Spring Conference Breakdowns - Big XII South

For the first time in recent memory, the Big XII South took a back seat last year to it's counterparts in the Big XII North. Missouri and Kansas were the stories for much of the season, while the failures of Oklahoma and Texas garnered attention. This year lookf to return to form as the South is once again ready to assert it's dominance over the North.

I have listed the teams below in the order in which I think they will finish.

1. Oklahoma Sooners

2007 Recap - 11-3(6-2) Lost to West Virginia 48-28 in the Fiesta Bowl.

2008 Preview- Back-to-back Fiesta Bowl losses have left the fan base in Norman extremely anxious this year. Lucky for them these Sooners are one of the early favorites to make a run at the national title. Heisman hopeful Sam Bradford is back, and he is looking to build upon last year's successes when he exploded onto the national scene. Bradfor will have steady receivers to throw to that include Juaquin Iglesias and Manuel Johnson. The Sooners alos look to add speedster Ryan Broyles to the receiving mix this season. Oklahoma may have the deepest running back rotation in the nation. DeMarco Murray is back to handle starting duties for the Sooners. Superb quality back-up Chris Brown and incoming Freshman Jermie Calhoun will provide Murray with breathers.Defensively, the Sooners will be outstanding once again. Linebackers Jeremy Beal and Ryan Reynolds are back to lead a defense that also includes DB Lendy Holmes and DT DeMarcus Granger.

The Sooners play two decent non-conference games vs. Cincinnati and at Washington. In Big XII play, the Sooners toughest game on the road may be a trip to Texas A&M. Kansas and Texas Tech both make the trip to Norman this season, and of course, there's the annual match-up with Texas in Dallas as well.

Difference Maker - Sam Bradford QB. With the depth at the running back position, the Sooners can still compete if DeMarco Murray or Chris Brown were to go down. This is not the case with Bradford. Oklahoma would be in for a long season if Bradford is injured or somehow fails to produce.

Biggest Game - Oct. 11 vs. Texas in Dallas. Once again this game will more than likely determine the Big XII South winner. This game may also have national title game implications.

Intangible - The depth at the running back position is truly amazing. Bob Stoops is able to plug in a running back whenever necessary and their seems to never be any drop-off.





2. Texas Longhorns


2007 Recap - 10-3(5-3) Defeated Arizona St. 52-34 in the Holiday Bowl.

2008 Preview - This season the Longhorns will have to perform to the best of their abilities if they want to keep pace with Oklahoma. Texas does return Colt McCoy at QB. McCoy is an early Heisman candidate once again. He will have returning receivers Quan Cosby and Jordan Shipley to throw the ball to, as well as incoming freshman Dan Buckner. Vondrell McGee will be replacing Jamaal Charles at the running back position after Charles declared for the NFL Draft. Defensively, the Longhorns are lead up front by DE's Brian Orakpo and Sam Acho. They will be backed up by LB Rashad Babino. CB Curtis Brown will have to step up and be the leader of the young secondary.

Texas renews it's long time rivalry with Arkansas this season by hosting the Razorbacks. In Big XII play, Texas will travel to Texas Tech and Kansas. They will also host Missouri and Texas A&M, as well as the annual game with Oklahoma in Dallas.

Difference Maker - Colt McCoy. McCoy will have to have a Heisman type season that has been expected of him in order for the Longhorns to dream of a national title.

Biggest Game - Oct. 11 vs. Oklahoma in Dallas. Texas will have to take this series back in order to turn the tide in the Big XII.

Intangible - New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp will bring an extreme intensity to this defensive unit. The impact that Muschamp will have on players like Babino and Orakpo could turn Texas into one of the elite defenses in the nation.




3. Texas Tech Red Raiders


2007 Recap - 9-4(4-4) Defeated Virginia 31-28 in the Gator Bowl.

2008 Preview- There is a ton of optimism in Lubbock for this Texas Tech football season, and rightfully so. Most of the main components from last year's squad are back to help improve upon last year's record. It's not so far-fetched to consider Texas Tech as a contender for the Big XII South title. QB Graham Harrell is back to lead the explosive Red Raider offense. Last year's breakout star, Michael Crabtree is back to lead the receiving corps, along with Eric Morris and Detron Lewis. Perhaps the most over-looked player on this team is running back Shannon Woods. Woods is a terrific receiver out of the backfield, and he can come through when the Red Raiders need a few yards on the ground. Everyone knows about Texas Tech's offense. However, it's their defense that will be the key to their success this season. On several occasions last season, Texas Tech was just unable to stop opponents. Texas Tech's secondary looks to be improved with DB's Darcel McBath and Jamar Wall returning. Also, converted receiver L.A. Reed will try his skill at the safety position this season.

This year's Big XII slate will be a difficult one for Texas Tech. With away games against Texas A&M, Kansas and Oklahoma, as well as a home date with the Texas Longhorns.

Difference Maker - Michael Crabtree. Last year's Biletnikoff winner is easily the favorite to win once again.

Biggest Game - Nov. 1 vs. Texas. The Red Raiders will need to capitalize on home-field advantage when Texas comes to town. If they are able to, they put themselves right in the thick of the divisional race.

Intangible - As I have said, this Texas Tech team will only go as far as their defense will take them. The defense did show signs of improvement late in the year under interim coordinator Ruffin McNeill. McNeill's interim tag has been removed, and it will be interesting to see what this defense can do with a full year under his tutelage.

