College Football Preview: 6. Stanford Cardinal

6. Stanford Cardinal
Key Position Players
QB Andrew Luck- Junior
RB Stepfan Taylor- Junior
OT Jonathan Martin- Junior
LB Shayne Skov- Junior
S Delano Howell- Senior
There was a big change in Stanford last year. The traditional cupcake went 12-1 in '10. Thanks to the return of all-star prospect Andrew Luck the team looks like they could continue their success. Luck will have to hope that he won't become the next Jake Locker, a top NFL prospect who returned for his senior season and his draft stock fell rapidly. The backfield is just as great. Stepfan Taylor will be asked to be the starter but Stanford may launch a three-man backfield.Junior Tyler Gaffney is a power runner and sophomore Anthony Wilkerson makes plays. Luck's options aren't great. Wide receiver Chris Owusu returns but he still won't be a suitable option. One of the reasons Luck has had success is the talent of the O-Line. Tackle Jonathan Martin may not have even reached the top yet guard David DeCastro is good. Though, other than those two the line is not much. The defense lost a big man in Owen Marecic. Marecic was never a star for the Cardinal but he played both fullback and linebacker. The defense is loaded in the linebacker position and the secondary. Shayne Skov was a big recruit a while back and he hasn't disappointed. The secondary is headed by Delano Howell a talented, hard-hitting senior. He isn't the only playmaker back there- Michael Thomas and Johnson Bademosi are good.

Heisman Hopeful: Andrew Luck
Pac 12 Rank: 2nd

Top NBA Draft Prospects

Derrick Williams, PF, Arizona Williams became a star player for the Wildcats in the little time he was there. He has great power and good size. Williams excelled late in the year on the defensive side of the ball.
Kemba Walker, PG, UConn After declaring for the NBA draft after leading the Huskies to the NCAA title Walker has risen to the top 10. He would be a good pick for Charlotte at 9 or Cleveland at 8. Both need electric game breakers.
Jimmer Fredette, SG, BYU Fredette comes away from one of the best college careers we've ever seen. There are questions: if his sharpshooting game can translate to the NBA? Will his defense improve enough to be a lottery pick? The Jazz lost a good 2 guard in Ronnie Brewer last year and need a replacement. Fredette may be the guy.
Enes Kanter, C, Kentucky* Kanter was a big recruit for John Calipari but NCAA violations ruled him out the whole year last season. He's big and tons of teams could be looking at him (Raptors, Wizards and Jazz).
Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State Playing at isolated Morehead State Faried wasn't as big of a name as say Kemba Walker but he still has the talent. He likely won't be a lottetry pick but Charlotte might like him at 19 or Portland at 21.
Kyle Singler, SF, Duke Even with a disappointing season with the Blue Devils Singler will still be a first rounder. He fits better at small forward but he can be put at power forward. The Spurs might like him at 29 or earlier.

College Football Preview: 5. Boise State Broncos

5. Boise State Broncos
Key Position Players
QB Kellen Moore- Senior
RB Doug Martin- Senior
OT Nate Potter- Senior
DT Billy Winn- Senior
DE Shea McClellin- Senior
LB Byron Hout- Senior
Boise will do what they always do. And that is winning. Chris Peterson has his Heisman candidate Kellen Moore back for his last year. Moore's options are more limited this year with the graduation of WR Titus Young and Austin Pettis. The backfield is talented even with losing of Jeremy Avery. They still have Doug Martin and Dan Paul who have power and add some speed. The offensive line will protect Moore thanks to tackle Nate Potter and center Thomas Byrd. As talented as the O-Line is the defensive line might be even better. Ryan Winterswyk will be gone but the end on the other side Shea McClellin is just as good. Billy Winn can rush the QB and stuffs up the run. Other than Moore, he be the most talented returnee for the Broncos. The linebacker core has never been Boise's strong suit. This year Byron Hout and Aaron Tevis lead the middle. The secondary wasn't the same after losing Kyle Wilson last year. It lost some talent but still returns junior Jamar Taylor and senior George Iloka. Again, the Broncos will be at the top but moving to the tougher Mountain West won't help.

Heisman Hopeful: Kellen Moore
Mountain West Rank: 1st

College Football Preview: 4. Alabama Crimson Tide

4. Alabama Crimson Tide
Key Position Players
RB Trent Richardson- Junior
WR Darius Hanks- Senior
C William Vlachos- Senior
LB Dont'a Hightower- Junior
LB Courtney Upshaw- Senior
CB Dre Kirkpatrick- Junior
S Mark Barron- Senior
The Crimson Tide had a tough year in '10 but they are ready to be back on top again in 2011 thanks to the return of all-star back Trent Richardson. He has more speed than Mark Ingram but not as much power. They also have talent in backup sophomore Eddie Lacey. So, Greg McElroy is gone at quarterback. We thought they would struggle without John Parker Wilson but McElroy filled in well. The same might just happen with sophomore A.J. McCarron who willl likely assume the quarterback role for Nick Saban. He lost a prime option in Julio Jones but returns senior wide out Darius Hanks who has good hands. Also back is tight end Michael Williams. The O-Line is much underrated. Center Michael Vachos returns along with Barrett Jones and Chance Warmack. They will have to have big years to keep big SEC pass rushers from pressuring McCarron. The defense was considered to be inexperienced, especially the secondary, but it did surprisingly well. The defensive line is going to lose top prospect Marcell Dareus but still returns 3 starters. The linebacker core is stacked thanks to junior Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw. The secondary for the Crimson Tide may be even better thanks to cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and safeties Mark Barron and Robert Lester. All three were All-SEC Selections. The special teams is led by kicker Jeremy Shelley.

