Top 25 Countdown: #17 Georgia

#17

2009 Record – 8-5, 4-4 SEC
Bowl Game – Independence Bowl – Beat Texas A&M 44-20
Letterman Returning: 49
Stadium – Sanford Stadium (92,746)
College Location – Athens, GA
Coach – Mark Richt – 90-27 (10^th year)

OFFENSE: (10)

Key Returnees – WR AJ Green (below), RB Washaun Ealey, T Clint Bowling, TE Orson Charles, C Ben Jones

Key Losses – QB Joe Cox, WR Michael Moore

- Heading into spring football in Athens, the Bulldog offense was surrounded by competition. At nearly every position, apart from the offensive line where every starter returns, a heated battle was on, where questions were answered and a hit elimination series of Georgia’s Got Talent, began. The biggest question Georgia faces this season is at quarterback, where heralded redshirt freshman, Aaron Murray, takes claim of the starting position. Murray out-battled junior, Logan Gray, in the spring and Gray has since moved on to wideout to finish his career in Athens. Murray is a talented pocket passer, who may remind some of a younger Matthew Stafford, but the in-experienced leader will head through some growing pains before him and Stafford may be mentioned in the same sentence again. Murray has the confidence of head coach Mark Richt and a talented group surrounding him on offense to makes things much easier. Flashbacks of another redshirt freshman quarterback entering first time starting duty back in 2007, in Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, seem closely similar to Murray’s 2010 campaign. Things seemed to work out just fine in Norman for Bradford and the Sooners. At wideout, a lot of Bulldog fans and football fans around the country are aware of All-American AJ Green, who has done nothing but impress since arriving on campus but it is the wide recievers on the other side of the field that has created discussion and left some questioning. Finding a reliable No.2 wide receiver, to help both Green and a young QB, was one task for the Bulldogs this spring. Sophomore, Tavarres King and senior, Kris Durham, are the two most likely candidates in the rotation. King has shown flashes of greatness, but will miss the first game of the season on suspension. Durham, a reliable possession receiver and the favorite to win the job, will be heading back from a season off, after shoulder surgery. Whoever wins the battle through fall camp, however, may have to play third fiddle to athletic sophomore tight end, Orson Charles, who will steal catches this fall. The last battle for the Bulldogs was at the running back position where sophomore, Washaun Ealey and junior, Caleb King, duked it out for the head position. Ealey led the team in rushing last season with 717 yards, while King brought in the most touchdowns with seven, on 594 yards. Both averaged better than five yards a carry, however, and will each get a fair share of time in the fall.

DEFENSE: (5)

Key Returnees – OLB Justin Houston (below), CB Brandon Boykin, MLB Marcus Dowtin

Key Losses – MLB Rennie Curran, S Reshad Jones, DT Jeff Owens, DT Geno Atkins

- It's not really a secret that Georgia defenders litter NFL rosters like media members at an offseason Brett Favre press conference. The Mark Richet era has been filled with talented defenses and NFL pro days that make scouts salivate like Cruella Deville in a pet shop. From the likes of the old defenses of Richard Seymour and Charles Grant, to the talented defenses of Thomas Davis and David Pollack and most recent products of Dannell Ellerbe and Rennie Curran, Georgia has always seemed to be one to produce a defender. Though finding even one player this season who will take the torch left behind by past greatness, however, is like scavenging for a miss printed M&M. The 2010 defense loses six starters, including three members of the secondary and two talented defensive linemen in Jeff Owens and Geno Atkins. Future talent does still return for the Bulldogs, especially at linebacker, where sophomore Cornellius Washington and junior, Justin Houston, provide excitement from their outside position. The two combined for 11.5 sacks last season from their edge rush and will be counted upon to bring even more pressure this season. The Georgia defense had nine multi-sack games last season including two games of six. A high amount of pressure is placed on the secondary in 2010 to produce more than the -1.2 average in the turnover ratio for the Bulldogs. The team came away with a positive ratio in just three games last season. The only returning starter will be junior corner, Brandon Boykin. Boykin brought in nine passes defended and finished second on the team with three interceptions. Starters filling the rest of the secondary still remains up in the air and probably won’t be figured out until after August camp. Senior end, Demarcus Dobbs, leads an inexperienced group of defensive linemen, along with sophomore, Abry Jones and junior nose tackle, DeAngelo Tyson.

SCHEDULE:

- Under head man Mark Richt, a comfortable position amongst the top of the SEC has been the case for Georgia the last nine years. Last season was Richt’s first true hiccup as a head coach for the Bulldogs, going 4-4 in the SEC and bringing in an 8-5 record, his worst as a head coach. Blowout losses to Tennessee and Florida and coming out on the wrong end of shootouts against Kentucky and LSU plagued the Bulldogs. This season, a familiar SEC test and a much more relaxed out of conference schedule, should place Georgia back into its comfort zone in the SEC. An early September test against the Gamecocks, in a trip to South Carolina, will be just what a young QB like Murray needs to prove himself. A home visit from Arkansas and trip to Mississippi State round out September. An out of conference trip to Colorado, followed by home visits from Tennessee and Vanderbilt, round out three consecutive weeks atop October. Revenge from last season’s loss against Kentucky is scheduled for Oct. 23. A week later the toughest test yet for the Bulldogs comes in a trip to Jacksonville to take on Florida, Oct. 30. Idaho State at home and a trip to Auburn Nov.13, lead Georgia into their first off week of the season. With a talented Georgia Tech offense heading to Athens in the final game of the season Nov.27, the bye week for the Bulldogs couldn’t have come at a better time.

