NCAA - nesto o timovima pred sezonu 2011

Yahoo! User Rankings

   1.Oklahoma
   2.Alabama
   3.LSU
   4.Auburn
   5.Missouri
   6.TCU
   7.Boise State
   8.South Carolina
   9.Oregon
   10.Iowa
   11.Arkansas
   12.Ohio State
   13.Florida
   14.Arizona
   15.Notre Dame
   16.Virginia Tech
   17.Northwestern
   18.Oklahoma State
   19.Stanford
   20.Wisconsin
   21.Florida State
   22.Pittsburgh
   23.Utah
   24.Texas Tech
   25.Nebraska

ova lista mi je bila pokrice da malo procesljam po netu i vidim da Oklahoma nije jedino ovde favorit. u sledecem periodu a imamo skoro 3meseca malo cu ja a nadam se i ostali drugari pronaci vremena za postove .

By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com


Arkansas Razorbacks
Bobby Petrino's offense will be very good again, even after quarterback Ryan Mallett left for the NFL draft. Quarterback Tyler Wilson completed 66.7 percent of his passes with four touchdowns in limited playing time last season, and he'll work with perhaps the country's deepest receiver corps. Tailback Knile Davis comes back after rushing for 1,322 yards with 13 touchdowns in 2010, but the Hogs will have to replace both starting offensive tackles. Petrino believes his defense is finally an SEC-caliber unit, as the Razorbacks have more depth and speed on that side of the ball. The Hogs play Texas A&M in Arlington, Texas, and also play SEC road games at Alabama and LSU.

By Carl Stine(Wisconsin Featured Columnist)

Arkansas Razorbacks

Verdict: Contender

Why?

The defense is the best seen at Arkansas in a while.

D.J. Williams lead the most talented group of receivers in the country, and Knile Davis leads a stable of punishing backs.

The Hogs may have something special brewing in Fayetteville

By Ryan Faller (Analyst)

Arkansas Razorbacks (2010 Record: 10-3)

I realize Ryan Mallett won’t be engineering the offense next season, but if the Hogs can effectively replace three starters along the offensive line, Tyler Wilson should be just fine as his successor.

It won’t hurt being surrounded by a group of receivers that includes Jarius Wright, Greg Childs, Cobi Hamilton and Joe Adams, not to mention Knile Davis and Ronnie Wingo in the backfield.

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2011 PRESEASON TOP 25



#16 Arkansas Razorbacks
NATIONAL FORECAST #16
SEC West PREDICTION #3

HEAD COACH: Bobby Petrino, 23–15 (3 years) | OFF. COORDINATOR: Garrick McGee | DEF. COORDINATOR: Willy Robinson

OFFENSE
Duplicating the production of the nation’s No. 9 total offense will not be easy for the Razorbacks, even with virtually all their top running backs and receivers returning. Tyler Wilson is the likely replacement for record-setting quarterback Ryan Mallett. Wilson doesn’t have the snap delivery and a howitzer arm like Mallett, but he’s heady and relatively accurate and throws on the run well.

Arkansas might boast the best crop of receivers in the country, and their skills are diverse. Joe Adams is dangerous in the slot as an open-field terror. Jarius Wright increased his already impressive speed in the offseason, and he’s a terrific downfield blocker. Greg Childs, who is coming off knee surgery, and Cobi Hamilton are big-play threats and fade-route experts. This group needs to cut down on its drops to be considered the best.

Knile Davis led SEC running backs with 1,322 rushing yards, but the junior will be pushed by classmate Ronnie Wingo, whose dedication to running between the tackles rose to a new level in the spring. Dennis Johnson, who has recovered from injury, can’t be forgotten, while senior Broderick Green is lost for the year with a torn ACL.

The offensive line will have two new tackle starters out of a mix that includes Anthony Oden, Grant Freeman, Jason Peacock and true freshman Brey Cook. Interior linemen Travis Swanson, Alvin Bailey and Grant Cook have all been starters. The line struggled a bit in the spring.


