College Football Insiders Preview: BCS Busters

By KENNY FRANEK

Last year the BCS Buster came from the Mountain West in the Utes of Utah, their second BCS Bowl trip, while the WAC's Boise St. is no stranger to crashing the party. They are the favorites with other MWC clubs BYU and TCU on the cusp.

The Favorites: Utah & Boise State: The Utes bring back ten of their top-11 tacklers and nine starters overall from last year’s defense. Defensive end Koa Misi and linebacker Stevenson Sylvester will anchor the tenacious defensive group, which should be one of the MWC’s top defenses again (ranked second overall in the conference in 2008). They do, though, have big holes to fill on offense. Almost every skill position will need to be filled, starting with the quarterback. Freshman Jordan Wynn and junior Terrance Cain step in to replace the departed MWC Offensive Player of the Year, Brian Johnson. First-team All-MWC tackle Zane Beadles looks to break in new starters on the offensive line. Utah’s schedule starts off easy and gets tougher as the year rolls along. The true test will come in the final four games of the season when they travel to UNLV, Colorado State, TCU, and BYU. Should they weather that storm, they will be hoisting the MWC trophy at year’s end. This season will test the adage “defense wins championships”. The blue field darlings of Boise State are back to stake their claim as the BCS giant killers once again in 2009. Quarterback Kellen Moore looks to continue the offensive onslaught the Broncos have shown in years’ past. The departure of some key offensive players, including running back Ian Johnson, will make this task a bit more difficult, but Broncos are not lacking for offensive tools. Moore has a strong offensive line on front of him, a unit which only gave up 11 sacks in 2008 and should give him plenty of time in the pocket. The defensive front seven will be extremely depleted with defensive end Ryan Winterswyk the only upper-classmen on the defensive line. However, they will be helped by a secondary that returns almost fully intact, with only one player earning his first full-time gig. They may not be the number one WAC defense again this year due to the inexperience of the defensive line, but they still should be able to hold their own. A tough home opener against Oregon will be a good test to see how good these Broncos will be in 2009. Despite road trips against Louisiana Tech, Hawaii, and Fresno State, they will be WAC champs yet again.

The Contenders: TCU & BYU: The Horned Frogs return seven offensive starters, including all but one skill player. Quarterback Andy Dalton will look to build upon his 2008 success and will have numerous weapons on the offensive end to do so. The Frogs’ top receiver from last season, Jimmy Young, will be Dalton’s go-to guy and should help the offensive run smoothly. The defense will return a bit depleted, but will still have some firepower. The Frogs have five returning starters on defense, including defensive end Jerry Hughes who must get pressure on the quarterback to ease the burden of the new starters. The secondary brings back three starters from a year ago and will look to remain stout. Like most of the BCS busters, the Frogs have a rough spot in their schedule. They have trips Air Force and BYU in October. It definitely won’t be an easy task to run through this schedule, but they do have the talent to get through it with a convincing record. The Cougars of BYU are coming off a great season and hope to carry that momentum into 2009. The offense will try to duplicate last season’s success but it will not be easy as they return only four starters from a year ago. Quarterback Max Hall and tight end Dennis Pitta will be the focal points of the offense. The offensive line brings only one returning starter, left tackle Matt Reynolds. If the Cougars have an Achilles heel, this would be it. They will have a tough task ahead of them trying to keep Hall upright. If the offensive line can hold defenders at bay, this offense should be able to click like so many that came before it. The defense boasts seven returning starters. Defensive end Jan Jorgensen will be the leader of this potentially potent defense, while senior linebackers Matt Bauman and Coleby Clawson look to be a big part of stopping both the rush and the pass. Their schedule is going to be brutal, to say the least. Their opening game is an indication of that as they take on the Sooners at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Luckily, they get Florida State, Colorado State, TCU, Air Force, and Utah all at home. But they will have to go on the road for tough matchups against UNLV, San Diego State, Tulane, and New Mexico. This will be one of the toughest seasons for the Cougars to endure.

