2013 Post-Spring College Football Top 25
- Thread starter Silkk
- Start date
All I care about is tcu and boise state returning to top ten status
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TCU is no longer playing in a mid major conference. Their days in the top 10 are over. They will lose at least 4 ganes this year.
best defense in the big 12, return of pachall and waymon james sorry tcu is winning the big 12 and will be a top 5 team by years end.
boise state will be top ten
best defense in the big 12, return of pachall and waymon james sorry tcu is winning the big 12 and will be a top 5 team by years end.
boise state will be top ten
LSU will make them look like the mid-major that they are. And the Big 12 is
but they still won't win it.
LSU will make them look like the mid-major that they are. And the Big 12 is
oh peasant:gladqueen:
tcu is beating lsu, a lsu team that couldnt beat klempson when it was loaded with junior and seniors is gonna beat tcu?
Midwest
Hanging em up
I think us (OU) and texas should not be in the top 20....We lost our main core on offense. Defense looking shaking in spring games. Bell has not impressed me as a drop back passer at all. Texas still has mack brown so they will always under perform.
9-3 OU
8-4 Texas
9-3 OU
8-4 Texas
Projected Big 12 standings from espn
Texas, Oklahoma State enter as big favorites to win conference title
By Brian Fremeau | Football Outsiders
1. Texas Longhorns
Projected finish: 10-2
Win total range: 8-4 to 12-0
Chance to win Big 12: 39 percent
A BCS championship game appearance against Alabama at the end of the 2009 season feels like a lifetime ago, but our projection model likes the Longhorns' chances at reclaiming the conference crown. With 19 returning starters, a strong program history, and top-five talent on the roster, Texas has everything it needs on paper. The schedule is friendly as well -- an Oct. 26 game at TCU is the only true road game against another projected Big 12 contender.
The Texas offense has made strides in each of the past two seasons, but the defense will be the difference between the high and low end of our projection window. Texas allowed 19 percent of opponent drives to last at least 10 plays last year, and posted its worst value drive defensive efficiency rating of the past five seasons.
2. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Projected finish: 10-2
Win total range: 8-4 to 11-1
Chance to win Big 12: 30 percent
The Cowboys were better than their 8-5 record last year according to our efficiency data, losing twice when the field position value difference in the game was greater than their margin of defeat. If Oklahoma State can fix that issue, offensive efficiency can take them the rest of the way. Despite featuring multiple quarterbacks in the lineup last season, the Cowboys consistently moved the ball, ranking ninth nationally in first down success rate, a 5 percent improvement over their 2010 and 2011 offenses that led the way to double-digit wins. Mike Gundy's teams have posted top-10 special teams efficiency ratings in each of the past three seasons.
3. Oklahoma Sooners
Projected finish: 9-3
Win total range: 7-5 to 11-1
Chance to win Big 12: 16 percent
With only 11 returning starters and question marks at key positions, Oklahoma appears to be in transition this fall. Blake Bell may have an edge in the quarterback race, but he still needs to prove that he can carry the load -- Landry Jones was responsible for producing 70 percent of the team's total offense over the past three seasons.
Defensively, Oklahoma faced the nation's toughest set of opponent offenses last season according to FEI, and it is likely 2013 won't be much easier. The schedule includes a particularly tricky stretch against Notre Dame, TCU and Texas in consecutive weekends. Our model forecasts a 54 percent chance the Sooners will lose at least two of those games.
4. TCU Horned Frogs
Projected finish: 9-3
Win total range: 7-5 to 11-1
Chance to win Big 12: 14 percent
TCU is a popular pick to contend for the conference championship, and if so, the nine starters returning on defense will lead the way. Gary Patterson's teams have posted top-20 opponent-adjusted defensive efficiency ratings in four of the past five years. The offense needs to settle on a quarterback and take advantage of the field position generated by the defense. A year ago, TCU ranked second nationally in starting field position, but ranked 95th in first down rate, wasting scoring opportunities much too frequently.
The month of October is the most critical stretch, with games at Oklahoma, at Oklahoma State and home against Texas. Winning two of three -- our model gives TCU a 35 percent chance to do so -- will keep the Horned Frogs in contention.
5. Kansas State Wildcats
Projected finish: 7-5
Win total range: 5-7 to 9-3
Chance to win Big 12: 1 percent
Bill Snyder has a history of outperforming expectations, and his Kansas State teams have defied our projection model for several years. But with the departure of Collin Klein, the return of only eight starters and the potentially unsustainable turnover success of a year ago, our data insists that a big step back is in store for the Wildcats.
Kansas State started offensive drives, on average, 11 yards closer to the end zone than its opponents -- the equivalent of 120 yards of offense over the course of a game. If that can be replicated, Kansas State will finish at the top of its projection window with ease.
6. Baylor Bears
Projected finish: 7-5
Win total range: 5-7 to 9-3
Chance to win Big 12: 0 percent
A year ago, Baylor graduated the most prolific offensive weapon in program history, Robert Griffin III, and still managed to maintain its ranking as the No. 1 opponent-adjusted offense in college football this past fall behind Nick Florence. Another new starter at quarterback will take the field in 2013, and Art Briles' offense isn't expected to miss a beat.
Here's the problem: Opposing offenses barely miss a beat against Baylor, either. The Bears ranked 120th nationally in opponent methodical drives (21 percent last at least 10 plays) and 105th nationally in opponent explosive drives (19 percent average at least 10 yards per play). The bottom 25 teams in those efficiency measures won an average of only 3.5 games last year.
7. West Virginia Mountaineers
Projected finish: 6-6
Win total range: 4-8 to 8-4
Chance to win Big 12: 0 percent
The Mountaineers were rolling early on last year, but a five-game losing streak in the heart of the Big 12 schedule and an underwhelming loss to Syracuse in the Pinstripe Bowl has West Virginia trending rapidly in the wrong direction. On top of that, coach Dana Holgorsen needs to replace a dozen starters including offensive stars Geno Smith and Tavon Austin. Efficiency and explosiveness on offense have been trademarks of Holgorsen's teams, but defense is the biggest concern. West Virginia allowed 52 percent of opponent drives to cross the Mountaineers' 30-yard line in 2012. Over the past six seasons, teams that allowed that high of a rate averaged only 2.4 FBS wins on the year.
8. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Projected finish: 6-6
Win total range: 4-8 to 8-4
Chance to win Big 12: 0 percent
Six wins is a modest goal for new coach Kliff Kingsbury, and a nonconference schedule featuring two FCS opponents helps the cause. Texas Tech returns eight starters defensively, and they'll need that experience to make up for possible growing pains on offense. A year ago, the Red Raiders gave up 2.8 points per opponent drive -- they were one of only three teams with a winning FBS record to finish among the bottom 25 in points surrendered per drive. If they repeat that performance, Texas Tech probably will fall to the bottom of its projection window.
9. Iowa State Cyclones
Projected finish: 3-9
Win total range: 2-10 to 5-7
Chance to win Big 12: 0 percent
The Cyclones posted back-to-back bowl seasons in 2011 and 2012, but with only nine starters returning this fall, a slide back to the bottom of the league is likely in order. Coach Paul Rhoads has positioned Iowa State as a dangerous giant killer, but not a threat for the conference title. Defensively, the Cyclones have yet to finish among the top 75 in the country in forcing three-and-outs or surrendering available yards, two data points that are only going to be worse with a young team. Nonconference games against Iowa and Tulsa will probably put Iowa State in a hole early on as well.
10. Kansas Jayhawks
Projected finish: 3-9
Win total range: 1-11 to 4-8
Chance to win Big 12: 0 percent
The Jayhawks are projected to have less than a 25 percent chance of victory in any single Big 12 game, but progress with this program will be measured less by wins and more by narrowing the margin of defeat. Closing the gap with the Big 12 requires doing the little things right, such as eliminating the seven-yard starting field position differential from last year and tightening up special teams deficiencies that cost Kansas more than 40 points of scoring value on the season.
The Jayhawks' defense also needs to focus on limiting big plays -- Kansas gave up an explosive drive (average of 10 yards per play or more) on 20 percent of opponent possessions last season.
By Brian Fremeau | Football Outsiders
1. Texas Longhorns
Projected finish: 10-2
Win total range: 8-4 to 12-0
Chance to win Big 12: 39 percent
A BCS championship game appearance against Alabama at the end of the 2009 season feels like a lifetime ago, but our projection model likes the Longhorns' chances at reclaiming the conference crown. With 19 returning starters, a strong program history, and top-five talent on the roster, Texas has everything it needs on paper. The schedule is friendly as well -- an Oct. 26 game at TCU is the only true road game against another projected Big 12 contender.
The Texas offense has made strides in each of the past two seasons, but the defense will be the difference between the high and low end of our projection window. Texas allowed 19 percent of opponent drives to last at least 10 plays last year, and posted its worst value drive defensive efficiency rating of the past five seasons.
2. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Projected finish: 10-2
Win total range: 8-4 to 11-1
Chance to win Big 12: 30 percent
The Cowboys were better than their 8-5 record last year according to our efficiency data, losing twice when the field position value difference in the game was greater than their margin of defeat. If Oklahoma State can fix that issue, offensive efficiency can take them the rest of the way. Despite featuring multiple quarterbacks in the lineup last season, the Cowboys consistently moved the ball, ranking ninth nationally in first down success rate, a 5 percent improvement over their 2010 and 2011 offenses that led the way to double-digit wins. Mike Gundy's teams have posted top-10 special teams efficiency ratings in each of the past three seasons.
3. Oklahoma Sooners
Projected finish: 9-3
Win total range: 7-5 to 11-1
Chance to win Big 12: 16 percent
With only 11 returning starters and question marks at key positions, Oklahoma appears to be in transition this fall. Blake Bell may have an edge in the quarterback race, but he still needs to prove that he can carry the load -- Landry Jones was responsible for producing 70 percent of the team's total offense over the past three seasons.
Defensively, Oklahoma faced the nation's toughest set of opponent offenses last season according to FEI, and it is likely 2013 won't be much easier. The schedule includes a particularly tricky stretch against Notre Dame, TCU and Texas in consecutive weekends. Our model forecasts a 54 percent chance the Sooners will lose at least two of those games.
4. TCU Horned Frogs
Projected finish: 9-3
Win total range: 7-5 to 11-1
Chance to win Big 12: 14 percent
TCU is a popular pick to contend for the conference championship, and if so, the nine starters returning on defense will lead the way. Gary Patterson's teams have posted top-20 opponent-adjusted defensive efficiency ratings in four of the past five years. The offense needs to settle on a quarterback and take advantage of the field position generated by the defense. A year ago, TCU ranked second nationally in starting field position, but ranked 95th in first down rate, wasting scoring opportunities much too frequently.
The month of October is the most critical stretch, with games at Oklahoma, at Oklahoma State and home against Texas. Winning two of three -- our model gives TCU a 35 percent chance to do so -- will keep the Horned Frogs in contention.
5. Kansas State Wildcats
Projected finish: 7-5
Win total range: 5-7 to 9-3
Chance to win Big 12: 1 percent
Bill Snyder has a history of outperforming expectations, and his Kansas State teams have defied our projection model for several years. But with the departure of Collin Klein, the return of only eight starters and the potentially unsustainable turnover success of a year ago, our data insists that a big step back is in store for the Wildcats.
Kansas State started offensive drives, on average, 11 yards closer to the end zone than its opponents -- the equivalent of 120 yards of offense over the course of a game. If that can be replicated, Kansas State will finish at the top of its projection window with ease.
6. Baylor Bears
Projected finish: 7-5
Win total range: 5-7 to 9-3
Chance to win Big 12: 0 percent
A year ago, Baylor graduated the most prolific offensive weapon in program history, Robert Griffin III, and still managed to maintain its ranking as the No. 1 opponent-adjusted offense in college football this past fall behind Nick Florence. Another new starter at quarterback will take the field in 2013, and Art Briles' offense isn't expected to miss a beat.
Here's the problem: Opposing offenses barely miss a beat against Baylor, either. The Bears ranked 120th nationally in opponent methodical drives (21 percent last at least 10 plays) and 105th nationally in opponent explosive drives (19 percent average at least 10 yards per play). The bottom 25 teams in those efficiency measures won an average of only 3.5 games last year.
