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2010 NFL Predictions: Seattle Seahawks

Jimmy Boyd — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:58:58 +0000

The Seattle Seahawks were the cream of the crop in the NFC West when they made five straight playoff appearances from 2003-2007, winning the division title four of those years. That run of success has made the last two seasons especially tough to take.

The Seahawks managed only four wins in 2008, and just five in 2009. In order to speed up the rebuilding process, Seattle has turned to former USC head man Pete Carroll. While at USC, Carroll had his teams contending for national titles year in and year out. However, winning in the NFL is a different animal. The good news is Carroll knows that. He has a mediocre 33-31 record as an NFL head coach, and that should drive him in his second go around in the NFL.

Offense: Seattle ranked No. 25 in the league in scoring offense last season, putting an average of just 17.5 points on the scoreboard each week. The running game was awful and the passing game was just mediocre behind an offensive line filled with question marks.

In order for Seattle to contend for an NFC West title, the line must play better in 2010. To bolster this unit, the Seahawks added Russell Okung with their sixth overall pick and Ben Hamilton through free agency. While I like both of these moves, they won’t turn the line into a strength overnight. The hope is that the unit can mesh by mid-October following Seattle’s bye week.

The line will certainly have to play better for Seattle to improve its running game. A little bit of blocking will go a long way for speedy scatbacks Justin Forsett and Leon Washington.

The Seahawks brought in Charlie Whitehurst, but this is still Matt Hasselbeck’s team. After playing in just seven games in 2008, Hasselbeck bounced back to play 14 games in 2009. He finished the season with 3,029 yards and 17 touchdowns with 17 interceptions. Those numbers were actually pretty solid when you consider how many throws he had to make under pressure.

If Hasselbeck can get a little better protection this year, he could be poised for a big season. After all, he has some nice targets to spread the ball around to in T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Mike Williams, Deion Branch and John Carlson.

Defense: The Seattle defense needs a lot of work after giving up 24.4 points per game in 2009. The biggest thing that needs fixed is a pass defense which was among the worst in the entire league (30th in the NFL).

Recognizing the need for upgrades in the secondary, the Seahawks went after Texas safety Earl Thomas in the draft. They’ll need him to step in right away and produce. They’ll also need guys like cornerback Marcus Trufant to have a bounce back year.

The defensive backfield doesn’t deserve to take all the heat for Seattle’s poor pass defense. After all, it was the boys up front that couldn’t put any heat on opposing passers. Seattle was among the worst pass rushing teams in the NFL last season, only recording 28 sacks. NFL quarterbacks are good enough to pick apart any defensive backfield if given all day to throw.

The linebacker corps is strong with Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill and Aaron Curry. Injuries kept this trio from being one of the best in the league last season. Hopefully, that won’t be the case again.

Prediction: 2nd NFC West – The Seahawks have question marks up front on both sides of the football, but I believe this team is ready to challenge for a winning season if it can finally avoid the injury bug. Because the NFC West is weak, the Seahawks will have a shot to contend for the title, but right now the 49ers look to have the edge in the division race. Check out my 2010 NFL predictions to see which teams I have winning the other seven divisions.

Beat the NFL odds in 2010 with the help of world champion handicapper Jimmy Boyd!

Louisiana-Monroe Football Predictions

Jack Jones — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:12:48 +0000

The Warhawks finished the 2009 Season with a record of 6-6 (5-3 in conference) and once again failed to secure a their first bowl bid in school history. The turn of bad luck cost former coach Charlie Weatherbie his job after closing out the 2009 season with a second half record of 2-4. In to take over is former Army coach Todd Berry who has raised a few eyebrows amongst the fans, coming in with a 5-36 record overall.

But the school believes it’s the perfect time to bring in a new coach, as the Warhawks will likely spend most of the upcoming season looking to rebuild. Berry who also spent three years as an offensive coordinator for UNLV, retained respected defensive coordinator Tony Reffett after a solid showing where Monroe was 3rd in the conference in points allowed. This seems to be the foundation that Berry will use to build a team around.

Berry will need standout performances and leadership from the teams’ few upperclassman as the team heads into the 2010 season without twelve starters from last season’s 3rd place finisher.