4. Texas A&M Aggies

2007 Recap - 7-6(4-4) Lost to Penn St. 24-17 in the Alamo Bowl.

2008 Preview - It seems like a black cloud has been lifted over College Station with the departure of Dennis Franchione. New coach Mike Sherman may not have been the hot prospect coach that some Aggie fans wanted. However, Sherman will bring a steadying calm that was often missing during the Franchione regime. Tough - nosed QB Stephen McGee is back to run the offense. With departure of TE Martellus Bennett and the absense of a true deep-threat receiver, except for Pierre Brown, look for the Aggies to once again run the ball down their opponent's throats. Two big reasons the Aggies will be able to do this are the one-two combo of running backs they possess. Bruiser Jorvorskie Lane will get the bulk of the carries, while speedster Mike Goodson will provide a much needed change of pace. The Aggies may have one of the deepest secondaries in the Big XII. Jordan Pugh, Alton Dixon, Devin Gregg and Arkeith Brown all return to the defensive backfield.

The Aggies will host a much-improved Miami Hurricanes team in the non-conference portion of their schedule. Within the Big XII, Texas A&M plays at Texas while hosting Texas Tech and Oklahoma.

Difference Maker - Mike Goodson. The Aggies are a bruising, pound it out type football team. Goodson brings a necessary change of pace to their offensive system. He has the ability to take it the distance every time he touches the ball.

Biggest Game - Oct. 18 vs. Texas Tech. The Aggies always seem to have trouble with Tech. This will be a huge revenge game for A&M, and could go a long way in deciding how their season will turn out.

Intangible - In a year in which Texas A&M needs all the help they can get in order to prevent a slide, they receive some help from their own schedule. A&M avoids all the top teams of the Big XII North this season. Also, with the exception of the Texas game, all of their "tough" games will be played in College Station.

5. Oklahoma St. Cowboys


2007 Recap - 7-6(4-4) Defeated Indiana 49-33 in the Insight.Com Bowl

2008 Preview - Oklahoma St.'s 2007 season may best be known for Mike Gundy's rant rather than his team's play. On the field, the Cowboys were one of the most prolific offensive teams in the conference. Dual threat QB Zac Robinson is back to run Gundy's offense. Last year's leading rusher, Dantrell Savage, must be replaced. That task goes to Kendall Hunter. Robinson will have a plethora of receivers to throw to. Dez Bryant , Jeremy Broadway and Artrell Woods all provide great speed and skill at the receiver position. The best receiver on the team, however, may be TE Brandon Pettigrew. The Cowboys need to improve defensively this season if they wish to better their record from last season. In the secondary, DB's Perrish Cox and Jacob Lacey return. They are joined by fellow retuning starters Derek Burton at DE and Patrick Lavine at LB.

Oklahoma St. plays a rather difficult non-conference schedule with a game in Seattle vs. Washington St., as well as home games vs. top non-BCS schools Houston and Troy. In Big XII play, the Cowboys play at Missouri and Texas Tech. Home dates vs. Texas A&M and Oklahoma also are on the schedule.

Difference Maker - Zac Robinson. Robinson makes this offense go. If he can improve upon last year's impressive season, Oklahoma St. can go pretty far.

Biggest Game - Oct. 4 vs. Texas A&M. Oklahoma St. opens Big XII play against the Aggies in Stillwater. Oklahoma St. would love to open the season in a big way.

Intangible - Mike Gundy's fire and passion for this program is readily evident. This year should be the year that the Cowboys make a move up the Big XII ranks. With Gundy at the helm it's not impossible to think that Oklahoma St. could do just that.





6. Baylor Bears


2007 Recap - 3-9((0-8)

2008 Preview - Baylor does not return too many weapons from last year's squad. Art Briles will have to make due with what was left him in his first year in Waco. The Bears return QB Blake Szymanski from last year's squad. The starting running back for the 2008 season will be Jay Finley. The returning receivers for Baylor will be Thomas White, Justin Akers and David Gettis. If Baylor wishes to improve upon last year's disappointing season, they will have to do so with their defense. Up front, the Bears are lead by DE Jason Lamb and DT Vincent Rhodes. LB Joe Pawelek is back to lead the entire defense along with S Jeremy Williams.

Baylor's non-conference slate features 3 pretty tough games in home dates with Wake Forest and Washington St. and an away contest against Connecticut. The Big XII schedule doesn't get any easier for the Bears as they play at Texas and Texas Tech as well as host Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas A&M.

Difference Maker - Joe Pawelek LB. Pawelek is the key to the defense and the entire team. If the offense can follow his lead on the other side of the ball, the Bears may be able to surprise a few people.

Biggest Game - Oct 1.. vs. Iowa St. This game may provide Baylor with their best chance to win a Big XII game.

Intangible - Art Briles brings an energy to this program that has been lacking for far too many years in Waco. It may not be this year, but the Bears may be able to turn the corner under Briles very soon.

Spring Conference Breakdowns - Big Ten

Big Ten football has taken an image hit over recent years due to their champion Ohio St. Buckeyes getting demolished in back-to-back national championship games. While the Big Ten may be a little over-hyped at times, this year we may see a resurgence in the conference.

I will be breaking down every team from the Big Ten. I have them listed below in the order that I predict them to finish.




1. Ohio St. Buckeyes


2007 Recap - 11-2(7-1) Lost to LSU 38-24 in the BCS National Championship Game.

2008 Preview - The Buckeyes return almost their entire roster from a year ago. That means extremely high expectations in Columbus. Todd Boeckman returns at QB for Ohio St. If Boeckman can put up similar numbers to the ones he put up last year, the Buckeyes should have no trouble breezing through the Big Ten. Super recruit Terrelle Pryor also allows the Buckeyes to install a few gadget plays on offense. Boeckman will have reliable receivers in Brian Hartline and Brian Robiskie to throw the ball to. Chris Wells is also back to stake the claim of being the best running back named Wells in Ohio St. history (and there's been plenty). Ohio St. also returns plenty of talent on the defensive side of the ball. Linebackers James Laurinaitis, Marcus Freeman and Curtis Terry all return. Malcolm Jenkins and Donald Washington also return to patrol the defensive backfield.

