College Football 2011: Oregon or LSU, and 68 Other Take Our Pick Propositions
College football is a sport that can take on a life of its own. With all of the teams, coaches, players, personalities and scenarios that exist in the sport, the possibilities for the 2011 season are endless.
Here is a look at 68 take-your-pick propositions for the 2011 season. Some of these will be answered on the field and over the course of the year, and some will be left open for the fans to debate.
Which side are you on?
LSU or Oregon in Week 1?
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Many believed Oregon would not be able to hang with Auburn in the national title game.
While Oregon did struggle with the battles in the trenches, they still hung in the game and only lost by a field goal with no time left.
Going up against another SEC team, Oregon will face the same comments they did in January.
This time they walk away with a win though.
Notre Dame's Band or Ohio State's?
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While both teams do have historic bands that are great halftime entertainment at a college game, the Ohio State marching band is iconic throughout the nation.
When you think of college marching bands, thoughts of Ohio State and their band dotting the "i" easily comes to mind.
Erin Andrews or Jenn Brown?
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While both have captured the hearts of sports fans across the nation, Jenn Brown has not reached the level of Erin Andrews.
Andrews has been involved with college football for quite some time now and is everywhere. From the National Championship game, to College GameDay, to sidelines around the nation, Andrews is all over the place—and no one is complaining.
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Would You Rather Be in USC's Shoes or Ohio State's Right Now?
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When looking at the two schools and thinking about whose shoes you would rather be in, you have to take the side of USC.
USC has been investigated, penalized and are now moving on. If you're Ohio State, you still do not know the full ramifications of your program's actions.
The fear of the unknown is always greater.
Les Miles' Luck or Stanford's Luck?
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Through his time at LSU, Les Miles has made some gutsy calls, and they have almost always turned out well.
For as good as Les Miles luck is though, Stanford's Andrew Luck is too good to pass up.
After turning down an opportunity to be the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Luck is back for another season at Stanford, something that is scary to teams across the Pac-12.
New-Look Big Ten Conference, or New-Look Pac-12 Conference?
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With the addition of Colorado and Utah, the Pac-12 can move to a two-division format; the Big Ten is doing the same thing with the addition of Nebraska.
After the conferences made their changes, it would still appear that teams like Oregon, Stanford, USC, Utah and Arizona give the Pac-12 an advantage.
Oregon's flashy uniforms or Penn State's plain uniforms?
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One of the most polarizing off-the-field questions in college football tends to be about teams jerseys.
When you compare the classic look of Penn State and the flash of Oregon, you are either on one side or the other.
No apologies here, I prefer the flash of Oregon and the constant change that comes with it. It has helped market the program and draw the attention of recruits.
TCU's Move or Boise State's?
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One team is spending their last season in the Mountain West Conference, the other is joining it.
When you look at the moves overall, TCU leaving and heading to the Big East is the better move.
TCU will now be in a conference that has an automatic BCS bowl bid and perhaps an easier route to the National Championship game.
Michigan Stadium or Ohio Stadium?
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The bitter rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State has been going on for decades, but when comparing stadiums, there is no question who wins that battle.
While the Big House can pack in a ton of people during fall games, it can be quiet, and noise can escape easily.
The Horseshoe in Columbus has the upper edge and is another thing they can hold over Michigan.
Herbstreit or Corso?
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While Kirk Herbstreit is an extremely likable analyst who does a great job on College GameDay, Lee Corso takes that show to another level.
Fans around the nation walk up on Saturday morning waiting for Coso to make his last selection of the day, and your Saturday of football does not begin until Corso is wearing a team's mascots head.
Army or Navy?
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Army or Navy?
When comparing the two teams and picking a side, it's hard to say you made a bad choice. While both teams compete hard on the field, they both work even harder off of it defending our nation.
When these two teams get together, the hope is for a great game and no injuries.
USC's Cheerleaders or Florida's Cheerleaders?
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While both teams have great support on their respective sidelines, it is hard to believe that either team is not the winner in this comparison.
The slight edge between the two would go to USC and the historic Song Girls.
ESPN or CBS?
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The worldwide leader in sports is still the king for college football.
While CBS does a great job of covering the SEC, ESPN does an even better job covering the entire nation and expanding their network.
From broadcasting games, to College GameDay and SportsCenter, fans immediately tune in to ESPN to stay current.
More Embarrassing State of Game, the Dirty NCAA or Greedy NFL?
