soonersam
1/12/2012, 07:10 AM
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=mh-huguenin_2012_college_football_preseason_top_25_01 1012
25. Washington
Starters projected to return: 13
Buzz: The defense was a disaster in the Alamo Bowl, and new coordinator Justin Wilcox, who arrives from Tennessee, better hit the ground running. The good news is that the offense should be potent, even without TB Chris Polk. QB Keith Price announced his emergence on the national scene with a huge bowl performance, and WR Kasen Williams and TE Austin Sefarian-Jenkins will be big-time targets. The line returns three starters and should be fine.
24. Utah
Starters projected to return: 15
Buzz: The Utes had an up-and-down season in their first go-round in the Pac-12. If they can adequately replace both starting tackles, the offense should be OK, though ramping up the passing attack would be nice. Linebacker looks as if it could be the only sore point on defense. The secondary has a chance to be excellent.
23. Louisville
Starters projected to return: 16
Buzz: The Cardinals have a shot to finish between 20th and 25th if QB Teddy Bridgewater makes the improvement expected of a sophomore. Bridgewater did a nice job as a true freshman, guiding the Cardinals to a portion of the Big East title. Coach Charlie Strong is a former defensive coordinator, and his defense should be the best in the Big East next season; nine starters should return on that side of the ball.
22. Kansas State
Starters projected to return: 14
Buzz: QB Collin Klein is the key returnee. While he must develop as a passer, his rushing ability opens up all sorts of possibilities for the offense. The line has to replace three starters, and that could be a problem. The Wildcats will be missing a key player at each level of the defense (line, linebacker and secondary), but the unit should be fine overall. K-State was one of the nation’s biggest surprises this season; the Wildcats shouldn’t surprise anyone next season.
21. Virginia Tech
Starters projected to return: 11
Buzz: QB Logan Thomas will be the only returnee of note on offense, meaning coaches will need to do yeoman work in spring drills developing depth at tailback and wide receiver. But there will be no such concerns on defense, which could be the best in the ACC next fall. A talented front seven means it’s going to be hard for foes to run on the Hokies. The secondary will have two new starters, but it still should be an OK unit.
20. Stanford
Starters projected to return: 13
Buzz: While Stanford isn’t going to make a third consecutive BCS appearance, the Cardinal certainly are good enough to win nine games. QB Andrew Luck obviously will be missed, and G David DeCastro and T Jonathan Martin – who also are leaving early – leave gaping holes up front. Defensively, the secondary is a huge concern with the loss of three starters. There could be a superb group of linebackers, though.
19. Clemson
Starters projected to return: 13
Buzz: Rebuilding their psyche after their epic beatdown at the hands of West Virginia might take all spring. Then again, when Sammy Watkins, Andre Ellington, DeAndre Hopkins and Tajh Boyd are on hand, the offense should be just fine. The line must replace three starters, and that always is a scary proposition. The defensive line also has to be rebuilt, but the back seven looks good, especially if some young linebackers become playmakers.
18. Ohio State
Starters projected to return: 14
Buzz: The defense could be – heck, should be – devastating. And for all the talk about Urban Meyer’s spread offense, remember that he had killer defenses in his two national title seasons at Florida. QB Braxton Miller looks to be a perfect fit for the spread, but there are questions everywhere else on offense. Meyer and his staff must find and/or develop some playmakers during spring practice.
17. Nebraska
Starters projected to return: 15
Buzz: The Huskers seemed to lack toughness at times this season, and that likely will be a focal point during spring ball. They have to get better against the run, which makes the departure of star LB Lavonte David an even bigger loss. The offensive line needs improvement, as does the passing attack. QB Taylor Martinez and TB Rex Burkhead are nice pieces to build around offensively.
16. Oklahoma State
Starters projected to return: 13
Buzz: The loss of the Brandon Weeden-Justin Blackmon pass-catch combo is big. The offensive line will have to be rebuilt as well. But there is skill-position talent on offense, most notably at tailback with Joseph Randle and Jeremy Smith. The defense forced a ton of turnovers this season, masking numerous deficiencies. The run defense was abysmal and must improve.
15. TCU
Starters projected to return: 13
Buzz: The biggest concern is the secondary, where three starters have to be replaced in the Horned Frogs’ 4-2-5 set. The move to the Big 12 means TCU will be playing against more high-powered passing attacks, so spring ball is huge in terms of rebuilding the secondary. The front six on defense should be fine. The same goes for the skill-position talent on offense. A rebuilt offensive line could be a problem.
