Preseason Award Winners

Here are the favorites to win the many awards for the upcoming season:



Heisman Trophy: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Maxwell Award, Outstanding Player: Andrew Luck, Stanford

Walter Camp, Player of the Year: Andrew Luck, Stanford

Home Depot Coach of the Year: Mike Gundy, Oklahoma St

Doak Walker, Running Back: LaMichael James, Oregon

Davey O'Brien, National Quarterback Award: Andrew Luck, Stanford

Fred Biletnikoff, Wide Receiver: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma St.

John Mackey, Tight End: Michael Egnew, Missouri

Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Senior Quarterback: Kellen Moore, Boise St

Outland Trophy, Interior Lineman: Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska

Vince Lombardi/Rotary, Lineman: Jared Crick, Nebraska

Rimington Trophy, Center: Matthew Brewster, Ohio St

Chuck Bednarik, Defensive Player of the Year: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Dick Butkus, Linebacker: Luke Kuechly, Boston College

Jim Thorpe, Defensive Back: Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

Lou Groza, Place Kicker: Blair Walsh, Georgia

Ray Guy, Punter: Drew Butler, Georgia

Ted Hendrick, Defensive End: Brandon Jenkins, Florida St

Daily Sports' Freshman of the Year: Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas



Preseason Top 25

Preseason Outlook: ACC

The ACC finished last season with only three teams in the top 25 and not one in the Top 15. The ACC Champ and BCS bowl representative, Virginia Tech, was embarrassed by Andrew Luck and Stanford in the Orange Bowl. The ACC has some elite talent at schools like North Carolina, Florida St, Virginia Tech and Clemson but they need to produce that talent into results on the field. A take a look at the ACC and some key players for the upcoming season on the east coast.

Atlantic


1. Florida St: The Seminoles return many key starters from a team that reached the ACC Championship game last season and added the 2nd best recruiting class in the nation. Jimbo Fisher should have the Seminoles heading into the season as a Top 10 team and they will be ACC favorites. Look for quarterback E.J. Manuel to thrive with his top 5 receivers returning.

1st team All American Luke Kuechly
will anchor the BC defense

2. Boston College: BC has been winning for years but double digit wins have been hard to come by since the departure of Matt Ryan from Chestnut Hill. The Golden Eagles look to get back this season with ACC player of the year front runners RB Montel Harris and LB Luke Kuechly on the roster.

3. Clemson: The Tigers struggled last season with a disappointing 6-7 record and lost the best defensive player in the nation in Da'Quan Bowers but things look to be brighter on the other side of the tunnel. The Tigers bring back running back Andre Ellington, DeAndre Hopkins at receiver and have one of the best recruiting classes in the nation coming in, loaded with four 5 star recruits.

4. Maryland: Maryland let go of Ralph Friedgen after a 9-4 season and hired former UConn head coach Randy Edsall to take over commands. I believe Edsall is a good coach but not the great coach that Maryland was looking for to take the program to new heights. I believe that the Terrapins will succeed and reach another mediocre bowl game in their first season under Edsall with sophomore quarterback Danny O'Brien leading the way but wont challenge Florida St.

5. North Carolina St: The NC State faithful received a huge blow in what looked to be a very promising season when quarterback Russell Wilson headed to Madison to play for Wisconsin in the upcoming season. The Wolfpack return 8 starters on defense that was one of the best in the ACC last season and have a very good up in coming coach in Tim O'Brien. They should salvage a bowl game but the expectations for a Top 15 team and a possible BCS game will not happen this season.

6. Wake Forest: The Wake Forest football program has gone down the drain since they won the ACC title and appeared in the Orange Bowl back in 06-07. Look for this disappointment to continue for Demon Deacon fans in 2011 but Sophomore quarterback Tanner Price could be the answer next season as they try and turn around the program.

Coastal

1. Virginia Tech : Tech has dominated the ACC in recent years and has had 10+ win seasons every year since 2003. Even when they looked like they may slip up at the beginning of last season they won 11 straight claimed the ACC title. The Hokies should be good once again this upcoming season but they may not be the favorites headed in. The Hokies lose quarterback Tyrod Taylor along with running backs Darren Evans and Ryan Williams. They return four offensive lineman that will lead the way for running back David Wilson and an always strong defense.