Ohio St. warms up for the Big Ten season by traveling to Los Angeles to take on USC in a HUGE non-conference match-up. In Big Ten play, the Buckeyes travel to Wisconsin, Michigan St. and Illinois. They do host Michigan this year to close out the season.

Difference Maker- Chris Wells RB. The Buckeyes are almost unstoppable when they have a solid ground game. Wells gives them a game breaker in the backfield necessary to make it to a third straight title game.

Biggest Game - Sept. 13 @ USC. This game will go a long in way in silencing the critics(including me) that say Ohio St. can dominate the Big Ten but just aren't capable of defeating top tier SEC and PAC-10 teams.

Intangible- As much as I hate the sweater vest, Jim Tressel is one of the best coaches in college football. Tressel may have pulled off his best job last year with an unproven group. With an experienced team returning for Tressel, the ceiling is extremely high.



2. Illinois Fighting Illini


2007 Recap 9-4(6-2) Lost to USC 49-17 in the Rose Bowl

2008 Preview - The Illini return two of the more exciting players in the Big Ten with QB Juice Williams and WR Arrelious Benn. The two hooked up early and often last season and look to continue that trend this season as well. Benn will not be the only target for Williams to throw to as Kyle Hudson is also back in Champaigne. The Illini lost a lot with the departure of all-everything Rashard Mendenhall. Daniel Dufrene will step into the feature back position. Dufrene performed admirably in stints last year as he was providing much-deserved breathers for Mendenhall. On defense, Illinois returns 3 potential all-Big Ten performers in DL Will Davis and DB's Vontae Davis & Dere Hicks.

The Illini open the season with their annual rivalry game vs. Missouri in Kansas City. In Big Ten play, Illinois plays at Penn St., Michigan and Wisconsin, and hosts Ohio St.

Difference Maker- Juice Williams QB. Williams has a tremendous knack for making something out of nothing. A play is never truly broken when Williams is in the game.

Biggest Game- Nov. 15 vs. Ohio St. If the Illini can pull off the upset for the second year in a row, this could be the 2008 Big Ten champs.

Intangible- Arrelious Benn is much like Randy Moss in the sense that, if there is good coverage down field, the QB just has to loft the ball up and Benn will go get it. Having that ability is what makes this offense so dangerous, especially in the Big Ten.



3. Wisconsin Badgers


2007 Recap - 9-4(5-3) Lost to Tennessee 21-17 in the Outback Bowl.


2008 Preview- The bad news for the Badgers is that they must replace starting QB Tyler Donovan. The good news is that whenever a new QB takes over for Wisconsin, he seems to improve upon the previous year's starter. This task falls upon Kansas St. transfer Allan Evridge this year. Evridge is a more gifted athlete than Donovan, howver he will need to show that he is capable of showing maturity and leading this team. One thing that Evridge has going for him is the fact that Wisconsin has 3 running backs that could all be all-conference if they were a feature back on another team. P.J. Hill, Zach Brown and Lance Smith will all carry the ball effectively this season. All Big-Ten TE Travis Beckum returns to help out in the passing game, which would otherwise lack a go-to receiver. Defensively, the Badgers return Mike Newkirk and Matt Shaughnessy to the D-line as well as all Big-Ten linebacker Elijah Hodge.

The Badgers face a rather light non-conference schedule before they open up Big Ten play. With conference games at Michigan and Michigan St. and vs Ohio St., Penn St. and Illinois, they will need the early season break.

Difference Maker- P.J. Hill RB. Of all 3 of Wisconsin's backs, Hill may be the most valuable to his team. Hill plays a major role in both the rushing and passing game for the Badgers.

Biggest Game - Oct 4. vs. Ohio St. See Illinois.

Intangible - Other than at QB, Wisconsin may have the most experienced team in the Big Ten. Look for this to help out the Badgers in tough situation throughout the season.



4. Michigan St. Spartans


2007 Recap - 7-6(3-5) Lost to Boston College 24-21 in the Citrus Bowl

2008 Preview - Michigan St. returns a ton of offensive talent from last year's team. QB Brian Hoyer is back to lead the team in what is hopefully a program changing season. Javon Ringer returns at RB to pose a dangerous receiving threat coming out of the backfield. Hoyer will also Mark Dell and Deon Curry as dependable receiving targets. The Spartans were miserable on defense last season. Coach Mark Dantonio is hoping for better results this season. Look for the MSU secondary to lead the way with CB Kendrell Davis-Clark and SS Otis Wiley.

Michigan St. plays a somewhat difficult non-conference schedule with a game at California and a home date with Notre Dame. The Spartans Big Ten slate includes games at Michigan and Penn St. as well as home contests vs. Ohio St. and Wisconsin.

Difference Maker- Javon Ringer RB. As I have stated earlier, Ringer is just as important in the passing game as he is in the running game. He makes this offense go.

Biggest Game- Oct. 25 @ Michigan. With Michigan re-building and the Spartans hopefully on an up-swing. This year could lead to a few years of MSU supremacy over the Wolverines.

Intangible- Mark Dantonio has brought an intensity to this program that has been lacking in recent years. I look for this football team to feed off of their head coach and improve tremendously on the field.

