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Complete CFN preseason rankings, 1-119
by Staff, CollegeFootballNews.com
1. Ohio State
Why Ohio State shouldn't be No. 1: There's still a very, very, skeptical nation that assumes Ohio State will get blasted by USC and couldn't carry Georgia's jock. Does the team have the head to actually finish and win a national title after all the negativity the last two off-seasons? At this point, anything less than play for a national championship will be a major failure, but that's still setting the bar high considering the road trips to USC, Wisconsin and Illinois. The D line will be good, but it has to prove it after a down year overall, while the off-the-field issues with several defensive backs might be a wee bit of a distraction.
Relative Strengths: Running Backs, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: The SEC
2. Georgia
Why Georgia should be No. 1: It just seems like it's Georgia's turn at bat. There have been some good Dawg teams in recent years, but this one has the look of something special. It takes at least a year for an SEC superpower to build to a national title level, and the Dawgs have done it with a loaded team that doesn't have any glaring weakness. The O line is fantastic, Knowshon Moreno is one of the nation's best backs, Matthew Stafford will likely be the first quarterback taken in next year's draft (if he leaves early), and the defense will finish among the top ten. No one will be throwing on this secondary.
Why Georgia isn't No. 1: The suspensions matter. No, Georgia won't lose to Georgia Southern or Central Michigan, but for a team shooting for a national title, the cohesion lost by all the off-the-field issues and the suspensions could prove costly down the road (it could be as soon as mid-September at South Carolina). The offense was opportunistic and it put points on the board, but it didn't move the ball nearly as well as you'd think considering the team put up 40 or more points six times. The receivers, like Mohamed Massaquoi, have to be better to make the inefficient passing attack more dangerous. Georgia, under Mark Richt, has always been at its best as the slight underdog, or the out-of-the-radar team, but the spotlight will be on from day one this year.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Receivers
3. USC
Why USC should be No. 1: Forget about doing much of anything on this defense. When linebackers Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing decided to put off their NFL millions for another year, all of a sudden the already good-looking D took on a whole other personality. The secondary is sensational with six players with starting experience returning, while the D line has its usual share of pro prospects, led by DT Fili Moala and speedy Everson Griffen on the outside. Joe McKnight and Stafon Johnson, might not be Bush and White, in the offensive backfield, but they'll produce.
Why USC isn't No. 1: The offensive line needs just enough work potentially be a problem. Of course USC is a factory, but losing four starters is still a problem. There's also that issue of the offensive needing to prove it on a consistent basis. The receiving corps have it all, and gets former Arkansas Razorback Damian Williams, but it was average last year. This is still the star of the Pac 10, but this is nowhere near the killer of a few years ago. It's a beatable team by anyone who can muster up some offense in a one-shot deal (distant early warning ... watch out for October 25 at Arizona).
Relative Strengths: Linebacker, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Proven Wide Receivers
4. Florida
Why Florida should be No. 1: No one's going to stop the offense. No one. If you can't put up at least 35 points, you're not going to keep pace with a loaded Gator attack with a bigger, stronger Percy Harvin, a living, breathing running game with breathtaking speed, a future NFL tight end in Cornelius Ingram, and oh yeah, there's that guy who performs circumcisions when he's not winning Heismans. The defense is a year older and should be a year better after a reloading season. The run defense should be a rock and everyone returns in the defensive backfield.
Why Florida isn't No. 1: The pass defense was awful last season and despite all the returning talent, it still has to prove it can stop someone. The starters should be fine, but the backup DBs are very, very green. The offensive line is fine, but it has to stay healthy after suffering some key injuries. The D line is banking the house on two true freshmen, Omar Hunter and Matt Patchen, to form a brick wall on the inside. If they're not great, there's a ceiling on how high the Gators can go.
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Quarterback
Relative Weaknesses: Secondary, Defensive Line
5. Oklahoma
Why Oklahoma should be No. 1: If the Sooners play up to their full capabilities every week, they'll be in Miami on January 8th. The offensive line is the best in the nation, with future NFLers like Phil Loadholt paving the way for a healed up DeMarco Murray. The passing game loses some weapons, but QB Sam Bradford, the nation's most efficient passer last season, should have all the time he needs to make everyone around him better. The defensive front is loaded, while the back seven is fast, fast, fast.
Why Oklahoma isn't No. 1: Can OU really be consistent week in and week out? When is that Colorado/West Virginia clunker going to come? In the Big 12 this year, anything less than an A game every week won't do, and this team, as talented as it is, has to prove it can bring the noise every time out. Replacing Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Curtis Lofton isn't going to be easy, Murray and running mate in the backfield, Chris Brown, are coming off knee injuries, and the receiving corps has to go on without Malcolm Kelly, who bolted early for the big league.
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Quarterback
Relative Weaknesses: Linebacker, Receivers
6. LSU
Why LSU should be No. 1: The team reloaded in a big hurry. Even without All-Everything DT Glenn Dorsey, the D line could be even better with the expected emergence of Ricky Jean-Francois, who missed most of last year with academic issues, joining likely top 50 draft picks Al Woods, Marlon Favorite and Tyson Jackson on a supersized front wall. If the O line isn't the best in America, it's in the top five with Ciron Black, Herman Johnson and center Brett Helms forming a base to let the new quarterback work as long as he needs to.
Why LSU isn't No. 1: And the quarterback will be ... ? Jarrett Lee and Andrew Hatch might turn out to be decent game managers, but neither one will make anyone forget about JaMarcus Russell or Matt Flynn. Yeah, LSU reloaded with tremendous talents, but there should still be a drop-off in overall production after losing Flynn, FB Jacob Hester, Dorsey, LB Ali Highsmith and SS Craig Steltz. Those guys were warriors and team leaders who made a great team a national champion.
Relative Strengths: Defensive Line, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Quarterback, Special Teams
7. Missouri
Why Missouri should be No. 1: If everyone plays as well as expected, Mizzou will once again have one of the five most productive offenses in the nation. It all starts with Heisman finalist Chase Daniel, an ultra-efficient passer who knows the offense backwards and forwards. Now in his third year as the starter and with 37 games under his belt, he'll make his dizzying array of weapons shine. The receiving corps is loaded with all-around playmaker Jeremy Maclin and tight end Chase Coffman, who's healthy after playing last year hurt, while Danario Alexander and Tommy Saunders are strong targets to work with. The D could be special if everyone gets healthy.
Why Missouri isn't No. 1: The linebacking corps, overall, needs depth to quickly develop after losing two top backup prospects to go along with an array of injuries. The corners are decent, but they're hardly elite, which will be a major problem in a Big 12 overloaded with great quarterbacks. The real question mark will the the expectations. Missouri was supposed to be a player last season, but it still sort of snuck up on everyone. Now the spotlight will be on, and anything less than a second straight Big 12 title appearance will be a major disappointment.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Receivers
Relative Weaknesses: Secondary, Linebacker
8. Clemson
Why Clemson should be No. 1: The skill players are as good as any in America. The foursome of QB Cullen Harper, RBs James Davis and C.J. Spiller, and WR Aaron Kelly will all be starting in the NFL in the near future, and if they get time to work, Clemson will have the offense and the schedule to potentially make a run to the BCS Championship. The secondary is loaded and the defensive line, helped by mega-recruit DaQuan Bowers, will be dominant.
Why Clemson isn't No. 1: Either the Clemson defensive line is unstoppable, or the offensive line is going to be a big issue. It might be a little of both. It could take a while for an O line with three new starters to jell, and that's a problem with a statement matchup against Alabama to start the year. The linebackers aren't special, at least not going into the season, but they'll turn out to be fine. As good as the team might be, it's still Clemson. Everyone will be waiting for the hiccup to come against a mediocre team.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Linebacker
9. Texas
Why Texas should be No. 1: Flying under the radar last season, Texas rolled on offense finishing 13th in the nation in yards and 14th in scoring. There might be some major personnel losses, but QB Colt McCoy and veteran WR Quan Cosby are good enough to bridge the gap in the passing game until a slew of star freshmen are ready. The defense gets a major coup in Will Muschamp, the star defensive coordinator who's destined to be the head man of a major program in the near future.
Why Texas isn't No. 1: Jamaal Charles won't be around to bail the team out. Charles saved the offense at times last season, and while there should be a decent committee of speedy backs, they aren't Charles. Developed depth is an issue up front on defense and all over the place on offense. There's good talent waiting in the wings, but it'll be uh-oh time if there are major injuries early on.
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Secondary, Wide Receiver
10. Wisconsin
Why Wisconsin should be No. 1: The Badgers finished 9-4 and got to yet another New Year's Day bowl game, pushing Tennessee to the end in a 21-17 Outback Bowl loss, despite suffering a ridiculous number of major injuries. Now the running game should be better, the tight end combination of Travis Beckum and Garrett Graham will be the best in the nation, and the defense gets a slew of top players back, including both starting corners off of ACL injuries. The D line gets the most help as Matt Shaughnessy and four banged up starters are back.
Why Wisconsin isn't No. 1: The team still has to prove it can get up for every game, every week. The ultimate play-to-the-competition team, over the years the Badgers have shown they can hang with anyone in the SEC and the best in the Big Ten, but will struggle against the UNLVs and the Citadels of the world. The injuries are still a question mark on defense, while the quarterback situation is far from a plus with Allan Evridge and Dustin Sherer failing to set the world on fire in practices.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Quarterback
11. Texas Tech
What to look for on offense: Jaw-dropping production. If experience means the world from one year to the next in college football, then this veteran team should go ballistic. There's a reason most of the past ultra-productive Texas Tech quarterbacks were seniors; it took them years to figure out what they were doing. Graham Harrell is a three-year starter and the leader of the nation's best passing attack. He had two games last year with under 400 passing yards. One of them was against Northwestern State when he threw for 338 yards and five touchdowns in the first half and sat down. The other was a 397-yard day against Missouri. 500-yard days might be the norm.
What to expect on defense: Plenty of pressure. Considering the offense the Red Raiders will throw out there, it's not going to take a lot of defense to win game, but defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeal isn't going to sit back and take it easy. He has a tremendous line to work with and there should be lots of sacks, lots of big plays, and lots of tackles for loss.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Receivers
Relative Weaknesses: Running Back, Linebacker
12. Tennessee
What to watch for on offense: New offensive coordinator Dave Clawson. It's not like he fell off the turnip truck and into the coveted Tennessee offensive coordinator position, but he has a lot to live up to with David Cutcliff gone to Duke. It's no coincidence that much of the Vols' offensive success happened when Coach Cut was running the show, then things fell off the map when he left for Ole Miss, and then the attack bounced back when he returned. Clawson isn't a born and bred Vol. From Richmond, he's bringing in some new ideas and an up-tempo offense with a shorter, quicker passing game. If the offense falls flat, he'll end up taking most of the blame.
What to watch for on defense: Can the tackles hold up? Demonte Bolden is a tremendous talent who hasn't played up to his potential yet. Junior Dan Williams is a promising inside presence. While those two haven't played like Reggie White and John Henderson, they'll need to early on as the young talent behind them develops. Most importantly, they have to stay healthy. Walter Fisher is a good option, but it'll be uh-oh time if the DTs are fantastic right away.
13. West Virginia
What to watch for on offense: Even after rushing for 1,335 yards, passing for 1,724 yards, and accounting for 28 touchdowns, the Mountaineers might need more from QB Patrick White this season. Without playmakers Steve Slaton, Owen Schmitt, and Darius Reynaud, who caught 12 touchdown passes, West Virginia is searching for reliable complements to its dynamic quarterback. The most likely candidate to step up is RB Noel Devine, who erupted for 627 yards and six touchdowns on only 73 carries as a rookie. The offensive line, always a constant in Morgantown, returns five starters and will be among the best units in the country.
What to watch for on defense: Coordinator Jeff Casteel was retained, good news considering how well the Mountaineers performed in 2007. The defense was air-tight in all facets, allowing just 300 yards and 18 points a game, while finishing ninth nationally in turnover margin. Maintaining that level of play, however, is about to get tougher. Even without Marc Magro, the linebackers will be fine, but the defensive line must be rebuilt, and there's a depth issue in the secondary. While Casteel will continue to lean on undersized athletes that fly to the ball, he's going to need help from a few newcomers and redshirt freshmen.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Receivers, Secondary
14. Auburn
What to watch for on offense: The quarterback battle. Who's going to run the new attack? Kodi Burns, the hero of the bowl win over Clemson, finished spring ball on a high note and is an emerging passer, but the consistency won't be there for a full season; he needs a year before he reaches his potential. Texas Tech transfer Chris Todd would be the ideal option to start funnin' and gunnin', but he had a banged up shoulder this off-season and will have to fight for the job. There's a chance for a rotation unless one takes the job by the horns late this summer.
What to watch for on defense: The secondary will be dominant ... again. It's a no-name bunch that was fantastic despite the lack of a steady and consistent pass rush, and now it could be even more productive with CB Jerraud Powers blossoming into a star and the rising sophomore safety tandem of Mike McNeil and Zac Etheridge among the best in the SEC.
