College Football Preview: 6. Oregon Ducks

6. Oregon Ducks Returning Starters: 14 Returning Star: RB Kenjon Barner Key Loss: QB Darron Thomas Player to Watch: WR De'Anthony Thomas Many people could look at this Ducks team, and with the losses of stars Darron Thomas and LaMichael James, count them out. But with the return of underrated Kenjon Barner and an improving defense the Ducks will still be in the title hunt. Thomas might not have had a great arm but nobody can deny the fact that he went 22-3 in two seasons there. Thomas' replacement will likely be sophomore Bryan Bennett. Bennett is not experienced but I think he'll do good in Chip Kelly's offense. He has a good back to take off the strain in Barner. Barner's first few seasons at Oregon were overshadowed by James but now he has the backfield position all to himself. Barner isn't as fast as James but is just as athletic and can find lanes. Though the most athletic player on the Ducks offense isn't Bennett nor Barner. Its wide receiver De'Anthony Thomas who had a spectacular freshman year. Thomas is especially valuable on special teams where his speed carries him. If he can become more of a receiver and blocker he could become on of the best overall players in the nation. Justin Hoffman and Josh Huff aren't as athletic as Thomas but are more reliable targets for a maturing Bennett. The offensive line is nothing more then decent. Guard Carson York is an experienced blocker and senior Nick Cody will be a big help. The defense has always taken a backseat to the offense but don't underestimate it especially after 8 starters return. The defensive line is definitely one of the teams strengths being one of the best in the Pac 12. End Dion Jordan is fast and has good moves. He'll keep tackles occupied freeing the way for improving sophomore Tony Washington on the other side. Junior Taylor Hart is a talent at the tackle slot. The Ducks secondary was strong last season but losing Cliff Harris and Eddie Pleasent stings. Senior safety John Boyett returns as a reliable tackler. But, both cornerbacks are sophomores and not very experienced. With Thomas the special teams is lethal and senior punter Jackson Rice is one of the best in the Pac 12. Heisman Hopeful: Kenjon Barner Pac 12 Rank: 2nd

College Football Preview: 5. Georgia Bulldogs

5. Georgia Bulldogs Returning Stars: 15 Returning Star: S Bacarri Rambo Key Loss: TE Orson Charles Player to Watch: CB Sanders Commings This is the team Mark Richt has been waiting for since the days of Knowshon Moreno's dominance. 15 starters including two All-Americans return from a team that played in the SEC championship game last year. Aaron Murray had a very good sophomore year and is ready to have an even better junior year. He's athletic with a great accurate arm. Hutson Mason is another option in case of injury. The backfield is also pretty strong. Sophomore Isaiah Crowell will likely start at the tailback position. He runs hard and is an option to pass too out of the backfield. Senior Carlton Thomas and junior Brandon Harton could get rushes also. Murray lost an important target in tight end Orson Charles who left to the NFL. Sophomore Malcolm Mitchell is a good target and is speedy. Senior Tavarres King is more experienced and has the same amount of talent. Junior Arthur Lynch will likely replace Charles at the tight end position. The offensive line is a big issue. Tackles Cordy Glenn and Justin Anderson are gone which leaves a big gap. Junior guards Kenarious Gates and Chris Burnette will lead the way for Crowell. The defense may be one of the best in the nation. The line is the weakest unit but is still good. Tackle John Jenkins is huge and can apply pressure and senior Abry Jones is athletic on the end. Outside linebacker Jarvis Jones hits hard and can finish plays all around the field. Along with Jones senior Michael Gilliard is electric. The secondary is very talented and will give quarterbacks headaches. Cornerbacks Branden Smith and Sanders Commings are talented but a little raw. I could see Commings having a breakout senior season. Senior safety Bacarri Rambo will break up plays and can nail receivers. Though his future is definitely in question. After having great special teams last year the Bulldogs will lose kicker Blair Walsh and punter Drew Butler. Heisman Hopeful: Aaron Murray SEC Rank: 3rd