Running back and return man David Wilson will carry
the Hokies offense in 2011

2. Miami: If Jacory Harris starts this season for the Hurricanes and if he limits his interceptions then the Hurricanes could easily challenge for a ACC Championship with all the talent they have. The O-Line will lead the way for two back-up running backs from last season while a strong linebacking core will anchor the defense.

3. North Carolina: Butch Davis is headed out of Chapel Hill and Everett Withers is in as interim head coach for the Tarheels. This is the second year in a row that they have been hurt big time in the off season. The Tarheels failed to bounce back after high expectations last season and it looks like this could be the same this year. Their defense should once again be electrifying, especially up front with three high draft picks but the quarterback and running back situations are limbo for the upcoming season.

4. Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets go into the season without a settled quarterback situation despite Tevin Washington playing four games last season. The defense doesn't return a lot of starters but looked very strong throughout the spring. If the triple option get rolling in the upcoming season then we could see the Yellow Jackets fighting atop the ACC.


5. Virginia: The Wahoo's return 17 starters, most out of any team in the ACC, its just too bad it was from a 4-8 team last season. That experience puts them above Wake Forest and the Duke Blue Devils and I wouldn't be surprised if they pull off a couple of upsets but they may just fall short of a bowl game for another season. The Cav's averaged 400 yards of offense last season, third in the ACC, and the return 8 starters from that side of the ball while the defense will be led by all american candidate CB Chase Minnifield and DE Cam Johnson.

Jimbo Fisher and the Florida St Seminoles are
the preseason favorites for the 2011 season

6. Duke: The Blue Devils should have a strong passing attack for the upcoming season with returning quarterback, Sean Renfree, and their top two receivers back on the roster but the Defense will haunt Duke once again this season. If their defense doesn't improve big time then we will likely see them missing out on a bowl game for the 17th season in a row.


ACC Championship Game: Florida St over Virginia Tech


Preseason Awards

Player of the Year: Montel Harris, RB, Boston College

Defense Player of the Year: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Coach of the Year: Jimbo Fisher, Florida St.

Freshman of the Year: Nick O'Leary, TE, Florida St


More Previews:

Big 12

Big East

Big Ten

Pac 12

SEC

Non AQ

Preseason Outlook: Big "12"

The Big 12 has started to crumple with the losses of powerhouses Colorado and Nebraska for the upcoming season but that hasn't stopped them from having a highly anticipated season in 2011. The Big 12 will produce some of the best offense in the nation with elite quarterbacks and the two best wide receivers in the country but defense will be the game changer. I take quick look at the Big 12.

1. Oklahoma: Sooner fans have been excited for the upcoming season since January 11th and they are less than a month away from seeing Bob Stoops and the boys take the field as the preseason #1. The last team to win the nation title after being the preseason favorite was USC in 2004 but Oklahoma looks to stay ontop all season long and bring a title back to Norman in January. The Sooner offense should be one of the best in the nation with Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles on the roster. The defense took a huge blow recently with the loss of star LB and Big 12 defense player of the year favorite, Travis Lewis, to a broken toe injury. Even with the loss of Lewis for 6-8 weeks the Sooner defense should still be an improvement over last season's unit.

2. Texas A&M: The Aggies return 18 starters from a team that finished in the top 20 last season, most starters returning in the Big 12. Cyrus Gray and Christine Micheal will surprise many and they could represent the best running back tandem in College Football while proven winner,Ryan Tannehill, will be under center (6-1). The defense will try to bounce back after the loss of All American Von Miller to the draft and leading tackler Micheal Hodges.

Nation's best Receiver Justin Blackmon

3. Oklahoma St: QB Brandon Weeden, soon to be 28, will lead one of the best passing offenses in College Football and his number one option will be the best receiver in College Football and Biletnikoff winner Justin Blackmon. The two connected 111 times for over 1700 yards and 20 touchdowns last year and they look to improve on that stat in 2011. RB Joesph Randle looks to fill in for 1500 yard rusher Kendall Hunter. The defense will be led by CB Brodrick Brown and Big 12 defensive freshman of the year Shaun Lewis.

