2009 Syracuse Orange
2008 Record: (3-9, 1-6)
Coach: Doug Marrone, 1st year (0-0)
Off. Coordinator: Rob Spence (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Scott Shafer (1st year)
Returning Starters: 14 (6 offense, 7 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Cameron Dantley)
Offense: New head coach Doug Marrone comes in to a program that has been a doormat since the Big East began, but has one of the greatest traditions. Marrone’s background is in the NFL as an offensive coordinator and line coach with the New Orleans Saints. He’s also fortunate to have some talent in running back Delone Carter (5-10, 214) and junior WR Mike Williams. Carter rushed for 713 yards in 2006 before missing all of 2007 with a dislocated hip. A hamstring injury limited him to four games last year. Williams had 837 receiving yards and 11 TDs as a sophomore in 2007 before sitting out last year due to academic reasons. He joins junior Donte Davis, who had a team-leading 29 catches in 2008. The quarterback is Cameron Dantley (6-1, 218), a senior who threw for just 1,298 yards last year, but has more weapons this season. The O-line returns just two starters and the inexperience will be on the right side.
Defense: The Orange return seven starters from a unit that allowed 32.7ppg and 414.5 yards per game. The rebuilding job starts on this side of the ball. The D-line returns junior NT Arthur Jones (6-3, 282), who has 31.5 tackles for loss. At linebacker, the Orange has two starters returning. The problem with the unit is that they are undersized, but they are active. Junior Derrell Smith (6-1, 224) is the top returning tackler with 73. The secondary returns three starters and will move former corner Mike Holmes to free safety. Holmes had a two picks and a forced fumble. He’s also a solid kick returner, averaging 23 yards per return.
Outlook: Syracuse is not really backing down. They play three Big Ten teams to start the season in Minnesota at home, Penn State on the road and Northwestern at home. They also face Akron and Maine at home and their only road contests in conference are against Pitt, Louisville and Connecticut. Marrone has the offense to at least pull off a few close calls and maybe an upset or two.
2009 West Virginia Mountaineers
2008 Record: (9-4, 5-2)
Coach: Bill Stewart, 2nd year (10-4)
Off. Coordinator: Jeff Mullen (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Jeff Casteel (8th year)
Returning Starters: 14 (7 offense, 7 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: This should be a rebuilding year for Bill Stewart and the Mountaineers even with seven starters. Why? Because Pat White, one of the best to ever run the spread offense and most dangerous Big East quarterback ever, has moved on to the NFL (or baseball). The good news is senior quarterback Jarrett Brown (6-4, 221) returns and has won both career starters. Brown is considered a better pure passer than White, but does not have the great quickness or agility. At running back, junior Noel Devine returns after rolling up 1,289 yards last year with a 6.3 yards per carry average. He also notched 35 receptions last season. Senior Alric Arnett is the leading man at receiver with 35 receptions for 466 yards. The main concern other than Brown , is the offensive line which loses three quality starters including All-American Ryan Stanchek. It may take this unit some time to become cohesive.
Defense: The Mountaineers return seven starters on defense and should be especially-strong at linebacker. They return Reed Williams (6-1, 228), who missed most of last season with double shoulder surgery along with junior J.T. Thomas (6-2, 224) back as the leading returning tackler. Up front, Scooter Barry (6-1, 280) moves inside to tackle from end. Junior Brandon Hogan (3 INTs) is back at cornerback after missing their bowl game against North Carolina for a personal matter. He also had 60 tackles and broke up seven passes. SS Sidney Glover (5-11, 210) also returns after recording 61 stops in 2008. They also need to find a kicker and punter as Pat McAfee graduates after handling all the kicking duties the last two seasons.
Outlook: West Virginia is a very dangerous team in the Big East, but they won’t be the same without Pat White. They open with Liberty and East Carolina and then take on Auburn on the road. If the offensive line works out, they’ll be back in the major bowl picture.