Heisman Hopeful: Trent Richardson
SEC Rank: 2nd

NFL Mock Draft

1. Carolina Panthers Blaine Gabbert, QB Other Contender: Cam Newton, QB
2. Denver Broncos Marcell Dareus, DL Other Contender: Patrick Peterson, CB
3. Buffalo Bills Robert Quinn, DE Other Contender: Von Miller, DE/LB
4. Cincinnati Bengals Cam Newton, QB Other Contender: A.J. Green, WR
5. Arizona Cardinals Patrick Peterson, CB Other Contender: Von Miller, DE/LB
6. Cleveland Browns Von Miller, DE/LB Other Contender: Julio Jones, WR
7. San Francisco 49ers Prince Amukamara, CB Other Contender: Jake Locker, QB
8. Tennessee Titans Nick Fairley, DT Other Contender: Julio Jones, WR
9. Dallas Cowboys Tyron Smith, OT Other Contender: Cameron Jordan, DL
10. Washington Redskins Julio Jones, WR Other Contender: Aldon Smith, DE
11. Houston Texans J.J. Watt, DE Other Contender: Aldon Smith, DE
12. Minnesota Vikings Jake Locker, QB Other Contender: Aldon Smith, DE
13. Detroit Lions Da'Quan Bowers, DE Other Contender: Jimmy Smith, CB
14. St. Louis Rams Aldon Smith, DE Other Contender: Corey Liuget, DT
15. Miami Dolphins Mike Pouncey, OG Other Contender: Mark Ingram, RB
16. Jacksonville Jaguars Ryan Kerrigan, DE Other Contender: Brooks Reed, DE
17. New England Patriots Cameron Jordan, DE/DT Other Contender: Nate Solder, OT
18. San Diego Chargers Cameron Heyward, DE Other Contender: Anthony Costanzo, OT
19. New York Giants Anthony Costanzo, OT Other Contender: Akeem Ayers, LB
20. Tampa Bay Buccaners Justin Houston, DE Other Contender: Adrian Clayborn, DE
21. Kansas City Chiefs Corey Liuget, DT Other Contender: Phil Taylor, NT
22. Indianapolis Colts Nate Solder, OT Other Contender: Derek Sherrod, OT
23. Philadelphia Eagles Gabe Carimi, OT Other Contender: Jimmy Smith, CB
24. New Orleans Saints Muhammed Wilkerson, DT Other Contender: Phil Taylor, NT
25. Seattle Seahawks Jimmy Smith, CB Other Contender: Marvin Austin, DL
26. Baltimore Ravens Adrian Clayborn, DE Other Contender: Derek Sherrod, OT
27. Atlanta Falcons Torrey Smith, WR Other Contender: Brooks Reed, DE
28. New England Patriots Mark Ingram, RB Other Contender: Akeem Ayers, LB
29. Chicago Bears Derek Sherrod, OT Other Contender: Aaron Williams, DB
30. New York Jets Akeem Ayers, LB Other Contender: Phil Talor, NT
31. Pittsburgh Steelers Aaron Williams, DB Other Contender: Ben Ijalana, OT/OG
32. Green Bay Packers Brooks Reed, DE Other Contender: Randall Cobb, WR/RS

College Football Preview: 3. Oregon Ducks

3. Oregon Ducks
Key Position Players
QB Darron Thomas- Junior
RB LaMichael James- Junior
TE David Paulson- Senior
CB Cliff Harris- Junior
DB Eddie Pleasent- Senior
The high powered Ducks offense is back after losing to Auburn in the championship game. They will return star junior Darron Thomas who not only can pass but his scrambing ability makes him a dual threat. LaMichael James is probably the best running back right now in college football. Not only does he have speed he can run over you. Kenjon Barner is another guy in the backfield that Oregon can use occasionally. Thomas' options are more limited now after the graduation of Jeff Maehl. Luckily, the Ducks do return senior Lavasier Tunei and junior Justin Hoffman. The O-Line also must regroup, losing two starters on it. Senior tackle Darrion Weems. Tight end David Paulson is more of a recieving option but he can also block for the running game. On defense, the Ducks defense is actually underrated. The line only returns one starter(senior end Terrell Turner) but the coming in guys are capable. Oregon lost Casey Matthews in the middle but still has talent. The secondary is loaded. All Conference Selection Cliff Harris is a beast at cornerback and Eddie Pleasent makes plays. John Boyett is one of the most underappreciated players in the Pac-12.

