2011 Barnes Bracketology - Feb. 21

Welcome to the first of (hopefully) many posts of what I like to call Barnes Bracketology. This is my third year doing this right here on the blog and I am excited to do it again. It's a tedious and time-consuming task but one that I don't mind because it challenges me...and I love challenges.

If this is your first time checking out my Bracketology, here is how I do things. I read the NCAA procedures on how to compile the bracket each year, as they tend to change year-by-year. That is especially true this year as the field expands to 68. After I read them, I start compiling my list of teams I think are in consideration. From there, I start to pick the 68 teams that I think will make it, before ultimately seeding the teams and placing them in the bracket. Now normally, I don't put them in a bracket until 2 weeks before Selection Sunday. But I am getting better and faster at this process that I have my 2nd bracket done already!

My other big ground rule is that I vow to not look at any other website (ESPN, SI, Fox Sports, etc...) and check their bracket predictions. Trust me, it's hard but I will not look until my final bracket is done. I do this so that my work is my work. I have no temptation to cheat off someone else or get ideas from someone else when I feel lazy. Now I will compare with friends' predictions so if you would like to join me in my quest, please do so!

So there you go. I will be posting often, especially as we get closer to Selection Sunday, when I will post daily. Comments are always welcome, especially if it is to correct a glaring error.

MY PROJECTED FIELD OF 68
(changes in italics)

LOCKS: This group is for teams that whether they win their conference tournament or not, are going to receive a bid to the tournament. With Selection Sunday 3 weeks away, this list may seem short but it needs to be. I do my best to not move teams in this category. If you're a lock, you are a LOCK. As the games go on, you will see teams added to this list. But for now, this is the list and in no particular order. It kind of goes by conference now but as teams get added, they will just go to the end of this list.

LOCKS (25): Xavier, Temple, Duke, North Carolina, Texas, Kansas, Texas A&M, Missouri, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, Georgetown, Villanova, Louisville, St. John's, Syracuse, UConn, Ohio State, Purdue, Wisconsin, San Diego State, BYU, Arizona, Florida, Vanderbilt and Kentucky.

AUTOS: This group is for those teams that will receive their bid by winning their conference tournament. Now this is a tough one to predict as I clearly do not have knowledge of who is going to ultimately win the smaller conferences' tournaments. So what I do normally is just go with the team with the best record in the conference when I make a bracket. Once the conference tournaments get going, this will change a ton as favorites fall. Some will move to the AT-LARGE section, others will stay in the BUBBLE section, and others will never be seen again.

Teams that have clinched their automatic bid will appear in bold.

AUTOS (23): America East - Vermont, Atlantic Sun - Belmont, Big Sky - Montana, Big South - Coastal Carolina, Big West - Long Beach State, Colonial - George Mason, Conference USA - UTEP, Horizon - Cleveland State, Ivy - Harvard, MAAC - Fairfield, MAC - Kent State, MEAC - Hampton, Missouri Valley - Missouri State, Northeast -Long Island, Ohio Valley - Murray State, Patriot - Bucknell, Southern - Charleston, Southland - McNeese State, SWAC - Texas Southern, Summit - Oakland, Sun Belt - Florida Atlantic, WAC - Utah State, WCC -St. Mary's

AT-LARGE: This group is obviously for the teams I think are going to make the field by earning an AT-LARGE bid. This is in order but beware, these will fluctuate quite often as I continue to get a handle on these teams. Again, these are in order from feeling safe to not feeling so safe. Also, remember the last 4 teams in this category will be playing in the 2 "First Four" games to earn a spot in the newly-named second round.

AT-LARGE (20): West Virginia, UNLV, Illinois, Washington, Cincinnati, Old Dominion, Minnesota, UCLA, Georgia, Kansas State, Florida State, Michigan State, Tennessee, Alabama, Memphis, Nebraska, Marquette, Butler, Colorado State, and UAB.

BUBBLE WATCH

Now, the way the BUBBLE works is fairly simple. These are the teams that will be worrying come Selection Sunday. Every team in the AT-LARGE category will be in here as well because well, they are not guaranteed a spot, but instead just in my projected bracket. Some AUTOS will be here as well as they will become BUBBLE teams if they do not win their conference tournaments as they are expected to. Normally, I would put these in order but not this time.

