College Football Projections for 2011: The 11 Best 11s and the LSU Paradox

Since the creation of the BCS Championship game as a separate event after the 2005 season, the SEC has controlled college football.

No team outside of the Southeastern Conference has won a BCS title since the championship ceased rotating as the actual Rose, Orange, Sugar and Fiesta Bowl contests.

Florida was declared champion for the 2006 and 2008 seasons, LSU was the 2007 kingpin, Alabama claimed the 2009 season and Auburn ruled the roost in 2010.

2011 could be another chapter in the seemingly endless display of SEC power.

The conference appears as strong as ever and will once again produce several contenders for an invitation to the BCS championship event.

Three SEC teams are ranked in this elite group of the nation's best.

So, pick the winner of the SEC and you have named the BCS champion.

Or, will you?

No.11: Mississippi State Bulldogs

Fate and circumstances. Two issues not often kind to followers of the maroon Bulldogs from Starkville.

Just when it appeared the people in the golden triangle area of Mississippi selected the correct head coach to make a championship run, competition in the massively powerful SEC has become even more intense.

Mississippi State has the leader in coach Dan Mullen (see picture) to meet the challenge of their demanding schedule, and with so many returning letter winners, one can see why there is an expectation for success in 2011.

Improvement at quarterback and running back plus a solid receiving corps should provide an effective offense for the Bulldogs.

Defensively, the Maroons will have to plug holes at the linebacker spot and fresh pass rushers at end will have to be found. The interior and secondary are SEC quality, that is, better than virtually anyone else.

It's all about confidence and consistency in Starkville. Coach Dan Mullen put it best recently when he stated " we expect to compete for the championship every year."

Now that is a recipe for success. 

*** Indicates The Toughest Game Of The Year For Each Team

Date                  Opponent            Favored or Underdog
09/01/11	at Memphis	F
09/10/11	at Auburn	U
09/15/11	LSU***	U
09/24/11	La Tech	F
10/01/11	at Georgia	F
10/08/11	at UAB	F
10/15/11	South Carolina	F
10/22/11	Open Date	–
10/29/11	at Kentucky	F
11/05/11	Martin	F
11/12/11	Alabama	F
11/19/11	at Arkansas#	F
11/26/11	Ole Miss	F

# To Be Played At Little Rock, Arkansas

No.10: Arizona State Sun Devils

There are only a handful of head coaches who can lay claim to winning two national championships.

Sun Devil headman Dennis Erickson is one of those few. As head coach of the feared Miami Hurricanes, he took home national championships in 1989 and 1991.

Those Hurricane powerhouses were built upon unbelievably strong defenses. Erickson's 2011 Sun Devil crew will not be.

Despite the return of virtually every starter on both sides of the ball, the Arizona State offense is still light years ahead of the defense.

Led by 6'8" quarterback Brock Osweiler, the ASU offense put up 83 points on the first team defense in this year's Spring Game.

That is correct, 83 points on the first team defense.

With the new logo of the pitchfork on their cutting-edge uniforms (see picture), the stage could be set for the Sun Devils to become one of the most exciting and popular teams in the country.

The schedule is favorable for Coach Erickson and company; no meetings with Stanford or Washington on the horizon.

In 2010, Arizona State averaged over 32 points a game. Do not be surprised if this experienced and dynamic outfit leads the nation in scoring for the 2011 season.

Date	Opponent		Favored/Underdog
09/01/11	Davis		F
09/09/11	Missouri		F
09/17/11	at Illinois		F
09/24/11	Sou. California		F
10/01/11	Oregon St.		F
10/08/11	at Utah		U
10/15/11	at Oregon***		U
10/22/11	Open Date		---
10/29/11	Colorado		F
11/05/11	at UCLA		F
11/12/11	at Wash. St.		F
11/19/11	Arizona		F
11/26/11	California		F

No.9: Wisconsin Badgers

Hulking coach Bret Bielema (see picture) of the Badgers is an intimidating big man who knows what he wants, and often gets it.

With the ultimate program built upon outstanding line play and smash mouth football, Wisconsin has the potential to visit a BCS destination each season.

