College Football 2008 Conference Preview: SEC

This is our last of the conference predictions. I know the season just started but I really wanted to get this last one in. My predictions have not changed and all of these are still premeditated.

Predicted Order of Finish
East
1.Florida
Call me a homer, but Florida will be much improved this season. Their offense is one of the most explosive in the nation. Heisman winner Tim Tebow is back and wants another national title. WR Percy Harvin is electrifying. RB Chris Rainey and Emmanuel Moody will finally give the Gators a consistent running game other than Tebow. The WRs may be fairly young but they are talented and fast. The defense will be much improved after a season of growing pains. The LBs are some of the best in the nation with Brandon Spikes and Dustin Doe. Look for Major Wright to emerge as a top safety in the SEC.

2. Georgia
I really like this team. They're experienced and talented, I just like the Gators to beat them. QB Matt Stafford is one of the best QBs out there and has the best arm too. RB Knowshon Moreno is a top 2 back in the nation as well. The WRs are talented but need to continue to improve. the defensive line is arguably the best in the SEC, which includes Gino Atkins. The LB corps lacks experience but has plenty of youthful talent. The secondary needs some work but they still have the depth there to step up.

3. Tennessee
This Tenn. team won't be any different from the past few years. Not a dominant team, but not one that will back down either. QB John Crompton is a capable QB to fill in for Erik Ainge. The offensive line is decently good and they have a very good back in Arian Foster. The defense should be fine. The secondary will be solid with one of the best DBs in the nation in sophomore Eric Berry.

4. South Carolina
SC fans are still looking for Spurrier to get them over the hump and win a division or conference title. Could this be their year? The QB situation will be interesting throughout the season with Tommy Beecher and Chris Smelley. Look for WR Kenny McKinley to be one of the best in the SEC. The defense should be decent with quite a few starters returning.

5. Kentucky

6. Vanderbilt

West
1. Auburn
Auburn is switching to the spread which seems fitting in the SEC. They do lose QB Brandon Cox but they have some talented back-ups to help fill that void. The WRs will be talented and help out the new QB. The line will be stellar with 4 starters back there. Watch out for the defense as they have plenty of starters and depth back led by LB Tray Blackmon.

2. LSU
LSU will take a step back after losing some key starters on both sides of the ball. They have a new QB to break-in. The running game should fare well with a solid O-Line and a good stable of backs lead by Charles Scott and Keiland Williams. The defense will have some rough spots, esp. at LB. But look for the D-Line to be arguably the best in the nation with Ricky Jean-Franois and Tyson Jackson.

3. Alabama
This Bama team should be improved this season with loads of young talent. The Tide will have more depth than in recent years. QB John Parker-Wilson is experienced, which is a plus. The WR unit is deep and talented. The defense will need to make stops and step up in order to make some noise at the top of the west.

4. Mississippi St.
MSU is an up-start team after making and winning a bowl game for the first time under Sylvester Croom. They should be improved. They recruited fairly well, which will help with depth.

5. Arkansas
Look for the Razorbacks to take a step back after losing Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.

6. Mississippi

SEC Championship:
Florida over Auburn

Offensive Player of the Year:
Tim Tebow, QB- Florida

Defensive Player of the Year:
Eric Berry, S- Tennessee

Freshman Player of the Year:
Julio Jones, WR- Alabama

Coach of the Year:
Nick Saban- Alabama

Top 3 Games:
Florida vs. Georgia- Nov. 1

Auburn at Georgia- Nov. 15

Alabama at Auburn- Nov. 29

College Football 2008 Conference Preview: Big 12

Look for the Big 12 to be one of the top conferences in the nation.

Predicted Order of Finish:

North:
1. Missouri
The Tigers are loaded with 16 returning starters. Heisman candidate Chase Daniel is back at QB along with WR Jeremy Maclin, and TE Chase Coffman on offense. The defense should be superb and dominant as 10 starters return. Look for the secondary to be wheeling and dealing lead by ball-hawk DB Will Moore.

2. Kansas
KU surprised everybody after a big Orange Bowl win over Virginia Tech. QB Todd Reesing is back after proving the doubters wrong about his size. With 16 starters back there's no reason not to believe the Jayhawks won't compete for another national title. The WR unit will be strong with both of their leading WRs back. The defense should be stellar as both the D-Line and LB units are strong, they just need to improve the secondary after losing CB Aquib Talib.