The Sleepers: Nevada vs. East Carolina: Nevada has the best offense of all the potential BCS busters. The Wolf Pack attack ranked third in the nation in rushing with 277.8 yards per game. Quarterback Collin Kaepernick was a big part of achieving that total, rushing for over 1,000 yards himself. He also passed for over 2,000 yards and had 39 total touchdowns. The second part of those 277.8 yards per game is running back Vai Taua, who rushed for 1,521 yards in 2008. The Pack also has running back Luke Lippincott who was granted a sixth year of eligibility after missing all but two games last season. Lippincott rushed for 1,420 yards in 2007 so it should be interesting to see how both backs are utilized in 2009. Although they had two players with double-digit sack totals last season, the Wolf Pack ranked dead last in the nation in pass defense, giving up 311.6 yards per game. They should be an improved secondary in 2009 and with this offense any improvement in defense should turn into more wins. The Pirates of East Carolina are coming off a great year. They have eight starters returning on offense and eight on defense as well. Quarterback Patrick Pinkney is behind center again this season which makes this offense a good one. He will have All-Conference selection Sean Allen back at center along with a slew of upper-classmen to help keep defenders at bay. Dwayne Harris returns to play the Z receiver role and should be Pinkney’s first look. The defense returns almost fully intact. Defensive end C. J. Wilson and free safety Van Eskridge will be the anchors of the defense. The Pirates have a fairly easy schedule, playing only one team currently in the pre-season top 25 (Virginia Tech).

Offensive Player of the Year: QB Collin Kaepernick (Nevada) vs. QB Dan LeFevour (Central Michigan): This is a classic battle between a pair of dual-threat quarterbacks. Collin Kaepernick has outstanding weapons on offense, including himself. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season while throwing for over 2,000. He is intelligent, makes great decisions, and flusters defenses with his athletic ability. The return of running back Luke Lippincott should only make Kaepernick more dangerous. If his defense is as porous this season as it was last season, then look for him to be more involved in both the passing and running game in 2009, which could lead to some off-the-chart stats. Dan LeFevour has the ability to make everyone around him better. He is a leader and makes great decisions on the field. His arm is going to be heavily relied upon this season as it has in years past. He failed to crack the 3,000-yard passing mark for the first time in three seasons due to injuries, so as a senior, you would have to expect that he wants to show both fans and scouts what he is capable of and go out with a career season. He has two good wide receivers to help him out in Antonio Brown and Bryan Anderson; both eclipsed 800 yards receiving last year. LeFevour can also be a version of Kaepernick and run with the ball as well. He led his team in rushing with 592 yards in 2008 and 1,1122 yards in 2007. If he can be as offensively sound as he has in the past, he should have the career year he is looking for.

Honorable Mention: QB Case Keenum (Houston), QB Kellen Moore (Boise St.), QB Max Hall (BYU), Tim Hiller (Western Michigan), QB Rusty Smith (Florida Atlantic), DeAndre Brown (Southern Miss.), TE Dennis Pitta (BYU)

Defensive Player of the Year: Jerry Hughes (TCU) vs. Stevenson Sylvester (Utah): Jerry Hughes is a do-it-all defensive end. He can get to the quarterback, defend against the run, and create turnovers. He had 52 tackles, 15 sacks, one forced fumble, and two interceptions last season. He makes the defensive unit of the Horned Frogs a feared one. He often needs the attention of a second blocker because of his unmatched physical ability and overall skill set. TCU’s defense will be a tough one to crack again this season, which will most likely lead to another great stat-stuffing year for one of the best defensive ends in football. Stevenson Sylvester is a terrific linebacker. He has great speed and vision and is a big help to the Utes’ rush defense. He had 69 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season, which are very respectable numbers. He hits very hard, causing two forced fumbles last season. His total tackles were not as high as in 2007 (86), but with the veteran defense he has around him this season he will be able to match or surpass that number. Look for him to go out with a bang and catch scouts’ eyes as the season progresses.

Honorable Mention: DE Justin Cole (San Jose St.), DE Brandon Lang (Troy), CB Kyle Wilson (Boise St.)

Breakout Seasons: RB Jeremy Avery (Boise St.), QB Andy Dalton (TCU), WR Chris Wellington (Nevada): Jeremy Avery steps in as the No.1 tailback as Ian Johnson departed for the NFL. He has had two years to learn the system and be mentored by Johnson, so he should make the most of his first full-time starting role. He not only can rush with a good yards per carry average (6.5 in 2007 and 5.5 in 2008), but he can also be a receiving threat out of the backfield. He had 30 receptions for 379 yards and two touchdowns over the past two seasons in his limited role. Look for him to play a big role in the offensive success of the Broncos in 2009. Andy Dalton showed a big improvement last season after a not-so-hot freshman campaign. He rebounded to throw 11 touchdowns and only five interceptions last season after throwing 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2007. Now that he has experience at the position, he is poised for a big 2009. Having a stellar defense that can create turnovers should help him by taking away a come-from-behind offensive mentality and the need to throw the ball instead of the choice to do so. He should thrive in the Horned Frogs balanced attack. Chris Wellington showed much promise last season, catching 42 passes for 632 yards and six touchdowns. The Wolf Pack have a spectacular running game, which should relieve pressure on him in the secondary and give him freedom to roam. He is sure handed and will be a nice option for quarterback Collin Kaepernick. The porous defense of the Wolf Pack made them get into shootouts in 2008, so if that happens to be the case this season then Wellington’s numbers should increase dramatically.