Schedule rating: B+

Red = Toughest Game. Blue = Pivotal to conference.

Top Incoming Freshman:

1.) Alec Ogletree (left), *#3 OLB, 6-3 212, Newnan, GA

Ogletree, rated by many as a linebacker, will most likely play safety for the Bulldogs and may play early this fall.

2.) T.J. Stripling, #12 DE, 6-6 215, Decatur, GA

Stripling, an end in high school, has the size and speed of an ideal rush outside linebacker for the Bulldogs.

3.) Garrison Smith, #6 DT, 6-3 255, Atlanta, GA

Another talented defender from the state of Georgia brought in by the Bulldogs.

4.) Brent Benedict, #10 OT, 6-6 290, Jacksonville, FL

Benedict has the strength (400 lb bench) and athleticism (33 inch vert) to fill in right away if need be in Athens.

5.) Michael Thornton, #16 DT, 6-1 275, Stone Mountain, GA

Another talented Georgia product from state powerhouse Stephenson HS in Stone Mountain.

*Rankings according to scout.com

Photos:

Green - Kelly Lambert, Georgia Staff

Houston - Kevin C. Cox/ Getty Images

Ogletree - Scout.com

Top 25 Countdown: #18 Iowa

#18

2009 Record – 11-2, 6-2 Big Ten
Bowl Game – Orange Bowl – Beat Georgia Tech 24-14
Letterman Returning: 48
Stadium – Kennick Stadium (70,585)
College Location – Iowa City, IA
Coach – Kirk Ferentz 81-55 (12^th year)

OFFENSE: (6)

Key Returnees – QB Ricky Stanzi, T Riley Reiff, RB Adam Robinson (below), WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, WR Marvin McNutt

Key Losses – T Bryan Bulaga, C Rafael Eubanks, T Kyle Calloway

- It’s hard to talk about Iowa’s 2009 offense, especially if you were a Hawkeye defender in ’09; in which case it’s like toying with an open wound. In 2008, the Hawkeye’s featured a potent rushing attack with running back Shon Greene, who broke onto the scene rushing for an Iowa record 1,850 yards and 20 touchdowns, leading a No. 26 ranked rushing offense. Greene opted for the NFL Draft, however, and the Iowa offense lost its identity. Last season, while trying to find a new leading rusher, an immense amount of pressure was placed on quarterback Ricky Stanzi. The junior led an offense that seemed nonexistent at times for an Iowa team which won four games by three points or fewer. Stanzi, now stepping into his third season as the starter, threw for 2,417 yards with 17 touchdowns, while also throwing 15 interceptions last season. The senior should be more poised as a starter in 2010, but will need to limit the amount of mistakes he makes if the offense wants to be successful. The rushing game features a pair of sophomores in Adam Robinson and Brandon Wegher. The duo rushed for 834 and 641 yards respectively, with 13 touchdowns combined. Expect Robinson, who played much of last season with injuries, to be a different player for the Iowa offense in 2010. In the Big Ten, a lot of games can be won and lost in the trenches. Last season Iowa featured three all-conference selections along the offensive line, including the No.1 draft choice of the Green Bay Packers, in tackle Bryan Bulaga. Unfortunately, all three have moved on, leaving questions for Iowa along its offensive line. Past guard, Riley Reiff, will move to Bulaga’s tackle position. Senior guard, Julian Vandervelde, is the only returning starter along the front.

DEFENSE: (8)

Key Returnees – DE Adrian Clayborn (below), DT Karl Klug, S Tyler Sash, DT Christian Ballard, LB Jeremiha Hunter, CB Shaun Pratter

Key Losses – LB Pat Angerer, CB Amari Spievey, LB AJ Edds

- Counting the number of game changing and game saving plays the 2009 Iowa defense had last season is like counting the number of Cadillac’s and Buicks in a senior community parking lot. The No. 10 nationally ranked defense, the Hawkeyes came away with 30 takeaways in ’09. In both areas of the game the defense excelled, holding teams to below a three yard rushing average in six games, while also placing a 49 percent season completion percentage on opposing quarterbacks. Explaining to a football fan that the Iowa defense is exciting to watch is like telling a cowboy bull riding is dangerous, it’s something many should have figured out by now. The key to the defense starts up front along the line where all four starters return, including pre-season All-American candidate, Adrian Clayborn. Clayborn broke through last season for 11.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss from his end position. The senior is joined by returning starters in senior tackles Christian Ballard and Karl Klug and junior end Broderick Binns, who between the three, combined for 15 sacks and 32 tackles for loss last season. The team losses all-conference linebacker Pat Angerer, who led the team with 145 tackles, but returns senior linebacker Jeremiha Hunter. Angerer’s position will be filled by senior Troy Johnson, who in his only game as a starter last season, received the Big Ten Player of the Week award. The secondary returns three starters in juniors Shaun Prater and Tyler Sash and senior Brett Greenwood. Sash had 12 passes defended in ’09 and six interceptions from his safety position. Prater, a corner, and Greenwood, the other safety, brought in 10 passes defended each.