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The problem with college football is it's widely successful and almost prints its own money, yet the players that make it what it is do not receive a dime.
NFL players and owners are arguing over billions of dollars that both sides are seeing a share of. The inability to figure out how to split this money could cost the NFL its season.
After Quarterback Drama, Auburn or Ohio State?
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The drama will be at a fever pitch at Ohio State based on how the quarterback opening came about.
Auburn knew Cam Newton would be leaving for the NFL Draft and have spent all spring, now summer, looking to replace him.
Ohio State has had the rug pulled out from underneath them with the Pryor saga, and it might be something that could drag on all year.
Will Muschamp or Dana Holgorsen?
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Both Will Muschamp and Dana Holgorsen will be in their first years as head coaches, but overall, Muschamp has the stronger background and a program that does not accept mediocrity.
In 2011, both coaches may have some bumps in the road, but over the next three years, Muschamp will have the Gators back on track.
Would You Rather Be in Terrelle Pryor's Shoes or OSU's New Starting QB?
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No matter who takes over for Terrelle Pryor, they will have enormous shoes to fill.
The upside is with the way Pryor left Columbus, whoever starts will not be taking over for a player who will be remembered fondly.
Now that Pryor has left Ohio State, his future—as well as the NFL's—is uncertain. Even if the NFL does resume action, teams will be skeptical of Pryor's "me-first" attitude.
Oklahoma's Offense or Oklahoma's Defense?
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While the Oklahoma defense will be a strength of the team, the Sooners' offense could be at a completely different level.
As 2010 went on, Landry Jones continued to get better and better, and as we enter 2011, he is on a short list for the Heisman Trophy and will by putting up big numbers.
Dayne Crist or Tommy Rees?
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Dayne Crist started the 2010 season and was having a good year. When a injury ended his season, Brian Kelly put in Tommy Rees.
Down the stretch, Rees went 4-0 and even led the Irish to a win over USC. If Kelly wants to make a move to gain future success, he will stick with Rees.
Denard Robinson or Taylor Martinez?
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When comparing these two quarterbacks, you have to look at this in two different ways.
Looking at the pure athletic abilities of the two, Denard Robinson is better. The problem is, Michigan is moving back to a pro-style offense that could cause issues for Robinson.
If Martinez stays healthy in 2011, he will put up the better numbers.
Jones-to-Broyles or Barkley-to-Woods?
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Two of the premier passing connections are Landry Jones-to- Ryan Broyles and Matt Barkley-to-Robert Woods.
While Jones and Broyles will put up great numbers in the Big 12, Barkley and Woods will put up the bigger numbers playing in the wide-open Pac-12.
Which Senior Citizen Coach Joe Paterno or Bill Snyder?
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While both coaches have had great careers, Joe Paterno still has Penn State competing for conference championships.
Not only has Paterno done a better job keeping Penn State in the Big Ten picture, but his name alone is enough to open any door.
Tiger Stadium or The Swamp?
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Florida has a great home-field advantage playing at The Swamp, and it is a stadium that has a reputation of its own.
On the other hand, LSU has one of the best advantages in the nation playing at home, and when the Tigers play at night, they are virtually unbeatable.
Michigan's Fight Song or Notre Dame's Fight Song?
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The unfair part of this for Notre Dame is that no matter how good your fight song might be, it is not going to edge out Michigan's.
Michigan's band has been playing "Hail to the Victors" for decades, and not many fight songs can compete with it.
Brent Musburger or Verne Lundquist?
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Since taking a job at ABC in 1990, Brent Musburger is a name that is heard all over ABC and ESPN today. Any time you tune in to a big game during the regular season or bowl season, you will hear the voice of Musburger bringing the game to life.
Lane Kiffin or Brian Kelly?
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While both coaches have taken over big programs, Lane Kiffin has a track record of bending and breaking the rules, and could end up landing USC back in hot water.
Brian Kelly has proven he can lead programs back to success, and that is exactly what Notre Dame fans are hoping for.
More Success with the Move, Nebraska or Colorado?
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No matter how you look at these two schools, Nebraska will have much more success in their move than Colorado.
Nebraska is already being viewed as a major contender for the conference championship, while Colorado is a few years away from being a force in the Pac-12.
Nation's Leading Rusher, LaMichael James or the Field?
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LaMichael James led the nation in rushing, despite missing the opening game of the 2010 season.
Entering his junior year, James holds the Pac-10 records for rushing yards by a freshman and sophomore, and has his eyes on a outstanding 2011.
