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Offense
FSU returns one of the nation’s top QB’s in Heisman Trophy candidate Christian Ponder. Ponder was absolutely lights out in his second year under center as he completed over 60% of his passes and threw for over 2.700 yards. The FSU QB will have three returning starters at his disposal, so these numbers should only get better. Ponder knows Jimbo Fisher’s offensive system to a tee, and he is the perfect leader to direct the Noles to a possible ACC title in 2010.

One of the biggest shocks in offensive football today is that FSU has not had a 1,000 yard rusher since Warrick Dunn in 1996, which is astounding considering the running backs that have been through this system over the last fifteen years. It is also shows the incompetant and underachieving brand of football that took place in the later years of Bowden’s tenure. However, the drought may end this year as RB Lonnie Prior returns as well as an offensive line that is led by LG Rodney Hudson and should be among the nation’s best.

Defese
FSU’s defense in 2009 may have been one of the worst I’ve ever seen. as the unit gave up a dreadful 435 yards and 30 points per game. Mickey Andrews retires and now enters Mark Stoops, who left his brother Mike at Arizona, to try and improve this unit. I really believe he will see some quick success despite the numbers of last season.

Sophomore DT Jaccoby McDaniel should step up immediately and be an absolute star on the defensive front. His HS All-American footage is some of the best I’ve ever seen from high school prospect. FSU should gain improved play from the LBs as Kendall Smith, Jeff Luc, and Nigel Bradham could be as talented as any group in America. The key for FSU will be to shore a pass defense that finished a horrendous #102 in the nation last season. The Noles do lose three secondary starters, but this unit can only get better.

Overall
FSU made a tough, but indeed correct decision as they forced Bobby Bowden out of the head coaching job at the conclusion of the 2009 regular season. It was past time for Jimbo Fisher to take the reigns of this program, and I believe you will see an immediate return to disciplined tenacious football that used to reign supreme in Bowden’s glory years. Fisher reminds me a lot of his mentor in Alabama coach Nick Saban, and they seem to operate out of the same task oriented and focused mindset.

FSU is absolutely loaded on offense as 9 returning starters are back as well as Christian Ponder. Four of their tougher opponents must come to Doak Campbell Stadium, and if FSU can pull an early upset in Norman, OK in September this could be a very special one in Tallahassee.

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Offense
Can Stephen Garcia finally put his immature troubles behind him and lead the Gamecocks to a great season in 2010? Steve Spurrier is hoping that his sharp criticism of Garcia will finally motivate the Gamecock QB to focus and lead South Carolina out of mediocrity. Surprisingly though, Garcia has actually improved every season since he’s been the starting QB and last season completed over 55% of his passes with a 17/10 TD to Int ratio. Not bad for someone who is much maligned. Don’t be surprised if Spurrier’s public chastising is the catalyst for a career season by the South Carolina QB.

Despite the criticism around Garcia, there is a lot of talent on the Carolina offense. The Gamecocks return RBs Kenny Miles and Jarvis Giles who have enjoyed great starts to their careers. However, I believe the star of 2010 will be true freshman RB Marcus Lattimore who was rated as the nation’s #1 RB coming out of HS.

The Gamecocks are also loaded at receiver when Alshon Jeffrey gained 763 yards through the air in only his first season. TE Wesley Saunders is ranked very high on NFL draft boards, however the key for him will be to avoid missed playing time due to the recent NFL agent’s scandal.

Defense
The best decision Spurrier’s made at South Carolina was convincing DC Ellis Johnson to leave Starkville and join the “ole ball coach” at South Carolina. While Johnson does lose All-SEC and leading tackler from 2009 Eric Norwood, he received an early New Year’s present when DE Cliff Matthews decided to return for his senior season. Matthews had 7 tackles last season as he received 2nd team All SEC honors. The secondary is also loaded as the Gamecocks return freshman All-American Stephon Gillmore as well as SR Chris Culliver, JR Akeen Auguste, as well as SO DeVonte Holloman.

Overall
Another season and another year where its expected South Carolina will finally break through. However, in 2010 they really might have a shot. There is major talent at every position on offense and defense, and their 16 returning starters is the 2nd most in the SEC. Also, you would think Spurrier is just too good of a coach to not give the Gamecocks at least one special season before he hangs it up.

Nevertheless, the schedule will be brutal as the Gamecocks get Auburn and Alabama from the West and must travel to Florida and Clemson late in the season. The key for Carolina is getting no worse than a split in the Georgia and Auburn games in the early part of the schedule. I see them losing to Georgia but beating Auburn at Jordan Hare. However, a loss in both and the Gamecocks will be faced with yet another underachieving campaign.

