2009 Kansas State
2008 Record: (5-7, 2-6)
Coach: Bill Snyder, 17th year overall but first since 2005 (coached 1989-2005) (136-68-1)
Off. Coordinator: Andy Ludwig (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Vic Koenning (1st year); Chris Cosh (1st year)
Returning Starters: 15 (6 offense, 8 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: He’s back! Bill Snyder returns to coach in Bill Snyder Family Stadium after retiring in 2005. The Wildcats regressed in three years under Ron Prince, who reached a bowl game in his first season and recorded just five conference victories the next two seasons. Snyder will have his work cut out for him replacing QB Josh Freeman. Junior Carson Coffman, brother of All-American Missouri tight end Chas, takes over as the starter. In this offense, the qb will have to be more elusive. At tailback, they will likely go with senior Keithren Valentin (5-8, 193), though he will get pushed for playing time by freshmen John Hubert and Timothy Flanders. At receiver, last year’s leading rusher Lamark Brown (6-3, 225), returns to his more natural position of wideout. They also return senior mighty mite Brandon Banks (5-7, 150), who led the Cats in receiving with 1,049 yards. At tight end, senior Jeron Mastrud had 38 catches for 435 yards last year. The offensive line has to revamp the right side. At left tackler, senior Nick Stringer (6-6, 271) should be solid.
Defense: The defense returns eight starters, but that’s from one of the worst in the nation. They also lose to pass rusher in Ian Campbell so getting pressure on the opposing quarterback is a huge key. At least they return soph. DE Brandon Harold (6-6, 264), who recorded three sacks and 10.5 TFLs last year and was named a Freshman All-American. At defensive tackle, they return big senior Daniel Calvin (6-3, 310) and Virginia transfer Jeffrey Fitzgerald (6-4, 280) comes in to help. Senior Ulla Pamele leads the linebackers, while junior CB Joshua Moore leads the secondary. Moore is the leading returning tackler with 76 and led the league in pass breakups, is one of the top corners in the Big 12. The problem is at the other corner spot.
Outlook: Snyder is back but don’t expect miracles this season. He is a creative offensive mind and needs to find a way to replace the production of Freeman. On defense, they are going to have to find some players who can fit a new system with two new defensive coordinators.
2009 Missouri Tigers
2008 Record: (10-4, 5-3)
Coach: Gary Pinkel, 9th year (59-40)
Off. Coordinator: David Yost (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Dave Steckel (1st year)
Returning Starters: 10 (5 offense, 4 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: The Tigers will have their work cut out for them on offense as they must replace Chase Daniel, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and tight end Chase Coffman. They also have a new coordinator in David Yost. That puts pressure on sophomore Blaine Gabbert, the new qb who is 6-5, 235-at least five inches taller than Daniel. He has a big arm and all the intangibles, but does not have Daniels’ leadership or experience. Junior RB Derrick Washington will have to have an even bigger season than last year, when he rushed for 1,036 yards and 17 TDs in a passing offense. This season, expect the Tigers to have a more balanced offense. Senior WR Jared Perry leads a trio of sophomores who emerged as playmakers in the spring. The O-line returns three starters including left tackle Elvis Fisher (6-5, 300).
Defense: The Tigers return just four starters on defense and just one on the defensive line. That one returner is senior NT Jaron Baston (6-3, 305). Junior Carl Gettis returns at corner, but struggled some last year after having an excellent freshman season. Kevin Rutland is expected to start at the other corner spot after an excellent spring. This team, inexperienced or not, has to find a way to improve against the pass. They ranked 117th last year against the pass.
Outlook: Expect a sharp decline this year, but this system is in place and they are in a weak division to make a bowl game. They’ll have to rely on Washington and the offensive line to put up points and hope they stop somebody.
2009 Nebraska Cornhuskers
2008 Record: (8-5, 4-4)
Coach: Bo Pelini 2nd year (10-4 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Shawn Watson (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Carl Pelini (2nd year)
Returning Starters:11 (4 offense, 6 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: A lot will depend on the development of junior Zac Lee, who emerged from the spring as the starter. The Huskers return just four starters on offense and three of them are on the offensive line. They also lost last season’s top receivers in Nate Swift and Todd Peterson, who combined for 125 catches and 1,727 yards. Menelik Holt and Niles Pauls have great size and some experience, but the rest of the WR corps is inexperienced. The running game will have to carry the offense as junior Roy Helu (6-0, 215) returns. He rushed for 803 yards last year with seven touchdowns. At tight end, junior Mike McNeill returns and should be one of the top tight ends in the conference this year.