If James can stay healthy and have his offensive line gel together, he will lead the nation in rushing and break the junior record for rushing yards in the Pac-10 (now the Pac-12).
Caleb King or Isaiah Crowell?
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Isaiah Crowell has the Bulldogs fans buzzing, as this true freshman appears to have the skills and knowledge to get on the field early.
For most of the 2011 season, Georgia may lean on Caleb King, but it has become clear that unless something changes, Crowell is the future of the offense.
Florida State's Renaissance or Miami's?
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Florida State had a 10-win 2010 season and appears to be on the right track under Jimbo Fisher. Things continue to look up for the Seminoles, as they are being viewed as a top-10 team entering 2011.
If you head down to Southern Florida, Miami appears to still be working out some issues on offense and is still a year or two away from turning things around.
Perpetually-Disappointing Notre Dame or Return-to-Glory Notre Dame?
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As much as Notre Dame fans are hungry for a winner, the rest of the nation is enjoying their failures.
For a team that does not have to deal with weekly conference battles, the Irish have struggled as of late to gain back their elite status.
Norm Chow or Charlie Weis?
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Hands down, Charlie Weis is back where he belongs.
While his experience in college with Notre Dame did not go well at all, Weis is a proven offensive coordinator who will take advantage of all the offense Florida will bring in.
Big Ten Leaders and Legends, Which Division Is Stronger?
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With the issues Ohio State appears to be heading toward, the strength of the Leaders Division could take a hit.
On the other side, the Legends Division appears to be strong for 2011 with Michigan State, Nebraska and Iowa.
Which Coach Has More Pressure to Win Next Season, Mark Richt or Luke Fickell?
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No question here that Mark Richt is a coach who not only needs to win, but needs to do so quickly. Richt is in a position where a slow start could cost him his job before the season is over.
Luke Fickell will be under pressure soon enough, but not in 2011. Fans will know he is there to clean up the mess, and will need a year or two to do so.
Powerhouse That Regains Form, Texas or Florida?
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While Texas will not have as bad of a season as they had in 2010, the Florida Gators will be the powerhouse that works its ways back up the rankings in 2011.
With a nonexistent non-conference schedule and some big games at home, Florida will improve on their 2010 8-5 record.
James Rodgers, Fully Recovered or Not Back to Form?
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Oregon State and James Rodgers were ready to make another run at the Pac-10 Conference Championship in 2010. Early in the year though, Rodgers had just gotten in the end zone when a late tackle blew out his knee and ended his season.
With his brother Jacquizz turning pro, James is coming back for his final season with Oregon State, and like many who suffer a severe knee injury, he will struggle to get back to the form he had.
The Oregon Duck or the Florida Gator?
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While the Florida Gator is great and one of the best mascots in the nation, Puddles the Oregon Duck has gotten a huge push over the last couple of years.
With on-field success increasing, the Duck has been on College GameDay, had segments done on him and is most known for the push-up routine he does after every Oregon score.
Big East Represents Better in 2011, Yeah or Nay?
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People were up in arms last year about the fact that a Big East team was going to take up a BCS Bowl spot. As the conference season came to an end, Connecticut found a way to win the conference and play against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.
In 2011, people will be screaming about the same thing. Unless a team surprises the nation, we will likely see another Big East team beaten badly in a BCS game.
Time to Pay Players or Is Free Education Enough?
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As much as people want to say all college players receive a free education as payment, you have to understand these schools are making millions and millions of dollars off these players.
If the NCAA was able to find a way to get these players paid, I would be all for it. The problem is, no matter what you can come up with, there will always be the problem of certain players getting more than others.
Luke Fickell as Head Coach of the Buckeyes for One Year, Over or Under?
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Unless first-year coach Luke Fickell takes the Buckeyes on a magical run in 2011, he is only a one-year coach at Ohio State.
In 2011, Fickell will stand in and take the lumps of a down season for Ohio State. Once the season is over, look for the Buckeyes to make a strong move after Urban Meyer.
Andrew Luck Returning to School, Good Idea or What Was He Thinking?
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While Andrew Luck would have gone in the top five of the 2011 NFL Draft, it appears that right now he has made the right choice.
If he had left school, Luck would be a part of the NFL lockout. Instead, he is still at Stanford and has a good chance of leading them to a Pac-12 Championship.
Bigger South Carolina Weapon, Marcus Lattimore or Alshon Jeffery?
