Player Profile: Josh Freeman QB Kansas St.

Pros: Freeman has the size, athletic ability, and the type of huge arm NFL teams salivate over. At close to 6’6’’ and 250 pounds, he is the biggest quarterback among the top quarterbacks in this class. For being as big as he is, he moves very well when there is space in front of him. He is tough for defenders to bring down and will break arm tackles. Besides his running ability, Freeman is impressive throwing the ball. He has the arm to make all of the NFL throws. He improved a lot between his sophomore year and junior year. Durability was not an issue in college and he has the size of a classic pocket passer.

Cons: Freeman definitely has the physical ability, but what isn’t as obvious as his cannon arm is whether or not he also possesses the intangibles needed to be consistent or great at the NFL level. He make some poor decisions and forced throws as a Wildcat. He also needs to work at his ability to read coverages, his touch and be more consistent with his accuracy. Freeman is very raw and will need coaching up when it comes to his mechanics, at times failing to do simple things like set his feet or square his shoulders when throwing. If these problems aren’t corrected, turnovers will be an issue at the next level.

Scouts take: It’s easy to fall in love with Freeman’s big frame and huge arm—he possesses arguably the most upside of any signal caller in this draft. He is viewed as one of the top three quarterbacks in the class and considering he has yet to hit his full potential as a game manager, he could end up at the head of the class when all things are said and done. But Freeman is nowhere ready to start for an NFL team. If he is thrown out on the field next year he could really struggle and it could hurt his ability for the future. One more year at K-State to work on his mechanics wouldn’t have hurt his future as a pro at all. Freeman is not a “product of the system” he played in, unlike most Big XII teams, the Wildcats didn’t rely on the spread alone and he wasn’t surrounded by the same type of weapons that a Graham Harrell or Sam Bradford were. Freeman lined up under center and in shotgun. Despite only playing three years, he has a lot of experience having played virtually since day one and has showed enough potential to land in the first round. Freeman is far from ready to lead an NFL offense, however no less so than 2007 No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell was when he came into the league following his junior season.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Kansas St.)

This Date in College Football History

October 28, 1939: Kansas State's homecoming contest against Nebraska becomes the second college football game ever televised, following the Fordham-Waynesburg contest in New York earlier that fall. The Cornhuskers spoil homecoming with a 25-9 triumph in Manhattan, Kan., before a limited Nebraska ETV audience in the surrounding area.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

O'Brien Quarterback Award Marquee Match-up for Week Six

FORT WORTH, Texas (October 1, 2008) – The 2008 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award® (The O'Brien) Match-ups for week six feature five O'Brien Watch List candidates. The O'Brien continues to highlight weekly match-ups featuring O'Brien candidates as they compete for the prestigious award honoring the nation's best quarterback in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

Marquee Match-up: Texas Tech at Kansas State
Saturday, October 4 at 2:30 p.m. (CST) on ABC
Senior Graham Harrell leads the Red Raiders to the Little Apple to take on Josh Freeman and the Kansas State Wildcats in Saturday's match-up. At the helm of the dynamic Texas Tech offense, Harrell has thrown for 12 touchdowns and 1,573 yards this season, ranking second highest in the nation. His connection with wide receiver Michael Crabtree may give the Red Raiders the offensive edge to continue their undefeated 4-0 record. Freeman, a junior, hopes to direct the Wildcats to a victory at home in Saturday's match-up. Ranked eighth nationally in pass efficiency, Freeman has posted impressive numbers in his four games this season, throwing for 1,105 yards and 11 touchdowns, in addition to rushing for six. He now holds the record as Kansas State's all-time leading passer with 6,238 yards. The seventh-ranked Red Raiders will fight to keep their highest ranking in more than thirty years in this Big 12 conference season opener.

Head-to-Head O'Brien Match-ups (based on start times)
These O'Brien Watch List quarterbacks will clash in this week's games.

