Top 5: College conference sleepers
By David Jones
Can a sleeper break through to capture a title in a BCS conference in 2009? Based on talent and recent history, it will be difficult. However, there are a few long shots that could be worth a look.
BIG 12: Oklahoma State Cowboys +800
The Cowboys have a chance to be the Texas Tech of 2009. The Red Raiders just missed capturing the Big 12 South crown last season in a three-way battle with Oklahoma and Texas.
It has been 11 years since a team other than the Sooners or Longhorns has represented the South division in the conference title game.
A favorable schedule and a dynamic offensive trio give the Cowboys a live chance to end the dominance of the Sooners and Longhorns.
Quarterback Zac Robinson, running back Kendall Hunter (6.5 yards per carry in 2008) and wide receiver Dez Bryant (19 TD receptions in 2008) are poised to give defensives plenty of headaches again in 2009.
With eight of its first 11 games in Stillwater, Oklahoma State could be in a position to win the South in the season finale at Norman against the Sooners.
BIG 10: Wisconsin Badgers +800
The Badgers captured three Big 10 crowns in the 1990’s but have been shutout in this decade.
While the club is projected to finish sixth in the conference race in 2009, Wisconsin could be ready to step up.
Since a 19-1 run over a 20-game period from late 2005 to midway 2007, the Badgers are just 11-10 in their last 21 games.
Wisconsin (37th in the nation in total offense and defense in 2008) was better than its 7-6 mark indicated a year ago. Half of their defeats were by a field goal or less.
While the loss of P.J. Hill will be felt, John Clay is an emerging runner after eclipsing the 100-yard barrier in three of the last four regular season games in 2008.
With four home games to begin the year and Penn State off the schedule, the Badgers could be primed for a Rose Bowl run.
PAC-10: UCLA Bruins +1000
The Bruins are projected to be a middle of the pack team in a conference that has been won by USC for seven consecutive years.
With nine returning starters from a solid defense, UCLA just needs a modest improvement from last year’s woeful offense to be a winner in 2009.
The guidance of offensive coordinator Norm Chow should enable redshirt freshman quarterback Kevin Prince to be a major upgrade over 2008 starter Kevin Craft (20 interceptions last season).
With two recruiting classes in the fold, head coach Rick Neuheisel could be in a position to challenge a USC club that is breaking in a raw quarterback in 2009.
SEC: South Carolina Gamecocks +1200
The Gamecocks could be ready to reach their first SEC title game.With a complete four-year cycle of recruits through the program, the clock is ticking for Steve Spurrier.
Sophomore quarterback Stephen Garcia is the lone survivor of last year’s trio of signal-callers who combined to throw an alarming 27 interceptions. The experienced offensive line should finally be ready to flourish in 2009.
The defense (second in the nation in pass defense in 2008) is talented but a little thin. The group is led by standout linebacker Eric Norwood.
While the complete schedule is daunting, the Gamecocks should be poised to deliver their best shot to visiting Florida in November.
ACC: Maryland Terrapins +2000
The Terps are picked to finish in fifth place in the Atlantic division of the ACC in 2009 despite a solid 8-5 2008 campaign.
Maryland has been comfortable in the sleeper role under head coach Ralph Friedgen. With the return of senior QB Chris Turner and 1000-yard back Da’ Rel Scott, the Terrapins should be more consistent moving the football in 2009.
The defense must replace seven starters but linebacker Alex Wujciak provides a solid foundation to build around.
In a conference that lacks a dominant team, Maryland can’t be counted out. The Terps won’t have to face Virginia Tech and Florida State until November.