The Warhawks will be tested early playing a tough schedule of twelve straight games, only five of which are at home. They will face non-conference teams including Arkansas, Auburn and LSU in what may be one of the toughest schedules in the Sunbelt this year.

Here’s a closer look at the 2010 Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks to help make your College Football wagers winners.

Offense:

Last season the Warhawks averaged nearly 26 points per game, and the good news is that the offense is not fully decimated as five out of 11 starters will return including QB Trey Revell who was solid, throwing for 1,700 yards with 12 touchdowns for a rating of 134.6.

The one weakness that Revell must reverse this coming season will be his tendency to throw the ball to the guys in opposite colored jerseys. He tossed 12 picks last season. In the meantime, Berry has made a bold move to create competition for the position by indicating he will give the starting role to redshirt freshman Kolton Browning who was a high school standout but has yet to really be tested at this level. If not another freshman patrolling the sideline is Cody Wells.

While the Warhawks may come up short in the pivot position, they will remain solid with senior tailback Frank Goodin in the backfield. The 5-9, 219-pounder rushed for over 1,100 yards and 13 TDs in 2009 and was the driving force behind UL-Monroe’s best offensive output in the last 10 years. If Revelle can get back in form, his presence as a dual threat QB along with Goodin could create a formidable combination.

Meanwhile, ULM did lose two of its top receivers from last year’s squad but junior WR Luther Ambrose will return on the heels of a mediocre 2009 season. He will be flanked by WR Darrell McNeal who scored six TDs during last year’s campaign. Further on the depth chart are mostly underclassmen with no playing experience.

Finally, the offensive line is also very inexperienced with only two returning starters leaving the majority of work to be shouldered by the some eager youngsters. This will be a big concern for Berry as he is likely to rely heavily on the running game. Goodwin’s opportunities will be limited, so expecting this offense to score more than 26 points per game is doubtful.

Defense:

Of the two sides the defense appears to be much more anemic with just four starters returning from 2009’s stellar unit. Losing seven starters in a group of seniors that produced four All-Sunbelt selections will be a big deficit to overcome if the Warhawks are going to make a top finish in 2010.

On the line of scrimmage will be junior DE Troy Evans who posted 32 tackles and six sacks last season and will look to step up his leadership. The 6-2, 252-pound senior is a threat on the edge and earned First-Team All-Sun Belt Honors in 2009 for his outstanding play.

The second line is the weakest link in the chain as the all four linebacker spots in the Warhawks favored 3-4 formation will be filled by a very inexperienced group that will be led by senior Theo Smith (57 tackles, 3.5 sacks in 2009), the only returning starter. While the secondary has a bit more experience, ULM did lose a First-Team All-Sun Belt corner but will return lockdown CB Darius Prelow who registered 62 tackles with 12 pass breakups.

2010 Prediction: Third in the Sun Belt: Overall the ULM offense will be the more effective weapon despite a few big question marks, but is likely to struggle to maintain or best last year’s total points per game. In the meantime, the defense has many problems that will need fixing and will be nowhere close to their third in the conference 347 yards per game. They key to any success for the Warhawks will be contingent on the few seniors being able to accept and adapt while providing leadership for a very inexperienced squad. . Warhawks fans can expect 2010 to be a tough one, and will have to look forward to 2011.

For a detailed look at the 2010 Sun Belt Football Predictions check this out.

Also be sure stay up to date on all the college football odds right here this season. And check in often for more college football picks to help make your betting experience a winner.

2010 Florida Atlantic Football Predictions

Jack Jones — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:06:03 +0000

Entering their 10th year in existence, the Florida Atlantic Owls have played two bowl games and have established themselves a formidable contender in the Sun Belt. So failing to secure a bowl appearance on the heels of last year’s 5-7 finish was a huge disappointment for the driving force behind the Owls success – head coach Howard Schnellenberger. The father of Florida Atlantic’s football program has set a goal of reaching a .500 record before moving into the team’s new stadium in 2011.

Can Schnellenberger take the Owls back to the postseason after falling short in 2009?

The team boasts a multitude of strengths, but their weaknesses are sufficient enough that If not addressed, could derail any efforts to improve upon last season’s performance.

