College Football 2011: 50 Players, Coaches and Teams Out for Revenge
Coming into 2011, there are story lines all over the country that have stemmed from the 2010 season. While the motivation going into any season is to win, some players, coaches and teams have another motivation: revenge.
From rivalry losses, coaches having the score run up against them or on-the-field vendettas, motivation can be drawn from any of these situations.
Here is a look at 50 revenge situations to keep your eyes on in 2011.
Clemson vs Auburn
1 of 50
Last year, Auburn's perfect season was in jeopardy early on in the year. Playing against Clemson, Auburn needed overtime to pull out a victory.
What made things hard on Clemson was that, in overtime, they made a game-tying field goal, but a penalty caused them to have to attempt the field goal once again. On their second attempt, Clemson missed and suffered a tough loss.
Clemson will get another shot at Auburn, and this time they will not have to deal with Cam Newton.
Ryan Katz vs Oregon
2 of 50
Ryan Katz led the Oregon State Beavers into the 2010 Civil War feeling confident and excited at the opportunity to break Oregon's perfect season.
The negative tone was set on the first play for Katz, as a Casey Matthews blitz temporarily knocked him out of the game and marked the beginning of the end for Oregon State.
Troy vs UAB
3 of 50
Troy will have revenge on its mind when it takes on UAB in 2011. During their 2010 showdown, Troy fell to the in-state rival 34-33.
In the fourth game of the 2011 season, Troy will get a shot to avenge last year's loss.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Knile Davis vs Alabama
4 of 50
Last year, Arkansas had a chance to take down Alabama. While Ryan Mallett and the passing game had some success, Knile Davis was only able to contribute with 42 yards.
In the end, Alabama won 24-20, and now that Mallett is gone, Davis will need to step up in this year's game and try to deliver a win after falling short last year.
Florida's Defense vs Marcus Lattimore
5 of 50
Playing at home, Florida had a bad season take another turn when South Carolina came to town.
Along with suffering another loss, freshman running back Marcus Lattimore ran all over the Florida defense, going for a season-high 212 yards and three scores.
In 2011, Florida's defense will not want to go through a repeat performance of this game.
Michigan vs Ohio State
6 of 50
For the past seven years, Michigan has been hoping to beat its rival, and for the past seven years, it has been unsuccessful.
With all of the changes that are happening down in Columbus, Brady Hoke and the Wolverines will enter 2011 looking to break Ohio State's winning streak.
Jimbo Fisher vs Oklahoma
7 of 50
Expectations were high for Florida State in 2010, and coach Jimbo Fisher felt like he had a team that could make a run for the national title. Things were quickly derailed for the Seminoles and their head coach when Bob Stoops and the Sooners dominated them 47-17.
In 2011, expectations are still high, and Jimbo Fisher will once again lead his team up against Oklahoma looking to get back at the Sooners for last year's embarrassing loss.
Vontaze Burfict vs Oregon Offense
8 of 50
Vontaze Burfict started what many believed was a trend in trying to stop the Oregon offense in 2010: go down with an injury.
During the matchup with the Ducks, Burfict struggled with nagging injuries that would end up being bad enough to get him off the field for only a play or two. This was a common problem for the entire Sun Devil defense during that early-season game.
USC vs Notre Dame
9 of 50
For eight-straight years, USC held the upper hand over the Fighting Irish, but in 2010, Notre Dame turned the tables with a 20-16 victory.
Despite still dealing with sanctions in 2011, USC will still want to show the Irish that they are in control of this rivalry.
Miami vs Ohio State
10 of 50
Another team that will be looking to get back at Ohio State is Miami. Last year, Miami headed up to Columbus and left with a 36-24.
This year, Miami will not have to worry about Pryor or Jim Tressel and will look to get back at the Buckeyes for last year's defeat.
Jake Heaps vs Utah State
11 of 50
When the 2010 season began, not many expected BYU to struggle against Utah State, but that is exactly what happened.
New starter Jake Heaps struggled throughout the game, throwing for zero touchdowns and two interceptions.
With a year of experience under his belt, Heaps will have BYU ready for revenge when the Cougars take on Utah State in 2011.
Mountain West Conference vs TCU
12 of 50
TCU is making a move that is best for its football program. In 2012, the Horned Frogs will enter the Big East Conference in hopes of making their journey to the national championship easier.
Before TCU leaves, the Horned Frogs have one more season left in the Mountain West Conference. As they prepare to move on, conference opponents will hope to send them out with a loss.
Tennessee vs LSU
13 of 50
As time was running down on a possible comeback for LSU, the Tigers rushed up to the line, snapped the ball and watched the ball go bouncing into the backfield. A mad scramble ensued, resulting in Tennessee holding on to a victory.