14. Wisconsin
Starters projected to return: 12
Buzz: TB Montee Ball’s return is big, but QB Russell Wilson will be missed. His addition revved up the passing attack, and it seems likely that aspect of the offense will suffer a bit next season. Even with the loss of three starters, the line will be big and physical. Defensively, there is need for overall improvement, especially in the front four. The secondary will have two new starters, and the Badgers also will have a new kicker and a new punter.
13. Michigan State
Starters projected to return: 14
Buzz: There are some questions on offense, as there will be a new quarterback and a drastically revamped receiving corps. But the line has the potential to be one of the best in the Big Ten, and there is a nice group of tailbacks. Defense is where the team should shine. The back seven should be quite good, and the line has a ton of potential.
12. Texas
Starters projected to return: 16
Buzz: The biggest issues are settling on a quarterback and ramping up the passing attack. The offensive line actually could be a strength, and the front four on defense could be nasty, as well. The biggest issue defensively is at linebacker, where two productive seniors are gone. There still is talent at the position, but will the talent produce?
11. West Virginia
Starters projected to return: 15
Buzz: WVU had some head-scratching bumps in the Big East this season, and next season – coach Dana Holgorsen’s second – could be a tough ride because of the move to the Big 12. But there is a lot of skill-position talent on offense, and QB Geno Smith should be extremely comfortable in his second season in Holgorsen’s attack. The offensive line must improve, though. The defense bears watching, as coordinator Jeff Casteel evidently is leaving for Arizona. WVU ran a 3-3-5 set, and Casteel seemed to be one of the few coaches who could get good results from that scheme.
10. Florida State
Starters projected to return: 16
Buzz: On paper, the Seminoles look primed to regain their spot among the national elite. But they looked good heading into the 2011 season, too, and lost four times. The defense should be one of the best in the nation, with playmakers and depth everywhere. The offense must become more consistent. The offensive line is the biggest issue. It wasn’t that good this season, and the two best linemen (Ts Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders) were seniors. T Bobby Hart, who was pressed into duty as a true freshman because of an injury to Datko, looks to be a big-timer, though.
9. Georgia
Starters projected to return: 16
Buzz: A young receiving corps made big strides this season, and the passing attack, with Aaron Murray at the controls, should be excellent. But the offensive line, which struggled at times this season, is a gigantic question mark with the departure of three seniors; two of those, T Cordy Glenn and C Ben Jones, were the Bulldogs’ best linemen. Isaiah Crowell’s long-term viability at tailback also is a concern. The front seven on defense should be nasty, though the secondary could be iffy if some juniors turn pro.
8. Michigan
Starters projected to return: 14
Buzz: The offense again should be potent. QB Denard Robinson has one more year, and TB Fitzgerald Toussaint became a dependable option as this season wore on. Refining the passing attack will be important during spring practice. So will rebuilding the defensive line; three starters are leaving. The back seven on defense has a ton of promise, and it will be interesting to see how coordinator Greg Mattison deploys his guys.
7. South Carolina
Starters projected to return: 13
Buzz: For the first time since he has been at South Carolina, coach Steve Spurrier should go into the offseason confident he has a quarterback who understands what he wants – and can get it done. Connor Shaw’s running ability should add an extra element to Spurrier’s playbook. The back seven on defense will have some holes, but the front four will be solid; the same goes for the offensive line. TB Marcus Lattimore will be back, too, and could end up challenging for the Heisman.
6. Arkansas
Starters projected to return: 13
Buzz: QB Tyler Wilson returns for his second season as the starter, but he will be working with a revamped receiving corps. The return of TB Knile Davis from a knee injury will be big, and the offensive line should be a strength. DE Jake Bequette and LB Jerry Franklin will be missed, but chances are the defense, which will have a new coordinator, will be at least as good as it was this season.
5. Oklahoma
Starters projected to return: 13
Buzz: The Sooners went into the 2011 season as the preseason No. 1, but they ended up losing three times. They won’t be as highly hyped this offseason, but this remains a top-level program. QB Landry Jones’ return is big, and the rushing attack should be fine thanks to the return of four starting linemen and a solid group of tailbacks. A go-to receiver has to emerge. Kenny Stills was fine as the No. 2 guy, but he couldn’t make the transition to the lead guy after Ryan Broyles was hurt. The defense should be better across the board, which should make coach Bob Stoops happy.