Best Pro Prospect: Dan LeFevour (Central Michigan): Dan LeFevour is the complete package. He can stand in the pocket and deliver crisp passes and if the pocket collapses he can create positive yardage with his legs. He has Jay Cutler type qualities, which have proved to be a great asset in the NFL. He may not get the chance to start immediately, but down the line he will pay off big for whichever team takes him in the 2010 Draft.

College Football Insiders Picks:

BCS Busters Top Team: Boise State: This seems to be the trendy pick every season, but for good reason. They have a great leader at quarterback in Kellen Moore and a very tough defense. Their schedule is fairly friendly, with their toughest matchup against Oregon at home on September 3rd for their season opener. If they can pull that game out they will be flirting with another undefeated season in 2009.

Offensive Player of the Year: QB Collin Kaepernick, Nevada: Considering he was one of only five players in college football history to pass for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a single season last year, it’s hard to pick against him. He also has a great running back in Vai Taua to take pressure off the passing game and keep defenses honest. There is way too much talent here to think he can’t eclipse 2,000 yards passing and 1,000 rushing again this season.

Defensive Player of the Year: DE Jerry Hughes, TCU: He had 15 sacks last season and has another great defense alongside him in 2009. That makes me think 15 sacks are very reachable and that he could flirt with 18-20 by season’s end. I don’t care who you are playing with, that many sacks should earn you something, so why not Defensive Player of the Year?

Photos Courtesy of Media Relations Boise St. University, Central Michigan University & TCU Athletics Media Relations

BCS Busters Week One Preview

Game of the Week * #19 Oregon Ducks @ #16 Boise State *

Thursday September 3rd * ESPN * 10:15 PM EST

Players to Watch: Oregon: Jeremiah Masoli (QB), Oregon; LeGarrette Blount (RB), Oregon; Walter Thurmond (CB); Boise St.: Kellen Moore (QB), Boise St.; Ryan Winterswyk (DE), Boise St.; Kyle Wilson (CB)

What a terrific game to the start the season. Oregon will need great performances from quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and running back LeGarrette Blount to win this game. Boise State’s blue turf field can be a rude awakening for some teams because it plays so fast. Some teams tend to over-compensate as they’re used to playing on grass fields, which can be slippery and play slow at times. If the Ducks’ defense can adjust to the turf, then they will come out victors. On the flip side, the Broncos need to have an outstanding performance by quarterback Kellen Moore to have a chance in this matchup. He needs to have good protection from his veteran offensive line; which will allow him to keep making smart decisions as he did in 2008. The defense will also have to have a great performance. This will be a big test for the inexperienced defensive line and should be a good measuring stick as to how far they have come during fall practices. They will have a hard task at hand in stopping “The Wrecking Ball”, Blount, who has a punishing running style. This should be a fun one to watch, with stars on both sides of the ball for each team looking to get off to a fast start.

Prediction: Oregon 37, Boise State 24

Other Games to Watch:

BYU vs. Oklahoma: BYU quarterback Max Hall will look to match Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford throw for throw, as the Sooner takes his first step at making a second run at the title game. This game will be played at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas so home field advantage is taken away, which should make for an entertaining matchup even though there will be more red in the stands than blue.
Prediction: Oklahoma 47, BYU 20

**Upset Special**
Nevada @ Notre Dame: The high-powered Nevada offense takes aim at one of the most storied programs in college football. Led by quarterback Collin Kaepernick and tailback Via Taua, the Wolf Pack will look to get the ground game going early in this one and will need to if they have a chance at winning in South Bend.
Prediction: Nevada 40, Notre Dame 33