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Quarterback, Receiver
15. Oregon
What to watch for on offense: Who replaces Dennis Dixon under center? What began as an open field has been narrowed down to a pair of very different sophomores, Nate Costa and Justin Roper. While Roper was lights out in the blowout of South Florida, Costa is the better fit in Chip Kelly's offense. He's coming off knee surgery, but has far better mobility than Roper and can make plays outside of the pocket. Although Costa has the edge, he still has plenty to prove when practice resumes in August.
What to watch for on defense: The play of the secondary. When you think Oregon football, many things come to mind and a suffocating pass defense usually isn't one of them. At least for one season, this year's squad is going to change that notion. Led by Patrick Chung, Walter Thurmond, and Jairus Byrd, the Ducks have one of the most athletic and opportunistic defensive backfields in the country. Yes, they'll give up yards, but they'll compensate by taking a bunch of passes the other way and doing a good job of erasing the mediocre receiving corps.
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Linebacker, Receiver
16. Kansas
What to look for on offense: The running game needing Jocques Crawford to be as good as expected. The Jayhawks have found a star running back from out of nowhere in each of the last two years, with Jon Cornish shining in 2007, and Brandon McAnderson rolling last year, and while Jake Sharp and Angus Quigley are decent veterans who can help the cause, they're hardly special talents who can carry the ground attack. Crawford fits the current KU RB mold and needs to be a 1,000-yard-caliber back from the moment he steps off the bus. What to expect look for defense: The linebacking corps to be among the best in the Big 12, if not the best. This is sort of by default. The Big 12 might be better overall, but the linebackers are nothing special across the board. Even so, even if this was a strong year for linebackers, KU's would stand out with Joe Mortensen, Mike Rivera and James Holt three seniors who have seen it all. These three should dominate even more considering the front line should be good.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Running Back, Special Teams
17. Penn State
What to watch for on offense: Shorter, quicker passes. It's not like Anthony Morelli was a mad bomber, and it's not like the receiving corps is full of plowhorses, but the passing game is going change things up a little bit and go to more quick throws to get it out of the hands of the quarterback and into the arms of one of the veteran receivers where he can do something with it. Now the question is who the quarterback will be. Daryll Clark has the mobility, but Pat Devlin has the NFL potential. Both have live arms, and both can do whatever the offense needs when it comes to short-range accuracy.
What to watch for on defense: The defensive line is going to once again be dominant without the beef inside. The loss of star tackles Chris Baker and Phil Taylor, who were suspended, will really sting, and it was a shock considering Baker has been able to work out with the team and each is expected back at some point, if not for the start of the season. Even though they're out, it's no big deal with Abe Koroma and Ollie Odrick more than good enough to clog things up in the middle, while Maurice Evans could be the best defensive end in America.
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Special Teams
Relative Weaknesses: Quarterback, Secondary
18. Boston College
What to look for offense: Scoring issues early one …and not just because Ryan is gone. Of course the quarterback will be missed, but even when he was chasing the Heisman, BC had trouble getting into the end zone. On top of that, there's been a complete evacuation at running back, with a few recruits needing to shine, and two of the line's best blockers are on NFL rosters. Even if Crane is up to the challenge, the Eagles will attempt plenty of field goals, putting even more pressure on Steve Aponavicius to be better.
What to look for on defense: A brick wall of a run defense. After yielding just 75 yards a game on the ground, the Eagles might be even stingier now that DT B.J. Raji and LB Brian Toal are back in the fold. The front seven is among the toughest in the country, meaning the secondary had better be prepared for plenty of attention. Teams will have to throw to win.
Relative Strengths: Defensive Line, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Running Back, Special Teams
19. Illinois
What to watch for on offense: More Juice. The running backs haven't exactly lit it up this off-season in their attempt to replace Rashard Mendenhall, and that puts even more pressure than ever on Juice Williams to be a more consistent passer and will likely rely on him to add even more to the running game. Williams was abysmal throwing the ball two years ago, struggling to complete 40% of his passes, but improved last year. This spring he was even more accurate, more confident a passer, and more of a leader.
What to watch for on defense: Time for the 2006 haul to really kick in. WR Arrelious Benn was one of the jaw-dropping talented Illinois never used to get, but was a big part of the 2006 recruiting class. Depending on what recruiting guru you like to pay attention to, he might have been the third best player in the haul. Martez Wilson is an NFL outside linebacker waiting to happen, and after a good first season, the one-time superstar recruit is about to take the next step and is expected to blossom into a star on the outside. The other next-level talent brought in two years ago was D'Angelo McCray, a prototype defensive tackle who missed last year with a knee injury, and then transferred this off-season leaving a potentially big hole up front, even though he never came through as expected.
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Running Back, Linebacker
20. California
What to watch for on offense: While the Cal offense is facing a star power outage for now, don't bet on it lasting very long. Yeah, Justin Forsett, DeSean Jackson, and LaVelle Hawkins are no longer amateurs, but that just paves the way for the next wave of Bear playmakers to excel. Brace yourself for RB Jahvid Best, receivers Michael Calvin, Nyan Boateng, and Jeremy Ross, along with TE Cameron Morrah, who are a half-year of experience away from being steady and exciting producers in Jeff Tedford's attack.
What to watch for on defense: More of a reliance on the 3-4 defense. Although the staff won't make a complete shift to the 3-4, it's clear it wants to get as many of its big, speedy linebackers on the field at the same time. Led by Zack Follett and Worrell Williams, the Bears are brimming with talent with several good prospects waiting in the wings. Once the three senior starters graduate, underclassmen Mike Mohamed, D.J. Holt, and Eddie Young are putting in the time now to ensure that linebacker will be a position of strength in Berkeley for years to come.
Relative Strengths: Linebacker, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Receiver, Secondary
21. Pitt
What to watch for on offense: The development of the offensive line. No one is more integral to the Panthers' 2008 fate than the five blockers responsible for protecting Bill Stull and creating space for LeSean McCoy. Pitt's blueprint for retooling the group includes bringing C Robb Houser over from Butte College, relocating Joe Thomas from right guard to right tackle, and rehabbing the surgically-repaired shoulder of LT Jason Pinkston. If any hiccups surface in the plan, the Panthers will labor to improve on last season's 22 points and 319 yards a game.
What to watch for on defense: The rise of the line. Last spring, Gus Mustakas couldn't be kept out of the backfield. This spring, Mick Williams was virtually unstoppable. Now that both are healthy, a year older, and will be joined by steady vet Rashaad Duncan, Pitt's going to have one of the Big East's most disruptive tackle rotations. Add in the pressure of emerging sophomore end Greg Romeus, and Dave Wannstedt finally has a line that can win the battle at the line of scrimmage.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Defensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Secondary
22. Florida State
What to look for offense: The development of a very young offensive line. If there's going to be progress in Fisher's second year as the coordinator, there needs to be a lot more support from a line that returns just two starters and is painfully short on experience. The right side will be manned by freshmen and there weren't enough bodies to even fill out a two-deep in the spring. LT Rodney Hudson is a budding star, but he's just one blocker in a unit that requires five and is noticeably short on talent and depth.
What to look for on defense: Better play from the secondary. The ‘Noles were uncharacteristically leaky in pass defense last year allowing two dozen touchdown passes and almost 250 yards a game. Don't expect it to become a trend. Led by the cornerback trio of Tony Carter, Patrick Robinson, and Michael Ray Garvin, veteran talent returns at key positions, and the schedule is short on quarterbacks capable of exposing the cracks in this group's armor.
Relative Strengths: Receivers, Linebackers
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Quarterback
23. South Florida
What to watch for on offense: Matt Grothe has led the Bulls in rushing the last two years, a double-edged sword for the program. While his dual-threat potential ignites the offense, at just 6-0 and 215 pounds, do you really want your franchise taking so much pounding every week? Grothe will get much-needed help on the ground from RB Mike Ford, who debuted with 645 yards and 12 touchdowns on 138 carries. The passing game welcomes back a talented receiving corps that includes Carlton Mitchell, Jessie Hester, and Taurus Johnson, who each caught four touchdown passes. Grothe, however, needs to help himself by improving his reads and cutting back on a bloated interception total.
What to watch for on defense: Although the departures of LB Ben Moffitt and corners Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams have the defense in transition, the unit has enough returning talent to land on its feet. Of course, it helps that All-America DE George Selvie will be back to torment quarterbacks coming off the edge. Regardless of the names on the jersey, the Bulls will be fast, well-coached, and prone to creating turnovers. Losing the cover skills of Jenkins and Williams, however, will stifle the defense's ability to turn the safeties loose on blitzes.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Special Teams
Relative Weaknesses: Receivers, Linebacker
24. Virginia Tech
What to watch for on offense: Where are the playmakers? Now that leading rusher Branden Ore has been exiled and last year's top four wide receivers have graduated, the Hokies are about to experience a power outage on offense after not exactly burning things up last year finishing 100th in the nation. While so much attention is being given to the quarterback battle between Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor, it won't matter who wins if the supporting cast is impotent. In the backfield, redshirt freshman Darren Evans has stood out and a deep ensemble of tight ends will be instrumental to the success of the passing attack.
What to watch for on defense: The run defense will be more vulnerable than it's been in years. No, opponents won't be able to gash and dash, but they'll find a little more running room than normal. Tech was gutted by graduation at defensive tackle and the losses of linebackers Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall won't be easily overcome. The onus falls on new tackles Cordarrow Thompson and John Graves, and middle linebacker Brett Warren to pick up the slack and exceed expectations.
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Running Back
25. Michigan
What to watch on offense: How quickly will the line come together? The running backs should be outstanding, the receiving corps won't be bad, and even with all the weeping and gnashing of teeth about not having Terrelle Pryor running the show, the quarterbacks aren't going to be awful. None of it matters unless the line, one of the least experienced in America, can produce right away. This is Michigan, so there's a slew of four-star talent across the line, and fortunately, there are enough good athletes to start putting the Rich Rodriguez style of offense in place.
What to watch on defense: The line could possibly grow into one of the best in America. The offense might struggle, but if the defensive front plays up to its capability, the defense will pick up the slack. A disappointment last season even though it was supposed to be a year of transition, there aren't any excuses going into this season with the tackle combination of Terrance Taylor and Will Johnson good enough to get the NFL scouts hopping, while the ends, Tim Jamison and rising star Brandon Graham, should be big-time stat producers.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Defensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Quarterback, Offensive Line
26. BYU
What to watch for on offense: More Fui. With backup running back Manase Tonga off the team, it'll be up to hard-charging fan favorite Fui Vakapuna to play more of a role behind Harvey Unga. The senior was never healthy last season and was limited throughout, but now he's healthy and looking like the pounding back who had a breakout 2006. He's the power in a efficient, effective attack.
What to watch for on defense: The no-name corners to improve. While the secondary is a question mark going into the season, there's talent and potential on the corners. It might take a little seasoning, and a few growing pains, but speedster Brandon Howard, junior Scott Johnson, and relatively unproven backups G Pittman and Brandon Bradley should grow into their jobs.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Linebacker, Secondary
27. Arizona State
What to watch for on offense: The line, the line, the line, the line, and, uh, the line. Considering the unit yielded 55 sacks, it's amazing the Sun Devils were able to win 10 games in a competitive conference, and it's even more amazing that QB Rudy Carpenter can still walk. If the makeshift unit can somehow give Carpenter a little bit of time, it'll allow a deep pool of skill position players to get more touches and make more plays in the open field. The offense will be more consistent, and Carpenter won't be a human punching bag again.
What to watch for on defense: The pass rush should be better. It wasn't all that bad last season coming up with 29 sacks, but that was good for ninth in the Pac 10. The ends appear to be on the verge of big things with Jamarr Robinson and James Brooks pushing starters Dexter Davis and Luis Vasquez and creating a good rotation that should be camped out in the backfield early and often.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Receivers
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Linebacker
28. Utah
What to watch for on offense: The ground game should be even stronger. The Utes were great at pounding the ball with Darrell Mack, and now Asiata is back to provide a dangerous 1-2 power punch. Each can carry the offense and each can produce big-time numbers, and now they have to show they can form a steady rotation.
What to watch for on defense: Plenty of attention to the interior. The Utah run defense was fine, but it wasn't anything special. To improve and be good enough to win the Mountain West, tackles Aaron Tonga, Lei Talamaivao, and Kenape Eliapo have to be special. They have the upside and the skill to form a brick wall of an interior, and they have enough overall athleticism to get into the backfield.