BUBBLE (39): West Virginia, UNLV, Illinois, Washington, Cincinnati, Old Dominion, Minnesota, UCLA, Georgia, Kansas State, Florida State, Michigan State, Tennessee, Alabama, Memphis, Nebraska, Marquette, Butler, Colorado State, UAB, Richmond, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Boston College, Maryland, Baylor, VCU, Southern Miss, Valparaiso, Wichita State, Gonzaga, Penn State, Dayton, St. Mary's, Utah State, George Mason, Cleveland State, UTEP, and Missouri State.

SEEDING

This is no doubt the hardest part about this process. Seeding the teams is tough because so many team sometimes deserve higher seeds but there are just simply not enough slots. Plus, you have to change some seeds to follow the procedures set forth by the NCAA. And without a full committee, I find myself using RPI, team's record, SOS, and my gut as the real guide to where these teams end up. It has worked well the past 2 years and see nothing changing this year.

CONFERENCE BREAKDOWN
Big East (11), Big Ten (6), SEC (6), Big 12 (5), MWC (4), ACC (3), Pac-10 (3), C-USA (3), A-10 (2), Colonial (2)

(click on bracket to enlarge)

EAST vs. WEST
SOUTHEAST vs. SOUTHWEST

**Ohio State is the overall top seed

Now in future posts, I will post the records of the teams here and games to watch for the next day or 2 but for now, little tired so not gonna happen right now. For now, just click on the bracket.

That's all for now. I'll update this probably Wednesday or Thursday night after some of these big games that could affect seeding. Hope you enjoyed it and check back soon.

MB

2010 NFL Predictions

As usual, I am putting my "reputation" on the line and predicting the NFL. I never tend to do well in this department. I haven't picked a Super Bowl champion since the Patriots won their second of three titles last decade. And beyond that, I've just done pretty poor picking the right playoff teams. But that's the fun of the NFL. You never know what teams are going to surprise you and make a run (Jets last year). So with all that in mind, laugh as you will and enjoy my predictions for the 2010 NFL season.

AFC EAST
1. NY Jets 11-5
2. New England 10-6
3. Miami 8-8
4. Buffalo 4-12

THOUGHTS: The Jets defense is the reason they win the division. Their secondary will keep passing attacks at bay, including the Pats who really lack a run game. The Jets offense should also improve with guys like Santonio Holmes around...New England is going to be good, we know that. Tom Brady hasn't lost a step and Wes Welker returns. The defense is what will determine who far this team goes...Miami is a playoff team in any other division but having to face the Pats and Jets is tough. Chad Henne looks like a quality NFL QB and that running game is one of the best in the NFL...Buffalo will be a boring team to watch, except for C.J. Spiller. Case closed.

AFC NORTH
1. Baltimore 12-4
2. Cincinnati 10-6
3. Pittsburgh 9-7
4. Cleveland 4-12

THOUGHTS: Baltimore is the clear favorite in this division. They've added some great players to go along with a team that already looked like a team that would contend in 2010...Cincinnati also added some nice pieces. T.O. and Ocho may be the ones we hear about but Jordan Shipley is the guy to watch in the slot. Their defense has to be as good if not better than last year though...Pittsburgh will miss Roethlisberger in those first 4 weeks. Once he gets back, there's no guarantee this team wins. They struggled last season against inferior teams. Expect some of that inconsistency this year too...Cleveland did get better, just not as much as they need to be competitive in this division.

AFC SOUTH
1. Indianapolis 13-3
2. Houston 9-7
3. Tennessee 7-9
4. Jacksonville 5-11

THOUGHTS: The Colts will go as Peyton goes, and that's far as usual. The defense should have Bob Sanders healthy which only makes them more scary...The Texans have the talent to make the playoffs this season on offense. The defense is what may keep them back...Tennessee will be able to run that ball but will they be able to pass the ball? Vince Young is still a wild card in that department. Their defense also needs to improve to compete with offenses likes Indy and Houston...Jacksonville has too many holes to compete. Their O-Line is in shambles, their receiving corps lacks real weapons, and the defense is young and inexperienced.