SCHEDULE:

- Last years 11 wins by the Hawkeye’s were the most fans in Iowa City have seen since the 2002 season. A pair of six win seasons in ’06 and ’07, followed by nine in ’08, rose to 11 last seasons much in part to the defense. A 12-2 home record the last two years has propelled the Hawkeye’s to one of the Big Ten’s favorites the last few seasons. There are however, a few teams in the Big Ten conference that have given the Hawkeye’s headaches over the last five years, in Northwestern and Ohio State. Iowa is 0-3 against the Buckeyes and 1-4 against the Wildcats the last five years, losing to both last season. This year, the annual early season meeting against rival Iowa State is slated for a Sept. 11 matchup. A trip to Arizona is scheduled a week later. An eight game conference streak kicks off Oct. 2 on homecoming against Penn State, a team looking for three years of revenge. A trip to Ann Arbor is set for Oct. 16 against Michigan, following a bye week, with home meetings against Wisconsin and Michigan State in the weeks following. A road trip to Indiana kicks off the month of November. A conference title can’t be won for the Hawkeyes without a win at thorn-in-the-side Northwestern, on Nov. 13. The same can be said in a home meeting against Ohio State Nov. 20. A trip to Minnesota ends the season Nov. 27.

Schedule rating: B-

Red = Toughest Game. Blue = Pivotal to conference.

Top Incoming Freshman:

1.) C.J. Fiedorowicz (below), *#2 TE, 6-7 240, Johnsburg, IL

Fiedforowicz may bring back excitement to the tight end position that hasn’t been around since Dallas Clark.

2.) A.J. Derby, #38 QB, 6-5 220, Iowa City, IA

Derby, a local, fits the mold of the prototypical Iowa pocket passer.

3.) Andrew Donnal, #24 OT, 6-7 280, Whitehouse, OH

A U.S Army All-American, Donnal is a tremendous athletic offensive line prospect.

4.) Austin Gray, #17 MLB, 6-2 210, Warren, MI

Gray, an excellent linebacker against the run, slipped the grasp of in-state schools Michigan and Michigan State.

5.) Marcus Coker, #50 RB, 6-0 230, Hayattsville, MD

Coker has superb speed for a kid his size, clocking a 4.5 40 at 230 pounds.

*Rankings according to scout.com

Photos:

Robinson - Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Clayborn - Don McPeak/ US Press wire

Top 25 Countdown: #19 Florida State

#19

2009 Record – 7-6, 4-4 ACC
Bowl Game – Gator Bowl – Beat West Virginia 33-21
Letterman Returning: 43
Stadium – Doak S. Campbell Stadium (82,300)
College Location – Tallahassee, FL
Coach – Jimbo Fisher, (1^st year)

OFFENSE: (9)

Key Returnees – QB Christian Ponder (below), G Rodney Hudson, RB Jermaine Thomas, WR Bert Reed, T Andrew Datko

Key Losses – WR Rod Owens, WR Richard Goodman

- Offensive lines don’t get a lot of love. Close to about the amount Keanu Reeves gets from movie critics. The biggest men on the field often go unnoticed. It’s hard not to notice the FSU offensive linemen; however, it seems like the group has been playing with one another for a decade. All five starters return for the second consecutive season, led by first team All-America guard, Rodney Hudson and All-ACC selection, tackle, Andrew Datko. Between the five starters, 146 starts lie under their belt, second most amongst FBS teams. The offensive line plays a particular important part in the FSU offense in keeping all-conference quarterback Christian Ponder off the ground. Ponder has been a reliable starter for the Seminoles, however, he has yet to pass for more than 14 touchdowns in two seasons as a starter. Last season’s 68.8 percent completion percentage proves he is capable of a larger load though. This season, Ponder will have more opportunities to throw in a more spread out offense. A talented group of receivers returns in juniors Jarmon Forston and Bert Reed. The two combined for 105 catches for 1,320 yards last season, but caught just four touchdowns – all Forston’s. For the first time since 2003 the Seminoles brought in over 400 yards of total offense a game last year, 272 of it coming in the passing game. Because of that, it may be unlikely to expect a 1,000 yard rusher in FSU’s backfield this season, as the team has not produced one since Warrick Dunn in 1996. Junior running back, Jermaine Thomas, brought in 832 yards with nine scores last season and should see around the same amount of production in a passing offense in 2010.