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Offense
Georgia Tech lost standout RB Jonathan Dwyer and 1st round WR selection Demaryius Thomas. However, Tech shouldn’t miss much of a beat. Dwyer will be replaced by former Louisville Cardinal Anthony Allen who in a reserve roll last season ran for 618 yards and averaged over 9.7 yards on carry! Tech is also very high on WR Stephen Hill who is replacing Thomas. He is a similar WR in stature to Thomas at 6’4 195 lbs so the dropoff should be minimal.

The heart and soul of Georgia Tech’s offense, however, lies with QB Joshua Nesbitt. Nesbitt has been the rock for Georgia Tech as he rushed and passed for over a 1,000 yards each last season. Look for similar or maybe even better numbers in 2010 as Nesbitt continues to grow into Paul Johnson’s spread option offense.

Defense
Despite Tech’s great success under Paul Johnson, the defense has serverely regressed during his tenure. When Chan Gailey was at the helm, his DC Jon Tenuta always put out a lethal defense game in and game out that was known for its variety of blitz packages. However, Johnson will try to rectify this problem as he brings in former Virginia head coach Al Groh to implement a 3-4 defense. Groh should have a mature group to work with as six defensive lineman return with starting experience as well the #1 and #3 tacklers in the LB corps in Brad Jefferson and Steven Sylvester respectively. Expect Al Groh to get this defense’s production back in line.

Overall
Paul Johnson has proven his spread offense can work anywhere in college football. In just his second season on “The Flats” he led Georgia Tech to its first outright ACC Title since 1990.

Tech must replace Dwyer, Thomas, and Morgan Burnette in 2010 and must play four preseason top 25 opponents on the road. But, I would not expect much of a dropoff. Johnson has already proven he can win the big games away from Bobby Dodd Stadium as he has won in both Athens and Clemson already in his brief tenure. Plus, Tech’s success is more pretegated on Paul Johnson’s spread option system than his individual talent base so I would expect a continuation of his offensive success. Also, look for Al Groh to significantly improve the Jackets on defense. Many experts predict a down year in Atlanta in 2010, but I disagree. Look for Tech to compete for back to back ACC Titles.

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Offense
The Arkansas offense in 2010 centers around Ryan Mallet. And despite what you may hear from most prognosticators, Mallet must IMPROVE his play for the Hogs to have shot at the SEC West. Despite throwing for over 3,600 yards in 2010 with 30/7 TD/INT ratio, Mallet was dreadful in the big games away from Fayetteville and Little Rock. In four away games last season against top 20 opponents, Mallet complete just 46% percent of his passes and averaged just 223 yds through the air. Not actually great numbers for the SEC’s top QB and one of the NFL’s top draft choices in 2011.

However, Mallet has a load of talent around him to help lead Arkansas to a big season and a possible SEC Championship berth. RBs Ronnie Wingo and Broderick Green return as well as does the SEC’s best receiving corps led by Joe Adams and Greg Childs. Expect big things from this offense in 2010!

Defense
The main reason many people are hesitant to jump on the Razorbacks bandwagon is due to the dreadful performance of Bobby Petrino’s defense the last few seasons. Against Arkansas’ five ranked opponents in 2009, the unit gave up an average of 33.2 points a game. 

However, the Hogs return 7 starters and this unit is expected to be much improved.  The defensive line returns four freshman who started at least one game in 2009 as well as a linebacking corps that has its #1 and #3 tacklers back.  The biggest improvement I expect you’ll see in the Razorback defense is from the secondary.  Highly touted sophomore Darius Winston returns after he missed six starts last year.  This will be a fast, deep, and aggressive unit in 2010.

Overall

I believe Bobby Petrino is one of the great offensive masterminds in college football today.  While at Louisville his explosive offenses lead the Cardinals to 4 bowls and pair of #6 AP finishes.  Many are calling for Petrino to lead Arkansas to similar success in only his 3rd season in Fayetteville.  However, he must naviagte a schedule that will likely have him on the road against 3 ranked conference opponents in Georgia, Auburn, and South Carolina all on the road.  The first big conference game will be in Athens against the Dawgs.  A win there and look out, the Hogs could be in for a special season.

Want to know how the college and pro seasons will shake out? Sign up today to get all of my college and pro football selections this season as well as the rest of the MLB as the pennant chases heat up!  My MLB picks are hitting an unprecedented 72% in 2010, and my college and pro football system was just released today.  Make the best investment you’ll make in 2010 and Get involved!

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Offense
The quarterback race is wide open for Oregon State, and whoever wins the job has big shoes to fill. Departing is QB Sean Canfield who set the world on fire for the Beavers as he threw for over 3,200 yards with over a 67.9% completion percentage.