DEFENSE

The defense, often overlooked in Petrino’s first three seasons, had a strong spring with the talent level rivaling the more hyped offense. The Razorbacks rose 53 spots to No. 36 nationally in total defense last season and should improve on that finish with a veteran group.

The returning starters are headlined by a pair of 2010 captains, end Jake Bequette and linebacker Jerry Franklin, along with safety Tramain Thomas and cornerbacks Isaac Madison and Darius Winston.

The defensive tackle rotation is one to rival the SEC’s best, with D.D. Jones and Byran Jones (both out in the spring recovering from surgery) supported by junior college transfer Robert Thomas, Alfred Davis and seniors Lavunce Askew and Zach Stadther. Arkansas’ coaches believe the Hogs will be a strong run-stopping unit and be able to apply pressure better with a four-man rush than in years past.

Franklin has a shot at leading the team in tackles for four consecutive years. He and Jerico Nelson will be the leaders of the linebacking corps.


SPECIALISTS

Zack Hocker is back at kicker after a freshman season in which he made 16-of-19 field goals, including 7-of-9 from 40 yards and out. Dylan Breeding showed a stronger leg in the spring after averaging 42.5 yards per punt. Adams was the nation’s No. 5 punt returner with a 15.6-yard average, and Johnson, a kickoff return ace, is back from injury.


FINAL ANALYSIS

Arkansas must find a way to reach its potential in the running game early in 2011 to take pressure off Wilson and the passing attack. The good news is that even if the offense struggles a bit early, the Razorbacks’ defense should be good enough to win some games.

Alabama and LSU are the favorites in the SEC West, but if things break right for the Hogs, a division title isn’t out of the question.

FANTASY IMPACT

Ryan Mallett is gone, but the Arkansas offense shouldn’t suffer much of a drop in production. New quarterback Tyler Wilson has performed well in limited action, including throwing for 332 yards and four scores in relief of Mallett against Auburn last year. Wilson still needs to prove he can be effective for a full season, but should be taken among the top 20-25 passers in fall drafts.

Running back Knile Davis was one of the top breakout players in the SEC last season and even with a rebuilt offensive line, should get to 1,000 yards and 10 scores in 2011. Consider Davis one of the top 15 fantasy backs in fall fantasy drafts. The Razorbacks own one of the nation’s top receiving corps and with four players likely to catch at least 30 passes, it could be a difficult situation for fantasy owners to sort out each week. Consider Greg Childs the top fantasy receiver at Arkansas, with Joe Adams a close second.

Key Player Arkansas Razorbacks

Knile Davis, RB Came on strong in the last half of the 2010 season to lead all SEC running backs with 1,322 yards, including five games of 130 or more yards.

Greg Childs, WR One of the SEC's best in 2010 before suffering a knee injury, Childs posted 659 receiving yards and six touchdowns in eight games.

Jake Bequette,DE  A graduate student who’s headed to law school in the future, Bequette is a team leader who recorded seven sacks and five hurries in 2010.

By Tim Hyland

Arkansas Razorbacks

Ryan Mallett was the sparkplug behind the revitalization of the Razorback program. But even with Mallett moving on to the NFL, Bobby Petrino figures to keep racking up the wins in Fayetteville. The SEC West is absolutely brutal—with the exception of Ole Miss, every team here is Top 20-worthy—and Arkansas is unlikely to knock off either LSU or Alabama, but this team figures to win nine and maybe ten games. Oh, and in case you were wondering, Tyler Wilson, Mallett’s successor, is no slouch.