With a schedule that is heavily loaded with road games and only four home games, with match ups against non-conference rivals Texas, South Florida, and Michigan State, Schnellenberger’s Owls will definitely be put to the test.

Here’s a closer look at the 2010 Florida Atlantic Florida Owls to help make your College Football wagers winners.

Offense:

The Owls enter the 2010 season with the fewest number of returning starters in the conference with three. Starting at the line, all five starters must be replaced. Much like last season, FAU may be forced to double start players on both sides go the football if Schnellenberger can’t find at least 10 starters in his underclassmen group.

This won’t make it easy on senior quarterback Jeff Van Camp (1372 yards, 12 TD, 2 INT) who started the final five games last season, and will have some pretty big shoes to fill for the exiting Rusty Smith whose collegiate career with the Owls was sprinkled with accolades until it all ended with a sprained shoulder late in the 2009 season.

Van Camp was immediately thrown in for the injured Smith and led the Owls to a 3-2 closing record. So to say the Owls are solid at the position would be a fairly safe bet.

He will be joined. In the backfield by the Sun Belt’s leading rusher and All-Conference selection Alfred Morris, who rushed for 1,392 yards and 13 TDs in 2009. It was a breakout year for the sophomore as Morris took advantage of the opportunity, finishing 13th in the country.

Completing FAU’s big three is senior receiver Lester Jean, who snagged 38 passes for over 500 yards and four TDs last fall. But the remaining downfield targets are young and lack experience.

The Owls offense produced an average of 28 points per game last season, and if they can find a few diamonds in the rough, they may be able to reproduce those numbers. Schnellenberger seems to have a knack for getting players to perform above expectations.

Defense:

Contrary to the Owls offense, the defense will return nine starters. However, they formed the nucleolus of a unit that yielded a garish 453.2 yards per game last season, the worst performance in the short history of the program. FAU also allowed 30 or more points in half of the 12 games on the 2009 schedule.

Now Schnellenberger will have to hope for some major improvement this season as the defense will most likely be the deciding factor in keeping FAU in most of their games. In order to ensure those improvements he has given assistant head coach Kurt Van Valkenburgh control of the defense.

It begins with a line that returns three upperclassmen starters who should be much better this season, especially the junior DE tandem of Kevin Cyrille and Jamere Johnson. Senior Michael Lockley who had 97 tackles in 2009 will be the go to guy, while Cyrille and Johnson will be expected to have breakout seasons.

The linebacking corps will be led by senior Michael Lockley (97 tackles in 2009) who will also be expected to make a lot of big plays in the second row, especially against the run.
Finally, the Owls’ secondary will return all of its starters including three seniors led by safety Marcus Bartels, the team’s top tackler in 2009 with 112 stops.

2010 Prediction: Fourth in the Sun Belt: The Owls must find a way to limit attacks both on the ground and in the air in an effort to keep the opposition within striking distance, making up for their lack of experience on offense. For the past decade Schnellenberger has raised the program to its current Division I status, and mediocrity is not an option as the team chases their first Sun Belt Conference title. If the Owls can get off to a good start it could help in their 2010 campaign, but with a tough scheduled and a lot of questions and youth, I just don’t see them besting their 5-7 finish of last season.

For a detailed look at the 2010 Sun Belt Football Predictions check this out.

Also be sure stay up to date on all the college football odds right here this season. And check in often for more college football picks to help make your betting experience a winner.

2010 FIU Football Predictions

Jack Jones — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:58:00 +0000

The FIU Golden Panthers finished the 2009 season 3-5 in the Sun Belt Conference , but were unable to win a single non-conference game and finished up the year at 3-9. This year they have just 11 returning starters back, but could actually be better on both sides of the ball. To help you get going on the upcoming season, here is a quick look at what the Golden Panthers will bring to the table on both sides of the ball, plus my prediction on where they finish the year in the Sun Belt Conference.

Offense:

The Golden Panthers lose 2009 starting quarterback Paul McCall, but may actually put up better numbers in the passing game this season, as they will likely start Mississippi State transfer Wesley Carroll, who started nine games in his two seasons with the Bulldogs.

FIU will also to turn to a transfer for the starting running back job, as sophomore Jeremiah Harden comes in from Syracuse to take over for junior Darriet Perry, who finished second on the team with 301 yards and three touchdowns last season. Perry will move to the primary backup role, and I look for improved numbers from the running game as well in 2010.