That was not the end of the story. While LSU was scrambling to get the final play off, Tennessee was switching players in and out, but ended up with 13 players on the field. After the penalty, the Tigers would end up winning the game.
In 2011, Tennessee will host the game and hope to finish the job in front of its home fans.
LaMichael James vs Cal's Defense
14 of 50
During the 2010 regular season, LaMichael James had only been held under 100 yards once entering the Cal game. Throughout the game, Cal's defense found a way to hold James and the Oregon offense in check and gave them a chance to win.
James enters the 2011 season knowing the running game will be as important as ever and will look to lead the Ducks to a more impressive victory over Cal.
Colorado vs Hawaii
15 of 50
Last year, Colorado got Hawaii to come off the island and play in the mountains. The Buffaloes took advantage of their home field and won 31-13.
In 2011, the tables will be turned, as Colorado will start their season on the road and head to Hawaii for the season opener.
Brian Kelly vs Navy
16 of 50
For most of their history, Notre Dame has routinely beaten up on Navy, but over the course of the past few years, Navy has gotten its share of revenge.
In Brian Kelly's first year as head coach, Navy got the upper hand on him and the Irish, winning 35-17. It will be imperative for Kelly to avenge that loss in 2011 and keep the Irish on track for an improved 2011.
Kellen Moore vs the Heisman Trophy
17 of 50
Last year, Kellen Moore had some of the best numbers in the nation, and still he ended up fourth on the Heisman ballot.
Not only does Boise State have to scratch and claw for an opportunity for the national championship, it appears Moore will have to do the same to be a serious contender for the 2011 Heisman.
Navy vs Army
18 of 50
In the rivalry between Navy and Air Force, Navy had won seven straight games coming into their 2010 game. In this past year's meeting, things were different, as Air Force snapped the winning streak
You know that the pride on both teams will be on display as Navy will look to get back to its winning ways in 2011.
Landry Jones vs Missouri
19 of 50
If Oklahoma hopes to make a run at the national title in 2011, the Sooners will need solid play out of Landry Jones to ensure they get there.
In 2010, Landry Jones had a solid season, but in a loss to Missouri, Jones had his second-worst game in terms of passing yards in a game in which he played all four quarters.
When the Sooners get ready to take on the Tigers, Jones will be well versed on their defense and ready to go to work.
Kirk Cousins vs Iowa
20 of 50
With a perfect season still intact, Kirk Cousins led Michigan State on the road to take on Iowa. Cousins had a rough day against the Hawkeyes defense, throwing three picks and seeing his Spartans lose 37-6.
In 2011, Kirk Cousins and the Spartans have to head back on the road to take on Iowa. Cousins will need to have a solid performance to erase the memories of 2010.
Stanford vs Oregon
21 of 50
One game separated the Stanford Cardinal from playing for the national championship.
In October, Stanford headed to Eugene to take on Oregon. After jumping out to a 21-3 lead, Stanford would be outscored 48-10. This would end up being their only loss of the season.
In 2011, Oregon has to head on the road to take on Stanford and Andrew Luck, and the Cardinal will be ready.
Nick Saban vs Auburn
22 of 50
At the end of the 2010 season, Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide had an opportunity to end Auburn's run to the national title and looked like they would do just that with a big halftime lead.
In the second half of the Iron Bowl, Nick Saban's playcalling became conservative, and ultimately, the Tigers took advantage and won a critical road game.
Virginia Tech vs FCS Teams
23 of 50
Despite having a good year in 2010, things got off to a rocky start for the Hokies. After an opening week loss to Boise State, they followed it up by losing to James Madison.
Virginia Tech will be taking on another team from the FCS, and they are not a stranger to big upsets. To start off the 2011 season, Appalachian State will take on Virginia Tech, and they should have the Hokies' full attention.
Case Keenum vs UCLA
24 of 50
While it wasn't a dirty play, Case Keenum had his season end before it could get started against UCLA.
Luckily for Houston, Keenum is back for his final season in 2011, and the Cougars have an opening game date with UCLA. Keenum will be looking to finish what he couldn't last year and give the Bruins an opening week loss.
Utah vs the BCS
25 of 50
For years, Utah and other mid-majors have been fighting an uphill battle against the BCS. Utah has put together some very impressive season, including their undefeated season in 2004, but have fallen short of being give their shot.
In 2011, Utah enters the Pac-12, and if they are able to go undefeated once again, it will be hard to not give them a chance at the title.
James Rodgers vs Arizona
26 of 50
In 2010, the Oregon State Beavers had aspirations of making a run at the Pac-10 crown, much like they had the past two years. In their fourth game of the season, James Rodgers was heading into the endzone but was brought down late, injuring his knee and ending his season.