4. Oregon
Starters projected to return: 12
Buzz: Chip Kelly’s offense should continue to churn out the yards even without LaMichael James, who is turning pro. In QB Darron Thomas, TB Kenjon Barner and DeAnthony Thomas, who seemingly can play anywhere, Kelly has three playmakers. The offensive line should be at least as good as it was this season. Some receivers need to step up, though. If Kiko Alonso can stay on the straight and narrow, linebacker could be a strength. The defense as a whole should be better than it was this season.
3. Alabama
Starters projected to return: 9
Buzz: There undoubtedly will be some underclassmen turning pro early, but QB A.J. McCarron showed Monday night that he is a nice building block for the offense. He should be protected by a strong line. Depth at tailback must be developed, and a pecking order has to be established at receiver. The front seven on defense should be stout, but depth in the secondary could be a question, depending on who turns pro.
2. USC
Starters projected to return: 17
Buzz: A lack of depth certainly will be a factor, but as long as there aren’t a huge number of injuries, the Trojans should be fine. QB Matt Barkley’s decision to return to school makes USC a legitimate threat to win the national title. (Hmmm … a national title game involving Lane Kiffin and an SEC school? The mind boggles.) The Trojans have the best receiving duo in the nation in Marqise Lee and Robert Woods. The offensive line returns four starters. There is a solid group of tailbacks. This offense should average at least 45 points per game. The back seven on defense will be good, but the front four has to be rebuilt. If it is rebuilt to certain specs, this team will win the national title.
1. LSU
Starters projected to return: 13
Buzz: LSU must use its embarrassing performance in the title game as a sort of offseason fuel. Line play is going to be a strength, especially on defense. Seven of the top eight defensive linemen return, and only one starter must be replaced on the offensive line. Depth at tailback is tremendous. Upgrading the passing attack has to be the No. 1 priority this spring, and Zach Mettenberger – a JC transfer who began his career at Georgia – should be the quarterback. CB Tyrann Mathieu and FS Eric Reid seem likely to be the only returning starters in the secondary, but backup CB Tharold Simon is a big-timer. The linebackers, as a whole, should be better than they were this season.
25. Washington
Starters projected to return: 13
Buzz: The defense was a disaster in the Alamo Bowl, and new coordinator Justin Wilcox, who arrives from Tennessee, better hit the ground running. The good news is that the offense should be potent, even without TB Chris Polk. QB Keith Price announced his emergence on the national scene with a huge bowl performance, and WR Kasen Williams and TE Austin Sefarian-Jenkins will be big-time targets. The line returns three starters and should be fine.
24. Utah
Starters projected to return: 15
Buzz: The Utes had an up-and-down season in their first go-round in the Pac-12. If they can adequately replace both starting tackles, the offense should be OK, though ramping up the passing attack would be nice. Linebacker looks as if it could be the only sore point on defense. The secondary has a chance to be excellent.
23. Louisville
Starters projected to return: 16
Buzz: The Cardinals have a shot to finish between 20th and 25th if QB Teddy Bridgewater makes the improvement expected of a sophomore. Bridgewater did a nice job as a true freshman, guiding the Cardinals to a portion of the Big East title. Coach Charlie Strong is a former defensive coordinator, and his defense should be the best in the Big East next season; nine starters should return on that side of the ball.
22. Kansas State
Starters projected to return: 14
Buzz: QB Collin Klein is the key returnee. While he must develop as a passer, his rushing ability opens up all sorts of possibilities for the offense. The line has to replace three starters, and that could be a problem. The Wildcats will be missing a key player at each level of the defense (line, linebacker and secondary), but the unit should be fine overall. K-State was one of the nation’s biggest surprises this season; the Wildcats shouldn’t surprise anyone next season.
21. Virginia Tech
Starters projected to return: 11
Buzz: QB Logan Thomas will be the only returnee of note on offense, meaning coaches will need to do yeoman work in spring drills developing depth at tailback and wide receiver. But there will be no such concerns on defense, which could be the best in the ACC next fall. A talented front seven means it’s going to be hard for foes to run on the Hokies. The secondary will have two new starters, but it still should be an OK unit.