4. Texas: Mack Brown is still in the rebuilding process but this year it should result in a bowl game for Longhorn fans. The Longhorns return 13 starters and have talent in every position because of Top 10 recruiting classes year after year. Texas loses their long time defensive coordinator Will Muschamp to Florida but defense should still be the focus in 2011. The offense is still developing with an inexperienced line, an unproven quarterback in Garrett Gilbert, and an incoming freshman likely to start at running back.

5. Missouri: The Tigers dont have the elite receiver like Oklahoma and Oklahoma St but overall it should be a better receiver core. 1,000 yard receiver T.J. Moe, Elite TE Michael Egnew, and young receivers Wes Kamp and Jerrell Jackson are exactly what a young quarterback needs. The Tigers lost two players to the first round of the draft but should still have a winning team in Columbia.

Michael Egnew caught 90 passes last season and comes in
to the season as one of the best Tight End is College Football

6. Baylor: Robert Griffin III helped end a 15 year bowl drought for the Bears and he returns as one of the elite dual threat quarterbacks in College Football. Griffin's five best receivers return to field but they will need to make up for the loss of Jay Finely at running back. The defense gave up 435 yards a game last season and if the Bears want to improve on their 7-6 season in 2011 that number will have to drop.

7. Kansas St: This upcoming season is all about transfers for the Wildcats. Brothers Bryce and Arthur Brown lead the strong transfer list. RB Bryce comes from Tennessee and was the #1 overall recruit in the 2009 class while LB Arthur comes from Miami and looks to start right away for a defense that struggled in 2010. Chris Harper (Oregon) and Brodrick Smith (Minnesota) will be two new targets for quarterback Collin Klein. The struggle for this upcoming season will be improving the front seven, who gave gave up the most rushing yards in the NCAA last season (3,008). If the Wildcats improve their defense and the offense gets rolling then we should see another bowl appearance in 2011.

8. Texas Tech: Tommy Tuberville enters his second season at command of the Red Raiders but its not looking like a promising season with only 11 starters returning, lowest in Big 12. Tech loses star quarterback Taylor Potts, leading rusher Baron Batch and their top two receivers but they have an fairly easy first 8 games. Junior Seth Dodge will come into a pass happy offense buy their defense must improve dramatically for this team to succeed in 2011.

9. Iowa St: The Cyclones lost their two best playmakers, QB Austen Arnaud and RB Alexander Robinson and depth remains an issue but there is still optimisium for the upcoming season. Most of the key players from a solid defense last season return, led by linebackers A.J. Klein and Jake Knott. If the offense can hold its own then we could see the Cyclones back in a bowl game.

Malcolm Brown will be the workhorse
in the Longhorn backfield

10. Kansas: The Kansas football program has gone severely downhill since their Orange Bowl win over Virginia Tech in 2007. The quarterback situation will probably fall in the hands of part time starter last season, sophomore Jordan Webb, and the Jayhawks have two good young players at running back in sophomore James Sims and transfer Darrian Miller. Many key players on the team are young unproven players so I would say that the program is still a year or two away from another bowl appearance.

Preseason Awards
Player of the Year: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St

Defensive Player of the Year: Jake Knott, LB, Iowa St

Coach of the Year: Mike Sherman, Texas A&M

Freshman of the Year: Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas

More Previews:

ACC

Big East

Big Ten

Pac 12

SEC

Non AQ

Preseason Outlook: Big East

The Big East aka "Big Least" had two teams preseason ranked in the Top 15 last season but failed to have one in the Top 25 at the final poll. The conference looks to bounce back this season and put at least a couple teams back in the top 25 for the upcoming season even with all the off season coaching drama at major programs. I take a look at the top players and teams in the conference for the upcoming season.

1. West Virginia: Bill Stewart resigned over the summer after West Virginia assigned Dana Holgorsen to head coach in waiting for 2012 and placed him as offensive coordinator for this season. Holgorsen now takes over for the Mountaineers but has some big expectations. The Geno Smith to Tavon Austin connection should be used alot this season while the Mountaineers  count on the support of on of the best defensive lines in College Football. Replacing Noel Devine and having a solid running game could be the problem in Morgantown.

