2011-2012 Football Previews – Pac 12 – California Golden Bears
After posting a 10-win season in 2006, the California Golden Bears have gone just 29-22 since, finishing the 2010 season 5-7 overall, and just 3-6 in conference play.
Category: NCAA Football
Articles by Cappers Picks related to online NCAA Football betting, and handicapping live CFB matchups.
NCAA Football Betting Futures – 2011 Big 10 Season Preview
So the Big 10, complete with 12 teams, is the same Big 10 as last year. Capiche?
2011-2012 Football Previews – Pac 12 – Arizona St Sun Devils
Arizona State, despite a disappointing ending to the 2010 season, has the goods to make up for lackluster 6-6 record overall and 4-5 record in conference play.
2011-2012 PAC 12 | Arizona State Sun Devils Football Preview
Coach: Dennis Erickson
2010-11 Record: 6-6 (4-5)
Arizona State Gambling Odds from Bodog.com to win BCS: 75-1
ASU Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2011 Schedule –>
Although a loss is still as loss, the Devils have to take some solace in that four of their losses were by four points or less. Something the team can build on.
Now with 15 returning starters in the lineup, including the best linebacker in the country– Vontaze Burfict, ASU coach Dennis Erickson better get the job done this year, or he may need to file for unemployment in 2012. With USC being the only team to really pose a challenge in the newly aligned PAC-12 South, the Sun Devils appear to be poised for a monster year.
So let’s take a look at who ASU will go with on the field as they try to win the first edition of the newly formed Pac-12.
Offense:
Losing starting quarterback Stephen Threet to a concussion he suffered late last year has left a major hole in the Devils’ offense. However, junior Brock Osweiler, who had his share of ups and downs in his limited action in 2010, stepped in for the injured Threet and led Arizona State to back-to-back wins to end the season, rallying past UCLA by 21 points and then winning in double overtime against in-state rival Arizona in the season finale. Osweiler tossed for 797 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions, and was the team’s third leading rusher with 124 yards.
He will get a lot of help from a much-improved running attack led by 2010 leading rusher Cameron Marshall (787 yards, 9 touchdowns) and sophomore change of pace back Deantre Lewis (539 yards, 4 touchdowns). Combined with Osweiler’s penchant for running, this three-pronged attack should be one of the best in the PAC-12 this season.
Helping to further improve their running game, sophomore Evan Finkenberg will help anchor an offensive line that returns all five starters and has one of the top centers in the country in senior Garth Gerhart.
The biggest concern for ASU offensively, is at the wide receiver position. Losing leading wide out Kerry Taylor, who caught 54 passes for 699 yards and three TDs, has not been a void easily filled. Especially, since second leading receiver T.J. Simpson went down in March with a tear in his ACL, leaving the job wide open for seniors Mike Willie, Gerell Robinson, and Aaron Pflugrad.
Defense:
This is the side of the ball the Devils will count on most, and with sophomore Junior Onyeali and senior Jamaar Jarrett bookending the D-line, they should be able to put pressure on the opposing team’s quarterback. The duo combined for 11 sacks last year, but will also have the challenge of working with two new starters–senior Bo Moos and sophomore William Sutton—at the defensive tackle positions. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Backing up the line, is the core of the ASU defense, as Burfict, who led the team with 90 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss, once again teams up with fellow Centennial High classmate Brandon Magee as two of three starters returning from last year.
Lastly, in 2010 the Sun Devils allowed 245 yards per game through the air, and despite returns from junior starting corner Deveron Carr and senior free safety Eddie Elder, the secondary will big a big concern for the Sun Devils heading into 2011.
2011-2012 Arizona Football Prediction: 1st PAC-12 South
With 15 starters back for the 2011 season, Arizona State will likely come into year as the favorites to win the South. While the defense will shoulder most of the load, combined with Osweiler’s gained experience at the end of last season, the Sun Devils should posses enough grab their first conference title in four years.