Last year, the Badgers shared the Big 10 title and represented the conference in Pasadena.

Expect the 2011 season to be more of the same.

Despite losing fine quarterback Scott Tolzien, crushing runner John Clay, along with several superior linemen, no school is built to withstand such changes better than the one in Madison.

Arrogant and powerful, "Coach Bret" casually dismissed a reporter in January when asked how the impact of Nebraska joining the Big 10 will affect future conference championship races.

Such confidence comes from having a defense that could be the best in the United States.

The linebacker position is solid with outstanding Chris Borland returning to join senior Kevin Claxton and junior Mike Taylor.

The secondary appears airtight with three senior starters, along with 6'2" 205 Dezmen Southward, a sophomore who has developed a hostile reputation among opposing receivers.

The line will feature a pair of 6'4" seniors in Louis Nzegwu and Pat Butrym. Jordan Kohout at 300 pounds, 6'7" 300 Ethan Hemer and 6'5" David Gilbert complete the typically massive Badger defense.

The powerful Gilbert is poised to have a break out season, according to the Wisky coaching staff.

6'7" 250 Brendan Kelly returns to punish runners with his wickedly long arms and knack for being where the action is.

On offense, the Badgers boast the return of two fine running backs in Montee Ball and James White.

Last season, this duo combined for an nearly unbelievable 2,048 yards rushing and 32 touchdowns scored despite sharing time in the backfield with the heralded John Clay.

The offensive line features a choice among 11 veterans who stand over 6'4" and weigh over 300 pounds. After the spring game, several Badger defensive players claimed the O-line is far more athletic than last year.

Such thoughts must be terrifying to defenses throughout the conference.

The return of 6'3" Nick Toon at receiver creates a position of strength when the Badger coaching staff decides who will deliver the ball.

Sophomore Jon Budmayr backed up the departed warrior Scott Tolzien as signal caller last season. 6'3" Joe Brennan returns after a redshirt year.

Those two are joined by an impressive incoming freshman, Joel "The Piano Man" Stave.

With so much size and firepower throughout the squad, the duty of any quarterback who takes the home field at Camp Randall is not inhibiting the offense by turning the ball over.

It remains to be seen who will best fit that requirement, but the 6'5" Stave has impressed coaches after entering school early.

With no real road game until October 22, the Badgers will have time to organize and prepare before facing a hostile crowd.

The Big 10 race looks to be wide open this year, and it would be no surprise if the Badgers repeat their trip to the Rose Bowl.

Date                     Opponent                 Favored/Underdog

09/01/11               UNLV                       F

09/10/11               Oregon St.                F

09/17/11               N. Illinois  #               F

09/24/11               South Dakota            F

10/01/11               Nebraska ***             F

10/08/11               Open Date               ---

10/15/11               Indiana                     F

10/22/11               at Michigan St.         U

10/29/11               at Ohio St.               U

11/05/11               Purdue                     F

11/12/11               at Minnesota             F

11/19/11               at Illinois                   F

11/26/11               Penn St.                   F

# Chicago, Illinois– Site of Soldier Field

No.8: Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Head coach Brian Kelly is man with a long range plan.

Recognizing talent is aboard in South Bend, the tough Irishman has implemented a program for player development.

The program will inspire the greatest improvement from the time an 18-year-old first steps on campus until awarded his diploma four years later.

An important element of creating a consistently successful football environment at the school Americans view as synonymous with the college game.

"Direction and guidance are necessary steps to provide a winning attitude, and will help the young man once he moves on and confronts the challenges of life," philosophized an intense Kelly in April.

Such high-minded goals are eagerly accepted in South Bend, where the trouble for years has not been getting the best ball players, but developing them once they arrived.

Addressing the off-field issue of stand out receiver Michael Floyd and his alcohol related problems, Coach Kelly has been fair and reasonable, providing Floyd's teammates with a model of behavior to follow.

The 2010 season ended with Notre Dame winning its last four games by a total of 108-39, along the way beating Southern California on the road and whipping Miami in the Sun Bowl.

During those four games, the Irish defense surrendered only 2.9 yards per rushing attempt.