DEFENSE: (6)

Key Returnees – OLB Nigel Bradham (below), CB Greg Reid, MLB Kendall Smith, DT Jacobi McDaniel

Key Losses – OLB Dekoda Watson, CB Patrick Robinson, S Jamie Robinson, ROV Korey Mangum

- You won’t find the caliber of player along the lines of a Derrick Brooks or Antonio Cramartie or even a Corey Simon on the 2010 FSU defense, but you will find that typical FSU speed and lots of it. Unfortunately for the 2009 Seminole defense, speed doesn’t always translate to holding offenses at bay. Last season’s defense gave up an average of 435 total yards a game, including 205 rushing yards. The most shocking stat however was the 30 points per game given up by the Seminoles, a number more typical of an ACC foe like Duke. It should go without saying that if this seasons FSU team wants to improve on last season’s seven wins, a better defense is a dire need. Five members from the teams front seven return, led by junior linebacker, Nigel Bradham. Bradham has all the physical tools at 6’2’’ 242 pounds to be great, leading the team with 93 tackles last season, along with 5.5 for a loss. Senior Kendal Smith returns to his middle position. Ends Everett Dawkins and Markus White, return to the defensive line and will need to produce far more than they did in ’09. Neither player had more than two sacks last season. Sophomore defensive tackle Jacobi McDaniel is a player to keep an eye on this season. The number one player at his position in high school, McDaniel should come into his own in his second year as a Seminole. The secondary returns just one starter in senior corner, Ochuko Jenje, but also returns freshman sensation, Greg Reid. Reid busted onto the scene early in Tallahassee, becoming a playmaker in the secondary and on special teams. Big sophomore safety, Nick Moody, steps into departed rover Korey Mangum’s position. Moody started two games last season, bringing in 33 tackles. The number one goal for the FSU defense in 2010 will be to shut down the run. All areas of the defense will need to put behind a season in which they gave up an average of 6.0 yards rushing five times and a 401 yard game against Georgia Tech.

SCHEDULE:

- For the first time since 1975, a new face will be in control of the FSU sidelines. Jimbo Fisher, the longtime assistant to the longtime head man Bobby Bowden, takes the reins of a program looking to rebound. The last five years the Seminoles have not surpassed more than nine wins a season and have brought in three 7-6 years. The first task Jimbo Fisher will have is to win at Doak Campbell, where the team has put together a 7-6 record on the grounds of what used to be a nasty place to play for opponents. Equally bad, a 12-13 away record lies on the backs of the Seminoles the last five seasons. This year the Noles will be tested early with a Sept. 11 meeting at Oklahoma, followed by home visits from BYU and Wake Forest in consecutive weeks. The heated rivalry game between the Noles and Hurricanes kicks off Oct. 9 with a trip to Miami and you can believe both teams will be ready. A pivotal ACC Atlantic game against Boston College is set for Oct. 16, in a matchup in which the Eagles have won two out of the last three meetings. Four consecutive ACC matchups lie in wake starting with at NC State, Thursday, Oct. 28, then UNC Nov. 6, Clemson Nov. 13 and at Maryland Nov. 20. The battle for the sunshine state kicks off Nov. 27 against the Florida Gators. The Noles have lost the last five meetings by an average score of 36-11.

Schedule rating: B+

Red = Toughest Game. Blue = Pivotal to conference.

Top Incoming Freshman:

1.) Christian Green, *#5 WR, 6-2 185, Tampa, FL

Green, a phenomenal athlete, played quarterback and some wide receiver in high school, but will concentrate on wideout fulltime for FSU.

2.) Lamarcus Joyner, #2 CB, 5-8 165, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Don’t let Joyner’s size fool you. One of the best cover men in the country, he plays much bigger than his size indicates.

3.) Jeff Luc (left), #2 MLB, 6-1 240, Port Saint Lucie, FL

Luc is one of the hardest hitters from the high school ranks in years making him a Youtube star.

4.) Christian Jones, #5 OLB, 6-4 230, Winter Park, FL

The size and athleticism are there for Jones but the learning curve to the college game may take a year.

5.) Kenny Shaw, #28 WR, 5-11 155, Orlando, FL

Shaw is quick off the line and shifty in open space but will need to add some size before he sees the field.

*Rankings according to scout.com

Top 25 Countdown: #20 West Virginia

#20

2009 Record – 9-4, 5-2 Big East
Bowl Game – Gator Bowl – Lost to Florida State 21-33
Letterman Returning: 31
Stadium – Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium (60,000)
College Location – Morgantown, WV
Coach – Bill Stewart 19-8 (3^rd year)

OFFENSE: (7)

Key Returnees – RB Noel Devine (below), WR Jock Sanders, G Josh Jenkins, WR Brad Starks

Key Losses – QB Jarrett Brown, WR Alric Arnett, T Selvish Capers

- The West Virginia offense has enough speed to make an Olympic sprinting team jealous and delivers enough excitement on the field to rival Circus De Olay. Small in stature – the offense has six players on their one and two deep depth chart below 6-foot - the Mountaineers make up for their lack of size with nonstop football motors. Unusual for a spread offense team, the offense starts at running back with first team All Big East senior, Noel Devine. Devine is simply marvelous, or divine, when it comes to carrying the football. With back-to-back 1,200-plus yard seasons under his belt, including 1,465 last season, Devine is a veteran player who explodes with the ball in his hands. Over the last three seasons, Devine has had seven carries of at least 70 yards, including runs of 88 and 92. At quarterback, the offense loses Jarrett Brown, who under high pressure to live up to the billing left behind by Pat White, didn’t necessarily disappoint. Filling the vacancy now is sophomore, Geno Smith. Smith played sparingly as a redshirt-freshman last season, completing 32 of 49 passes for 309 yards and a score. Smith may be a more polished passer than Brown when it’s all said and done, but for now, as a young QB, he will need to stay calm and collected in the pocket. Smith has a stellar set of wideouts in senior Jock Sanders and junior Brad Starks. Both can fly. A dark horse to watch this season for the Mountaineers is that of sophomore Tavon Austin. Austin, a five star running back recruit out of high school, has since moved to wide reviver to better utilize his speed. A 4.3 runner in the 40, Austin will have plenty of opportunities to showcase his afterburners this fall. True freshman, Ivan McCartney, will also get an early opportunity to get on the field.