Big 10 Conference
2009 Illinois Fighting Illini
2008 Record: (5-7, 3-5)
Coach: Ron Zook, 5th year (18-30 at Illinois; 41-44 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Mike Schultz (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Dan Disch (5th year) and Curt Mallory (4th year)
Returning Starters: 16 (8 offense, 6 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Juice Williams)
Offense: Illinois led the Big Ten in passing last year and that was due to the maturation of senior QB Juice Williams (6-2, 235). Williams threw for 3,173 yards last season (also rushed for 719 yards). Williams has plenty of talent at the skill positions, partially due to head coach Ron Zook and former off. Coordinator Mike Locksley, now head coach at New Mexico. Enter Mike Schultz, who was hired from TCU, to take over as offensive coordinator. They’ll continue to run the read-option offense that suits the strengths of Williams. At receiver, junior Arrelious Benn (6-2, 220) has a great talent (1,055 yards receiving) and could really explode this year. Senior Jeff Cumberland (6-5, 255) is one of the nation’s biggest receiving targets. At running back, returning starter senior Daniel Dufrene could get pushed by sophomores Jason Ford and Mikel Leshoure. The offensive line returns three starters and could jell as they underachieved last season due to injuries.
Defense: Here was the main problem last season. The Illini scored 28.7ppg, but the defense allowed 26.6ppg and 350.3ypg (56th in the nation). They also ranked 89th in turnover margin, which was part of the reason for a 5-7 record. The line returns two of the four starters including senior tackle Sirod Williams (6-0, 295), who redshirt because of a knee injury in 2008. Junior DT Josh Brent (6-2, 315), who started eight games last year, is serving a 60-day sentence for a DUI in February and should be back in the middle of camp. However, his status with the team is up in the air. Unfortunately, the top four starters on defense from last season are gone including CB Vontae Davis. The heart-and-soul of the linebacking corps was Brit Miller and he also graduated. At linebacker, junior Martez Wilson (6-4, 240), who had 73 tackles last season, will have to become the focal point of the defense after moving to the middle. The secondary returns both corners along with senior free safety Donsay Hardeman (6-2, 210), who is coming off neck surgery.
Outlook: Illinois was a tough team to figure out last season. They seriously underachieved, but this season, the expectations are much lower. The offense is dynamic, but the defense needs work. They face Missouri in St. Louis to start the season along with Illinois State at home, Cincinnati on the road and Fresno State at home. Not an easy schedule, which also includes Ohio State on the road and Penn State at home.
2009 Indiana Hoosiers
2008 Record: (3-9, 1-7)
Coach: Bill Lynch, 3rd year (10-15 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Matt Canada (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Brian George (5th year) and Joe Palcic (5th year)
Returning Starters: 17 (7 offense, 9 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: The Hoosiers need to put some points on the board, especially with one of the worst defenses in the nation. They’ve tweaked the offense, using the spread but installing the Pistol, with the running back lining up directly behind the quarterback in the shotgun formation. The hope is that the team will enable to become a more effective running game. Junior QB Ben Chappell (6-3, 235), who shared duties last season with Kellen Lewis, now takes over the job. Two weeks following the spring game, Lewis was dismissed from the team, not to long after being moved to receiver. The loss of Lewis hurts the depth at receiver where junior Terrance Turner and two sophomores-Tandon Doss and Demarlo Belcher-should make an impact. At running back, seniors Bryan Payton and Demetrius McCray compete with redshirt freshman Darius Willis for the starting spot. On the offensive line, the Hoosiers return four starters including junior junior James Brewer (6-8, 339)-a potential star.
Defense: They defense was atrocious last season, allowing 35.3ppg (108th in the nation) and 432.2 yards per game. They return nine starters including defensive end Jammie Kirley (6-3, 264), who led the team with 18.5 tackles for loss. Senior LB Matt Mayberry (6-2, 236) finished 10th in the Big Ten last year with 89 tackles. In the secondary, they return senior FS Nick Polk (6-0, 225) and SS Austin Thomas (6-2, 221) from torn ACLs. They also moved wideout Ray Fisher, who led the team with 40 catches last year, to cornerback.