2010 Arkansas Razorbacks

By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com


Stanford Cardinal
The Cardinal must replace more than former coach Jim Harbaugh, who left Stanford for the NFL's San Francisco 49ers. The Cardinal must also replace three starting offensive linemen, as well as receivers Doug Baldwin and Ryan Whalen. On defense, linebackers Owen Marecic and Thomas Kaiser, cornerback Richard Sherman and tackle Sione Fua will be sorely missed, along with former coordinator Vic Fangio (who joined Harbaugh in the NFL). New coach David Shaw brings back quarterback Andrew Luck, who is a leading Heisman Trophy candidate heading into the season. Stanford's three-game stretch to close the regular season -- home against Oregon, California and Notre Dame -- will go a long way in determining whether it's back in a BCS bowl game in 2011.

By Carl Stine (Wisconsin Featured Columnist)

Stanford Cardinal

Verdict: Pretender

Andrew Luck just might be the best quarterback in college football.

That being said, the Cardinals have too many questions to be legit contenders for the BCS.

From the loss of Owen Marecic and coach Harbaugh, to the fact that only two O-Linemen are returning and one D-lineman, there are more holes at Stanford than in Swiss cheese.

The Cardinals have a favorable schedule, missing Arizona State, but Oregon is clearly the cream of the crop in their division of the Pac-12.

By Tim Hyland

Stanford Cardinal

It's cliché to say it now. But it's also true: By the end of the 2010-2011 season--a season Stanford capped with a 40-12 demolition of Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl--the Cardinal were playing as well as anyone in the country.

Viewers of that Orange Bowl game who hadn't seen Stanford play much all year were probably surprised to see not only how physical the Cardinal was, but also how fast and skilled they were. Make no mistake--by late November, Stanford was capable of playing with anybody. And, yes, that includes Auburn.

Of course, the question we have to ask now is this: What will Stanford be without Jim Harbaugh?

Find out the answer to that huge college football question here, in my 2011 Stanford preview.

OVERVIEW: Yes, Harbaugh is gone. And that's not good. Harbaugh, who has packed his bags for the NFL (snore) and the San Francisco 49ers, absolutely must be credited for turning the Cardinal into a powerhouse. Harbaugh brought a hard-nosed, physical, relentless style of play to Stanford, and within just four years in Palo Alto, had this long-mediocre program in the Top 10. It was no small achievement, I assure you, and certainly, the program is going to miss him. How much? Well, we probably won't know the answer to that for another year or to; we're just going to have to see how new coach David Shaw handles the pressures of his first season (and recruiting season) in charge. This much, however, is certain: In Andrew Luck, the Cardinal return the best player in the nation. Which is why, at least in 2011, this team will remain among the national elite.

THE CEILING: Eleven wins. I still think Oregon is more talented across the board than the Cardinal, and I still like the Ducks to emerge unscathed from the Pac-10, but there's little doubt in my mind that Stanford will be that league's runner-up. In college football, much more so than in the NFL, one player can make a difference--an enormous difference, really. Stanford does lose a few key contributors from that outstanding 2010 team, but with Luck returning, they have a once-in-a-decade kind of player to build around. So things could certainly be worse.

REASONS FOR CONCERN: Two-way star Owen Marecic is gone, as are Luck's two favorite targets (Doug Baldwin, Ryan Whalen) and five starters on a defense that improved dramatically in 2010. Cynics will point to the 11 departing starters and figure that this bunch simply loses too much to turn in another strong season. But between Luck, safeties Delano Howell and Michael Thomas and offensive tackle Jonathan Martin, the Cardinal return enough good players in important spots to weather the losses. Plus, the schedule is, well, favorable.