AFC WEST
1. San Diego 10-6
2. Oakland 7-9
3. Denver 6-10
4. Kansas City 5-11

THOUGHTS: San Diego is slowly declining I think. Their run game may take a slight step back as rookie Ryan Mathews gets used to a 16-game season. Their pass game should be okay without Vincent Jackson. Their defense is a bit of a question mark...Oakland really has an opportunity to be a contender. Jason Campbell gives them a serviceable QB to go along with a run game that wasn't bad. They are starting to believe they can win...Denver looked like they were gonna win the AFC for awhile last year and then fell off the map. The defense is gonna have to carry this team cause the offense on paper isn't that impressive...Kansas City is just looking to improve. Matt Cassel is a good QB but didn't get much time to throw. The defense also needs to improve mightily.

NFC EAST
1. Dallas 11-5
2. Washington 9-7
3. NY Giants 8-8
4. Philadelphia 7-9

THOUGHTS: Dallas has the most talent by far in this division so anything short of a division title would be a major disappointment...I've always though the Redskins were just a good QB away from winning. They have that now with McNabb, who just wins and gets no respect...NY Giants are going to be competitive but aren't strong enough on either side of the ball to win this division. The defense is aging and the offense is too sporadic...Philly is now in the hands of Kevin Kolb. I see him playing well like Matt Schaub in his first year with the Texans. He'll get better but this will be a struggle to reach .500.

NFC NORTH
1. Green Bay 12-4
2. Minnesota 11-5
3. Chicago 5-11
4. Detroit 5-11

THOUGHTS: Green Bay is talented on both sides of the ball. Aaron Rodgers is a Pro-Bowl caliber QB with weapons like Greg Jennings and JerMichael Finley to throw too. The defense is led by Charles Woodson, A.J. Hawk and others who should take this team far...The Vikes got Brett Favre back, which was huge considering how bad Tarvaris Jackson is. If Favre's ankle holds up, they have a chance to compete with the Packers for the division crown. The defense is what makes them so good though...The Bears defense is not as scary as it was 3 years ago. The Bears offense will need to make up for that. Mike Martz takes over as offensive coordinator which is a good move. Jay Cutler has to cut down on the INTs though...The Lions are poised to make some strides this season. Matthew Stafford is proving he has the arm, awareness, and brains to be an NFL QB. The addition of Jahvid Best to that offense should make it fun to watch each week too.

NFC SOUTH
1. New Orleans 11-5
2. Atlanta 10-6
3. Carolina 7-9
4. Tampa Bay 2-14

THOUGHTS: The Saints have to be the favorite, after their run last year. Nearly everyone returned on an offense that can pick apart any secondary and a defense that doesn't let up on the pressure...The Falcons were bitten by the injury bug last year. If not, they would have been in the playoffs. Michael Turner should be better than ever and the defense should be much improved as well...The Panthers are now Matt Moore's team and that is a good thing. Moore is a playmaker at QB with a good arm and some mobility, which is good with a suspect O-Line. The run game will play a huge role in how good this team is...Tampa Bay is still rebuilding. Josh Freeman needs to really take some steps forward or the Bucs may be thinking about Jake Locker or Ryan Mallett instead of the playoffs.

NFC WEST
1. San Francisco 10-6
2. Arizona 7-9
3. Seattle 7-9
4. St. Louis 4-12

THOUGHTS: The Niners should have no problem winning this division. Their defense is one of the best in the NFL and the offense is progressing nicely. Alex Smith having the same offensive coordinator for a second straight season finally should help...Arizona's future hinged on Kurt Warner's decision and well, that didn't go well for the Cards. Derek Anderson is not the answer at QB and with the offense unable to score tons of points, expect the defense to really have to improve...Seattle has the potential to be a sleeper in this division. Matt Hasselbeck isn't a bad QB as long as he just manages the game. Justin Forsett is a quality RB too. The defense has some bright spots too. They could surprise some people...St. Louis did the right thing in drafting Sam Bradford who looked great in preseason. They are still at least a season away from competing but pieces are being put in place.