* Rutgers (Mike Teel) at West Virginia (Pat White)
Saturday, October 4 at 11 a.m. (CST) on ESPN360.com

About The O'Brien Fan Vote
Fans can now register and vote for The O'Brien Fan Vote online at www.VoteOBrien.org to show their support for their favorite college quarterback. Fans will be able to choose from any of the 119 FBS quarterbacks beginning on Tuesday, September 2, leaving room for the possibility of a quarterback who is not on the Watch List to win the award. The top three quarterbacks who garner the most votes will be added to The O'Brien Semifinalist List, and the Fan Vote will then count as 5% in determining the Finalists and Winner. The 2008 Winner will be announced during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show airing December 11 on ESPN. The recipient will be honored February 16, 2009, at the 32nd Annual Davey O'Brien Awards Dinner at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

CFI: THE BIG 12 NORTH REPORT

BY BROCK MURPHY
BIG 12 INSIDER

1) Last weekend, Missouri had its hands full in the first half of its game with Kansas State in the Little Apple, taking the locker room with just a 21-18 lead. In fact, with just two minutes left in the game, Mizzou’s offense had outgained that of KSU by a single yard (407 to 406). The difference was efficiency. The Tigers were twice as efficient at turning real estate gained into paydirt by producing six offensive TD’s to KSU’s three. Chase Daniel was the efficiency trigger for Mizzou – completing 28 of 41 passes for 284 yards and 4 TD’s (0 INT’s). Tiger receiver Jeremy Maclin snagged nine of Daniel’s tosses for 143 yards and two scores. MU’s Tony Temple kept things honest offensively with his 16 carries for 75 yards and 2 TD’s. An obvious area of concern for the Tigers is pass defense. Ranked 96th, nationally, they entered the KSU game giving up 259 yards per game. KSU made that stat honest by gaining 256 yards and picking up two scores through the air. The Wildcats’ Josh Freeman was ranked 62nd in the nation in pass efficiency (14 TD’s/10 INT’s). Next up? Kansas’s Todd Reesing, who, though nursing a gimpy ankle, has thrown 30 TD’s and only 4 INT’s this season.

2) Kansas made it certain that both teams in next weekend’s battle in Arrowhead Stadium will be in the top 5 with an impressive 45-7 over Iowa State. Clearly bothered by a sore ankle, QB Todd Reesing led the Jayhawk charge with 4 TD’s and 253 yards after completing 21 of 26 passes. Five incompletions and no interceptions… not bad. Keeping things honest, tailbacks Jake Sharp and Brandon McAnderson had 24 combined carries for 153 yards. The Jayhawk defense dominated both sides of the ball – holding ISU to two yards per carry (26-52) while limiting the Cyclone passing attack to less-than 8 yards per catch (24-182). They also intercepted a pass while keeping ISU from tossing a scoring pass. KU’s Aqib Talib could be the nation’s top cornerback but you can bet Missouri’s athletic receivers, Jeremy Maclin and William Franklin noticed Talib’s vulnerability to a combination route, which ISU’s Marquis Hamilton threw on him early in the game for a 46-yard gain.

3) Kansas State lost to Mizzou but put in a good offensive effort in the process. Josh Freeman threw for 256 yards and two TD’s, though the yardage was a hair under 10 yards per completion and he also threw an interception. On the ground, senior James Johnson had his best outing of the year with 172 yards, including a rumbling 66-yard scamper near the end of the 1st-quarter. The Wildcats should be proud of the 406 yards they posted against the Tiger defense but have to be concerned about their three turnovers, including two fumbles. KSU ends the season visiting Fresno State, a team whose defense has produced only 10 turnovers while allowing nearly 200 rushing yards per game.

4) Iowa State ended its season with the 45-7 loss in Lawrence. Head Coach Gene Chizik’s first season was not quite what Cyclone fans had in mind. Having finished 4-8 in 2006, ISU ended 2007 with a worse record (3-9). With the former defensive coordinator and defensive-back coach from Texas at the helm, one expected the Cyclone defense to show great strides against the pass. Numbers did improve for this year’s unit, but not by much. The 2006 Cyclones were the most considerate in the nation to other team’s passers, having allowed a 72.46% completion rate. The 2007 model barely reduced that number (to 69.7%). This year’s defense also bested the 2006 team’s TD/INT ratio – 24/10 (’07) to 26/6 (’06). One area which saw clear improvement under Chizik was rush defense, where this year’s team finished 38th (129 ypg) while last year’s unit was ranked 89th (154 ypg).