THE SCHEDULE (key games in bold): 9/3 vs. San Jose State; 9/10 at Duke; 9/17 at Arizona; 10/1 vs. UCLA; 10-8 vs. Colorado; 10/15 at Washington State; 10/22 vs. Washington; 10/29 at USC; 11/5 at Oregon State; 11/12 vs. Oregon; 11/19 vs. California; 11/26 vs. Notre Dame

PREDICTION: The schedule sets up nicely for a team that will need to break in a few new starters. Of the Cardinal's first seven teams, only two (at Arizona, vs. Washington) look even vaguely dangerous. This team should emerge from that stretch unbeaten and feeling confident ahead of a decidedly tougher stretch run that includes not only the massive home date against Oregon, but also a showdown against what should be a much-improved Notre Dame squad. Stanford does have a rebuild in its future. But that rebuild is still one year off. REGULAR SEASON PREDICTION: 11-1

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2011 PRESEASON TOP 25



Stanford Cardinal
NATIONAL FORECAST #13
Pac-12 North PREDICTION #2

HEAD COACH: David Shaw, First Season | OFF. COORDINATOR: Pep Hamilton | DEF. COORDINATOR: Derek Mason, Jason Tarver

OFFENSE

With quarterback Andrew Luck’s surprising return to Palo Alto, Stanford should once again have one of the nation’s top offenses. The Cardinal need to replace receivers Doug Baldwin and Ryan Whalen, but senior Chris Owusu is healthy again after getting into just eight games last season. Owusu is a big-play threat who adds a different dimension to the offense.

As good as Luck is — he was expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft had he left school — he has benefited the past two seasons from one of the most dominant offensive lines in the country. That unit will have to undergo some rebuilding as it loses three starters, including first-team All-America center Chase Beeler. But two other All-Pac-10 first-team selections — left tackle Jonathan Martin and right guard David DeCastro — return to The Farm.

The Cardinal should once again have a strong running attack, led by 1,000-yard rusher Stepfan Taylor. Stanford can go four-deep at tailback, where it returns over 90 percent of its rushing yards from last season. The Cardinal also have a deep group of tight ends, led by Coby Fleener and Zach Ertz. And that’s not even counting Levine Toilolo, who was Stanford’s projected starter before suffering a season-ending injury last year. But it all revolves around Luck, who enters the season as a Heisman Trophy favorite after finishing as the runner-up to Auburn’s Cam Newton last season.

DEFENSE

The Cardinal showed immense improvement from 2009 and have the pieces in place to have another strong defense.

Inside linebacker Shayne Skov finished the season on a strong note and should be one of the conference’s top defensive players. Stanford also is solid in the back line with returning safeties Delano Howell and Michael Thomas. Cornerback Richard Sherman will be missed, however.

The Cardinal face the difficult task of replacing nose tackle Sione Fua, who consistently commanded double-teams. Incoming freshman James Vaughters could get into the playing rotation immediately at linebacker. Stanford also will be adjusting to new defensive coordinator Derek Mason, who replaced Vic Fangio when he followed Jim Harbaugh to the San Francisco 49ers.

SPECIALISTS

One of Stanford’s most significant losses is kicker Nate Whitaker, who was named first-team All-Pac-10 after connecting on 17-of-19 field goals. His younger brother, Eric, is battling Jordan Williamson for the right to replace him. David Zychlinski and David Green are competing at punter. Zychlinski punted most of last season, but Green started the final two games. Owusu is a dangerous kick returner — he returned three for touchdowns two years ago — and Drew Terrell is back as punt returner.

FINAL ANALYSIS

The Cardinal have the personnel and experience to make another run at a BCS game, but the biggest question is how they will function in the absence of Harbaugh, who set a certain tone and culture for the program. New head coach David Shaw was Harbaugh’s offensive coordinator, so there is some continuity there.

The Cardinal should once again put up a lot of points. If they can withstand the losses of Fua, Sherman and inside linebacker Owen Marecic on defense, they should challenge Oregon for the Pac-12 North title. Stanford’s only loss last season was at Oregon, and the Cardinal get the Ducks at home this season.

FANTASY IMPACT

Despite the departure of three offensive line starters, the Stanford offense should be a good source of fantasy value in 2011. Quarterback Andrew Luck is arguably the top quarterback in college football, but may struggle to top last season’s numbers. Luck loses his top two receivers from last year and will have a new offensive coordinator. The junior finished just outside of the top 10 in fantasy points by a quarterback last year, so a slight drop in production would put him just outside of the top 15.

