College Football 2011: 20 Most Important Springs in College Football
spring is in the air and college campuses are warming up with thoughts of Spring Break, sandy beaches, girls in bikinis' and... football? That's right, football.
Spring practice is under way around the country and college football programs are using this allowable practice time to prepare for next season.
All FBS teams have questions that must be addressed before the September 3rd kickoff to the college season and a productive spring can go a long way towards providing the answers.
Coaching staff changes, lost starters, sanctions and suspensions are factors that must be dealt with during the spring session.
While a few lucky teams have the luxury of entering next season relatively intact without glaring weaknesses, others are dealing with turmoil while scrambling to fill out a depth chart. Some top squads are attempting to grasp new offensive and/or defensive philosophies.
Whether it be to fine tune the machine in expectations of a BCS run or to perform the major overhaul necessary to get a traditional power back on the road to success, these 20 programs have the most important springs in college football.
Oklahoma Sooners
1 of 20
The Oklahoma Sooners, who are expected to open as the top-ranked team in most preseason polls, host their annual Red/White spring game on April 16th in Norman.
While Bob Stoops squad is returning at least 17 starters and 29 total players with starting experience, they do have some questions to be answered.
Demarco Murray leaves Norman as the most prolific touchdown machine in the Sooners long and storied history. Replacing Murray's production as a runner, pass-catcher and blocker in the backfield is a major priority.
Luckily for running backs coach Cale Gundy, OU is stacked with talented backs eager to prove why they were rated as among the best high school backs in the country when they signed with the Sooners.
The defensive backfield is also an area of concern as both safeties are gone and an All-Big 12 corner may not be coming back. Replacing three out of four starting defensive backs is not an enviable position in the pass-happy Big 12 conference.
New co-Offensive Coordinators Josh Heupel and Jay Norvell will also use these practices to develop their offensive identity and improve a pedestrian run game that has plagued the Sooners the last two seasons.
A productive spring session could help Oklahoma to develop the killer instinct they will need to possess to win tough road games at FSU, OSU, KSU and in the Red River Rivalry.
Oregon Ducks
2 of 20
The University of Oregon Ducks must find answers to their needs quickly as they open the season on September 3rd against LSU at Jerry World in Arlington.
Chip Kelly returns 13 starters from a strong team that nearly won the schools first national championship last season but they do have some questions that must be addressed during the spring.
While Oregon's rushing offense was the strong point for last years team, the defense played better than expected against Cam Newton and Auburn in the BCS title game.
Now two starting linebackers are gone and the defensive line must be rebuilt. Can the newbies on defense be relied upon in clutch time to stop the power running game they are sure to see from LSU, Stanford, USC and others?
The offensive line has also lost three starters and is an area of concern for a team that relied so heavily on the running of All-American LaMichael James to move the ball and score over 43 points a game last year.
This spring could go a long way towards determining if the Ducks can repeat last seasons unexpected success and be a player in the BCS discussions.
Georgia Bulldogs
3 of 20
The University of Georgia Bulldogs started spring practice towards the beginning of March and will conclude with the G-Day game on April 16th.
The 'Dawgs need a good spring to propel them back into the winning ways they were accustomed to under head coach Mark Richt before last seasons 6-7 debacle.
Georgia returns 17 starters from last season and has a good chance to improve on last seasons disappointing campaign provided they can plug a few holes.
Tailback, offensive line and linebacker positions are up for grabs and these needs must be addressed for the Bulldogs to return to form.
The lack of a consistent rushing attack hurt Georgia last year and finding talent for the backfield and the line is a major priority if they want to return to SEC prominence.
Richt has had good success at Georgia but another sub-par season could cost him his job and force the Bulldogs to embark upon a major rebuilding process that could drop this proud program further back into the SEC pack.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
4 of 20
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will also hold their spring game on April 16th and head coach Brian Kelly hopes a clear starter at quarterback emerges before they break until the beginning of practice in August.
Dayne Crist was injured against Tulsa last year, paving the way for Tommy Rees to lead the Irish on a season ending four game win streak and opening the debate on who will be the starting signal caller for next season.