DEFENSE: (9)

Key Returnees – S Robert Sands (below), LB JT Thomas, DT Chris Neild, DE Julian Miller, CB Brandon Hogan

Key Losses – LB Reed Williams, S Nate Sowers

- Last season, the Mountaineer defense allowed its most points per game average since 2006, at 21.7 points and allowed the highest yards per game average since 2004, at 337 yards a game. In all fairness to the 2009 defense, however, their past defenses have set the bar high. A bright spot on the ’09 Mountaineer team and defense was that of the secondary. With four of its five starters returning, the unit stands as one of the best of the Big East, led by junior safety, Robert Sands and senior corner, Brandon Hogan. Sands, a mammoth 6’5’’ 225 pounder, looks the part of an out-of-place defensive end roaming the secondary. Last season, as a sophomore, he led the conference in passes defended with 13, while also bringing in five interceptions and 65 tackles. Hogan finished third in the Big East with 12 passes defended. Junior corner, Keith Tandy and senior bandit, Sidney Glover, also return. The secondary held opposing quarterbacks to a 53 percent completion percentage and gave up just two 300 yard games last season. Two starters return to the linebacking corps in seniors, Pat Lazear and JT Thomas, the team’s No. 1 and No. 2 tacklers, respectively. Thomas was a first team Big East selection last season. The line brings back all three starters including senior All-Conference nose-tackle, Chris Neild and leading sack man, Julian Miller. As a sophomore last season, Miller brought in nine sacks and 14 tackles for a loss. The line and linebacking corps will again be one of the best of the conference and contribute to a defense which held opponents to fewer than 90 yards rushing five times last season.

SCHEDULE:

When Bill Stewart took over at West Virginia in 2008, he was heading into a position and program that had built pretty high expectations for their football team. The man in whom he was replacing, Rich Rodriguez, headed to Michigan with just as high of expectations from fans. Today, only one of those men has lived up to expectations and oddly enough, it isn’t the man being paid $2.5 million annually by the University of Michigan. Although Stewart has failed to deliver on a BCS season, two straight 9-4 seasons in a balanced Big East conference are also very nice. This year, five non-conference games open the 2010 season against Coastal Carolina, at Marshall, Maryland at home Sept. 18, at LSU, Sept. 25 and UNLV, Oct. 9. The Terrapins and Tigers won’t be easy early season matchups for the Mountaineers. A Thursday night home game against South Florida Oct. 14 opens conference play. Two weeks later, a trip to Connecticut kicks off on a Friday night. Cincinnati at home Nov. 13, at Louisville Nov. 20, and at Pittsburgh Nov. 26, round out a tough November. A home meeting with conference foe Rutgers ends the season on what it sure to be a cold Dec. 4 night in Morgantown.

Schedule rating: C+

Red = Toughest Game. Blue = Pivotal to conference.

Top Incoming Freshman:

1.) Ivan McCartney (left), *#12 WR, 6-1 180, Miramar, FL

McCartney, the cousin of Bengal great Chad Ochocinco, is a former favorite option of West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith in high school.

2.) Quinton Spain, #26 OT, 6-5 320, Petersburg, VA

A massive offensive tackle will be counted on for blocking for Smith in the near future.

3.) Barry Brunetti, #20 QB, 6-0 205, Memphis, TN

Brunetti has equal intangibles of a long line of West Virginia spread quarterbacks.

4.) Troy Gloster, #15 MLB, 6-0 225, Olney, MD

Gloster is an athletic linebacker who has the ability to cover and play the run equally well.

5.) Jeremy Johnson, #16 QB, 6-1 175, Silsbee, TX

Johnson is a rare athlete for his position but also just as raw as a quarterback.