College Football Preview: 4. Oklahoma Sooners

4. Oklahoma Sooners Returning Starters: 15 Returning Star: QB Landry Jones Key Loss: WR Ryan Broyles Player to Watch: QB Landry Jones Few teams were more disappointing then the Oklahoma Sooners of 2011-2012. Starting of the season number one, the Sooners had a Heisman canidate at QB (Landry Jones), a star receiver (Ryan Broyles) and a fantastic linebacker (Travis Lewis). Now the Sooners hope they have matured enough to have a successful 2012 season. Jones is back for his senior season and is hoping that '12 will go a lot smoother than last year. Jones has a good arm and is dominant when he is on, but, when he isn't he constantly turns the ball over. He struggled without Broyles to through to last season. The Sooners backfield was inconsistent without a leader like Demarco Murray. Dominique Whaley is back but will not play much this season due to injury. That leaves the door open for junior back Roy Finch. Finch looked decent in his playing time last season. He may improve this year thanks to a great fullback and line. Fullback Trey Milliard will lead the way for Finch. Milliard is big and bulky and perfect for the Sooners offense. Receiever Broyles may be gone but Jones still has good hands to throw to thanks to junior Kenny Stills. Stills had a strong sophomore year and will be constantly targeted. Junior Jaz Reynolds also makes his return giving Jones another consistent option. Oklahoma lost tight end James Hanna who was a good blocker. The offensive line is strong losing just one starter. Center Gabe Ikard is one of the nation's best at that position. Senior Lane Johnson, Adam Shead and Tyler Evans complete the rest of the line. The defense has some questions but is still a decent unit. On the line, the Sooners are okay. Tackle Casey Walker and senior Jamarkus McFarland stuff runners up the middle but the pass rush is one the weaker side. Junior Tom Wort had a strong sophomore year and will help stopping the run. Corey Nelson can make plays all over the field. The defensive back has talent but is still pretty inconsistent. Senior Demontre Hurst may be the best defender on the team. Heisman Hopeful: Landry Jones Big 12 Rank: 1st

College Football Preview: 3. Alabama Crimson Tide

3. Alabama Crimson Tide Returning Starters: 12 Returning Star: OT Barrett Jones Key Loss: RB Trent Richardson Player to Watch: RB Eddie Lacy The Crimson Tide dominated the college football landscape by having Trent Richardson run wild behind an experienced and talented offensive line and dominate on defense thanks to a suffocating, ball-hawking secondary. Though nine starters are gone from last year's national title team including Richardson, linebacker Courtney Upshaw and defensive leader Dont'a Hightower. Quarterback A.J. McCarron returns for his junior season. He isn't a stats machine but will get the job done and the Tide have never been a pass first team. Without Richardson in the backfield, they're definitely weaker but are hoping Eddie Lacy can fill in. Lacy is a hard runner but also has speed. I think he'll learn how to be a starter this season and next year can be a star. Jalston Fowler is the other back option for Alabama and has great speed. The Tide lost receiver Marquis Maze which stings but McCarron still has people to pass to. Junior Kenny Bell has good hands and had a strong sophomore season. I think he'll have a breakout third year. Junior Kevin Norwood is a talent and sophomore Christian Jones makes plays. Tight end Michael Williams is a good blocker and can be a safety blanket for McCarron who is still gaining confidence. The offensive line was one of the best in the nation last year and will be once more in 2012. It is headed by tackle Barrett Jones who was an All-American last season. Junior D.J. Fluker will block other pass rushers on the other side. Guard Chance Warmack will lead the way for Lacy and Fowler. The center position is a question after William Vlachos left. The defense is a lot weaker without Upshaw and Hightower but the line is still pretty strong. Senior Jesse Williams is pretty athletic and can hit hard. Senior Damion Square is a beast on the other side. The linebackers only return Nico Johnson. Johnson is good and makes plays all around the field. The rest of the starters will likely include Adrian Hubbard and junior C.J. Mosley. The secondary lost a lot also including Mark Barron and Dre Kirkpatrick. But safety Robert Lester will return for his senior season and may be the most talented defender. Will Lowery, John Fulton and junior Dee Milliner will probably fill in the other defensive back slots. Kicker Jeremy Shelley returns and has quite a leg. Heisman Hopeful: A.J. McCarron SEC Rank: 2nd