Isaiah Pead had three 150+ yard rushing
games last season for the Bearcats

2. Cincinnati: Whenever you have the two best players in the conference on an team they should be ranked #1 but not with an unproven defense. QB Zach Collaros and RB Isaiah Pead will lead another strong Cincinnati offense despite losing five starters. The defense returns every single starter, which would usually merit a Top 25 ranking but not with a defense that struggled so much last season. Butch Jones looks to bring the Big East title back to Cincinnati but their success will rely on the defense, specifically the DB's.

3. South Florida: B.J. Daniels has been a love hate player for Bulls fans but looks to be the savior for the 2011 season. His amazing ability to escape from trouble with his legs but his very questionable throwing decisions make fans go crazy. DE Ryan Giddins and LB Sam Barrington will led a strong and athletic Bulls defense that looks to take advantage of coaching problems at Pitt and West Virginia and win their first ever Big East Championship.


4. Pittsburgh: The Pitt Panthers have consistently been at the top of the Big East  but have failed to hold up that Big East trophy since the Larry Fitzgerald days back in 2004. Tino Sunseri returns at quarterback and Ray Graham will lead the rushing attack anchor by an offensive line should be the best in the Big East. Pitt has the talent to do great things this season but I believe that this first season under Todd Graham will be a struggle.

5. Syracuse: Syracuse got back to a bowl game last year for the first time since 2004 and with 13 starters back they look to improve on an 8-5 record. Ryan Nassib comes back to take command of the offense while Antwon Bailey will be the go to guy in the backfield for the Orange. The defense lost 6 starters and most of their leadership from last years team so we will have to wait and see how it looks come their first game vs Wake Forest.

6. Louisville: Charlie Strong did an unbelievable job in his first season as the Cardinals head coach last season. Taking the team in a 180 degree turn, taking them to bowl game and having one of the best recruiting class in team history. RB Victor Anderson will led the offense and DT Greg Scruggs will be the defensive leader for the Cardinals. Strong lost 25 seniors and 11 starters from their bowl team last season and I think it will be a couple of years before the Cardinals are back on top of the Big East but they still should be headed back to a Bowl in 2011.

WVU's Keith Tandy should be one
 of the nations best corners in 2011

7. UConn: With Randy Edsall and Jordan Todman gone all UConn fans can say is "Uh Oh." The Huskies do return 15 starters from a Big East Championship team. They return a very strong offensive line and have an elite defense returning, 9 returning starters. I think that this 2011 UConn team will be like the 2010 Cincinnati team and will struggle with a new coaching staff in their first season.

8. Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights have the potential for a dominant aerial attack with returning quarterback Chas Dodd throwing to two of the best receivers in the Big East in Mohammed Sanu and Mark Harrison. The real question is if the line can protect Dodd after losing four starters. The defense that gave up 69 points to Cincy last year needs to have improved greatly over the off-season for them to have a shot at making a bowl game this upcoming season.

Preseason Awards

Player of the year: Zach Collaros, QB, Cincinnati

Defensive Player of the Year: Keith Tandy, CB, West Virginia

Coach of the Year: Dana Holgorsen, West Virginia

Freshman of the Year: Savon Higgins, RB, Rutgers

More Previews:

ACC

Big 12

Big Ten

Pac 12

SEC

Non AQ

Preseason Outlook: Pac 12

Utah and Colorado join the conference to help form the new Pac 12 conference. The Pac 12 has the two best players in College Football from last season and pre season Heisman favorites Andrew Luck and LaMichael James. The Pac 10 is now two teams bigger and has a championship game but will it be better? I take a look at key players in the conference and what you should expect from the Pac 12 in 2011.