Outlook: The Hoosiers face Eastern Kentucky, Western Michigan and Akron in the early part of their schedule. They also face Virginia on the road, which is not easy, but not impossible either. They also have to take on Penn State on the road and Ohio State at home. Not many wins on the conference slate.
2009 Iowa Hawkeyes
2008 Record: (9-4, 5-3)
Coach: Kirk Ferentz, (70-53 at Iowa, 82-74 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Ken O’Keefe (11th year)
Def. Coordinator: Norm Parker (11th year)
Returning Starters: 16 (6 offense, 8 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Ricky Stanzi)
Offense: The Hawkeyes return six starters on offense, but lose star RB Shonn Greene to the NFL. Sophomore Jewel Hampton (5-9, 210), who rushed for 463 yards last season as a backup, grabs the reigns. Freshman Jeff Brinson (5-11, 215) could also see some time. Fortunately, they return junior QB Ricky Stanzi (6-4, 218), who was the most efficient passer in the conference, tossing for nearly 2,000 yards. Stanzi will have to step up this year and become more of a playmaker. At receiver, Iowa returns junior Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (6-1, 200), who led the Hawkeyes in his first two seasons at receiver. The offensive line returns three of five starters, but losing center Rob Bruggeman is a tough player to replace.
Defense: The defense returns eight starters from a unit that allowed just 13 points per game (5th in the nation) and 291.3 yards per game. The big issues is on the line where they have to replace Mitch King (Big 10 Def. Player of the Year) and Matt Kroul at defensive tackle. This will be the key to the success of the defense, as those two were huge in terms of stopping the run (94 yds allowed per game). Karl Klug (6-4, 258) and sophomore Mike Daniels (6-1, 267) are frontrunners to start, but are also undersized. At linebacker, they the Hawkeyes are loaded with three starters returning. Senior MLB Pat Angerer (6-1, 235) led the team with 107 tackles and added five interceptions. In the secondary, junior CB Amari Spivey was a second-team All-Big 10 selection last year, after recording four picks with 68 stops. They also return sophomore SS Tyler Sash (6-1, 210), who tied for the lead on the team with five interceptions.
Outlook: Iowa could be the sleeper of the Big 10. If Stanzi makes the next step, this team could move into the elite of the league. They open with Northern Arizona, Iowa State on the road and then host Arizona. They also face Arkansas State at home, which could realistically put them at 4-0 in conference play. The problem for Iowa is the schedule in conference, which features Ohio State AND Penn State on the road.
2009 Michigan State Spartans
2008 Record: (9-4, 6-2)
Coach: Mark Dantonio, 3rd year (16-10)
Off. Coordinator: Don Tredwell (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Pat Narduzzi (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 17, (7 offense, 8 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: The Spartans lose star RB Javon Ringer and qb Brian Hoyer, who were driving forces behind their Capital One Bowl appearance (their first since 2000). At quarterback, Hoyer was erratic as a passer, but he was a leader. They have two sophomores battling it out as sophomore Kirk Cousins (6-3, 202) and Oklahoma transfer Keith Nichol (6-2, 212) are vying for the starting job. Senior A.J. Jimmerson and sophomore Ashton Leggett are also battling it out for the starting running back position. Neither back had many touches last year since Ringer was such a workhorse. Junior TE Charlie Gantt (6-4, 245) has All-Conference potential. At receiver, they do return junior Mark Dell who had 679 yards in receiving last year as well as senior Blair White (659 yds). The offensive line returns three starters but will have a brand new right side.
Defense: The defense returns eight starters, including every linebacker, from a unit that allowed 22.1ppg (41st in the nation) and 355.9yds per game (58th). Senior Trevor Anderson (6-2, 259), who led the team with eight sacks in 2008, anchors the line. At linebacker, junior Greg Jones (6-1, 222) has led the team in tackles the last two seasons. Seven of eight defensive backs that contributed regularly last season are back this year. At corner, junior Chris L. Rucker (6-2, 197) has struggled with injuries but has the most potential to break out and has great size. The lone loss is safety Otis Wiley, though backup sophomore Trenton Robinson had a great spring.