Western Michigan @ Michigan: There's a classic drop back passer who will have NFL scouts watching closely in this one-but he's not wearing Maize and Blue, it's Western quarterback Tim Hiller. The senior takes on a perennial power in Michigan, with Rich Rodriguez looking to bring them back after a disappointing 2008 campaign.
Prediction: Michigan 42, Western Michigan 17

Florida Atlantic @ Nebraska: The Owls quarterback Rusty Smith will need to avoid turning the ball over against a tenacious Cornhusker’s defense. Wide receiver Cortez Gent will have to play like the No.1 wideout he was in 2007 when he eclipsed the 1,000 yard receiving mark if they have a chance at winning in Lincoln.
Prediction: Nebraska 34, Florida Atlantic 13

Central Michigan @ Arizona: Dan LeFevour will need time in the pocket to pick the underachieving Wildcat secondary apart and move the chains. Ball control will be a key factor in this game and LeFevour has two great wideouts to keep drives alive in Antonio Brown and Bryan Anderson.
Prediction: Arizona 28, Central Michigan 14

Mississippi @ Memphis: The Tigers look to down the one team that beat national champion Florida last season. They will need to rely heavily on running back Curtis Steele to eat up some clock and have quarterback Arkelon Hall be better than he was a year ago if they have a chance at taking down the Rebels.
Prediction: Mississippi 30, Memphis 17

Photos Courtesy of Media Relations Boise St. University and Jaren Wilkey/BYU

CFI Preview: BCS Busters Top Five

1. Boise State Broncos
College Football Insiders: 16
Associated Press: 14
Coaches Poll: 16
2008 Record: 12-1 (WAC: 8-0)
The Broncos hold the No.1 spot due to their record of success, and until they prove they do not belong in the preseason top 25, they should be members of it. They have a solid offensive line which gave up only 11 sacks all season in 2008, a quarterback in Kellen Moore who is a strong pocket passer, and a solid secondary which has all but one returning starter. Their offensive line is a big question mark at this point. They have only two upper-classmen starting while the rest are sophomores earning their first full-time starting jobs. There is definitely more to love than hate with this Broncos team and until they show signs of significant downfall from last seasons’ success, they will be in the BCS Busters’ top-five rankings.
Up Next: 9/3 vs. Oregon; 9/12 @ Toledo

2. Utah Utes
College Football Insiders: 20
Associated Press: 19
Coaches Poll: 18
2008 Record: 13-0 (MWC: 8-0)
The Utes have one of the strongest defenses in the in the nation, returning seven starters from a year ago. They do have holes to fill on offense, including every skill position. Quarterback Corbin Louks has the skill set to take this team far this season due to his ability to run the ball. The fact he can get out of the pocket and make things happen brings huge upside to this revamped offense. They still have first-team All-MMWC tackle Zane Beadles, who will serve as a mentor to the new group of linemen coming in. The defense will be rock solid, but the offense will need to come through and move the chains to keep the defense fresh if the Utes are going to make a BCS Bowl push.
Up Next: 9/3 vs. Utah State; 9/12 @ San Jose State

3. BYU Cougars
College Football Insiders: NR
Associated Press: 20
Coaches Poll: 24
2008 Record: 10-3 (MWC: 6-2)
The Cougars’ Max Hall should do wonders for an offense that brings back only four starters from a year ago. Hall has great pocket presence and an outstanding tight end in Dennis Pitta to throw to if he gets into trouble. The offensive line is young and inexperienced, but could be surprisingly effective. The defense brings back seven starters and should be a force in the MWC. The only factors that could potentially bring this team down from the top-five rankings are their offensive line and the schedule. Playing Oklahoma, Florida State, TCU, Air Force and Utah, will be a big test for this young team. Should they pull a couple of upsets, they will make their way to a New Year’s Day bowl game.
Up Next: 9/5 vs. Oklahoma (Dallas); 9/12 @ Tulane

4. TCU Horned Frogs
College Football Insiders: NR
Associated Press: 17
Coaches Poll: 17
2008 Record: 11-2 (MWC: 7-1)
The Horned Frogs have great balance on offense and return seven starters from 2008. All but one skill position will be a second-year starter which bodes well for this group. Their defense still has the likes of defensive end Jerry Hughes, who can be a game-changing performer and protect the secondary because of his pass-rushing ability. The secondary returns three starters of its own and should be able to hold their own even if Hughes can’t get to the quarterback on every play. The Frogs have one of the softer schedules of the BCS Buster teams and have a great chance of climbing up the top-five rankings as the season progresses.
Up Next: 9/12 @ Virginia; 9/19 vs. Texas State