The Golden Panthers return on of the top playmakers in the conference in junior wide out/kick returner T.Y. Hilton, who led the way in 2009 with 57 catches for 632 yards and five scores. Also back in the starting mix is seniors Greg Ellingson and Jason Frierson. The Golden Eagles will also look for junior tight end Dudley LaPorte to get in on the mix this season, as he was forced to sit out last season and use his medical red-shirt.

The big concern for the Golden Panthers offense comes on the offensive line, where FIU has just two starters back from last year in senior center Brad Serini and senior right guard Cedric Mack. That means they have to find two new starters to hold down the two tackle spots, and heading into the fall it looks like it will be junior James Wiggins on the left side and sophomore David Istanich on the right. If this unit struggles to get things going, the offense could take a big hit this season.

Defense:

The Golden Panthers have just five starters back on defense this season, but could actually be better if some young players start to grow and mature. The only starter back on the defensive line is senior defensive end Jarvis Wilson. The key for this unit will be whether or not sophomore defensive end Jonathan Jackson and sophomore defensive tackle Kasey Smith can continue to get better and be more productive in their first season as starters.

At linebacker the Golden Panthers have two quality starters back from the 2009 season in junior middle linebacker Aaron Davis and sophomore weak-side linebacker Winston Fraser. It looks as though sophomore Larvez Mars is going to be added to the starting mix as the starting strong-side linebacker. There is definitely potential for this unit to improve, but again it will depend on the improvements Fraser and Mars make in their second season.

In the secondary the Golden Panthers will feature one of the top corners in the conference in senior Anthony Gaitor, who tied for the team lead with two interceptions last season. The Golden Panthers also have one of the top young safeties in the conference in sophomore free safety Jonathan Cyprien, who finished second on the team with 78 tackles a year ago. It looks as though a couple of seniors will be added at the other two starting spots, as Dezariah Johnson is projected to take over at the other corner spot, while Kreg Brown is slated to take over at strong safety.

Sun Belt Prediction – 8th: I like the Golden Panthers chances of playing better football in 2010, but I don’t think it is going to lead to a better finish in the Sun Belt, as I actually have them dropping a spot this season. The schedule is brutal to start the season, as the Golden Panthers have to play seven of their first ten games on the road, not what you want with a lot of young starters expected to play a big role this season. However I think the Golden Panthers are a team to watch out for next season.

For another look at how the Golden Panthers and the rest of the Sun Belt will finish up this season, check out Jack Jones’s 2010 Sun Belt predictions.

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2010 Army Football Predictions

Jack Jones — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:51:09 +0000

Army was 5-5 with two games remaining in the season, but was unable to grab a win against North Texas or Navy to secure a six win season and their first shot at making a bowl game since 1996. This year the Black Knights are looking to end the bowl game drought, as they have 16 starters back for the 2010 season. To help you get going on the upcoming season, here is a quick breakdown of what the Black Knights will send to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my thoughts on where they finish overall this season.

Offense:

Army like the other service academies really puts all their focus on running the football, as they averaged 204 yards a game on the ground last season. The leading rusher for the Black Knights was freshman quarterback Tyler Steelman, who had 706 yards and five touchdowns. Steelman really didn’t do a whole lot in the passing game, as he threw for just 637 yards and three scores.

The Black Knights welcome Air Force transfer Jared Hassin into the backfield this season as their new starting full back, and with the power Hassin brings to the table, he should be the leading rusher for the Black Knights this season. Also back in the running game are seniors Patrick Mealy and Jameson Carter, who combined for 911 yards and five touchdowns in 2009.

The Black Knights must replace both starting wide receivers, but for a team that attempted just 160 passes last year, this really doesn’t make a big difference in how the offense will look this season. Juniors Davyd Brooks and Austin Barr are expected to step in and start, and will be used more for blocking than catching passes.

Army has four starters back on the offensive line, and that should really help this unit open up some nice holes in the running game this season. The open spot comes at left guard, where sophomore Frank Allen is expected to step in and start, and at 6-4 275 lbs, he should have no problem fitting in with this group.

