Top 25

Danger Zone's official Top 25 rankings (collaboration between two of our writers). We'll pick up with the conference previews for the next few days to get you all ready for the upcoming season. And as always, feel free to tell us how wrong we are in the comments.

1. USC Trojans
T-2. LSU Tigers
T-2. Oklahoma Sooners
4. Alabama Crimson Tide
5. Florida State Seminoles
6. Michigan Wolverines
7. Oregon Ducks
8. Georgia Bulldogs
9. South Carolina Gamecocks
10. Wisconsin Badgers
11. Arkansas Razorbacks
T-12. Clemson Tigers
T-12. Michigan State Spartans
T-14. Texas Longhorns
T-14. West Virginia Mountaineers
16. Ohio State Buckeyes
17. Virginia Tech Hokies
18. Oklahoma State Cowboys
19. Boise State Broncos
20. Stanford Cardinal
21. Nebraska Huskers
22. Florida Gators
23. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
24. Kansas State Wildcats
25. Louisville Cardinals

Just missed the cut: TCU, NC State, , Washington, Virginia, Texas A&M

Two-A-Days: The ACC

   Atlantic

1. Florida State—The national title contending Seminoles will rely on a suffocating defense to achieve their dreams of raising the crystal football in Miami. The defense returns nine starters from a year ago in which the unit ranked 4^th nationally in total yards and points per game. Defensive end Brandon Jenkins returns after a stellar 2011 in which he racked up 41 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, and eight sacks. Alongside Jenkins will be end Bjoern Werner and five tackles who boast starting experience from a year ago. The linebacking corps also returns two starters, and the secondary is one of the strongest in the nation and will terrorize opponents passing games all season. Let’s review: the Seminoles defense is terrifying and will dominate the conference yet again. On offense, dual-threat quarterback EJ Manuel returns for his senior season and will look to improve on his 2,666 yard, 18 touchdown performance in 2011. In the backfield, the duties will be split between senior Chris Thompson and Devonta Freeman, both of whom have breakaway speed. This team is loaded on both sides of the ball, and even returns their All-American kicker. The Seminoles should be on the short list for national title contenders. Final Prediction: (12-0, 8-0, BCS National Championship) 

2.   Clemson—The Tigers are fielding one of their strongest teams in years, unfortunately for them, so is Florida State. But there is still hope with the return of playmaking wideout Sammy Watkins (1,219 yards, 12 touchdowns) to go along with quarterback Tajh Boyd (3,828 yards, 33 touchdowns) and senior running back Andre Ellington (1,178 yards, 11 touchdowns). In short, the Tigers’ offense will be outstanding and is one of the most explosive in the country. The other side of the ball is undergoing a face lift with the hiring of Brett Venables who is simplifying the scheme and that should help the Tiger’s unit, which struggled mightily last season despite having outstanding athletes. Clemson’s season comes down to two games; September 22^nd at Florida State and October 20^th when they host Coastal favorite Virginia Tech. If the Tigers can escape Tallahassee with a win, the Hokies game is very winnable and it could be the Tigers instead of the Seminoles on top of the conference.  Final Prediction: (10-2, 7-1, Orange Bowl)

3.   NC State—After an excellent eight-win 2011, the Wolfpack are hungry for more. Quarterback Mike Glennon is back after throwing for 3,054 yards and 31 touchdowns last season. If the Wolfpack want to have any chance in the competitive Atlantic division, the line must improve after allowing 38 sacks last season and anchoring a rushing attack that finished 109^th nationally. David Amerson set an ACC record with 13 interceptions last season and heads up a secondary that returns all four starters which should help compensate for a linebacker corps that lost all three starters (one to graduation, one to the NFL, and one to NCAA suspension). The Wolfpack are an excellent squad and could end up with ten wins if they get a few breaks along the way.  Final Prediction (9-3, 5-3, Russell Athletic Bowl)

4.   Maryland—Head coach Randy Edsall will have to rebound from an embarrassing 2011 in which the Terps won two games after winning eight in 2010 under former coach Ralph Friedgen. The Terrapins will now also have to replace both of their starting quarterbacks from a year ago as Danny O’Brien is now the starter at Wisconsin and CJ Brown suffered a torn ACL. Under center this season will be true freshman Perry Hills who came to college park as a highly touted recruit, time to see if he can match the expectations. Hills will be throwing to a solid receiving corps, Maryland’s definite strength, that is headlined by senior Kevin Dorsey (45 catches, 573 yards) and stud freshman and five-star recruit Stefon Diggs who will also return kicks and punts. On defense, Joe Vellano (94 tackles, 7.5 for a loss) will lead the defensive line after garnering All-American honors last season. Defensive end AJ Francis is also a force in the middle and will help the Terrapins stay in games, a feat they struggled with in 2011. Final Prediction:  (5-7, 2-6, no bowl)