Defense: The Huskers return just six starters on defense. The top player is senior NT Ndamukong Suh (6-4, 300) who led the team in tackles (76) and sacks (7.5). The linebacker corps should be strong if Phillip Dillard (6-1, 240) can stay healthy. The secondary returns three of four starters. SS Lary Asante is the most experienced player, who has started 22 straight games. Corner Anthony West, who collected two interceptions last season, returns as a starter, along with Prince Amukamara, who was the top reserve in the nickel and dime packages.
Outlook: The Huskers are fortunate that they are in the Big 12 North as their losses on offense will probably mean a slow start. They open with Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State at home, which should help and also play Louisiana-Lafayette in the fourth game (with Va. Tech before that). It will take some time for the offense to get its bearings, but with a strong defense, they can make waves in the Big 12 North.
2009 Baylor Bears
2008 Record: (4-8, 2-6)
Coach: Art Briles (4-8 at Baylor, 38-36 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Randy Clements (2nd year) and Phillip Montgomery (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Brian Norwood (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 18 (8 offense, 8 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Robert Griffin)
Offense: Art Briles’ spread option attack needed a quarterback to perfect it and they found one in Robert Griffin. The true freshman passed for 2,091 yards and 15 TDs, while running for 843 yards and 13 scores in 2008. Griffin is a track star with blazing speed and an accurate arm. That’s perfect for this offense. Griffin also has supporting talent returning in junior Jay Finley, who ran for 965 yards and seven scores in 2008. Sophomore WR Kendall Wright caught 50 passes for 649 yards and five TDs as a freshman and leads a strong group of three returning wideouts. The offensive line returns a great one in senior center J.D. Walton (6-3, 305), but the key will be replacing All-American LT Jason Smith, who moves on to the NFL.
Defense: The Bears return eight starters from a defense that allowed 29.3ppg and 393.2 yards per game overall. They do feature two top players in the conference in senior LB Joe Pawelek (6-2, 240) and senior FS Jordan Lake (6-2, 210). Pawelek led the Bears with 128 tackles and also intercepted six passes from the middle linebacker spot. Up front, they feature two sophomore defensive ends in Tracy Robertson (6-4, 260) and Zac Sutton (6-7, 260) who are talented but raw. Lake averaged 8.1 tackles per game and intercepted three passes. The rest of the secondary is somewhat suspect as they lose both starting corners and this is what separates them from the rest of the Big 12.
Outlook: The Bears have made some major strides on offense, but their defense is still an issue, especially against such a tough league. They open at Wake Forest and face Uconn, Northwetern State and Kent State at home. After that, it’s the likes of Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State and Texas. If they can win two on the road, they have a shot at earning a minor bowl bid.
2009 Oklahoma Sooners
2008 Record: (12-2, 7-1)
Coach: Bob Stoops, 11th year (109-24 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Kevin Wilson (8th year)
Def. Coordinator: Brent Venables (11th year)
Returning Starters: 15 (5 offense, 9 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Sam Bradford)
Offense: Sam Bradford returns to an offense that scored more than 700 points last season. Last year’s Heisman Trophy winner could have been a top five pick if not the first choice, but he’s back and looking for a championship. At running back, they Sooners return DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown, who both rushed for 1,000 yards last season. The receivers are speed though they lose two starters. Sophomore Ryan Broyles moves out of the slot after setting several freshman records. Senior TE Jeremaine Gresham (6-6, 261), who also would have been a high draft pick if he came out, caught 66 passes for 950 yards and 14 TDs last year. The key will be the performance of the offensive line. They return just one starter and that’s right tackle Trent Williams, who moves to left tackle to protect Bradford’s blindside. They have to replace the other four lineman spots.
Defense: The Sooners returns nine starters on a defense that played strong at the end of the season, but needs to improve its pass defense. They also allowed 343 points, the most in Bob Stoops’ 10 seasons They’ll be led by junior DT Gerald McCoy (6-4, 295). At end, the trio of Frank Alexander, Jeremy Beal and Auston English combined for 16 sacks last year. At linebacker, they return soph. Travis Lewis (6-2, 232), who led the team with 144 tackles last year. The secondary has some issues, especially at safety. They’ll have two new starters in Quinton Carter and Sam Proctor. At corner, they do return both starters in Domique Franks and Brian Jackson.