5. Nevada Wolf Pack
College Football Insiders: NR
Associated Press: 50
Coaches Poll: 40
2008 Record: 7-6 (WAC: 5-3)
The Wolf Pack have a high-powered offense that will cause trouble for opposing defenses. The ground game they possess is tremendous, with the quarterback (Collin Kaepernick) and tailback (Vai Taua) both coming off 1,000-yard seasons in 2008. It is the pass defense that needs to tighten up—they were last in the nation in that department a year ago, surrendering a horrific 311.6 yards per game. Despite a good pass rush, the secondary allowed too many points on the board for the Wolf Pack to win close games. They were 1-4 in games which both teams scored 30 or more points. If the secondary can even remotely catch up with the defensive line, this team will be feared and should end up with a much better record than its 7-6 mark of a season ago.
Up Next: 9/5 @ Notre Dame; 9/19 @ Colorado State

CFI: The Next 25 (26-50) Plus 18 Bowl Teams

Seven Teams On the Cusp:

Atlantic Coast: Miami Hurricanes: Randy Shannon is doing a nice job of replenishing the ‘Canes talent pool. It will be fun watching youngsters such as quarterback Jacory Harris, linebacker Sean Spence, defensive tackle Marcus Fortson, defensive end Marcus Robinson, cornerback Brandon Harris, as well as wide outs Aldarius Johnson, LaRon Byrd and Travis Benjamin—octuplets who flashed ability as true freshmen—grow into stars.

Big East: South Florida Bulls: For the past two seasons the Bulls have been knocking on the door of the national scene—cracking the top ten each season—only to fall short of claiming their first Big East title. They are as talented as any team in the conference, but breaking in four new starters along the offensive line means they will have to settle for making their fifth straight (non-BCS) bowl trip.

Big Ten: Illinois Fighting Illini: With the likes of quarterback Juice Williams and wide out Arrelious Benn leading a deep stable of pass catchers, the Fighting Illini could have the most explosive offensive attack in the Big Ten. If they can find some semblance of consistency and some defense they will crash the top 25 and maybe make a second New Year’s Day bowl in three seasons.

Big XII: Kansas Jayhawks: With senior quarterback Todd Reesing set to pick apart Big XII defenses with his dynamic duo at receiver (junior Desmond Briscoe and senior Kerry Meier) and what should be an improved defense, Kansas hopes to win their first Big XII North crown. They host Nebraska, but must play Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech from the South.

Pac-10: Oregon St. Beavers: Coach Mike Reilly has quietly been one of the most consistent head coaches in college football and despite a difficult schedule, he will have the Beavers among the better teams in the Pac-10. The Rodgers Boys—sophomore running back Jacquizz and junior wide out James—solidify the offense, but eight starters must be replaced on defense.

Southeastern Conference: Arkansas Razorbacks: If headman Bobby Petrino can harness Ryan Mallett’s vast potential—he may have the strongest arm in all of college football—the Razorbacks could be among the nation’s most improved teams this season. Tailback Michael Smith and tight end D. J. Williams are dynamic playmakers and the defense will be better for the lumps suffered in 2008.

Independents: Notre Dame Fighting Irish: The skill position talent is there—particularly at receiver (Golden Tate and Michael Floyd)—and Jimmy Clausen may actually live up to the hype, making the Irish a team on the rise. The biggest concerns come in the trenches, which are often where football games are won and lost. The O-Line is inconsistent, while the D-Line is unproven.

BCS Busters: TCU Horned Frogs: The young Horned Frogs (only 15 seniors) are likely a year a way from being BCS Bowl contenders, but should not be counted out this season, not with balance on both sides of the ball. Andy Dalton provides experience at quarterback, while end Jerry Hughes and linebacker Daryl Washington headline a speedy defense.

Rounding Out the Top 50 - The Best of the Rest:

Arizona Wildcats: The ‘Cats should continue to get better on the defensive side of the ball and there are several talented skill players ready to step up offensively, beginning with all-everything junior tight end Rob Gronkowski. As long as headman Mike Stoops can find a replacement for quarterback Willie Tuitama, Arizona should build on last season’s success.

Arizona St. Sun Devils: A six-game losing streak buried the Sun Devils in year two of the Dennis Erickson era. A talented front seven means they will make a bowl this season, but the fact they must replace Rudy Carpenter and are still searching for a winning combination along the offensive line means they will not reach double digits in wins as they did in 2007.