AFC PLAYOFFS
NY Jets over Cincinnati
New England over San Diego

Baltimore over NY Jets
Indianapolis over New England

Indianapolis over Baltimore

NFC PLAYOFFS
Atlanta over Dallas
Minnesota over San Francisco

Green Bay over Atlanta
New Orleans over Minnesota

Green Bay over New Orleans

SUPER BOWL
Indianapolis over Green Bay

OTHER FEARLESS PREDICTIONS
- NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers, GB
- Offensive Player: Peyton Manning, IND
- Defensive Player: DeMarcus Ware, DAL
- Offensive Rookie: Jermaine Gresham, CIN
- Defensive Rookie: Ndamukong Suh, DET
- Coach of the Year: Mike Singletary, SF
- Coaches fired after the season: Eric Mangini (CLE), Jack del Rio (JAX), Lovie Smith (CHI), John Fox (CAR), Raheem Morris (TB)
- First pick of 2011 NFL Draft: Jake Locker, QB, Washington (to Tampa Bay)

2010 College Football Week 2

Week 1 was good, but Week 2 should be better. Here are my picks and some mini-analysis.

GAME OF THE WEEK

1. #18 Penn State @ #1 Alabama - May be surprised that I see this as the game of the week instead of the one in Columbus. But I'm really intrigued by this game. Bama is the clear favorite but don't count out Penn State. This game reminds me of OSU-USC a year ago when a freshman QB just managed a game well and then the defense did its job against a pretty good offense. If PSU can put up 17-20 points, this game could be very interesting. Alabama 24-7

BEST OF THE REST

2. #12 Miami (FL) @ #2 Ohio State - There's a lot of talk surrounding this game. A lot of it isn't even warranted considering the players that are playing in this game have no history. But all the talk is sure to make this an intense game on the field. The 'Canes have talent for sure but I don't think their O-Line and run game is going to be able to compete with the Ohio State defense. Also, Terrelle Pryor looks very comfortable in the pocket, which can only mean bad things for the 'Canes defense. Ohio State 23-10

3. #22 Georgia @ #24 South Carolina - The loss of A.J. Green will hurt UGA in this game. They are going to need offense, especially since Stephen Garcia and the Gamecocks look to have found their stride (finally). UGA is bigger, faster and stronger but in this rivalry, that really doesn't matter. South Carolina 31-24

4. #17 Florida State @ #10 Oklahoma - FSU looked impressive in their opener. Oklahoma did not (24-17 win over Utah State?!?). Landry Jones really struggled too, even though he had 12 starts a year ago. Oklahoma should wake up while FSU will fall back down to earth a little bit, now that they play a big boy. Oklahoma 28-17

5. South Florida @ #8 Florida - It's safe to say that Florida is not as bad as they played against Miami (OH). If they do play that bad though, South Florida has the talent to pull off the upset. The Gators say they have the snapping snafu figured out. So maybe once and for all we'll find out how good the team is. Florida 31-24

6. Michigan @ Notre Dame - It was just a year ago when Michigan looked impressive and everyone thought the Wolverines had arrived. last week, the Wolverines looked impressive. So have they arrived? I think not. Notre Dame is a tougher test than UConn and it won't be at the Big House. Notre Dame 31-13

7. #7 Oregon @ Tennessee - I thought Oregon would miss Jeremiah Masoli. After looking at their Week 1 performance, I'm not so sure about that. The Ducks were just about flawless on offense. But playing in Neyland Stadium is never easy, even when you're the better team. Oregon 34-24

8. #23 West Virginia @ Marshall (FRI) - This rivalry has been a bit lopsided. Actually, incredibly lopsided considering Marshall has never beaten the Mountaineers. If there's ever been a chance, here it is. WVU is still trying to figure out how good they are while at the same time, probably underestimating how good the Herd are after they lost 45-7 to OSU. West Virginia 30-24

9. #19 LSU @ Vanderbilt - LSU probably should have lost to North Carolina but got lucky down the stretch. Now, Les Miles goes from a game he probably needed to win to one he has to win. Not only is it an SEC game but it's Vandy. But Vandy played well against Northwestern last week and are capable of winning this game if they just play turnover-free football. LSU 34-14