7. West Virginia Mountaineers
Projected finish: 6-6
Win total range: 4-8 to 8-4
Chance to win Big 12: 0 percent
The Mountaineers were rolling early on last year, but a five-game losing streak in the heart of the Big 12 schedule and an underwhelming loss to Syracuse in the Pinstripe Bowl has West Virginia trending rapidly in the wrong direction. On top of that, coach Dana Holgorsen needs to replace a dozen starters including offensive stars Geno Smith and Tavon Austin. Efficiency and explosiveness on offense have been trademarks of Holgorsen's teams, but defense is the biggest concern. West Virginia allowed 52 percent of opponent drives to cross the Mountaineers' 30-yard line in 2012. Over the past six seasons, teams that allowed that high of a rate averaged only 2.4 FBS wins on the year.
8. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Projected finish: 6-6
Win total range: 4-8 to 8-4
Chance to win Big 12: 0 percent
Six wins is a modest goal for new coach Kliff Kingsbury, and a nonconference schedule featuring two FCS opponents helps the cause. Texas Tech returns eight starters defensively, and they'll need that experience to make up for possible growing pains on offense. A year ago, the Red Raiders gave up 2.8 points per opponent drive -- they were one of only three teams with a winning FBS record to finish among the bottom 25 in points surrendered per drive. If they repeat that performance, Texas Tech probably will fall to the bottom of its projection window.
9. Iowa State Cyclones
Projected finish: 3-9
Win total range: 2-10 to 5-7
Chance to win Big 12: 0 percent
The Cyclones posted back-to-back bowl seasons in 2011 and 2012, but with only nine starters returning this fall, a slide back to the bottom of the league is likely in order. Coach Paul Rhoads has positioned Iowa State as a dangerous giant killer, but not a threat for the conference title. Defensively, the Cyclones have yet to finish among the top 75 in the country in forcing three-and-outs or surrendering available yards, two data points that are only going to be worse with a young team. Nonconference games against Iowa and Tulsa will probably put Iowa State in a hole early on as well.
10. Kansas Jayhawks
Projected finish: 3-9
Win total range: 1-11 to 4-8
Chance to win Big 12: 0 percent
The Jayhawks are projected to have less than a 25 percent chance of victory in any single Big 12 game, but progress with this program will be measured less by wins and more by narrowing the margin of defeat. Closing the gap with the Big 12 requires doing the little things right, such as eliminating the seven-yard starting field position differential from last year and tightening up special teams deficiencies that cost Kansas more than 40 points of scoring value on the season.
The Jayhawks' defense also needs to focus on limiting big plays -- Kansas gave up an explosive drive (average of 10 yards per play or more) on 20 percent of opponent possessions last season.
sleeper teams article from espn
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- After visiting seven schools from the ACC, Big Ten and SEC in the past three weeks, I came to a few conclusions. Here's one: Coaches are rarely pleased with how their teams look in the spring.
You can follow the logic as to why. It's a season for motivation, of poor-mouthing to leave a message with players that can last through the coach-free summer months and into preseason camp.
North Carolina's Larry Fedora is no different.
"There are a lot of questions," the second-year coach said. "We're an average team coming out of spring. That's what we are, is average."
So we thank Fedora's tone for helping us fit his squad snugly into our classification of spring sleeper teams, those that are not being widely talked about, but could be dangerous by the fall.
Based on that current assessment of mediocrity, I asked Fedora whether he felt his team could compete this fall in the ACC. Suddenly, he perked up.
"No doubt. No doubt," Fedora said. "Just because I say we're average now, that's not to say where we'll be. We don't have to play now. I don't want to be peaking now, in April.
"It's about building it. We don't have to win today."
Other coaches I have talked with about North Carolina are well aware of the Tar Heels. One noted that everyone seems fixated on Ohio State as the again-eligible team to watch, but UNC could make some noise in the ACC and contend for a BCS bowl berth.
Fedora said it begins with a focus on the Coastal Division, now that winning it can again return to the team's list of goals. A division title means you're a single win away from a BCS bowl, Fedora said.
I also spoke with Fedora about the challenges facing new coaches in high-profile programs. He made mention of peers going to schools with talent already in place, and what an advantage that is when expectations begin to mount by Years 2 and 3.
Fedora did not say this, but I will: He entered one of those fortunate, stable situations. Former UNC coach Butch Davis was not let go for his inability to recruit, or even coach.
Just look at this past weekend's draft. The Tar Heels had an offensive lineman, a defensive lineman and a running back taken in the first 37 picks.
The cupboard is not bare, either. Fedora was the only coach on my recent trip to voluntarily give me a position-by-position breakdown of what is returning. He highlighted some strengths and was unafraid to single out a few players who must emerge in order for UNC to fulfill the sleeper destiny. Here are some of the highlights:
Fedora credited quarterback Bryn Renner for really understanding his role in the tempo system by the final four games of the 2012 season. The team won three of those games, scoring an average of 43.8 points. And Renner completed 71 percent of his throws at a very efficient 8.4 yards per attempt (332 yards a game) and 11 touchdowns to only two interceptions.
[+] Enlarge
Robert Willett/Raleigh News & Observer/MCT via Getty Images
UNC receiver Quinshad Davis had 61 receptions for 776 yards and five TDs as a freshman.
Fedora's system, which has been in place since he was an offensive coordinator at Middle Tennessee State in 1999, is all about timing. Renner and his receivers got a better handle on that as time progressed, and he also understood that check-downs were a vital part of the offense -- as opposed to forcing something downfield.
I was most intrigued to hear Fedora talk about junior tight end Eric Ebron, who went from 10 catches as a freshman to 40 as a sophomore in his first year in the new offense. Fedora coached 2009 first-round pick Brandon Pettigrew at Oklahoma State, and he said Ebron is "like Pettigrew, but more athletic. There's no reason why he shouldn't catch 55, 65 passes and have 10 touchdowns" in 2012.
Ebron seems like the perfect complement to No. 1 receiver Quinshad Davis, who caught 61 passes as a freshman and, as he grew comfortable with Renner, finished the season with three consecutive 100-plus-yard games.
Running back has been the position of intrigue for the Heels after the loss of second-round pick Gio Bernard, who averaged 6.67 yards per touch. It will be a collective effort. Fedora called senior A.J. Blue a "big, thick runner." Fedora said sophomore Romar Morris "can go goal line to goal line. He has that big-play ability." And early enrolling freshman Khris Francis, from nearby Durham, showed signs in the spring that he could contribute -- and maybe even star -- in the offense.