Relative Strengths: Special Teams, Running Back
Relative Weaknesses: Linebacker, Defensive Line
29. UCLA
What to watch for on offense: The receivers. If the quarterbacks and offensive line cooperate, which are both big "ifs", the Bruins have the ingredients of their most productive receiving corps in years. Young Dominique Johnson has the size and acrobatics to blossom into the headliner. Marcus Everett and Gavin Ketchum have made it all the way back from season-ending injuries. And Logan Paulsen and Ryan Moya give UCLA one of the best one-two punches at tight end in the conference. In an offense looking for a spark, this group of pass-catchers has the talent to ignite it.
What to watch for on defense: Replacing DE Bruce Davis, one of the best pass rushers in school history. If the leaky Bruin secondary has any chance of stopping the pass this year, it'll need help from the boys up front, who'll be trying to cushion the blow of losing a true disruptive force. Ends Korey Bosworth and Tom Blake are nice players, but without Davis to attract multiple blockers, they'll find it tougher getting into the backfield.
Relative Strengths: Linebacker, Special Teams
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Quarterback
30. Michigan State
What to watch for on offense: Can Mark Dell become a star receiver? He was a great recruit last year, and he came up with a decent 20-catch true freshman season, but now he has to become a special, No. 1 type of target at the X. Tight end is going to be the bigger issue, replacing Kellen Davis, and QB Brian Hoyer will make everyone better, but if Dell isn't great right away, the Spartans could quickly become more one-dimensional.
What to watch for on defense: Stars to build around. James Laurinaitis has already been handed the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year trophy, and there are good defensive players throughout the league, but MSU DE Trevor Anderson, LB Greg Jones, and SS Otis Wiley are as talented as any three at their positions. Anderson is going to be a one-man wrecking crew into the backfield, Jones was a freshman sensation who'll do even more now that he's in the middle, and Wiley should be a top NFL prospect again at strong safety.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Offensive Line
31. South Carolina
What to watch for on offense: The quarterbacks. What would a Spurrier-led team be without a quarterback controversy, and the Gamecocks have a doozy. Tommy Beecher is the safe, steady option coming out of spring ball, but almost no one believes he'll be the sure-thing starter come opening day. Chris Smelley has the talent, but he can't produce on a regular basis. Stephen Garcia is the best of the three options, but he can't stay out of off-the-field trouble. True freshman Aramis Hillary might get a shot at a little time to throw his athleticism into the mix, while excellent recruit Reid McCollum will redshirt. Get all that?
What to watch for on defense: The swap. Eric Norwood turned into a whale of an all-around defensive end last season finishing second on the team in tackles while growing into an elite pass rusher. Now he'll move to linebacker, while Cliff Matthews, an outside linebacker last season, will move to the end. Potentially a special pass rusher, Matthews should shine in the new role, while Norwood will have more room to move on the weakside.
Relative Strengths: Secondary, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Running Back, Quarterback
32. Oklahoma State
What to look for on offense: Robinson's passing totals. Robinson threw for fewer than 200 yards in five games last year. The Georgia game doesn't really count since Reid was the starter, but OSU lost to Troy, Texas A&M and Oklahoma when Robinson struggled, and he had to run for 109 yards to overcome an 11-of-25 passing day in a close shave against Kansas State. On the flip-side, the Cowboys went 6-2 when Robinson threw for over 200 yards.
What to look for on defense: Better play from the defensive front. There wasn't a steady enough pass rush throughout last year, and it showed as the secondary got picked to shreds with star Big 12 passers getting ten days to throw. There was a better push throughout the off-season, even without former starting ends Marque Fountain and Nathan Peterson, and the tackles, helped by JUCO transfer Swanson Miller, should be stiffer against the run.
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Quarterback
Relative Weaknesses: Secondary, Linebacker
33. Connecticut
What to watch for on offense: CB Darius Butler's role in the offense. In dire need of a spark in the passing game, the Huskies have acquiesced to Butler's pleas to line up at wide receiver this year as well as covering them. He's a naturally gifted athlete with terrific ball skills, but how many snaps a game he gets will depend on his impact. While the coaches don't want to wear out one their premier players, if he can help move the chains, Butler should get a handful of appearances on offense every game.
What to watch for on defense: A much greater emphasis on speed. Rewind the tape of last November's 66-21 loss to West Virginia and you'll understand why the Huskies have become downright obsessed with getting faster. The program realizes it's a must if it has any hope of reaching a new plateau in the Big East. The need for speed is the primary reason why LB Scott Lutrus has been shifted inside former S Dahna Deleston was moved to strongside linebacker.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Receivers, Offensive Line
34. Oregon State
What to watch for on offense: Sammie Stroughter. The wide receiver and punt returner extraordinaire is returning from a tumultuous year marked by personal tragedy and a season-ending kidney injury. He's back with the same energy and infectious smile that permeated throughout the program before last season, which is great news for a Beaver offense searching for new playmakers and greater consistency in the passing game. Whether it's Sean Canfield or Lyle Moevao, the starting quarterback will benefit greatly from having No. 19, one of the Pac 10's premier playmakers, to work with.
What to watch for on defense: The emergence of new stars on the front seven. Sure, Oregon State was gutted by graduation, but that only means that a new wave of smart, speedy defenders is set wash over the rest of the Pac-10. Players, such as DE Victor Butler and LBs Keaton Kristick and Bryant Cornell, are upperclassmen pining for an opportunity to step out of ex-Beavers' shadows. They'll all excel this season as key cogs in a Mark Banker-coached defense that perennially plays well beyond its perceived talent level.
Relative Strengths: Receivers, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Quarterback, Offensive Line
35. Kansas State
What to look for on offense: The JUCO transfers, part one. Last year, the offense needed the JUCO players to help boost the line. This season, the new guys will provide more weapons for QB Josh Freeman to work with. Receivers Aubrey Quarles, Brandon Banks, Adrian Hilburn and Attrail Snipes are very fast, very good producers who could instantly take over starting spots. Keithen Valentine was a walk-on this spring who grabbed a second-string running back spot going into the fall. The line gets help from Wade Weibert, a starting left guard, and Edward Prince will work at tackle.
What to look for on defense: The JUCO transfers, part two. The switch back to a 4-3 is the biggest key, at least more of a rotation between the 3-4 and the 4-3, as it should allow Campbell be the Campbell who dominated the Big 12 in 2006, but the big help to improve the dying D will come from the new guys. The new star isn't from the JUCO ranks, but from Virginia. Olu Hall was a big-time recruit for the Cavaliers who should now grow into a major NFL prospect. Hansen Sekona and Ulia Pomele will be major factors at linebacker, Daniel Calvin is a run-clogging tackle, and Dustin Bell is a ball-hawking defensive back.
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Special Teams
Relative Weaknesses: Running Back, Receiver
36. Cincinnati
What to watch for on offense: Was it the system or the quarterback which was responsible for Ben Mauk, a journeyman before 2007, delivering one of the best seasons in school history. Each of the three contenders at quarterback has a steep hurdle to clear before approaching Mauk's 31 touchdown passes and sterling passer efficiency rating. Dustin Grutza has underwhelmed in past opportunities. Demetrius Jones is coming off shoulder surgery. Anderson is a freshman, but impressed enough this spring to be the likely starter if he comes up with a big fall. Cincy fans better hope it's the system because the program is a little light on proven talent heading into the season.
What to watch for on defense: More blitzes from the linebackers and safeties. What happens when your strength is at cornerback and your weakness is a lack of proven pass rushers? You take more chances in order to get in the face of the quarterback. Cincinnati already likes playing an aggressive brand of defense that flies all over the field and causes turnovers. This season, it might become a necessity if adequate replacements for ends Anthony Hoke and Angelo Craig can't be found. As long as Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith are the corners, the Bearcats will be able to leave them on an island and turn a linebacker or safety loose on a blitz.
Relative Strengths: Secondary, Receivers
Relative Weaknesses: Quarterback, Running Back
37. Mississippi State
What to watch for on offense: Is Wesley Carroll going to be any better? Thrown to the wolves as a freshman, he threw for 421 yards and four touchdown in the loss to Arkansas, but he also threw four interceptions and finished with seven picks on the year. Closing out by completing eight of 18 passes for 39 yards with an interception in the win over UCF, which didn't exactly inspire confidence, but he'll need to be a more efficient, more explosive passer if MSU is going to make any real noise.
What to watch for on defense: The linebackers. The line will be strong thanks to a great pair of tackles, Kyle Love and Jessie Bowman, and the linebackers will clean up everything that gets by. Seniors Jamar Chaney and Dominic Douglas combined for 167 stops, while sophomore K.J. Wright is a 6-3, 215-pound speedster on the strongside who might lead the team in tackles. This should be the team's strength, if it's not the running back corps.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Wide Receiver
38. Virginia
What to look for on offense: Things should open up a little bit. Virginia won't be channeling Texas Tech any time soon, but some of the program's coaches did spend time in Lubbock in the offseason trying to pick the complex brain of Red Raider head coach Mike Leach. While the attack will still strive for balance, new quarterback Peter Lalich gives the offense a young hurler with the live arm needed to distribute the ball to an improving receiving corps.
What to look for on defense: The secondary will struggle against quality passing teams. Yes, there's talent in the defensive backfield, but most of it is young and prone to making mistakes in coverage. The Cavs were helped immensely last year by the pressure generated by Chris Long and Jeffrey Fitzgerald, but both are gone meaning opposing quarterbacks will get an extra second or two. That's troubling news for a defensive backfield breaking in three new starters.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Defensive Line, Quarterback
39. Wake Forest
What to look for on offense: An even greater reliance on the running game. The development of young backs Josh Adams and Brandon Pendergrass, and the loss of WR Kenneth Moore should mean less balance from the offense than in the past. Wake will be content to pound away with its two gifted runners, occasionally look for the backs and tight ends on short routes, and let the defense do the rest. Knowing they don't have the weapons to beat defenses downfield, the Deacons will be content to play to their strengths and limit mistakes.
What to look for on defense: Tons of speed from the back seven. Grobe has been fixated with speed during recent recruiting cycles, and it shows with this year's fleet-footed, ball-hawking defense. Wake is loaded at linebacker and the secondary with experience athletes who'll fly to the ball and take it back the other way whenever possible. Led by the dynamic duo of LB Aaron Curry and CB Alphonso Smith, the Deacon D had eight touchdowns, which was more than the number of touchdown receptions caught by the wide receivers.
Relative Strengths: Secondary, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Defensive Line
40. Alabama
What to watch for on offense: The tight ends. Until the freshmen get their feet wet, the safety-valve tight ends will be the life-savers. Travis McCall might be more of a blocker than a receiver, but he'll catch more than the six passes he took home last year. Nick Walker is an NFL-caliber tight end who should be featured as a go-to target to keep the chains moving.
What to watch for on defense: The linebacking corps. The spotlight will be on as it's Rolando McClain and bunch of other guys. From Ezekial Knight's heart condition to Prince Hall's off-the-field issues to Jimmy Johns' big off-the-field issues, the linebacking corps has been gutted. True freshmen Jerrell Harris, Courtney Upshaw and Don'ta Hightower could play big early roles if Alex Watkins can't get the job done.
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Special Teams
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver (at least until the freshmen emerge), Linebacker
41. Purdue
What to watch for on offense: The health of the line. There's good experience up front to protect Painter and pave the way for the solid running duo of Jaycen Taylor and Kory Sheets, but the isn't a lot of depth and no one appears to be healthy. All the main blocks the offense is counting on, Sean Sester, Zach Jones and Zach Reckman, among others, were hurting this off-season. Those three have to be full-season rocks.
What to watch for on defense: The outside linebackers. Anthony Heygood is a given on the strongside after a big year finishing as the team's second-leading tackler, but the excitement this off-season was around Jason Werner, a former safety who spent last year as a reserve as he continued to try to get over the back surgery that cost him all of 2006. Werner wasn't just good in spring ball; he appeared to be the team's best linebacker at times. These two need to wreak havoc on the outside.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Running Back
Relative Weaknesses: Linebacker, Secondary
42. Nebraska
What to watch for on offense: More power running. Marlon Lucky is one of the nation's best all-around backs, and there's good speed and promise behind them. The line gets four good starters returning to go along with a little bit of depth, so while the passing game won't be abandoned, the offense will revolve around the ground attack. It'll have to with a mediocre receiving corps unlikely to scare anyone.
What to expect on defense: A tackle. The defense didn't exactly give up as it was giving up 46 points per game over the final seven, but it wasn't exactly effective. The talent in the back seven is down compared to last year, but the coaching staff will make it more aggressive, lighter, and faster, while the line should be far more productive with all four starters returning and great depth.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Linebacker, Secondary
43. Fresno State
What to watch for on offense: The emergence of QB Tom Brandstater as a big-time player. It's been a relatively slow maturation over the last three years, but with his size, arm, and experience, he should be ready to blow up and be an All-WAC star. He has the league's best line in front of him, a tremendous pair of backs to hand off to, and a speedy receiving corps to let him bomb away.