5) Nebraska will play for bowl-eligibility against Colorado the day after Thanksgiving but they will also likely be playing their last game for Head Coach Bill Callahan. Seven Husker opponents have run for 195 yards or more this year, including four opponents who have topped the 300-yard mark. As a result, only four teams in the nation (Louisiana-Lafayette, Army, North Texas and UAB) have given up more yards on the ground (228 ypg) than the Black Shirts. The Black Shirts have only produced 11 turnovers this year (3 fumbles, 8 INT’s) while Nebraska’s offense has given up 25 turnovers (11 fumbles, 14 INT’s), which is why Big Red is tied for 114th in the nation in turnover margin. Even with Joe Ganz at the helm, the Huskers’ passing attack has been productive and, in fact, deep-threat Maurice Purify has two straight 100-yard games. Remember, heading into this week’s game against CU, Nebraska has come off of the opposite ends of 70-point games (39-76 at KU; 73-31 vs. KSU), but Joe Ganz now has two games’ worth of experience behind him and nearly two weeks to prepare for this season’s finale. Nebraska has won the last two games against Colorado, besting the Buffaloes 37-14 in Lincoln last year and 30-10 in 2005 in Boulder.

6) Colorado lost to Iowa State two weeks ago to put them in a position where both they and Nebraska will be playing for Bowl Eligibility this Friday. The Buffs don’t do anything particularly well but neither are they among the nation’s worst in any category. Quarterback Cody Hawkins has a shaky TD/INT ratio of 17/15 this year but his 2,452 passing yards this season is positively prolific compared to the 1,422 yards the team posted in 2006. CU’s rushing defense has historically been strong and that remains the case this year (128 ypg [34th, nationally]) and its pass defense is more efficient than last year’s model (58% completion rate; 12 INT’s and 20 TD’s vs. 67% 12/22 in ‘06).

Photo Credit: Mizzou Media Relations

CFI: THE BIG 12 NORTH REPORT

BY BROCK MURPHY
BIG 12 INSIDER

NORTH DIVISION:

1) Nebraska: Another 70-point game for Nebraska. Fortunately, the ‘Huskers were on the correct side of this scoreboard. Two weeks ago, Nebraska gave up 76 points to Kansas – the most allowed in school history. On the wings of that debacle, a five-game losing-streak and virtual certainty that a coaching change will meet the team at the end of the year, few outside of Lincoln expected the Big Red to rebound from the KU humiliation and honor its color-based nickname on Saturday while hosting Kansas State. Yet, a diabolically efficient performance by Joe Ganz (Sam Keller’s backup) helped return pride to the entire state by leading Nebraska to a 73-31 win over the Wildcats. Just how good was Ganz? He completed 75 percent of his 40 passes (30 completions) for 510 yds (17 ypc) and seven touchdowns without throwing a single pick. Receivers Frantz Hardy and Todd Peterson were on the receiving end of five of the Ganz’s scoring tosses. All three of Hardy’s receptions (for 83 yds) were touchdowns while two of Peterson’s four catches (for 85 yds) stopped in the endzone. Nebraska’s 702 yards of total offense was astounding but it is unlikely to save Coach Bill Callahan’s job.

2) Kansas took to Stillwater last Saturday to protect its #4-ranking and in pursuit of a sweep of its Southern Division opponents. Mission accomplished. Playing mistake-free football, the Jayhawks relied on Todd Reesing, who went 27 of 40 (68percent) for 308 yards and 3 touchdowns as well as big Brandon McAnderson (6-0, 235; Sr), who pounded-out 142 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Of course, KU could not have pulled out the win without a solid game from its defense, which had more than its handful with the Cowboys’ stable of athletes on offense. Last year, Adarius Bowman torched the defense with 13 catches, 300 yards and four scores. This year, All-American CB Aqib Talib of Kansas had improved and experienced talent to help him in the backfield and, together, the unit held Bowman to 22 yards on four receptions before leaving the game after Talib gave him a hard hit on the knee while stoning a quick-screen for a loss. Kansas rose to #3 in the BCS standings this week but has continued to rank one spot below Oklahoma in the AP Rankings (OU, 3rd; KU, 4th).