5. Penn St. Nittany Lions

2007 Recap - 9-4(4-4) Defeated Texas A&M 24-17 in the Alamo Bowl.

2008 Preview- The Nittany Lions must replace QB Anthony Morelli from last year's squad. This could be seen as both a positive and a negative by Penn St. fans. Daryll Clark is the leading candidate to replace Morelli. Although Clark is more athletic, he may not have some of the intangibles that Morelli possessed. Clark will have plenty of help as Penn St. returns a trio of receivers that are as good as any other team's in the conference. Derrick Williams, Jordan Norwood and Deon Butler are all back in Happy Valley. Bruising back Evan Royster also returns to help provide a running game that was missing at times last season. Sean Lee hopes to continue the Linebacker U tradition alive after the departure of Dan Connor. Lee will get help in the secondary from CB Lydell Sargeant and S Anthony Scirrotto. DE Maurice Evans also returns to make the Nittany Lions one of the better defensive units in the Big Ten.

Penn St. host Oregon St. early before opening up conference play. In the Big Ten, Penn St. will play at Wisconsin and Ohio St. as well as Illinois, Michigan and Michigan St. at home.

Difference Maker- Derrick Williams. I say this every year, but THIS will be the year that Derrick Williams breaks lose and shows everyone his talent.

Biggest Game - Sept. 27 vs. Illinois. Penn St. needs to open up Big Ten play in a big way if they want to have a successful season.

Intangible- Penn St.'s receiving corps is extremely deep and experienced. Norwood, Williams and Butler should help ease the transition from Morelli to Clark this season.

6. Michigan Wolverines

2007 Recap - 9-4(6-2) Defeated Florida 41-35 in the Capital One Bowl

2008 Preview - 2008 is a total re-building year for the Wolverines. A new coach, new offense and almost entirely new defense means big changes are ahead for this Michigan program. Chad Henne and Ryan Mallett's departure have left a huge void at the QB position. Steven Threet and David Cone will be battling this Spring to see who becomes the starter. Although neither are exceptionally gifted at running the spread, they should be able to provide adequate play for Rich Rodriguez. Mike Hart's departure left a huge void in the running game as well as the team leadership role. While Brandon Minor and Carlos Brown should be adequate replacements for Hart, it remains to be seen if they can become team leaders. Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington, last year's top receivers, are gone. This makes way for Greg Mathews and Junior Hemingway to fill the void. Carson Butler does return at TE to help the new QB. The Wolverines were not very good defensively last year. They hope to better this year with the return of some key starters. S Brandon Harrison, CB Morgan Trent and DE's Tim North and Tim Jamison all return for Big Blue.

The new starters will have time to adjust as the Wolverines do not face a tough opponent until Big Ten play starts. In conference, Michigan plays at Penn St. and Ohio St., and they host Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan St.

Difference Maker- Greg Mathews WR. Michigan has a great tradition at the wideout position. I can't remember a year in which the Wolverines did not have a top-notch guy in the receiving corps. This year, Mathews will have to be the man to step in and live up to the role.

Biggest Game - Nov. 22 @ Ohio St. This series has been all OSU in recent memory. With a re-building year this year, a huge upset over the Buckeyes would mean a great deal for the Rich Rodriguez era in Ann Arbor.

Intangible- Rich Rodriguez will look to install his spread offense at Michigan. If recent history proves anything, it's that the spread offense works very, very well against Big Ten competition. If Rodriguez is able to have any kind of success with his offense this year, the Wolverines may stay in the Big Ten race until season's end.

7. Indiana Hoosiers

2007 Recap - 7-6(3-5) Lost to Oklahoma St. 49-33 in the Insight.Com Bowl

2008 Preview - The Hoosiers are looking to build upon last season in which they were the feel good story of the year. Indiana will have a lot of the pieces necessary to repeat their success. Kellen Lewis is back to handle the duties at QB. Marcus Thigpen returns at RB. Thigpen also plays a pivotal role in IU's passing game. Indiana does need to fill a void at the WR position. Bill Lynch is banking on Ray Fisher, Andrew Means and Brandon Walker-Roby to increase their production. The Hoosiers look to once again be solid on defense. They are anchored by S Austin Thomas.

Indiana plays a favorable non-conference schedule before entering conference play. Within the Big Ten, the Hoosiers will travel to Illinois and Penn St., and will play host to Michigan St. and Wisconsin.

Difference Maker- Kellen Lewis QB. Like Juice Williams of Illinois, Lewis has the ability to make something out of nothing. Lewis also has a strong arm that allows him to get the ball down field while on the run.

Biggest Game- Oct. 18 @Illinois. This could be a battle of the two up and coming teams of the Big Ten.

Intangible- Indiana has struggled for several years to get over the hump and make a bowl game. Now that they have accomplished that, the Hoosiers can set their sights much higher and play with a little more confidence.

8. Purdue Boilermakers

2007 Recap - 8-5(3-5) Defeated Central Michigan 51-48 in the Motor City Bowl.

2008 Preview - Purdue is returning a rather experienced team this season. Curtis Painter will once again be the Boilermakers' QB. Painter will have two reliable backs lining up behind him in Kory Sheets and Jaycen Taylor. Sheets will get most of the work, while Taylor will provide a nice change of pace. WR's Desmond Tardy and Greg Orton will look to add balance to the offense with a steady passing game. Purdue will be solid on defense once again as several key members of last year's squad returns. Up front, DT Alex Magee will help with run support, along with LB Anthony Heygood. In the secondary, S Brandon King and CB David Pender will help defend the passing game.