What to watch for on defense: The ends. The tackles aren't deep, but they're good. Now the ends need to come through. While the Bulldogs lose all-star Tyler Clutts, they have several good prospects to keep one of the league's best pass rushers going. Ikenna Ike was promising before getting hurt, Wilson Ramos is an athletic talent, and Kenny Borg and Chris Carter are quick.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Linebacker, Defensive Line
44. Maryland
What to look for on offense: More big plays out of the running game. Former Terps Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore were terrific while they were in College Park, but rarely broke free for long gains. That just wasn't their strength. Their replacements, however, Da'Rel Scott and Morgan Green, both have the speed and burst to force revisions to the playbook. Scott, in particular, only needs a little room to be off to the races and into the secondary.
What to look for on defense: Problems on the defensive line. Maryland has talent in the back seven, but it might not always look that way if the front four doesn't pull its weight. Losing big bodies Dre Moore and Carlos Feliciano will be felt on a unit that was No. 10 in the ACC in run defense and No. 11 in sacks. Jeremy Navarre is the line's best player, but at 6-3 and 270 pounds, his move from end to tackle could wind up negating some of his pass rushing ability.
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Quarterback, Defensive Line
45. Georgia Tech
What to look for on offense: Unpredictability. Yes, Johnson is installing an offense similar to the ones he ran at Navy and Georgia Southern, but it won't be your father's triple-option. The first-year coach promises a power-based playbook that'll use elements of the wishbone, the I-formation, the veer, and the run-and-shoot. Basically, the coach wants to create as many one-on-one matchups as possible, opening up the field for the passing game as well as the running attack.
What to look for on defense: Less blitzing. The cornerstone of the Tech defense for years under Tenuta won't be scrapped, but it will be reduced. Under new coordinator Dave Wommack, the ends will play wider, the back seven will sell out far less, and all of the linemen will be given more room to make plays. Translation? Wommack recognizes the Jackets' strength is in the trenches, and wants to capitalize on their abilities as much as possible.
Relative Strengths: Defensive Line, Running Back
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Quarterback
46. TCU
What to watch for on offense: The line to make up for plenty of problems. The front five is loaded with veterans with four returning starters and a decent player in Preston Phillips ready to step in at left guard. There's a great mix of all-star talent, dependable all-around blockers, and decent depth. If the running backs are healthy, the ground game should be dominant.
What to watch for on defense: More of the same. After finishing 15th in the nation in total defense, the production should be fantastic again as long as the ends can crank out consistent production in the backfield. The back seven in the 4-2-5 alignment will be a brick wall. New Mexico likely has the league's best cornerback tandem, but Rafael Priest and Nick Sanders aren't far behind. It's possible LBs Jason Phillips and Robert Henson, along with SS Stephen Hodge, will all be first team all-stars.
Relative Strengths: Linebacker, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Special Teams
47. Rutgers
What to watch for on offense: The receivers. After relying so much on Ray Rice to carry the offense, now Rutgers could have both first team All-Big East receiving slots occupied by Tiquan Underwood and Kenny Britt. It's not like the offense will stop running the ball, but the bread will now be buttered with the passing game. With these two targets to work with, there's no reason to go with anything else in tight games.
What to watch for on defense: Pressure in the backfield. There might be a slew of problems stopping the run early on, and the linebacking corps might be a bit suspect, but there should be no issues when it comes to getting to the quarterback and making plays behind the line. Greg Schiano's defenses are great at attacking, and even though this is a relatively young, inexperienced group overall, the dogs will be sent early and often to try and be disruptive. Jamaal Westerman has Big East Defensive Player of the Year potential.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Relative Weaknesses: Special Teams, Running Back
48. Iowa
What to watch for on offense: The running back situation. The passing game will go from awful to explosive with the return of Andy Brodell, Trey Stross and Tony Moeaki, but the running game needs to provide some help with Albert Young and Damian Sims gone, and Jevon Pugh leaving. Paki O'Meara was the star of the spring, but he's not going to carry an offense, so it'll be up to JUCO transfer Nate Guillory and former Hawkeye, who later went the JUCO route, Shonn Greene to provide more help.
What to watch for on defense: The linebackers. Mike Humpal, A.J. Edds, and Mike Klinkenborg finished 1-2-3 in tackling last season, and only Edds is back. Jacody Coleman, Jeff Tarpinian, Jeremiha Hunter, and Dezman Moses are all sophomores, they're all athletic, and they're all in desperate need of playing time. If this group doesn't produce, the run defense that allowed just 122 yards per game will be a problem.
Relative Strengths: Receivers, Defensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Running Back, Offensive Line
49. Texas A&M
What to look for on offense: Mike Goodson. Oh yeah, come hell or high water there's going to be a passing game, and it might involve a rotation of quarterbacks with Jerrod Johnson working with Stephen McGee, but the bread will still be buttered by the running game with 285-pound (and that's without eating lunch) Jorvorskie Lane moving to fullback to pave the way for Goodson. The underutilized star recruit of a few years ago, with blinding speed and next-level skills, will be the focal point of Sherman's attack. If he can stay healthy, the numbers should be fantastic.
What to look for on defense: No more Mr. Nice Guy. The days of the sit back and react defenses are over. Joe Kines is going for a leaner, meaner front seven, and the transformation has been made from a bigger, stronger, clunkier linebacking corps to a speedy, undersized group that's going to fly all over the place. The line will have problems unless a pass rusher decides to show up, but the scheme should make for more activity in the backfield.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Quarterback
Relative Weaknesses: Defensive Line, Linebacker
50. North Carolina
What to watch for on offense: Running back Greg Little. The former receiver took over the ground game late last year showing good quickness and surprising power for a wiry 6-3, 210-pound runner. Athletic enough to be a walk-on for the basketball team, he has a little bit of everything for the offense. After a great spring, he's the main man the running game will revolve around from the start. He earned the job.
What to watch for on defense: The tackles. While the loss of first round draft pick Kentwan Balmer will hurt, there's enough talent on the inside for the run defense to be strong in the middle. Marvin Austin was a big-time recruit a few years ago, and he's about to become the star good enough to replace Balmer. Aleric Mullins is a promising inside presence who should be a rock against the run. As long as the interior is sound, the coaching staff can work on the ends, which are a bit more of an issue.
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Running Back
51. Northwestern
What to watch for on offense: QB C.J. Bacher to be the triggerman for an interesting offensive scheme. Using more hurry-up and no-huddle, offensive coordinator Mick McCall's goal is to control the tempo. A great quarterbacks coach at Bowling Green, McCall will look to get Bacher to make quick reads, quick throws, and to make everyone around him better by getting the ball to the veteran playmakers in places where they can do something with it. This was the league's No. 1 passing offense last year, and while it wasn't efficient, it should be this season as Bacher will make more short to midrange throws and will try to keep defenses on their heels.
What to watch for on defense: New defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz to release the hounds. He doesn't have the most athletic defense around, but it's far speedier and with far more talent than it has had in the past. Pat Fitzgerald has done a good job of recruiting to a type, and Randy Walker brought in some nice talent a few years ago that's ready to shine. After struggling so much to force turnovers and get into the backfield, the Wildcat defensive front will do more blitzing and more attacking than in year's past.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Quarterback
Relative Weaknesses: Linebacker, Secondary
52. Miami
What to watch for on offense: The last time Miami started a freshman under center, Bernie Kosar was a teenager on campus in the 1980s. It'll happen again this year as Robert Marve tries to reverse a recent trend of inconsistency at quarterback and a last place ACC finish in passing. He'll be surrounded by 10 players with something to prove, particularly RB Javarris James and WR Sam Shields. James is looking to bounce back from an injury-riddled sophomore season and a drop in production. Shields has a world-class blend of speed, burst, and leaping ability, but needs to put it all together to finally reach his enormous potential.
What to watch for on defense: The Cane defense will be looking to rebound from a November collapse that saw it sink to an un-Miami-like 10th place ACC finish in scoring D. While LB Colin McCarthy and DE Eric Moncur will be the catalysts, new coordinator Bill Young will also be weaving in a handful of younger players, including blue-chip true freshmen Marcus Forston, Arthur Brown, and Sean Spence. Keep an eye on sophomore DE Allen Bailey, a converted linebacker who has torn it up in the offseason and possesses a ridiculous combination of size, speed, and strength.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Quarterback, Secondary
53. Boise State
What to watch for on offense: Can the offensive line somehow rebuild in a month? Let's cut through the bull. Boise State isn't going to lose to Idaho State, and it's not likely to lose to Bowling Green. It'll lose at Oregon, but there's an off-week before the WAC season kicks in against Louisiana Tech. By October 1st, a lighter, more athletic, far less talented, inexperienced line will have to be ready to let the skill guys do their thing. If the line isn't ready for primetime, all the experience and all the talent elsewhere won't matter.
What to watch for on defense: The ends. Mike T. Williams has seemingly been a part of the Broncos since the program was back in the Big West, but he just now appears to be blossoming into an all-around star. Sophomore Ryan Winterswyck led the team in sacks in a strong first season, and now he's about to go nuclear as, possibly, the WAC's most dangerous defensive player. These two need to make up for a mediocre group of tackles, and they need to set the tone for the rest of the D.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Receiver
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Linebacker
54. Colorado
What to watch for on offense: Speed up the pace. The coaching staff wants to quicken things up on offense with a no-huddle, hurry-up style that'll get the offense in a faster, better rhythm. Colorado was a great momentum team last year as it did a good job of producing when things were going its way. By looking to dictate the pace, the goal is to control games better and keep defenses on their heels.
What to watch for on defense: The middle. The Buffs are strong inside, and questionable outside. Tackles George Hypolite and Brandon Nicolas, and safeties D.J. Dykes and Ryan Walters, are rock-solid veterans who should be able to make up for plenty of mistakes from the ends and corners. The defense is being built on very athletic players who can move around and wreak more havoc, but there's a whole bunch of youth that needs to grow up right away. The tackles and safeties will help ease the transition.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Defensive Line
55. Arizona
What to watch for on offense: QB Willie Tuitama to blow up in the offense. He has the experience, he has the receivers, and he has the coaching. It's all there for him to finally live up to his immense promise and potential and come up with the type of season everyone's been waiting for. However, he has to stay healthy and he has to be consistent. He's been around way too long to not become a difference maker after years of seemingly being on the verge of big things. If everything clicks just right, he could be the Pac 10 breakthrough/breakout player of the year.
What to watch for on defense: Plenty of young players seeing plenty of key playing time early on. While that's almost by default because of all the new starters, several fresh faces will have to play big from day one, especially if injuries strike. There are only five players with more than one start under their belts, and only two projected backups have a game of starting experience. It'll be trial by fire with several mistakes needing to be tolerated. The team gets one game against Idaho before needing to be jelled. Toledo's offense could make things nasty on September 6th.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Relative Weaknesses: Defensive Line, Linebacker
56. Arkansas
What to watch for on offense: The new and improved Casey Dick. He was much better last year than he was over the second half of 2006, but Dick still wasn't exactly the type of quarterback who could step up and beat a team by himself. That might change if this spring was any indication. He threw for 18 touchdown passes with 10 interceptions last season, but his job, to put it nicely, was to be a game-manager. Now he's the main returning offensive weapon and he'll get to be a passing quarterback and a true leader. He's experienced and he has been a quick study, and now the offense is on his shoulders.
What to watch for on defense: The linebacker situation. If you can play linebacker, send in your résumé. This was going to be a potential problem spot going into the season anyway, and then Freddie Fairchild, the team's leading returning tackler, was booted of the team after getting charged with suspicion of third-degree battery and false imprisonment. Likely middle man Wendel Davis is also in hot water for an off-the-field incident. That means veteran Elston Forte, redshirt freshman Jerry Franklin, and sophomore Ryan Powers, all undersized but all athletic, will have to be stars from day one.
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Linebacker, Wide Receiver
57. Louisville
What to watch for on offense: Sophomore RB Bilal Powell. The veteran line can run block. The backfield has been depleted by transfers, suspensions, and relocations. In other words, Powell is about to see a dramatic spike in his production. Sure, he'll share touches with Brock Bolen, but there'll be enough work to keep everyone happy. When the season was spinning out of control last November, Powell provided an unexpected spark, running with intensity and a blend of speed and power that gave a glimmer of hope about the future. The future is now for one of Louisville's most exciting offensive weapons.
What to watch for on defense: The linebackers. On a defense filled with concerns, this is Steve Kragthorpe's biggest heading into the season. Not only have last year's three starters left the program, but many of this year's key replacements spent the spring sidelined with an injury. A lot will be expected from senior James Bryant, a hard-hitting import from Miami, and Chris Campa, a junior college transfer who's trying to get right after undergoing surgery on a torn labrum in his shoulder.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Defensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Linebacker, Secondary
58. Washington
What to watch for on offense: True freshman WR Chris Polk. How good is Polk? Good enough that USC had to have him. Good enough that coordinator Tim Lappano is searching for new ways to design the offense. Polk is the kind of playmaker the Huskies haven't had for years, a versatile athlete who'll be used plenty as a runner and a receiver. In other programs, he might spend a year on the scout team, getting a little bigger and a lot wiser. At Washington, however, players of Polk's caliber have to be prepared to take off the training wheels shortly after arriving on campus.