3) Missouri wore its #6 ranking well Saturday at home with a 40-26 win over the visiting Aggies of Texas A&M. Having completed more than 3/4th’s of his passes (27 of 35) for 352 yards and three scores (No INTs), Chase Daniel continued his outstanding season and has demanded mention in the same sentence as that trophy with the leather-helmeted guy. Tiger Tony Temple provided offensive balance with 141 yards on the ground and a score. The Tigers’ early lead influenced A&M quarterback Stephen McGee to turn to the air… where he faired pretty well, actually. McGee completed 64 yards of his passes (18 of 28) for 247 yards and two touchdowns. Efficient, but not productive enough to keep up with the insanely dangerous Mizzou offense. The Tigers’ entered the game 25th in the nation in rushing defense which created an interesting match-up against the Aggies’ 11th-ranked ground game. Tigers won – holding Michael Goodson, Jovorskie Lane and McGee to a combined 39 carries for 133 yards and only one TD.

4) Colorado’s potential for schizophrenia is evidently boundless. The same team which dropped then-#3 Oklahoma and Texas Tech, gave Iowa State only its third-win of this, Head Coach Gene Chizik’s inaugural season. What a curious ride for the Cyclones. With losses posted against Kent State and Northern Iowa, their three wins were against Iowa (15-13), last weekend’s win against Kansas State (31-20) and, now, Colorado. Much of ISU’s success should be offered to Alexander Robinson (5-10, 181), who saw his first feature assignment three weeks ago against Mizzou (21-149, 1 TD) and followed it with a two-touchdown effort last weekend against Kansas State. Against Colorado? Robinson racked up 127 yards and two scores. With pressure taken off of the passing game, the Cyclones’ outstanding receiver, Todd Blythe, was able to draw blood, too (4 rec., 124 yds, 2 TDs).

5) Kansas State has endured an up and down 5-5 season in 2007. With impressive wins over Texas (41-21) and Colorado (47-10), they have now dropped two-in-a-row, including surrendering Iowa State’s first conference win and receiving last weekend’s 42-point drubbing by Nebraska (73-31). The Wildcats have struggled containing opponents’ passing games (93rd; 251 ypg) and could be more productive on the ground (86th; 132 ypg). However, their passing game has flourished (16th; 291 ypg) this season. The problem is that Jordy Nelson is a senior who will take 46 percent of KSU’s passing yards and nine of its 17 touchdown catches with him when he graduates.

6) Colorado, which earned only two wins last season, hoped to become bowl-eligible this past weekend. As pointed out above, Iowa State ruined that plan. Now, the Buffs must play for that honor against their arch-enemy, Nebraska, the Friday after Thanksgiving. CU ranks 99th in both turnover margin and passing-efficiency (55%, 15 INT’s, 17 TD’s). Of course, as much as Colorado would like to improve on the passing stats, the fact is they are a marked improvement over last year’s numbers (47%, 8 INT’s and 7 TD’s). Colorado managed no more than 1,422 passing yards last season. With one game left to play in 2007, sophomore Cody Hawkins has already thrown more than 1,000 yards further.

Photo Credit: Mizzou Media Relations

Kansas State is Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week

DALLAS (FWAA) - With their 41-21 win over at Texas, the Kansas State Wildcats (3-1) are the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week for games of the weekend of Sept. 29.

The Wildcats returned an interception, a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns as they handed Texas coach Mack Brown his worst home loss in ten years.

The K-State defense intercepted four passes in defeating Texas for the second straight season. The 41 points were the most scored by a Texas opponent in Austin since 1997.

"We're not the biggest and strongest team in the country," Kansas State coach Ron Prince said. "We had to create some havoc."

Other Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Bowl National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Sept. 29 included:

· Auburn (3-2): Wes Bynum nailed a 43-yard field goal on the game's final play as the Tigers ended Florida's 11-game winning streak, 20-17.

· Colorado (3-2): Kevin Eberhart kicked a 45- yard field as time expired to cap a 20-point rally in a 27- 24 upset over Oklahoma.

· South Florida (5-0): Ben Moffitt intercepted two passes, including one for a touchdown as the Bulls upset West Virginia, 21-13.

The FWAA has named a national team of the week since the 2002 season. This is the third season that the award has been sponsored by the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Select members of the FWAA board of directors decide the weekly honor. Each Monday during the 2007 college football season, the FWAA will name the Tostitos Bowl National Team of the Week through Nov. 26.