Outlook: The Spartans open with Montana State and Central Michigan so they should start out 2-0. A road game against Notre Dame will be tough, but home games against Penn State and roadies at Purdue and Wisconsin could put them at or near the top at the end of the season. It also doesn’t hurt to skip out on Ohio State this year. Of course, finding a quarterback and a running back rotation can’t hurt.
2009 Michigan Wolverines
2008 Record: (3-9, 3-6)
Coach: Rich Rodriguez, 2nd year (3-9 at Michigan, 108-70-2 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Calvin Magee (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Greg Robinson (1st year)
Returning Starters: 15 (9 offense, 5 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: Sometimes you have to take a step back, before you move forward. Michigan fans may not have wanted to hear that, but last season’s disaster was due to lack of talent and a brand new system. Michigan’s spread offense was a disaster, as they produced just 20.3ppg (99th in the nation) and 290.8 yards per game (109th in the nation). They didn’t have the talent to run the offense, but with a new starting quarterback in freshman Tate Forcier (6-1, 187). With Steven Threet transferring and junior Nick Sheridan (6-1, 220) missing most of the spring with a broken leg, Forcier appears to be the man. At running back, senior Brandon Minor (6-1, 216) returns after rushing for 533 yards last season. At receiver, the team brings back starting wideouts Greg Mathews (35 catches) and slot man Martavious Odom (49 receptions). An offensive line with four returning starters can only help speed the process along.
Defense: The defense returns five starters from a unit that allowed 28.9ppg (84th in the nation) and 366.9 yards per game (67th in the nation). They allowed 40 or more points by four different team and set a school-record for more points allowed (347). They added former Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson to coach the defense and replace Scott Shafer. The defensive line returns just one starter, but that may not be a bad thing. Senior Brandon Graham (6-4, 258) was the stalwart of the defense last year as he managed 20 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. Junior linebacker Obi Ezeh (6-2, 240) is coming off an excellent season, recording 98 tackles. In the secondary, the Wolverines return cornerback Donovan Warren, but he’s the lone returner.
Outlook: Rich Rodriguez will be allowed another year of rebuilding, but another 3-8 season will have the natives restless. This should be a much-improved team and the schedule should give them at least three wins (assuming they don’t lose to Toledo again), facing Western and Eastern Michigan along with Delaware State. They also face Notre Dame at home, along with Ohio State and Penn State. They only have four road games so the schedule is certainly beneficial to a possible .500 season and a minor bowl game.
2009 Minnesota Golden Gophers
2008 Record: (7-6, 3-5)
Coach: Tim Brewster, 3rd year (8-17)
Off. Coordinator: Jedd Fisch (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Ronnie Lee (1st year)
Returning Starters: 18 (10 offense, 8 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Adam Weber)
Offense: The key to the Minnesota offense is running the football, something they could barely muster last season, averaging just 103.9 yards per game (104th in the nation) and 3.1 ypc. They also added a new offensive coordinator in Jedd Fisch to help improve the ground game. Sophomore DeLeon Eskridge leads the running game after rushing for 678 yards and seven TDs in his freshman season. Sophomore Shady Salamon was also impressive as a freshman running back. Junior QB Adam Weber (6-3, 217) returns after a strong season, tossing for 2,761 yards and 15 TDs as a sophomore. He also has great assets at receiver which includes Eric Decker (84 catches, 7 TDs), a first-team All-Big 10 selection last year. The offensive line returns four starters but also adds two transfers to compete for starting jobs with some of the returners. Juco giant Jeff Wills (6-7, 375) provides size at right tackle, while Notre Dame transfer Matt Carufel (6-5, 303), who started three games in 2007, comes in at right guard.