*Rankings according to scout.com

Top 25 Countdown: #21 Oregon State

#21

2009 Record – 8-5, 6-3 PAC-10
Bowl Game – Las Vegas Bowl, lost to BYU 20-44
Letterman Returning: 58
Stadium – Reser Stadium (45,674)
College Location – Corvallis, OR
Coach – Mike Riley 64-47 (10^th year)

OFFENSE: (8)

Key Returnees – RB Jacquizz Rodgers (below), WR James Rodgers (below, #8), T Michael Philipp TE Joe Halahuni

Key Losses – QB Sean Canfield, WR Damola Adeniji, G Greg Peat, QB Peter Lalich

-The sing-along songs and overly nice guy attitude of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood may be long off the airwaves of the TV, but in Oregon, a new Rodgers family has been giving opposing fans and teams, just as big of headaches for the past three years. James and Jacquizz, or “quizz” for short, are the senior and junior offensive stars for the Beavers. The two both top the charts at 5’7’’ and tip the scales to just fewer than 190 pounds. James, the senior wideout, is coming off a junior campaign in which he finished with 91 catches for 1,034 yards and nine scores. In his career in Corvallis, James has amassed 161 receptions, 1,849 receiving yards and 24 total touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,297 yards. In just two seasons as the starter, Quizz has piled up 2,693 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns, while also catching 107 passes for 769 yards. Last season he brought in just less than 2,000 all-purpose yards, with 22 total touchdowns. The Rodgers brothers have been as reliable as fireworks on the fourth of July and put on just as good a show. Apart from the brother’s duo, OSU has questions to answer on offense. Reliable starting quarterback Sean Canfield departs, as does Virginia transfer, Peter Lalich, who was kicked off the team in the offseason. It leaves the Beavers with one dependable replacement in sophomore Ryan Katz. Katz attempted just 27 passes last season, but beyond him, depth gets pretty thin. Four out of five of the offensive line starters return however, giving OSU a solid base up front. If the James can bring in the long ball and Quizz can have another Heisman campaigning season, the offense may be one of the best in the PAC-10.

DEFENSE: (7)

Key Returnees – DT Stephen Paea (below), S Lance Mitchell, LB Dwight Roberson

Key Losses – LB Keaton Kristick, LB David Pa’aluhi

- For the Beavers defense, it all starts along the defensive line. Tackle Stephen Paea may not wow the opposition with statistics, but he does a superb job of containing offensive lineman and disrupting plays in the backfield. Paea finished 2009 with 43 tackles and eight and a half tackles for loss. Senior end, Gabe Miller, made the switch from the offensive side of the ball in 2008, starting the last five games for the Beavers last season, bringing in 23 tackles and three sacks. Miller should have a breakout season, after one more offseason getting familiar on defense. Senior defensive tackle Brennan Olander also returns as a starter along the front. The Beavers lose its No.1 and No.2 leading tacklers from a year ago in linebackers Keaton Kristick and David Pa’aluhi, but have solid replacements in senior outside ‘backer Keith Pankey and either sophomore Rueben Robinson or sophomore Tony Wilson in the middle. All have solid range and speed for the position. Junior safety, Lance Mitchell returns as the team’s leading tackler with 72 stops a year ago and leader in interceptions, with three. Junior Cameron Collins, a big 6’2’’ 230 pound safety, and senior corner James Dockery, who brought in 10-pass deflections last season, also return in the secondary.

SCHEDULE:

On paper everything looks bright for OSU. A solid defensive group returns, the Rodgers brothers return, and a steady group of coaches and coordinators return as well. Everything looks great until the road record and record versus ranked opponents gets read. The last three years the Beavers have played like a giant group of agoraphobia patients, with a 10-8 record traveling away from Corvallis. Just as bad, the Beavers have been unable to overcome ranked opponents the last two years, going 2-7 against ranked teams. This season the month of September is kicked off with two away matches against the two best non-BCS conference schools in at TCU Sept.4 and at Boise State, Sept. 25. Nine straight conference games then lie in store for the Beavers. On October 9 and 16, OSU travels to PAC-10 sleepers Arizona and Washington. A home meeting from Cal on the Oct. 30, rounds out the month. The last three games of the year give the Beavers a daunting gauntlet in games against USC Nov. 13, at Stanford Nov. 27, and Oregon at home Dec. 4. The annual “Civil War” game against the Ducks could decide the PAC-10 champion once again this season.

Schedule rating: A

Red = Toughest Game. Blue = Pivotal to conference.

Top Incoming Freshman:

1.) Sean Mannion (below), *#23 QB, 6-5 205, Pleasanton, CA

A excellent pocket passer with great field vision, committed to the Beavers very early.

2.) Thomas Molesi, #40 DT, 6-2 280, Oceanside, CA

A space eating defensive tackle who plays with a high energy and non-stop motor.

3.) Shaydon Akuna, #44 S, 6-3 209, Kapolei, HI

A speedy safety in high school, Akuna has the frame to play linebacker for the Beavers.

4.) Roman Sapolu, #32 G, 6-2 255, Huntington Beach, CA

The son of an ex-NFL lineman, Sapolu will most likely sit a year to add some size.

5.) Trevor Romaine, #4 K, 6-0 185, Corona, CA

Who says kickers can’t be important parts to recruiting classes? Romaine has a big leg and is very accurate for his age.