North

1. Oregon: Head coach Chip Kelly says that the Ducks are better then they were last season and are poised to make another title run. Darren Thomas will lead the face paced offense once again with running backs LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner at his sides. The only problem for the Ducks offense is the graduation of their two best receivers but they have many speedy athletes to fill in. Ducks defensive leader Casey Matthews graduates but first team all american PR/CB Cliff Harris will carry the 2011 defense. More on LaMichael James and the Ducks here: Oregon's LaMichael James

LaMichael James leads Oregon in the hunt
for another National Championship appearance

2. Stanford: Jim Harbaugh is gone and Andrew Luck is gone...wait. The consensus #1 overall draft pick stayed for another year and Cardinal fans are ecstatic. Andrew Luck comes into the 2011 season as the Heisman front runner, face of College Football, and likely #1 draft pick in 2012. Luck will be helped by 1,000 yard rusher Stepfan Taylor and his top targets  will be TE Coby Fleener and WR Chris Owusu, who missed half of the season with injury. Stanford's 3-4 defense should limit the bleeding while Luck and the offense take over. More on Luck and Stanford here: Andrew Luck

3. Washington: Jake Locker is gone but RB Chris Polk pops out from under his shadow and everyone realizes that the little guy can play. Polk almost got to 1500 rushing yards last season and will try and improve on that performance this year behind a veteran line. The quarterback situation will hold the Huskies back but overall they should still be able to keep it close with the likes of Oregon and Stanford.
4. Oregon St: QB Ryan Katz returns to lead one of the best passing attacks in the conference, if James Rodgers comes back and is performing well from his injury last season. James' brother Jacquizz left early for the draft so their is a wide open hole in the backfield but whoever it is will have a veteran line blocking for them. The front seven will be a very big problem for the Beavers with only two mediocre players returning.

5. California: Ever since Aaron Rodgers graduated back in 2004 the Bears have failed to  thrive and this could be another one of those season with an inexperienced QB. The Bears return a solid line and receiving core and they always have loads of talent and athleticism on the defensive side of the ball but I think this season will be another disappointing one.

6: Washington St:  The Positive is that they return 16 starters. Negative: The 16 starters came from a team that went 2-10 and 1-8 in the conference last season. The Cougars have won two conference game since 2007 seven, Two! Jeff Tuel will try and have the Cougars match that this season. Tuel is a very underrated quarterback and can make some great throws while also being able to scramble away from pressure. The Cougars have some rising stars on defense but as a whole it looks to be pretty weak. Washington St hopes to get out from under the losing cloud and finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Sophomore Robert Woods will be Matt Berkley's
top receiving target

South

*1. USC: This looks like it could be the year that Matt Barkley carries the Trojans back to a double digit win season. The Trojans have the most talent out of anyone in the Pac 12 and its Lane Kiffin's job to put them in the right places on the field. Berkley's top targets will be offensive rookie of the year Robert Woods and Kyle Prater while sophomore Dillion Baxter and senior Marc Tyler will be in the backfield. The Trojan defense is always one of the most athletic in the nation but the past few season the athletes have failed to produce. Look for the defense to step up once again this season and carry the Trojans to a 10-2 season.

2. Arizona St: The Sundevils not only have a new logo for the upcoming season but also have 20 returning starters, yes 20! The Sundevils are by far the most  depth in the conference for the upcoming season. Quarterback Brock Osweiler, who started the final two games, is the least experience player on an electrifying offense that returns all their key skill players and the entire line. MLB Vontaze Burfict isa freak of an athlete and will lead a veteran defense. Look for the Sun Devils face Oregon in the first Pac 12 Championship game.

3. Utah: Welcome to the Pac 12 , Utes' fans. No more easy conference games vs New Mexico, Colorado St, and Wyoming\ but they still have the easiest schedule in the conference, no Stanford or Oregon and they face Arizona St and Washington at home. Scrambler Jordan Wynn will lead the Utes' offense that should be very successful under their new offensive coordinator. Utah lacks a proven running back and will hamper the offense and their defense need some improvement in the secondary but they should challenge Arizona St for that Pac 12 championship appearance.

Nick Foles look to have another
3,000 yard season

4. Arizona: The Nick Foles to Juron Criner connection will be seen very often this upcoming season for Wildcat football fans. Foles passed for more than 3,000 yards last season but he may struggle more this upcoming season after Arizona lost all five starters on their line. The defense also took their own hit with after losing their very productive defensive ends, Brooks Reed and Ricky Elmore. Arizona shocked many last season with a 7-1 start but fell back to normalcy after losing five straight. They'll look to start off strong with a week on game vs Northern Arizona.