The Irish have not been truly relevant nationally in nearly 20 years and Notre Dame is in desperate need of a clear cut leader at the most important position to lead the program back to winning ways and glory days.
The status of top receiver Michael Floyd is also uncertain and finding a reliable go-to guy this spring is essential for Kelly and the Irish to compete for a BCS berth in 2011.
Notre Dame returns 18 starters from last years team and if Kelly hopes to return the Irish to prominence in his second season on campus, he has a good nucleus to start with.
USC Trojans
5 of 20
The University of Southern California finished at 8-4 in Lane Kiffin's first year as head coach after replacing ultra-successful predecessor Pete Carroll. The Trojans conclude their spring session on May 1st.
USC returns 13 starters and are still reeling from the Reggie Bush scandal and ensuing sanctions that included reductions in scholarships and a two year bowl ban.
The Trojan faithful became accustomed to winning again under Carroll and 8-4 records won't cut it for long in the Coliseum.
The boys from Troy need to fill the depth chart and address glaring concerns on both sides of the ball.
As Kiffin has not done much as a head coach other than create controversy and provide good soundbites, this spring session is critical to prove he can stabilize the program and prevent a slide back into mediocrity such as the Trojans were mired in prior to Pete Carroll's tenure as coach.
Florida State Seminoles
6 of 20
Florida State ended last season on a high note by taking down SEC East champion South Carolina in the Chick Fil-A Bowl to finish at 10-4 on the season.
Second-year Head Coach Jimbo Fisher looks to have a talented team for next season with 18 returning starters but they do have to replace quarterback Christian Ponder.
E.J Manuel is the favorite to take the lance for the Seminoles and if he can solidify himself as a play-maker and team leader, FSU should be the favorite to win the ACC this year.
With eight starters back on both offense and defense, a strong spring could give the Seminoles the confidence they will need to defeat Oklahoma in Tallahassee on September 17 and propel the program into national championship discussions.
Alabama Crimson Tide
7 of 20
The Crimson Tide are only two years removed from the programs most recent national title and appear to be heading into next season with high expectations.
The A-Day scrimmage is set for April 16th and they hope to address a few concerns by the end of the spring session.
Most notable will be replacing quarterback Greg McElroy, running back Mark Ingram, receiver Julio Jones and defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.
Head Coach Nick Saban returns 17 starters with nine of those on the defensive side of the ball.
A strong spring showing will prove that Trent Richardson can make the ground attack potent despite losing Heisman winner Ingram and back-up A.J. McCarron is ready to be the leader at quarterback.
The Tide could roll with that momentum back into the BCS in 2011.
Texas Christian Horned Frogs
8 of 20
TCU finished ranked second in the country with a Rose Bowl victory over co-Big 10 champion Wisconsin capping an undefeated 13-0 campaign.
Head Coach Gary Patterson has his program going strong but replacing seven starters on both offense and defense will not be easy.
The biggest shoes to fill will be Andy Dalton, who won more games than any quarterback in school history but has taken his talents to the NFL.
Casey Pachall looks like Dalton's likely successor and having solid quarterback play will help the team as it breaks in numerous new starters.
Rose Bowl hero Tank Carder will be expected to take a leadership role on a defense that may be long on potential but short on experience.
A good spring could help fill the holes on the roster and ensure that the Horned Frogs keep hopping along.
Virginia Tech Hokies
9 of 20
Virginia Tech won the ACC again last season despite losing their first two games of the season.
Both Boise State and FCS program James Madison decked the Hokies but they came off the canvas to win their next 11 games before losing to Stanford in the Orange Bowl.
Head Coach Frank Beamer's squad returns only 13 starters and must replace quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
Tech needs a strong spring session with players stepping up and battling hard for open spots if the Hokies are to have any chance of defending their ACC crown.
Missouri Tigers
10 of 20
The University of Missouri Tigers enjoyed an unanticipated 10-3 record last year and fell just short of an 11-win mark with a bowl game loss to Iowa.
Gary Pinkel's squad returns 17 starters but must replace quarterback Blaine Gabbert who is expected to be among the first picks chosen in the upcoming NFL draft.