Outlook: If the O-line holds up, look out for Oklahoma. That’s a big if and they could be tested by BYU in the opener at Arlington, Texas and at Miami (FL). Road games at Kansas, Nebraska and Texas Tech are not gimmes either. But as usual, it will come down to the Texas game in Dallas to most likely determine the Big 12 champ.
2009 Oklahoma State Cowboys
2008 Record: (9-4, 5-3)
Coach: Mike Gundy, 4th year (27-23)
Off. Coordinator: Gunter Brewer (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Bill Young (1st year)
Returning Starters: 14 (8 offense, 6 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Zac Robinson)
Offense: Mike Gundy returns eight starters to one of the most explosive offenses in the nation. They averaged 40.8ppg and 487.7 yards per game-all top ten numbers. Senior QB Zac Robinson (6-3, 218) threw for just over 3,000 yards and tossed for 25 touchdowns last year. He also rushed for 562 yards with eight scores and added 12 pounds of muscle during the offseason. At running back, junior Kendall Hunter returns after rushing for 1,555 yards. The receiving corps has a superstar in junior Dez Bryant (6-2, 215), who led the team with 87 catches for 1,480 yards and 19 TDs. He suffered a knee injury late last season but should be 100% to start the season. They could use more balance, but nobody could stop Bryant so Robinson kept throwing it to him. OSU will miss TE Brandon Pettigrew, who moved on to the NFL. Up front, LT Russell Okung (6-6, 305) is a senior All-Big 12 selection and has made 34 consecutive starters.
Defense: Here’s what separates them from the top two teams. The defense returns just six starters and only one in the secondary. Last season, the defense finished 109th against the pass and 93rd overall, as they allowed a whopping 405.5 yards per game. They have to get better and starts up front. New coordinator Bill Young will rely on a strong linebacker corps, which returns all three starters including senior Andre Sexton, who led the way with 100 tackles. They’ll need more out of senior DE Jeremiah Price (6-2, 260), who recorded three sacks last year. In the defensive backfield, senior Perrish Cox is the lone returning starter, but he’s a very good one and a future NFL player. Senior Terrance Anderson will be the key at the other corner spot after he showed some potential at nickel last year.
Outlook: Gundy has a chance to win 10 games with a team that starts out with four games at home (though one is Georgia). They do face Texas at home, but Oklahoma is on the road at the end of the season. There’s no reason why they can’t make things interesting down the stretch in the Big 12, if their defense can come together and at least be adequate.
2009 Texas Longhorns
2008 Record: (12-1, 7-1)
Coach: Mack Brown, 12th year (115-26 at Texas; 201-100-1 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Greg Davis (12th year)
Def. Coordinator: Will Muschamp (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 15 (5 offense, 9 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Colt McCoy)
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Offense: The Horns have all the tools to make it to the BCS Championship game. Senior QB Colt McCoy is back after leading the Longhorns in rushing with 561 yards, setting an NCAA record for completion percentage (76.7%) and throwing for 3,859 yards. He finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting to Sam Bradford, who also returns. The talent at receiver is amazing, even with a few losses. Senior Jordan Shipley (1,060 yards) is a vertical threat that can also catch passes underneath. At running back, Vondrell McGee leads a solid group of backs, but somebody has to step up and make sure McCoy is not the leading rusher again. They have a solid blocking tight end in Greg Smith (6-4, 267), but need to find one who can go vertical. The O-line returns four starters and a fifth who started three games last year.
Defense: The big issue with the defense last year was that they finished last in the Big 12 and 113th nationally with just six interceptions. They return starting nose tackle Lamarr Houston (6-2, 290) and senior DE Sergio Kindle (6-4, 255), who was second on the team in sacks last year with 10. They will miss the other end, Brian Orakpo, who moved on to the NFL. At linebacker, senior Roddrick Muckelroy returns on the weak side after recording 112 tackles last year. The secondary is led by corners (junior) Chykie Brown and (sophomore) Aaron Williams. Both have excellent size and speed.