What to watch for on defense: The evolution of the secondary. While the Huskies are loaded with veterans and quality athletes, that's hardly enough to begin predicting a turnaround for the leaky pass defense. Washington's response to its struggles has been to shift Mesphin Forrester from strong safety to cornerback, slide Darin Harris over from free safety, and promote talented neophytes Nate Williams and Quinton Richardson into starting role. The defense is noticeably bigger, but will it be better at stopping opposing quarterbacks? It'll have to be if the overall defense is going to improve.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Defensive Line
59. Ole Miss
What to watch for on offense: Improvement in the passing game. Snead appears to be the real deal, and he has a good group of receivers just waiting to break out. Shay Hodge, Mike Wallace, and Dexter McCluster have the experience and have the speed to form one of the SEC's better unsung corps. Now they have a consistent passer to get them the ball.
What to watch for on defense: Cornerback. Linebacker is a bit of a concern and the line needs to start playing up to its talent level, but the big issue is at corner. Needing immediate help, Nutt brought over receiver Marshay Green and running back Jeremy McGee to combine at one corner spot. While Green appears to be a natural, this will still be an issue until he, along with Cassius Vaughn or Dustin Mouzon on the other side, can prove they can handle the job.
Relative Strengths: Defensive Line, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Secondary, Linebacker
60. Washington State
What to watch for on offense: Opposing defenses to put everyone one and the waterboy on WR Brandon Gibson. Is there a No. 2 receiver to help Gibson out? It might be an overstatement to suggest that Michael Willis will be the most important player in the offense, but the former defensive back has to make teams pay for worrying so much about Gibson. If this spring was any indication, it might happen.
What to watch for on defense: The ditching of the 3-4 to affect other areas. Now that the defense doesn't need four starting linebackers, the coaching staff can move around some of the players to boost the pass rush and the secondary. There will be some ongoing tinkering, but the hope will be for a more consistent producing group of linebackers.
Relative Strengths: Linebacker, Wide Receiver
Relative Weaknesses: Special Teams, Secondary
61. Indiana
What to watch for on offense: Can Kellen Lewis run the offense? The idea of the new no-huddle attack is to get the ball out of the quarterback's hands and dink and dunk the ball down the field. While Lewis is hardly a bomber, this isn't exactly the offense for him. His game is about improvisation, running, and connecting on the plays there are there. He's not a pocket passer, and the coaching staff might not ask him to be, but he'll have to do more of it if the offense is going to run the way it's supposed to.
What to watch for on defense: The second cornerback spot. Losing WR James Hardy from the offense was the team's biggest hit, but a close second was the loss of starting corners Tracy Porter and Leslie Majors. Chris Phillips will get burned, but he's a more physical corner than Porter and Majors and he should be fine. Now the question is whether or not there's a second corner who can step up. The pass defense wasn't great last year even with one of the nation's best pass rushes to help out, and it should be worse unless someone like Donnell Jones or Adrian Burks can be a new star.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Defensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Secondary, Offensive Line
62. Notre Dame
What to watch for on offense: The new, improved Jimmy Clausen. He has receivers who know what they're doing. He has a good trio of backs behind him. He has a line that, well, he has a line that can't be any worse than last year when it allowed 58 sacks. Clausen, unlike last year when he was coming off surgery, is healthier, throwing the ball with more zip, and after closing last year strong, has the potential to be the player everyone has been waiting for.
What to watch for on defense: Jon Tenuta. The former Georgia Tech defensive coordinator will help out Corwin Brown mold an experienced defense that did far more last season. The problem was generating pressure ... the Irish couldn't do it. While the 3-4 scheme will stick for now, Tenuta will try to bring the noise and bring the funk from all areas with more blitzing, more pressure, and more more sacks. the outside linebackers like Brian Smith, Kerry Neal and John Ryan could blossom into statistical stars.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Quarterback
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
63. Kentucky
What to watch for on offense: The quarterback situation. Curtis Pulley was supposed to be the next big thing. A star recruit who was considered to be a more athletic Tim Couch, he was a challenger for the starting job from day one until Woodson took over and became special. Pulley moved to receiver for a time and redshirted last year, and then he was supposed take the job by the horns this spring when ... zzzzzz. It's not like he's been bad, and he's certainly good enough to start, but with all his skills and all his time in the program, he's supposed to come out roaring. That Mike Hartline, a tall, promising sophomore bomber with a good arm is still making this a race shows how unsettled things still are.
What to watch for on defense: The NFL scouts to set up shop in Lexington. By the time the draftniks and their lists start to kick in, assuming everyone is leaving early, DT Myron Pryor, a senior, and juniors DE Jeremy Jarmon, ILB Micah Johnson, CB Trevard Lindley and FS Marcus McClinton will all be considered among the top 15 prospects at their respective positions. It's possible DE/DT Ventrell Jenkins will also enter that group. For a defense that ranked last in the SEC in points allowed, those six form a good base to start.
Relative Strengths: Defensive Line, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Linebacker, Quarterback
64. Vanderbilt
What to watch for on offense: Will the quarterback situation ever be completely settled? Vandy has two nice talents in Mackenzi Adams and Chris Nickson who can lead the offense, but neither one seems able to give the coaching staff exactly what it's looking for. Adams is a decent veteran, but he's not consistent enough to overcome Nickson's upside. Either way, the offense will have to live through the mistakes, and the starter will have to keep looking over his shoulder.
What to watch for on defense: One of the best secondaries in America. This isn't just a "good by Vanderbilt standards" secondary; it's the real deal. D.J. Moore is a pick-off artist at corner, taking away six last year, while SS Reshard Langford is a tough veteran who has seen it all, lived through his early mistakes, and has come through as a star. Corner Myron Lewis and FS Ryan Hamilton are solid, while Darlron Spread, who's back after a knee injury, is good enough to fill in anywhere.
Relative Strengths: Secondary, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Linebacker, Wide Receiver
65. Minnesota
What to watch for on offense: The emergence of QB Adam Weber. MarQueis Gray and JUCO transfer David Pittman were big-time recruits. They were so big that the coach's son, Clint Brewster, a top recruit last year, chose to transfer. Even after throwing for 2,895 yards and leading the team with 617 rushing yards, the job was hardly Weber's going into spring ball, and then he showed he was a sharper passer with a better command of the offense. He was already the star of the show, and now he's on the verge of being a special spread quarterback.
What to watch for on defense: JUCO, JUCO, JUCO. For the nation's worst defense, it's possible that at least five instant starters are coming in to upgrade things right away. Junior Tramaine Brock got off the bus and instantly made himself the tone-setting leader of the secondary at free safety. Simoni Lawrence is a top option at strong safety, while Traye Simmons has star potential at corner. Tim McGee will be starting sooner than later at tackle, while 6-5, 250-pound Cedric McKinley will join him on the line.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Defensive Line, Secondary
66. NC State
What to look for on offense: How quickly rookie Mike Glennon can get up to speed. He's only a freshman, but he's also the eventual savior for an offense that's been pining for a big-time quarterback since Philip Rivers graduated. Does he take over in 2009, or can he actually overcome a huge disadvantage in experience to surpass four middling veterans? While it's unlikely Tom O'Brien will give him the ball for the opener at South Carolina, don't be shocked if the Glennon era begins at some point early on.
What to look for on defense: The front four. To make progress on defense, State needs to keep as many plays as possible from reaching a suspect back seven. Fortunately, the defensive line has enough quality to help out its brethren at linebacker and in the secondary. On the outside, Willie Young has emerged as one of the ACC's fiercest pass rushers. On the inside, Alan-Michael Cash is a disruptive run defender who gets penetration. End Markus Kuhn and tackle Antoine Holmes are solid supporters, giving the Wolfpack a defensive line capable of generating a push and limiting the time quarterbacks have to throw.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Defensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Quarterback, Offensive Line
67. Iowa State
What to look for on offense: An interesting quarterback situation. In a league that turned out to be loaded with great quarterbacks, Bret Meyer was supposed to be a weapon and a major plus for the Cyclones. He wasn't. Now he's gone, and exciting playmakers Austen Arnaud and Phillip Bates will rotate in what should be one of the tougher quarterback rotations to get a handle on. They can both move, but Bates, a wide receiver, is also a dangerous runner. The coaching staff will go with the right quarterback for the right situation.
What to look for on defense: Much better pass defense numbers early on. Be prepared for stories in early October about how last year's secondary that allowed 254 yards per game is night-and-day better. Don't be fooled. Yes, ISU gets all four starters back and the pass rush should be more helpful, but the biggest plus will be playing South Dakota State, Kent State, Iowa, and UNLV before getting an off-week. And then come the games against Kansas and Baylor, and things will change in a big hurry.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Special Teams, Linebacker
68. New Mexico
What to watch for on offense: The backfield. The receiving corps loses its stars, but it'll be fine with a little bit of time. The line has to replace four starters, but JUCO transfers will make up for the concerns and there are good talents to get excited about. The difference between another good, bowl season and a possible sleeper run to the Mountain West title lies in the backfield where Donovan Porterie appears ready to become a special playmaker. Rodney Ferguson, is a sure-thing for 1,000 yards if his academics are in order, while Paul Baker is ready to bust out. The Lobos have the skill players to put up some big numbers.
What to watch for on defense: The secondary to be among the best in America. The corner tandem of DeAndre Wright and Glover Quinn will be special, while the three safeties in the 3-3-5 formation, Ian Clark, Blake Ligon and Clint McPeek, are all solid veterans. the pass defense was 20th in the nation even though there wasn't much of a pass rush, and now it should be even better. Few will be able to consistently throw on this group.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Linebacker
69. Southern Miss
What to watch for on offense: With new head coach Larry Fedora comes a fancy no-huddle offense that aims to spread the field out and attack without provocation. In other words, the new system will bear little resemblance to the one Jeff Bower employed for almost two decades. Although Fedora needs more parts to make the engine purr, he's getting there, attracting players, like blue-chip receivers DeAndre Brown and Freddie Parham, who never would have considered Hattiesburg before he arrived. While nothing has been made official, second-year freshman Austin Davis showed enough in the spring to inch ahead of Martevious Young in the battle at quarterback. Just because Southern Miss will air it out a little more than usual doesn't mean that balance goes out the window. Don't forget that Fedora's Oklahoma State offense averaged exactly 243.15 yards a game on the ground and through the air in 2007.
What to watch for on defense: You can call the Southern Miss D the Nasty Bunch, but the moniker hasn't really fit for a few years. New coordinator Todd Bradford hopes to change that by installing an aggressive, in-your-face defense aimed at making the quarterback uncomfortable. While it sounds good in theory, it won't be easy to deliver when the front four will be starting four new players. If they can't get penetration, expect plenty of blitzes from an undersized and athletic back seven. Hey, at least the Golden Eagles can count on LB Gerald McRath, a man among boys and a candidate to leave a year early for the NFL Draft.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Quarterback, Defensive Line
70. Baylor
What to look for on offense: A quarterback battle that might not ever really be settled. It's a four-man race for the starting gig with the final decision to determine the team's philosophy. If it wants to win right now, Miami transfer Kirby Freeman or junior Blake Szymanski, who was the main man last year, will get the nod. Neither one will scare anybody and they're not going to be around if and when the program gets to the point of being good. True freshman Robert Griffin is young and needs a ton of seasoning, but he's also the Big 12's fastest quarterback and he could be the face of the program for the next four years.
What to look for on defense: The defense to be better in a 4-3. The 4-2-5 alignment of last year did nothing to play up to the scheme. The extra defensive back didn't help the pass defense, and the athleticism in the back seven didn't make the run defense any better. While the third linebacker is really going to be a safety who'll change his position name, the coaching staff is trying to make the defense more physical and force more big plays.
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Special Teams, Running Back
71. Tulsa
What to watch for on offense: A star will be born as soon as the staff decides on its next starting quarterback. The offense under Gus Malzahn is that prolific. The early edge goes to David Johnson, who backed up Smith for three seasons and spent a year in the system. However, he's no lock to win the job, and will get challenged by Clark Harrell and Jacob Bower, a coveted JUCO recruit. The transition to a new starter will be made easier by the presence of a veteran line and 1,000-yard receivers Brennan Marion, Trae Johnson, and Charles Clay. As if the Hurricane needs more weapons, the program's leading rushers from the last two years are also back. Tarrion Adams ran for 1,225 yards and caught 30 passes after starter Courtney Tennial was lost with a season-ending Achilles injury.