Defense:

Army brings back eight starters on the defensive side of the ball, and that should really lead to some nice improvements to a defense that gave up just under 22 points a game in 2009. The defensive line should be pretty solid this season, as three seniors are expected to start, with defensive tackle Mike Gann and defensive end Josh McNary returning to their starting spots from last season. The Knights will also use sophomore Nate Combs at defensive end this season, as they plan on using him as a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker.

Army has all three starters back at linebacker this season, and this unit should be a big reason why the Black Knights really improve on this side of the ball. Junior outside linebacker Andrew Rodriguez led the team with 85 tackles, but senior middle linebacker Stephen Erzinger wasn’t far behind with 83 tackles.

In the secondary the Knights also look to make some solid improvements, as they have three of four starters returning this season, including the starting safety duo of seniors Donovan Travis and Donnie Dixon. Also back is junior corner Antuan Aaron, who will likely be joined by senior Richard King.

2010 Prediction – 7-5: I think Army has a great shot at not only reaching the bowl eligibility mark of six wins, but I think they pass that and get seven wins this season, as they should have a very strong running game and a defense that will keep them in games and allow them to run down the clock with the lead late.

If you are looking to bet the college football odds this season, be sure to stop back each week for our expert college football picks.

2010 Washington State Football Predictions

Jack Jones — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:44:38 +0000

Washington State finished up the 2009 season at 1-11, with their only win coming against SMU early in the season, as they finished the year with nine straight losses, all coming against their conference opponents in the Pac-10. This year the Cougars have 15 starters back, but it doesn’t appear like they will have the talent to compete with the rest of the teams in the conference. Here is a quick breakdown of what the Cougars will send to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my thoughts on where they will finish the year in the Pac-10.

Offense:

The Cougars look like they have found an answer at the quarterback position in sophomore Jeff Tuel, as Tuel came in and started the final five games for Washington State and really impressed, completing nearly 59% of his passes for 789 yards and six touchdowns. If Tuel can build of his strong finish, I think the Cougars could have some of the best quarterback play in a long time.

Senior James Montgomery is expected to step in and start at running back this season, as the Cougars lose 2009 top rusher Dwight Tardy. Montgomery finished second on the team with 167 yards and one touchdown, but had the highest average per carry at 4.5.

The Cougars return all three starters at the wide receiver positions, which is another reason why I really like Tuel to step up his game this season. The two guys to watch out for are junior Jared Karstetter and sophomore Gino Simone. Expect Karstetter to be the main redzone target, as he Is a nice big target at 6’4.

Washington State has four starters returning on the offensive line, and if this unit can really show some significant improvements this season, they are going to be a lot better than people think. Not exactly a ton of talent up front, but the experience should go a long ways for this unit.

Defense:

The Cougars really had a hard time stopping their opponents on defense last season, as they gave up just under 39 points a game in 2009. This year the Cougars are hoping to make some decent improvements on this side of the ball, as they return seven starters from last year.

Like the offense, the Cougars appear like they will be much stronger on the defensive line, as they have three starters back from last year, led by sophomore defensive end Travis Long, who stepped in as a freshman and recorded 2 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. Added to the mix will be junior college transfer Brandon Rankin, and he figures to quickly become the Cougars best player at defensive tackle.

With all the talent returning up front, the Cougars have just one starter back at the three linebacker spots, as junior Alex Hoffman-Ellis is back on the weak-side. Junior Louis Bland is expected to step in and start in the middle, while senior Myron Beck is projected to take over on the strong-side. I look for this unit to feed off the strong play up front, and put together a much better season than a year ago.

Two more starters return in the secondary in junior corner Aire Justin and senior strong safety Chima Nwachukwu, but this unit has a long way to go, as the Cougars allowed 276 passing yards a game in 2009. Added to the starting lineup will be sophomore Daniel Simmons at quarterback and sophomore LeAndre Danials at free safety.

Pac-10 Prediction – 10th: Teams better be ready to play the Cougars this season, as they aren’t going to be complete pushovers like they were last season. While I think this is a much better football team than a year ago, I don’t think it results in them moving up in the standings in the Pac-10. The defense still concerns me, as I think they will lose them more games than they help them win this season.

For a complete look at how the conference will finish up this season, check out our 2010 Pac-10 predictions.