Unlike a lot of the teams in the Big Ten this season, Purdue will face a tough non-conference schedule. The Boilermakers will host Oregon and play at Notre Dame before beginning Big Ten play. Within the conference, Purdue will play at Ohio St. as well as Michigan St., and will host Penn St. and Michigan.

Difference Maker - Curtis Painter QB. It will Painter's job to make this offense work this season. When he is playing at his best, the Boilermakers are hard to beat.

Biggest Game - Oct. 11 @ Ohio St. Just like everyone else in the Big Ten, a win at Ohio St. could lead to very big things this season.

Intangible - Purdue just may have the hardest hitting defense in the Big Ten this year. If their defense comes out early and starts laying the wood, they can really wear on opponents and affect the outcome of the game.

9. Northwestern Wildcats

2007 Recap - 6-6(3-5)

2008 Recap - Northwestern is returning a ton of talent offensively from last year. QB C.J. Bacher is back to try to lead the Wildcats to a bowl game. Tyrell Sutton is back at RB. Sutton may be the most underrated RB in the Big Ten. He has the ability to break a game open if he receives enough blocking up front. The receiving corps is alos deep with returning wideouts. Ross Lane, Eric Peterman and Andrew Brewer are all back to provide the Wildcats with steady play at the position. Defensively, Northwestern is lead by a trio of hard-hitting players. S Brad Phillips and LB's Malcolm Arrington and Prince Kwateng can play both the run and pass extremely well.

Northwestern will have a chance to ease into Big Ten play with a rather easy non-conference scheduel. In the Big Ten, Northwestern plays at Michigan and hosts Michigan St., Ohio St. and Illinois.

Difference Maker - Tyrell Sutton RB. Sutton has game-breaking ablity, and he'll have to use it to help Northwestern reach a bowl game this season.

Biggest Game - Oct. 18 vs. Purdue. This will be Northwestern's homecoming game this season. A big win over a bowl team can help rejuvenate the Wildcats.

Intangible- This season the Wildcats do not face any real tough opponents on the road. Their toughest away opponent will be at Michigan. With the Wolverines expecting a down year, the Wildcats might be able to pull that one off. Northwestern needs to use this schedule to their advantage and make a bowl game.

10. Iowa Hawkeyes

2007 Recap - 6-6(4-4)

2008 Preview- The Hawkeyes offense seemed to be stagnant at times last season, especially down the stretch. Kirk Ferentz is hoping to reverse that trend this season. He will have to do it with the same QB from last season as Jake Christensen is back to lead the offense. Christensen will have WR's Trey Stross and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos to throw to. At RB, Jevon Pugh will be handling the rushing duties. While Iowa's offense was sputtering late down the stretchm their defense was performing admirably. The Hawkeyes do return several key players from last year's defense. S Brett Greenwood is back in the secondary as DT's Mitch King and Matt Kroul will help stop the run.

Iowa plays a tough non-conference game at Pittsburgh. In the big Ten, Iowa will play at Michigan St. and Illinois. They will host Wisconsin and Penn St. in conference as well.

Difference Maker - Mitch King DT. On a team with a struggling offense, the defense will have to carry the whole team, and defense starts up front.

Biggest Game - Sept. 13 vs. Iowa St. Last year the Hawkeyes were embarassed by their in-state rival. Iowa will need to win to prove that game was just a fluke.

Intangible - On a team in which the defensive front is propably the most important factor in the season's success, it's a good thing the Hawkeyes have an outstanding front four. These guys will need to play superb consitently if they want to improve upon last year's record.

11. Minnesota Golden Gophers

2007 Recap - 1-11(0-8)

2008 Preview - Needless to say, last year was a disappointment for Minnesota. The Golden Gophers were considered by most to be the worst team in the nation last year. Although Tim Brewster did a great job of recruiting this year, the Gophers may still be a year or two away from becoming mildly successful. Adam Weber returns at QB. Weber did show some promise in certain situations last year. His main target will be WR Eric Decker. Minnesota has been known for their running game in the past. This year, Duane Bennett will be in charge of putting together a successful season at the running back position.The only bright spot for Minnesota's defense heading into Spring is their linebacking corps, highlighted by Steve Moore and Steve Davis.

Thankfully, Minnesota does not face any top-tier teams outside of conference play. With the Big Ten, Minnesota plays at Ohio St., Illinois and Wisconsin. They also host Michigan.

Difference Maker - MarQuis Gray QB. Gray is one of the impact players that Brewster recruited this offseason to Minneapolis. Although Gray will not start the season at QB, look for him to add some much needed excitement to this program.

Biggest Game - Nov. 22 vs. Iowa. Minnesota did not win a Big Ten game last year. This might be their best opportunity to do so this year.

Intangible - Youth could be bad for some programs. That is not the case for these Gophers. Their youthful exuberance will help them stay in a few more games this year.

Spring Conference Breakdowns - SEC West

Over the past few years the SEC has reigned supreme over the college football landscape. Sure there have been a few uprisings from teams like USC, Ohio St, Oklahoma or Texas, but the SEC has remained steadfast as the top conference. There are no off weeks in SEC play. This has never been more true than this year. The two bottom teams from last year; Ole Miss and Vanderbilt, are poised this year to make a run at a bowl.


I will be breaking down every team in the SEC West, and explore their strenghts and weaknesses. I have them listed below in the order I expect them to finish the 2008 season.