5.   Wake Forest—Tanner Price threw for over 3,000 yards last season and is the key returner for the Demon Deacons. Price also threw 20 touchdowns against 6 interceptions and will look to keep that excellent ratio going. The rest of the offense is question mark however, with the return of only two experienced players on the offensive line. Running back Josh Harris will have to regain his 2010 form if he wants to remain the starter after a rocky 2011. Defensively, the Demon Deacons’ strength will be the secondary which returns three excellent starters and will allow the front seven to focus on the run and improve the defense as a whole. This team is still far behind the top of the conference and will need a group of unknowns to step up if they want to achieve the success of the squad that made the Orange Bowl in 2007.  Final Prediction: (4-8. 2-6, no bowl)

6.   Boston College—The worst team in the conference by a decent margin, the Eagles will now have to deal with installing a new running game, after star running back Montel Harris was kicked off the team. Junior quarterback Chase Rettig (1,960 yards, 12 touchdowns) hopes to take another step forward and could be the key to a decent season, something that has been missing in recent years. The Eagles also lost loads on defense with the departure of Luke Kuechly (2x All-American), graduation of top lineman Brian Holloway and top cover corner Donnie Fletcher. In short, the Eagles are too inexperienced to make any real noise and will struggle to win one conference game. Final Prediction: (2-10, 0-8)

Coastal

1.   Virginia Tech—The Hokies had a gut-wrenching 2011, losing in the ACC title game in embarrassing fashion and then getting their heart ripped out in the Sugar Bowl after what looked like a touchdown catch was ruled incomplete. 2012 is a new day for the Hokies however, and they should remain on top of the ACC Coastal. Quarterback Logan Thomas (3,013 yards, 19 passing TDs, 15 rushing TDs) returns and showed steady improvement throughout last season and should continue that upswing. Replacing eight starters, including David Wilson (to the New York Giants) and Danny Coale (Cowboys), will be difficult but the Hokies cupboard is full as usual. On defense, eight starters return and look to capture the suffocating defense of old. Returning the entire defensive line should help, especially since they led the ACC with 41 sacks last season. The linebackers and secondary have a bit of an injury problem, but if they stay healthy the Hokies will undoubtedly remain the class of the ACC Coastal. Final Prediction: (10-2, 6-2, Chik-fil-A Bowl)

2.  Virginia—The Cavaliers made one of the best hires in recent memory by bringing in head coach Mike London in 2010. London has revitalized the program and will continue their ascension in 2012. Mike Rocco looks to have a firm grip of the starting job but must stay focused and avoid mistakes or London could quickly make the change to David Watford, as he did at times in 2011. Perry Jones (915 yards, 5 touchdowns) is solid and will be the go-to option out of the backfield. Defensively in 2011, the Cavs are led by fifth-year senior linebacker Steve Greer who racked up a team-leading 103 tackles in 2011. The secondary is a question mark however and will be tested throughout the year. With an improved offense, the Cavaliers could find themselves in the thick of another division title hunt and will most certainly find themselves in another bowl game. Final Prediction: (9-3, 6-2, Sun Bowl)

3.  North Carolina—The Tar Heels hired Larry Fedora away from Southern Mississippi after last season and hope that he can bring his mid-major success to Chapel Hill. Quarterback Bryn Renner (3.086 yards, 26 touchdowns) will lead the Tar Heels offense. Along with Renner will be sophomore running back Giovani Bernard who rushed for over 1,000 yards as a true freshman. Erik Highsmith (51 receptions) will lead the receiving corps and will be counted on as a third down threat. On defense, the Tar Heels are installing a new 4-2-5 scheme that will look to confuse opposing offenses with unconventional sets and blitzes. The Tar Heels have had outstanding defenses in years past, but the team is lacking on the star power from years before, but if Fedora can get his new scheme to stick and Renner can continue his torrid pace, the Tar Heels will find themselves in the thick of the Coastal race.  Final Prediction: (8-4, 5-3, Belk Bowl)

4.  Georgia Tech—Paul Johnson’s spread option offense gives teams fits as they try to prepare for it on a week to week basis. Playmaker Orwin Smith racked up 615 yards on only 60 carries last season and will look to continue his torrid pace in 2012. 2011’s starting quarterback Tevin Washington is back as well but must improve his decision making after failing to throw a touchdown in the Yellow Jackets’ last seven games. Former UVA head coach Al Groh leads the defense into the third year of his 3-4 scheme which should improve now that Groh has been able to lock down players that fir into the scheme. The Yellow Jackets are still a year or two away from returning to their ACC title heights but Johnson is an excellent coach and could return them to the postseason sooner than originally thought. Final Prediction: (6-6, 4-4, Music City Bowl)