3. Nebraska
I think the Huskers will be a little improved with new head coach Bo Pelini. Joe Ganz is a capable QB to help get the Huskers back on their feet. Marlon Lucky returns as RB and is one of the top RB in the Big 12. Four linemen return up-front. The defense should be interesting this season. The defensive front returns it's top 8, but they are very inexperienced at LB and in the secondary.

4. Colorado
Cody Hawkins put up some pretty good numbers last season but must decrease his INTs. Look for frosh RB Darrell Scott to carry the load. The Buffs have plenty of WRs, which are a vital part of their offense. The D-Line will be solid with both George Hypolite and Brandon Nicolas back.

5. Kansas State
KSU has been mediocre at best ever since winning the Big XII Championship back in 2003. QB Josh Freeman set a school record with 3,353 passing yards last season. He completed 63.3 percent of his passes with 18 touchdowns. The rest of the offense may struggle with inexperience and lack of depth at RB and WR, plus mediocre play at O-Line.

6. Iowa St.
ISU was horrendous last season and I doubt they will be much better. QB is a big question mark. RB Alex Robinson may be the lone bright spot on O. The defense lacked production in '07, expect the same in '08.

South:
1. Oklahoma
OU is no doubt one of the best teams in the country, but they do have a few question marks. After an amazing freshman season, QB Sam Bradford is back and looking for more. DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown are a phenomenal RB duo. The Sooners do not have a clear go-to WR but Juaquin Iglesias and Manuel Johnson should step up. The O & D Lines are both arguably the best in the country, this is what separates OU from a lot of teams. They may lack depth at LB and experience in the secondary, but up-front is what is going to get it done for OU.

2. Texas Tech
If Tech doesn't live up to it's 2008 hype, they may never win the Big 12 or make a BCS Bowl. This could be their year to wreck havoc in the Big 12. The Graham Harrell to Michael Crabtree connection might be the best in the country. Crabtree is easily the best WR out there. There's no doubt the offense can put up points and win them games, but they need the defense to step up and get them over the top. They have the experience, but it's just a matter of execution. I think they'll be fine.

3. Texas
Will this be a rebuilding year for Mack Brown and Co.? Or will they reload and use some of their young talent to their advantage? QB Colt McCoy is a good start after losing 5 key starters on offense. The O-Line could be a big key as well, lead by OT Cedric Dockery, a future NFL star. The defense may slow down the Horns after losing 7 starters though.

4. Oklahoma St.
The Offense should put up some points with it's spread attack. QB Zac Robinson established the single-season school record for total offense. The Cowboys have 3 veteran backs which should help after losing starter Dantell Savage. Soph. Dez Bryant is a stud at WR and could be All-Big 12 this season. The 'Boys' might have the best offensive line behind Oklahoma and Texas. They are pretty deep there which is another reason they could be a dangerous team. The front 7 need to find some replacements on D, but look for the secondary to be pretty good with 3 returners there.

5. Texas A&M
The offense has the potential to be very good, as long as they all stay healthy. This includes QB Stephen McGee and RBs Javorskie Lane and Mike Goodson. If the offensive line can produce, the Aggies could go a long way. The defense is average at best but they do have some depth to help fill some holes.

6. Baylor
Not much at QB with no depth and plenty of problems. The only positive on offense is 7 returning starters. Expect the defense to be pretty bad again with not much play makers around. Baylor will continue to be just a baseball school.

Big 12 Championship:
Missouri over Oklahoma

Offensive Player of the Year:
Chase Daniel, QB- Missouri

Defensive Player of the Year:
Will Moore, FS- Missouri

Freshman of the Year:
Darrell Scott, RB- Colorado

Coach of the Year:
Mike Leach- Texas Tech

Top 3 Games:
Texas at Oklahoma- Oct. 11

Texas at Texas Tech- Nov. 1

Texas Tech at Oklahoma- Nov. 22

College Football 2008 Conference Preview: ACC

This may be a big down year for the ACC, the ACC Championship is wide open too.

Predicted Order of Finish:
Atlantic:
1. Clemson
The Tigers return a plethora of starters, 14 in all. The backfield should be incredible, QB Cullen Harper returns, along with one of the best RB tandems in the nation in James Davis and CJ Spiller. The offensive line could keep them from competing for a national title spot. They struggled a lot last season with not protecting Harper and they need to replace virtually that whole line. The defense should be solid as most of the key starters are in-tact.