Outlook: The Longhorns should steamroll through this schedule. They face ULM, Wyoming and UTEP in the non-conference schedule. A tough road game against Missouri and Oklahoma State, and they face Oklahoma in Dallas. That game may determine when they go undefeated or not. This is a balanced squad with very few weakness.
2009 Texas A&M Aggies
2008 Record: (4-8, 2-6)
Coach: Mike Sherman (4-8 at Texas A&M, 4-8 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Nolan Cromwell (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Joe Kines (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 17 (9 offense, 7 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Jerrod Johnson)
Offense: Head coach Mike Sherman enters his second season as he tries to get the Aggies out of major mess. Last season, the Aggies struggled through injuries and bad line play as they finished last or next-to-last in the Big 12 last season in scoring, rushing and total offense (340.9ypg). Junior QB Jerrod Johnson (6-5, 229( returns after throwing for a school-record 21 TDs, but Johnson will be pushed by sophomore Ryan Tannehill, who was very impressive in the spring. Tannehill (6-4, 204) or Johnson could move to receiver if they don’t win the job. Tannehill set a school-record for freshmen with 844 yards receiving in 2008. Sophomore Jeff Fuller (6-4, 209) returns at receiver after catching 50 passes and hauling in a team-best nine TDs. At running back, the Aggies need to find consistency as sophomores Cyrus Gray and Bradley Stephens will battle it out for time. True freshman Christine Michael, who has great power and speed, could also be a factor. The key will be the improvement of the offensive line, which could start a true fershman or two, but will also moved Lucas Patterson (6-4, 297) from the defensive line to left tackle.
Defense: The defense was atrocious last season, allowing 461.9 yards per game (114th in the nation). That’s a far cry from the old Wrecking Crew days of the early nineties. They do return seven players including senior Matt Featherston (6-2, 235), who recorded 94 tackles year. However, Featherston may be replaced by freshman Kyle Mangan (6-2, 220) who is faster as the Aggies try to get more speed into the defense. On the defensive line, sophomore Tony Jerrod-Eddie (6-5, 256) is undersized as is sophomore Eddie Brown (6-0, 265). Junior DE Von Miller (6-3, 213) will play a new “jack” position in terms of linebacker and end. The secondary should improve from last season with the maturation of sophomore safety Trent Hunter and sophomore corner Terrence Frederick. Juco transfer Coryell Judie should push for a starting job.
Outlook: Sherman has a long ways to go with this program and fans will have to be patient. They face New Mexico, Utah State and UAB at home to start the season, along with Arkansas in Arlington. If they could start out 3-1, that would be a great boost to a conference schedule that features Oklahoma and Texas Tech on the road, along with Texas and OK State at home.
2009 Texas Tech Red Raiders
2008 Record: (11-2, 7-1)
Coach: Mike Leach, 10th year (76-39)
Off. Coordinator: Mike Leach (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Ruffin McNeill (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 13 (5 offense, 7 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: The Red Raiders are the only team in the Big 12 South without a returning starting quarterback. They not only have to replace Graham Harrell, but also top 10 WR Michael Crabtree. Junior Taylor Potts (6-5, 215) takes over the helm and has a big arm and great size, unlike previous TT quarterbacks. Detron Lewis, who caught 76 passes for 913 yards last year, will have to step in as the number one wide receiver option with Crabtree gone. At running back, junior Barron Batch returns after a strong sophomore campaign (758 yards) and may have to carry more of a load. With three starters from last year’s offensive line gone, expect Texas Tech to have a few bumps in the road in terms of pass protection (13 sacks allowed last year).
Defense: The defense allowed 382.6 yards per game last year and has seven starters returning. The defense was solid last season, but they lose top DE Brandon Williams, the conference’s leader in sacks and outstanding free safety Darcel McBath. Brian Duncan (89 tackles) leads a group of returning linebackers, which should be their strength as all three return. Senior DE McKinner Dixon (8 sacks), who was suspended in the spring, needs to be on the field for the defense to have a chance. The secondary returns just one starter but if the defense can average 2.6 sacks per game as they did last season, they’ll be decent with inexperienced defensive backs.
Outlook: Mike Leach is an excellent coach, but he has his work cut out for him to try and repeat last year’s 11-2 record. They face North Dakota and Rice at home to start the season, but then take on Texas on the road. The schedule is not overwhelming and even if they take a step down, they should be a solid bowl team again and a very dangerous spoiler in the Big 12.