10. Iowa State @ #9 Iowa - With this game being at Iowa, the chances of the upset in this rivalry game are much less. But because it is a rivalry game, you can't count out the Cyclones. They are coming off a surprising 7-win season last year and will play like there's no tomorrow against the Hawkeyes. I just don't see Iowa's defense giving up more than 10 points though. Iowa 27-10

11. #21 Auburn @ Mississippi State (THURS) - One of those classic too close to call SEC games. Auburn isn't an overly impressive team so having to beat an up and coming Mississippi State team on the road will be no easy task. This one will probably come down to which team makes the least mistakes considering neither team has the offense or defense that can really take a game over. Auburn 31-21

12. #25 Stanford @ UCLA - I'm a big fan of Stanford's offense. Even without Toby Gerhart, I think they have the talent to put up 45-50 on just about anyone. That includes UCLA, who is starting to show strides with Rick Neuheisel leading the way. Stanford 38-20

13. #15 Georgia Tech @ Kansas - It's never easy to beat the Yellow Jackets, especially when you only get a week to prepare for their potent triple option attack. For Kansas, it'll be all but impossible to win, at least it will be if the same Jayhawks team that lost to North Dakota shows up. Kansas scored just 3 points in that game last week. They're gonna need a lot more than that this week. Georgia Tech 33-14

14. Central Michigan @ Temple (THURS) - Quality MAC opener for both teams. Central Michigan is trying to prove they can win without Dan LeFevour, their 4-year starter at QB. Temple came one win away from winning the MAC East last year and return a good core that should make another run. The loser here already falls one back in their respective divisional race. Temple 17-13

15. Toledo @ Ohio - The Rockets never left the launch pad against Arizona last week, scoring just 2 points while giving up 41. Yikes. The 'Cats didn't exactly look stellar against Wofford but like other teams in the first week, got the job done. Beating Toledo shouldn't be a problem. Leaving this game relatively injury free would be a nice perk for OU, who face the Buckeyes next week. Ohio 27-13

2010 College Football Week 1

Here are my top 15 games of the week and predictions. Let's go.

GAME OF THE WEEK

1. #3 Boise State vs. #10 Virginia Tech (Landover, MD) - Two teams with national title aspirations. The Broncos must not only win but win convincingly if they want to prove they are among the best teams in the nation. VT will have the crowd behind them but that won't help them execute on the field. Boise State 27-17

BEST OF THE REST

2. #15 Pittsburgh @ Utah (THURS) - The Panthers get an early test to see just how they stack up on the national scene. Playing at a place like Utah is never easy, but especially to begin the season. Utes are a physical team that should play Pitt tough. Pittsburgh 24-20

3. #24 Oregon State vs. #6 TCU (Arlington, TX) - TCU has BCS dreams yet again but just like Boise State, must win this game and win it handily to make a statement. Andy Dalton is back at QB so the offense should be solid. But it always starts with defense at TCU. Oregon State has the Rodgers brothers who will give them fits though. TCU 20-17

4. #21 LSU vs. #18 North Carolina (Atlanta) - This game lost a lot of its luster thansk to 13 Tar Heels being suspended, including many of their defensive players. The good thing for UNC is that LSU was terrible on offense last season and isn't supposed to improve. LSU 24-10

5. Connecticut @ Michigan - UConn lost 5 games last year by a combined 15 points. In other words, they were in EVERY game last year. And with 16 starters returning, they'll come into the Big House full of confidence. Michigan probably has the better athletes but it's still a team in disarray. Connecticut 31-20

6. Purdue @ Notre Dame - Former Miami (FL) QB Robert Marve takes over, giving Purdue hope of a decent offense. That's all they'll need against an anemic Irish defense. The Irish offense though should be just fine though. With the experience they have and the addition of Brian Kelly's offense, this game should have plenty of points. Notre Dame 41-31

7. Washington @ BYU - Jake Locker is back for the Huskies, restoring hope of a strong season in Seattle. Tough opener though against a quality BYU squad. Provo is not an easy place to play but I have a feeling Locker has something to prove. This is my UPSET SPECIAL. Washington 31-28

8. Illinois vs. Missouri (St. Louis) - Ron Zook is on a short leash this season. A win over the rival would be great for his sake. But Mizzou is simply the better team and is 5-0 against the Illini when they play on a neutral field. Missouri 23-13