1. LSU Tigers

2007 Recap - 12-2(6-2) Defeated Ohio St. 38-24 in the BCS National Championship Game.

2008 Preview - The Tigers seemed to have all the weapons needed to defend their natioanl title. All that changed, however when Les Miles suspended Ryan Perilloux indefinitely. It still remains to be seen if Perilloux will sit out the season. If so, LSU is stuck with Andrew Hatch, Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson as possible replacements. Whoever will be slinging it, he will have the most talented corps of receivers in the SEC to throw to. Brandon LaFell, Terrance Tolliver, Chris Mitchell, Demetrius Byrd and Tindon Holliday all return at WR. Defensively, the Tigers were tasked with replacing All-American Glenn Dorsey on the defensive line. Marlon Favorite and Ricky Jean-Francois will pick up the slack up the middle while ends Kirsten Pittman and Tyson Jackson round out the line.

The Tigers will be playing 8 home games this year. Look for Death Valley to be a tremendous advantage for this LSU team. The 4 away games are extremely tough, however. LSU travels to Auburn, Florida, South Carolina and Arkansas.

Difference Maker - Keiland Williams RB. Williams provides a running threat to balance out with the passing game.

Biggest Game - Nov. 8 vs. Alabama. Nick Saban's Tide will be playing tough to try to de-throne the Tigers as the SEC West champs.

Intangible - Trindon Holliday's speed provides numerous mismatches on both offense and special teams. Look for the Tigers to run plays similar to Percy Harvin at Florida.




2. Auburn Tigers



2007 Recap - 9-4(5-3) Defeated Clemson 23-20 in the Peach Bowl.

2008 Preview - Aubrun is looking to replace long-time started Brandon Cox at QB. Kodi Burns and Chris Todd are the leading candidates heading into Spring. Kodi Burns is a big dual threat QB like Tim Tebow at Florida. We all know what happened when Tebow replaced long-time starter Chris Leak. This will be the first time in recent memory that Auburn does not have an established running back returning to carry the rock. The key to Auburn's offense this year may very well be TE Tommy Trott. Like Dicky Lyons of Kentucky, Trott just seems to always make plays when needed.

The Tigers play a tough Non-conference away game at West Virginia before opening up SEC play. Other key contests include home games vs. LSU, Tennessee, and Georgia as well as an away game against hated rival Alabama.

Difference Maker - Sen'Derrick Marks DT. The Auburn defense will be key to the team's succcess this year. Marks is the anchor of a tough D-Line.

Biggest Game - Sept. 20 vs. LSU. Early contest against defending champs could set the tone for the rest of the season.

Intangible - Tony Franklin turned Omar Haugabrook and Troy into an explosive spread offense. If Franklin is able to covert the Tigers from their traditional power sets, look for Kodi Burns to have a big year.





3. Alabama Crimson Tide


2007 Recap - 7-6(4-4) Defeated Colorado 30-24 in the Independence Bowl.

2008 Preview - Nick Saban's Tide will be all about the running game this year. Alabama returns both Terry Grant and Glen Coffee to the backfield. Both players would be could full-time backs, and they will help to compliment each other nicely this season. John Parker Wilson returns at QB. Look for his trouble to continue this year as 'Bama does not have a solid receiving corps, even with the addition of Julio Jones. Alabama might have a drop-off defensively from last year's squad, which was nothing to brag about in of itself.

Alabama opens the season against Clemson in Atlanta. Hopefully, this year's neutral sight contest vs. an ACC team will turn out better than last year's trip to Jacksonville to face Florida St. This year's in-conference schedule is extremely difficult for Alabama. The Tide travel to Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee and LSU. This year's Iron Bowl vs. Auburn is in Tuscaloosa.

Difference Maker - Terry Grant. With the absence of a true passing game, Grant will be the go-to guy on the ground.

Biggest Game - Sept. 27 at Georgia. Early contest vs. SEC power that could set the tone for the rest of the season.

Intangible- Javier Arenas in the return game could break a few games open this season for the Tide. Also, Arenas went to my high school alma mater so he's pretty much the man.





4. Mississippi St. Bulldogs


2007 Recap - 8-5(4-4) Defeated UCF 10-3 in the Liberty Bowl.

2008 Preview - Mississippi St. was easily the surpirse of the SEC last season. Sylvester Croom's hard work has finally paid off for this program. Wesley Carroll was dubbed the QB of the future for the Bulldogs when he signed with the team. After taking over for oft-injured Chad Henig last year, Carroll is poised to be the full-time starter in his sophomore season. Carroll's main task this year will be handing the ball off to Anthony Dixon. The bruising runner may very well be the early candidate for top RB in the SEC. Hopefully, some wide receivers can emerge this Spring to add a little balance to the offense. The Bulldogs were extremely tough on D last season, as evident by their containing of Kevin Smith in the bowl game. All-SEC caliber Derek Pegues returns to lead the defensive backfield, as Cortez McCraney is back to anchor the line.

The Bulldogs travel to Atlanta to test out Paul Johnson's new offense at Georgia Tech early in the season. Within the conference, Mississippi St. travels to LSU, Alabama and Ole Miss, and host Auburn.

Difference Maker - Anthony Dixon. Even if Dixon garners all the attention form opposing defenses, look for him to have another solid year running the ball.

Biggest Game - Nov. 15 @ Alabama. The Tide were a suprise in the SEC for different reasons than MSU. If the Bulldogs could win in Tuscaloosa, it could mean a changing of the guard int the SEC West.

Intangible - Mississippi St.'s secondary play last year was incredible. Interceptions and pass break-ups were a common occurence in Starkville. If that play continues, the Bulldogs will once again be a force defensively.