5. UCLA: The Bruins come into the season with experience, 17 returning starters, and amazing young talent but once again go into the season with uncertainly at the quarterback position. There is support for who ever steps in at quarterback as he  will have some amazing athleticism at the WR receiver position and 1,000 yard rusher Johnathan Franklin in the backfield. Look for the defensive line, especially the ends, to cause havoc on the opposing quarterback all season long.

6. Colorado: Its very surprising that this program has fallen so far after winning the national championship twenty years ago. This season doesn't look like it will relieve any pain for Buffaloes fans, even with the switch to the Pac 12 and a new coach at the realm. This looks to be a tough year in Boulder with arguable the hardest schedule in the Pac 12. The Buffaloes face Ohio St, Stanford, Oregon, Washington, and the entire Pac 12 south. Running back Rodney Stewart had over 1,300 yards last season and will anchor a struggling Buffaloes offense while linebacker John Miller with be a leader on defense that lost first round draft pick CB Jimmy Smith.

Andrew Luck comes in as the Heisman favorite
and my favorite for Pac 12 POY

*USC is banned from participating in a Bowl game and the Pac 12 championship game.


Pac 12 Championship Game: Oregon over Arizona St


Preseason Awards

Player of the Year: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Defensive Player of the Year: Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona St

Coach of the Year: Dennis Erickson, Arizona St

Freshman of the Year: James Vaughters, DE/LB, Stanford

More Previews:

ACC

Big 12

Big East

Big Ten

SEC

Non AQ

Preseason Outlook: SEC

The SEC has won the last five national championships and with Alabama and LSU in the preseason top 5 it looks like they could bring a sixth straight title back to the SEC. The SEC East also looks to gain back respect after disappointing last season with South Carolina, Georgia and Florida all returning to the mix. I take a look at some of the key players and what teams need to improve on for the upcoming season.

Marcus Lattimore is my preseason favorite for

SEC player of the year

East:

1. South Carolina: Steve Spurrier led the Gamecocks to their best season in school history last year and they have the offensive fire power to do it again. Stephen Garcia was recently reinstated  and will lead the Gamecocks for the upcoming season. All American WR Alshon Jeffery and RB Marcus Lattimore are at the top of their position and are poised for big seasons once again. On defense they return two All SEC players in DE Devin Taylor and CB Stephon Gilmore and bring in the nations best recruit, DE Jadaveon Clowney.

2. Florida: The Gators are under new management this season after Urban Meyer called it quits from football. Will Muschamp comes in to lead the Gators and his offense will be run by former Notre Dame coach and offensive guru Charlie Weis. Weis has every skill player returning for the his offense and they will be led by second year starter John Brantley. Brantley struggled last season but should thrive with experienced guys  around him. Florida has some problems this upcoming season after key loses to the NFL and graduation. The Gators must replace four starters on their line and three starters in the secondary which could mean trouble for pocket passer Brantley.

Aaron Murray will lead a young Bulldog's offense

3. Georgia: Mark Richt is in the hot seat and needs to produce a winner for Bulldog fans. The key to a sucessful season will be on the arm of scrambling sophomore quarterback Aaron Murray. The Bulldogs have the best special teams unit in the SEC with kicker Blair Walsh and punter Drew Butler and they also return all four starters in an already strong secondary. The Bulldogs lose several key skill players last season, athletic freak A.J. Green was taken fourth in the draft and they will probably rely on freshman running back Isiah Crowell to carry the rushing load.

4. Tennessee: Derek Dooley was just a couple bad substitutions away from a 8-5 season and looks to improve dramatically on his 6-7 record from last year. The Volunteers have found their guy at quarterback and now have a line that is a lot more experienced and can actually protect him this year. 6'6 quarterback Tyler Bray will be joined by talented running back Tauren Poole but Bray will need help in the passing game after his leading receiver is Poole with only 22 receptions. The Vol's lose their top four receiver. The weak defensive line will be the achilles heel for this team in a run heavy conference.