5.  Miami—The Hurricanes are far removed from their glory days when they were consistent national title contenders. Currently, the team is led by quarterback Stephen Morris, who had a decent 2011 but must make a recovery from a back surgery that kept him out of spring practice. The team must also rebound from the loss of over half of their receiving yards from 2011, three starters from the offensive line, and the team’s leading rusher from last season as well. The defense is a bit stronger, especially sophomore Denzel Perryman (69 tackles, 6.5 for a loss) who was second on the team in tackles as a true freshman. The defense must also replace All-American safety Ray-Ray Armstrong who was kicked off the team in July after repeated violations of team rules. The Hurricanes are a few years away from returning to their former glory and with the emergence of Virginia Tech and UVA, it could be even longer. Final Prediction: (4-8, 2-6, no bowl)

6.  Duke—The Blue Devils, a consistent punch line in the ACC, have been steadily improving under head coach David Cutcliffe. Sean Renfree (2,891 yards, 13 touchdowns) is an excellent quarterback and will help the Blue Devils compete in more games than ever before. The offensive line has also improved and will give Renfree more time to pass and should also be the key to an improved rushing attack. On defense, the Blue Devils must rebound from the loss of All-ACC safety Matt Daniels to graduation. The secondary is still strong though with the return of starters Russ Cockrell and Walt Canty. The Blue Devils are improved from recent years and are not even the worst team in the conference anymore. Cutlcliffe is slowly building the program and improvement should continue into the future. Final Prediction: (3-9, 1-7, no bowl)

ACC Title Game: Florida State vs. Virginia Tech--The Seminoles defense will prove to be too much for the inexperienced defense and EJ Manuel will lead the 'Noles over the Hokies and back to the national title game. Winner: Florida State

Offensive Player of the Year: Sammy Watkins, WR/KR, Clemson

Defensive Player of the Year: Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State

Two A Days: The Big East

1. Louisville—The unquestioned class of the weakened Big East, Louisville is also ready to make steps on the national scale as well. Sophomore quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (2,129 yards, 14 TDs) is a stud prospect and will lead the Cardinals offense through the weak Big East. Bridgewater will be targeting a trio of talented receivers led by fellow sophomore Eli Rogers (451 yards, 41 catches). On defense the Cardinals ranked 10^th nationally against the run, but must replace their leading tackler from a season ago. Leading the current crop of defenders will be defensive tackle Roy Philion who racked up 35 tackles in 2011. Final Prediction: (11-1, 8-0, Fiesta Bowl)

2. Pittsburgh—Pittsburgh quarterback Tino Sunseri was sacked 60 times last season—an FBS high—and was also very mistake prone, throwing 10 interceptions to his 11 touchdowns. This season Sunseri must make better decisions and hope the line has been shored up for the Panthers to make any significant process. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald (11 sacks) leads a revamped defense that returns only five starters and is making the transition to the 4-3. Donald is a force in the middle of the field and will be counted on by new coach Paul Chryst to lead the unit. Final Prediction: (8-4, 5-2, Russel Athletic Bowl)

3. Rutgers—With coach Greg Schiano now leading the Tampa Bay Buccanneers, the Scarlet Knights are in a bit of a flux. The starting QB job was split between two players last season and there is no clear cut starter yet. Jawan Jamison (897 rushing yards) provides some stability for the Knights. The defense, however, is another story. Khaseem Greene was named co-Defensive Player of the Year after recording 141 tackles last season. To complement Greene, the Scarlet Knights have six other starters returning and field the conference’s best secondary. Final Prediction: (9-3, 5-2, Belk Bowl)

4. South Florida—BJ Daniels is entering his fourth and final season as the Bull’s starting QB and hopes to make an impact in his last year. In 2011 Daniels threw for 2,604 yards and 13 touchdowns, in addition to over 600 yards on the ground. Daniels also has the core of his receivers coming back, a luxury he has not had since his first year under center for the Bulls. A strong linebacking corps leads the Bull’s defense, headed by Sam Barrington (72 tackles, 6.5 for a loss). The secondary is also loaded with experience and should help the Bulls in close games, an area in which they struggled in 2011.  Final Prediction: (7-5, 4-3, Compass Bowl)

5. Syracuse—With the worst defense in the Big East last season, the Orange struggled to stay in games, 2012 will be a bit better however, as the inexperience that dragged the defense down last year is replaced by young players who cut their teeth in game action. Senior Shamarko Thomas is the heart of the secondary and will also be relied on to lead the defense as a whole. On offense the Orange senior wideout Alec Lemon, who set a school record in 2011 for reception, will provide key experience for the unit that is also in a rebuilding phase. Final Prediction: (6-6, 3-4, Pinstripe Bowl)