Big East Conference
2009 Cincinnati Bearcats
2008 Record: (11-3, 6-1)
Coach: Brian Kelly, 3rd year (22-6 at Cincinnati, 41-22 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Jeff Quinn (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Bob Diasco (1st year)
Returning Starters: 9 (7 offense, 1 defense, kicker
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Tony Pike)
Offense: The no-huddle spread offense will have to carry the team, as they have seven returners including senior QB Tony Pike (6-6, 210). Pike has great size and can move well out of the pocket. He completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 2,407 yards with 19 TDs and 11 INTs last year. His top target is senior WR Mardy Gilyard, who caught 81 passes for 1,276 yards and 11 TDs last year. At running back, they return junior John Goebel and senior Jacob Ramsey who combined for 1,271 yards last year. They’ll be pushed by RB Isiah Pead, a speedster who saw limited action as a freshman. The line will be anchored by left tackle Jeff Linkenbach (6-6, 311), a potential all-conference pick. The line is strong and deep despite returning three starers.
Defense: Here is the problem. Free safety Aaron Webster is the only returning starter, though the Bearcats have some replacements who saw extensive action last year. There’s no doubt, there will be some bumps in the road as Cincy moves from a 4-3 scheme to a 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Bob Diaco. Most feel that this is the best defense to count the spread offense, which most teams are now using in college football. The depth on the defensive line is fine, but they need somebody to step up. Sophomore Derek Wolfe (6-5, 302) has the most potential to be a disruptive force at NT. They even moved former quarterback Demetrius Jones to linebacker and wide receiver Marcus Barnett to cornerback. Barnett has a legitimate chance to start.
Outlook: Cincinnati averaged 25.9ppg last season and may have to score 35ppg to get back to a bowl game. They open at Rutgers, then face S.E. Missouri State and are at Oregon State, followed by a home game at Fresno State. After all that, they have to travel to their state rival, Miami-Ohio. Not brutal, but certainly no cakewalk for a team trying to rebuild its defense. It will be a tough task for Brian Kelly, but he certainly has the ability to find a way to get to a bowl game.
2009 Connecticut Huskies
2008 Record: (8-5, 3-4)
Coach: Randy Esdall, 11th year (58-60)
Off. Coordinator: Joe Moorhead (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Toll Orlando (5th year)
Returning Starters: 14 (6 offense, 6 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: The Huskies have their work cut out for them as they have to replace star RB Donald Brown and need to find a consistent quarterback to replace the erratic Tyler Lorenzen. New offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead will look towards senior RB Andre Dixon or sophomore Jordan Todman to carry the load. Todman rushed for 296 yards as a backup to Brown, while Dixon missed all of last season, after sharing carries with Brown in 2007 (ran for 828 yards). At quarterback, junior Zach Frazer (6-4, 231) or soph. Cody Endres (6-3, 227) will battle it out for the starting job. Frazer at least has some experience, having thrown for 536 yards last year. Both played last year, but neither stood out. At receiver, sophomore Kashif Moore is the leading returner with 27 catches for 273 yards. That’s not saying much, but the passing offense was almost non-existent last season. The offensive line took a hit with the graduation of LT William Beatty and center Keith Gray. The return three linemen, with sophomore Moe Petrus (6-2, 282) moving from guard to center.
Defense: The Huskies return six starters to a defense that allowed just 19.7ppg (22nd in the nation) and 278 yards per game (6th in the nation). The concern starts on the defensive line as they return just one starter. Senior DE Linsdey Witten (6-4, 248) does have experience and did record five sacks last year. The real strength is at linebacker, where junior Scott Lutrus (6-2, 235) leads the way after finishing third in the Big East in tackles with 106 last season. In the secondary, they have to replace corner Darius Butler, who became a second-round pick. Junior Jasper Howard returns at the other corner spot after starting all 13 games last season and picking off four passes. At safety, senior FS Robert Vaughn returns after finishing third on the team with 67 tackles.
Outlook: Randy Edsall will have less expectations this season and he really has taken the program to new heights. The question is whether he can take them to the next step. A schedule that features Ohio on the road, North Carolina at home, Baylor on the road, Notre Dame on the road, and Rhode Island at home is not impossible. They have tough games in conference against West Virginia and Pitt on the road.