College Football Preview: 2. USC Trojans

2. USC Trojans Returning Starters: 16 Returning Star: QB Matt Barkley Key Loss: OT Matt Kalil Player to Watch: QB Matt Barkley The 2011 season started off rough for the Trojans but in the last month nobody wanted to play them. Now most of that USC squad returns for 2012. That includes senior quarterback Matt Barkley who is one of the leaders of the Heisman race. Barkley found his confidence last season. He has a good accurate arm and can throw deep balls too. It never hurts when you have two wide receivers as talented as Robert Woods and Marqise Lee. Both are very athletic and have sticky hands. For the first time in years the Trojans backfield may be one of the weaker in the conference. Senior back Curtis McNeal will likely start after Marc Tyler graduated. I think that he'll get the job done but hes not very athletic. Other than Woods and Lee, Barkley has some other good wide outs to pass too. Brice Butler and Xavier Grimble are big and reliable targets for Barkley. They will be valuable options against some of the tough secondaries he'll face in the Pac 12. The offensive line lost just one player but he was a very good one. Tackle Matt Kalil had good feet and constantly helped Barkley stay alive in the pocket. Without him the job of protecting their quarterback will turn to junior tackle Kevin Graf, sophomore guard Marcus Martin and center Khaled Holmes. With guys like this the offense will run like a well oiled machine. The defense is ready for another strong year. The line lost some talent but also returns some. Nick Perry and DaJohn Harris are gone but the Trojans were boosted by end Wes Horton and senior Devon Kennard. Though the team may be a little weak up the middle. I really liked linebacker Chris Galippo and the loss will hurt for the Trojans. But not as much becuase they return sophomore Dion Bailey. He can hit hard and is a sure tackler. Lamar Dawson and sophomore Hayes Pullard will likely be the other starters with Bailey. Though, the premiere part of this defense is the secondary headlined by Nickell Robey and T.J. McDonald. Robey enters this season as a junior and is speedy and can stick to wide receivers like glue. Senior Isiah Wiley is another talented defensive back while Jawanza Starling can hit. The special teams isn't amazing but kicker Andre Heidari is pretty good as he enters his sophomore year. The Trojans are in a weakened conference with a talented quarterback and a team that is ready to capture it's glory days now that it is eligible for the postseason. Heisman Hopeful: Matt Barkley Pac 12 Rank: 1st

Special Edition: NBA Playoffs

Celtics vs. Heat Series Will the Heat drop out even before they get to the championship? In order to stay alive they must take the last two games of the series on the road against an experienced team that is playing at the top of the game. Sounds tough but with three all-stars on your roster you always have a chance. Rajon Rondo has played terrific this playoffs and I don't think whoever the Heat can bring can stop him. Though he hasn't been the MVP of these playoffs for the Celtics it has been Kevin Garnett. Without Chris Bosh to stop him Garnett has had a powerful playoff. He's been able to play in the paint and rotate outside to the perimeter. They have depth inside if the old body of Garnett can't hold up. But the Heat have Wade, Bosh and James. The problem: Bosh likely won't play much more minutes then last night's 14, and whenever Miami gets to the playoffs Wade and James can't seem to find any chemistry together. The bench is pretty weak and no one can stop KG. I think they need a more consistent point guard then Mario Chalmers. The Celtics are ready to end the series and kill the Heat's second season with the Big Three (and their second without a championship). I think they will in Game 6 or 7. Thunder vs. Spurs Series After winning the first two games of the series by playing nasty and pyschical the Spurs looked prime to win the Western Conference. But all of that has been shattered by Kevin Durant's reappearance, Tim Duncan's bad shooting and the loss of the nasty. Durant has been on fire the last three games, Russell Westbrook is playing well and the big men have been able to recover. But will the experience hurt the Thunder as they work against the Spurs. In order to win Manu Ginobli has to play better defense, Duncan has to start making his shots and Neal and Danny Green have to provide stablity on the perimeter. Its pretty unlikely that the Spurs will still able to win this series but its not impossible.