BYU Cougars: BYU is not far behind TCU or Utah in the race for the Mountain West crown and a BCS bowl. This group of Cougars is looking to become the first in school history to reach double figures in victories four years in a row. If the offensive line and wide receivers gel quickly, coupled with an improved defense, BYU will be dangerous.

Cincinnati Bearcats: In quarterback Tony Pike and wide receiver Mardy Gilyard, the Bearcats possess the offensive firepower to repeat as Big East Champs. However with only one starter returning on the defensive side of the ball, it will be an uphill climb. Chip Kelly is the conference’s best headman so they cannot be counted out, even in what amounts to a rebuilding year defensively.

East Carolina Pirates: With veteran quarterback Patrick Pinkney and strength in the trenches on both sides of the ball, the Pirates figure to be one of the most dangerous BCS Busters once again. There is not shortage of skill players on offense or the defensive backfield. Retaining head coach Skip Holtz was also a coup for the program.

Kentucky Wildcats: The ‘Cats had an explosive offense in 2007 led by quarterback Andre Woodson, but last season it was more of a defensive-minded squad which took them to a third straight bowl game. To make it four in a row, Rich Brooks hopes to find some balance. The offense has gained experience with stud linebacker Micah Johnson and corner Trevard Lindley on defense.

Maryland Terrapins: The Terps are led by an experienced senior signal caller in Chris Turner, but will be one of the youngest teams in the ACC in 2009. That, of course, doesn’t mean they lack talent. With no Georgia Tech or North Carolina on the docket their schedule is favorable and if they can gel sooner rather than later, Ralph Friedgen’s boys could surprise.

Missouri Tigers: After winning consecutive Big XII South titles, the Tigers figure to take a step back with the loss of quarterback Chase Daniels, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, tight end Chase Coffman, defensive tackle Ziggy Hood, and safety William Moore. A home game versus Nebraska could set up a showdown with border rival KU for a spot in the conference championship game.

Nebraska Cornhuskers: The Cornhuskers won six of their final seven games in 2008, which is why they are being picked by many to regain their status as top dog of the Big XII North. Bo Pelini does appear to be the man to get them back on top, but that doesn’t mean they have to do it this season—not with only ten starters back from a nine-win team.

Nevada Wolf Pack: Which quarterback rushed for 1,130 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2008? No it wasn’t Tim Tebow, it was Wolf Pack junior Colin Kaepernick, one of the most exciting players in the nation. They also bring back the WAC rushing champs from 2008 (junior Vai Taua) and 2007 (senior Luke Lippincott).

North Carolina St. Wolfpack: Tom O’Brien appears to have the Wolfpack headed in the right direction and year three in Raleigh should be the first of many winning seasons to come (6-7 in 2008). Led by sophomore signal caller Russell Wilson the offense should be explosive, if they can get the defense turned around—a big if particularly in light of Nate Irving’s injury—NC State could be a sleeper in the ACC.

Northwestern Wildcats: With Pat Fitzgerald leading the program it should be no surprise the ‘Cats possess one of the top defenses in the Big Ten with a potential Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in senior end Corey Wootton, and one of the nation’s top secondaries (all four starters return, including three All-Big Ten performers). If skill players emerge on offense, watch out.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Two years ago the Scarlet Knights’ identity was running back Ray Rice (Rutgers’ all-time leading rusher). Last season it was the passing game, led by quarterback Mike Teel (Rutgers’ all-time leading passer) and wide out Kenny Britt (Rutgers’ all-time leading receiver). Who will step up to be the face of the 2009 team? With a lack of proven playmakers, RU isn’t ready to contend for the conference crown—maybe next year for these Jersey Boys.

South Carolina Gamecocks: It is absolutely stunning the struggles that South Carolina has had finding a quarterback under Steve Spurrier. Despite losing junior defensive backs Captain Munnerlyn and Emanuel Cook, the defense will be staunch once again. However unless junior signal caller Stephen Garcia begins to fulfill some of the promise many had for him, it might not matter.

Southern Miss Golden Eagles: With quarterback Austin Davis, running back Damion Fletcher, and wide receiver DeAndre Brown, as well as an experienced offensive line and a year under their belt in Larry Fedora’s system, the Golden Eagles should have the top offense in the East Division. If the defense catches up, this team will make some noise.

