Insanely early look-ahead to the 2012 College Football season.

Being prepared is half the battle. And I'm preparing for College Football 2012.(spare the sports nerd joke) This season was wild and unpredictable. The BCS came up with two teams from the same conference playing each other in the Title. Bowl games saw some scores from video games, a quarterback from BAYLOR?! of all places won the Heisman. This season was odd to say the least, but what could be in store for 2012? There will be some familiar faces up top, but some new guys will be challenging for the BCS Title bid....Here's my take.


1. Georgia (10-4)-I have the Georgia Bulldogs as my early season favorite to take the road to Miami for the National Championship game.  Why, you may ask?  Aaron Murray is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate, as he just tossed 35 touchdowns in his sophomore season. Sophomore Running Back, Isaiah Corwell looks to bounce back from an injury plagued freshmen season.  The defense improved each and every game, and can have up to nine starters back. The schedule sets up nicely, as they avoid regular season games with LSU,Alabama, and Arkansas. The Dawgs will be a force in 2012.

2. USC (10-2)-The Trojans had a successful 2011 campaign, yet it was marred by the fact they were ineligible for post season play. The Trojans bounced back from a 5 loss season in 2010, and really they turned out to be a quality team.  Matt Barkley shocked everybody and announced his intentions to stay for his senior season, that announcement alone is the reason why you see USC ranked so highly. Barkley is a franchise quarterback in waiting, and USC will benefit greatly from his services. The Trojans get Notre Dame and Oregon at home. Expect to see USC in a BCS Bowl at the very least,thats if they aren't down in Miami squaring off for a championship.

3. Alabama (12-1)-The defending National Champions are in great position to repeat, yet lose just enough to keep them off the number one ranking. AJ McCarron played well in spurts and looks poised for improvement . Eddie Lacy will look to take on a bigger role as Richardson will likely move on. The defense will always be good, Nick Saban will demand that. This team always gets the best recruits, they have one of the best coaches, and they are always going to be a contender under Saban. If the young players grow up quickly, you can definitely see a repeat. They are that talented.

4. Oregon (12-2)-The Ducks start the season among the nations top teams yet again. Oregon's success runs parallel with their athletic ability and speed. The 2012 edition of Oregon football should be no different. Darron Thomas will be running the show again, and is basically the Denard Robinson of the West Coast. Kenjon Barner and DeAnthony Thomas should provide the explosiveness on the outside, and there is a chance LaMichael James could be back. This team is dangerous in space and will always be up tempo. When they are clicking, they are really tough to beat.  There is no colossal opener to this season, so the Ducks can be in the Title hunt for quite a while.

5. LSU (13-1)-LSU was the team in 2011, they were supposed to come out and dual with Alabama for the National Championship. They could not even move the ball, and the LSU faithful may be happy to see Jefferson exit.  LSU's success is not based off of having a dominant Quarterback. They win with a powerful rushing attack, and having athletes at key positions. The three back set of Ware, Blue, and Ford return. The outside threats of Randle, Sheppherd, and Russell will also be back. The LSU defense is littered with pro prospects, and one of the nation's most dynamic players, Tyrann Mathieu. This team is capable of winning a lot of football games. They do need a Quarterback, and 5 star freshmen, Gunner Kiel just may be that guy.

6. Michigan (11-2)-Michigan is back. Brady Hoke came in and put together an eleven win campaign and a memorable Sugar Bowl victory. All the pieces are in place from last season, and this year they could be even better.  Denard Robinson is back for his third stint as the starter in Ann Arbor, and may be poised for his biggest season yet.  The speedy quarterback now has weapons at his disposal, and the Wolverines are a very quick and high powered offensive machine. Fitzgerlad Toussant developed into the back Rich Rodriguez could never find. Throw in an experienced receiving corps, and an ever improving defense and the Wolverines are the favorites to win the Big Ten and make a return to the Rose Bowl.  The road will not be easy as they open with Alabama in Dallas, and must travel to Notre Dame.

7. Oklahoma (10-3)-The Sooner's prospects just recently picked up as Quarterback, Landry Jones announced he is returning. The catalyst to the Sooner's aerial assault propels them into the National Championship conversation. Dominique Whaley, the remarkable walk-on running back will look to return to his early season form. Kenny Stills will now be the go to guy as Ryan Broyles moves on to the NFL. The Sooners always have top talent, and Bob Stoops is bringing in another top notch class. Landry Jones will take this team as far as he can. Oklahoma needs to avoid loses to teams they should beat,and they can find themselves back in the BCS.

8. Nebraska (9-4)-Nebraska had a rough go at it in their first season in the Big Ten. They return many players and could be ready for the second time around. Taylor Martinez is a veteran playmaker that is always dangerous with his legs. Rex Burkhead is a dynamic running threat that will also be back. The Huskers bring back a veteran offensive line and the typical Nebraska "blackshirt" defense. Bo Pelini does a great job with Nebraska, and he gets Wisconsin and Michigan in Lincoln.  Taylor Martinez needs to be a better passing threat, but this team has the talent to win plenty of games.

9. Arkansas (11-2)-The Razorbacks found themselves ranked third in the country in late November, and had a showdown with than ranked number 1 LSU, and they were humbled with a 24 point loss. Despite that, they have a really talented group returning and perhaps the SEC's best offense. Tyler Wilson had a really good campaign in his first year as a starter. He loses some weapons, but both leading rushers return. Some young receivers will need to step up, but Wilson should do fine tossing the ball to anyone. The offense will be solid, but the defense must improve if they look to unseat Alabama or LSU, both of which will be traveling to Arkansas to play. That could really help out the Hogs.

10. TCU (11-2)-TCU will be making its first appearance in the Big 12 in 2012. They have the talent, the program, and the coach to make some noise right away. TCU's only losses came in two wild shootouts despite losing many starters coming into this season. They reloaded, an impressive feat for Gary Patterson. Casey Pachall may not be Andy Dalton, but he is a winner and will only get better. The two leading rushers will be back, the top three receiving threats will return as well. The TCU offense can be potent, but their calling card is defense, and they return nine starters for next season. The Horned Frogs will be dangerous, and may steal the Big 12 Championship in their inaugural season.

Heisman Hopefuls.

1 Matt Barkley- He is the best player coming back for the 2012 season. He is a sure fire top 5 draft pick. He has the ability to lead USC to a National Championship. This guy is good, and my pick to take it home.




2 Aaron Murray- The best player on my predicted best team. He has all the tools to succeed, and will have the exposure playing for a top team. Murray will be a good pro someday as well.




3 Tyrann Mathieu-The Honey Badger will be around next season. He has the strange ability to force fumbles, unlike anything anyone has ever seen. He is a true ball hawk and play maker. Things happen when Mathieu is around.


4 Sammy Watkins-The nations's most dynamic offensive threat is back. He can run the ball, catch the ball, and return kicks unlike any other. He is a guy you have to account for every play or he will break down your defense, and make it look easy. 


5 Marcus Lattimore- Lattimore will be coming off a knee injury, but will still be the nation's premier tailback. He is a beast and hard to tackle. He has the right size and speed combination to be a very successful player at the next level.