Outside of Luck, Stanford’s best fantasy options should be running back Stepfan Taylor and receiver Chris Owusu. Taylor rushed for 1,137 yards last year and should be a 1,000-yard threat in 2011. Owusu needs to stay healthy, but is Stanford’s top returning statistical wide receiver. Tight end Coby Fleener is intriguing, but will have competition for snaps from Zach Ertz and Levine Toilolo.

Key Player

Andrew Luck, QB Heisman runner-up’s return to campus makes Stanford a conference contender again.

Shayne Skov, LB Strong finish to 2010 makes him an All-Pac-12 candidate this season.

Stepfan Taylor, RB Had seven 100-yard games last season, including five straight in one midseason stretch.

By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com

Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Fighting Irish left spring practice without a starting quarterback. Coach Brian Kelly probably won't name a starting quarterback until shortly before the Sept. 3 opener against USF, as senior Dayne Crist, sophomores Tommy Rees and Andrew Hendrix and freshman Everett Golson will continue battling for the starting job during preseason camp. Kelly said he'll probably use more than one quarterback this season. Star receiver Michael Floyd's status will the team also remains uncertain after he was arrested on DUI charges this spring. Kelly believes his second Notre Dame team will be better than his first because the Irish will be better on defense. The Irish will play nine games against teams that played in bowl games in 2010 (plus USC), so there won't be much margin for error.

By Ryan Faller (Analyst)
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
I’m certain the annual bloated preseason expectations will blow through South Bend beginning in mid-April, like they do every season, but 2011 won’t be without its challenges for Brian Kelly.

Other than having to replace Kyle Rudolph and possibly Michael Floyd, the Irish face questions at running back. There’s always the schedule too, which features home games against Navy, USC, Michigan State and road dates at Michigan, Pittsburgh and Stanford.

By Tim Hyland
Notre Dame Fighting Irish

And now we'll find out what Brian Kelly is made of.

Kelly's first season in South Bend was, in a word, difficult. The Irish stumbled out of the gate, losing three straight in September against Michigan, Michigan State and Stanford to fall to 1-3. Later came mid-season stumbles against Navy and Tulsa. But you have to give Kelly credit for this much: When the season seemed lost (and with the program dealing with the Declan Sullivan tragedy), he managed to rally his team down the stretch.

Notre Dame finished 2010 with a four-game winning streak, including wins over then-No. 14 Utah, USC and Miami. The final record? A surprisingly strong 8-5.

It was a promising end to a tumultuous, transitional season. But now that Kelly has raised hopes in South Bend, well, he's going to have to deliver.

OVERVIEW: Beware, Notre Dame haters--the Irish may finally be on the cusp of the turnaround you've been dreading. The Irish in 2011 will return a ton of talent on both offense (wideout Michael Floyd, quarterbacks Dayne Crist and Tommy Rees, tailback Cierre Wood) and defense (linebacker Manti Te'o, the entire defensive front). They also have Kelly, one of the brightest, most competitive and most successful coaches in the game today. Make no mistake: This team is going to be good. Really good.

THE CEILING: Ten wins and a BCS bid. Kelly's specialty has always been offense, and after enduring the inevitable "transitional" year in 2010--a year in which he probably had to struggle to get his troops to understand his offensive schemes--things will likely go a lot more smoothly in 2011. This team will score a lot of points. And the Irish aren't yet talented enough (or strong enough) on defense to make a national title run, they're definitely improving on that side of the ball. With one or two more solid recruiting classes, this program will be a force to be reckoned with.

REASON FOR CONCERN: The pass defense. Yes, I know. I just said that this group is improving (and they are, believe me). But while I liked the physicality I saw from the Irish late last season, and while I generally like the strength along the front seven, the Irish are still woefully short on playmakers in the secondary. It's an issue that cost this team when they faced good passing attacks (see: meltdown against Stanford).