Texas Tech Red Raiders: Losing record-setting quarterback Graham Harrell and star receiver Michael Crabtree was expected, but losing the 22 sacks that junior ends Brandon Williams and McKinner Dixon recorded was not. The strong-armed Taylor Potts should flourish in the shotgun for Tech, who will be hard pressed to repeat their 11 wins of last season.

Wisconsin Badgers: Close losses, poor special teams play, and turnover margin did the Badgers in last season. If they don’t find some answers on defense and quarterback Dustin Sherer doesn’t improve, none of that will matter. The talent is there to stop the downward trend (12 wins in ’06, nine in ’07 & seven in ’08) since Brett Bielema took over, but they’re probably not looking at a top-25 finish.

Others Going Bowling:

Air Force Falcons: Sophomore Tim Jefferson gives the Falcons the type of dynamic presence at quarterback that their best teams have had. They will run the ball well—that is a given—whether or not they have an impact on the Mountain West race will be determined by Jefferson’s development as a passer and the defense. They will be better than last year’s eight-win squad.

Auburn Tigers: Gene Chizik’s first season in Auburn could be a rocky one. They still have questions at quarterback, a lack of playmakers on offense, and little depth in the front seven. While they will be looking up at Alabama once again—way up—there is enough talent with stars like end Antonio Coleman and tackle Lee Ziemba for Auburn to return to a bowl.

Baylor Bears: How do you not root for second-year headman Art Briles and sophomore quarterback Robert Griffin? For the first time since joining the Big XII, look for the Bears to post a winning season—or at least a non-losing regular season—and make a bowl. They have weapons on offense and a defense that should improve with the addition of defensive tackle Phil Taylor.

Buffalo Bulls: The class of the MAC East should again challenge for the conference title after pulling off the upset over Ball St. last season. Quarterback Drew Willy is gone, but stellar tailback James Starks and explosive pass catcher Naaman Roosevelt are back, as is headman Turner Gill who has led the turnaround. A strong back seven could make them better in 2009.

Central Michigan Chippewas: The passing game (quarterback Dan LeFevour, wide receivers Bryan Anderson and Antonio Brown) and a solid front seven (defensive end Frank Zombo, linebacker Nick Bellore) make the Chippewas the favorite in the MAC. However, an equally shaky offensive line and defensive backfield make them vulnerable to challengers.

Colorado Buffaloes: Season four of the Dan Hawkins era is a big one in Boulder. The Buffaloes regressed last season, due in part to rash of injuries. Quarterback play and how quickly the defense adjusts to a new scheme will decide how far they go in 2009—they could go anywhere from struggling to make a bowl to challenging for the Big XII North.

Connecticut Huskies: They must replace running back Donald Brown and quarterback Tyler Lorenzen on the offensive side of the ball. That won’t be easy, leaving the defense to lead the way. The Huskies are stacked at linebacker with a troika of starters returning in Scott Lutrus, Lawrence Wilson, and Greg Lloyd—all juniors.

Houston Cougars: Headman Kevin Sumlin had a solid debut in Houston and with quarterback Case Keenum, tailback Bryce Beall and wide receiver Tyron Carrier all back they should be just as good, if not better, in year two. Like many others in Conference USA, their defense needs work. Nevertheless, they are the team to beat in the West Division.

Memphis Tigers: With five bowl appearances in the past six seasons, headman Tommy West has earned some benefit of the doubt. The Tigers have a very solid defense and skill players galore—see running back Kevin Steele and wide out Carlos Singleton. If they can get improved play from the quarterback position, Memphis could be the surprise of Conference USA East.

Michigan Wolverines: With uncertainty at quarterback and a transition on defense (new defensive coordinator Greg Robinson), the Wolverines are still a year away from being “Michigan” again. Defensive end Brandon Graham, linebacker Obi Eze, and cornerback Donavan Warren are solid building blocks, and there are enough skill players on offense to make a bowl.

Navy Midshipmen: They lose offensive linchpins in quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, slotback Shun White, and fullback Eric Kettani, but you can still expect the Midshipmen to possess one of the top rushing attacks in the nation. What will be different is this season, it could be the defense that leads the way to a seventh straight bowl appearance.

Northern Illinois Huskies: He’s not at the level of Dan LeFevour or Tim Hiller, but Huskies’ sophomore signal caller Chandler Harnish flashed ability as a freshman while leading NIU to a bowl game. Harnish is more LeFevour in that he can hurt you with his arm and legs. A strong offensive line means the Huskies will boast a balanced offense.