2. Wake Forest
Wake struggled last season because of Riley Skinner's shoulder injury, but as long as he stays healthy, Wake should be a contender in the ACC. Josh Adams is a speedy runner at tailback, the WR department will have some unknowns as the returners only caught 47 passes total last season. The defensive front seven will be loaded led by DTs Boo Robinson and John Russell and LBs Aaron Curry and Stanley Arnoux. The secondary will be decent with 3 starters back, which includes All-ACC Alphonso Smith.

3. Florida St.
This could be Bobby Bowden's last season and he wants to end on a high note. QB Drew Weatherford returns after improving upon his turnovers from 2006. FSU will be pretty deep at RB with Antone Smith back, plus JC transfer Tavares Pressley and true frosh Jermaine Thomas. Off-season problems will hurt WR, top wide-out Preston Parker is out for the first two games. Sr. Greg Carr is back though. FSU will need their defense to step up if they want to rise back to the top of the ACC, they have plenty of holes which should keep them from playing in a New Years Day bowl game.

4. Maryland
Chris Turner will be the likely starter after starting in the final 6 games last season and defeated BC and Rutgers. Josh Portis, a transfer from Florida, should see some time as well. Da'Rel Scott and Morgan Green are capable backs but they need more depth. The WRs should be among the best in the ACC, led by Derrius Heyward-Bey. If the defense can find some depth up-front and in the secondary they can compete for reasonable bowl bid.

5. Boston College
BC does lose Matt Ryan, which could be a problem during the beginning of the season. RB James McCluskey is back as BC's leading rusher. The WR crew returns some decent pass catchers which should help the new QB. BJ Raji is the lone returning bright spot on the D-Line. The LB corps was struck hard with graduation after having a strong unit last season. Expect this to be more of a rebuilding season after losing in the ACC Championship.

6. NC State
The QB position is a huge question mark. RB could be the lone positive area of the team with some talent and depth there, led by Toney Baker and Andre Brown. The WR and O-Line need some players to step up. Look for the defense to struggle, especially early as they look for some play makers to step up and replace some loses.

Coastal:
1. Virginia Tech
V-Tech won't be as deep or talented as in recent years but they still have plenty of play makers and Frank Beamer and Bud Foster are terrific coaches. The QB position is deep, Sr. Sean Glennon recently won the starting job. Tyrod Taylor is a great back-up. The Hokies were hit hard after Branden Ore was kicked off the team. The Hokies need some WRs to step up as they lose their top 4 WRs, all seniors. The O-Line is a plus with it's experience. The defense will be down after big losses in Chris Ellis at DE, Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi at LB, and Brandon Flowers at CB; but there won't be a huge drop-off. There may not be much experience back, but look for DE Orion Martin and DB Victor (Macho) Harris to be some of the best in the ACC.

2. North Carolina
UNC returns 43 letter winners in all and is looking to improve and compete for an ACC Title. QB TJ Yates returns, so does RB Greg Little and top WR Hakeem Hicks. The O-Line has developed some depth. The defense should be better; the DT is loaded with talent and depth but they need someone to step up at end. The LB unit just needs more experience and the secondary returns all 4 starters, who look very promising.

3. Miami
Miami is well positioned for a bright future with plenty of young talent and good recruiting classes. But this year? Not so much. QB is deep but young. Robert Marve should be the opening day starter and he has loads of talent. Javarris James and Graig Cooper are a tremendous RB duo. Aldarius Johnson looks to lead a young WR unit. The D-Line could be one of the worst in the conference and that's saying a lot. LB has been hit with injuries and the secondary looks promising, they just need someone to replace Kenny Phillips.

4. Virginia
The Cavs do lose DE Chris Long, other key defensive players, important O-Linemen, and QB Jameel Sewell, but they should dwell on a surprising 2007 season that ended up in the Gator Bowl.

5. Georgia Tech
Look for Tech to underachieve again with plenty of question marks all over the field.

6. Duke
QB Thad Lewis is the lone bright spot for one of the worst FBS teams out there.

ACC Championship:
Clemson over Virginia Tech

Offensive Player of the Year:
James Davis, RB- Clemson

Defensive Player of the Year:
Michael Johnson, DE- Georgia Tech

Freshman of the Year:

Arthur Brown, LB- Miami

Coach of the Year:
Butch Davis- UNC

Top 3 Games:
Virginia Tech at North Carolina- Sept. 20

Clemson at Wake Forest- Oct. 9

Clemson at Florida St.- Nov. 8

College Football 2008 Conference Preview: Pac 10

It's our turn to break-down the Pac 10.