Francis had 101 yards in the team's spring game. Fedora said he still has work to do in terms of pass protection, but that's a common refrain from coaches about freshman backs. If Francis is dynamic enough, and it appears that he might be, the staff will get him into games.
Fedora seemed to really like a secondary that returns three pieces and has some depth. Corners Tim Scott and Jabari Price and safety Tre Boston were the veteran players he mentioned from a unit that helped the team post a solid 5.21 yards per play against a season ago.
Fedora mentioned that 6-foot-5, 260-pound senior defensive end Kareem Martin "has a chance to be really good. He's got to have a big year for us." He will be asked to replace the leadership of tackle Sylvester Williams, the 28th overall pick in the draft.
Fedora spurned a few overtures to leave after a season. And why not? There's talent in Chapel Hill, a wide-open division -- and the Heels are again eligible.
Here are five other programs flying under the radar this spring, along with an examination of why they could -- or couldn't -- emerge at the top of their divisions and/or conferences in 2013.
Big East
South Florida Bulls
Why: Coach Willie Taggart is incredibly well respected by his peers. When he left Jim Harbaugh's fold at Stanford to take over at Western Kentucky, some people told me it was the worst job in America. Taggart went from two wins in 2010 to seven in each of the next two seasons, leaving the job for USF and being replaced by ... Bobby Petrino. That's raising the bar.
So believing he could get USF going with Florida kids is not very far-fetched, regardless of what happens to the crumbling football league.
Why not: It's still Louisville's conference to win, so USF can only climb so high. Still, getting back to a bowl from a three-win season would demonstrate what many in the game already firmly believe: Taggart can coach and run a program. He might not be long for Tampa, either.
Big Ten
Northwestern Wildcats
Why: I was recently talking with a Big Ten defensive coordinator about Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller. I wanted to know the specific challenges of facing him. The assistant answered to some extent, and then branched off in an excited tangent about Northwestern QB Kain Colter.
Miller might get the national pub heading into the season, and rightfully so, but Colter is well known in the circles of those tasked with stopping Northwestern's do-it-all offensive talent. Getting matchups for Colter, regardless of where he lines up, is why the Wildcats are a concern to those in the Big Ten.
Why not: Ten wins in 2012 or not -- with or without Colter's versatility -- Northwestern will have to be more efficient on both sides of the ball in 2013. It ranked eighth in the league in yards per play on offense, and seventh in the Big Ten in yards per play against. It would be something for Northwestern to leap either Michigan or Nebraska in the division, but both could be a lot to ask. I, for one, am high on the Wolverines this fall.
Big 12
TCU Horned Frogs
Why: Just picture it after the first weekend: We're digesting Clemson-Georgia, Alabama-Virginia Tech -- and maybe, TCU's upset of LSU in the Cowboys Classic.
If you watched the draft, you know how much LSU lost on defense. So it seems conceivable that a TCU team returning 10 defensive starters and quarterback Casey Pachall could pull the upset. Nebraska transfer Aaron Green is also now eligible at running back.
By the end of the summer, the Frogs could be discussed as a Big 12 contender. And some in the region already seem to recognize that. For now, though, they're still a sleeper. Beat LSU, and they wouldn't be any longer.
Why not: We surmised that the grind of the Big 12 might require some acclimation time. Granted, Pachall's suspension played a part, but TCU did go 2-4 down the stretch and then lost its bowl game. The Frogs were close in most of those games, but can they win some of those close games in 2013?
Pac-12
Arizona State Sun Devils
Why: Everybody's back. That includes defensive tackle Will Sutton, who was expected (by some) to skip his senior season. He led a surprisingly efficient ASU defense, which ranked second in the Pac-12 in yards per play against (4.78). Think about the way Stanford inched into the league race: by playing better defense than most of the conference. Why couldn't ASU be this season's version of Stanford?
Or perhaps ASU could rise in the South Division like UCLA did last season. The Sun Devils, with quarterback Taylor Kelly (8.4 yards per attempt, 29-9 TD-INT ratio), could steal votes from the Bruins for the preseason pick in the division.
A big moment for the Sun Devils could come when they meet Notre Dame on Oct. 5 in Dallas. The school's AD recently expressed frustration with the Irish for pulling out of a later series; stinging Notre Dame in 2013 could vault ASU into the national spotlight.
Why not: Frankly, it's difficult coming up with a reason why ASU wouldn't rise this season. It's an experienced team in a division -- and conference -- that's relatively open.
SEC
Auburn Tigers
Why: Gus Malzahn fits what Fedora was talking about in terms of inheriting talent. A coach outside the SEC made that suggestion -- and then some.
"It reminds me of when Bob [Stoops] got to Oklahoma," he said. "John Blake could recruit. Gene [Chizik] could recruit. Bob won a national title in his second year. Auburn could do that."
My jaw dropped when I heard that, given that the Tigers play in the SEC West, but the relative talent level is the reason why the coach said it. Just getting back to a seven- or eight-win, bowl-bid level -- and again competing in the Iron Bowl -- would be palatable for Auburn fans after enduring a three-win season in 2012.
Why not: That division. You have to really start looking at where the wins will come from. The Tigers will have a number of 50-50 games, particularly those against the bottom of the West (Arkansas, the two Mississippi schools); it's just a matter of how they come together in Malzahn's returned system. The familiarity they have with Malzahn should limit some of the learning curve.
You can follow the logic as to why. It's a season for motivation, of poor-mouthing to leave a message with players that can last through the coach-free summer months and into preseason camp.
North Carolina's Larry Fedora is no different.
"There are a lot of questions," the second-year coach said. "We're an average team coming out of spring. That's what we are, is average."
So we thank Fedora's tone for helping us fit his squad snugly into our classification of spring sleeper teams, those that are not being widely talked about, but could be dangerous by the fall.
Based on that current assessment of mediocrity, I asked Fedora whether he felt his team could compete this fall in the ACC. Suddenly, he perked up.
"No doubt. No doubt," Fedora said. "Just because I say we're average now, that's not to say where we'll be. We don't have to play now. I don't want to be peaking now, in April.
"It's about building it. We don't have to win today."
Other coaches I have talked with about North Carolina are well aware of the Tar Heels. One noted that everyone seems fixated on Ohio State as the again-eligible team to watch, but UNC could make some noise in the ACC and contend for a BCS bowl berth.