Defense: The defense brings back eight starters from a unit that allowed 24.8ppg and 383.6ypg (80th in the nation). They have to get better against the pass, which would help if the can improve the pass rush. Seniors Eric Small (6-2, 301) and Garrett Brown (6-2, 303) return at tackle, but they’ll need help from the ends on the edge. At linebacker, senior Lee Campbell (6-3, 246) is back after recording four sacks last year with 80 tackles. In the secondary, they lose could lose starting safety Tremaine Brock (academic casualty), who may return in the fall. Junior FS Kyle Theret led the secondary with 78 tackles along with three picks, while senior CB Traye Simmons led the team with four picks.
Outlook: Minnesota has a chance to ruffle some feathers in the Big 10, especially if the running game improves. They open with Syracuse on the road, then face Air Force and California at home. Unfortunately, they face Ohio State and Penn State on the road in a very tough conference schedule, which also features Michigan State, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. They also take on South Dakota State at home, but that might not be enough to get them to a minor bowl game even if they show improvement.
2009 Northwestern Wildcats
2008 Record: (9-4, 5-3)
Coach: Pat Fitzgerald, 10th year (19-18 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Mike McCall (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Mike Hankwitz (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 14 (5 offense, 8 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: The Wildcats have to find a replacement for quarterback C.J. Bacher. He managed the offense well as they averaged 24.4ppg and 358.5yds/game (61st in the nation). Senior Mike Kafka (6-3, 210) takes over as starter after serving as the backup for three years. Kafka is an excellent athlete who ran for a Big 10 quarterback record of 217 yards against Minnesota last year and completed 69.2 percent of his pass (3 picks). They return just five starters on offense and no skill players. They have very little experience at running back as junior Stephen Simmons, who ran for 178 yards on 62 carries, true freshman Alex Daniel, and Arby Fields are in the running. At receiver, sophomore Jeremy Ebert and junior Sidney Stewart showed potential last season, but have to step up after they lost three 100-career catch receivers to graduation. The offensive line is the strength of the offense with four returning starters, with three sophomores who got their feet wet as freshmen last season and excelled.
Defense: The defense returns eight starters from last year’s unit that allowed just 20.2ppg (26th in the nation) and 340.5yds per game (49th in the nation). The key will be the health of senior DE Corey Wooton (6-7, 265), who led the team in sacks with 10, and added 16 tackles for loss. He is recovering from knee surgery in the spring. At the other end, sophomore Vince Browne (6-5, 270) returns after earning Freshman All-American notice on the other side. At linebacker, sophomore Ben Johnson (6-4, 215) moves from safety to outside linebacker. Junior SLB Quentin Davie (6-4, 225) and MLB Nate Williams (6-2, 225) return to lead the linebacker corps. The secondary is the strength of the team led by senior Brad Phillips (6-4, 210), who recorded 109 tackles and three interceptions last season. Senior CB Sherrick McManis (67 tackles, 2 picks) is a key cog.
Outlook: The Wildcats opened up with a 5-0 record last year due to a soft schedule. They have a chance to go at least 4-0 with 1-AA Towson, Eastern Michigan, Syracuse and Minnesota at home to open up. The conference schedule is strong, but they do miss out on Ohio State. The offense will need a few games at least to get cohesive.
2009 Ohio State Buckeyes
2008 Record: (10-3, 7-1)
Coach: Jim Tressel, 9th year (83-19 at Ohio State; 218-76-2 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Jim Bollman (9th year)
Def. Coordinator: Jim Heacock (5th year) and Luke Fickell (5th year)
Returning Starters: 13 (4 offense, 8 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Terrelle Pryor)
Offense: The Terrelle Pryor (6-6, 235) era started last season and at times, the true freshman seemed a bit overwhelmed , especially in the passing game. As a runner, nobody has seen a big man run like Pryor since Vince Young. Unfortunately, the Buckeyes return just there other starters on offense as they lose leading runner Chris Wells and top receivers Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline to the NFL. Pryor threw for 1,311 yards with 12 TD passes last year and ran for 631 yards with six scores. At running back, sophomore Dan Herron, who ran for 439 yards last year and six touchdowns, returns along with junior Brandon Saine, the fastest player on offense. At receiver, there is room for freshmen Duron Carter and James Jackson if the holdovers aren’t ready to make a splash. The skill position players are inexperienced but talent. The bigger issue is on the offensive line, which underachieved last season, where sophomore Michael Brewster and right guard Bryant Browning (6-4, 312) are the only returning starters. Michigan transfer Justin Boren (6-3, 315) is slated to take over the left guard spot.