2011 ASU Sun Devils Schedule
9/1/11 10:00 PM ET UCDAV
9/9/11 10:30 PM ET MISOU
9/17/11 7:00 PM ET @ILL
9/24/11 10:15 PM ET USC
10/1/11 12:00 PM ET OREST
10/8/11 12:00 PM ET @UTAH
10/15/11 12:00 PM ET @ORE
10/29/11 12:00 PM ET COL
11/5/11 12:00 PM ET @UCLA
11/12/11 12:00 PM ET @WSHST
11/19/11 12:00 PM ET ARZ
11/25/11 10:15 PM ET CAL
Click here to check out MORE 2011 college football previews for the 2011-2012 NCAA Football Season!
2011-2012 Football Previews – Pac 12 – Arizona Wildcats
Arizona began the 2010-11 season with a bang, speeding out to a 7-1 overall record, going 4-1 in conference play before losing its last five games straight, including a 30-29 overtime heartbreaker to Arizona State in Week 12.
Hayes’ Pre-Season College Football – Heisman Trophy Predictions
If there are any ncaa football gambling experts out there who pay attention to the Heisman process, they’ll probably agree with me and know that at this time of year it’s pretty darn hard to pick the winner…most years…right?
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It’s with this knowledge that we know the 2011 Heisman Trophy future odds are always fun to bet on, and the betting lines give us a lot to think about.
LANDRY JONES, QB, Oklahoma
Most people’s default pick for the 2011 Heisman Trophy is Andrew Luck from Stanford, the utopian NFL quarterback prospect who shockingly returned for his senior season. But Jones – who up until last year lived in Sam Bradford’s shadow – has something significant that Luck doesn’t: an unbelievable receiver corps. Jones’s top target Ryan Broyles is probably the best wideout in the nation and sophomore Kenny Stills set Oklahoma receiving records in 2010.
Jones put up a downright silly 4,718 yards and 38 TDs as a soph last season, and is poised to at least match that in ’11. Luck might be the best pure NFL prospect, and Alabama RB Trent Richardson must carry the offense of a title-calibre SEC team, but Jones is my pick to hoist the hardware this season.
TRENT RICHARDSON, RB, Alabama
The Crimson Tide’s Mark Ingram won the award at the RB position in 2009; what is truly scary is that many believe Richardson is better than Ingram. He is a beast that can be the bell-cow for an elite team in the nation’s toughest conference. Alabama’s QB situation is somewhat unsettled, which means the Tide will lean on Richardson even more. Alabama also rolls out perhaps the best offensive line in America, which will help to juice Richardson’s sure-to-be-impressive stats.
He is a rare talent that has the size, speed and vision to be an every-down RB in the pros, but we will get to enjoy him for one more year at the collegiate level first.
ANDREW LUCK, QB, Stanford
Every thing that a coach or scout would look for in an elite signal-caller, Luck brings in spades. He single-handedly greatly increases Stanford’s chance of success in 2011, even with fantastic head coach Jim Harbaugh leaving for the NFL. The Cardinal isn’t as stacked as Oklahoma or Alabama, however, and Luck has to clash with another elite Pac-12 team in Oregon on Nov. 12.
Most people probably see Luck as a better pound-for-pound QB than Landry Jones, but Jones has the supporting cast to make the ascent easier.
LaMICHAEL JAMES, RB, Oregon
The speediest back in the NCAA was a Heisman finalist last season, where he amassed 1,731 yards and 21 majors. Even with highly touted underclassmen like Lache Seastrunk and DeAnthony Thomas available to spell James (though Thomas might redshirt, as the Ducks also have waterbug Kenjon Barner) James will have crazy stats in what is likely the fastest offense in the nation.
Oregon is also likely the best team in a very good Pac-12 conference, which never hurts.
KELLEN MOORE, QB, Boise State
The ruthlessly efficient Moore is back once again in 2011, leading a Broncos team that seems to always be the best non-AQ (automatic BCS qualifying) squad. In fact, this year will see Moore become the career FBS leader in wins as a starter – he’s been ripping up the competition since 2008.