6. Cincinnati-It seems like the Bearcats must replace everyone of note on offense, including their leading rusher, quarterback, and receiver from a year ago. The running back duties will be split by George Winn (40 carries, 219 yards) and two sophomores. The Bearcats are also lacking on defensive depth, with the exception of safety Drew Frey (73 tackles) who is a sixth year senior and leader on the field. If the team can compensate for the noted lack of depth with excellent starters, 2012 could be better than expected. Final Prediction: (6-6, 2-5, Beef O’ Brady’s Bowl)

7. UConn—The Huskies are in a difficult spot in 2012. The offense must replace or should replace nearly every player, with the exception of freshman All-American tailback Lyle McCombs (1,151 rushing yards). The Huskies remedied their issues by bringing in high numbers of transfers, from both junior college and D-1, but will struggle to gain any traction in the Big East. On the other side of the ball, eight starters return, led by corner Blidi Wreh-Wilson (real name there, folks) who missed a significant chunk of 2011 due to injuries. The Huskies still have a ways to go to match their success under Randy Edsall in which they reached the Orange Bowl. Final Prediction: (3-8, 1-6, no bowl)

8. Temple—An outstanding 2011, left the Owls flying high in their last season in the MAC. Unfortunately for them, the Big East is quite a bit stronger than the MAC. In addition to the improved competition, the backbone of their high powered running attack is gone, with the graduation of four of the five starters from a year ago. The leading rusher from a year ago, Bernard Pierce, now plays for the Ravens. Replacing Pierce will be a combination of Matt Brown (961 yards) and Boston College transfer Montel Harris.  The defense is also missing 4 all-conference performers from last season and will struggle to replace the talent. In short, the Owls can be competitive in the Big East, but 2012 is not the time. Final Predicition: (2-9, 1-6, no bowl)

Offensive Player of the Year: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

Defensive Player of the Year: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

Two A Days: The Mountain West

1. Boise State- Replacing the FBS’ all-time leader in wins, Kellen Moore, won’t be easy for the Broncos; neither will replacing running back Doug Martin, wide receiver Tyler Shoemaker, and four other starters from an 11-win squad from last season. Stepping up to fill Moore’s shoes will be junior Joe Southwick who threw for 198 yards and a touchdown last season in mop-up duty. Aiding Southwick’s transition will be wideout Matt Miller who hauled in 8 touchdowns and 647 yards last season. Perhaps the biggest hole to fill will be on defense where only two starters return. Luckily for the Broncos, their recent success has had a huge impact on recruiting and there are plenty of viable options to replace what is missing. (Final Prediction: 11-1, 8-0, Maaco Bowl)

2. Nevada-This season the Wolfpack moved from the Boise State dominated WAC, to the Boise State dominated Mountain West.  Quarterback Cody Fajardo (1,707 yards passing, 694 rushing, 17 touchdowns) will be the Wolfpack’s best shot to unseat the Broncos and usher in a new order for the Mountain West. On defense, 6 starters return, but the front seven is inexperienced as a unit and must step up if the Wolfpack want to capture the conference title in their first season. Leading the unit will be senior defensive back Duke Williams who notched 78 tackles last season, including 4.5 for a loss. Final Prediction:  (8-4, 6-2, Poinsettia Bowl)

3. Fresno State-Senior running back Robbie Rouse (1,549 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns) and junior  quarterback Derek Carr (3,544 yards, 26 touchdowns) lead a Bulldogs offense that will be on par with any conference opponent. Senior linebacker Travis Brown (85 tackles, 3 sacks) is also one of the conference’s best, and the return of safety Phillip Thomas who missed last year with a broken leg will help the defense adjust to a new 3-4 scheme. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, they must make trips to Nevada and to the dreaded “smurf turf” of Boise State. These trips, in conjunction with new schemes on both sides of the ball means the Bulldogs will be playing for third. Final Prediction (8-4, 6-2, Independence Bowl)

4. Wyoming-The Cowboys hope sophomore quarterback Brett Smith can match his superb freshman campaign in which he racked up over 3,300 yards of total offense and accounted for 30 touchdowns. If Smith can keep his torrid pace up, the Cowboys could make some significant noise in 2012, and maybe even reach a bowl game for the first time in years. Alvester Alexander will complement Smith out of the backfield after picking up 695 rushing yards last season. On defense, the Cowboys are led by safety Luke Ruff who notched 102 tackles in 2011 and will be a leader on the unit. Final Prediction: (7-5, 5-3, New Mexico Bowl)

5. Air Force-The Falcons return just six starters and will struggle to rise above the middle of the conference. Senior linebacker Alex Means (77 tackles, 9.5 for a loss, 6 sacks) leads the team and will need to have another monster season for the Falcons to achieve success. On offense, the quarterback, running back, and leading receiver all must be replaced in addition to five other starters. Air Force is used to losing a high number of starters every year and will handle it better than most programs, especially under coach Troy Calhoun who stayed with the team despite offers from a number of larger schools. Final Prediction: (7-5, 5-3, Armed Forces Bowl)