Fedora said it begins with a focus on the Coastal Division, now that winning it can again return to the team's list of goals. A division title means you're a single win away from a BCS bowl, Fedora said.
I also spoke with Fedora about the challenges facing new coaches in high-profile programs. He made mention of peers going to schools with talent already in place, and what an advantage that is when expectations begin to mount by Years 2 and 3.
Fedora did not say this, but I will: He entered one of those fortunate, stable situations. Former UNC coach Butch Davis was not let go for his inability to recruit, or even coach.
Just look at this past weekend's draft. The Tar Heels had an offensive lineman, a defensive lineman and a running back taken in the first 37 picks.
The cupboard is not bare, either. Fedora was the only coach on my recent trip to voluntarily give me a position-by-position breakdown of what is returning. He highlighted some strengths and was unafraid to single out a few players who must emerge in order for UNC to fulfill the sleeper destiny. Here are some of the highlights:
Fedora credited quarterback Bryn Renner for really understanding his role in the tempo system by the final four games of the 2012 season. The team won three of those games, scoring an average of 43.8 points. And Renner completed 71 percent of his throws at a very efficient 8.4 yards per attempt (332 yards a game) and 11 touchdowns to only two interceptions.
[+] Enlarge
Robert Willett/Raleigh News & Observer/MCT via Getty Images
UNC receiver Quinshad Davis had 61 receptions for 776 yards and five TDs as a freshman.
Fedora's system, which has been in place since he was an offensive coordinator at Middle Tennessee State in 1999, is all about timing. Renner and his receivers got a better handle on that as time progressed, and he also understood that check-downs were a vital part of the offense -- as opposed to forcing something downfield.
I was most intrigued to hear Fedora talk about junior tight end Eric Ebron, who went from 10 catches as a freshman to 40 as a sophomore in his first year in the new offense. Fedora coached 2009 first-round pick Brandon Pettigrew at Oklahoma State, and he said Ebron is "like Pettigrew, but more athletic. There's no reason why he shouldn't catch 55, 65 passes and have 10 touchdowns" in 2012.
Ebron seems like the perfect complement to No. 1 receiver Quinshad Davis, who caught 61 passes as a freshman and, as he grew comfortable with Renner, finished the season with three consecutive 100-plus-yard games.
Running back has been the position of intrigue for the Heels after the loss of second-round pick Gio Bernard, who averaged 6.67 yards per touch. It will be a collective effort. Fedora called senior A.J. Blue a "big, thick runner." Fedora said sophomore Romar Morris "can go goal line to goal line. He has that big-play ability." And early enrolling freshman Khris Francis, from nearby Durham, showed signs in the spring that he could contribute -- and maybe even star -- in the offense.
Francis had 101 yards in the team's spring game. Fedora said he still has work to do in terms of pass protection, but that's a common refrain from coaches about freshman backs. If Francis is dynamic enough, and it appears that he might be, the staff will get him into games.
Fedora seemed to really like a secondary that returns three pieces and has some depth. Corners Tim Scott and Jabari Price and safety Tre Boston were the veteran players he mentioned from a unit that helped the team post a solid 5.21 yards per play against a season ago.
Fedora mentioned that 6-foot-5, 260-pound senior defensive end Kareem Martin "has a chance to be really good. He's got to have a big year for us." He will be asked to replace the leadership of tackle Sylvester Williams, the 28th overall pick in the draft.
Fedora spurned a few overtures to leave after a season. And why not? There's talent in Chapel Hill, a wide-open division -- and the Heels are again eligible.
Here are five other programs flying under the radar this spring, along with an examination of why they could -- or couldn't -- emerge at the top of their divisions and/or conferences in 2013.
Big East
South Florida Bulls
Why: Coach Willie Taggart is incredibly well respected by his peers. When he left Jim Harbaugh's fold at Stanford to take over at Western Kentucky, some people told me it was the worst job in America. Taggart went from two wins in 2010 to seven in each of the next two seasons, leaving the job for USF and being replaced by ... Bobby Petrino. That's raising the bar.
So believing he could get USF going with Florida kids is not very far-fetched, regardless of what happens to the crumbling football league.
Why not: It's still Louisville's conference to win, so USF can only climb so high. Still, getting back to a bowl from a three-win season would demonstrate what many in the game already firmly believe: Taggart can coach and run a program. He might not be long for Tampa, either.
Big Ten
Northwestern Wildcats
Why: I was recently talking with a Big Ten defensive coordinator about Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller. I wanted to know the specific challenges of facing him. The assistant answered to some extent, and then branched off in an excited tangent about Northwestern QB Kain Colter.
Miller might get the national pub heading into the season, and rightfully so, but Colter is well known in the circles of those tasked with stopping Northwestern's do-it-all offensive talent. Getting matchups for Colter, regardless of where he lines up, is why the Wildcats are a concern to those in the Big Ten.
Why not: Ten wins in 2012 or not -- with or without Colter's versatility -- Northwestern will have to be more efficient on both sides of the ball in 2013. It ranked eighth in the league in yards per play on offense, and seventh in the Big Ten in yards per play against. It would be something for Northwestern to leap either Michigan or Nebraska in the division, but both could be a lot to ask. I, for one, am high on the Wolverines this fall.
Big 12
TCU Horned Frogs
Why: Just picture it after the first weekend: We're digesting Clemson-Georgia, Alabama-Virginia Tech -- and maybe, TCU's upset of LSU in the Cowboys Classic.
If you watched the draft, you know how much LSU lost on defense. So it seems conceivable that a TCU team returning 10 defensive starters and quarterback Casey Pachall could pull the upset. Nebraska transfer Aaron Green is also now eligible at running back.
By the end of the summer, the Frogs could be discussed as a Big 12 contender. And some in the region already seem to recognize that. For now, though, they're still a sleeper. Beat LSU, and they wouldn't be any longer.
Why not: We surmised that the grind of the Big 12 might require some acclimation time. Granted, Pachall's suspension played a part, but TCU did go 2-4 down the stretch and then lost its bowl game. The Frogs were close in most of those games, but can they win some of those close games in 2013?
Pac-12
Arizona State Sun Devils
Why: Everybody's back. That includes defensive tackle Will Sutton, who was expected (by some) to skip his senior season. He led a surprisingly efficient ASU defense, which ranked second in the Pac-12 in yards per play against (4.78). Think about the way Stanford inched into the league race: by playing better defense than most of the conference. Why couldn't ASU be this season's version of Stanford?