If you are looking to bet the college football odds this season, be sure to stop back each week for our expert college football picks.

2010 Vanderbilt Football Predictions

Jack Jones — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 02:25:15 +0000

After making their first bowl game since 1982 the Vanderbilt Commodores quickly came back to reality and finished up the 2009 season at 2-10 and were just 0-8 in SEC play. Things don’t exactly look all that good for the 2010 season, as the Commodores have just 11 starters back. To get a better idea of what the Commodores will look like this season, here is a quick breakdown of what they will send to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my thoughts on where they will finish the season in the SEC East.

Offense:

The Commodores really struggled to get much going in the passing game in 2009, as starter Larry Smith completed just 47 % of his passes for 1,126 yards with only four touchdowns to seven interceptions. Smith is excepted to return as the starter in 2010, but I can’t imagine the Commodores will put up with another year like that if Smith gets off to a bad start.

The Commodores have a couple of talented young players back in the running game this season, as they welcome back their top performers from 2009 in sophomores Warren Norman and Zac Stacy. Norman was the feature back and finished with 783 yards and three scores, while Stacy added 478 yards and three scores as the primary backup. I look for both of these guys to get plenty of touches this season, but could actually see their numbers drop with a weak offensive line expected to step on the field this season.

The Commodores do get three starters back in the passing game this season, as wide outs John Cole and Udom Umoh both return, along with junior tight end Brandon Barden. Red-shirt freshman Brady Brown is expected to find his way into the starting lineup this season, and he adds a huge frame to the mix at 6’5 210 lbs.

The offensive line is a big concern for the Commodores, as they have just one starter back from the 2009 season. This really hurts the progress of both Smith and the two sophomore backs, as it really makes it difficult to move the ball when you can’t get a push up front. If this unit surprise so will the Commodores this season.

Defense:

Only five starters return to the defensive unit, so it looks like it will be a bit of a down year for this side of the ball as well. However the Commodores should be strong up front, as they return junior defensive end Tim Fugger and senior defensive tackle Adam Smotherman. Added to the starting lineup will be junior defensive tackle TJ Greenstone and senior defensive end Theron Kadri, as both played well in limited playing time last season.

At linebacker the Commodores will feature one of the top middle linebackers in the SEC in junior Chris Marve, who led the Commodores with 121 tackles, including 5.5 that went for a loss. The problem is he is the only starter back, as senior John Stokes and sophomore DeAndre Jones are expected to make their way into the starting lineup at the two outside linebacker spots.

Two more starters return in the secondary in junior corner Casey Hayward and junior strong safety Sean Richardson. Expected to join the defensive backfield is junior Jamie Graham at corner and red-shirt freshman Jay Fullam at free safety. This unit wasn’t tested all that much last year, as teams had no need to pass the ball against this defense.

SEC East Prediction – 6th: The offense does have some potential, but I really think the offensive line is going to hold them back this season, and the defense looks like it is going to have a hard time stopping just about any team in the SEC. I look for Vanderbilt to win maybe 1-2 games this season and will likely go winless in conference play again.

For a complete look at how the conference will finish up this season, check out our 2010 SEC predictions.

If you are looking to make some money betting the college football odds this season, be sure to stop back each week for our expert college football picks.

2010 Baylor Football Predictions

Jack Jones — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 02:17:04 +0000

Things didn’t exactly go Baylor’s way in 2009, as the Bears ended up finishing the year 4-8 overall and were just 1-7 in Big 12 play. The Bears lost quarterback Robert Griffin, arguably their best player, after just three games last season and things just fell apart after that. This year the Bears get Griffin back, and should be much more competitive than they were a year ago. Here is a quick breakdown of what the Bears will be sending to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my thoughts on where they will finish the season in the Big 12.

Offense:

There is no question that the Bears are a much better team when Griffin is on the field, so I look for the offense to make some major improvements if he stays healthy and on the field this season. Griffin threw for 2,091 yards with a 15-3 touchdown to interception ratio as a freshman, plus added an additional 843 yards on the ground.

With Griffin back the running game should also improve, as teams must respect the pass more with him on the field. Senior Jay Finley returns as the starting running back, but he led the Bears with just 370 yards last season. I look for a much more productive year out of Finley and backup Jarred Salubi.