2009 Louisville Cardinals
2008 Record: (5-7, 1-6)
Coach: Steve Kragthorpe, 3rd year (11-13 at Louisville, 40-35 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Steve Kragthorpe (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Brent Guy (1st year)
Returning Starters: 18 (9 offense, 7 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: The Cards’ offense was just mediocre last season, averaging 376.7 yards per game and 24.7ppg. This season, head coach Steve Kragthorpe takes over as the offensive coordinator and is hoping to turn to either junior Adam Froman (6-3, 217) or junior Justin Burke (6-3, 229) as his starting quarterback. Froman is a juco All-American from California, while Burke is a transfer from NC State, who played three games in 2007 before sitting out last season. At running back, sophomore Victor Anderson returns after being named Big East Rookie of the Year in 2008. He rushed for 1,047 yards, averaging 5.7ypc. The top receiver is junior Doug Beaumont, who caught 62 passes for 750 yards, although he did not score a touchdown. They do get a lift from the return of senior WR Scott Long (6-2, 214), who tore his ACL last October.
The offensive line returns three starters, but the two they lost were center Eric Wood, a first-round NFL Draft pick and tackle George Busey.
Defense: They defense allowed a whopping 29.8ppg last season and 368.8 yards per game (70th in the nation). This season, they return seven starters but lose defensive coordinator Ron English to Eastern Michigan (as head coach). They ranked 106th in the nation in sacks last year and have to find a way to get to the quarterback. The linebacking unit is the strength of the team, led by senior Jon Dempsey (6-0, 241), a second-team All-Big East performer last year, who recorded 80 tackles last year. The D-line is inexperienced and will have to grow as the season moves on. The secondary is in decent shape, even with the loss of two starters to graduation. That’s because senior FS Richard Raglin returns after missing the last nine games with a broken wrist.
Outlook: The Cards open with Indiana State and later on, faces Arkansas State at home. But tough games at Kentucky at Utah and Southern Miss at home, make this a tough schedule. Finding a quarterback is a must for a team that will need to put up some points on the board.
2009 Pittsburgh Panthers
2008 Record: (9-4, 5-2)
Coach: Dave Wannstedt, 5th year, (25-23)
Off. Coordinator: Frank Cignetti (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Phil Bennett (2nd year)
Returning Starters:14(7 offense, 7efense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes(Bill Stull)
Offense: Dave Wannstedt finally seemed to have turned things around after going 9-4 last year. It all starts with getting players and Pitt has recruited top-25 classes the last three seasons. This year, they could use some consistency at the quarterback position to get to the next level. Senior Bill Stull (6-3, 215) returns at quarterback but he will have some competition. Stull completed 57 percent of his passes for 2,356 yards and just nine TDs with 10 picks last year. The offense relied on RB LaSean McCoy last season and now he’s not there to save the offense. Junior Pat Bostick (6-3, 220) was the starter in 2007, but has been injury-prone. At running back freshmen Dion Lewis and Chris Burnes should vie for the starting job. The Panthers have big-play tight ends in seniors Dorin Dickerson (6-2, 230) and Nate Byham (6-3, 255). At receiver, sophomore Jonathan Baldwin (6-5, 220) averaged 22.4 yards per reception, catching 18 passes for 404 yards. The offensive line has some experience and natural talent with three starters returning.
Defense: The defense allowed 21.5ppg and 317.2 yards per game last year. They return seven starters including three from the defensive line. Senior Mick Williams (6-1, 285) is a dominant player on the inside and one of the best on the line. Juniors Greg Romeus (7.5 sacks) and Jabaal Sheard (5.5 sacks) seem to always be in the backfield at defensive end. At linebacker, they lose top MLB Scott McKillop, but the loss was eased when Adam Gunn was granted a sixth year of eligibility. In the secondary, they return three starters and junior Elijah Fields (6-2, 220), who finally gets a chance to show his enormous ability.
Outlook: The Panthers have a fairly easy opening three games facing Youngstown State, Navy and Buffalo. After that, NC State at home and Louisville on the road are not gimmes. They also take on Notre Dame at home and West Virginia on the road, which could decide the conference. Wannstedt should be safe for another year, but it would be nice if they can find a dynamic starting quarterback.
