College Football 2012

4re Nut · Jan 12, 2012

Might as well get the party started to the SEC's next BCS title.

2012 Preseason College Football Rankings: Super-Early Predictions for Top 5

5. Alabama

The Crimson Tide ended the 2011 season by winning the BCS National Championship. And there was much rejoicing in and around Tuscaloosa.

When the 2012 season comes calling, you can rest assured the Crimson Tide will start the season from a position to win a second straight national title.

The catch is that Alabama is losing some of its very best players to the draft. Trent Richardson (presumably) and Marquis Maze are leaving the offense, and Dre Kirkpatrick, Courtney Upshaw, Dont'a Hightower and Mark Barron are all (presumably) leaving the defense.

That's a lot of talent going out the door. Nick Saban has plenty of talented players waiting in the wings, but it's going to take time and effort to get everyone up to speed.

That won't deter the voters from voting Alabama into the preseason Top 5, but don't be surprised if this is as high as Alabama gets all season.

4. Michigan

The Wolverines made some huge strides on defense in 2011, and there's no reason to think they won't be strong on defense again in 2012.

On offense, the Wolverines will have Denard Robinson back. He'll be looking to do two things: win the Heisman Trophy and win a BCS National Championship.

Robinson can put himself and his team on the right track right out of the gate. The Wolverines open against Alabama at Cowboys Stadium, an early test for a Crimson Tide defense that will feature a handful of new starters.

Those new starters will be facing one of the most explosive players in the country, not to mention one of the more experienced teams in the country.

So right now, many months before we're going to get down to brass tacks, I'm going to give Michigan the early edge.

3. Oregon

LaMichael James is headed to the NFL. Without the best player in school history, the Ducks are clearly doomed, right?

Nope. Darron Thomas will still be there, and so will epic speedster De'Anthony Thomas. Chip Kelly will be there, too, meaning Oregon will still run an offense that nobody in the Pac-12 can stop.

So I would expect the Ducks to keep on as they've been keeping on. They'll be among the national leaders in scoring, and the Pac-12 North should be all theirs with Andrew Luck leaving Stanford.

The Ducks will have their eyes on a higher prize, though. They'll be looking for a BCS National Championship, and you better believe that they're going to be a legit threat to get it.

2. USC

In 2012, the Trojans are going to be back.

Like, really back. Their two-year bowl ban is officially over, and they're going to look to celebrate by winning a national title.

That's the whole reason Matt Barkley decided to forgo a potential Top-5 draft pick in the 2012 draft to come back. He has unfinished business at USC, and the Trojans have revenge on their minds. They would like nothing more than to thumb their nose at the NCAA by winning a championship.

Thankfully, Barkley has plenty of talent around him. Matt Kalil is going pro, but at least Barkley will have stud wide receiver Robert Woods. The Trojans will be strong on defense, too, and they'll look even stronger going up against the rest of the Pac-12 South.

The only team standing in USC's way will be Oregon. Find Nov. 3 on your 2012 schedule and mark it down, dude. These two teams are going to put the Game of the Century to shame.

1. LSU

The Tigers may have lost the BCS National Championship Game, but they'll be back in 2012. With a vengeance.

The Tigers are going to return some key players on defense, most notably Tyrann Mathieu. He'll look to once again be in the Heisman Trophy race, while simultaneously serving as the heart and soul of LSU's defense.

Offensively, Les Miles may actually have the luxury of having a stud quarterback under center. Zach Mettenberger will probably be the starter, though I wouldn't rule out Stephen Rivers or Gunner Kiel earning the starting job.

An LSU team with a capable starting quarterback. That's just what the rest of the country needs...
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Hotty Toddy!

snj5 · Jan 12, 2012

While neutral on Mizzou, I am happy to have A&M in the SEC. The first years may be difficult, but a good strategic decision for them I hope. And I am personally indebted to them for relieving us of Coach Fran.
Any know their schedule next year yet?

4re Nut · Jan 12, 2012

snj5 said: ↑

While neutral on Mizzou, I am happy to have A&M in the SEC. The first years may be difficult, but a good strategic decision for them I hope. And I am personally indebted to them for relieving us of Coach Fran.
Any know their schedule next year yet?
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Who, A&M? http://www.aggieathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=27300&ATCLID=205352361

All SEC games Week-by-Week & Team-By-Team: http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/230227/sec-releases-2012-conference-football-schedule.aspx

A good source for full team schedules: http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa/sec-football-schedules.php

snj5 · Jan 12, 2012

4re Nut said: ↑

Who, A&M? http://www.aggieathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=27300&ATCLID=205352361

All SEC games Week-by-Week & Team-By-Team: http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/230227/sec-releases-2012-conference-football-schedule.aspx

A good source for full team schedules: http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa/sec-football-schedules.php
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Wow - Pretty well goes downhill after McNeese State.

1_can_dream · Jan 12, 2012

You guys be sure to give those ags a nice welcome, and enjoy their "traditions".