With a number of experienced veterans returning, especially high profile linebacker Manti Te'o, Notre Dame expects to field a defensive squad of battlers.

On offense, the Irish welcome back quarterbacks Dayne Crist and Tommy Rees. Each has proved they can provide leadership during trying circumstances.

Running back Cierre Wood seems poised for a big season behind the blocking of the improving linemen in South Bend.

Success for Notre Dame in 2011 rests on the leadership skills of the head coach, the quarterbacks and returning veteran players.

The big men in green (see picture) appear to have all of the bases covered.

Date         Opponent             Favored/Underdog

09/03/11   South Florida ***   F

09/10/11   at Michigan          F

09/17/11   Michigan St.        U

09/24/11   at Pittsburgh        F

10/01/11   at Purdue             F

10/08/11   Air Force              F

10/15/11   Open Date           ---

10/22/11   Sou. California      F

10/29/11   Navy                    F

11/05/11   at Wake Forest     F

11/12/11   Maryland              F

11/19/11   Boston College     F

11/26/11   at Stanford           U

No.7: South Carolina Gamecocks

Each season, coach Steve Spurrier hopes to recapture the glory of his 1996 Florida squad.

The '96 Gators rolled to the national championship, becoming the final consensus No.1 before the dawn of the BCS system two years later.

Coach Spurrier's Gamecocks crushed the Florida Gators 36-14 at the "Swamp" last season (see picture) and took sole control of the SEC East.

Along the way, Carolina battered Alabama 35-21, breaking the Crimson Tide's two season undefeated streak and annihilated arch-rival Clemson in Death Valley, 29-7.

In 2011, the old ball coach will reach for the sky, as he has the best offensive player in the SEC in running back Marcus Lattimore and potentially the best defensive player with 6'6" incoming freshman defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

Clowney was rated the top high school player in the country in 2010.

Alshon Jeffery is an All-America receiver, and at 6'5" and 235 pounds, is money in the bank when a pass is thrown near him.

Jeffery anchors a wideout corps of several big receivers standing at least 6'4" and weighing over 200 pounds who know how to block downfield.

The veteran offensive line, known locally as "The Untouchables", averages 6'4" and 306 pounds. Those are Wisconsin-like figures.

At tight end and fullback, the Gamecocks look like runaway offensive tackles. So much the better for blocking.

Add to the curious mixture the seemingly ancient quarterback Stephen Garcia (who has spent most of his off-seasons on suspension, tossed out of school, or on "double secret probation") along with multi-talented signal caller Connor "Jaybird" Shaw.

One long-time SEC observer recently offered the comparison of Garcia and Shaw to former Alabama greats Kenny Stabler and Steve Sloan.

"Being as successful is another matter," he added.

Fifteen starters return for the Gamecocks, plus previous and part-time starters who were not available last season.

It is plain to see why expectations are high for this offense in the Palmetto State.

Over the past 10 years, the Garnet and Black defense has vacillated between being strong against the run and having superior secondary play.

One of these days, Carolina is going to put the two together at the same time.

2011 just could be that day. 

Date            Opponent           Favored/Underdog

09/03/11      East Carolina #   F

09/10/11      at Georgia***      F

09/17/11      Navy                  F

09/24/11      Vanderbilt          F

10/01/11      Auburn              F

10/08/11      Kentucky          F

10/15/11      at Miss. St.       U

10/22/11      Open Date        ---

10/29/11      at Tennessee     F

11/05/11      at Arkansas       U

11/12/11      Florida               F

11/19/11      The Citadel         F

11/26/11      Clemson             F

# Charlotte, N.C.

No. 6: Nebraska Cornhuskers

And then there were 12.

The Cornhuskers depart the Big 12 for the Big 10 only to find there are 12 teams in their new league.

With a foot to the accelerator of the once formidable Big Red Machine offense, the Cornhuskers of 2011 find themselves surrounded by a number of squads just as big and just as powerful as the men of corn.

The quarterback position was the strength of the Nebraska attack in the first half of 2010.

This season, Taylor Martinez and his fellow signal callers had best be ready to go the distance, as Big 10 teams are known to be strong closers.