Or perhaps ASU could rise in the South Division like UCLA did last season. The Sun Devils, with quarterback Taylor Kelly (8.4 yards per attempt, 29-9 TD-INT ratio), could steal votes from the Bruins for the preseason pick in the division.
A big moment for the Sun Devils could come when they meet Notre Dame on Oct. 5 in Dallas. The school's AD recently expressed frustration with the Irish for pulling out of a later series; stinging Notre Dame in 2013 could vault ASU into the national spotlight.
Why not: Frankly, it's difficult coming up with a reason why ASU wouldn't rise this season. It's an experienced team in a division -- and conference -- that's relatively open.
SEC
Auburn Tigers
Why: Gus Malzahn fits what Fedora was talking about in terms of inheriting talent. A coach outside the SEC made that suggestion -- and then some.
"It reminds me of when Bob [Stoops] got to Oklahoma," he said. "John Blake could recruit. Gene [Chizik] could recruit. Bob won a national title in his second year. Auburn could do that."
My jaw dropped when I heard that, given that the Tigers play in the SEC West, but the relative talent level is the reason why the coach said it. Just getting back to a seven- or eight-win, bowl-bid level -- and again competing in the Iron Bowl -- would be palatable for Auburn fans after enduring a three-win season in 2012.
Why not: That division. You have to really start looking at where the wins will come from. The Tigers will have a number of 50-50 games, particularly those against the bottom of the West (Arkansas, the two Mississippi schools); it's just a matter of how they come together in Malzahn's returned system. The familiarity they have with Malzahn should limit some of the learning curve.
one more insider article big ten projections
Projected Big Ten standings
Picking division winners, plus win ranges and title odds for every team
Big Ten Leaders
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
Projected finish: 10-2
Win total range: 9-3 to 12-0
Chance to win Big Ten: 30 percent
The Buckeyes went undefeated but unrewarded last season, and Urban Meyer's success in Year 2 has been consistent at every stop he's made in his career. Ohio State returns nine starters on offense, including Heisman-hopeful quarterback Braxton Miller, and a leap forward on that side of the ball will make the difference between a mere conference leader and a national championship contender. The Buckeyes produced a respectable 2.7 points per drive a year ago (29th nationally) but went three-and-out on more than a third of their possessions (70th). Our model favors Ohio State in each individual game, and both division challengers, Wisconsin and Penn State, have to make the trip to Columbus.
2. Wisconsin Badgers
Projected finish: 10-2
Win total range: 8-4 to 11-1
Chance to win Big Ten: 24 percent
New coach Gary Andersen inherits a healthy program in Madison, and 15 returning starters should allow for a smooth transition this fall. Joel Stave looks to be the starter at quarterback after a strong spring game, but the Badgers didn't ask much of that position a year ago; only 38.7 percent of Wisconsin's total offense was produced by a quarterback in 2012, the third-lowest percentage nationally.
The Badgers ranked third in pinning opponents deep and forcing them into 80-plus-yard fields. Andersen's old team, Utah State, ranked first in that category. Look for field position to be a driving factor in Wisconsin's success again this fall.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions
Projected finish: 9-3
Win total range: 7-5 to 11-1
Chance to win Big Ten: 7 percent
The Nittany Lions stumbled out of the gate a year ago but found their footing and finished with a respectable eight wins in Bill O'Brien's first year at the helm. Improving on that record will require new faces to step up on defense. Only five starters return to a unit that ranked 10th nationally in points surrendered per drive. The Nittany Lions were particularly stingy in the red zone, allowing scores on only 65.9 percent of opponent red zone possessions, the fourth-best rate in the nation.
The schedule is a challenge, with road trips to Ohio State and Wisconsin. We give Penn State a 94 percent chance of losing one or both.
4. Indiana Hoosiers
Projected finish: 6-6
Win total range: 4-8 to 8-4
Chance to win Big Ten: 0 percent
The Hoosiers haven't had a nonlosing season since 2007, but with 19 returning starters this year, the program has a chance to take a relatively big step forward. The defense needs to make the biggest leap in order to get to bowl eligibility. Indiana allowed 18.4 percent of opponent drives to average at least 10 yards per play last season, and the Hoosiers were able to produce above-average defensive efficiency only twice last year, against Massachusetts and Illinois.
The road slate is brutal (at Michigan State, at Michigan, at Ohio State, at Wisconsin), but our model projects a 47 percent chance of winning six of eight home games.
5. Purdue Boilermakers
Projected finish: 2-10
Win total range: 1-11 to 4-8
Chance to win Big Ten: 0 percent
Purdue didn't have much success in any phase of the game last season, prompting the exit of Danny Hope and the hire of new coach Darrell Hazell. The Boilermakers aren't projected to have much success early on, with the toughest schedule among all Big Ten teams, according to our model. Purdue's first seven Football Bowl Subdivision opponents this fall won a combined 71 games last year.
Hazell has eight returning defensive starters, and the biggest opportunity for improvement on that side of the ball comes with defending value drives. Once opponents crossed the Purdue 30-yard line in 2012, they averaged 5.6 points per possession, 112th nationally.
6. Illinois Fighting Illini
Projected finish: 3-9
Win total range: 1-11 to 5-7
Chance to win Big Ten: 0 percent
Senior quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase has produced more than 7,000 yards of total offense in his career, and he projects to be one of the few bright spots for the Illini in 2013. Even though our model gives Illinois a better chance of doing well in nonconference play than it does Purdue, which is why Illinois' projected overall record is better, it has the Illini finishing behind the Boilermakers in the Big Ten standings.
Illinois couldn't get anything going last year, ranking among the 10 worst FBS teams in first-down success rate, percent available yards earned, explosive drive percentage, overall efficiency and points per drive. Field position management was abysmal as well; Illinois allowed opponents to start possessions eight yards closer to the end zone on average last year, third worst nationally.
Big Ten Legends
1. Michigan State Spartans
Projected finish: 9-3
Win total range: 7-5 to 11-1
Chance to win Big Ten: 20 percent
The Spartans lost five conference games last year by a total of 13 points, and our projection model suggests that a pendulum swing back in their favor may be in store this fall. A total of 15 starters return, including eight on offense, the unit that has the most room for growth this year. Michigan State earned only 39.2 percent of available yards (93rd nationally), negating a raw starting field position advantage.