5. Ole Miss Rebels


2007 Recap - 3-9(0-8)

2008 Preview - The Rebels look to be a drastically improved tea this year from last. The hiring of Houston Nutt was a serious upgrade at head coach. Nutt will be at the helm for the ushering in of the Jevan Snead era in Oxford. Snead, a former Texas Longhorn, adds an element to this Ole Miss team that has been missing since Eli Manning. A capable leader at the QB position. Snead will find plenty of lanes to throw through will All-SEC linemean Michael Oher up front to black for him. This will give Snead the time to find his talented receivers, Marshay Green and Mike Wallace. Ole Miss was very sound on defense last year. That trend should continue this year with All-SEC candidate Greg Hardy retuning to shore up the line. Dustin Monzon is back to lead a talented group in the secondary.


The Rebels non-conference slate is highlighted by a home game vs. Memphis and a road contest against Wake Forest. The SEC slate is pretty balanced for Ole Miss. They travel to Florida, Alabama and LSU, while they host both Auburn and South Carolina.

Difference Maker- Greg Hardy is a beast on the defensive line. The SEC is one of the lone conference where a d-lineman can change the outcome of an entire game. Hardy has the type of ability to do just that.


Biggest Game - Nov. 28 @ Mississippi St. The annual Egg Bowl match-up will provide the chance for Ole Miss to curb some of the momentum gained by their in-state rivals last season.


Intangible- Ed Orgeron was a tremendous recruiter who has left this program in good shape. Unfortunately Orgeron could not turn his off the field successes into on the field success. Houston Nutt brings the experience and coaching ability needed to field a competitive SEC football team. While fe people expect major results in year 1, look for the Rebels to have a say in who comes out of the West.








6. Arkansas Razorbacks




2007 Recap - 8-5(4-4) Lost to Missouri 38-7 in the Cotton Bowl


2008 Preview - Arkansas has taken severe criticism this off-season with their hiring of Bobby Petrino as head coach. Despite what would appear to be a total lack of character or morals on Petrino's behalf, the man can flat-out coach. The only problem for Petrino and the Razorbacks is that there is no one left to coach. Casey Dick returns as the starting QB. This is certainly not an up-lifting thought for Arkansas fans.Dick's main targets would be the un-proven Reggie Fish at WR and TE Ben Cleveland. There also is a major void in the backfield as Michael Smith attempts to replace Run-DMC and Felix Jones.The Razorbacks do return some talent on defense. Antwan Robinson is back to anchor the D-line. The secondary should be one of the best in the conference with Rashad Johnson and Shedrick Johnson.


The highlight of Arkansas' non-conference schedule is an away game against Texas. The Racorbacks also play former OC Gus Malzahn and Tulsa before kicking off SEC play. Arkansas will host Alabamas, Florida and LSU and travel to Auburn and South Carolina during conference play.


Difference Maker - Antwan Robinson DE. In a season where the Hogs don't have too much going for them offensively, Robinson and the D will need to step up in a huge way.


Biggest Game - Sept. 13 @ Texas. With no one expecting the Razorbacks to win, a victory would kick off the Bobby Petrino era in Fayetteville quite nicely.


Intangible - With so many questions on this team and somewhat low expectations, one of the few thing Arkansas has going for them is their schedule. With the exception of the Austin trip, Arkansas avoids any potentially disasterous road games.

Spring Conference Breakdowns - SEC East

Over the past few years the SEC has reigned supreme over the college football landscape. Sure there have been a few uprisings from teams like USC, Ohio St, Oklahoma or Texas, but the SEC has remained steadfast as the top conference. There are no off weeks in SEC play. This has never been more true than this year. The two bottom teams from last year; Ole Miss and Vanderbilt, are poised this year to make a run at a bowl.


I will be breaking down every team in the SEC East, and explore their strengths and weaknesses. I have them listed below in the order I expect them to finish the 2008 season.

1. Florida Gators

2007 Recap: 9-4 (5-3) Lost to Michigan 41-35 in the Capital One Bowl.



2008 Preview: The Gators return a bevvy of starters on both sides of the ball. Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow returns at QB. WR's Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy will provide able targets
along with TE Cornelius Ingram for Tebow. On defense the Gators return nearly every starter from
a defense that was often disappointing. Hard hitting S Major Wright will be joined in the secondary
by CB Joe Haden, who proved to be quite a pleasant surprise in his first year on defense.

Florida challenged itself a little more this year with it's non-conference schedule. Replacing the likes

of Western Kentucky and Troy with Hawaii and Miami(FL). The SEC schedule will once again be
difficult to navigate through. Along, with the annual showdown with Georgia, the Gators host LSU
and Ole Miss, as well as travel to Tennessee.

Difference Maker - Percy Harvin. Tebow may get the accolades, but this offense does not go without Harvin.

Biggest Game - Nov. 1 vs. Georgia at Jacksonville. The cocktail party could have national title implications once again.

Intangible - Brandon James and the UF return game has been phenomenal the past two seasons.
Look for James to break open more than one game this year with one of his game-changing run backs.









2. Georgia Bulldogs

2007 Recap - 11-2(6-2) Defeated Hawaii 41-10 in the Sugar Bowl.

2008 Preview: The 'Dawgs are returning a very potent offense for 2008. Matthew Stafford returns at QB and early Heisman favorite Knowshon Moreno makes Georgia on of the more dangerous teams on the ground. Mohammed Massaquoi returns at WR, and as usual UGA will have one of the top O-lines in the SEC. Defensively, Georgia will be solid up front once again with Roderick Battle and Jeremy Lomax at the bookending Jeff Owens and Geno Atkins up the middle. Asher Allen also returns to solidify the secondary.

After two easy Non-conference games against Georgia Southern and Central Michigan, the Bulldogs schedule becomes incredibly difficult. Starting September 13, Georgia plays at South Carolina, at Arizona St., Alabama, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, at LSU, Florida, at Kentucky, at Auburn, Georgia Tech. That's a pretty tough schedule.