Defense: This is where the Buckeyes distinguish themselves from the rest of the Big 10. They return eight starters from a defense that allowed just 13.9ppg (6th in the nation) and 293.8ypg (14th in the nation). They did lose All-Americans James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins, but the Buckeyes always seem to find talent on the stop unit. They return all four starters up front including Junior DE Thaddeus Gibson, who had five sacks last year, is the most dynamic pass rusher and should have a big season. Senior LB Austin Spitler (6-3, 234) is ready to take over finally for Laurinaitis, after years on special teams. The leading returning tackler is senior SS Kurt Coleman, who recorded 78 tackles last year. The key will be finding a corner to replace Jenkins. Freshman Corey Brown and junior Devon Torrence are favorites for the starting spot.
Outlook: The schedule features USC at home in the second game of the season and that game will determine whether Ohio State is ready to be a title contender. Navy, Toledo and New Mexico State should be gimmes. They also face Penn State on the road along with Michigan at the end of the season. The Buckeyes’ defense is good enough to keep them up top of the Big 10, but that’s not saying much.
2009 Penn State Nittany Lions
2008 Record: (11-2, 7-1)
Coach: Joe Paterno, 44th year, (381-129-3 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Galen Hall (6th year)
Def. Coordinator: Tom Bradley (10th year)
Returning Starters:10 (5 offense, 4 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Daryll Clark)
Offense: Joe Paterno returns for his 44th year and at 82, isn’t ready to give up yet. After compiling a 11-2 record last year before losing to USC in the Rose Bowl, he appears to have a few good years left. This Nittany Lions team may struggle some early because they lose six starters on offense, but they return senior QB Daryll Clark (6-2, 233). Clark ran the spread offense to near-perfection last year, throwing for 2,592 yards with 19TDs and ran for 10 scores. Running back Evan Royster returns after rushing for 1,236 yards last season (6.5ypc). Senior TE Andrew Quarles (6-5, 253) and junior TE Mickey Shuler (6-4, 249) are also productive players. At receiver, the Nitany Lions have a lot of size, but not a lot of experience. The ofensive line returns just two players including junior center Stefan Wisniewski (6-3, 302), who moves over from right guard.
Defense: The defense allowed just 14.4ppg last season (8th ranked in the nation) and 280.1 yards per game (8th ranked). However, they return just four starters and it will be difficult matching last year’s production. The secondary was the biggest concern though senior CB A.J. Wallace has always had the talent and at least has one career start. Up front, they lose their best pass rusher in DE Aaron Maybin. Senior DT Jared Odrick (6-5, 306) showed promised last year at tackle after recording 4.5 sacks. At linebacker, PSU always finds gems and this year should be no different. Senior Sean Lee (6-2, 236) returns after missing last season with a knee injury, so PSU really has three returning starters. He has All-American potential as does All-Big Ten pick Navorro Bowman (6-1, 230), who has had some off-the-field issues.
Outlook: The Nittany Lions have a ton of talent and a very soft schedule early on. They should easily be 7-0 heading into Ann Arbor on Oct. 24. They also face Ohio State at home, which is a big advantage. As long as Clark stays healthy, the Nittany Lions should be able to make a run at the Big 10 title. The tougher game might be the finale at Michigan State.