Ryan Katz is the leader to take over the job, and he will put his faith in junior RB Jacquizz Rogers to smooth the transition. Rogers has been a star in the PAC 10 ever since he exploded on the scene with 186 yards rushing in an upset of top ranked USC his freshman season. In two seasons, Rogers has rushed for nearly 2,700 yards.! Rogers and an offensive line that returns 9 of 10 starters on the 2 deep are the key for the Beaver offense in 2010.

Defense
The front and back of Oregon State’s defense is very experienced led by 2nd Team PAC 10 DT Stephen Paea and a secondary that returns 6 of 8 players. Paea had 43 tackles in 2009 and highly recruited TE Gabe Miller moves over to DE in a move that should pay immediate dividends. Miller is very quick and should have no problem being a terror for PAC 10 QBs. While the Beaver secondary struggled in 2009 (#68 FBS) the depth of upperclassmen should lead the way for a major improvement this season as head coach Mike Riley calls this one of the best secondaries he’s ever coached.

Overall
Mike Riley is one of the most underrated coaches in America, and his teams always out do preseason expectations. The Beavers open the season with TCU in one of the best matchups of the first weekend. While I will pick TCU to win, it will not shock me if Mike Reilly finds a way to pull the upset in a statement game to start the season.

The Beavers also have a realistic shot to gain a trip to the Rose Bowl as they have 5 home games in the PAC 10 and host both USC and Oregon. I would look for a 9-3 season from the Beavers, but don’t be surprised if they surpass my prediction.

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Offense
There may not be a more explosive offensive team in America than the Houston Cougars. Since Kevin Sumlin took over in 2008, Houston has averaged an astronomical 40.6 points per game. Expect this group to be absolutely loaded once again 2010.

Casey Keenum returns to lead an offense that returns its top 3 WRs from last year as well as its two leading rushers. Since taking over the starting QB duties in 2007, Keenum has completed 68% of his passes, and the last two seasons has thrown for 44 TD passes with only 15 Ints. Each of the Keenum’s returning receivers averaged over 1,000 yds receiving in 2009, and has two returning RBs in Charles Sims and Bryce Beall, who each averaged over 5 yds a carry last year. This unit is scary good!

Defense
While Houston’s offense has been spectacular under Sumlin, its defense on the other hand has kept the Cougars from reaching the status eclisped by the Boise State’s and Utah’s of the world. The Cougars defense does have 6 returning starters in 2010 and is expected to be improved under new defensive coordinator Brian Stewart. However, you can call be skeptical. Last season Houston allowed 5.2 ypc and their pass defense was #84 in the FBS. Until this group improves substantially, Houston will not be considered among the elite of the non-BCS programs.

Overall
Houston is another darkhorse team and some experts are calling for an undefeated season this year. They should win CUSA, but they face two BCS opponents on the road in UCLA and Texas Tech. While both games are winnable, I do not expect Houston to run the table due their issues on defense. Teams like Houston have the offense to knock off a team like Oklahoma State (which they did last season) but lose to the UTEPs and UCFs of the world (who clipped the Cougars last year). Expect a similar season to play out in 2010.

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Offense
Utah is absolutely loaded at the quarterback position with sophomore Jordan Wynn and senior Terrance Cain. Wynn is probably the more talented of the two due to his mobility and will likely get the start headed into the season. In just 4 starts in 2009, he sparked Utah to an average of 34 points a game. Cain is not too shabby either. In his 5 starts, Cain threw for 1,624 yards with over a 63 percent completion percentage.

The Utes also have the Mountain West Conference’s best running back combo in seniors Eddie Wide and Matt Asiata. Four starters return on the offensive line including All MWC guard Caleb Schlauderaff. This is a stacked offensive football team.

Defense
The big question mark for Utah in 2010 is its defense. The linebacker corps loses is its top two tacklers in Stevenson Sylvester and Mike Wright. The secondary also could be in trouble as 1st team MWS FS Robert Johnson and 3rd team MWC defensive back R.J. Stanford depart. Johnson was responsible for 6 of the Utah’s 10 Ints in 2009.

The key for this defensive to hold up will be the play of the defensive front who return 4 of 5 starters and add junior college star James Aiono (6’4 290) to play the nose. How well the Utes compensate for its 2009 losses will determine the success this season.

Overall
If you are looking for a darkhorse national title contender in 2010, I believe it is Utah. Despite playing in a non-BCS league the schedule is tough enough to get them to Glendale, AZ if they can run the table. Utah will host Big East favorite Pittsburgh to open their season on September 2 and will travel to South Bend to take on the Notre Dame in the middle of November. While Utah must play both TCU and BYU in conference both teams must travel to Salt Lake City. I am not predicting a national championship berth for Utah, however, but if they get hot don’t be surprised if 2010 is a special season in Utah. Perhaps even more special than the 2008 Sugar Bowl berth.

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