The running game will always be a large factor in the Big Red Machine offense, but in the Big 10, there is a greater emphasis on strong pass play calling.

Intelligence and skill in the quarterback position is necessary for a team who wishes to win this conference.

New offensive coordinator Tim Beck is making things simple in Lincoln with a policy of having less penalties. The Huskers were the second most penalized team in the Big 12 last year.

The coaching staff has prepared a grinding running game, based upon technique and athleticism, that can be dependable during the often rough weather in the Big 10.

The Cornhusker defense suffered the loss of a handful of quality starters, but the depth, skill and size on the field during the spring has impressed onlookers.

Linemen Cameron Meredith and 6'6"Jared Crick join linebacker Lavonte David to give Nebraska one of the best defenses in the mid-west.

Coach Bo Pelini (see picture) is said to be intense, perhaps too intense, for a school that has never won a BCS Title. It is apparent he wants to bring one home in the worst way for the supportive fanbase.

If he eases off the on-field tirades, he may just do it in 2011.

Date	Opponent         Favored/Underdog
09/03/11	Chattanooga        F
09/10/11	Fresno St.           F
09/17/11	Washington         F
09/24/11	at Wyoming         F
10/01/11	at Wisconsin***    U	*
10/08/11	Ohio St.               F
10/15/11	Open Date           ---
10/22/11	at Minnesota         F
10/29/11	Michigan St.         F
11/05/11	Northwestern        F
11/12/11	at Penn St.           F
11/19/11	at Michigan           F
11/25/11	Iowa                     F

No.5: Oklahoma Sooners

In the 11 years since the Sooners captured the BCS crown, one thing has been consistent in Norman, Oklahoma: the steady influence of head coach Bob Stoops (see picture).

In 2011 Oklahoma will again unleash one of the most frightening players in the nation, quarterback Landry Jones.

Landry, named in honor of the former Texas Longhorn quarterback and defensive standout Tom Landry, is a New Mexico native with a rocket arm and a tendency to take a chance. Usually with good results.

The offense in Norman is one of the most impressive in the nation.

Inconsistent defense was the Achilles heel of the 2010 OU team.

Last season, the Sooners surrendered an average of 152 yards a game on the ground in the pass-happy Big 12.

For comparison sake, South Carolina gave up an average of 104 yards a game on the ground last year while playing in the rush-happy SEC.

Expectations in 2011 include plans for a much improved Oklahoma run defense.

While the Sooners struggle to improve upon the 305 points surrendered last season, a key issue could become depth. The number of available athletes has increased, making OU one of the deeper teams defensively.

Giving up 305 points is not an option if Oklahoma is determined to play for the national championship.

Take the case of the 2010 Boise State defense as an example.

The Broncos, playing in the high-scoring WAC in 2010, gave up only 166 points all season long and still came up short in their pursuit of the BCS Championship game.

All of this underscores the Oklahoma need to score a lot of points to win.

Quarterback Landry Jones is just the man to get the job done.

It should surprise no one to find the Sooner quarterback walking around New York City in December as a finalist for the prestigious  Heisman Trophy award.

Date      Opponent             Favored/Underdog

09/03/11 Tulsa                  F

09/10/11 Open Date 1        --

09/17/11 at Florida St.       U

09/24/11 Missouri              F

10/01/11 Ball St.               F

10/08/11 Texas #               F

10/15/11 at Kansas            F

10/22/11 Texas Tech          F

10/29/11 at Kansas St.       F

11/05/11 Texas A&M          F

11/12/11 Open Date 2        ---

11/19/11 at Baylor              F

11/26/11 Iowa St.               F

12/03/11 at Okla. St.***      F

# Dallas, Texas– Cotton Bowl Stadium

No.4: Florida State Seminoles

In the never ending war of mascot customs, the histrionics of Seminole Chief Osceola at Florida State (see picture) provides a lingering image for followers of college football.

Other schools would be in a rebuilding mode after graduating a player like quarterback Christian Ponder. Not so in Tallahassee.

Enter 6'4" 235 junior E.J. Manuel to take his place under center.

Manuel packs a wallop when he runs, but his most impressive attribute is his rifle arm.