20. Stanford
Starters projected to return: 13
Buzz: While Stanford isn’t going to make a third consecutive BCS appearance, the Cardinal certainly are good enough to win nine games. QB Andrew Luck obviously will be missed, and G David DeCastro and T Jonathan Martin – who also are leaving early – leave gaping holes up front. Defensively, the secondary is a huge concern with the loss of three starters. There could be a superb group of linebackers, though.
19. Clemson
Starters projected to return: 13
Buzz: Rebuilding their psyche after their epic beatdown at the hands of West Virginia might take all spring. Then again, when Sammy Watkins, Andre Ellington, DeAndre Hopkins and Tajh Boyd are on hand, the offense should be just fine. The line must replace three starters, and that always is a scary proposition. The defensive line also has to be rebuilt, but the back seven looks good, especially if some young linebackers become playmakers.
18. Ohio State
Starters projected to return: 14
Buzz: The defense could be – heck, should be – devastating. And for all the talk about Urban Meyer’s spread offense, remember that he had killer defenses in his two national title seasons at Florida. QB Braxton Miller looks to be a perfect fit for the spread, but there are questions everywhere else on offense. Meyer and his staff must find and/or develop some playmakers during spring practice.
17. Nebraska
Starters projected to return: 15
Buzz: The Huskers seemed to lack toughness at times this season, and that likely will be a focal point during spring ball. They have to get better against the run, which makes the departure of star LB Lavonte David an even bigger loss. The offensive line needs improvement, as does the passing attack. QB Taylor Martinez and TB Rex Burkhead are nice pieces to build around offensively.
16. Oklahoma State
Starters projected to return: 13
Buzz: The loss of the Brandon Weeden-Justin Blackmon pass-catch combo is big. The offensive line will have to be rebuilt as well. But there is skill-position talent on offense, most notably at tailback with Joseph Randle and Jeremy Smith. The defense forced a ton of turnovers this season, masking numerous deficiencies. The run defense was abysmal and must improve.
15. TCU
Starters projected to return: 13
Buzz: The biggest concern is the secondary, where three starters have to be replaced in the Horned Frogs’ 4-2-5 set. The move to the Big 12 means TCU will be playing against more high-powered passing attacks, so spring ball is huge in terms of rebuilding the secondary. The front six on defense should be fine. The same goes for the skill-position talent on offense. A rebuilt offensive line could be a problem.
14. Wisconsin
Starters projected to return: 12
Buzz: TB Montee Ball’s return is big, but QB Russell Wilson will be missed. His addition revved up the passing attack, and it seems likely that aspect of the offense will suffer a bit next season. Even with the loss of three starters, the line will be big and physical. Defensively, there is need for overall improvement, especially in the front four. The secondary will have two new starters, and the Badgers also will have a new kicker and a new punter.
13. Michigan State
Starters projected to return: 14
Buzz: There are some questions on offense, as there will be a new quarterback and a drastically revamped receiving corps. But the line has the potential to be one of the best in the Big Ten, and there is a nice group of tailbacks. Defense is where the team should shine. The back seven should be quite good, and the line has a ton of potential.
12. Texas
Starters projected to return: 16
Buzz: The biggest issues are settling on a quarterback and ramping up the passing attack. The offensive line actually could be a strength, and the front four on defense could be nasty, as well. The biggest issue defensively is at linebacker, where two productive seniors are gone. There still is talent at the position, but will the talent produce?
11. West Virginia
Starters projected to return: 15
Buzz: WVU had some head-scratching bumps in the Big East this season, and next season – coach Dana Holgorsen’s second – could be a tough ride because of the move to the Big 12. But there is a lot of skill-position talent on offense, and QB Geno Smith should be extremely comfortable in his second season in Holgorsen’s attack. The offensive line must improve, though. The defense bears watching, as coordinator Jeff Casteel evidently is leaving for Arizona. WVU ran a 3-3-5 set, and Casteel seemed to be one of the few coaches who could get good results from that scheme.
10. Florida State
Starters projected to return: 16
Buzz: On paper, the Seminoles look primed to regain their spot among the national elite. But they looked good heading into the 2011 season, too, and lost four times. The defense should be one of the best in the nation, with playmakers and depth everywhere. The offense must become more consistent. The offensive line is the biggest issue. It wasn’t that good this season, and the two best linemen (Ts Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders) were seniors. T Bobby Hart, who was pressed into duty as a true freshman because of an injury to Datko, looks to be a big-timer, though.