*Rankings according to scout.com

Photos:

Rodgers: Curtis Barnard/The Daily Barometer

Paea: Ric Tapia/Icon SMI

Mannion: Dan Neied

Top 25 Countdown: #22 Houston

#22

2009 Record – 10-4, 6-2 CUSA
Bowl Game – Armed Forces Bowl - Lost to Air Force 20-47
Letterman Returning: 46
Stadium – John O’Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium (32,500)
College Location – Houston, TX
Coach – Kevin Sumlin 18-9 (3^rd Year)

OFFENSE: (8)

Key Returnees – QB Case Keenum (below), WR James Cleveland, WR Tyron Carrier, WR Patrick Edwards, RB Charles Sims

Key Losses – T Jarve Dean, C Carl Barnett, WR Chaz Rodriguez

- Just 4,122 yards separate senior quarterback Case Keenum from Hawaii's Timmy Chang for the NCAA record of career passing yards, plus one of course, if Keenum wants to break it. That much yardage in one season may seem to be as similar a feat as scaling the Sears Tower in khakis and snow boots to some quarterbacks, but for Keenum, who surpassed the chasing amount last season by over 1,500 yards, it may be nothing more than a backyard game of catch. The Houston single-caller has passed for back-to-back 5,000 plus yard seasons, as well as two consecutive 44 touchdown seasons. Counting the number of 400 plus yard passing games the last two years for the Cougars is like counting the number of tequila shots passed out at a Cancun bar, its little mind numbing, on both parts. Keenum is supported by a stellar cast of pass catchers led by 3rd team All American, senior James Cleveland, who caught 104 passes with 14 scores last season. All CUSA wideouts, Patrick Edwards and Tyron Carrier, both juniors, also return. The unsung hero of the Cougar offensive attack last season, however, was true freshman running back, Charles Sims. Sims brought in 1,457 total yards and 10 touchdowns on his way to being named the CUSA freshman of the year, with 698 rushing and 759 receiving. Sims has been ruled inelligable for the 2010 season but the Cougars have past CUSA freshman of the year in junior running back, Bryce Beall. Beall rushed for 1,247 his first season and is capable of carrying the rushing load, bringing in 670 yards and seven scores last season. The Cougar offensive line will need to replace two all-conference players, but welcomes back 1st team CUSA performer, in junior, Chris Thompson.

DEFENSE: (6)

Key Returnees – LB Marcus McGraw, CB Jamal Robinson (below), S Nick Saenz, LB Phillips Steward

Key Losses – LB CJ Cavness, DE Tyrell Graham, CB Brandon Brinkley

- Like a lot of high powered offensive teams, the Houston defense struggled with keeping teams at bay last season. Opposing teams drilled an average of 227 yards on the ground into the Cougar defense last season, up from a staggering 175 the year previous. In fact, the inability to stop the run can be credited to the loss in two of their four, at UTEP and in the bowl game against Air Force, giving up 305 and 404 rush yards respectively. The team returns its leading tackler in junior linebacker, Marcus McGraw, who brought in 156 stops last season, to go with four sacks. The Cougars also lose all conference linebacker CJ Cavness, who ranked second on the team with 143 tackles. Junior safety Nick Saenz and senior corner Jamal Robinson return as the only starters back to the secondary, but both are solid contributors. Robinson led the team last season with five interceptions. Senior corner Loyce Means steps in filling the departed corner spot, with nine starts in his up and down career. For the second year in a row the Cougars lose their top sack man. In 2008m it was senior CUSA Defensive Player of the Year in end Phillip Hunt with 14. Last season, end Tyrell Graham led the team with seven. Graham has since moved on, leaving junior end, David Hunter, 4 sacks in 2009, as the player poised to take the next step along the defensive front.

SCHEDULE:

Surprisingly it wasn’t the BCS conference schools who gave the Cougars fits in 2009, instead it was the CUSA. In three games last season against Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and Mississippi State, Houston came out 3-0. Although the Cougars should always come out on the top end of the CUSA, there have been at least two or three familiar teams every year who have given them problems. This season, after an easy opener against Texas State, Houston will look for revenge of a 58-41 loss last season in a game against UTEP on Sept. 10. A week later, the Cougars travel to PAC 10 sleeper UCLA. A home visit from Mississippi State brings in October, before a three game conference road stretch against Rice, SMU and Memphis. Central Florida comes scheduled Friday Nov. 5, in primetime. Tulsa Nov. 13 and a trip to Southern Miss Nov. 20 end conference play on the season. An aerial assault game, which saw the likes of 756 total passing yards last season, lies in the last game of the year in a trip to Lubbock to take on Texas Tech, Nov. 27.

Schedule rating: C

Red = Toughest Game. Blue = Pivotal to conference.

Top Incoming Freshman:

1.) Terrance Broadway, *#54 QB, 6-1 200, Baton Rouge, LA

A talented passer who also had offers from Alabama, Oregon and Nebraska, among others.

2.) Jordan Jolly (left), #59 WR, 6-1 170, Missouri City, TX

A project at wideout, Jolly has great ability to slit defenders after the catch.

3.) DeAndre Perry, #31 TE, 6-3 210, Austin, TX

A tight end in high school, Perry will most likely be split outside at Houston, in a an offense that rarely, if ever features a tight end.

4.) Aaron Johnson, #73 QB, 6-1 180, Longview, TX

One of four quarterbacks signed in the 2010 class, Johnson may be the best athlete of the four.

5.) Alton Demby, 113 CB, 5-10 175, Galena Park, TX

Demby also serves as a dangerous return man, to go along with solid coverage skills.