THE SCHEDULE (key games in bold): 9/3 vs. South Florida; 9/10 at Michigan; 9/17 vs. Michigan State; 9/24 at Pittsburgh; 10/1 at Purdue; 10/8 vs. Air Force; 10/22 vs. USC; 10/29 vs. Navy; 11/5 at Wake Forest; 11/12 vs. Maryland (at Landover, Md.); 11/19 vs. Boston College; 11/26 at Stanford

THE PREDICTION: I was bullish on Brian Kelly from the moment he was hired in South Bend, and I remain bullish on him today. This guy has won everywhere he's been during his remarkable coaching career, and though the stakes are higher in South Bend, he's going to win at Notre Dame, too. In a year or two, he'll have a national title-caliber squad on his hands. For 2011, though, he'll have to settle for a 10-win season—and a long-awaited return to the BCS. REGULAR SEASON PREDICTION: 10-2

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2011 PRESEASON TOP 25

#6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
NATIONAL FORECAST #6
Independent PREDICTION #1

HEAD COACH: Brian Kelly, 8–5 (1 year) | OFF. COORDINATOR: Charley Molnar | DEF. COORDINATOR: Bob Diaco

OFFENSE
Although the Irish have two quarterbacks with playing experience — which is two more than they had a year ago at this time — the position remains a bit unsettled with the talented Dayne Crist and the savvy Tommy Rees reaching for the starting job. Crist went 4–5 as the starter without much help from a rushing attack or a defense. When Rees took over for the injured Crist, both the running game and the defense picked up, which made Rees a winner despite his three interceptions and a fumble in a comeback victory at USC. Now talented youngsters Andrew Hendrix and Everett Golson are in the mix.

The Irish are lacking depth at running back and receiver, but they still boast a decent starting unit with Cierre Wood at running back, Michael Floyd, Theo Riddick and TJ Jones at wide receiver, and Tyler Eifert at tight end.

The Irish need senior Jonas Gray (75 career carries) to provide the big-back option that graduated Robert Hughes offered in victories over USC and Miami. Senior John Goodman (15 catches) and junior Robby Toma (14) also will be in the mix at receiver, as will senior Mike Ragone, redshirt freshman Alex Welch, and possibly true freshman Ben Koyack at tight end.
The line is the most settled area on offense with starters returning at both tackles (Taylor Dever and Zack Martin), right guard (Trevor Robinson) and center (Braxston Cave).


DEFENSE
Eight starters are back from a defense that improved as the 2010 season progressed, including junior inside linebacker Manti Te’o, whose 133 tackles were the most by an Irish defender in 27 seasons. Te’o is joined along the front seven by veteran ends Kapron Lewis-Moore and Ethan Johnson, as well as four exciting up-and-comers — redshirt freshman nose guard Louis Nix III, true freshman ends Aaron Lynch and Stephon Tuitt, and true freshman outside linebacker Ishaq Williams. The outside linebacker corps also is solid with veteran Darius Fleming at the Cat outside linebacker spot and sophomore Prince Shembo at the Dog outside linebacker position.

The Irish lost a good one in the secondary to graduation — cornerback Darrin Walls — but Gary Gray and Robert Blanton both excelled in 2010 and are playing with confidence and a swagger. Tying it all together on the back end is fifth-year senior Harrison Smith, whose seven interceptions in 2010 were the most by an Irish defensive back in eight seasons.


SPECIALISTS
David Ruffer, who hit the first 18 field goal attempts of the 2010 season, is back to contend for the Lou Groza Award. Early entry freshman Kyle Brindza will challenge for the punting job, which has been handled by Ben Turk the better part of 2009 and all of 2010. Bennett Jackson returns as the leading candidate to handle kickoffs after averaging 22.2 yards per his 29 attempts. Riddick could be a real threat returning punts.