Heisman Hopeful: LaMichael James
Pac 12 Rank: 1st

National Championship Prediction

3 UConn vs. 8 Butler, National Finals
Get ready! Yet another historic franchise takes on Cindrella in the title game. Both teams have made improbable runs to get here and it all comes down to this. The key for the Bulldogs will be shutting down Kemba Walker. Don't let him and Jeremy Lamb get out into transition or he will dominate. Lamb is also a scoring threat. He has stepped it up lately thanks to his great shot and speed. Shelvin Mack will have to stop either one of these. One of the reasons Butler dominated VCU was because of second chance points off the glass. This means Alex Oriakhi or another inside guy has to shut out Matt Howard or Andrew Smith from getting those easy rebounds. That might be the X-Factor. If that happens the Huskies could end up winning. If it doesn't Cindrella wins.
UConn, 62 Butler, 59

College Football Preview 2011: 2. LSU Tigers

2. LSU Tigers
Key Position Players
QB Jordan Jefferson- Senior
RB Spencer Ware- Sophomore
WR Rueben Randle- Junior
WR Russell Sheppard- Junior
CB Morris Claiborne- Junior
Les Miles may have one of his most talented teams in Louisiana State history thanks to the return of 16 starters. One of the returners is Jordan Jefferson who has improved a lot in his years as starter in the passing game. And, we all know that he can move around in the pocket or scramble if necessary. The backfield lost Steven Ridley but they have a good core of talented sophomores including Michael Ford, Spencer Ware and Alfred Blue. And, if needed, technical wide out Russell Sheppard can run and he can even play QB but he's best at the receiver position. Rueben Randle is now Jefferson's number one option now that Terrance Toliver is done. Center P.J. Lonergan isn't too bad on the offensive line. 7 returners on defense is enough for the Tigers even though they did lose sure top 10 pick Patrick Peterson at cornerback. Also gone are defensive tackle Drake Nevis and linebacker Kelvin Sheppard. Though the secondary is still strong thanks to All-SEC Selection Morris Claiborne, who has speed and good hands for a cornerback.

Heisman Hopeful: Jordan Jefferson
SEC Rank: 1st

College Football Preview 2011: 1. Oklahoma Sooners

1. Oklahoma Sooners
Key Position Players
QB Landry Jones- Junior
RB Roy Finch- Sophomore
WR Ryan Broyles- Senior
LB Travis Lewis- Senior
CB Jamell Fleming- Senior
Once again Bob Stoops has a national title contender this year thanks to the return of Ryan Broyles and Travis Lewis. Broyles was a top notch receiver last year and will again be junior Landry Jones number one option. Sophomore Kenny Stills will improve dramatically in 2011. Roy Finch may be the next Adrian Peterson and he'll take pressure off Jones. Leading the way for Finch will likely be sophomore Gabe Ikard and junior Tyler Evans. The defensive line lost end Jeremy Beal but they still have talent especially at the tackle spot with Casey Walker and Stacy McGee. The linebacker core is very, very talented with Lewis and Travis Wort. Lewis not only makes loads of tackles but he can force turnovers whether it's an interception or the fumble. Ronnell Lewis is more of a special teams man but he is one of the hardest-hitting players in the nation. Jamell Fleming will be the best player in the secondary now that safety Quinton Carter is gone.

Heisman Hopeful: Landry Jones
Big 12 Pick: 1st

Final Four Picks

National Semifinal:
8 Butler vs. 11 VCU
Both of these have made improbable runs to the the Final Four but only one can advance to the National Championship. My pick? Butler. They have a beast inside in Matt Howard who had a strong game against a tough inside from Florida. Sure, the Bulldogs likely won't be able to keep up pace with the Rams' constant up-tempo attack. Joey Rodriguez is the leader of the running team. He can pass and can score when needed. His quick hands also make him a guy who can steal and make the lay-up on the other side. Sweet Bradford Burgess is a guy who needs to score(15.8 points this year) and also needs to defend Shelvin Mack. Mack, the talented guard who led Butler in points with 21.3 points per game has to have a big game in order for the Bulldogs to get back to the title game.
Butler, 69 VCU, 63
National Semifinal:
3 UConn vs. 4 Kentucky
Two of the most historic basketball teams in history will square off in a great Final Four matchup. The Huskies finished off ninth in the Big East but had the talent enough to make the run all the way to the national semis. Kemba Walker needs to be slowed down if the Wildcats hope to win. But, he isn't the only option thanks to guard Jeremy Lamb who had a big game in the win over Arizona. Alex Oriakhi needs to be a big man inside that can stop Terrence Jones and Josh Harrellson. Harrellson has improved dramatically, not in scoring, but, in overall play. Terrence Jones has opened up tons of options for the Wildcats thanks to his dribbling ability despite being a power forward. The 'Cats hope desperately that their little experience won't matter in this war. The experience that is left- mostly just DeAndre Liggins and Darius Miller- will have to have big games. And, they likely will.
Kentucky, 77 UConn, 70