*Rankings according to scout.com

Robinson Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Top 25 Countdown: #23 Arkansas

#23

2009 Record – 8-5, 3-5 SEC (West)
Bowl Game – Liberty Bowl – beat East Carolina 20-17
Letterman Returning: 59
Stadium – Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium (72,000)
College Location – Fayetteville, Arkansas
Coach – Bobby Petrino 13-12 (3^rd year)

OFFENSE: (10)

Key Returnees – QB Ryan Mallett (below), TE DJ Williams, WR Greg Childs, RB Broderick Green, WR Joe Adams, WR Jarius Wright

Key Losses – G Mitch Petrus, RB Mike Smith

- A lot has changed in the Arkansas offense since Bobby Petrino took the reins of the team in ’08. In 2007, the team featured a stellar trio of running backs in Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, and Peyton Hillis. The three combined for over 3,300 rushing yards in ’07, and were all high selections in the 2008 NFL draft. In 2008, after the signing of Petrino and departure of the Hog rushing game, the Razorbacks received a blessing from heralded Michigan quarterback Ryan Mallett, who opted to transfer to Arkansas. After sitting out the ’08 season due to transfer rules, Mallett did nothing but destroy SEC defensive backfields like John Daly and a pocket of cash through a Las Vegas casino. Mallett passed for 3,624 yards with 30 touchdowns, with only seven interceptions. Not bad for a state and team that had gotten used to the likes of Matt Jones and Casey Dick tossing balls to opposing defenses like they were grenades at Stalingrad. Mallett may be in store for an even bigger 2010 in his junior season with the likes of his entire receiving corps intact, including All SEC tight end, DJ Williams. With Mallett touting the rock, the offense average 36 points per game and had over 580 total yards three times last season. The offense also features the power running game of bruising tailbacks Ronnie Wingo, 6’3’’ 227, and USC transfer, Broderick Green, 6’2’’ 250. Green rushed for 11 touchdowns in mostly goal line action last season. The line welcomes back four of the five starters from last season, but losses the likes of All SEC guard Mitch Petrus.

DEFENSE: (7)

Key Returnees – MLB Jerry Franklin, OLB Jerico Nelson (below), DE Jake Bequette, DT Zach Stadther

Key Losses – OLB Wendel Davis, DT Malcolm Sheppard, DE Adrian Davis

- As good as the offensive side of the ball was at gaining yards, the 2009 Hog defense was just as good at giving those yards back to opposing teams. The defense gave up an average of 401 yards a game last season, with the secondary nearly giving offenses a 60 percent completion percentage. In six games last season the defense gave away more yards than the offense could contribute. With seven starters returning and a solid two deep depth chart, the Razorback attack should only improve. The teams No.1 and No.3 tacklers return in linebackers Jerry Franklin and Jerico Nelson, both juniors. Nelson is an undersized outside ‘backer at 5’10’’ 205, but has the pop of a 240 pound player. The secondary returns three of four starters but needs to get more hands on balls this season. No player in the secondary had more than four passes defended last season or more than three interceptions. Former Florida State and junior college transfer safety, Anthony Leon, steps into starting action in 2010 and brings an intimidation factor to the secondary with his 6’4’’ 230 pound frame. Along the line, junior defensive end Jake Bequette returns as the Hogs leading sack man with 5.5. Junior tackle, Zach Stadther, steps into his third year as a starter in 2010.

SCHEDULE:

There can only be so many good teams in the SEC year in and year out. With the likes of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Auburn and on occasion Tennessee, stealing the spotlight and the national rankings each year, it’s only fitting that in what is suppose to be one of the Razorbacks better teams in recent memory, that they should garner a bit of attention in 2010 as well. It’s not like Tennessee should mind, they’re players are busy using their one phone call, rather than reading playbooks, for now at least. With so much talent in the SEC, schedules get a little hectic in the West and East. For Arkansas, SEC play kicks off with a September trip to Georgia on the 18th, before a home meeting with Alabama on Sept. 25. An Arlington meeting with Texas A&M on Oct. 9 following a bye week starts off a grueling October of SEC play which also features at Auburn, Mississippi and Vanderbilt. A Nov. 6 meeting at South Carolina should come with a cold hearted welcome as well. Ending the season is SEC West opponent LSU Nov. 27.

Schedule rating: A-

Red = Toughest Game. Blue = Pivotal to conference.

Top Incoming Freshman:

1.) Calvin Barnett, *#13 DT, 6-3 305, Tulsa, OK

The Razorbacks were able to pluck the Tulsa native away from Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

2.) Jacoby Walker (left), #40 QB, 6-1 200, Houston, TX

Walker is an accurate passer with an exceptional deep ball in his arsenal.

3.) Cam Feldt, #35 G, 6-4 295, Pilot Point, TX

Has the size to step in right away if injuries deplete the line.

4.) Chris Smith, #104 OLB, 6-1 220, Mount Ulla, NC

An edge rushing defensive end in high school, Smith brought in 25 sacks as a junior and 32 as a senior.

5.) Byran Jones, #85 DT, 6-2 310, Junction City, AR

Absurdly strong lineman has a 400+ pound bench press and 550 pound squat.




*Rankings by Scout.com