WEEK ONE: STUD VERSUS SLEEPER: DUNLAP VS. JACKSON

BY DANIEL MOGOLLON
CO-FOUNDER
COLLEGE FOOTBALL INSIDERS
It should be no surprise than someone named King David who checks in at 6’8” would be on everyone’s radar. Heading into his senior season, Auburn’s left tackle King (David) Dunlap is among the most highly rated offensive linemen according to the pro scouts. His job is to make sure that not too many people take note of the opposing team’s defensive end by keeping them away from the quarterback. This week, one of those players is Rob Jackson of Kansas St. While not well known – yet, this Wildcat did earn All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, recording 4.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for a loss last season, his first playing Division I football and he is all jacked up about year number two.

“I’m really excited,” Jackson said of getting the season started against the Auburn Tigers this Saturday (7:45, ESPN). “The whole team is excited. During two-a-days and before you put your pads on, you can feel the energy on the field.”

Not only does the K-State senior understand what it means going up against a Southeastern Conference giant such as Auburn, but Mr. Jackson realizes the opportunity he has this weekend.

“Yeah – that’s my goal,” Jackson respectfully stated when asked if he was going to try to take the King’s crown this Saturday. “It’s good. It’s good people get a chance to see me go up against a good tackle. Obviously people are gonna be watching him (Dunlap) – if people are watching him then they’re gonna be watching me so it’ll definitely be a good match up.”

If Jackson is able to break through against Dunlap to sack the Auburn quarterback, the Connecticut native could begin to move up the draft charts for 2008.

Keep an eye out for more studs versus sleepers throughout the college football season.

• To hear the NFL Draft Bible Player Spotlight with Rob Jackson in its entirety click here: http://nfldraftbible.com/
• Click on the “Menu” tab in the DBTV Screen, then click “Audio”

THE NEXT 25 (#'s 26-50)

BY DANIEL MOGOLLON
CFI CO-FOUNDER

FIVE ON THE CUSP:

ACC: Miami Hurricanes: In Calais Campbell and Kenny Phillips, the Canes have two of the most talented players in the nation, however they must regain their swagger. New headman Randy Shannon is an unproven commodity and quarterback Kyle Wright needs to start living up to his schoolboy hype.

Big 12: Nebraska Cornhuskers: The Cornhuskers clearly have the talent to break the Top 25, however at this point they have more questions than answers. Can Sam Keller put it together in one year? Can Marlon Lucky carry the load? Will Bobby Purify stay on the field? How do they replace Adam Carriker?

Big Ten: Iowa Hawkeyes: The Hawkeyes figure to finish fifth, but could end up as high as second in the Big Ten, that is how close they are. Offensively they are deep at the skill positions, as long as sophomore Jake Christenson settles in at quarterback, while they return all four starters along the defensive front.

Pac-10: Oregon St. Beavers: OSU returns eight starters on both sides of the ball and on defense, the Beavers are set to start 11 upperclassman. The only thing that keeps them out is inexperience at the quarterback position. Tailback Yvenson Bernard and receiver/returner Sammie Stroughter are a dynamic duo.

SEC: Arkansas Razorbacks: No one can rival Darren McFadden and Felix Jones in terms of running with the football or versatility. To crack the polls for a second straight season, the Hogs must replace the SEC’s top pass-rusher (Jamaal Anderson) and cover corner (Chris Houston), among others (Tony Ugoh, ect.).

THE MID-MAJORS:

Boise St. Broncos: In his first season as the HC Chris Peterson went 13-0…what will he do for an encore? For one thing, he will have to replace three-year starter Jared Zabransky at quarterback, as well as the Broncos top four pass catchers. All-American candidates Ian Johnson and Ryan Clady return.

Brigham Young University Cougars: Did you know the Cougs finished tenth in the nation in scoring defense? Making it even more impressive is they did it with an all freshman line, a trio that should be that much better this season, complimenting a speedy linebacking corps and stellar secondary.

Hawaii Rainbows: No one can match the prolific passing of Colt Brennan, who has three star receivers to throw to in Davone Bess, Jason Rivers and Ryan Grice-Mullen. Each has an 80-reception season to their credit. The problem…can they stop anyone of substance? Looking at the schedule, they could be perfect.

Houston Cougars: They may have lost star signal caller Kevin Kolb, but they return 15 starters, which should make the Cougars a formidable opponent once again. Anthony Alridge is the most exciting player you have never seen, the senior tailback averaged ten yards per carry last season (95 carries/959 yards).

Southern Miss Golden Eagles: The last time Jeff Bower’s program failed to produce a winning season was in his third year as head coach, which was in 1993. They usually win with stellar defense, their strength again with eight starters returning. Super soph (TB) Damion Fletcher could be a difference maker.