FINAL ANALYSIS
Most of the defenders who spearheaded the 2010 revival are returning, and so are most of those skill position athletes who were forced into the lineup prematurely due to injuries. Sprinkle Floyd back into the mix, maximize Wood’s abilities, and find a quarterback who can avoid the crucial mistake, and it looks like the Irish should be able to generate enough offense to accommodate an improving and suddenly depth-laden defense. The combination of Kelly’s offensive track record and the improving defense could send the Irish in pursuit of a BCS bid in 2011.

FANTASY IMPACT
Brian Kelly’s second year in South Bend should be a good source of options for fantasy owners. Running back Cierre Wood is primed for a breakout, after rushing for 603 yards and three scores last season. Assuming Michael Floyd doesn’t miss much time due to a suspension for an offseason arrest, the senior will be one of the top 10 fantasy receivers. Joining Floyd as fantasy options from the receiving corps will be Theo Riddick and tight end Tyler Eifert. Eifert should be one of the first five tight ends off the board in fall drafts. Dayne Crist and Tommy Rees will continue to battle for the starting quarterback spot in the fall, with Crist holding a slight edge. If he can stay healthy, Crist has potential to be a top-30 fantasy quarterback in 2011.

Key Player


Michael Floyd, WR Emerged as a bona fide star in ’10 with 79 receptions for 1,025 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Manti Te’o, LB His 133 tackles were the most by an Irish player in 27 seasons.

Darius Fleming, LB A 23-game starter with 25.5 career tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks; paced the Irish in both categories in 2010.

Notre Dame Football 2010-2011

4

By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com


Georgia Bulldogs
Bulldogs coach Mark Richt probably isn't on the hot seat, but his program definitely needs to regain momentum in 2011. Georgia lost star receiver A.J. Green to the NFL draft, and then starting left tackle Trinton Sturdivant suffered a season-ending knee injury during spring practice. Quarterback Aaron Murray returns for his second season as a starter, but the Bulldogs left spring practice still searching for a No. 1 tailback. Incoming freshman Isaiah Crowell will have a chance to win the job during preseason camp. The Bulldogs should be better in Year 2 of defensive coordinator Todd Grantham's 3-4 scheme, especially if JUCO nose tackle Jonathan Jenkins is as a good as advertised. Tackle Kwame Geathers' improvement during the spring was a big surprise. Georgia plays only four true road games (at Ole Miss, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech) and plays Boise State in Atlanta and Florida in Jacksonville, Fla.

By Ryan Faller (Analyst)

If Georgia tanks for a third consecutive season in 2011, Mark Richt won’t have any excuses.

Applauding the recent internal adjustments made by athletic director Greg McGarity, who attempted to streamline things by freeing the head coach of some of his administrative obligations, Richt said he’ll now have more time to, “study the game and be an expert and be on the cutting edge.”

Time will tell if a decreased workload will benefit Richt, who already is in hot water after the Bulldogs finished 2009 7-5 and posted the program’s first losing record in 14 years this season.

By Amy Daughters (Texas Tech Featured Columnist)

Georgia's 8-5 finish in 2009 was disappointing but their 2010 6-7 finish was nothing short of shocking.

With 17 starters due back in 2011 including QB Aaron Murray and a schedule that is somewhat favorable (LSU and Alabama aren't on the slate at all), next season presents the opportunity for plenty of improvement.

What also is helpful is the fact that the SEC East is in reality up in the air and anyone's title to grab.

What Georgia can't afford is another poor start, which is exactly what blew the wind out of their sails last season; Boise State in Atlanta, South Carolina in Athens, Coastal Carolina, at Ole Miss and Mississippi State will set the tone for the 2011 season.