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While both players had monster years in 2010, true freshman Marcus Lattimore was part of the reason Alshon Jeffery was able to have his year.
In his first year on campus, Lattimore was running like a senior back who got stronger and stronger as the year went on. If he is able to repeat his performance from last year, the entire South Carolina offense is in for a great year.
Utah Proves They Can Compete or Proves Skeptics Right?
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Much like Boise State and TCU, Utah has been a team that has continued to knock on the door and ask to be let into the BCS Championship.
Now that Utah is moving to the Pac-12, they will have a legitimate chance of getting there.
Utah has always been able to perform well against top opponents, but this year will be an adjustment, as they will face a conference schedule like they have never seen before.
Better Arizona Team, Wildcats or Sun Devils?
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Since 2007, Arizona State has been trending down and has failed to meet preseason expectations.
In 2011, the Sun Devils are being talked about as a serious contender for the Pac-12 South. Arizona State has the defense to make a good run and win over the state of Arizona in 2011.
Iron Bowl Repeat or Revenge?
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Despite both teams losing some serious offensive weapons, Alabama should be able to gain the upper hand in 2011.
After sitting on a big second-half lead, the Crimson Tide ended up shooting themselves in the foot and gave the game away to Auburn. With the demeanor and work ethic of Nick Saban though, this will not happen again in 2011.
Keep or Get Rid of the Conference BCS Bowl Tie-Ins?
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As much as fans do not want to see teams who win a weak conference make it to the BCS, you cannot get ride of the tie-ins.
Teams go through an exhausting conference schedule, and if they are able to make it through and win their conference, they should be rewarded with a BCS Bowl.
The only suggestion you could make is putting a minimum win clause into the tie-ins; if a conference champion fails to earn a certain amount of victories, the bid goes elsewhere.
Coach That Needs to Come Back, Mike Bellotti or Urban Meyer?
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While both coaches would be welcome additions to any program, Urban Meyer is much younger and will eventually land back in college.
In order to cut through all of the stories and hype that will surround his choice, Meyer should just stand up and accept the Ohio State job when it is offered to him, because it will be.
SEC Strength, as Advertised or Overrated?
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The problem fans outside the SEC have is that no matter what sports channel you turn on, they attempt to force-feed you the idea that the SEC is the superior conference.
While it may be annoying, they are correct and will continue to be in 2011. The SEC has too many strong teams not to be recognized as the best conference, but the gap between conferences is smaller than their fans would like you to believe.
Better Michigan Team, the Spartans or the Wolverines?
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With three straight wins in the rivalry and the game at Spartan Stadium in 2011, Michigan State has started to win over the state of Michigan.
Michigan has brought in Brady Hoke to lead the way, but this year will provide Hoke his first taste of this rivalry.
Pac-12 Coach in Most Danger, Dennis Erickson or Rick Neuheisel?
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Rick Neuheisel might as well start packing his bags now.
Three years of promises have only led to one bowl game. Neuheisel has lost the faith of Bruins fans and faces a do-or-die season in 2011.
While UCLA has some talent, the overall depth is not there to save Neuheisel's job.
Bill Stewart or Dana Holgorsen?
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Change was needed in West Virginia, but not in the fashion they got it.
Dana Holgorsen was brought on to the staff to take over in 2012, but issues with Bill Stewart led to him taking over. The pressure for Holgorsen will be on, and fans will expect a lot out of him right out of the gate.
Nike or Under Armour Jerseys?
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While both companies have put out some interesting and intriguing equipment and uniforms, Nike has done a great job working with major programs and getting them involved with their Pro Combat line.
Nike's advantage is that the name brand is still more well known than Under Armour, but the gap is closing.
Worse Playing Conditions, Heavy Rain or Heavy Wind?
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While playing in heavy wind can cause issues in both the kicking game and passing games, nothing may be more miserable for fans and players than a full-blown rainstorm.
When playing in a heavy rain, it affects all facets of the game. The run, pass, defense and special teams all have to play differently when the heavens open up and drench the field.
Pac-12 North Winner, Stanford or Oregon?
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While Stanford does have Andrew Luck coming back to school, they had other losses that could prove to be huge.
Oregon is also dealing with some losses of their own, but the combination of LaMichael James and Darron Thomas will prove to be too much for most Pac-12 teams, including Stanford.
Better Coach, Gary Patterson or Chris Petersen?