6. Colorado State-Chris Nwoke had a breakout sophomore season in which he racked up 1,130 yards for the Rams, and with new coach Jim McElwain’s run-heavy offense, Nwoke will be counted on to match his output from 2011. The Rams also return all-conference center Weston Richburg to a solid line that should anchor the new offense. On defense, leading tackler Shaquil Barrett returns after leading the team with 99 tackles last season. Also returning to a strong linebacker unit is senior James Skelton who finished second on the team with 91 tackles and also added two forced fumbles. Final Prediction: (6-6, 4-4, no bowl)

7. Hawaii-The biggest change for the Warriors in 2012 will be the adaptation of an offense that includes a tight end, a position not seen at Hawaii since the late 90s. Leading the Warriors new offense (installed by new head coach Norm Chow) will be Billy Ray Stutzmann (nice name) who hauled in 910 yards last season and is one of the few returning stars. The defense is also in shaky shape, with only 4 starters returning from a year ago, and only 2 of the front seven. It is a definite rebuilding year for the Warriors who will be much stronger a few years down the road. Final Prediction (5-7, 3-5, no bowl)

8. San Diego State-The Aztecs return 15 starters, including 9 on offense, and should take a step forward in 2012. Senior corner Leon McFadden is already getting NFL looks and earned them with a 47 tackle, 2 interception, and 17 pass breakup 2011. McFadden leads a strong defense and an even stronger secondary that should be the team’s strength. On offense, the Aztecs will rely on Colin Lockett  (970 yards, 8 touchdowns) to ease the transition of new quarterback Ryan Katz (an Oregon State transfer). Final Prediction: (4-8, 2-6, no bowl)


9. New Mexico-Perhaps the most confusing coaching hire of the offseason was made by the Lobos as they hired former ESPN analyst Bob Davie to lead the program, despite Davie being out of coaching since the 90s. Quarterback BL Holbrook (1,490 yards, 4 TDs in 8 games) is one the few players on the team that can make an impact and will be counted on to lead the team or the Lobos could find themselves in the cellar of the league yet again. Final Prediction: (2-10, 1-7, no bowl)



10. UNLV-The Runnin’ Rebels should run from the competition this season, after a miserable 2011, 2012 doesn't look much better. Despite returning 12 starters (6 offense, 6 defense) the Rebels are still one of the worst teams in the conference. They will live up to their name however, with a strong ground game that returns five starters on the line plus tailback Tim Cornett (671 yards, 7 touchdowns) who has led the team in rushing the past two seasons. Defensively, the Rebels will count on John Lotulelei to help the defense improve from its abysmal level last season. Final Prediction:  (1-11, 0-8, no bowl)

Offensive Player of the Year: Chris Nwoke, RB, Colorado State
Defensive Player of the Year: Leon McFadden, CB, San Diego State

Two-A-Days: Conference USA

East

1. Central Florida-The Golden Knights are built around their stellar defense which ranked at the top of the conference in every category, including a stifling scoring defense that ranked 9^th in the nation. In 2012 the Knights return the majority of the unit, including three of the four secondary spots, including senior safety Kemal Ishmael who led the team with 81 tackles in 2011. On offense, sophomore Blake Bortles will be counted on to lead a depleted unit that only returns 3 starters and wasn’t that great to begin with, ranking in the middle of the conference. Running back tandem Latavius Murray and Storm Johnson will need to step up in a big way for the Knights to achieve any out of conference success. Final Prediction (9-3, 7-1, Liberty Bowl)

2. Southern Miss-After a stunning upset of then-undefeated Houston in the Conference USA championship game, the Golden Eagles defeated Nevada in the Hawaii Bowl. 2012 will not be as kind to them, however, as coach Larry Fedora took the head coaching spot at North Carolina. The Golden Eagles will also be without six starters from a rushing attack that led the conference last season, including Jamal Woodyard, their leading rusher who was arrested on armed robbery charges and was dismissed. Defensive end Jamie Collins (98 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks) leads a defense that will attempt to match their top 25 rankings from a season ago. This is a definite rebuilding year for them but don’t count out another run. Final Prediction: (7-5, 6-2, Beef O’ Brady’s Bowl)

3. East Carolina-For the Pirates, improvement must start with the reduction of turnover margin, a statistic that the Pirates ranked next to last in 2011. Another the problem for the Pirates will be their porous offensive line which allowed 2.5 sacks per game last season and anchored a run game that ranked 105^th nationally. The defense is in better shape, with five members of the front seven returning including C-USA Freshman of the Year middle linebacker Jeremy Grove who tallied 122 tackles in his first year Final Prediction:  (6-6, 5-3 no bowl)