The Bears bring back their top threat in the passing game in junior Kendall Wright, who hauled in a team best 66 catches for 740 yards and four touchdowns in 2009. Those numbers could really jump this season with Griffin at quarterback. Also back is sophomore Lanear Sampson. Sophomore wide out Terrance Williams and sophomore tight end Willie Jefferson are expected to make their way into the starting lineup this season.

The offensive line returns three starters from last year, including both starters at the tackle spots. The Bears will have to find two new starters at the two guard spots, and it looks like it will be sophomore Cameron Kaufhold at left guard and junior Robert Griffin at right guard. Still a bit of a concern with this unit, as they are a pretty young group overall.

Defense:

The Bears have just five starters returning on defense this season, and this unit is likely to take a step back in 2010. Up front the Bears do bring back one of the top defensive tackles in the conference in senior Phil Taylor, along with junior defensive end Zac Scotton. That leaves to holes to fill, and it looks like it will be sophomore Gary Mason stepping in at the other end spot, while junior Tracy Robertson takes over at the other defensive tackle spot.

The Bears only starter back at the three linebacker positions is senior outside linebacker Antonio Johnson, who is the top tackler back from last season, as he finished fourth with 77 tackles in 2009. Added to the mix here will be red-shirt freshman Chris McAllister in the middle and junior Elliot Coffey on the outside.

The Bears welcome back the starting corner duo of senior Clifton Odom and sophomore Chance Casey, but must replace both starting safeties. It looks as though senior Byron Landor will take over at the strong safety, while freshman Ahmad Dixon is projected to step in and start at the free safety spot.

Big 12 South Prediction - 5th: Unless the Bears really surprise me this season, I don’t think they are going to be able to catch the top four teams in the South, but I feel like they have a great shot at finishing the season at 6-6 and getting to their first bowl game since 1994!

For a complete look at how the Big 12 will shape up this season, check out our 2010 Big 12 Predictions

If you are looking to make some money betting on the college football odds this season, be sure to check back each week for our expert college football picks.

2010 Air Force Football Predictions

Jack Jones — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 02:07:01 +0000

The Air Force Falcons ended the 2009 season with an impressive win over Houston in the Armed Forces Bowl to push their overall record to 8-5. The Falcons however were unable to crack the top three in MWC play, as they finished fourth at 5-3. This year the Falcons have just 11 starters back, but still appear strong enough to make it back to postseason play. Here is a quick breakdown of what the Falcons will send to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my thoughts on where they will finish the season in the MWC.

Offense:

The Falcons return junior starting quarterback Tim Jefferson, but with the success Air Force has running the football and the emphasis they put on running the ball, Jefferson rarely is asked to step back and throw the ball. In 2009 Jefferson attempted just 93 passes completing 53 of them for 848 yards and five scores.

The main source of the ground game came from senior full back Jared Tew and junior tailback Asher Clark, as Tew led the Falcons with 970 yards and 9 touchdowns, while Clark finished with 865 yards and seven touchdowns on 87 less carries. Five other players ran the ball at least 42 times, including Jefferson, who had 254 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

The Falcons return both starting wide receivers from last year, but the only one that really had an impact on the offense was senior Kevin Fogler, who had a team best 25 catches for five touchdowns. Junior Jonathan Warzeka is the other starter back, and it looks as though senior Chaz Demerath is going to take over the starting job at tight end.

The offensive line is a bit of a concern for the Falcons heading into the 2010 season, as they don’t have a single starter back from last year. Service academies do a pretty good job at producing quality linemen, but no experience back has to have the Falcons worried.

Defense:

Air Force has just six starters back on defense, but they have been relatively strong on this side of the ball, as they allowed just under 16 points a game in 2009. The only starter back on the defensive line is senior defensive end Rick Ricketts, who recorded an amazing 57 tackles last year. Junior Ryan Gardner and senior Wylie Wikstrom are the two new starters up front in the Falcon’s 3-4 scheme.

The Falcons will have to replace both starting inside linebackers this season, but do return sophomore Wale Lawal and senior Andre Morris at the two outside spots. Heading into the start of the season, it looks as though junior Brady Amack and senior Keith Lamendola are going to take over at the two inside spots, and this unit should be pretty solid in 2010.