9. Marshall @ #2 Ohio State (THURS) - Marshall has a new coaching staff so the Buckeyes don't know what to expect from the Herd. The Buckeyes do expect one thing though: to win. Ohio State 41-14

10. Southern Miss @ South Carolina (THURS) - I am expecting a lot out of South Carolina but they will truly go as QB Stephen Garcia goes. They should win this game but it's not just about the win. It's about looking good as they get ready for their border bash game against Georgia next week. South Carolina 31-10

11. #12 Wisconsin @ UNLV - Nothing like beginning your season in Sin City. The Badgers have to be a bit careful here. It's a late start to a game (10:00 CT), on the road, and against a team that will play with nothing to lose. Wisconsin 34-20

12. #14 USC @ Hawaii (THURS) - It's the season that means nothing for USC so it'll be interesting to see just how much motivation they come into each game with. Hawaii on the other hand would be thrilled to get a win over the Trojans so expect them to give USC their best shot. USC 30-14

13. San Jose State @ #1 Alabama - No doubt who is going to win this game. The only question surrounding this game is how well will Bama adapt to a run game without Mark Ingram. Trent Richardson is a quality back so keeping him healthy will be very important. Alabama 48-3

14. Northwestern @ Vanderbilt - Northwestern has been getting better every year under Pat Fitzgerald and this year should be no different. Never easy though going into an SEC stadium and coming away with a win. Vandy has a new head coach and young team but it's Week 1, so beware. Northwestern 24-21

15. Wofford @ Ohio - Wofford isn't a bad football team so if the Bobcats underestimate the Terriers, they may be in for an unpleasant surprise. Thing is, I don't expect the 'Cats to take the Terriers lightly. Instead, they'll focus on making a statement to the MAC that they are the team to beat. Ohio 37-14

2010 College Football Preview

No need for a lengthy intro. It's GAMEDAY! I hope to have a top 15 games of the week post up by tomorrow (though I have already made picks for all the Thursday games, just not posted them here).

Atlantic
1. Clemson
2. Florida State
3. Boston College
4. NC State
5. Wake Forest
6. Maryland

Coastal
1. Virginia Tech
2. Georgia Tech
3. Miami (FL)
4. North Carolina
5. Duke
6. Virginia

THOUGHTS: Virginia Tech clearly the class of this conference, should finish around 10-2...Georgia Tech will be solid once again, despite the loss of playmaker Jonathan Dwyer...Miami (FL) could be the sleeper to upset both VT and GT at the top...Not sold on either UNC or FSU. Maybe they'll prove me wrong...Clemson lost C.J. Spiller but should be solid enough to capture the Atlantic...NC State gets back into a bowl game with QB Russell Wilson returning from injury

ACC Champion: Virginia Tech


North
1. Nebraska
2. Missouri
3. Iowa State
4. Kansas
5. Kansas State
6. Colorado

South
1. Texas
2. Oklahoma
3. Texas A+M
4. Texas Tech
5. Oklahoma State
6. Baylor

THOUGHTS: Nebraska goes perfect in Big 12 play with only regular season loss coming at Washington...Dan Hawkins doesn't survive this season at Colorado as they hire a new coach for their impending move to the Pac-10...Texas beats Oklahoma but falls to Nebraska the next week...Oklahoma loses to Texas again, all but ending their title hopes...Texas A+M may not win the division but will challenge for it with some close games against the big boys...Baylor gets bowl eligible, thanks to return of QB Robert Griffin

Big 12 Champion: Nebraska


1. Pittsburgh
2. West Virginia
3. Connecticut
4. Cincinnati
5. Rutgers
6. South Florida
7. Louisville
8. Syracuse

THOUGHTS: Pittsburgh wins at least 10 games despite a tough non-conference schedule that includes Utah, Notre Dame and Miami (FL)...Connecticut lost all 5 games last year by a combined 15 points. I expect the same this year but they win a couple of those close ones...Slight drop off from Cincy but not because of Brian Kelly. Just because of losses on offense such as Tony Pike and Mardy Gilyard...Louisville will improve under Charlie Strong, just maybe not in the win column this season.