4. Marshall-In any other year, the Thundering Herd would be a contender for a division title and possibly the conference championship, however, 2012 is a good year for many teams, and the Herd will be on the outside looking in for yet another season. The offense will be led by sophomore quarterback Rakeem Cato enjoyed modest success in his freshman campaign, throwing for 2,059 yards and 15 touchdowns. On the receiving end of 12 of those TDs was Aaron Dobson; who pulled out of the NFL Draft at the last minute to return to the Herd. Dobson is big (6 foot 3) and experienced and should provide a security blanket for the offense. Six starters return to a defensive unit that ranked in the middle of the pack last season. In 2012, expect a small step forward, led by a strong linebacking corps and an experienced D-line. Final Prediction (4-8, 3-5, no bowl)

5.  UAB-As in most mid-major conferences, a poor defense spells doom for teams that usually find themselves in run and gun battles. Unfortunately for the Blazers, they have a poor defense, ranking in the bottom 10 in scoring, passing, and total defense in 2011. 2012 should be an improvement however, with a linebacking corps rich in experience and size. On offense, quarterback Jonathan Perry will benefit from a deep receiving corps and a new offense brought in by new coach Garrick McGee. In a tough conference however, with the inexperience on defense and the O-line 2012 will yet again be a tough year.  Final Prediction:(4-8, 2-6, no bowl)

6. Memphis-After an abysmal 2011 season in which the Tigers managed to scrape out two wins, 2012 doesn’t so much more promise. A new coach, new quarterback, and six starters back from an offense that was just as bad as you’d anticipate (116^th in total yardage, 115^th in scoring), the offense will be bad yet again. The defense won’t be much better, especially with the worst pass defense in the nation returning three starters. All in all, the Tigers won’t be much better this season and should look to 2013 for possible success. Final Prediction: (2-10, 0-8, no bowl)
 
West

1. Houston-Last year’s mid-major Cinderella story is without record-setting QB Case Keenum and head coach Kevin Sumlin who bolted for the greener pastures of Texas A&M. Despite these losses, the Cougars are still the strongest team in the C-USA West by a large margin. New quarterback David Piland has game experience he picked up in 2010 when Keenum missed 8 games with a torn ACL. The Cougars will also benefit from the return of 4/5 of the offensive line and their leading rusher from last season. On the other side of the ball, seven starters return to a unit whose strength will be the linebackers. Sophomore Derek Matthews led the team in tackles last season with 106 and will anchor the unit. Stability is also present in their special teams unit which returns the kicker, punter, holder, and long snapper from a year ago. Look for the Cougars to repeat as division champs. Final Prediction: (10-2, 8-0, Armed Forces Bowl)

2. SMU-June Jones’ famous run and gun offense he brought from Hawaii has been a boon for the Mustangs who have begun an upward track. 2012 will be a small step back, however, with a brand new offensive line and Texas transfer Garrett Gilbert under center will have to work with an essentially new offense. Senior running back Zach Line is a stellar offensive player and will be counted on to give life to the Mustang's offense. On defense, the Mustangs will maintain their high level from a year ago, if not take a step forward, starting with senior inside linebacker Taylor Reed who notched 101 tackles last season and will lead a linebacker corps that returns three senior starters. Final Prediction: (7-5, 6-2, Ticketcity Bowl)

3. Tulsa-Returning the majority of their skill players, the Golden Hurricanes are primed to repeat the 8 win campaign from a season ago. Running backs Ja’Terian Douglas and Trey Watts combined for over 1,750 yards on the ground in 2011 and should lead the Golden Hurricane’s offense in 2012. H-back Willie Carter is also an offensive weapon as are receivers Bryan Burnham and Jordan James. The defense also has playmakers, led by safety Dexter McColl who hauled in six interceptions last season and is tied for the career record at Tulsa.  Final Prediction: (7-5, 6-2, New Orleans Bowl)

4. Rice-Hybrid running back/wide receiver Sam McGuffie leads the Owls offense that is filled with big play potential. The only problem will be getting these players the ball, quarterback Taylor McHargue only threw for 1,072 yards last season and must improve on his decision making if the Owls are going to make any noise in the competitive West division. Leading tackler Cameron Nwosu (108 tackles, 58 solo) will be the foundation for the defense and LSU transfer Kyle Prater will add speed. The Owls will need more consistency on both sides of the ball if they want to make any real progress in the conference.  Final Prediction: (4-8, 3-5, no bowl)

5. UTEP-The Miners are in the middle of the pack offensively and will need quarterback Nick Lamaison to take a leap forward and cut down on his mistakes from a season ago (10 interceptions against 12 touchdowns). The real strength of UTEP however, is their experienced offensive line; which has four starters from 2011 and will help give Lamaison more time in the pocket and accelerate the run game. Defensively the Miners are terrible, ranking 104^th in total defense in 2011 and bringing in seven new starters for 2012. Final Prediction: (2-10, 1-7, no bowl)