Troy Trojans: There is little doubt the Trojans will once again be the class of the Sun Belt. Larry Blakeney continues to churn out stellar defensive units (and NFL prospects) led by senior ends Brandon Lang and Cameron Sheffield. This year with the return of quarterback Levi Brown, running back DuJuan Harris, and wide out Jerrel Jernigan, they could be just as good on offense.

Tulsa Golden Hurricane: As long as Todd Graham leads the Golden Hurricane, Tulsa will bring one of the nation’s most explosive offenses. For the third time in three years they will be breaking in a new quarterback, but there will be no shortage of weapons to throw to. An improved defense could help counter the losses of quarterback David Johnson and running back Tarrion Adams.

UTEP Miners: If you’re looking for a sleeper in Conference USA, the Miners are it. The combination of Trevor Vitattoe (quarterback) to Kris Adams (wide receiver)—both juniors—might be the best you haven’t seen. What held back Mike Price’s club in 2008 was defense, something they must overcome…again. The secondary has potential and could make UTEP a surprise in ’09.

Vanderbilt Commodores: They are not the most exciting team in the country—heck, punter Brett Upson was the MVP of their Music City Bowl victory—but Bobby Johnson’s squad is sound as they come. If they could just get some semblance of an offense to go along with their stellar defense, the ‘Dores could really make some noise in 2009.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons: With senior quarterback Riley Skinner and an experienced front five, Wake’s offense could the best they’ve had in years. With the likes of linebackers Aaron Curry and Stanley Arnoux, as well as defensive backs Alphonso Smith and Chip Vaughn off to the NFL, they will certainly need that offense to come through. One thing is for sure—Jim Grobe’s teams should never be underestimated.

Western Michigan Broncos: A solid offensive line—perhaps the best in the MAC—returns to block for strong-armed quarterback Tim Hiller and the shifty runner Brandon West. The senior duo will need to be at their playmaking best as Butch Jones is rebuilding the entire defense. A home game against Central Michigan gives them a chance to win the West.

Photo Credit: University of Miami Sports Media Relations Office, Mark A. Philbrick/BYU, Brian Utesch, Baylor University Athletics, University of Houston, Wake Forest Athletics Media Relations

Humanitarian Bowl: Maryland vs. Nevada

By JOHN GARRETT

December 30 * 4:30 PM * ESPN

Nevada’s high-powered offense will take on a Maryland squad that had their sights set on the Orange Bowl – but should still be motivated. Maryland will be making its sixth bowl appearance in eight years. After having a shot at the Atlantic Division title – before they dropped back-to-back games to Florida State and Boston College and finished the season 1-3 – the Terrapins should be motivated to end the season on a positive note. The problem is, the Terps have been inconsistent on defense all season and have struggled to run the ball, checking in at 72nd in the nation with 134.5 yards per game. Nevada-Reno finished in a three-way tie for second place in the WAC behind undefeated Boise State. The Wolf Pack won three of its last four regular-season games with the only loss coming to the Broncos. Nevada ranked fifth in the nation in total offense with 510.6 yards per game and second in rushing with 291.4 yards per game. The unit, led by Colin Kaepernick, who has 1,115 rushing yards and 2,479 passing yards, could prove to be too much to handle for Maryland. Running back Vai Taua also rushed for 1,420 yards this year and, with Kaepernick, combined for the country’s second-best rushing attack with 291.42 yards per game. The Wolf Pack defense also ranks fifth in the nation in rushing defense with 74.5 yards per game allowed, but struggled in the secondary, allowing 321.08 yards per game which was worst in the nation.

Inside the Numbers – Pass, Run & Catch

Maryland Terrapins (7-5, 4-4)
Pass: Chris Turner – 2,318 yards, 11 TDs
Run: Da’Rel Scott – 959 yards, 6 TDs
Catch: Darrius Heyward-Bey – 38-561-5 TDs

Nevada Wolf Pack (7-5, 5-3)
Pass: Colin Kaepernick – 2,479 yards, 19 TDs
Run: Vai Taua – 1,420 yards, 14 TDs
Catch: Marko Mitchell – 56-1,011-9 TDs

This Date in College Football History

December 14, 1995: The first-ever Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) overtime game takes place at the Las Vegas Bowl, as Toledo outlasts Nevada 40-37.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame