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Winds of change sweep several NCAA conferences
By Russell Sellers and Kent Anger
College football begins today and our team of “experts” is wrapping up its predictions for the season. Regardless of how things actually turn out, it’s sure to be a wild ride for the coaches, players, fans and commentators.
This week, we take a look at the Big 10, Big East and the Atlantic Coast Conferences and size-up the possibilities for the season.
Big Ten
Before the drama really begins next season with the addition of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the Ohio State Buckeyes look to be the most dominant team in the Big 10, again.
But wait, could Iowa and Wisconsin be on the road to an upset? What about Michigan State? The Spartans have looked impressive for the last couple of seasons and could be a force to be reckoned with.
Fear the Vest
Ohio State is favored to win its sixth straight Big Ten title. Following an outstanding Rose Bowl performance last year, Terrelle Pryor is a Heisman hopeful and healthy to start his junior campaign. The Buckeyes early test in week two will be a non-conference game against the Miami Hurricanes. It’s known for a superb defense, but has its best offensive line in decades.
‘Hawk’ and dove
The Iowa Hawkeyes start the season ranked ninth overall and will probably finish second in the division. Its schedule is favorable by having Ohio State, Wisconsin and Penn State at home, but that doesn’t necessarily spell success.
Defensive end Adrian Clayborn is the anchor of the best defensive line in the Big 10 and may be the most dominant defensive player in the nation.
The Wisconsin Badgers return its entire offensive line and running back John Clay is sure to improve on the 1,500 yard, 18 TD season of last year.
‘Prepare for glory!’
The dark horse for the Big 10 has to be the Michigan State Spartans. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has the skills to be a star with a solid wide receiver corps. They should finish the season with decent bowl hopes.
Big East
In years past the Big East has been a tough conference to play for or against. Times have changed, but that doesn’t mean some of these teams should be counted out. West Virginia, Pittsburg and Cincinnati have pulled out some big surprises in recent years and this season could prove to be a repeat for any one or all of them.
Cat calls
Pittsburgh is the early favorite to lead the Big East, with the returning running back Dion Lewis. However, sophomore quarterback Tino Sunseri will have to learn the offense quickly as a first-year starter. Currently, the team is ranked 15th in the nation, but given the strength of its schedule, that might change by week three when it plays the Miami Hurricanes.
Although Cincinnati ran away with the title last year, the departure of Brian Kelly and QB sensation Tony Pike will take its toll on the Bearcats. Look for it to have a winning record, but finish in the middle of the pack.
‘
Play me some mountain music’
West Virginia is always near the top in its division and this year is no different. Running back Noel Devine put up some impressive numbers last year, running for 1,465 yards and 13 TDs. He’s an early Heisman candidate who should have the best year of his career.
Mush!
The University of Connecticut is poised for a breakthrough year. Huskies coach Randy Edsall loaded the team with veterans who have grown up on the field. Linebackers Patrick Wilson and Scott Lutrus are tackling machines, and running back Jordan Todman rushed for 1,188 yards last season.
Atlantic Coast Conference
Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, Florida State and Miami all look to be major contenders for the ACC title, but there can be only one.
There are plenty of other great teams in this conference as well, but some are plagued with injuries and others lost too many key players last season to even be considered hopefuls.
Still, the ACC has plenty to look forward to this year, especially with five of its 12 teams in the top 20.
High winds
Florida State and Miami have enjoyed great success in the past, but struggled to be contenders outside the ACC for the past couple of years. First-year FSU Coach Jimbo Fisher is looking to change that and given the power-house offense he’s built, it could happen. Unfortunately for FSU, the team is still weak in the defense department. If there’s to be any hope of a 10-win season for the ‘Noles, that has to change within the first week since week two is against Oklahoma.
Miami is a similar story, complete with weather analogy. It has the potential to reach a 10-win season, but those dreams could be dashed in week two by Ohio State.
No horsing around
North Carolina either has great confidence or enjoys punishment, given its first two games: Louisiana State University and Georgia Tech. If it manages to beat either or both of these teams, then maybe the hype is true. If not, all hope is not lost for the Tar Heels. The next four games should be fairly solid wins.
The real test for ACC glory will be in weeks seven, nine and 10 when it takes on Miami, Florida State and Virginia Tech, respectively. Look for this team to easily out-perform the majority of its out-of-conference opponents, but will probably struggle against Miami and Virginia Tech.
Feeling Hokie
Not just any ACC team can manage a top 10 ranking, but Virginia Tech isn’t just any other team. It went 10-3 last season, losing to Alabama, Georgia Tech and North Carolina. Obviously, Georgia Tech and N.C. would like to repeat their successes, but it’s not likely to go that way this year.
Last season the Hokies opened against current National Champions Alabama. This season, it’s looking to make an example of Boise State.
Quarterback Tyrod Taylor is back for another season and looks to capitalize on last season. He threw for 2,311 yards and 13 TDs. That more than doubled his stats from the previous season. Look for his arm to put the Hokies on top in the ACC and possibly into a major Bowl game.
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