A new leader must emerge at this all important position if Mizzou's offense hopes to find success with their quick hitting attack.
By the spring scrimmage on April 16th, the Tigers will also be hoping to find replacements at both cornerback positions.
Missouri has won at least 10 games in three out the last four seasons and if Pinkel hopes to continue bringing home victories for fans in Columbia, a crisp spring session could keep the Tigers on the prowl.
Louisiana State Tigers
11 of 20
The Louisiana State Tigers return 15 starters from last years team that defeated the Texas A&M Aggies in the Cotton Bowl to finish at 11-2 on the season.
Head Coach Les Miles has a squad that many feel is the favorite to win the SEC and possibly play in the BCS Championship in New Orleans but first must find a replacement for Thorpe Award winner Patrick Peterson and solidify the play behind center.
Though the Tigers like to rely on a power running game to move the ball, a legitimate threat in the passing game is a must to keep defenses honest.
LSU opens the season against Oregon and an opening game loss could bring a quick halt to any thoughts of another title.
The spring session must show improvement in throwing and decision making from incumbent Jordan Jefferson for the Bayou Bengals to stay in the hunt for a BCS spot.
Miami Hurricanes
12 of 20
The Miami Hurricanes have been stuck in a era of mediocrity since the beginning of the millennium.
New coach Al Golden takes over a team that finished at 6-7 on the year and has only 13 starters returning.
Golden has players talented players on campus to work with but a quarterback controversy may be brewing between returning starter Jacory Harris and two other candidates.
While expecting Miami to make a big splash this year would seem foolhardy, this preseason practice session is vital in turning the Hurricanes around and pointed in the right direction.
Golden must use this spring to find players to fit his schemes before next season starts.
If the new coaching staff can find the players who are willing to step up, the Hurricanes could be howling and reeking havoc again sooner than expected.
Stanford Cardinals
13 of 20
The Stanford Cardinals enjoyed great success last season under the direction of Jim Harbaugh and behind the play of quarterback Andrew Luck.
While Harbough bolted for the NFL, Luck decided to pass up the opportunity to become the first player chosen in the draft to return to Stanford and in an attempt to lead his the Cardinal back to a BCS bowl.
Stanford finished at 12-1 last year and won the Orange Bowl but return only 13 starters.
The offensive line must be rebuilt and Luck will need new receivers to step up and provide him with downfield targets if Stanford has any chance of repeating the success of the last few seasons.
David Shaw was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach and the Cardinal faithful hope he can continue the success the program enjoyed under Harbough's tutelage.
A solid spring session could clear the air for the Cardinal to continue flying high in 2011.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
14 of 20
The Oklahoma State Cowboys are coming off a season where they were expected to finish in the Big 12 South basement and finished with the most victories in school history.
After an unexpected 11-2 season, Head Coach Mike Gundy has the luxury of 15 returning starters including the prolific throw and catch combination of quarterback Brandon Weeden and receiver Justin Blackmon.
The offense should be humming next year with nine starters coming back but the man who called the plays, Dana Holgerson, is now the coach-in-waiting at West Virginia.
Replacing Holgerson and his game management acumen is a top priority in Stillwater along with shoring up a shaky defense that lost six starters.
It is very important that new OC Todd Monken take advantage of this spring session to find a replacement for departed tailback Kendall Hunter and develop an offensive identity.
OSU is a team that will most likely have to rely on outscoring opponents to achieve the same level of success and keep T. Boone Pickens throwing money at the program like a congressman with stimulus money.
Iowa Hawkeyes
15 of 20
The Iowa Hawkeyes is a program in turmoil. After beating Missouri in their bowl game the news seems to have been all bad for Kirk Ferentz's program.
A conditioning drill contributed to 13 players being injured during the off season and a few players have transferred out of the program.
Iowa returns only 10 starters from last years squad that finished the season at 8-5 after being expected to battle for the Big 10 crown.
The Hawkeyes must find replacements for seven starters on defense in addition to their starting quarterback and five others on offense.
If Ferentz hopes to continue with the success he has brought to Iowa, a strong spring is needed to rebuild the team and prevent a program collapse.