What to watch for on defense: Even more than the need to develop a quarterback, Tulsa has to remake a defense that allowed more than 40 points to six opponents, and graduated its best defenders. The linebackers, the backbone of the D, have been robbed of three all-league players, and the secondary needs a refresher course on how to stop the pass. The Hurricane is banking on holdovers Mike Bryan and Tanner Antle, and junior college transfer Kaipo Sarkissian to fill the voids at linebacker on a defense that's putting out APBs for consistent stoppers. For a pick-me-up, the coaches will point to all-conference end Moton Hopkins, who led the linemen in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks a year ago.
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Running Back
Relative Weaknesses: Special Teams, Defense
72. Central Michigan
What to watch for on offense: A little less running from QB Dan LeFevour. Several offensive stars, like RB Ontario Sneed, RB Justin Hoskins and WR Bryan Anderson, were out this spring healing up. While the attack needs all of them to run at peak efficiency, the one guy it can't be without is LeFevour. While the junior might put up Tebow-like numbers, he's not the bruiser like the Heisman winner. At 6-3 and 226 pounds, LeFevour is hardly a lightweight, but with excellent backs to carry the ground game, there should be a few less carries for the star of the show.
What to watch for on defense: The pass defense. It has stunk for the last two seasons and CMU still won MAC titles. The coaching staff is trying to patch up the leaks with excellent tackling corner Chaz West, who hits like a linebacker but also covers like one, moving to strong safety where he should blossom into an All-MAC star. It's not like there isn't talent in the secondary, Josh Gordy is a good corner, there just needs to be a bit more production.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Relative Weaknesses: Defensive Line, Linebacker
73. Miami University
What to watch on offense: The quarterback situation. Daniel Raudabaugh is a veteran who was supposed to have the total command of the attack. With an improved line, a good receiving corps, and a nice back in Thomas Merriweather around him, Raudabaugh needed to have a big spring, and didn't. The door is now open for redshirt freshman Clay Belton to step up and take the gig away. Can the coaching staff live through the young mistakes from Belton to get to the future upside? If Raudabaugh remains inconsistent, then yeah.
What to watch on defense: The health of the linebacking corps. The Clayton Mullins-Joey Hudson-Caleb Bostic triumvirate might be special, but the defense could fall flat if they're not 100%. Bostic has a foot issue, Hudson's knee is a problem, and Mullins is banged up. The backups aren't bad, but there's a huge drop-off from the ones to the twos.
Relative Strengths: Linebacker, Wide Receiver
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Running Back
74. Nevada
What to watch for on offense: The running game. While the main storyline is the quarterback situation, the running game will control the offense with 1,420-yard back Luke Lippincott running behind a dominant line. If Colin Kaepernick, who ran for 593 yards, is under center, the Wolf Pack running game will be the best in the WAC again.
What to watch for on defense: The 4-3. The 3-4 didn't work out as well as expected with way too much inconsistency when it came to getting into the backfield. New defensive coordinator Nigel Burton's goal is to help out the suspect secondary by getting the quarterbacks hit early and often. If you can't stop the pass, you're in trouble in WAC play. Nevada, compared to other league teams, wasn't bad, but 241 yards per game are still too many.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Quarterback
Relative Weaknesses: Defensive Line, Linebacker
75. Stanford
What to watch for on offense: More from the running game. While the quarterback situation will be the biggest issue early on, the Cardinal should be able to run the ball better than it has in years with several good options working behind a veteran line. Helping the cause will be mobility at quarterback which should mean far more than 111 yards per game.
What to watch for on defense: A killer pass rush. One of the biggest surprises last year was Stanford's ability to get into the backfield. The overall defense might not have put up the best stats, but the Cardinal finished 11th in the nation in sacks and fifth in tackles for loss as the coaching staff successfully manufactured ways to disrupt things. Now there should be just as much havoc wreaked and just as much work to get to the quarterback. Only now there should be better overall results.
Relative Strengths: Defensive Line, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Special Teams
76. Hawaii
What to watch for on offense: A bit less from the shotgun. The offense isn't going to change up from the formula that's worked so well over the last several years, but depending on who the starting quarterback will be, there might be less shotgun, a few more running plays, and moments now and then when the attack looks just like everyone else. The leading quarterback option going into fall, Inoke Funake, was far better under center, so if he's the man, there could be even less shotgun.
What to watch for on defense: The new corners. It's not like former corners Garard Lewis and Myron Newberry were bad, on the contrary. They were two tough defenders on the outside who combined for 104 tackles, six interceptions and 14 broken up passes with Newberry earning first-team All-WAC honors. However, those two weren't as talented as seniors Ryan Mouton and Jameel Dowling, who each have NFL potential. Dowling, a former Oregon Duck, has 6-3, 205-pound size and excellent speed, while Mouton has warp wheels but hasn't been able to show them off as much as he'd like. Banged up last year, Mouton could be a superstar, lock-down defender.
Relative Strengths: Linebacker, Quarterback
Relative Weaknesses: Running Back, Defensive Line
77. UCF
What to watch for on offense: Considering the gaping hole that exists in the running game, the Knights are going to need more production from a passing attack that was last in the league and 105th nationally a season ago. The battle to replace Kyle Israel at quarterback will focus on Joe Weatherford, brother of Florida State's Drew Weatherford, and Michael Greco, a 220-pound dual threat southpaw that conjures up images of Tim Tebow-lite.
What to watch for on offense: In light of the problems on the other side of the ball, the defense may have to carry the offense in the early stages of the season. The secondary, in particular, is flush with senior talent, led by all-leaguers Joe Burnett and Sha'Reff Rashad. It was those two ball hawks, along with Jason Venson and Johnell Neal that helped UCF lead the conference with two dozen picks a year ago.
Relative Strengths: Defensive Back, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Running Back, Offensive Line
78. Wyoming
What to watch for on offense: More of a reliance on the ground game. Devin Moore and Wynel Seldon form a talented, veteran running back tandem that deserves decent blocking for the first time. Moore is the speedster, and a strong kickoff returner, while Seldon is a banger. These two have to be the offense until more production and more consistency comes from the passing attack.
What to watch for on defense: John Fletcher and Mitch Unrein. Fletcher is 280 pounds and Unrein is 270, and together the two will wreak havoc on opposing backfields. The ideal linemen for the 3-4, these two should be unstoppable for stretches and could be the breakout names in the Mountain West season. They'll be strong against the run and could combine for 20 sacks.
Relative Strengths: Defensive Line, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Secondary
79. Houston
What to watch for on offense: Passes. Lots of them. New coordinator Dana Holgorsen is a disciple of Texas Tech's Mike Leach, the architect of one of the most successful passing games in college football history. While there'll be differences between the two offenses, the goal will essentially be the same—spread the field with four receivers and quickly distribute the ball with safe passes that move the chains. Unless the new pass catchers are slow getting up to speed, Holgorsen's system is going to make a statistical star out of Case Keenum or Blake Joseph.
What to watch for on defense: Development of the secondary. The fact that Houston led Conference USA in pass defense is a giant tease. Sure, no one allowed fewer yards per game, but the Cougars also yielded twice as many touchdown passes as their number of interceptions. With four starters returning, including all-star FS Kenneth Fontenette, there's no good reason why Houston shouldn't begin turning the corner and limiting the number of big plays allowed.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Linebacker, Special Teams
80. Air Force
What to watch for on offense: A desperate, ongoing search for players who can make big things happen. This will be an inexperienced group that'll need to fight through mistakes by being consistent, and to hit a home run here and there. The coaching staff would love if it Ty Paffett could come close to being the type of runner Chad Hall grew into last season, while there might be more from the receiving corps that shows promise and has a nice target in tight end Ty Dekker to work around.
What to watch for on defense: Ben Garland in the middle. One of the team's best linemen last season, Garland moves from the outside in to provide more bulk. It's not like the run defense was all that bad with the veterans returning to the front three, but putting Garland inside should bring even more activity.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Special Teams
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Linebacker
81. Duke
What to watch for on offense: David Cutcliffe plans to install a faster paced, no-huddle offense, while still adapting to the personnel he inherits. The ultimate goal will be to achieve balance and to keep defenses guessing. Cutcliffe's first quarterback is a good one, third-year starter Thaddeus Lewis, an all-league contender if he keeps learning. If Duke is going to start scoring more touchdowns than in recent years, it's imperative that the line gives Lewis an extra tick or two to find top offensive weapon Eron Riley and an improving collection of young wideouts.
What to watch for on defense: Although Duke's recent woes on defense will likely continue, there is reason for optimism thanks to a front seven that's loaded with more playmaker than usual. DT Vince Oghobaase is the signature player, but he has company, namely from frenetic LBs Michael Tauiliili and Vincent Rey, who'll go anywhere to make a play. The weakest link is located in the secondary, where the Blue Devils are short on defensive backs that can go stride-for-stride with quality receivers. It'll help in a big way if the ends, Wesley Oglesby and Ayanga Okpokowuruk can generate more heat on quarterbacks this season.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Defensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Special Teams, Secondary
82. Syracuse
What to watch for on offense: The running game. The Orange was second-to-last in the nation in rushing offense averaging just 62.75 yards per game, but that wasn't helped by 54 sacks bringing down the overall total. Now with Mike Williams out of the picture, and the receiving corps a mess, the coaching staff has figure out how to pound away with the running game and hope for an explosive element to come out of it. SU can't win with its passing game without Williams.
What to watch for on defense: The defensive back seven to be an issue up until the opener, and beyond. Considering the SU defense was last in the Big East and 111th in the nation in yards allowed, the last thing this team needed was to have to start from scratch. The line will turn out to be fine with some good prospects working around tackle Arthur Jones, but the secondary is trying to rebuild with several different options, including a few from the offense, while the linebacking corps is a work in progress with position battles on the outside to work around Jake Flaherty in the middle.
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Quarterback
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Secondary
83. Florida Atlantic
What to watch for on offense: More from the running game. There was supposed to be more production from the backfield last year, and while there was, the offense became too reliant on QB Rusty Smith. That's not necessarily a bad thing considering the air show should be the Sun Belt's more efficient, but with Pierre, Edgecomb and Rose, three solid veterans, the running game will get more attention early on.
What to watch for on defense: Phenomenal corner play. FAU might not have corners on the level of last year's Troy tandem of Leodis McKelvin, now with Buffalo, and Elbert Mack, now with Tampa Bay, but the NFL scouts are going to take a hard look at Corey Small this season while hoping Tavious Polo beefs up a little bit over the next two seasons. Add Erick McIntosh to the mix, after he missed all of last year with academic issues, and the Owls are loaded at corner.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Relative Weaknesses: Defensive Line, Offensive Line
84. Ball State
What to watch for on offense: QB Nate Davis to be even better. With all his weapons back, a strong line to operate behind, and the emergence of Daniel Ifft as a new dangerous target, Davis should improve on his tremendous 2007 numbers. 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns aren't unattainable goals (he threw for 3,667 yards and 30 scores last season).
What to watch for on defense: More pressure into the backfield. That was the goal going into last year and the Cardinals stunk at getting to the quarterback for yet another season. Brandon Crawford will do his part at one end, but as a whole, the defense has to do far more after struggling to come up with big plays behind the line while failing to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback. The defense will give up several big plays, but it'll have to make more of its own.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Receivers
Relative Weaknesses: Defensive Line, Linebacker
85. Northern Illinois
What to watch for on offense: A variety of formations depending on the personnel. Depending on who's under center, the offense will go to a pro style attack, a spread formation, and everything else possible to take advantage of the matchups. There will be some shotgun for a different look, and there will be plenty of tinkering going on to get things going.
What to watch for on defense: Safety Alex Kube at strongside linebacker. The team's second best defensive player last year behind DE Larry English, Kube was a tackling machine as the last line of defense for the porous run defense. Now Kube will be closer to the line to use his toughness and tackling ability to add more overall production, but can he hold up? He's only 6-1 and 203 pounds.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Linebackers
Relative Weaknesses: Defensive Line, Secondary
86. Louisiana Tech
What to watch for on offense: The quarterback situation. Steve Ensminger is a good talent who should be in the starting mix for the next few seasons, but it was sophomore Ross Jenkins, with excellent all-around skills and big upside, who sat on top of the depth chart coming out of spring ball. When Georgia Tech transfer Taylor Bennett gets his chance he's expected to be the main man, but it'll be interesting to see how the coaching staff handles the situation. This is a good enough team to win the WAC title right now; can an untested sophomore take the job from a veteran senior like Bennett?
What to watch for on defense: The return of Brannon Jackson. The Tech linebacking corps is full of smallish, fast players built more like safeties than linebackers. Jackson is the exception checking in at 256 pounds with good toughness against the run and decent quickness. He was the one bright spot on the miserable 2006 defense, and now, thanks to a knee injury that cost him all of last year, he gets a shot to make some noise on possibly one of the best Tech teams in years.
Relative Strengths: Special Teams, Running Back
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
87. Colorado State
What to watch for on offense: The ground game. Everyone talked about running the ball over the last few seasons, but this group should actually do it. With Kyle Bell back to being Bell and Gartrell Johnson, last year's leading rusher, certain to be even more effective now that he doesn't have to do everything, the Rams should be powerful on the ground.