The southpaw was also a Heisman finalist in 2010 and if there weren’t established big dogs like Jones and Luck in front of him, he’d be a still more appealing option. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Darkhorse: TAYLOR MARTINEZ, QB, Nebraska
The first five games of last year, Martinez was shocking everyone and his Cornhuskers were steamrolling the competition. He set a Huskers record for QB rush yards in a game (yes, this is a program that has featured Tommie Frazier and Heisman-winner Eric Crouch under center) with 241 versus Kansas St. on national TV.
Martinez was injured in the second half of the season though and was a shadow of his former self. If he can re-capture the magic, Nebraska is the Big Ten favorite and could be both in a BCS bowl and have a pivot in the Heisman discussion.
2011 HEISMAN TROPHY Odds
Aaron Murray (QB Georgia) +6000
Alshon Jeffery (WR South Carolina) +8000
Andrew Luck (QB Stanford) +450
Brandon Weeden (QB Oklahoma State) +3200
Case Keenum (QB Houston) +3500
Chris Polk (RB Washington) +2500
Dan Persa (QB Northwestern) +9500
Danny O’Brien (QB Maryland) +7500
Darron Thomas (QB Oregon) +3500
David Wilson (RB Virgina Tech) +9000
Dayne Crist (QB Notre Dame) +7500
Denard Robinson (QB Michigan) +750
E.J. Manuel (QB Florida State) +5000
Geno Smith (QB West Virginia) +5000
James White (RB Wisconsin) +8000
John Brantley (QB Florida) +6000
Justin Blackmon (WR Oklahoma State) +1500
Kellen Moore (QB Boise State) +1800
Kirk Cousins (QB Michigan State) +3500
Knile Davis (RB Arkansas) +1600
LaMichael James (RB Oregon) +750
Landry Jones (QB Oklahoma) +650
Marcus Coker (RB Iowa) +9000
Marcus Lattimore (RB South Carolina) +700
Matt Barkley (QB USC) +4500
Michael Dyer (RB Auburn) +8500
Michael Floyd (WR Notre Dame) +4000
Montee Ball (RB Wisconsin) +8000
Nick Foles (QB Arizona) +4500
Robert Griffin III (QB Baylor) +2000
Robert Woods (WR USC) +8000
Roy Finch (RB Oklahoma) +3000
Russell Shepard (WR LSU) +5000
Ryan Broyles (WR Oklahoma) +1500
Ryan Tannenhill (QB Texas A&M) +6000
Taylor Martinez (QB Nebraska) +7500
Trent Richardson (RB Alabama) +1000
Tyler Wilson (QB Arkansas) +7000
Field (Suspended) EVEN
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NCAA Football Betting Futures – 2011 Big 12 Season Preview
Before we start the Big 12 preview, let’s put the confusion to rest. After realignment, the Big 12 actually has 10 teams now.
2011-2012 Football Previews – Big 12 – OU Sooners
We’re to the tenth and final Big 12 team preview. It seems crazy to have a ten team Big 12 Conference and a twelve team Big 10 Conference, but that’s how it is after the past year’s expansion.
2011-2012 Football Previews – Big 12 – Iowa St. Wildcats
Gene Chizik bolted from Iowa State to Auburn just a couple years ago, and it was Paul Rhoads who took over the Iowa State program. Rhoads is from Iowa and the fan base seems to really like his coaching style.
2011-2012 Football Previews – Big 12 – KU Jayhawks
Turner Gill was a hot commodity going into last season, but his first year at Kansas didn’t go well at all.
Big 12 Previews – Kansas Jayhawks
Head Coach: Turner Gill
2010 Record: 3-9
Kansas Gambling Odds from BetOnline to win BCS: +1,500 (Part of the Field)
Kansas Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2011 Schedule –>
Based on the amount of talent he had, it would be completely unfair to judge him on those results alone. Gill is likely to get this team turned around, but can they make a significant step forward in 2011? It will likely be difficult with a depth chart full of question marks and inexperienced players.
Kansas won just one Big 12 Conference game in 2010, and that was against Colorado, who is no longer part of the conference. Gill is telling everyone who will listen that the 2011 version of the Jayhawks will be far better. While the fan base does realize that this is a difficult job right now, last season was a complete disaster and they are certainly expecting at least some improvement.