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2011 PRESEASON TOP 25


#14 Georgia Bulldogs
NATIONAL FORECAST #14
SEC East PREDICTION #1

HEAD COACH: Mark Richt, 96–34 (10 years) | OFF. COORDINATOR: Mike Bobo | DEF. COORDINATOR: Todd Grantham

OFFENSE

It may be too much to expect Isaiah Crowell to be the next Marcus Lattimore. The Georgia football offense may need just that, however.

Quarterback Aaron Murray had a fantastic freshman season, but the offense still faltered at times. That was thanks to the 10th-ranked rushing attack in the SEC, a huge disappointment considering a veteran group of tailbacks and offensive line.

So now Crowell, the ballyhooed freshman from Columbus, Ga., enters the scene. If the result is a more consistent running game, Georgia should be back in business and compete for the SEC East crown.

Of course that assumes no sophomore jinx for Murray, who won’t have A.J. Green or Kris Durham to throw to this year. He still has tight end Orson Charles (26 catches, 422 yards in ’10), but if other receiving targets don’t emerge — junior Tavarres King likely will be the top option at wideout — Murray’s numbers could take a dip.

Then there’s the offensive line, which also needs to be better. It could be, considering senior starters at center (Ben Jones) and tackle (Cordy Glenn). But the loss of projected starter Trinton Sturdivant, who suffered yet another torn ACL, was a setback.
So it doesn’t all rest on Crowell — but he certainly figures to help.


DEFENSE

Georgia enters the second year of Todd Grantham’s 3-4 defense anticipating an improvement — for two reasons.

First, the players should have a better understanding of the schemes. Next, while the two best players from last year (Justin Houston and Akeem Dent) are gone, Grantham believes he’s getting the right personnel to fit his system.

It starts at nose tackle, where junior college recruit John Jenkins, a 6'4", 340-pounder, provides the big, physical presence the team lacked in the middle of the line last year. DeAngelo Tyson, who filled that role, now moves to his more natural defensive end position.

The secondary returns almost intact, which may or may not be a blessing. It was an inconsistent unit last year, prone to giving up the big play, especially on third down. Alec Ogletree, one of the unit’s bright spots last year at safety as a freshman, was shifted to inside linebacker.

The other question is who will replace the playmaking ability of Houston, who had a team-high 10 sacks. Jarvis Jones, a transfer from USC, could fill that role at one outside linebacker spot. Stud recruit Ray Drew will be given a chance to fill the other outside spot.


SPECIALISTS

There may not be a better combination of special teams performers in the nation. Kicker Blair Walsh is as dependable as they come (he hit 20-of-23 last year), punter Drew Butler (the son of longtime NFL kicker Kevin Butler) is a former Ray Guy award winner, and Brandon Boykin has three career 100-yard kick return touchdowns.


FINAL ANALYSIS

The Bulldogs dipped last year, then they lost their best players on both sides of the ball, among other starters. The optimism rests with the influx of recruits, the return of Murray, the second year in the 3-4 defense, and a favorable league schedule that does not include Alabama or LSU — the two top teams in the West. This might not be a vintage Georgia team that is capable of competing for a national title, but the Bulldogs should be in the hunt to win the relatively mediocre SEC East.
FANTASY IMPACT

With the departure of Washaun Ealey, the door is open for true freshman running back Isaiah Crowell to emerge as Georgia’s No. 1 rusher this season. Crowell ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect in the 2011 Athlon Consensus and even though Caleb King is back, will likely open the year as the starter. Georgia has some question marks on the offensive line, but fantasy players should consider Crowell a midround selection with upside to start every week this season.

Quarterback Aaron Murray had a solid freshman season and figures to build upon that this year. Murray is a solid third quarterback in 120 leagues, while should be an every week starter in BCS-only formats. With the departure of A.J. Green, the Bulldogs need a new No. 1 receiver to emerge. Tavarres King and tight end Orson Charles are the most likely options to lead the team in receiving. Charles should be one of the first five tight ends off the board in fall drafts.