The defense returns seven starters and has ranked among the top 10 in opponent-adjusted defensive FEI in each of the past two years. The biggest reason the model favors the Spartans in the Legends division is the schedule. Michigan State avoids all of the Leaders Division contenders and hosts Michigan in East Lansing, giving the Spartans a 40 percent chance of going 7-1 or 8-0 in league play.
2. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Projected finish: 9-3
Win total range: 7-5 to 11-1
Chance to win Big Ten: 14 percent
A blowout loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game and a bowl game loss to Georgia spoiled the end of last season, and the frustration of consistent good-but-not-elite performances is mounting a bit for Nebraska fans. The projection model thinks more of the same is in store this fall. Senior quarterback Taylor Martinez will blow past the career 10,000-yard mark in total offense before Big Ten conference play begins, but he and Nebraska need more consistency to be a conference champion. Thirty-three percent of their offensive possessions have ended in a three-and-out or worse in the last three seasons.
The schedule is back-loaded, with five November games that all could trip up the Huskers.
3. Northwestern Wildcats
Projected finish: 7-5
Win total range: 5-7 to 10-2
Chance to win Big Ten: 3 percent
The Wildcats have one of the larger projection win total ranges in the Big Ten according to our model, due to six games that could be decided by a single score. The home schedule includes games against Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State, and our model gives Northwestern a 52 percent chance of winning at least two.
Ball control was the key to the Wildcats' success last year, boasting an offense that gave up only 15 turnovers on the season and ranked 16th in producing drives of 10 or more plays. Fifteen starters return to a team that was above average nationally in both offensive and defensive points per possession last year.
4. Michigan Wolverines
Projected finish: 7-5
Win total range: 5-7 to 9-3
Chance to win Big Ten: 1 percent
This projection model isn't too kind to the Wolverines, a program with an elite historical tradition but one that is still seeking its identity in the Brady Hoke era. The offense was prolific in spots under quarterback Devin Gardner after he took the reins midseason, but there is youth along the offensive line that will probably keep Michigan from being a contender. If the Wolverines can help themselves on defense and special teams, it can ease the burden. But Michigan started twice as many drives from inside its own 20-yard line (24 percent) as its opponents (12 percent) and lost the field position battle eight times, including in four of its five losses.
5. Iowa Hawkeyes
Projected finish: 6-6
Win total range: 4-8 to 8-4
Chance to win Big Ten: 1 percent
The Hawkeyes are a program drifting in the wrong direction, missing out on a bowl appearance last year for the first time since 2007. The projection model likes their chances to easily win at least three nonconference games, so the path to bowl eligibility isn't a terribly high hurdle, with games against Minnesota and Purdue on the slate and the opportunity to steal one or two at home against the likes of Michigan State, Northwestern, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Iowa was competitive on defense last year, giving up only 1.9 points per possession, but the offense needs a spark. Iowa produced an explosive drive (10-plus yards per play) on only 5 percent of its possessions last year, 119th nationally.
6. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Projected finish: 5-7
Win total range: 3-9 to 7-5
Chance to win Big Ten: 0 percent
The rebuilding effort for Jerry Kill continues and gets a big boost with 10 returning offensive starters, including quarterback Philip Nelson. The Gophers will need it, since Minnesota managed to produce only 1.6 points per drive (106th nationally) and went three-and-out on more than 40 percent of its possessions. The projection model gives Minnesota an outside shot at bowl eligibility, but the Golden Gophers don't have better than a 31 percent chance of winning any individual Big Ten game.
A focus on sound special teams could help -- Minnesota lost the special-teams battle nine times last year -- and could be the difference in 2013 between the high and low end of its win range.
Picking division winners, plus win ranges and title odds for every team
Big Ten Leaders
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
Projected finish: 10-2
Win total range: 9-3 to 12-0
Chance to win Big Ten: 30 percent
The Buckeyes went undefeated but unrewarded last season, and Urban Meyer's success in Year 2 has been consistent at every stop he's made in his career. Ohio State returns nine starters on offense, including Heisman-hopeful quarterback Braxton Miller, and a leap forward on that side of the ball will make the difference between a mere conference leader and a national championship contender. The Buckeyes produced a respectable 2.7 points per drive a year ago (29th nationally) but went three-and-out on more than a third of their possessions (70th). Our model favors Ohio State in each individual game, and both division challengers, Wisconsin and Penn State, have to make the trip to Columbus.
2. Wisconsin Badgers
Projected finish: 10-2
Win total range: 8-4 to 11-1
Chance to win Big Ten: 24 percent
New coach Gary Andersen inherits a healthy program in Madison, and 15 returning starters should allow for a smooth transition this fall. Joel Stave looks to be the starter at quarterback after a strong spring game, but the Badgers didn't ask much of that position a year ago; only 38.7 percent of Wisconsin's total offense was produced by a quarterback in 2012, the third-lowest percentage nationally.
The Badgers ranked third in pinning opponents deep and forcing them into 80-plus-yard fields. Andersen's old team, Utah State, ranked first in that category. Look for field position to be a driving factor in Wisconsin's success again this fall.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions
Projected finish: 9-3
Win total range: 7-5 to 11-1
Chance to win Big Ten: 7 percent
The Nittany Lions stumbled out of the gate a year ago but found their footing and finished with a respectable eight wins in Bill O'Brien's first year at the helm. Improving on that record will require new faces to step up on defense. Only five starters return to a unit that ranked 10th nationally in points surrendered per drive. The Nittany Lions were particularly stingy in the red zone, allowing scores on only 65.9 percent of opponent red zone possessions, the fourth-best rate in the nation.
The schedule is a challenge, with road trips to Ohio State and Wisconsin. We give Penn State a 94 percent chance of losing one or both.
4. Indiana Hoosiers
Projected finish: 6-6
Win total range: 4-8 to 8-4
Chance to win Big Ten: 0 percent
The Hoosiers haven't had a nonlosing season since 2007, but with 19 returning starters this year, the program has a chance to take a relatively big step forward. The defense needs to make the biggest leap in order to get to bowl eligibility. Indiana allowed 18.4 percent of opponent drives to average at least 10 yards per play last season, and the Hoosiers were able to produce above-average defensive efficiency only twice last year, against Massachusetts and Illinois.