Three more starters return in the secondary for the Falcons as they get back the starting corner duo of Anthony Wright and Reggie Rembert plus return junior free safety Jon Davis. The only change in the defensive backfield will be the addition of junior Phil Ofill at strong safety.

MWC Prediction – 3rd: I believe that the Falcons are going to surprise a lot of teams in 2010, as I have them currently ranked ahead of BYU in the MWC. I am counting on the five new starters on the offensive line to be much better than many might think with a completely revamped line, but if they struggle the Falcons will likely finish closer to 5th or 6th in the MWC.

For a complete look at where the Falcons and the rest of the MWC will finish the season, check out our 2010 MWC predictions.

If you are looking to make some money betting on the college football odds this season, be sure to stop back each week for our expert college football picks.

2010 TCU Football Predictions

Jack Jones — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:58:15 +0000

The TCU Horned Frogs nearly finished the 2009 season with a perfect record, as their only loss game in their final game against a very good Boise State team in the Fiesta Bowl. The Bulldogs finished the season a perfect 8-0 in MWC play and ended up 12-1 on the year. This year the Horned Frogs open the 2010 season ranked No.7 in the country, as they figure to be even better with 16 starters back from the 2009 season. To get an even better idea of what the Horned Frogs will look like, here is a quick breakdown of what they will send to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my thoughts on where they will finish the year in the MWC.

Offense:

Senior Andy Dalton returns as the starting quarterback for the Horned Frogs, and they are expecting big things from him in 2010, as Dalton really shined in 2009, throwing for 2,756 yards with 23 touchdowns to just eight interceptions. Dalton must stay healthy for the Horned Frogs to not only when the MWC this season, but for a legit shot to win the National Championship.

The Horned Frogs have to make a switch at running back this season, as they lose their top rusher from the 2009 in Joseph Turner. With Turner gone the Horned Frogs will turn sophomore Matthew Tucker to take over the starting job, as Tucker finished second on the team with 676 yards and eight scores in 2009.

A big reason why I expect a huge season out of Dalton in 2010, is the fact that he returns all his starting weapons in the passing game, and it isn’t as though one player stood out over the others, four different players had at least 33 catches for over 400 yards in 2009. The two guys you have to watch out for are seniors Jimmy Young and Jeremy Kerley.

The Horned Frogs should be very strong up front on the offensive line, as TCU has four starters back from the 2009 season, including one of the best tackles in the conference in senior left tackle Marcus Cannon. The only change that this unit will have to make is at right tackle, where red-shirt freshman John Wooldridge is expected to step in and start right away.

Defense:

The Horned Frogs have been very good on the defensive side of the ball, and with seven starters back for the 2009 season this unit should once again be one of the top defenses in the country. Up front the Horned Frogs will feel the loss of defensive end Jerry Hughes, but still have plenty of talent to be very strong on the defensive line. Seniors Cory Grant and Kelly Griffin are both back at the defensive tackle spots, and they also return one of the best defensive ends in the conference in senior Wayne Daniels, who finished second to Hughes with 5.5 sacks last season.

The Horned Frogs also have to replace one of their best linebackers from last season, as they lose their top tackler in Daryl Washington. They should still be very solid at this unit, as they return junior Tank Carder and add a very talented sophomore to the starting lineup in Tanner Brock on the outside.

The Horned Frogs should be pretty solid in the secondary as well this season, but do have to replace both starting corners. It looks as though junior Greg McCoy and senior Jason Teague will step in and start at the two open spots. At safety the Horned Frogs welcome back senior strong safety Tyler Luttrell and one of the best free safeties in the conference in senior Tejay Johnson.

MWC Prediction – 1st: If the Horned Frogs can start the season off with a nice win over Oregon State, I think they have a real legit shot at finishing the year undefeated again in 2009. Whether or not that will be good enough to get them in the title game is still up for debate. Either way I don’t see the Horned Frogs finishing with more than one loss and should go undefeated in MWC play again this season.

Find out where the rest of the teams will finish in the MWC, in our 2010 MWC predictions.

If you are going to bet the college football odds this season, be sure to check out our expert college football picks each week.