A year later, Rodgers is hoping he has fully recovered from his knee injury and will be ready to go when the Beavers take on Arizona in the fifth game of the season.
Boise State vs Nevada
27 of 50
Boise State had a perfect season slip through their fingers towards the end of the 2010 season.
With two games remaining, the Broncos headed on the road to take on Nevada. They had multiple opportunities to pull out the victory but breakdowns in special teams ended up sinking their dreams of a national championship birth.
Mark Richt vs Georgia Fans
28 of 50
Mark Richt will need a quick start in 2011 to help cool off the hot seat he finds himself sitting on.
2010 was an average year for the Bulldogs that ended on a really bad note. The Bulldogs earned a Liberty Bowl invitation but ended up losing 10-6 to Central Florida.
If Richt in not able to help the Bulldogs compete for an SEC title in 2011, the fans' cries for his firing will become louder.
Matt Barkley vs Oregon
29 of 50
In 2009, Matt Barkley came to Autzen Stadium and immediately made a name for himself by what he said about the crowd, claiming that they would no be a factor in his play.
Barkley would not only lose that 2009 game, but would also fail to beat the Ducks in Southern Cal in 2010. With the 2011 game back in Eugene, Barkley will have another opportunity to try and silence the crowd.
Ohio State vs the Nation
30 of 50
Luke Fickell is going to be leading the Ohio State Buckeyes into the 2011 season. Before the season even has begun, Ohio State has taken on more of a villain role then ever before.
After more and more information has been discovered about former coach Jim Tressel and past and current Buckeye players, every team on their schedule will be even more motivated to pull out a victory.
Big East vs Every Other BCS Conference
31 of 50
Over the past few years, fans and teams are becoming weary of the idea of conferences having automatic tie-ins to BCS games.
Last year, Connecticut won the Big East but were not viewed as a team that deserved a BCS bid. The would end up losing to Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl 48-20.
During the 2011 season, the Big East will need to prove that the team that comes out of that conference as its champion will deserve their BCS bid.
Ohio State vs Wisconsin
32 of 50
Last year, Ohio State broke through as the No. 1 team in the nation, but that was short lived. The Buckeyes headed up to Wisconsin to take on the Badgers but lost 31-18.
Despite the changes at head coach and quarterback, the Buckeye players and fans will be looking to avenge last year's loss when the Badgers come to town.
Nebraska's Offense vs Washington's Defense
33 of 50
Last year, Nebraska and Washington meet up twice, once in out of conference play and then again in the Holiday Bowl. The teams split the games, but during the Holiday Bowl, Nebraska only managed seven points.
The teams will complete their home and home scheduling in 2011, as Washington will head to Lincoln to face Nebraska.
When the Huskies arrive in town, the seven point output will still be on the minds of the Cornhuskers, who will be ready to replace that memory with that of a high scoring output in their future game.
Notre Dame vs MSU
34 of 50
Last year, Notre Dame and Michigan State had a classic game going. The game entered overtime, and Michigan State was lining up for a field goal that would tie the game. Coach Mark Dantonio decided to call for a fake field goal, and Michigan State stunned the Irish with their trick play.
When these two teams meet up in South Bend this year in the third week of the schedule, emotions will be running high and the Irish will be eager to get back at the Spartans.
Iowa vs Minnesota
35 of 50
After starting the 2010 season 5-1, Iowa quickly saw their season go downhill. The Hawkeyes' regular season came to an end with a stinging 27-24 loss to Minnesota on the road.
With Nebraska entering the Big 10, Iowa will have to head back up to Minnesota for the second straight year to take on the Golden Gophers. This year's game may have a completely different result.
Joe Paterno vs Alabama
36 of 50
The marque out of conference matchup for Penn State in 2010 was a road game against Alabama. Joe Paterno led Penn State south for the game, only to head home with a 24-3 loss.
After Penn State was both out coached and beaten by better talent, they welcome the Crimson Tide into Happy Valley in 2011 and hope to earn a huge out of conference victory for themselves.
Illinois vs Michigan
37 of 50
Last year was an offensive explosion at the Big House in Michigan, as the Wolverines were able to beat Illinois 67-65 in overtime.
This year, Michigan has to go on the road, and the Fighting Illini, especially their defense, needs to be ready to step to the plate and redeem themselves for last year's performance.
Mack Brown vs UCLA
38 of 50
At 3-0 and facing a home game against UCLA, Mack Brown and Texas had a chance to earn a big victory and go into their game against Oklahoma undefeated. Instead of a 4-0 start, Texas was handed an embarrassing 34-12 home loss.