The road slate is brutal (at Michigan State, at Michigan, at Ohio State, at Wisconsin), but our model projects a 47 percent chance of winning six of eight home games.
5. Purdue Boilermakers
Projected finish: 2-10
Win total range: 1-11 to 4-8
Chance to win Big Ten: 0 percent
Purdue didn't have much success in any phase of the game last season, prompting the exit of Danny Hope and the hire of new coach Darrell Hazell. The Boilermakers aren't projected to have much success early on, with the toughest schedule among all Big Ten teams, according to our model. Purdue's first seven Football Bowl Subdivision opponents this fall won a combined 71 games last year.
Hazell has eight returning defensive starters, and the biggest opportunity for improvement on that side of the ball comes with defending value drives. Once opponents crossed the Purdue 30-yard line in 2012, they averaged 5.6 points per possession, 112th nationally.
6. Illinois Fighting Illini
Projected finish: 3-9
Win total range: 1-11 to 5-7
Chance to win Big Ten: 0 percent
Senior quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase has produced more than 7,000 yards of total offense in his career, and he projects to be one of the few bright spots for the Illini in 2013. Even though our model gives Illinois a better chance of doing well in nonconference play than it does Purdue, which is why Illinois' projected overall record is better, it has the Illini finishing behind the Boilermakers in the Big Ten standings.
Illinois couldn't get anything going last year, ranking among the 10 worst FBS teams in first-down success rate, percent available yards earned, explosive drive percentage, overall efficiency and points per drive. Field position management was abysmal as well; Illinois allowed opponents to start possessions eight yards closer to the end zone on average last year, third worst nationally.
Big Ten Legends
1. Michigan State Spartans
Projected finish: 9-3
Win total range: 7-5 to 11-1
Chance to win Big Ten: 20 percent
The Spartans lost five conference games last year by a total of 13 points, and our projection model suggests that a pendulum swing back in their favor may be in store this fall. A total of 15 starters return, including eight on offense, the unit that has the most room for growth this year. Michigan State earned only 39.2 percent of available yards (93rd nationally), negating a raw starting field position advantage.
The defense returns seven starters and has ranked among the top 10 in opponent-adjusted defensive FEI in each of the past two years. The biggest reason the model favors the Spartans in the Legends division is the schedule. Michigan State avoids all of the Leaders Division contenders and hosts Michigan in East Lansing, giving the Spartans a 40 percent chance of going 7-1 or 8-0 in league play.
2. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Projected finish: 9-3
Win total range: 7-5 to 11-1
Chance to win Big Ten: 14 percent
A blowout loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game and a bowl game loss to Georgia spoiled the end of last season, and the frustration of consistent good-but-not-elite performances is mounting a bit for Nebraska fans. The projection model thinks more of the same is in store this fall. Senior quarterback Taylor Martinez will blow past the career 10,000-yard mark in total offense before Big Ten conference play begins, but he and Nebraska need more consistency to be a conference champion. Thirty-three percent of their offensive possessions have ended in a three-and-out or worse in the last three seasons.
The schedule is back-loaded, with five November games that all could trip up the Huskers.
3. Northwestern Wildcats
Projected finish: 7-5
Win total range: 5-7 to 10-2
Chance to win Big Ten: 3 percent
The Wildcats have one of the larger projection win total ranges in the Big Ten according to our model, due to six games that could be decided by a single score. The home schedule includes games against Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State, and our model gives Northwestern a 52 percent chance of winning at least two.
Ball control was the key to the Wildcats' success last year, boasting an offense that gave up only 15 turnovers on the season and ranked 16th in producing drives of 10 or more plays. Fifteen starters return to a team that was above average nationally in both offensive and defensive points per possession last year.
4. Michigan Wolverines
Projected finish: 7-5
Win total range: 5-7 to 9-3
Chance to win Big Ten: 1 percent
This projection model isn't too kind to the Wolverines, a program with an elite historical tradition but one that is still seeking its identity in the Brady Hoke era. The offense was prolific in spots under quarterback Devin Gardner after he took the reins midseason, but there is youth along the offensive line that will probably keep Michigan from being a contender. If the Wolverines can help themselves on defense and special teams, it can ease the burden. But Michigan started twice as many drives from inside its own 20-yard line (24 percent) as its opponents (12 percent) and lost the field position battle eight times, including in four of its five losses.
5. Iowa Hawkeyes
Projected finish: 6-6
Win total range: 4-8 to 8-4
Chance to win Big Ten: 1 percent
The Hawkeyes are a program drifting in the wrong direction, missing out on a bowl appearance last year for the first time since 2007. The projection model likes their chances to easily win at least three nonconference games, so the path to bowl eligibility isn't a terribly high hurdle, with games against Minnesota and Purdue on the slate and the opportunity to steal one or two at home against the likes of Michigan State, Northwestern, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Iowa was competitive on defense last year, giving up only 1.9 points per possession, but the offense needs a spark. Iowa produced an explosive drive (10-plus yards per play) on only 5 percent of its possessions last year, 119th nationally.
6. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Projected finish: 5-7
Win total range: 3-9 to 7-5
Chance to win Big Ten: 0 percent
The rebuilding effort for Jerry Kill continues and gets a big boost with 10 returning offensive starters, including quarterback Philip Nelson. The Gophers will need it, since Minnesota managed to produce only 1.6 points per drive (106th nationally) and went three-and-out on more than 40 percent of its possessions. The projection model gives Minnesota an outside shot at bowl eligibility, but the Golden Gophers don't have better than a 31 percent chance of winning any individual Big Ten game.
A focus on sound special teams could help -- Minnesota lost the special-teams battle nine times last year -- and could be the difference in 2013 between the high and low end of its win range.
SHAQAVELLI
We Are Penn State
Is there a preseason discussion thread for CFB? I just wanna gloat about 5-star CB Jabrill Peppers eyeing Penn State 
Peppers down to 4 schools, to visit PSU - PSU Nittany Lions Blog - ESPN
Silkk
Can't Change My Damn Avi :beli:
Is there a preseason discussion thread for CFB? I just wanna gloat about 5-star CB Jabrill Peppers eyeing Penn State
Peppers down to 4 schools, to visit PSU - PSU Nittany Lions Blog - ESPN
Penn State?
The cold truth