Dr Tommy Cosgrove · Jan 12, 2012

1_can_dream said: ↑

You guys be sure to give those ags a nice welcome, and enjoy their "traditions".
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Besides standing the whole time, what else do they do?

snj5 · Jan 12, 2012

Dr Tommy Cosgrove said: ↑

Besides standing the whole time, what else do they do?
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Besides each of the classes having its own [bizarre] cheer, there's this squatting thing...among others.

I can't think of A&M without thinking of the Junction Boys, but most don't think back that far.

1_can_dream · Jan 12, 2012

They have various quirks. The bookstore isn't really a tradition, but I couldn't resist.
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Dr Tommy Cosgrove · Jan 13, 2012

I don't get the show my butthole pose. Why do they show where their butthole is to folks on gameday?

Whisky · Jan 13, 2012

Can I predict Nebraska's second losing season in the last 40+ years?

4re Nut · Jan 13, 2012

Another poll with LSU #1, but this is the New Orleans paper so a bit biased.

http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2012/01/college_football_preseason_top.html

Their Top 10...

1. LSU. 2011 - 13-1, lost to Alabama, 21-0, in BCS championship game; Final AP ranking - 2
It's hard to justify a preseason No. 1 ranking for any team without a proven quarterback, but if Zach Mettenberger can get his act together, the position might actually be improved in 2012. The defense will be loaded, even with juniors Morris Claiborne and Michael Brockers having declared for the draft and the running game by committee should continue to excel. Having eight home games doesn't hurt, either.

2. Southern California. 2011 - 10-2; Final AP ranking - 6
Quarterback Matt Barkley's decision to return makes the Trojans a title contender. All-America receiver Robert Woods and leading rusher Curtis McNeal return along with eight defensive starters. The only question is depth. In anticipation of being able to sign only 10 players for each of the next three seasons, USC has to get down to 75 scholarship athletes by August.

3. Alabama. 2011 - 12-1, defeated LSU, 21-0, in BCS championship game. Final AP ranking - 1
Potentially losing up seven offensive and seven defensive starters would normally portend a big dropoff for most teams, but this is Alabama, which is reloading with stockpiled talent. And now that sophomore quarterback AJ McCarron has proven himself handing the pressure in a big game, there may be no stopping the Tide from being the first repeat champion of the BCS era. We'll see on Nov. 3 in Tiger Stadium.

4. West Virginia. 2011 - 10-3, defeated Clemson, 70-33 in Orange Bowl. Final AP ranking - 17
This might be a stretch, considering the Mountaineers don't even know which conference they'll be playing in. The likelihood is the Big 12, but it will take a court ruling to make that happen. On the field, much of the offensive firepower that rang up 70 points in the Orange Bowl is back, led by quarterback Geno Smith. And Dana Holgorsen doesn't have the distraction of being a coach-in-waiting to deal with.

5. South Carolina. 2011 - 11-2, defeated Nebraska, 30-13 in Capitol One Bowl. Final AP ranking - 9
It's taken longer than expected, but Steve Spurrier finally has the Gamecocks in position to challenge for the SEC championship. Actually, they probably would have in 2011 had not running back Marcus Lattimore missed most of the season with a knee injury. He's back, and presumably healthy, the quarterback situation also is improved and the Jadeveon Clowney-led defense can play at LSU and Alabama levels.

6. Oklahoma. 2011 - 10-3, defeated Iowa, 31-13 in Insight Bowl; Final AP ranking - 16
The Sooners became the first preseason No. 1 team to finish outside the top 10 since 1985, but they don't have to worry about having that burden again. But, as always, Oklahoma has the capacity to finish at the top, especially with quarterback Landry Jones returning. Having running back Dominique Whaley back from injury and an experienced secondary on hand helps too.

7. Oregon. 2011 - 12-2, defeated Wisconsin, 45-38 in Rose Bowl. Final AP ranking - 4.
After three straight Pac-12 championships, the Ducks have established themselves among the nation's elite programs. Dynamic rusher LaMichael James has declared for the draft, but De'Anthony Thomas and Kenjon Barner have proven themselves as more-than-capable replacements, Quarterback Darron Thomas also returns. The defense needs to improve from its No. 67 ranking, but with the points Oregon can put up (46.1 per-game in '11), not that much.

8. Arkansas. 2011 - 11-2 defeated Kansas State, 29-16 in Cotton Bowl. Final AP ranking - 5
All that stands between the Razorbacks and playing for the national championship are LSU and Alabama. At least Arkansas gets them both at home this time. Quarterback Tyler Wilson leads seven returning offensive starters plus running back Knile Davis, who missed the season with a knee injury. If the defense, No. 47 nationally in '11, improves, this might be the Hogs' breakthrough season.