2009 Purdue Boilermakers
2008 Record: (4-8, 2-6)
Coach: Danny Hope, (1st year at Purdue, 35-22 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Gary Nord (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Donn Landholm (1st year)
Returning Starters: 13 (4 offense, 7 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: Danny Hope takes over for long-time coach Joe Tiller and inherits an offense that lost seven starters. With Curtis Painter gone, the Boilermakers have to start over. Senior Joey Ellioot (6-2, 216) has no career starts, though he was solid in the spring game. He would have had competition from sophomore Justin Siller, who started two games last year when Painter was injured, but he was suspended for the 2009-10 academic year for violating the school’s academic policy. At running back, senior Jaycen Taylor back from knee surgery, after sharing time with Kory Sheets in 2006 and ’07. The receivers are either inexperienced or raw. Junior Keith Smith (6-2, 226), who had 486 yards in receiving, is the team’s top returning receiving threat. The offensive line will be the strength of the unit, returning four starters.
Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a marginal unit that allowed 25.1ppg and 358.1 yards per game (61th in the nation) last season. Junior DE Ryan Kerrigan (6-4, 263) is the top returning lineman with seven sacks. He also had 56 tackles and 11.5 tackles for loss. The linebackers are athletic and young and will need sophomore Joe Holland (6-1, 220) to make a seamless switch from safety. Senior Jason Werner (6-4, 221) is a welcome addition after missing last season with back problems. The secondary is the strength of the team, led by four seniors including S Torri Williams (6-2, 208), who recorded 83 tackles.
Outlook: The Boilermakers open with Toledo, but then take on Oregon on the road in their first two games. They also host Notre Dame and face Ohio State at home, but they do skip Penn State. The offense will be an issue all season, as it tough to miss that kind of firepower and not decline.
2009 Wisconsin Badgers
2008 Record: (7-6, 3-5)
Coach: Brent Bielema, 4th year (28-11 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Paul Chryst (5th year)
Def. Coordinator: Dave Doeren (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 13 (6 offense, 5 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Dustin Sherer)
Offense: The offense starts with quarterback Dustin Sherer, who shared the position last year with Allan Evridge. Sherer went 4-3 as the starter last season, throwing for 1,389 yards. He’s solid but unspectacular. At running back, sophomore John Clay (6-2, 247) replaces TB P.J. Hill and there shouldn’t be much of a decline. Clay rushed for 884 yards last season and has junior Zach Brown (5-11, 208) as the change-of-pace back. They return senior TE Garrett Graham (6-4, 248), who is the leading returning receiver with 540 yards receiving. Junior David Gilreath paced the wideouts with 31 catches last season and is also a dangerous runner. The line is usually the strength of the Badgers and once again that should be the case, despite rueturning just two starters. Junior LT Gabe Carimi (6-8, 313) has a chance to be a star, center John Moffitt (6-4, 313) is solid, while the rest of the line should mature after a year of experience as backups or part-time starters.
Defense: Wisconsin returns five starters on defense and it all starts on the defensive front where they return just one starter. Senior O’Brien Schofield (6-3, 242) is the loneman back and he provides some pass rush (five sacks). He gets help from freshman Brendan Kelly (6-6, 240), who missed most of last year (thumb), while Central Michigan transfer J.J. Watt (6-6, 285) has the ability to play inside or out. At linebacker, senior Jaevery McFadden (6-3, 226) is the leading returning tackler with 84. He’s also the only returning starter, while the rest of the unit is serviceable. The defensive backfield is anchored by junior CB Niles Brinkley, who recorded four interceptions last year. They also return sophomore corner Aaron Henry, who sat out last season with an ACL injury.
Outlook: The Badgers open with Northern Illinois, Fresno State and Wofford at home, followed by a conference game against Michigan State-also at home. That’s a pretty winnable schedule, though it gets tougher with games at Ohio State on the road and they ended at Hawaii. This is one of the easier schedules in the Big 10 and should easily be enough to get them back to a minor bowl game and maybe more.