9. Georgia
Starters projected to return: 16
Buzz: A young receiving corps made big strides this season, and the passing attack, with Aaron Murray at the controls, should be excellent. But the offensive line, which struggled at times this season, is a gigantic question mark with the departure of three seniors; two of those, T Cordy Glenn and C Ben Jones, were the Bulldogs’ best linemen. Isaiah Crowell’s long-term viability at tailback also is a concern. The front seven on defense should be nasty, though the secondary could be iffy if some juniors turn pro.
8. Michigan
Starters projected to return: 14
Buzz: The offense again should be potent. QB Denard Robinson has one more year, and TB Fitzgerald Toussaint became a dependable option as this season wore on. Refining the passing attack will be important during spring practice. So will rebuilding the defensive line; three starters are leaving. The back seven on defense has a ton of promise, and it will be interesting to see how coordinator Greg Mattison deploys his guys.
7. South Carolina
Starters projected to return: 13
Buzz: For the first time since he has been at South Carolina, coach Steve Spurrier should go into the offseason confident he has a quarterback who understands what he wants – and can get it done. Connor Shaw’s running ability should add an extra element to Spurrier’s playbook. The back seven on defense will have some holes, but the front four will be solid; the same goes for the offensive line. TB Marcus Lattimore will be back, too, and could end up challenging for the Heisman.
6. Arkansas
Starters projected to return: 13
Buzz: QB Tyler Wilson returns for his second season as the starter, but he will be working with a revamped receiving corps. The return of TB Knile Davis from a knee injury will be big, and the offensive line should be a strength. DE Jake Bequette and LB Jerry Franklin will be missed, but chances are the defense, which will have a new coordinator, will be at least as good as it was this season.
5. Oklahoma
Starters projected to return: 13
Buzz: The Sooners went into the 2011 season as the preseason No. 1, but they ended up losing three times. They won’t be as highly hyped this offseason, but this remains a top-level program. QB Landry Jones’ return is big, and the rushing attack should be fine thanks to the return of four starting linemen and a solid group of tailbacks. A go-to receiver has to emerge. Kenny Stills was fine as the No. 2 guy, but he couldn’t make the transition to the lead guy after Ryan Broyles was hurt. The defense should be better across the board, which should make coach Bob Stoops happy.
4. Oregon
Starters projected to return: 12
Buzz: Chip Kelly’s offense should continue to churn out the yards even without LaMichael James, who is turning pro. In QB Darron Thomas, TB Kenjon Barner and DeAnthony Thomas, who seemingly can play anywhere, Kelly has three playmakers. The offensive line should be at least as good as it was this season. Some receivers need to step up, though. If Kiko Alonso can stay on the straight and narrow, linebacker could be a strength. The defense as a whole should be better than it was this season.
3. Alabama
Starters projected to return: 9
Buzz: There undoubtedly will be some underclassmen turning pro early, but QB A.J. McCarron showed Monday night that he is a nice building block for the offense. He should be protected by a strong line. Depth at tailback must be developed, and a pecking order has to be established at receiver. The front seven on defense should be stout, but depth in the secondary could be a question, depending on who turns pro.
2. USC
Starters projected to return: 17
Buzz: A lack of depth certainly will be a factor, but as long as there aren’t a huge number of injuries, the Trojans should be fine. QB Matt Barkley’s decision to return to school makes USC a legitimate threat to win the national title. (Hmmm … a national title game involving Lane Kiffin and an SEC school? The mind boggles.) The Trojans have the best receiving duo in the nation in Marqise Lee and Robert Woods. The offensive line returns four starters. There is a solid group of tailbacks. This offense should average at least 45 points per game. The back seven on defense will be good, but the front four has to be rebuilt. If it is rebuilt to certain specs, this team will win the national title.
1. LSU
Starters projected to return: 13
Buzz: LSU must use its embarrassing performance in the title game as a sort of offseason fuel. Line play is going to be a strength, especially on defense. Seven of the top eight defensive linemen return, and only one starter must be replaced on the offensive line. Depth at tailback is tremendous. Upgrading the passing attack has to be the No. 1 priority this spring, and Zach Mettenberger – a JC transfer who began his career at Georgia – should be the quarterback. CB Tyrann Mathieu and FS Eric Reid seem likely to be the only returning starters in the secondary, but backup CB Tharold Simon is a big-timer. The linebackers, as a whole, should be better than they were this season.