Predicted Order of Finish:
1. USC
When was the last time USC was not the favorite to win the Pac 10? For the first time it seems like the Trojans will have a more dominant defense than offense. 11 starters return in all, 7 on defense on and 4 on offense. QB John David Booty is gone and now it is Mark Sanchez's turn to take over. The stable of running backs is still very deep and they have 6 capable backs who can play at any time; Stafon Johnson and Joe McKnight are the two leading candidates there. Sanchez should have a superb group of wide-outs to throw to in Vidal Hazelton, Patrick Turner, and Arkansas transfer Damian Williams. Expect this group to be much improved from last season. The defense is arguably the best in the nation. The LB corps is loaded with Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing. The defensive line will be excellent with Everson Griffen leading the way. The secondary returns all 4 starters and it will be hard to pass on this bunch.

2. Arizona St.
ASU will once again have a lot of pressure on them to perform from the loyal fan base and program. This year could be their year as they return a solid offense. QB Rudy Carpenter is a great player but he needs his line to protect him, as they gave up 55 sacks last season; but they've been working hard with their OL all of spring and summer. The RB core is nice with some beefy runners and the WRs will be stellar with Mike Jones (Who?) and Chris McGaha back. The defense looks to be improved with many starters in-tact on this side of the ball as well. This side of the ball returns 7 starters.

3. Oregon
5th year senior Justin Roper looks to be the QB to take the helms of Dennis Dixon after throwing for 4 TD in last seasons Sun Bowl. 12 starters are back in all including 5 on the offensive side. If Roper can put up some consistent numbers that come somewhat close to what Dixon put up, the Ducks could be a big threat in the Pac 10. Jermiah Johnson is an underrated RB and could be one of the best backs in the conference. They have some capable pass-catchers but they need someone to step up as a clear No. 1. The O-Line should be a strong suit. The defense should be pretty good with a solid LB corps and one of the best secondaries in the nation.

4. Oregon St.
The Beavers return 10 starters but there's no reason to believe they cannot finish in the top 4 of the league. QB Lyle Moevao was 4-0 as a starter last season and should excel as a full-time starter this season. The Beavers have always relied on a premier RB but this year there are some unknowns, look for Ryan McCants to carry the load. The WR Department has amazing depth and the O-Line has some promising bigs'. The defense should be the bread and butter of the team. The D-Line returns some key contributors who put a lot of pressure on opposing QBs. Looks for some transfers to step up as well. The LB group could experience some growing pains trying to replace all 3 starters. The secondary is loaded as all 4 starters have combined for 98 starts among them.

5. California
Cal looked like a Rose Bowl and even a BCS Championship contender in the first half of 2007. But in the 2nd half they struggled mightily and QB Nate Longshore looked very inconsistent. Longshore is back and wants to continue the success he had back in 2006. The offense seems pretty stagnant as no starting position players return. The offensive line is inexperienced but has some depth to spare. The defense will be a little more experienced than the offense. The LB department is solid with all 3 starters back plus some quality back-ups. The D-Line was mediocre last season and needs to pick up the slack, but the secondary has plenty of talent, which includes safeties Bernard Hicks and Marcus Ezeff.

6. UCLA
The Bruins have some QB problems as of right now. Patrick Cowan suffered a season-ending ACL injury back in spring practice and now Ben Olsen broke his right foot earlier this month. SDSU transfer Kevin Craft is expected to get the nod for the season opener vs. Tennessee in two weeks. There is no clear set RB right now as both leading candidates are coming off knee injuries. Marcus Everett returns for a fifth season at WR, there should be a mix of experienced receivers and freshmen getting playing time. They have one of the best DT tandems in the nation in Brigham Harwell and Brian Price.

7. Arizona
QB Willie Tuitama is one of the best QBs in the conference and may be one of the most under-appreciated in the country. This could be a do or die season for head coach Mike Stoops as he looks for his first winning season and bowl trip at Zona. Nic Grigsby is a capable RB and 6 WR return which should give them tremendous depth. The season will highly depend on the defense as they look to break-in 7 new starters.

8. Washington
The Huskies should benefit quite a bit from a tough schedule last season and they should again with another tough one this season. QB Jake Locker could be a Heisman candidate someday. Brandon Johnson looks to break-in at RB with his speed. No returning wide-outs return which will be a problem. The offensive line should help with 3 full-time starters back and some quality back-ups. The defense is very suspect with a very inexperienced front and secondary.