Thoughts on NBA Draft

The NBA season is drawing to a close which means it is time to talk about the draft and who might be taking who this June. The Charlotte Bobcats will likely get the top pick or at least one of the higher ones after a season that was too bad to describe. Of course, if they do end up with number one they'll right away think of Anthony Davis. The shot-blocking beastly Davis led Kentucky to a national championship in just his first year at Lexington. The Bobcats basically need help at every single position except with the exception of point guard which they hope Kemba Walker will fill. If not Davis the Bobcats would probably look at his teammate Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Thomas Robinson. It would be pretty tough to pass up on the National Player of the Year with the first pick though. The Hornets first year without Chris Paul went pretty much as expected, bad. They will probably land around the five slot or even as high as number one if they could somehow surpass the Bobcats. They will need help at forward so Kidd-Gilchrist is probably their most likely option in this year's draft. Andre Drummond wasn't a big name unless you were a NBA scout. He's huge with a large wingspan. He is an Anthony Davis without the college success or Player of the Year award. Harrison Barnes has been a big NBA prospect back from the days he played high school ball at Ames, Iowa. He's a talented explosive small forward. If the Hornets don't end up with Kidd-Gilchrist it isn't insane to think that Barnes would be their second choice. The first guard to be taken? Expect Bradley Beal from Florida or Kendall Marshall from North Carolina. Marshall is my favorite guard of this year's crop. He reminds me of a Chris Paul mixed with Rajon Rondo hybrid minus the speed. Austin Rivers gained respect from the Duke fans by nailing a buzzer beater to take down rival UNC but still has to earn the respect of scouts. With the right coach this guy could be turned into a better ball handler. He'll probably end up as a top ten guy or a little later on. A less informed college basketball expert might have him going top five. But realistically he'll probably end up around the 10 slot. He was a man among boys in college but some of the parts of his game might need some polishing. Have you forgot about Royce White Big Ten fans? The once feared forward from Minnesota ended up with the Iowa State Cyclones pretty off the radar. But if you saw the Kentucky-Iowa State tournament game this spring you would know he has a lot of talent. He will probably end up around the 15 area where the Rockets might take a serious look at him.

College Football Preview 2012-2013: 1. LSU Tigers

1. LSU Tigers Returning Starters: 11 Returning Star: DB Tyrann Mathieu Key Loss: WR Rueben Randle
Players to Watch:
QB Zach Mettenberger- Junior
TB Spencer Ware- Junior
DE Sam Montgomery- Junior
DB Tyrann Mathieu- Junior
S Eric Reid- Junior
No team losing half their team has this much talent coming back. Definitely the most dominant regular season team in the nation last year, it all fell apart in the championship against Alabama. They couldn't score for anything and their big defensive stars couldn't stop the Tide's offense. Now, the championship wouldn't slide out of the Tigers hands. Gone are Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee but Les Miles is hoping he found a gem in Zach Mettenberger. As him name states the QB isn't flashy but the transfer is effective and will get the job done. Its the backfield that will be the offense. Back is All-SEC tailback Spencer Ware along with three other backs: Kenny Hilliard, Michael Ford and Alfred Blue. Ware will obviously get the most carries and will give opposing defensive coordinators headaches. Rueben Randle, the Tigers' top receiver last year was actually a big loss. He leaves behind a weak receiving core for Mettenberger to work with. The Tigers offensive line is a definite strength. Tackles Chris Faulk and Alex Hurst will keep tough SEC pass rushers in check while underrated center P.J. Lonergan snaps it. The defense lost 6 starters but back are some of the most important. The pass rush was amazing last year and looks to be just as good this year thanks to the return of end Sam Montgomery and end Barkevious Mingo. Other than the quarterback situation and wide reciever position the linebacker core is another issue. Junior Kevin Minter is the lone returner in it. The secondary is one of, if not the best in the SEC. Heisman finalist Tyrann Mathieu returns. He is one of the best game changers I have ever seen. Eric Reid's interception in the Tigers win over the Crimson Tide earlier in the season was one of the few times people noticed the safety. But, in fact, Reid had a fantastic year. His return helps significantly. Special teams may be one of the best in the nation thanks to punter Brad Wing's and kicker Drew Alleman's return.