Under the watchful guidance of head coach Jimbo Fisher, a noted offensive genius who has a strong reputation developing outstanding quarterbacks, Manuel may become the premier signal caller in the ACC by year end.

The offensive line has size and depth. The improvement in the running game should be noticeable.

Defensively, the 'Noles have swift linebackers and fast defensive linemen with the usual 300 pound run stopper. It wouldn't be Tally without a wrecking ball in the middle of the line, would it?

This season, FSU looks to improve their run defense, a unit that surrendered 127 yards a game in 2010.

They hope it is not at the expense of their defensive secondary, with  two 5'8" starters.

Coming away from the spring game, an observer from a rival school noted "If they don't have it they don't need it."

Expect the Seminoles to make a strong run toward an undefeated season in 2011.

Date           Opponent            Favored/Underdog

09/03/11     Monroe                       F

09/10/11     Charleston Southern    F

09/17/11     Oklahoma***               F

09/24/11     at Clemson                 F

10/01/11    Open Date                  ----

10/08/11    at Wake Forest            F

10/15/11    at Duke                       F

10/22/11   Maryland                      F

10/29/11   N.C. State                    F

11/03/11   at Boston College         U

11/12/11   Miami                          F

11/19/11   Virginia                        F

11/26/11   at Florida                     F

No.3: Oregon Ducks

Followers of Duck football are accustomed to critical reviews regarding the uniform of their team.

There is nothing humorous about the lethal play of the Oregon offense (see picture), a shocking combination of speed, ability and solid play calling.

Consistently dynamic and powerful, Oregon is one of the most feared opponents in college football. 

Off the field events have led to some disciplinary actions since the game for the national championship. The Ducks are convinced they have a handle on the problem and will resolve any issues.

Last season, the Ducks faced the two best players in the country, Cam Newton and Andrew Luck. This year, the Ducks open in Texas (site of the Cotton Bowl Game) against SEC power LSU.

Do not expect the quack attack to be shaking in their booties, because Oregon is an experienced team of winners and champions. Of the 22 starters in Eugene,18 will likely be juniors or seniors.

The speed of the Oregon offense takes a backseat to no one. In 2010, they led the nation in scoring and were fourth in rushing yards gained.

With the wildly effective combination of quarterback Darron Thomas and running back La Michael James, Oregon needs to only be pointed in the direction of the stadium in order to start scoring.

Need proof? Last year, James rushed for 21 touchdowns and Thomas threw for 30 more.

After the BCS Championship Game, the Ducks turned their attention to maximizing the defensive side of the ball.

In 2010, the Ducks finished No.12 in the country in points allowed.

Oregon developed an enormous defensive line that overwhelmed their regular season opponents last year but found they could not get around the Auburn offensive linemen with power.

And there lies the reason for the increased emphasis on defensive line play in 2011.

This season, the defense is expecting to be on the same level as the offense. Consistent play in practice has convinced the coaching staff this could become a reality.

Such a thought should leave everyone else shaking in their booties.

The Ducks came close to winning it all last season. The entire Duck Nation is fixed on securing the BCS Trophy in 2011.

Oregon has the players to achieve that goal.

                                        # Arlington, Texas–Site of the Cotton Bowl Game

No.2: LSU Tigers

The Ringmaster of the Bayou Bengal Circus is coach Les Miles (see picture).

With all the fire-breathing coming out of various schools around the SEC in the past few seasons, one would imagine LSU is on the outside looking in when it comes to coaching and talent.

Nothing has ever been further from the truth.

Miles has established himself as the toughest man leading any SEC program, and his stunningly exciting play calling is reminiscent of the legendary and visionary coaching icon Bobby Dodd.

The package of players at LSU is among the most talented in the nation this year.

Quarterback Jordan Jefferson returns after leading the LSU offense to an average of 30 points a game last season.

Jefferson is the undeniable leader of the Tiger players. Two offensive linemen were quoted in March as saying "The team is willing to walk through fire for him."

Defensively, the Tigers have one of the best units in the nation. The 2010 squad ranked 11th in the country in points allowed.

We are left facing the "LSU Paradox."

Bluntly put, the Tigers always lose at least one contest each season, and this year, it could be in the opener to the formidable Oregon Ducks.