2009 Rutgers Scarlet Knights
2008 Record: (8-5, 5-2)
Coach: Greg Schiano, (46-51 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Kyle Flood and Kirk Ciarroca (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Bob Fraser (1st year) and Ed Pinkham (1st year)
Returning Starters: 16 (8 offense, 6 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: College football is all about “next man up”. That’s the case with Rutgers as they must replace record-setting quarterback Mike Teel and their top wide receiver (Kenny Britt). Fifth-year seniors Domenic Natale (6-2, 210) and Jabu Lovelace (6-2, 215) will battle it out for the starting job. Watch out for redshirt freshman D.C. Jefferson (6-6,2 40). The top four running backs, return including junior Kordell Young who led the Scarlet Knights with 554 yards and five TDs in just eight games. The receiving corps has been decimdate with Britt and Tiquan Underwood gone to graduation along with Dennis Campbell (dismissed). Tim Brown is the only returning wideout who hauled in a touchdown pass last season. The strength will be the offensive line, as they return five starters including second-team All-Big East selection Anthony Davis (6-6, 325) at left tackle.
Defense: Greg Schiano relinquishes his duties as defensive coordinator and hands the reins to assistants Bob Fraser and Ed Pinkham. The defense returns six starters from a unit that allowed just 18.9ppg and 326.9 yards per game (33rd in the nation). The defensive line returns the ends and not the tackles. Junior Alex Silverstro (6-4, 250) was a tackle last year, but moves to end. At linebacker, senior Ryan D’Imperio (6-3, 240) becomes the leader after recording 93 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks as a junior. In the secondary, there is some concern at one corner spot. Senior Devin McCourty returns as a three-year starter at the other position.
Outlook: Rutgers has to find a quarterback first and foremost. If they find one, they should be able to get through Army, Texas Southern, Howard and Florida International with no problem. A road game against Maryland is tough, but they have West Virginia, Pitt and South Florida at home. That’s beneficial for a good but not great team to win the Big East.
2009 South Florida Bulls
2008 Record: (8-5, 2-5)
Coach: Jim Leavitt, 13th year (87-52)
Off. Coordinator: Mike Canales (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Joe Tresey, David Blackwell (1st year)
Returning Starters: 13, (5 offense, 6 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Matt Grothe)
Offense: The Bulls return struggled last year on offense compared to 2007, when they averaged 35ppg in Big East play and less than half of that last season. So they re-hired Mike Canales who was the offensive coordinator from 1997 to 2000. They should run a more pure version of the spread offense with Canales in control. Senior QB Matt Grothe (6-0, 203) returns, but he is just one of five on offense. He’s one of the nation’s top dual threats, who has thrown for more than 8,000 yards in his career and rushed for just over 2,000 over three seasons. What the Bulls need is more balance and not just reliance on Grothe. They do have a very deep receiving corps led by senior Jessie Hester, who had a team-high 54 receptions for 579 yards last season. Junior RB Mike Ford (6-2, 225) struggled last season but dropped 20 pounds and should be the starter though he’ll be pushed by senior Moise Plancher. The offensive line returns just one starter and their only other definitive starter, junior Jacob Simms (6-5, 285) will either play center or left tackle.
Defense: The defense was the strength of the team last year, allowing just 20ppg and 287.6 yards per game (10th in the nation). This year, the Bulls return six starters on defense including DE George Selvie (6-4, 255). Selvie has 25.5 career sacks, but had just 5.5 last year due to constant double teams. He needs some help from senior Aaron Harris (6-4, 260) and juco transfer Jason Pierre-Paul. At linebacker, they return just one player in senior Kion Wilson (6-2, 235). Senior Donte Spires (6-3, 222) does return after missing 2008 to concentrate on academics and will challenge Chris Robinson (6-3, 233) for the weakside spot. In the secondary, senior corner Jerome Murphy is the leading returning tackler with 67. Senior FS Nate Allen, who had five picks last year, also leads the way.
Outlook: Jim Leavitt will have his hands full with a young team that features an inexperienced offensive line. They open with Wofford, Western Kentucky and Charleston Southern. After that, they face Florida State on the road and the reset of a mediocre Big East. With Grothe and Selvie back, there’s always a chance that the Bulls are at or near the top of the Big East.