Difference Maker- Knowshon Moreno RB.

Biggest Game- Nov. 1 vs. Florida at Jacksonville. Can Knowshon repeat his performance from last year.

Intangible - Last year Mark Richt suddenly became the master motivator. Can he continue to keep his team fired up or will they tire of his act?

3.South Carolina Gamecocks


2007 Recap- 6-6(3-5)


2008 Preview: Needless to say, the Gamecocks were very disappointed in the way in which their 2007 season ended. 4 straight losses and missing a bowl game was not how Steve Spurrier envisioned his season going. A QB controversy is brewing in Columbia heading into Spring. Last year's part-time starter, Chris Smelley is looking to fend off redshirt freshman Stephen Garcia at the position. Whoever wins the job will have a couple of weapons behind him. Mike Davis returns at RB and Kenny McKinley is back at WR. The Gamecocks defense will be their strongest asset in the upcoming season. Jasper Brinkley is back at LB, while Captain Munnerlyn and Carlos Thomas are back in the secondary.

Carolina's schedule is not as tough as last year's. Their toughest non-conference game against NC State is at home, as is most of their SEC contests. The toughest part of the schedule are the last two games when South Carolina travels to both Gainesville and Clemson.

Difference Maker - Jasper Brinkley LB. It's weird to have a defensive team MVP on a Steve Spurrier squad, but that's the case for 2008.

Biggest Game - Sept. 13 v. Georgia. South Carolina needs to start quick this season to erase the memories of the end of last year. Spurrier owns UGA, so this seems to be an early-season must-win.

Intangible - Williams Brice Stadium. I've always thought Columbia doesn't get the credit for being a tough place to play. South Carolina always plays tough at home, and the crowd can get fierce. This year the Gamecocks play NC State, Georgia, LSU, Tennessee and Arkansas at home.




4. Tennessee Volunteers

2007 Recap - 10-4(6-2) Defeated Wisconsin 21-17 in the Outback Bowl.

2008 Preview: The Volunteers head into Spring with an all-out QB controversy. The departure of Erik Ainge leaves Jonathan Crompton, Nick Stephens and B.J. Coleman as the candidates to lead Phil Fulmer's offense. For the first time since I can remember the Vols actually return a solid receiving corps. Austin Rogers and Josh Briscoe both return as targets for whoever becomes QB. There's not much on defense to get excited about with this year's Vols. Eric Berry is back at SS. Other than that, there is much to be desired.

Tennessee has a tough non-conference match-up at UCLA. Hopefully this trip to PAC-10 country than last year's Cal game. Florida comes to Knoxville this year, but Tennessee has to travel to Auburn, Georgia and South Carolina.

Difference Maker - Eric Berry will have to play like an All-American to help out the yet to be proven defense.

Biggest Game - Nov. 1 at South Carolina. If Tennessee gets good play out of it's QB position and from the defense, this game could have serious implications on the SEC East race.

Intangible - Daniel Lincoln. In a conference in which every point counts, having a solid place kicker could mean the difference in a bowl year and Phil Fulmer ending up on the hot seat once again.






5. Vanderbilt Commodores


2007 Recap - 5-7(2-6)

2008 Preview - Chris Nickson is back at QB. Nickson may very well be the most underrated quarterback in the SEC. I've seen Nickson in person and the he has definitely got the talent to take the 'Dores bowling. Also, in case Nickson goes down, Vanderbilt has a solid backup in Mackenzi Adams. The Commodores have always been solid defensively under Bobby Johnson. If the offense is able to improve, Vanderbilt could be considered one of the better turnaround teams of '08.

Vanderbilt has a relatively soft non-conference schedule, which includes a trip to Miami(OH) and visits from Rice and Duke.Vanderbilt also lucks out as LSU and Alabama are not on their schedule this year.

Difference Maker - Chris Nickson. If a play breaks down, he has the ability to make things happen.

Biggest Game - Nov. 22 vs. Tennessee. How do these rivals not close out the season against one another?

Intangible - Jermaine Doster RB. I really don't know if Doster will make any kind of impact this year, but he went to my High School Alma Mater, so I wanted to mention him. His older brother was Kwane Doster, who now has his number 1 painted on the field after his untimely death.




6. Kentucky Wildcats


2007 Recap - 8-5(3-5) Defeated Florida St. 35-28 in the Music City Bowl.

2008 Preview: The Wildcats will have a tough time replacing Andre Woodson and Kennan Burton on offense. Dual threat QB's Curtis Pulley and Mike Hartline will be battling to see who can take over Woodson's spot. Pulley seems to be the early favorite. Dicky Lyons, Jr. is back at the WR position. Lyons always seemed to make the big plays when they were needed most. Look for coach-in-waiting Joker Phillips to establish a more open offense to compete with the rest of the SEC. Kentucky also has to replace All-Everything TE Jacob Tamme from last year's squad.

The Wildcats have an incredibly easy non-conference slate. Kentucky travels to re-building Louisville for their annual match-up, and then welcomes Norfolk St., Middle Tennessee, and Western Kentucky. You'd think Kentucky was a Big-12 team with that schedule. The SEC schedule gets much tougher for the Cats as they travel to Alabama, Florida and Tennessee.

Difference Maker - Dicky Lyons, Jr. His knack for making plays when necessary is something special.

Biggest Game - Oct. 4 at Alabama. The Wildcats will need to open SEC play if they want any kind of chance at a postseason berth.

Intangible- Joker Phillips. The soon-to-be coach is a great play caller. How he will adjust to the departure of Woodson will be key to the Wildcats success.