior cornerback Corey Broomfield was a star for Mississippi State last season, intercepting nine passes and recording 67 tackles with one sack.
South Carolina Gamecocks
2010 Record: 5-3 Conference; 9-5 Overall
The Gamecocks offense is loaded with running back Marcus Lattimore and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.
As a freshman, Lattimore was already one of the best backs in the nation. He ran for just shy of 1,200 yards and scored 17 touchdowns on the ground last year.
The junior Jeffery had eight games with at least 100 receiving yards and caught at least five passes in 12 games. He caught 88 passes for 1,517 yards and nine touchdowns in 2010.
Defensive end Devin Taylor will be relied upon heavily again in 2011. He had eight sacks and one interception in 2010.
Everyone will be talking about the freak freshman defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. He was the top high school recruit and will soon be one of the best defensive players in the country.
Tennessee Volunteers
2010 Record: 3-5 Conference; 6-7 Overall
Quarterback Tyler Bray is set to become one of the better quarterbacks in the nation. He had a great freshman campaign, throwing for 1,849 yards, 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He threw four touchdowns in the Music City Bowl loss to North Carolina.
The defense will miss safety Janzen Jackson but will still be led by fellow safety Prentiss Waggner, who had a breakout year last season. He had 57 tackles and five interceptions.
Southeastern Teams Spilled Out of the Bowl:
Mississippi Rebels
2010 Record: 1-7 Conference; 4-8 Overall
Vanderbilt Commodores
2010 Record: 1-7 Conference; 2-10 Overall
Total Southeastern Conference Berths: 10
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