Utah Utes: Even after Urban Meyer left, Utah has continued to post winning seasons. Brian Johnson returns after missing last year, giving Utah a dynamic player under center, to go along with nine other returning starters on offense. The schedule is a killer: @ Oregon St., vs. UCLA, @ Louisville, @ TCU & @ BYU.

THE BEST OF THE REST:

Arizona Wildcats: The last two seasons, the Cats have come up with big second half wins and it is time to put together a full season under Mike Stoops. The questions are can signal caller Willie Tuitama stay healthy on offense, as well as flourish in the spread and can D-End Luis Holmes become a pass rushing force?

Arizona St. Sun Devils: Dennis Erickson takes over a team with nine starters back on offense, including quarterback Rudy Carpenter. He has thrown 40 TDs to 16 INTs in his first two seasons. Underrated Ryan Torain ensures they will have a balanced offensive attack, placing the onus on the defense.

Clemson Tigers: The Tigers appear to be a year away from big things. They return 12 starters from last season’s team, but next year that number could rise as high as 17. The combination of James Davis and C.J. Spiller makes them contenders if youngsters such as Ricky Sapp and Jacoby Ford step up.

Kansas St. Wildcats: Josh Freeman is the real deal at quarterback. If they can improve along the offensive line and the defensive personnel adjusts to the three-four scheme the Cats could be a surprise team. They start two new players at linebacker, while Ian Campbell is learning to play in a two-point stance.

Kentucky Wildcats: There are few teams that can match what Andre’ Woodson and Keenan Burton can do and even fewer that can slow them down. The defense returns eight starters and has ability, but they have yet to do it on the field. After an eight-win season, the Cats will not surprise anyone this year.

Missouri Tigers: In all likelihood, the Tigers will be the top challenger to the Cornhuskers in the Big 12 North, however they have yet to get over that hump under Gary Pinkel. The offense is there, with Chase Daniel throwing to Will Franklin, Martin Rucker and Chase Coffman, but the defense is not.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish: ND has lost a ton of talent, particularly on offense where their leading passer, leading rusher and top two pass catchers have moved on. Hold your hats Golden Domers, but a 0-3 start and a losing record are not out of the question. This is Charlie Weis’s toughest test as the headman.

Oklahoma St. Cowboys: The Pokes could have an impact in the Big 12 South with an explosive offense, led by the dangerous combination of Bobby Reid to Adarius Bowman. When they are not throwing the rock, tailbacks Dantrell Savage and Keith Toston can pick up yards in big chunks as well.

Oregon Ducks: Only once in the last five years have the Ducks won more than eight games and they figure to win about seven or eight this season. For them to have a better year in 2007 tailback Jonathan Stewart will have to have a Heisman-esque season and quarterback Dennis Dixon must become consistent.

Purdue Boilermakers: Curtis Painter to Dorien Bryant, Dustin Keller and Selwyn Lymon could be among Joe Tiller’s most lethal combinations since arriving in West Lafayette. Defense has never been the strength of his teams, but they do return nine starters on defense, including the entire secondary.

South Carolina Gamecocks: This is Steve Spurrier’s best unit since he arrived in Columbia, as his recruiting skills begin to pay off. They could challenge for a spot in the Top 25 but are probably a year away, especially with a schedule that includes road games at Tennessee, LSU, Arkansas and Georgia…ouch!

Texas Tech Red Raiders: Tech has made a bowl in all seven seasons under headman Mike Leach, so I would not be too worried about the losses they suffered. Graham Harrell still figures to top 4000 yards and 35 TDs, however with A & M and OSU on the rise a fifth place (Big 12 South) finish is possible.

Virginia Cavaliers: After taking a step back the Cavs could be back bowling this season. Ten starters return on defense, led by defensive end Chris Long. On offense, the entire line is back, as is quarterback Jameel Sewell, who flashed some potential as a frosh. He must become more consistent in his second season.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons: They will be hard pressed to repeat as ACC champs, nonetheless, with nine starters returning on offense, including QB Riley Skinner, who exceeded expectations as a freshman, we cannot count the Deacs out. A repeat would solidify Jim Grobe among the best in the coaching biz.

Check back tomorrow as CFI begins its preseason Top 25 countdown