Big East Champion: Pittsburgh


1. Ohio State
2. Iowa
3. Wisconsin
4. Penn State
5. Michigan State
6. Northwestern
7. Purdue
8. Michigan
9. Illinois
10. Indiana
11. Minnesota

THOUGHTS: Ohio State runs the table despite road games at Iowa and Wisconsin...Iowa finishes with the one loss thanks to a stout defense...Penn State struggles but finishes with 9 wins to send off Joe Pa in style with a New Years Day bowl game...Northwestern continues their great play under Pat Fitzgerald, who bolts for better job after the season...Michigan has the potential for 8 wins but falls short and only wins 5, meaning no bowl game and no 2011 for Rich Rod in Ann Arbor...Ron Zook also doesn't return to the Big Ten sidelines after falling short of a bowl game.

Big Ten Champion: Ohio State


1. Oregon
2. Oregon State
3. Washington
4. USC
5. Stanford
6. Arizona
7. UCLA
8. California
9. Arizona State
10. Washington State

THOUGHTS: Oregon wins Pac-10 without Jeremiah Masoli, but will trip up at least twice in the conference...Oregon State finishes in the top 3 of the conference again as Mike Riley keeps the good mojo going in Corvallis...Washington improves mightily with Jake Locker back under center...USC gets to 9 wins despite playing for nothing...I may be selling Stanford short, who could win this conference if their defense can maybe not stop, but at least contain some of these offenses...Washington State wins one game, giving coach Bill Wulff 4 wins in 3 years. That's not good.

Pac-10 Champion: Oregon


East
1. Florida
2. South Carolina
3. Georgia
4. Tennessee
5. Kentucky
6. Vanderbilt

West
1. Alabama
2. Arkansas
3. LSU
4. Auburn
5. Mississippi State
6. Ole Miss

THOUGHTS: Florida trips up against Alabama but Alabama trips up at South Carolina the week after...South Carolina finally wins 9 games under Steve Spurrier, thanks to an improved offense...Georgia improves on offense but defense struggles as they learn just how hard it can be to master the 3-4 defense in one season...Arkansas lives and dies by the arm of Ryan Mallett. Their defense can't stop teams from scoring less than 28 points though...LSU gets to 9 wins, but that won't be enough for Les Miles, who gets the boot but lands somewhere else (Michigan?)...Tennessee has a mediocre year as they play under their third coach in as many years.

SEC Champion: Alabama


1. TCU
2. Utah
3. BYU
4. Air Force
5. San Diego State
6. Wyoming
7. Colorado State
8. UNLV
9. New Mexico

THOUGHTS: TCU finishes at 11-1, leaving them out of a BCS bowl and any national championship talk.

Mountain West Champion: TCU


1. Boise State
2. Nevada
3. Fresno State
4. Idaho
5. Louisiana Tech
6. Hawaii
7. Utah State
8. San Jose State
9. New Mexico State

THOUGHTS: Boise State runs the table, waits on the final Saturday to see how Championship Week turns out to see if their 12-0 season is enough to make it to the National Title game

WAC Champion: Boise State


East
1. Ohio
2. Temple
3. Kent State
4. Buffalo
5. Bowling Green
6. Akron
7. Miami (OH)

West
1. Northern Illinois
2. Central Michigan
3. Western Michigan
4. Toledo
5. Ball State
6. Eastern Michigan

THOUGHTS: Ohio wins 10 games en route to the East division championship...Northern Illinois prevails in the West, despite a strong challenge from a Dan Lefevour-less Central Michigan

MAC Champion: Ohio


East
1. Southern Miss
2. Central Florida
3. Marshall
4. East Carolina
5. Memphis
6. UAB

West
1. Houston
2. SMU
3. UTEP
4. Tulsa
5. Rice
6. Tulane

Conference USA Champion: Houston

1. Middle Tennessee State
2. Troy
3. Arkansas State
4. UL-Monroe
5. Florida Atlantic
6. Louisiana
7. Florida International
8. North Texas
9. Western Kentucky

Sun Belt Champion: Middle Tennessee State

Independents
Navy: 9-3
Notre Dame: 8-4

FEARLESS PREDICTIONS:
Heisman Trophy: Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State
National Champion: Ohio State over Boise State