5. Kentucky: The Wildcats lose their two best players in all american KR/WR Randall Cobb and running back Derrick Locke but will have a semi experienced quarterback in Morgan Newton. Expect the offense to have some jitters for the first few games. The defense, which has usually been the weakness for the Wildcats, will need to carry through the first five or so games, which includes LSU and Florida. Joker Phillips' 2011 Wildcats will have an outside shot at participating in a 6th straight bowl game.

6. Vanderbilt: No team in the SEC return more starters than the Commodores but that doesn't mean they will be able to play with the likes of South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia or the rest of the SEC. Junior RB Warren Norman is the best player on the offensive side of the ball but had a measly 459 rushing yards last season, that tells you how great this offense should be. CB Casey Hayward and LB Chris Marve will lead a defense that should be much better then the offense. The Commodores have one of the best recruiting classes in school history coming in this season so we'll see if that changes anything.

LB Dont'a Hightower looks to get back to his 2009 form

West

1. Alabama: The Crimson Tide come into the season as preseason favorites in the SEC and should have a good chance at winning another national title but that may rely on the production of first year starting quarterback AJ McCarron. The positive is that  he has talent all around him with one of the best offensive lines in the conference, Trent Richardson in the backfield and Darius Hanks and Marquis Maze as prime time targets at receiver. LB Dont'a Hightower and S Mark Barron should led one of the best defenses in the country. The Crimson Tide want to get that Iron Bowl loss out of their minds and they want to bring the title back to Tuscaloosa.

2. LSU: The Tigers lacked an elite quarterback last season and it caused them to falter several times despite having the best defense in the conference. Jordan Jefferson looks to improve his throwing this season after only 1400 passing yards and four touchdowns last year. Jefferson's top targets will be Juniors Rueben Randle and and Russell Shephard while speedy sophomore Spencer Ware will be in the backfield. The defense loses two elite players in Drake Nevis and first round pick Patrick Peterson but they should still be among the best in the NCAA with LB Ryan Baker and CB Morris Claiborne back. I'll be waiting for the match up between the Tigers and the Crimson Tide on Nov 5th.

Knile Davis lead a potent Razorback offense

3. Arkansas: The Razorback lose their quarterback Ryan Mallet but they have a lot of hope in talented young quarterback Tyler Wilson. Wilson shocked the College Football world when he stepped in for the injured Ryan Mallet vs Auburn and put up amazing stats, 332 yards and 4 TD's. Wilson will be joined by his top four receivers in 2011, all had over 600 yards, and 1300 yard rusher in junior Knile Davis. The offensive line will need to replace three starters and the secondary will need two new starters but overall they are poised to reach another BCS game. Arkansas has the skill to contend with LSU and Alabama once again this year even without Ryan Mallet.

4. Mississippi St: Dual threat quarterback Chris Relf and running back Vick Ballard return this season as seniors and will try to improve a running attack that ranked 16th in the nation last season. The Bullgogs linebacking core should be one to watch watch with five very solid players at the position and it should help them limit the run. If Chris Relf can truly turn into a solid dual threat quarterback then the Bulldogs can hang close with like likes of Bama, LSU, and Arkansas.

5. Auburn: The returning national champs come back in 2011 completely depleted with only five returning starters on the roster. Michael Dyer will be the star of this young team that will need to do a lot of work if they have any shot and being back to back champs. More on the Tigers here: War Eagle Repeat?

Former Texas Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp

will lead the Gators in 2011

6. Ole Miss: Senior RB Brandon Bolden will be the star of an offense that brings back nine starters. Bolden will have a lot of space to run behind a line that returns everyone. The defense has little if any depth and they have already lost some key players due to injuries in the spring. Any other conference the Rebels would make a bowl game this year but in the SEC West it looks like they will fall just short.

Championship Game: Alabama over South Carolina

Preseason Awards

Player of the Year: Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina

Defensive Player of the Year: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

Coach of the Year: Will Muschamp, Florida

Co-Freshman of the Year: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina and Isiah Crowell, RB, Georgia

More Previews:

ACC

Big 12

Big East

Big Ten

Pac 12

Non AQ