The last undefeated year for LSU was in 1958.

Doesn't automatically stop them from winning BCS championships; they did it in 2003 and 2007, but in contrast, defending national champion Auburn has produced two undefeated seasons in the past seven years.

Around the rest of the SEC, Tennessee in 1998, Georgia ('80), Mississippi ('62), Alabama ('61,66,79,92,'09) and Arkansas as a member of the SWC in 1964 have all produced perfect seasons since LSU turned the trick 53 years ago.

Such a repeat of history in 2011 will require addressing the following two situations.

First of all is the question of a possible rematch in the BCS Championship contest.

Would LSU be voted into one of the top two spots in the final regular season BCS poll if that one loss is to an Oregon squad who ends up No.1?

Secondly, what if Oregon loses to someone along the way and ends up competing with LSU for a single opening in the BCS Championship Game?

Would the Tigers be selected over an Oregon squad with the same record and who defeated LSU on a neutral field?

The Bayou Bengals find themselves in a tough spot by having to open the season with the most important game of the year.

Will the moxie of coach Les Miles propel the Tigers past such a challenge?

Only time will tell.

# Arlington, Texas– Site of the Cotton Bowl Game

No.1: Stanford Cardinal

Stanford is loaded.

The Cardinal achieved the much desired result of balance on offense last season. The fellows down at "The Farm" produced a weekly average of 214 yards rushing and 259 yards passing.

Another ideal Stanford accomplished in 2010 was the balance between offense and defense, finishing ninth in the nation for points scored and 10th in the land regarding points given up.

After destroying ACC champion Virginia Tech 40-12 in the Orange Bowl (see picture), Hokie defensive guru Bud Foster talked openly about "not how do you stop them but where do you stop them?"

The architect of this offensive juggernaut is David Shaw.

For the past four seasons, he has been the offensive coordinator, bringing his nine years of experience as an NFL quarterback coach to Palo Alto and preparing such a finely tuned machine.

Shaw is a Stanford graduate, having played wide receiver for the Cardinal under coaches Bill Walsh and Denny Greene before working his magic in the professional game.

With former head coach Jim Harbaugh moving to the NFL, Coach Shaw was the obvious and perfect choice as the new leader of the Stanford program.

Graduating seniors are rarely ever expendable, but the Cardinal is bringing back almost every outstanding player from a season ago.

Two native Texans, barrel-chested running back Stephan Taylor and 6'5" 238 pound quarterback Andrew Luck anchor the offense.

Taylor rushed for 1,137 yards last season, caught 28 passes and scored 16 touchdowns.

Luck is simply the best football player in the nation.

In 2010, Luck completed 71 percent of his 372 passes for 32 touchdowns and ran for an additional 453 yards.

At receiver, speedy junior Drew Terrell is back to gobble up touchdown passes, while lanky senior Griff Whalen gives Luck an obvious target in tight situations.

Speaking of such circumstances, a pair of 6'6" 250 pound tight ends return in Coby Fleener and Zach Ertz.

The offensive line is experienced, talented and bruising. 6'6" 305 Jonathan Martin at left tackle and 6'5" 310 David DeCastro at guard return. Each is poised for an All-America season.

Another native Texan, Sam Schwartstein, is a rugged performer who returns for his junior season at center along with the enormous and powerful Khalil Wilkes. Wilkes is headed for a future in the league where players are paid to play.

6'7" 300 pound Tyler Mabry returns for his senior year at right tackle.

Redshirt freshman Cameron Fleming, still another native from the Lone Star State, is a 6'6" 300 pound offensive line talent who will find playing time during the season. He has the tools to become one of the most talked about new comers on the scene and seems destined for success.

The Stanford defense returns the top four tacklers from last year. It is a deep and experienced unit.

Shayne Skov and Chase Thomas, both highly decorated 6'4" juniors, are back to combine with senior "Mad" Max Bergen and incredibly talented 6'6" sophomore Trent Murphy to give the Cardinal the most outstanding group of linebackers in the college game.

The secondary is built around hard hitting seniors Delano Howell and Michael Thomas at safety along with Johnson Bademosi at corner.

