As we get nearer towards the 2011 season, I figure it's time to take a look at some teams whose coaches are under the gun to win this season, as well as some teams who are entering new eras as they say goodbye to their former conferences.
The spotlight is bright on these coaches and teams. So how should they fare in 2011?
Let's start with the teams with the most pressure to win.
Georgia
Mark Richt has done, for the most part, an admirable job in guiding the Bulldog program. Richt broke the Florida/Tennessee dominance of early division times, won SEC titles, and led UGA to one of its more successful eras. However, there was no question the Bulldogs struggled in 2010. Loaded with young talent, Georgia never seemed to get it completely together, and after a shockingly ugly loss to UCF in the Liberty Bowl, the fans are restless.
But there is hope still in Athens. Aaron Murray returns for his sophomore season after throwing for over 3,000 yards as a freshman. The defense, adjusting to Todd Grantham's 3-4 scheme, could be one of the best in the SEC. The season though could boil down to the first two games of the year: Boise State in Atlanta and South Carolina in Athens. Should UGA win both, it could be Richt's saving grace. If they go 0-2, the heat under Richt will be scorching.
Prediction — Georgia goes 1-1, but ends on a hot streak, going 9-3 and keeping Richt for one more year in Athens.
New Mexico
Did anyone remember the 70-plus point pasting Oregon dropped on the Lobos last year? Mike Locksley's first two years have been about as disastrous as possible. I don't expect this one to be any different. Arkansas, TCU and Boise all could hang big numbers on New Mexico this season.
Prediction — The Lobos will win two games and Locksley will land on his feet, taking a vacant assistant coach's position.
UTEP
Mike Price has to be longing for the days of Pullman. The Miners, while throwing somewhat of a lackluster offensive punch, have still yet to achieve the success of Price's old teams. UTEP fans are growing more restless every season, especially watching TCU's Rose Bowl win and SMU's quick rise under June Jones. While the offense lost a lot from last year's squad, notably QB Trevor Vittatoe, the schedule is favorable for UTEP this year and a winning season will be the expectation in El Paso.
Prediction — UTEP goes 7-5 in the regular season, keeping Price around one more year, but not taking any heat off of his seat.
Washington State
Speaking of Pullman, they are missing Mike Price just as much as he is the folks in Cougar Country. Paul Wulff's squad was a little better last year than years past ... and the win over Oregon State was nice, but still not nearly good enough to compete in the old Pac-10, now Pac-12. Now, the line is drawn. It's win or go home for Wulff as the Cougars try to step it up in the new look conference. If they are to do that, the Cougars must have a running game to take some of the pressure off of Jeff Tuel.
Prediction — I only see one sure win for Wazzu. I'll pick them 3-9 this year, sending Wulff out the door. Don't be surprised if the Cougars look at Auburn OC Gus Malzahn, but I'm not thinking right now he'd take the job.
Now, for some of the teams who took off for newer, and possibly greener pastures.
Nebraska
The Huskers would get a lot more hype had Ohio State not been enveloped under scandal. While Wisconsin might be an early favorite with the addition of Russell Wilson, Nebraska will come into the Big Ten with a loaded football team. The blackshirts should have no trouble adjusting to Big Ten football, and I think the rest of the conference could be in for a rude awakening, courtesy of the folks from Lincoln.
Prediction — Nebraska holds off Michigan State, wins the (gag) "Legends" division, and promptly beats Wisconsin in the inaugural Big Ten title game, earning a trip to Pasadena.
Colorado
A new coach, a new conference, a new beginning in Boulder. I might in the minority here, but I like Jon Embree's chances to succeed at CU. A brutal schedule and adjusting team will provide chances to take plenty of lumps this year, but keep an eye down the road on the Buffs.
Prediction — Playing 13 games, CU will pull a couple of upsets, but finish 4-9.
Utah
A pretty decent football team to begin with, the Utes now are on a mission to prove their legitimacy amongst the BCS boys. Norm Chow will add instant spark to the Ute offense. When Utah was bad last season, they were really bad. They can't afford the same clunkers as last year, but one intangible to think about is that Utah won every close game they played last year. Kyle Wittingham knows exactly what he's doing in Salt Lake City.
Prediction — They won't win 10 games this year, but 7-5 and a bowl game seems reasonable. Give Utah a couple of years before they make serious noise in the Pac-12.
BYU
While I don't think BYU will carry the ratings day like most conferences do, much less Notre Dame, the Cougars will have one intriguing season to begin their independent era. If BYU opens 0-2, losing to Ole Miss and Texas, there will be a lot of griping from the folks in Provo, hoping this move out of the Mountain West will pay off. However, watch Jake Heaps and the Cougar offense ... they will make things interesting every week.
Prediction — BYU goes 9-3 and waltzes into a bowl game, pleasing the faithful who sigh in relief. They will fall to Utah though in the Holy War.
Leave a Comment