9. Stanford
The Card can build off an historic upset over USC last season. The program may be on the uprising after that huge win when it comes to the fan base and recruiting. QB Tavita Prichard is back after his stunning TD throw to trounce the Trojans. The backfield is pretty thin but if Anthony Kimble stays healthy, he'll be the main man. The WR core is inexperienced and needs Richard Sherman to step up. They are lucky to have an experienced O-Line back. The defense has some bright spots but they need some play makers to step up to help the veterans. Look for the Line backing corps to head the defense.

10. Washington St.
2008 will be a transition year for the team. They are breaking in a new spread option offense with a new QB. That QB looks to be 5th year senior Gary Rogers. The backfield has some capable backs with returning starter Dwight Tardy and a solid back-up in Chris Ivory. All-American candidate Brandon Gibson is back at WR. 4 starters do return on the O-Line, but the new offense will provide some bumps for them. The defense looks to improve after having one of the worst in the Pac 10 last season. The D-Line and secondary need some play makers to step up.

Offensive Player of the Year:
Rudy Carpenter, QB- Arizona St.

Defensive Player of the Year:
Rey Maualuga, LB- USC

Freshman of the Year:

Jacquizz Rodgers, RB- Oregon St.

Coach of the Year:
Dennis Erickson- Arizona St.

Top 3 Games:
Arizona St. at USC- Oct. 11

Oregon at Oregon St.- Nov. 29

USC at UCLA- Dec. 6

College Football 2008 Conference Preview: Big Ten

The Big Ten looks to rebound after a few down seasons.

Predicted Order of Finish:
1. Ohio St.
The Buckeyes are eager to finally win a nation title. 18 starters return in all and they may be the most experienced top team in the nation. They return 9 starters from a defense that was one of the best. A boatload of talent returns on the offensive side with QB Todd Boeckman, RB Chris (Beanie) Wells, WRs Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline, and a loaded offensive line. The defense should be stellar as LB James Laurinaitis and CB Malcolm Jenkins return. The defensive line should be quick and deep with 5 veterans back. Look for the secondary to be solid again with all 4 starters back there.

2. Wisconsin
Experience is plenty at most units for the Badgers. The offense should be solid with many weapons all over the field. They do need to break-in a new QB for the second consecutive season. Kansas St. transfer Allan Evridge looks to be the starter there. The ground game should be solid, PJ Hill should continue to be one of the best backs in the country as long as he stays healthy; He's rushed for 2,805 yards and 29 touchdowns in his first two seasons. The receiving corps is lead by TE Travis Beckum as he looks to be the top in the nation. Kyle Jefferson was a capable WR last season as a frosh. The offensive line should only make things better with 3 starters and plenty of size back there. The defense returns 8 starters lead by DE Matt Shaughnessy and LBs Luis Casillas and DeAndre Levy. The secondary will need to find some depth and athletes after losing CB Jack Ikegwuonu to the draft.Wisconsin

3. Illinois
Ron Zook continues to bring in some good recruiting classes. The Illini do lose quite a bit of starters. They still have plenty of talent and some experience back that got trounced in the Rose Bowl by USC. QB Juice Williams returns and he was a big reason as to why they made the Rose Bowl. Losing RB Rashard Mendenhall was a big blow, but they still have some depth there. The WRs will be young but Arrelious Benn is one of the best young wide outs in the nation. There's plenty of talent and depth on the D-line, starting with All-Big Ten End Will Davis. The LB corps will be young as well as they look to freshman to help with depth. Martez Wilson should lead the group with his experience. Vontae Davis should be a top DB.

4. Penn St.
A lot of people are writing off the Nittany Lions this season but some forget they have plenty of talent returning and 9 defensive starters back. They do lose QB Anthony Morrelli but senior Daryll Clark, who is compared to Michael Robinson, looks to take over. Evan Royster should be the starting RB after an impressive Alamo Bowl. The WRs should be some of the best in the nation with Derrick Williams, Deon Butler, and Jordan Norwood. All 5 starters return on the O-Line, so that's a plus. The defense should be very improved. The defensive line is outstanding, esp. at end with Josh Gaines and Maurice Evans. The LB crew is short on experience. 4 starters are back in the secondary as hard-hitting A.J. Wallace returns.

5. Purdue
The Boilermakers have some bright spots, but also some dark spots as well. QB Curtis Painter is the best QB in the Big Ten. Jaycen Taylor and Kory Sheets are a nice RB combo. Greg Orton is the only starting WR back, so they have some question marks there. They need to adjust to some new starting O-Linemen. The D-Line will be very good with 4 solid tackles and some quick ends. Looks for the front to be one of the deepest and best in the nation. The LB unit is young with not many standouts there but look for the young defensive backfield to make some strides as the season goes on.

