Big Ten- Iowa- The popular pick is Ohio State, but the logical one is the Hawkeyes. Quarterback Ricky Stanzi returns to lead what should be an improved Iowa offense that does just enough to win games. The defense led by stud defensive end Adrian Clayborn is always good but could be dynamic this season. They are smart, fast, and well-coached by Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes get Ohio State at home which should be an added bonus.
Big 12- Oklahoma- All the attention seems to be on Texas' replacement at QB Garrett Gilbert, but Landry Jones is the better of the two in my opinion. He got his feet wet last year as a redshirt frosh after Bradford went down and did well for a first-time starter. Jones also has a loaded cast around him with one of the best wide receivers in the country Ryan Broyles and all-purpose back DeMarco Murray who can score anytime they touch the ball. OU will be loaded on defense with studs like Jeremy Beal and Travis Lewis returning. It will all come down to the showdown at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas between Texas and Oklahoma.
Big East- Connecticut- UConn has steadily improved as a program over the last few years and even knocked off SEC foe South Carolina in the bowl game last season. The Quarterback position isn't the strongest with Notre Dame transfer Zach Fraser commanding the huddle, but running back Jordan Todman could be a dark horse heisman candidate--he's that good. The defense is led by an outstanding trio of linebackers (Lloyd Jr, Wilson, Lutrus) that could be getting some postseason accolades.
Pac 10- Stanford- Jim Harbaugh has slowly, yet noticeable turned around a once dormant program in Palo Alto. They also may have the best QB in the entire country and best that they have had since some guy named Elway in Sophomore Andrew Luck. Luck is already making pro scouts drool with his physical tools combined with game savvy. Harbaugh first got this team on the map with a win at USC in the Coliseum a few years ago and now he may very well have blown by USC as a program (for now anyway). This pick is accounting for the fact that USC is not eligible for bowl participation but I still think the Cardinal would have finished above Southern Cal.
SEC- Florida- Gah, can't believe I'm doing this but...it is what it is. The Gators have a new guy at QB in John Brantley who is going to be a premier passer. He has all the tools you look for in a QB, he just hasn't done it as the starter yet. Meyer's crew will lean more on the running game of Jeff Demps, Emmanuel Moody, and Chris Rainey and the deep threat with a guy like Brantley will be there to open it up. Most of the concern would be on the defense where the Gators lost a ton of proven playmakers to the NFL but there are some solid guys behind them ready to step in. I see Florida losing to Alabama in the regular season but then repaying them by beating them in Atlanta for the SEC Title.
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