Michigan Wolverines
16 of 20
New coach Brady Hoke takes over the reigns in Ann Arbor after the Rich Rodriguez experiment with Michigan was scrapped at the end of last season.
He inherits a team with 20 starters returning and a high powered offense led by dual threat quarterback Denard Robinson.
Unfortunately, nine starters also return on a defense that was consistently bad for most of the season.
Michigan has been slowly sliding into irrelevance for the past few seasons and Hoke needs to shore up the defense if he has any hope of returning the Wolverines to the top of the Big 10 conference.
This spring session it is very important that the new Michigan staff find playmakers on defense and develop a winning attitude that will allow the Wolverines to claw their way back to prominence.
Florida Gators
17 of 20
Urban Meyer is gone from Florida after winning two national championships in the last five seasons.
New coach Will Muschamp and OC Charlie Weiss must revamp an offensive attack that faltered at key points last season.
Florida returns 13 starters from last year but may be running completely different schemes on both offense and defense.
Weiss favors a pro-style offense that may not suit the players the former staff recruited for Urban Meyer's zone-read offense. Finding the right personnel to fit the new system is the top priority for the Gators.
After a disappointing 8-5 season in 2010, this spring it is vital for the Florida to develop under the leadership of Muschamp and bring back the bite that allowed the Gators to compete for the championships the fans have grown accustomed to.
Texas Longhorns
18 of 20
The Longhorns were an enigma wrapped in a riddle last year. After starting the season ranked in the top three, the 'Burned' Orange limped to a losing record, going 5-7 and missing bowl season completely.
Mack Brown addressed issues on the coaching staff by convincing a few coached to take an early "retirement" while Defensive Coordinator and head coach in waiting Will Muschamp also left town to take over in Florida.
Texas returns 15 starters and always gets its share of highly acclaimed recruits but it is time for these blue chippers to step up and prove they can play at a high level.
Quarterback Garret Gilbert was disappointing last year as a first year starter and may be pushed out of his starting spot by Case McCoy, Colt's younger brother.
Developing a viable running game is also a priority and Longhorn fans are clamoring for a back take over a position that has been a weakness since Jamaal Charles left for the NFL.
The defense was better than the inept offense last season but not a whole lot, as evidenced by an unheard of four home losses in Austin.
The new coaching staff must use the spring to find playmakers on both sides of the ball or the Mack Brown era could be over at Texas by the end of next season.
Auburn Tigers
19 of 20
The Auburn Tigers reached the pinnacle of success last season by bringing home the programs first national championship since 1957. Gene Chizik joined the ranks of second year coaches to win a title but will have his work cut out for him in 2011.
Auburn returns only seven starters from last year, the lowest total in the nation, and must replace Heisman winning quarterback Cam Newton. Newton was the heart and soul of last years squad and finding his replacement is a must for the Tigers to compete at a top level in 2011.
Monster defensive tackle Nick Fairley is also gone to the NFL and the leadership void on both sides of the ball is as troubling as the lack of returning players.
The Tigers do return top back Mike Dyer but a brutal SEC schedule and the inexperience at numerous positions will drop Auburn back into the middle of the conference pack unless Chizik and Offensive Coordinator Gus Malzahn can work wonders during the spring session and restock a cupboard that has been laid bare.
Ohio State Buckeyes
20 of 20
The Ohio State Buckeyes finished last season as Big 10 co-champs and beat SEC foe Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl but face an uncertain future heading into next season.
Controversy has engulfed the program and numerous starters will miss the first five games of next season as they sit out mandatory NCAA suspensions.
Though the Buckeyes return 13 starters, the 2011 campaign will commence with a lot of the talent sitting on the bench.
Head Coach Jim Tressel is also in hot water for his part in the the scandal and will also miss the beginning of the season.
Ohio State must find someone to take over for Terrelle Pryor as he sits out the first part of 2011 with other starters.
If Tressel and his staff cannot find adequate replacements during the spring practices to shore up the Buckeyes until the Nebraska game, Ohio State's run as the big boy of the Big 10 and perennial BCS contender could be over before the end of September.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