Texas will now head to California to take on UCLA in the third week of the season. While Mack Brown is a better coach then Rick Neuheisel, he will have to prove he can get this program back to its winning ways, and this is an opportunity to do just that.
Texas A&M vs Oklahoma State
39 of 50
Last year's game between Texas A&M and Oklahoma State was a great game, but it resulted in a Cowboy victory. Late in the game, Texas A&M was putting together a nice drive until they were intercepted. This turnover led to a late game touchdown that proved to be the difference.
Much like other teams which suffered a late-game loss, the Aggies will be anxious to get back at the Cowboys in 2011.
Tino Sunseri vs West Virginia
40 of 50
As the leader of the Pittsburgh Panthers, Tino Sunseri was unable to deliver the most important win of the season, the Backyard Brawl.
The annual game between West Virginia and Pittsburgh is a longtime rivalry that has seen some terrific performances. Sunseri will have all season to help prepare for this game in 2011.
BYU Special Teams vs Utah
41 of 50
When the clock ran out of time between BYU and Utah, Utah had secured a 17-16 victory after blocking a BYU field goal. In a bitter rivalry that has plenty of history, this was not a great way to end BYU's regular season.
With Utah moving to the Pac-12, BYU's wait for revenge will not take long, as they go up against the Utes in the third week of the season.
Connecticut vs Louisville
42 of 50
Despite winning the Big East and heading to a BCS game, Connecticut was handed their worst conference loss by Louisville, 26-0.
This is a loss that will stick with the Huskies throughout 2011 until they are given a shot at revenge in their third to last game of the season.
Pat Hill vs Ole Miss
43 of 50
Pat Hill continues to try and push Fresno State into the next level of college football teams. His belief is that he has a solid program but wants to turn it into a great program.
In 2010, Hill got his shot an Ole Miss out of the SEC and was handed a 55-38 loss. Despite the big loss, Hill will be given another shot at the Rebels but will have the home-field advantage this year.
Ole Miss vs Dan Mullen
44 of 50
Speaking of Ole Miss, Dan Mullen and Mississippi State defeated them in last year's Egg Bowl 31-23. After the victory, Mullen proclaimed that they would never loss to Ole Miss again.
While Ole Miss may not have the talent to pull out a victory in 2011, those words will be ringing in their ears and driving them to play harder.
Dennis Erickson vs USC
45 of 50
Dennis Erickson will enter the 2011 season on the hot seat but with a talented team that is expected to compete for the Pac-12 South Division title. One of the main obstacles in that division for the Sun Devils will be USC.
In 2010, Arizona State played a solid game against the Trojans. Unfortunately for Erickson, the Sun Devils scored a touchdown to bring them within one but had the extra point blocked.
Another missed opportunity like that in 2011 could cost Erickson his job.
John Brantley vs Gator Fans
46 of 50
After having three years of Tim Tebow as your sole starter at quarterback, life was good for the Gators and their fans. Last year, on the other hand, was a shock to all fans, as John Brantley came nowhere close to the success they were use to.
During the 2011 season, Brantley will be given a three game stretch to prove his worth to fans as they take on Alabama and then LSU and Auburn on the road.
Justin Blackmon vs Oklahoma
47 of 50
Last year's Fred Biletnikoff Award winner, Justin Blackmon had an outstanding year. Blackmon was a phenom on the field and was nearly impossible to stop.
The one time that he was slowed down was against Oklahoma. During this game, Blackmon had 105 yards receiving, which was his fewest all year long.
When these two teams line up against each other in 2011, Blackmon will look to prove he can perform against one of the best teams in the nation.
Norm Chow vs UCLA
48 of 50
After spending a few years as offensive coordinator of the UCLA Bruins, Norm Chow is now out of California and has landed a job as the offensive coordinator of the Utah Utes.
With Utah now a member of the Pac-12, Chow will be given an opportunity to lead the Utah offense up against UCLA and prove he would have been worth keeping.
Texas vs Baylor
49 of 50
When you play football at the University of Texas and you do not make a bowl game, your season was a failure. Things went from bad to worse for Texas, as they were handed a midseason home loss to Baylor.
The Longhorns will be out for revenge against a lot of teams in 2011 but will be eager to regain the upper hand over Baylor in the last game of the season.
Chip Kelly vs the SEC
50 of 50
After losing to Auburn in the national title game, Oregon coach Chip Kelly vowed "We will be back."
When the 2011 season kicks off, Chip Kelly will get a chance in Week 1 to prove he can get the job done against the SEC. The Ducks open the 2011 season against LSU and will be given a chance to prove that Kelly's offense can be effective against the SEC elite.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