6. Michigan St.
QB Brian Hoyer is back after an honorable mention All-Big Ten conference season. The running game looks solid as Javon Ringer is back and is arguably the best RB in the nation. The Spartans have 2 capable pass catchers in Mark Dell and B.J. Cunningham to go along with 3 starting linemen. The defensive line should be steady as Cincy transfer Trevor Anderson steps in. Greg Jones was moved to MLB this spring and should bring some speed to the middle. There's a lot of potential at the safety spot; the CBs will solid all-around with 5 capable starters battling for the two spots. Look for the MSU Defense to have some swagger this season.

7. Michigan
2008 should be a rebuilding year for the Wolverines as new head coach Rich Rodriguez looks to implement his spread offense. QB could be a problem as 4 year starter Chad Henne graduated and freshman Ryan Mallett transfered to Arkansas. Frosh Steve Threet looks to have the nod over soph. Nick Sheridan. There's still plenty of talent at RB even though Mike Hart is gone. Brandon Minor and Carlos Brown are both capable backs. The WR department was hit hard as well with early departures but there's still some capable talent there. The O-Line loses 3 starters. Look for the defensive to be better than the offense. The D-Line has all 4 starters back but are switching to a 3 man front. The LB unit will miss Shawn Crable dearly and are looking for some young talent to step up. Look for the secondary to be average at best but they are experienced, Brandon Harrison looks to lead that unit.

8. Iowa
Iowa has been in a traumatic downfall the past few seasons. QB Jake Christianson is back but still hasn't lived up to any of the hype. RB is a major concern after losing two solid backs. They only have one primary back on scholarship right now in Nate Guillory. The WR unit is up in the air. The offensive line could be the lone bright spot on offense as they return plenty of experience and depth, lead by 3 year starter Seth Olsen. The D-Line has some up and coming talent and is headed by All Big-Ten DT Mitch King. There are some causes for concern at LB with no proven play makers there. The secondary has 3 part-time starters back and one full-time starter in Harold Dalton.

9. Northwestern
QB CJ Bacher needs to be more consistent if Northwestern wants to make it to a bowl game this season. RB Tyrell Sutton is a two-time 1,000 yard rusher and looks to be one of the best in the nation. 5 of the top 6 pass-catchers are back, which should only help with Bacher. The O-Line will need to be rebuilt with 3 starters and some key back-ups gone. 4 capable D-Linemen are back but underperformed last season. They have a nice stable of LBs to help compliment the experienced front. They have a big battle in the secondary as 3 players will be competing for the free safety job and 4 will be vying for one of the CB spots.

10. Indiana
Kellen Lewis returns at QB and is one of the best in the Big Ten. Marcus Thigpen has a lot of potential with his 4.3 speed at RB. WR should be steady with 3 capable players ready to fill in. 3 starters are back on the line, which could be a problem but the last two recruiting classes has helped generate some depth and could push a few of the starters. Greg Middleton lead the nation with 16 sacks last season and should only help an already talented line. 2 of 3 starters return at LB and both safeties return, but there are some major concerns at the corner spots.

11. Minnesota
Tim Brewster continues to show he is a great recruiter as he developed a top 25 recruiting class this season. But can he transition that talent into success on the field? Only time will tell... QB Adam Weber (did I ever tell you I played against him in baseball when I was 15, yes it is true.) Anyways, he set school records in passing yards, TD passes, completions, and total offense behind a suspect line. The RB position is extremely thin. Jay Thomas and Duane Bennett are the lone returning backs but Thomas is coming off his 2nd ACL surgery and Bennett struggled at times last season. The WR unit is all but stellar, Eric Decker is the only notable WR back. The D-Line struggled severely last season with no push or pressure. LB looks like a liability with some unknowns and Deon Hightower was injured in the spring. There could be 4 new starters in the secondary after some inconsistent play in 2007 and the loss of Dominique Barber.

Offensive Player of the Year:
Curtis Painter, QB- Purdue

Defensive Player of the Year:
James Laurinaitis, LB- Ohio St.

Freshman of the Year:
Terrelle Pryor, QB- Ohio St.

Coach of the Year:
Mark Dantonio- Michigan St.

Top 3 Games:
Ohio St. at Wisconsin- Oct. 4

Illinois at Wisconsin- Oct. 25

Ohio St. at Illinois- Nov. 15