Heisman Hopeful: Tyrann Mathieu
SEC Rank: 1st

Final Four Picks

1 Kentucky vs. 4 Louisville
Few people will have the four-seeded Louisville taking down the number one overall team in the nation. But this one will be closer than most think. The Wildcats have a guy in the middle named Anthony Davis. Hes okay, I guess. Obviously I'm kidding. The freshman is a freak. He's big with huge hands, ideal for shot-blocking and rebounding. Another freshman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will be a big issue for the Cardinals also. Gilchrist is a powerful forward that can handle the ball and rebound also. With Anthony Davis inside people tend to forget about the other big man, Terrence Jones. I don't think that inside the Cardinals are any where close to what the Wildcats can bring. Though Louisville does have some interesting figures. Peyton Siva has had a dream tournament. He has an improved shot, can drive in but his special skill is his ability to pass. He runs the offense smoothly. They have some other options with Kyle Kuric, Chane Behanen and Gorguei Dieng but it's Kentucky they're facing here. Kentucky overpowers the Cardinals. Kentucky, 77 Louisville, 68
2 Kansas vs. 2 Ohio State
I believe Bill Self should win coach of the year. Losing both of the Morris brothers, Josh Selby and some other valuables and still leading the Jayhawks to the Final Four. Few can deal with Thomas Robinson inside. He has an enormous wingspan, can shoot, and is intimidating. The exact same can be said for Jared Sullinger. We can't get through this prediction without mentioning the match up earlier in the year. Though Sullinger didn't play in that game. Tyshawn Taylor and Elijah Johnson give teams troubles and Jeff Withey can swat away shots inside. The Buckeyes also have a formidable front line that includes crafty Aaron Craft, William Buford and powerful Deshaun Thomas. Depth is an issue for both of these teams in my opinion. Ohio State looks better on paper but I see Kansas finding a way to win. Kansas, 70 Ohio State, 67

Top Ten Power Rankings

1. Kentucky I'll give the Wildcats the edge over Syraucuse here I guess. They've found a nice stroke but the SEC won't give up trying to knock them down. With the slick combo of Anthony Davis and Marquis Teague they should secure a number one seed.
2. Syracuse The Orange have been flawless except for the loss to Notre Dame but I think this team will get beat up down the stretch. Games against Louisville, UConn and a tricky South Florida team still remain not mentioning the Big East tournament.
3. Missouri The Missouri Tigers started off hot but as some have done they haven't cooled down. Headed by a balanced attack of guards like Michael Dixon, Kim English, Marcus Denmon and the Pressey brothers they'll be a tough opponent in the Big Dance.
4. Duke Thanks to leadership and skill the Blue Devils once more look like a contender for a championship. If Austin Rivers keeps on playing at the level he is and the Plumlees keep dominating down low, Duke will dance to the Final Four.
5. UNC Though the Heels haven't been as dominant as expected they are still a very good team. I think they can beat Virginia and Duke in their final few games and have a comfortable seed in the tournament.
6. Kansas Thomas Robinson is a beast. And hes a big reason the Jayhawks are playing at the level they are playing at. I'm still nervous about how this team will play later on but right now Kansas looks like a Big 12 champ.
7. Baylor I don't know what the deal is with Baylor. They have a strong record but their losses have been blowouts. More consistency needs to happen if they want to make the Elite Eight.
8. Michigan State Tom Izzo has proved time and time again that you can never give up on the Spartans. Now the expectation is a deep tournament run which Izzo always seems to manage. If that is to happen Draymond Green has to keep chugging along. When hes on he is a double-double machine. I think the rest of the team is good enough to do damage down the stretch.
9. Ohio State Jared Sullinger is dominant and gets all the press. But the Buckeyes aren't just Sullinger. Aaron Craft is efficient and can shoot and William Buford showed he can hang after a dominant showing at Minnesota. With an effective bench Thad Matta's team shouldn't wash out in the Sweet 16 this year.
10. Georgetown The Hoyas have turned it on this season which wasn't expecting considering they lost leaders Austin Freeman and Chris Wright. But Jason Clark has taken over as a strong scorer and Otto Porter and Hollis Thompson are effective anywhere on the court.