What to watch for on defense: Far more of an attitude from the run defense. Now the pieces are back in place with safeties Mike Pagnotta, who was limited for a stretch with an ankle problem, and Klint Kubiak, back after a serious ulcer cost him almost all of last year, healthy and patrolling the secondary again. While the hope is for the front seven to handle their duties against the run, the secondary will now do more to make big plays.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Special Teams
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Secondary
88. Toledo
What to watch for on offense: No, this might not be the explosive attack that put up points in bunches in a mad attempt to make up for the huge numbers the defense was giving up, but the running game, even without Jalen Parmele, should be solid while the passing game should be even better with a settled quarterback situation thanks to the emergence of Aaron Opelt. The 1-2 receiving punch of Stephen Williams and Nick Moore should be deadly.
What to watch for on defense: More plays in the backfield. Yeah that was said before last year, but this season it's going to happen by default. The Rockets can't do any worse after tying for dead last in America with a mere nine sacks and 51 tackles for loss. The coaching staff is jockeying things around to get more pop from the ends.
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Quarterback
Relative Weaknesses: Defensive Line, Linebacker
89. Western Michigan
What to watch for on offense: The backups. While QB Tim Hiller stepped up this off-season and appears to be ready for a big year, he's only a year removed from a bad knee injury, and West will be the main man once he comes back from a knee problem of his own, the focus will be on the developed depth to keep the train moving if the starters aren't 100%. Glenis Thompson, a 5-8, 210-pound junior, proved this spring that he can carry the ground game if West isn't right. Quarterback is the bigger issue with neither Drew Burdi nor Robert Arnheim showing much so far.
What to watch for on defense: A return to 2006. Two years ago the Broncos were flying all over the place on defense wreaking havoc from the backfield to the secondary. Last year the D was a bit more tentative, but it was still effective and productive. This year, with everyone back, new defensive coordinator Steve Morrison will release the hounds. Expect more sacks, more movement, and more big plays.
Relative Strengths: Defensive Line, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Special Teams, Offensive Line
90. East Carolina
What to watch for on offense: Who plays quarterback? With RB Chris Johnson out of eligibility, the quarterback is going to have an even greater presence on the offense this season. For a second straight year, the battle comes down to the multi-dimensional Patrick Pinkney and the rocket-armed Rob Kass. Pinkney has a razor edge for his ability to spark the offense, but the ultimate decision could hinge on the play of the line. If it continues to have trouble with speedy defenses, the decision to go with Pinkney becomes that much easier. Although both will play this season, the staff would rather have one definitive starter rather than a revolving door.
What to watch for on defense: The performance of the secondary. More than any other unit, the defensive backfield holds the key to how far East Carolina will go in 2008. The Pirates return a ton of familiar faces, but until they produce, the memory of last year's debacle is going to linger. In their five 2007 losses, they yielded nine touchdown passes and picked off just three, a trend the coaching staff is working hard to reverse.
Relative Strengths: Defensive Line, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Secondary, Special Teams
91. Bowling Green
What to watch for on offense: Tyler Sheehan battling with Andrew Beam for the starting quarterback gig. Despite throwing for 3,264 yards and 23 touchdowns, and improving his mistakes as the season went on, Sheehan will have to hold off Beam, a top JUCO transfer, for the right to run the veteran offense. There are four good backs in place to take the heat off, Freddie Barnes and Corey Partridge form a good 1-2 receiving tandem, and the line won't be all that bad with a little time. Now the offense needs a leader to work around.
What to watch for on defense: The emergence of Diyral Briggs. A first-team All-MAC star last year with five sacks 54 tackles, he looked like an even better player coming into this year. He should be an unstoppable pass rushing machine who'll demand the attention of all opposing blocking schemes. The rest of the line has to take advantage.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
92. Troy
What to watch on offense: More of the same. With offensive coordinator Tony Franklin off to Auburn, and leading rusher, Kenny Cattouse, leading receiver, Gary Banks, and star quarterback Omar Haugabook gone, now would be the time to make a few changes. It's not going to happen. New coordinator Neal Brown worked for years under Franklin and is going to keep the train rolling. With a loaded line to give all the new skill starters time, there might not be much of a drop-off from last year's attack that led the Sun Belt.
What to watch on defense: The corners. Elbert Mack made eight interceptions and 51 tackles on his way to an all-star season. Leodis McKelvin made 60 tackles and two picks with nine broken up passes on his way to becoming the first round draft pick by the Buffalo Bills. Almost every college football team would struggle to find replacements for talents like those two, especially in the Sun Belt, but Troy might turn out to be fine. Projected starters Chris Bowens and Trevor Ford are going to be more than fine, while players like Michael Ricks, a star JUCO transfer, Jorrick Calvin, another JUCO transfer, and DeMarcus Robertson are all able to step in and play. Having safeties like Sherrod Martin, Terence Moore, and Tavares Williams will help the cause.
Relative Strengths: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Linebacker
93. Ohio
What to watch for on offense: A different style of running. Frank Solich's offenses have always been about powering the ball and getting the running game going, and not the I-formation will give way to more and more spread looks to get the mobile quarterbacks moving. Without RB Kalvin McRae, and with four backs who come in around 5-10 and 180 pounds, the idea will be to get the speedy players the ball in space.
What to watch for on defense: More from the linebackers. The line wasn't awful last season and the secondary was good, and will now be terrific, but the Bobcats won't have a chance to win the East title without a strong season from a relatively deep linebacking corps. There aren't any stars, outside of possibly senior Michael Brown, but there are several decent prospects and good options to play around with. Now that they know what they're doing, they'll be better.
Relative Strengths: Secondary, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Offensive Line
94. Kent State
What to watch for on offense: More comfort with the backups in the backfield. The team didn't go into the tank when QB Julian Edelman got hurt, but it didn't exactly flourish. While the senior will be the starter again this fall, Giorgio Morgan proved that he's more then capable of being the main man if needed, and Anthony Magazu turned into a player all of sudden. Jarvis is a freak of nature who doesn't get banged up, but if he does, Andre Flowers, who had a fantastic off-season, will be ready.
What to watch for on defense: The secondary. One of the bright spots on the team last season with speedster Jack Williams, a top lock-down corner, and safety Fritz Jacques, now there's some work to be done to help top corner Rico Murray. Junior Kirk Belgrave is a decent option at one corner, and he'll get picked on with everyone staying away from Murray. The safety tandem of Dan Hartman and Will Johnson will be the focus of the D early on.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Quarterback
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Offensive Line
95. UNLV
What to watch for on offense: The running game. With RB Frank Summers a pounder of a back that no one wants to deal with, and an improved, veteran offensive line that's the best head coach Mike Sanford has had by far, the offense will rely more on running it to take the pressure off the quarterbacks. At least that's going to be the plan early on. What to watch for one defense: Selling out. That was the plan last year and it didn't happen. Defensive coordinator Dennis Therrell is going to bring the house in an attempt to be more disruptive, and while he might not have the linebackers to do it early on, he has a good line to work with and a decent enough secondary to hold its own with the pressure on.
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Running Back
Relative Weaknesses: Special Teams, Secondary
96. Navy
What to watch for on offense: Jarod Bryant. Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada is the best and most experienced quarterback option, but Bryant isn't far behind, if at all, and could still push for the starting job this fall. Even though he probably won't get it, Bryant is too good to keep off the field with the type of speed and athleticism that could've landed him in the SEC. He'll line up as a slot back, a quarterback, and wherever needed to get him involved.
What to watch for on defense: Improvement in the back eight. The last thing last year's defense needed was a few key injuries early on, and that's exactly what happened when Clint Sovie, arguably the team's most athletic and productive linebacker, got knocked out for the year in game two with a broken ankle. Add to that the loss of tackling-machine safety Jeff Deliz with a foot problem, and a defense that could ill-afford to lose playmakers was without two key ones. Now they're back, and with CB Rashawn King, FS Wyatt Middleton, and decent players everywhere else, the back eight should be far better.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Quarterback
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Defensive Line
97. San Jose State
What to watch for on offense: The wide receivers. The running game should be better, it can't be any worse, but the real excitement is over a receiving corps that might be the best in the WAC, even if the stats don't show it in a league with teams like New Mexico State and Hawaii. Kevin Jurovich is a legitimate No. 1 to build around, David Richmond and Jalal Beachman are talents, and Josh Harrison is a speedster who'll find a role.
What to watch for on defense: The new guys. Senior DE Jeff Schweiger was a good recruit for USC and might be the highest decorated prep player San Jose State has ever had. Senior CB Coye Francies isn't just a replacement for All-WAC star Dwight Lowery, he'll be an upgrade. These two jack up the talent level on an already solid defense.
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Running Back, Offensive Line
98. San Diego State
What to watch for on offense: The line to be the key to the season. Even with so much turnover among the skill players, the running backs are strong and the receiving corps, even without Bret Swain and Chaz Schilens, should be excellent. Nothing will work unless the quarterbacks are efficient, and that's not going to happen unless the line shocks the world. The front five was miserable last season and that was with experience. Chuck Long and his staff have been recruiting to upgrade the line, and it still might take a year or three for those prospects to come through.
What to watch for on defense: An emphasis on getting to the quarterback. It's been years since opposing passers have had to worry about getting touched, but this year's Aztec defensive front has good quickness all across the line. For a team that was among the worst in America in making plays in the backfield, it has to start selling out to make things happen. If big plays result from it, so be it. Something has to be done.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
99. Memphis
What to watch for on offense: The Tigers feature a veteran offensive line that believes it can be the most dominant in the West era. Exactly who the group will be blocking for has yet to be determined. Underappreciated QB Martin Hankins needs to be replaced after throwing 43 touchdowns over the last two seasons. Since the strength of the team is at wide receiver, the staff must uncover an able distributor. Versatile Matt Malouf brings an interesting blend of run and pass. The wild card, however, is JUCO transfer Arkelon Hall, a former Washington State signee and one of the highest-rated pocket passers of 2005. He's the No. 1 going into the fall. The running game has been ravaged by graduations, defections, and injuries, creating opportunities for transfer Curtis Steele, sophomore Jeremy Longstreet, and redshirt freshman Mike Davis.
What to watch for on defense: The strength of the Tiger defense resides on a line that returns all four starters and is led by all-league candidate Clinton McDonald, a penetrator from the inside. The unit will need to be extra special to compensate for a back seven that has holes at linebacker and is virtually defenseless versus any passing game with a pulse. The Tiger defensive backs like to take chances and play aggressively, accepting the occasional blown coverage for takeaways that go the other way. Unfortunately for the defense, the corners get burned regularly, but the momentum-changing plays have been non-existent. Walton's lofty goal for Memphis is to maintain that frenetic, high-energy personality, while improving its tackling and fundamentals.
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Secondary, Running Back
100. Marshall
What to watch for on offense: Mark Cann. Although it feels like a few decades, it's only been a few years since Byron Leftwich left Marshall, leaving a giant void behind center. The Herd has been pining for its next big-time quarterback, a role Cann is hoping to fill. Just a redshirt freshman, he took a lead in the spring to replace Bernard Skinner, an underachiever for much of his career. He's got a big arm and a firm grasp of a new up-tempo offense that could help transform him into a monster producer.
What to watch for on defense: A greater reliance on the 3-4. New coordinator Rick Minter wants to get as many of the program's big, fast linebackers on the field at the same time, and a shift in alignment is one way to get it done. Plus, most of the Herd's defensive ends, such as Albert McClellan, Ian Hoskins, and John Jacobs, are built like outside linebackers anyway. If Minter can get his 11 best athletes on the field at the same time, he believes more pressure and big plays will be the result.
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Running Back
Relative Weaknesses: Secondary, Quarterback
101. New Mexico State
What to watch for on offense: Chase Holbrook to go ballistic. As if he didn't put up big enough numbers so far, with a loaded receiving corps, two years of experience at NMSU, and the expectations to come out winging it, he might have a realistic shot at a 5,000-yard, 40 touchdown season. Oh sure, there will be talk about a little more running game here and there. Whatever.
What to watch for on defense: A lot more pressure. The overall results might not be that much better, but coordinator Joe Lee Dunn will make sure someone in the backfield is getting hit. Of course, the plan last year was to sell out more and get to the quarterback on a regular basis, and that didn't happen, but Dunn's scheme will come up with the pressure needed to help out a beleaguered secondary.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Receiver
Relative Weaknesses: Running Back, Linebacker
102. Akron
What to watch for on offense: The running game. Ineffective for long stretches last year, Dennis Kennedy appears to have regained his 2006 form, Alex Allen is a dangerous speedster, and Andrew Johnson could be a find. Most importantly, the line, with four starters returning, should be far better and should create the necessary holes on a more regular basis.