Team Strengths:
The Jayhawks are in pretty good shape at the running back spot. James Sims had an impressive freshman campaign, and I expect him to be even better this season. Highly recruited tailback Darrian Miller should also get plenty of carries, and I think these two running backs will form a nice tandem in the backfield for the Jayhawks.
The linebackers should be solid as Steven Johnson, the team’s leading tackler returns. In addition to Johnson, the team should also get a nice boost from the return of Huldon Tharp. Tharp missed all of last season with an injury, but he is one of the team’s most talented players and he should help the defense’s team speed quite a bit. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Team Weaknesses:
Where should I start here? This is a team that has weakness after weakness all over the place right now.
The quarterback position is completely up in the air. Jordan Webb is the front runner to be the starter, but he has struggled with turnovers and there are three or four guys who have a legitimate chance at starting at the quarterback position this year. Kansas needs to find someone that can manage the game and make good decisions at this spot.
The defensive line was nothing less than terrible in 2010, and I can’t imagine them being much better in 2011. This unit allowed 205 yards per game on the ground last season, and they didn’t pick up their first sack until the seventh game of the season. Amazingly, the Jayhawks had just eight sacks all of last year.
The offensive line allowed 37 sacks last year, which was the most this team has allowed since 1996. Virtually everyone remains from the 2010 offensive line, but this is still likely to be a weak spot for the Jayhawks.
2011-2012 Kansas Football Prediction: 3-9
The Jayhawks have a couple of easy non-conference opponents at the beginning of the season, which might allow them to get a couple quick wins. After their first two games of the year, I don’t expect to see this team in the win column much at all this year. While Gill is an eternal optimist, it is hard to imagine a team with so many question marks finding a way to win many games in the Big 12. If they are going to surprise people they need to win at home against Kansas State and on the road against Iowa State. Brighter days are likely on the horizon with a solid coach like Turner Gill, but look for the Jayhawks to have another very long season in 2011.
Kansas Jayhawks 2011 Schedule
09/03/11 vs. McNeese State
09/10/11 vs. Northern Illinois
09/17/11 at Georgia Tech
10/01/11 vs. Texas Tech
10/08/11 at Oklahoma State
10/15/11 vs. Oklahoma
10/22/11 vs. Kansas State
10/29/11 at Texas
11/05/11 at Iowa State
11/12/11 vs. Baylor
11/19/11 at Texas A&M
11/26/11 vs. Missouri
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2011-2012 Football Previews – Big 12 – Texas Tech Red Raiders
Tommy Tubberville had a bit of an up and down first season in Lubbock, but the Red Raiders finished the season off with a 45-38 win in the TicketCity Bowl.
2011-2012 Football Previews – Big 12 – Kansas St. Wildcats
Bill Snyder may be 71 years old, but he can definitely still coach. Snyder has put together an impressive 149-80 record in his tenure at Kansas State.
Most impressive about that record is the fact that Kansas State never had any success on the field in the years before Snyder took over the program.
NCAA Football Betting Futures – 2011 Big East Season Preview
Our 2011 NCAA football conference previews continue with the Big East, as my brain hurts too much to address the Big Ten/Big 12/Big12/Big Ten conundrum.
NCAA Football Betting Futures – 2011 ACC Season Preview
Whatever happens with the NFL lockout, football bettors can at least take solace in the fact that college football isn’t going anywhere.
2011-2012 Football Previews – Big 12 – Oklahoma St. Cowboys
Few teams made as big of a leap in 2010 as the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Mike Gundy’s team won 11 games and finished in the top 15 in the final poll of the season. Dana Holgorsen engineered an amazing season for the offense, but he has moved on to be the top dog at West Virginia.
2011-2012 Football Previews – Big 12 – Baylor Bears
The Baylor Bears earned their first bowl berth since 1994 last year. Art Briles has said that Baylor should expect to win, but last year’s bowl berth was still a surprise to many in college football.
2011-2012 Football Previews – Big 12 – Texas Longhorns
How could a team fall so far so fast? Texas was in the BCS Championship Game in 2009, but just one year later they finished 5-7 in 2010. Last year marked the first time since 1997 that the Longhorns missed out on a bowl berth.