Effective junior Quinn Evans, experienced Ed Reynolds, "Fast" Barry Browning and Terrence Brown provide Stanford a defensive backfield that is a virtual umbrella against the passing game of opponents.

The defensive line features the return of 6' 2" 300 pound junior Terrence "The Meat Cleaver" Stephens on the inside of the Cardinal 3-4 alignment.

Senior Matthew Masifilo at 6'3" 288 and exciting 6'4" 255 Ben Gardner will man the outside positions.

Last season, the Cardinal finished No. 4 in both polls, sporting a 12-1 record.

This year, Stanford is deeper, bigger, stronger, faster and will be even better.

An appropriate description of a champion.

Date         Opponent       Favored/Underdog

09/03/11   San Jose St.          F  

09/10/11   at Duke                 F

09/17/11   at Arizona              F

09/24/11   Open Date            ---

10/01/11   UCLA                    F

10/08/11   Colorado                F

10/15/11   at Washington St.  F

10/22/11   Washington           F

10/29/11   at Sou. California   F

11/05/11   at Oregon State     F

11/12/11   Oregon***              F

11/19/11   California               F

11/26/11   Notre Dame           F

The Oracle of Delphi: Predicting the 11 Top Bowl Games for the 2011 Season

Three thousand years ago, the Oracle of Delphi was known to possess a special power, the ability to relate to the public what will happen before it occurs.

With a tip of the hat to this legendary priestess from the ancient world (see picture), please consider our prophecy regarding the 11 most prominent bowl contests for the 2011 post-season.

No.1: The BCS Championship Game– Stanford versus LSU. This is a required match up, a contest between the two top teams in the final BCS regular season poll. New Orleans is the host city.

No.2: The Rose Bowl– Oregon versus Nebraska. Buckeyes lose during mass confusion early in the year, and Nebraska makes shocking history by winning the first Big 10 Championship Game. Oregon could be the best team in the country and may run the table to an undefeated season.

No.3: The Orange Bowl– Florida State versus Wisconsin. Wisconsin makes a strong case for being even better this year with a more athletic offensive line. Seminoles will dominate the ACC.

No.4: The Sugar Bowl– South Carolina versus Notre Dame. Exit of Bayou Bengals to the BCS Championship Game opens up first selection to the New Orleans event. With Notre Dame eligible, the Irish are the top pick to face SEC power Gamecocks in what could be known as the "Lou Holtz Cup."

No.5: The Fiesta Bowl– Oklahoma versus Syracuse.The Orange have the coaching to escape Cincinnati, South Florida and West Virginia in the Big East as the entire conference awaits the dawning of the Texas Christian era next season. Oklahoma could end up in the BCS Title clash.

No.6: The Capital One Bowl (Citrus)– Mississippi State versus Michigan State. Spartans thirst to avenge last year's loss in Orlando to the SEC and will face the up and coming maroon Bulldogs.

No.7: The Cotton Bowl– Auburn versus Oklahoma State. Everyone wants the defending BCS Champion Tigers, but they choose to play in the spectacular confines of the Cotton Bowl Game in Arlington.The Cowboys possess a high-octane offense and will make for a sensational confrontation.

No.8: The Outback Bowl– Alabama versus Ohio State. The Red Elephants lost three games last year and then said goodbye to all of the best players from that squad. Buckeyes have much to overcome early in the season and will be fortunate to stay off serious sanctions from the NCAA.

No.9: The Gator Bowl– Florida versus Penn State. Joe Paterno's first bowl experience as head coach was the Gator Bowl. Will this be his last? The Gators are fading as a legitimate power in the SEC.

No.10: The Chick-fil-A Bowl (Peach)– Arkansas versus Miami. The Razorbacks have a dangerous team and could steal a higher post season bid. The Hurricanes edge out BC and Maryland to swipe the ACC berth in Atlanta. New coach Al Golden looks to bring back the glory in Coral Gables.

No.11: The Alamo Bowl– Arizona State versus Texas A&M. The Sun Devils could well be the most surprisingly strong team of 2011. The Aggies stagger close to the Fiesta and Cotton affairs as well.