6. Tulane-Senior quarterback Ryan Griffin is one of the lone bright spots on a Green Wave squad that hasn't reached a bowl game since 2002. Griffin threw for 2,502 yards last season, but must improve on his poor 13-10 touchdown to interception ratio. Running back Orleans Darkwa is the team workhorse, averaging 924 yards in his first two seasons, in addition to 13 touchdowns last year. On defense, the team will count on linebacker Trent Mackey to match his 145 tackles from 2011 and lead the experienced linebacking corps. With a brand new head coach and a defense that has to make huge progress for the team to be competitive, it will be a while before there is joy in Tulane. Final Prediction: (1-11, 1-7, no bowl)

Conference Championship Game: UCF vs. Houston. The Cougars will once again fall short against the more experienced Golden Knights who will use their suffocating defense to capture the title. Champion: Central Florida.

Offensive Player of the Year: Zach Line, RB, SMU

Defensive Player of the Year: Jamie Collins, DE, Southern Miss

Two-A-Days: The MAC

East

1. Ohio--2011 saw the Bobcats notch school records in points, total yards, and passing yards thanks to a no-huddle system. Six starters return from that unit, including junior quarterback Tyler Tettleton who amassed just shy of 4,000 yards last season (3,302 passing, 658 rushing, 38 total TDs), so expect the offense to continue its torrential pace from a year ago. The MAC’s 2^nd ranked scoring defense is returning seven starters, including free safety Gerald Moore who racked up 84 tackles including 4 for a loss in 2011. Even the Bobcat’s special teams returns a stellar player, in kicker Matt Weller who ranked 2^nd in the nation in field goals made and was named MAC Special Teams Player of the Year. Final Prediction: (10-2, 7-1, GoDaddy.com Bowl)

2. Bowling Green--The Falcons’ defense should be the calling card for 2012, led by senior defensive tackle Chris Jones who had a monster 2011, picking up 8.5 sacks, 14 tackles for a loss, and forced three fumbles. Jones looks to match that output alongside 8 other returning starters including senior Dwayne Woods who had 111 tackles last season. Offensively, the Falcons will rely on junior quarterback Matt Schulz (3,024 yards, 18 TDs) to make up for the loss of the entire starting receiving corps. The leading receiving returner, Shaun Joplin, only had 21 catches last season and must step up if the Falcons are to challenge Ohio. Final Prediction: (7-5, 6-2, no bowl)

3. Miami (Ohio)--With a passing attack that ranked 14^th in the nation last season returning many key components, the Redhawks will again take to the air in 2012. QB Zac Dysert (3,513 yards, 23 TDs) has his two leading receivers returning as well, most notably Nick Harwell who hauled in 97 receptions for 1,425 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2011. Balance will be key, however, as the Redhawks ranked dead last in rushing last season, averaging an anemic 73.8 yards per game. On the other side of the ball, the Redhawks return six starters from a decent defense including DE Jason Semmes, who tallied 4.5 sacks in 2011, and CB Dayonne Nunley who had 3 picks. Final Prediction (7-5, 6-2, no bowl)

4. Kent State--An atrocious offense (next to last nationally) was the core of the Golden Flashes problems in 2011 and its seven returning starters must take a step forward if the Golden Flashes want to make any noise in a competitive MAC East. The defense is in much better shape however, ranking 21^st nationally in total defense. Leading the seven returning starters is Roosevelt Nix who tallied 17 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks in 2011. The secondary is also ripe with veterans and should help the Golden Flashes stay in games, even with their less than stellar offense. Final Prediction (6-6, 5-3, no bowl)

5. Akron--The Zips ranked near the bottom in most categories on both sides of the ball in 2011 with their lone win coming against perennial FBS doormat VMI (and even that was only by 23 points). 2012 should be better for Akron, with the return of 6 starters on offense, including their leading passer, rusher, and receiver from a year ago. Defensively, the Zips must hope 8 new starters can gel quickly and stop the run, which was a glaring weakness in 2011 (108^th nationally). It will be a long year for the Zips yet again, but it shouldn’t be for too many more seasons. Final Prediction: (3-9, 2-6)

6. Buffalo--In 2011, Branden Oliver set school records in carries, rushing yards, and all-purpose yards, all while just a sophomore. In order for the Bulls to succeed in 2012, Oliver must again put up stellar numbers, especially with another new quarterback, the 3^rd in 3 years. On defense, the Bulls will hope that the 7 starters that return from 2011, can put together another decent year that can allow the offense some breathing room against a tough schedule both outside the conference and in.  Final Prediction: (2-10, 1-7)