Conference USA
2009 East Carolina Pirates
2008 Record: (9-5, 6-2)
Coach: Skip Holtz, 4th year, (29-22 at East Carolina, 63-45 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Todd Fitch (3rd year) and Steve Shankweiler (15th year)
Def. Coordinator: Greg Hudson (5th year)
Returning Starters: 18 (8 offense, 8 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Patrick Pinkney)
Offense: Patrick Pinkney returns after the NCAA gave him a sixth year of eligibility after missing the 2205 season recovering from shoulder problems after redshirting in 2004. He started in 13 of 14 games last season, throwing for 2,675 yards with just seven interceptions in 363 attempts. He should have an even bigger season with the return of receivers Darryl Freeney and Dwayne Harris, who led the way with 654 yards on 58 catches last season. The big concern is at running back where Norman Whitley (698 yards, 4 TDs) returns after taking a leave of absence in the spring. That leaves an opening for Kentucky transfer Brandon Jackson because junior Jonathan Williams (380 yards) has legal issues and might not play this fall. The offensive line returns four starters from a strong unit.
Defense: The defense returns eight starters from a defense that allowed 21.1ppg (30th in the nation) last season and 330 yards per game (41st in the nation). The defensive line is experienced, led by end C.J. Wilson (6-4, 271), who led the Pirates in tackles for loss with 18.5 and 10.5 sacks. Tackles Linval Joseph (6-6, 300) and Jay Ross (6-3, 306) are sturdy against the run up the middle. The linebackers are anchored by senior MLB Nick Johnson (6-1, 215), who led the team with 102 tackles last season. Senior OLB Chris Mattocks (6-0, 210) is back after playing some at safety and linebacker last year. The secondary is the strength of this unit as FS Van Eskridge (6-0, 200) is back after picking off four of their 22 interceptions last year. He also finished third in tackles with 97.
Outlook: The Pirates open with a very tough FCS (1-AA) opponent in Appalachian State at home, and then face West Virginia and North Carolina on the road. They also host rival Virginia Tech at home in November. This is one tough schedule that features Southern Miss at home in the season finale.
2009 Memphis Tigers
2008 Record: (6-7, 4-4)
Coach: Tommy West, 9th year (47-51)
Off. Coordinator: Clay Helton (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Kenny Ingram (1st year)
Returning Starters: 12, (4 offense, 7 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Arkelon Hall)
Offense: The Tigers return just four starters on offense, but one of them is senior quarterback Arkelon Hall (6-3, 225). Hall threw for 2,275 yards last season (12 TDs, 7 INTs) after transferring from a California junior college. He dropped 10 pounds, which should help his ability to run. However, he could be pushed by Brett Toney, Byron Ingram and Tyler Bass in the fall. At running back, senior Curtis Steele (6-0, 185) is back after rushing for 1,223 yards, as he was named the league’s Newcomer of the Year. The receivers are very strong, led by seniors Duke Calhoun (6-4, 200) and Carlos Singleton (6-8, 220). Calhoun has 144 career catches for 2,058 yards, while Singleton adds 19 career touchdown receptions. The offensive line returns just one starter in RG Dominik Riley (6-4, 315), guards Ronald Leary (6-4, 313) and Malcom Ralws (6-5, 315) have some experience.
Defense: The defense returns seven starters and new coordinator Kenny Ingram, but the defensive brings back just one in junior end Jada Brown (6-2, 265). One impact player could be junior DT Justin Thompson (6-4, 290), who was a big-time juco prospect, who originally signed with Oregon. The linebackers should be a strength of the unit as they return all three starters. Senior OLB Greg Jackson (6-2, 212) is the playmaker, who recorded four sacks last year. They also add two transfers in James Hughes (6-0, 230) from Mississippi State and junior Derrick Odom (6-2, 202) from LSU, who could both be factors. In the secondary, the Tigers return three of four starters including senior safety Alton Starr, who led the team with 90 tackles last year.
Outlook: The Tigers face Ole Miss at home, followed by Middle Tennesse State on the road, Tennessee-Martin at home and Tennessee on the road in their non-conference schedule. In conference, games at Houston and a home game against East Carolina will be key. If they can find a consistent running back, they have a legitimate shot to make a bowl game.