What to watch for on defense: The middle. The 3-3-5 is solid up the gut with Bain showing the potential to be dominant this spring, Kevin Grant one of the MAC's best middle linebackers, and Bryan Williams appearing to be a natural at strong safety. Now the outside defenders have to work around the middle men and flourish.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Quarterback, Defensive Line
103. Tulane
What to watch for on offense: Toledo is an inventive coach who craves an entertaining and unpredictable offense that keeps the opposition guessing. To get to that point, however, he needs a triggerman that can consistently make things happen. Enter sophomore Kevin Moore, a young gun who made some plays at the end of last season and pulled ahead in April's quarterback derby. If he's truly ready for a promotion, the Green Wave has enough talent around him to make the coach's vision for the offense begin coming into focus.
What to watch for on defense: New coordinator O'Neill Gilbert has a number of objectives in his first season, none more pressing than tightening up a pass defense that was overmatched throughout 2007. He'll have his hands full, inheriting a secondary that lacks size and a true lockdown corner. The linebackers, however, are prepared to do their part to help out, as former safety David Skehan has been moved to strongside, and weakside favorite Travis Burks has prior experience in the secondary as well.
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Secondary, Special Teams
104. UTEP
What to watch for on offense: Who else is going to step up at wide receiver? The pitch-and-catch combo of Trevor Vittatoe to Jeff Moturi is already the best in Conference USA, but even it will sputter if someone doesn't adequately replace Lorne Sam, Joe West, and Fred Rouse. The Miners are loaded with good athletes at wide receiver, but not one that caught more than five passes a year ago. The onus falls on unknowns, such as Tufick Shadrawy, Kris Adams, and Pierce Hunter, to make opponents pay for tilting the defense in Moturi's direction.
What to watch for on defense: Osia Lewis' new 3-3-5 scheme. Playing to its strength, UTEP is taking a lineman off the field and replacing him with a miner, or a hybrid of a safety and a linebacker. The Miners just don't attract enough stoppers up front to go with a traditional set, opting instead for a smaller, faster D that'll look to bring pressure from every angle imaginable. Considering how putrid the defense was a year, allowing 37 points a game, what's the harm in trying something new?
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Quarterback
Relative Weaknesses: Defensive Line, Secondary
105. Arkansas State
What to watch for on offense: The line. Left tackle Matt Mandich is one of the best linemen in the Sun Belt, but he's it for experience on the offensive front. There's promise among the four new starters, and some JUCO help, but there's no sure thing to give Mandich any help. Considering ASU was 110th in the nation in sacks allowed, a little change might not be a bad thing.
What to watch for on defense: The secondary. All four starters are gone off of the nation's 19th best pass defense, and while there's good experience returning with some of last year's backups ready to shine, it'll be up to JUCO superstar Corderious Mingo, and a few other new recruits, to pick up the slack.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Quarterback
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
106. Idaho
What to watch for on offense: The running game. It wasn't bad last year, thanks to Deonte Jackson, but it should be even better with redshirt freshmen Princeton McCarty and Corey White ready to add even more dash, and with a veteran, good line to pave the way. With a shaky passing game needing to improve, the offense will rely on the ground attack early and often.
What to watch for on defense: The safeties. Shiloh Keo has been one of the WAC's best strong safeties over the last two seasons, and now he's joined by Virdell Larkins, a JUCO transfer who originally signed with Cal. The two are great athletes who'll make up for the mistakes made by the corners.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Linebacker, Defensive Line
107. Rice
What to watch for on offense: A run-pass mix that looks an awful lot like last season. While the Owls' desire for more balance sounds good in theory, it won't be possible unless the running game makes a quantum leap and the defense makes a stop once in a while. Keeping defenses honest is an admirable quest, but if Rice is constantly trying to erase huge deficits, it'll be bombs away once again for Chase Clement & Co.
What to watch for on defense: More pressure the old fashioned way. Rice would like to use jail breaks to get after the passer, but too many blitzes will leave an already horrible secondary naked. Instead, the Owls will pin their hopes on a group of sophomore defensive ends to get penetration without having to move linebackers or safeties too far from their comfort zones. Leading the way will be Scott Solomon, who had a smashing debut and looked even more disruptive in the spring.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Relative Weaknesses: Special Teams, Defensive Line
108. Buffalo
What to watch for on offense: Excellent balance. With all the returning starters, and a veteran ring-leader in senior QB Drew Willy to spread the ball around, all that's needed is a little bit of time for him to work. The decent line should provide that, while the skill trio of RB James Starks and receivers Naaman Roosevelt and Ernest Jackson should be more explosive.
What to watch for on defense: Position movement, and lots of it. The linebacking corps will be a major work in progress with at least two freshmen likely to start. The defense is built on speed and quickness over size, but the problem is there isn't nearly enough size with the safeties as big, or bigger, than some of the linebackers. There will be plenty of moves all over the place to try to get the best players on the field, and several recruits will get their chance to play right away.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Linebacker, Wide Receiver
109. UL Monroe
What to watch for on offense: A decent balance. It'll be up to Frank Goodin to take over for heart-and-soul running back Calvin Dawson, and he has the quickness and the talent to explode behind a big, decent line. he receiving corps might be among the Sun Belt's most talented with Darrell McNeal and LaGregory Sapp a dangerous wideout tandem and tight end Zeek Zacharie a good NFL prospect. The offense was one of the worst in the Sun Belt last year, but it won't be again.
What to watch for on defense: The league's best run defense could be even better. Everyone was able to throw on the ULM secondary, so the stats are a bit skewed, but the Warhawk run D really was good. Tackles Alex Ford and Brandon McCray will bottle up everything inside, while linebacker Cardia Jackson is a machine. The safeties can hit.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Defensive Back, Defensive Line
110. Temple
What to watch for on offense: An attempt to do anything and everything to get more out of the running game. The MAC's worst rushing offense lost its leading rusher Jason Harper, but not to graduation or injury. The junior moved over to wide receiver to add more pop to the passing game. On the flip side, WR sophomore Marquise Liverpool is moving to running back to combine with Joe Jones and Jared Williams to add some more pop.
What to watch for on defense: More from the linebackers. All 11 starters return to a defense that should be excellent in the secondary, a rock in the middle with tackles Andre Neblett and Terrance Knighton among the best in the MAC, and good promise on the ends. Amara Kamara is a rising star on the outside while junior Alex Joseph should go from special teams star to the leader in the middle. The improvement of this group should take the defense from decent to special.
Relative Strengths: Secondary, Defensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Wide Receiver
111. UAB
What to watch for on offense: Topping head coach Neil Callaway's list of offensive priorities is to improve a running game that was last in the league a year ago. The coach is keeping his fingers crossed that Aaron Johns, a gifted former Alabama running back, can qualify academically after missing the mark last season. Joseph Webb offers some interesting options, both as a strong-armed passer and a scrambler on designed running plays.
What to watch for on defense: Underclassmen were everywhere last year, which should start to pay dividends this season. The Blazers got shoved around by every opponent not named Alcorn State, prompting Callaway to demand more physicality in the front seven. UAB does return its best player, all-league S Will Dunbar, who could have left for the NFL. A sure-tackling playmaker that paced the team with 122 stops, he's the leader of a vulnerable secondary.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Running Back, Defensive Line
112. SMU
What to watch for on offense: An 80-20 run-pass mix. No, the personnel doesn't yet fit what June Jones wants to do in Dallas, but that won't stop him from going up top with the same frequency he did at Hawaii. The Mustangs have spent the past six months trying to digest a completely new playbook and language. While there were strides in April, and more to come in August, growing pains will be inevitable when the season kicks off with a trip to Rice.
What to watch for on defense: Speed off the edge. Lacking the size and strength up front to move blockers off the line, new coordinator Tom Mason plans to use the Mustangs' speed to disrupt opponents. If SMU has any chance to improve on last year's dismal results, it'll be up to sophomore ends Youri Yenga, Anthony Sowe, and Jordan Johnson to blow past tackles and create havoc before plays have a chance to develop.
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Quarterback
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
113. North Texas
What to watch for on offense: Riley Dodge. The new one. It's not like Giovanni Vizza can't play. He took his lumps last season, but he had a few phenomenal moments to suggest that he's not just going to hand the offense over. But Dodge is it. He's the one who was literally born into this offense and knows it backwards and forwards. While he might not be that big, he's the ultimate triggerman for his father's attack, and he plans on playing from day one.
What to watch for on defense: the transfers. S Greg Garden sat out last year and was listed as a backup at strong safety coming out of spring ball, but he's too talented to sit for long. The corners are a plus, Antoine Bush is a good one, but there will be some serious competition from Justin Adams and Adryan Edwards from the JUCO ranks for time. The secondary was going to be the strength of the defense anyway, and now it'll be far better.
Relative Strengths: Wide Receiver, Quarterback
Relative Weaknesses: Defensive Line, Linebacker
114. Middle Tennessee
What to watch for on offense: The line. With Franklin Dunbar leaving early for the NFL and Mark Fisher and Jamal Lewis both hurt, three key starters from last year are gone. Junior OT Mark Thompson is fine, but he's not a superstar to revolve an entire line around. That's what MT will have to do as three redshirt freshmen and an untested sophomore will likely fill out the rest of the front five.
What to watch for on defense: A better linebacking corps. Last year the line took care of everything and the linebackers were mostly along for the ride. Now the veterans like Danny Carmichael and Lonnie Clemons lead a promising group that should be able to do more. At the very least they'll be in on more tackles.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Secondary
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Offensive Line
115. Eastern Michigan
What to watch for on offense: More from the passing game. A lot more. The running game, primarily because of the mobility of the quarterbacks, dominated throughout last year, but with a good looking receiving corps, led by DeAnthony White an Tyler Jones, and the improvement of Andy Schmitt as a passer, the offense won't be one dimensional.
What to watch for on defense: Problems in the front seven. LB Daniel Hotlzclaw is a given and tackle John Hunt is fantastic, but the ends are a question mark and the linebackers around the main man in the middle aren't anything special. The D will have to manufacture pressure and big plays from several unlikely sources.
Relative Strengths: Quarterback, Defensive Back
Relative Weaknesses: Defensive Line, Wide Receiver
116. UL Lafayette
What to watch for on offense: More passing. It's not like Texas Tech will take over, but the coaching staff placed more of an emphasis on getting things moving through the air this off-season. The running game will still be the main mode of transportation with a tandem of Tyrell Fenroy and Deon Wallace to work with, but look for Michael Desormeaux to try putting it up on a regular basis.
What to watch for on defense: The linebackers. The trio of Antwyne Zanders, Brenton Burkhalter and Grant Fleming should be the best in the Sun Belt and among the most dominant in team history. The run defense was abysmal last season with the linebackers making way too many plays down the field, but now they'll do far more attacking as they try to force more mistakes and get to the ball quicker.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Defensive Line, Defensive Backs
117. Florida International
What to watch for on offense: The quarterback situation. This was an issue last year, and while Wayne Younger might be the more dynamic player with the bigger upside, the offense didn't start to move until Paul McCall took over. Younger's collarbone injury allowed McCall to step in, and now there will be a battle to run new offensive coordinator Bill Legg's new spread offense.
What to watch for on defense: More of an attitude. Last year's defense spent the year trying to figure out what it was doing. This year's group is seasoned, salty, and ready to make more big plays. It showed as spring ball went on as the D started to make more big plays and start to be more aggressive. Now there should be more of a pass rush and more attacking.
Relative Strengths: Secondary, Defensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Quarterback
118. Utah State
What to watch for on offense: A better running game. That was supposed to happen last year, too, and the Aggies ended up averaging a meager 124 yards per game on the ground. Offensive coordinator Darrell Dickey, who guided North Texas to some mega-rushing years led by backs Patrick Cobbs and Jamario Thomas, and while he's not going to get that kind of production, the Aggie backs know what they're doing and should be able to produce more behind a veteran line.
What to watch for on defense: The tackles. With top end Ben Calderwood moving to the inside to join veteran Alan Bishop, and with the addition of JUCO transfers Casey Davis and Magnmu Mauga, the Aggies are making a commitment to be better inside against the run. It's not like the WAC is full of pounding running teams, but the USU defensive front got ripped apart by anyone who tried to run. That should change with the improvements made.
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Linebacker
Relative Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Wide Receiver
119. Army
What to watch for on offense: The new offense. Will the coaching staff be able to stay with Williams if it wants to run the option, or will it make the switch to Chip Bowden, a bit more of a runner, or will it take its lumps with plebe Paul McIntosh, the team's top recruit. Indiana's Mr. Football is the running quarterback the offense needs.
What to watch for on defense: The middle of the defensive front. With Frank Scappaticci making the successful transition from outside linebacker to the middle, and with tackles Ted Bentler and Mike Gann a strong tandem on the inside, the heart of the Army defense should be decent. However, there depth at tackle falls off the map with 224-pound David Kava and 262-pound Mark Faldowski good role players, but hardly starters
Relative Strengths: Running Back, Offensive Line
Relative Weaknesses: Wide Receiver, Secondary
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