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While both coaches have led small schools into the BCS conversation, we are about to find out what Gary Patterson can do without Andy Dalton.
Despite the success Boise State has had, I would still hire Patterson, who has been doing it longer than Petersen.
Nick Saban at LSU or Nick Saban at Alabama?
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While posting a 48-16 record with a National Championship over five years is impressive, Saban will end up surpassing that at Alabama.
Entering his fifth year with the Crimson Tide, Saban is 43-11 with one national title and has a team that could compete for another in 2011.
Brady Hoke or Luke Fickell Earns His First Michigan-Ohio State Victory?
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It will be an interesting year in the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, as both programs will enter the game with new head coaches.
When looking at the coaching matchup, Michigan would have an edge with Brady Hoke, but when you look at the scoreboard at the end of the game, it will be Ohio State with the edge there.
Red River Rivalry Winner, Oklahoma or Texas?
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Last year, Oklahoma broke Texas' two-game win streak with a 28-20 victory.
After the game, the two teams went in very different directions.
As Texas hopes to rebound in 2011, they will unfortunately have to deal with another loss in the Red River Rivalry.
Give 25 Points and Take Virginia Tech or Take the Points and Get Appalachian St?
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Two things are at work here.
First, Appalachian State is no stranger to an upset, as they defeated Michigan in 2007 and have hung tough with other major programs.
On the other side, Virginia Tech was defeated by James Madison last year.
Ultimately the defeat to James Madison will wake up the Hokies enough to respect and prepare for Appalachian State, helping them win big.
Week 1 Cupcake or Week 1 Challenge?
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Putting your non-conference schedule together is a huge risk-reward proposition.
If you choose a big opening week game, odds are it is something that can help you down the road or start your season off on the wrong foot.
By scheduling an easy opening week game from your non-conference schedule, you allow your team to find its rhythm and get ready for conference play.
Also, teams who play in a BCS conference rarely find themselves in a position where they are punished for their non-conference schedule, due to playing the majority of their games in-conference.
Thursday Night Game or Saturday Night Game?
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While playing on either night is great for the environment and exposure of a program, nothing beats the feel of a Thursday night game.
On Thursday Night, you are likely the only game playing and on ESPN to boot. Playing on Thursday means you become the main attraction for all college fans.
Keep Preseason Rankings or Trash Them?
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It is time to get rid of the preseason rankings. When you rank teams before the season even begins, you are not starting all teams out on a level playing field like you should.
A team that may be having a great year but started off outside the rankings will struggle to get into the top 10, while others who started in the top 10 but may have dropped a game or two will likely have an easier time staying in the rankings.
If No NFL, Move Some Games to Sundays or Keep Them All on Saturdays?
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With the odds of a cancelled NFL season growing by the day, a strategy college football may want to take advantage of is the idea of shifting games so college is on both Saturdays and Sundays.
With the potential lack of professional football, this is a great opportunity for the NCAA to gain additional fans who may have remained loyal to just pro ball and need football on Sundays.
Arizona State's New Jersey, Keep or Trash?
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Before Arizona State plays with these new uniforms for one game, it is time to put them into a giant pile and have a bonfire.
Both the uniform and the logo are a step back for the program, and if they do not have a good year, it will mark a low point in the program's history.
Texas and ESPN TV Deal, Good Business or Unfair Advantage?
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At the end of the day, this is good business for both the University of Texas and ESPN.
Texas is one of the most followed programs in the nation and is now pairing up with the worldwide leader in sports.
The partnership will be a recruiting advantage, but nothing is in place to stop them.
More Important to a Tailgate, Alcohol or Food?
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While both are staples at almost any tailgate, people often bring their own alcohol and can walk from group to group sampling amazing food.
If you ran across a tailgate that had only booze but no food, odds are you would not be there long.
Civil War Winner, Ducks or Beavers?
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For the last three years, Oregon has won the Civil War against Oregon State, and two out of those three years, the winner had Pac-10 Championship implications on the line.
The stakes got bigger in 2010—a win sent Oregon to the National Championship.
With this year's game at Autzen, look for Oregon to make it four straight.
BCS or Playoffs?
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Fans and players alike are in need of a college football playoff system.
College football is one of the most popular sports in the nation and uses one of the worst systems to determine its champion.
Unlike March Madness, fans are only looking for an eight or 16-game playoff system to help solve the BCS issue.
If the NCAA added a college football playoff, it would be the most popular event outside the Super Bowl.
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