9. Michigan State 2011 - 11-3, defeated Georgia, 33-30, in Outback Bowl. Final AP ranking - 11.
The Spartans probably belonged in a BCS bowl and despite the loss of quarterback Kirk Cousins should be the team to beat in the Big Ten, which would mean a Rose Bowl berth. Four returning starters on the offensive line should make things comfortable for new QB Andrew Maxwell. But the real strength is the defense where nine starters, led by end William Gholston, return from the league's top teams.

10. Virginia Tech. 2011 - 11-3, lost to Michigan, 23-20, in Sugar Bowl. Final AP ranking: 21
No team over the last eight seasons has won at least 10 games as the Hokies have. But there also seems to be a glass ceiling on the program. Quarterback Logan Thomas needs to make as much improvement in 2012 as he did in 2012 and a replacement for early-entry tailback David Wilson must be found. But nine returning defensive starters make Virginia Tech the choice in the ACC.
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For Whisky...

20. Nebraska. 2011 - 9-4, lost to South Carolina, 30-13, in Capitol One Bowl. Final AP ranking - 24.
After four four-loss seasons, the Cornhusker faithful is starting to get a little antsy about Bo Pelini. They're liable to be even more antsy if this team doesn't produce at least a division title. With eight offensive and nine defensive starters back, that's very attainable. But they need an improved passing game and a defense that finishes better than seventh in the Big Ten if it is to live up to its Blackshirt tradition.
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Whisky · Jan 14, 2012

4re Nut said: ↑

For Whisky...
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But not legitimate EVERY GAME starters.
'Nine starters on defense' - I think 4 or 5 are legit, the rest were spot starters in for injured folks.

And, sorry, they don't have a QB that is capable of carrying the team, the problem is the guy is too stupid to realize that, and this I know for fact: two of my friends are Professors in Lincoln, they had this clown in classes.

Dr Tommy Cosgrove · Jan 14, 2012

4re Nut said: ↑

Another poll with LSU #1, but this is the New Orleans paper so a bit biased.
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I don't think it's really a bias. I haven't seen LSU anywhere but #1 preseason so far. They deserve it

Dr Tommy Cosgrove · Jan 14, 2012

Putting USC in front of Alabama on any part of the poll surprises me a little but whatever

4re Nut · Jan 14, 2012

Dr Tommy Cosgrove said: ↑

I don't think it's really a bias...
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Maybe not, I just hate our local paper because of the daily stupid mistakes it makes in all sections, both print and online.

For example, in the poll they have Clemson beating themselves...

17. Clemson. 2011 - 10-4, lost to Clemson, 70-33 in Orange Bowl. Final AP ranking - No. 22
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The careless-asses must be LSU grads!

Hotty Toddy!

1_can_dream · Jan 15, 2012

Dr Tommy Cosgrove said: ↑

Putting USC in front of Alabama on any part of the poll surprises me a little but whatever
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Are you guys losing a lot this year to graduation and the NFL? Richardson is leaving right?

Dr Tommy Cosgrove · Jan 16, 2012

1_can_dream said: ↑

Are you guys losing a lot this year to graduation and the NFL? Richardson is leaving right?
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We are but we should be 85% covered.

I think it's just that anything Lane Kiffin surprises me

1_can_dream · Jan 16, 2012

Dr Tommy Cosgrove said: ↑

We are but we should be 85% covered.

I think it's just that anything Lane Kiffin surprises me
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He's already stayed at USC for more than a year so that's a surprise in itself.

4re Nut · Jan 16, 2012

http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2012/01/gunner_kiel_no_show_still_expe.html

Highly-touted quarterback recruit Gunner Kiel did not show up with other early LSU football enrolees, but a source close to the situation said he is still expected to enroll at LSU.

Several recruitoing [sic] websites are reporting he has changed his mind and will attend Notre Dame. Kiel has until next Monday to enroll at LSU to be eligible during the spring semester.

Kiel, who was named Mr. Indiana Football by the Indianpolis Star, committed to LSU just after Christmas, picking the Tigers ahead of Notre Dame and Vanderbilt. He was scheduled to attend a 3 p.m. meeting Monday with other early enrollees but did not show...
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I wonder if the BCS outcome has given him second thoughts.

iamthesimpleone · Jan 16, 2012

UT just had a new freshman QB enroll early. BCS bowl here we come.....

S Brake · Jan 16, 2012

Hope you guys are ready for a repeat of the 1984 season.

4re Nut · Jan 16, 2012

iamthesimpleone said: ↑

UT just had a new freshman QB enroll early. BCS bowl here we come.....
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Is his name Gunner?

4re Nut · Jan 16, 2012

S Brake said: ↑

Hope you guys are ready for a repeat of the 1984 season.
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You aren't in the WAC any longer Toto.

S Brake · Jan 16, 2012

4re Nut said: ↑

You aren't in the WAC any longer Toto.
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Thank heavens for that.

4re Nut · Jan 16, 2012

S Brake said: ↑

Thank heavens for that.
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http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-12/mtn-west/2012-byu-cougars-football-schedule.php

I'm thinking 7-5, maybe 8-4.

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