7. UMass--Another new program to the ranks of the FBS, the Minutemen are looking to quickly achieve success. That success won’t come in 2012 however, with the Minutemen traveling to Michigan, Indiana, and Vanderbilt in addition to playing a tough conference slate. The star of the team is undoubtedly senior MLB Perry McIntyre who led the team in tackles (116), tackles for a loss (11.5), and sacks (6.5) in 2011. Alongside McIntyre will be seven other returning starters including senior FS Darren Thellen who had 5 interceptions in 2011 to go along with his 68 tackles. With only one wideout with more than one catch (Marken Michael has 3) the Minutemen will struggle to score enough points in the offense-first MAC. Final Prediction (0-12, 0-8, no bowl)

West

1. Western Michigan--The juggernaut of the MAC West, the Broncos are loaded on offense, with 3 year starting quarterback Alex Carder (3,873 yards, 31 TDs) leading a passing attack that ranked 8^th in the nation last year;  and with 6-8 RT Dann O’Neill anchoring the O-line, a ground game should also emerge for the Broncos. Defensively, the Broncos struggled in 2011, including giving up 66 points and 804 yards to conference foe Toledo. The 2012 unit is filled with returning starters and upperclassmen, so look for a marked improvement. Final Prediction (9-3, 8-0, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl)

2. Northern Illinois--2011 saw the Huskies pick up the MAC conference championship and another 11 win season, including a win in the GoDaddy.com bowl against Arkansas State. 2012 won’t be as easy however, as they must try to rebound from losing 8 starters from an offense that ranked 11^th in the country in total yards. The problem is compounded by a tougher schedule, including traveling to MAC West favorite Western Michigan. The Huskies do have the benefit of returning 2011 co-leaders in receptions in seniors Martel Moore and Perez Ashford who both hauled in 47. On defense, the Huskies need to improve to have a shot, despite returning 9 starters. Don’t be surprised however, if the Huskies return to the MAC title game yet again, or if they upset Kansas who visits Dekalb this season.  Final Prediction (9-3, 7-1, Little Caesars’s Bowl)

3. Toledo--Ranking in the top 10 in scoring and total offense in 2011, the Rockets were unquestionably an offensive powerhouse. Unfortunately for head coach Matt Campbell, only 4 starters return from that unit, and the team will be using a new running back, tight end, and three new members of the O-line. Quarterback is less of a question mark, with two proven players battling it out for the starting job. Junior Terrence Owens is the frontrunner after posting 2,022 yards and a sterling 18-3 touchdown to interception ratio last season. The Rockets’ defense is also facing the difficult task of replacing seven starters, but the unit is deep and is helped by key transfers including former Michigan safety Vladimir Emilien who has been moved to linebacker. The Rocket’s 2012 success will depend on how well the new starters gel and adjust to the higher level of competition in the MAC.  Final Prediction (6-6, 4-4, no bowl)

4. Ball State--The Cardinals are primed for a marked improvement from a year ago, as the bulk of the offensive line returns along with the starting quarterback and tailback from a year ago. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, they play in the toughest division in the MAC and also must play the best teams from the MAC East, not to mention their non-conference slate that includes trips to Clemson, Indiana, and Army. The Cardinals will benefit from these contests, in 2013. The defense, which ranked at or near the bottom of the MAC in every category, will have to take massive steps for the team to make any noise. Senior Travis Freeman (134 tackles, four sacks) will lead the unit that will improve, but (yet again) how difficult will it be to improve on the abysmal numbers from 2011? Final Prediction (3-9, 3-5, no bowl)

5. Eastern Michigan--The 14^th ranked rush offense in the country returns in full for 2012, led by QB Aaron Gillet who racked up 736 yards in addition to Javonti Greene (667 yards) and senior Dominique Sherrer. The receiving corps is a question mark however, as two freshman are slated to start for the Eagles. On defense, the Eagles must replace both starting safeties, three members of the defensive line, and half the linebacking corps. Senior linebacker Justin Cudworth (83 tackles, 8.5 for a loss) leads the unit that must pull together if the team hopes to avoid a last place finish. Final Prediction: (3-9, 2-6, no bowl)

6. Central Michigan--The Chippewas have posted consecutive 3-win seasons after reaching incredible heights under the direction of former QB Dan LeFevour. Hope is not all lost however, as another stellar quarterback leads this year’s squad. Ryan Radcliffe racked up 3,286 yards and 25 touchdowns last season and with a receiving corps that remains intact, higher numbers could be in store for the senior. Seven starters return on the defensive side of the ball, but with a defense that ranked in the bottom fifth of FBS last year, those returnees must improve or it will be another long season in Mount Pleasant.  Final Prediction (3-9, 2-6, no bowl)



MAC Title Game: Ohio vs. Western Michigan. The Bobcats are the strongest team in the conference and after blowing a 20 point halftime lead in the 2011 title game, are more focused than ever before. This renewed focus, in addition to the best offense in the conference gives them the edge over the Broncos. Champion: Ohio 

Offensive Player of the Year: Tyler Tettleton, QB, Ohio
Defensive Player of the Year: Travis Freeman, LB, Ball State