#15 Kansas State Wildcats
Last season results:
10-3 (Lost Cotton Bowl)
Key Losses:
WR – Sheldon Smith, OT – Zach Hanson, OG – Colten Freeze, OT – Clyde Aufner, LB – Emmanuel Lamur & CB – David Garrett,
Returning Players:
QB – Collin Klein (SR), TE – Travis Tannahill (SR), DE – Meshak Williams (SR), LB – Arthur Brown (SR) & CB – Nigel Malone (SR)
Projected 2012 record:
9-3 (Tied 3rd in Big 12)
Key Games:
vs Miami (9/8), at Oklahoma (9/22), at West Virginia (10/20), vs Oklahoma State (11/3) & vs Texas (12/1)
Kansas State turned out to be one of the surprise teams last season as they finished the regular season 10-2 and second in the Big 12. The Wildcats’ emerging star, QB Collin Klein, will look to repeat his 2011 season (3059 total yards & 40 TDs). Since head coach Bill Snyder’s return in 2009, the Kansas State football program is heading back in the right direction.
#14 Michigan State Spartans
Last season results:
11-3 (Won Outback Bowl)
Key Losses:
QB – Kirk Cousins, RB – Edwin Baker, WR – B.J Cunningham, WR – Keshawn Martin, WR – Brian Linthicum, DT – Jerel Worthy, DT – Kevin Pickelman & S – Trenton Robinson
Returning Players:
RB – Le’Veon Bell (JR), OG – Chris McDonald (SR), DE – William Gholston (JR), CB – Johnny Adams (SR) & S – Isaiah Lewis (JR)
Projected 2012 record:
9-3 (2nd in Big Ten Legends)
Key Games:
vs Boise State (8/31), vs Notre Dame (9/15), vs Ohio State (9/29), at Michigan (10/20), at Wisconsin (10/27) & vs Nebraska (11/3)
Michigan State returns what could possibly be the best defense in the Big Ten. The Spartans must be ready for any and every thing in week one against a tricky Boise State team. If the Spartans hope to return to the Big Ten title game, they will have to get through two rough road games at in-state rival Michigan and Wisconsin.
#13 Florida State Seminoles
Last season results:
9-4 (Won Champs Sports Bowl)
Key Losses:
WR – Bert Reed, OT – Zebrie Sanders, OG – David Spurlock, LB – Nigel Bradham, CB – Mike Harris & S – Terrance Parks
Returning Players:
QB – E.J Manuel (SR), WR – Rodney Smith (SR), DE – Brandon Jenkins (SR), S – Lamarcus Joyner (JR) & K – Dustin Hopkins (SR)
Projected 2012 record:
9-3 (2nd ACC Atlantic)
Key Games:
vs Clemson (9/22), at Miami (10/20), at Virginia Tech (11/8) & vs Florida (11/24)
The Seminole nation had high hopes for last year’s team which finished 9-4. Many experts have picked FSU to play in the National Championship Game last season and this upcoming season. Senior quarterback E.J Manuel enters his second straight season as Florida State’s starting QB. The Seminoles have not been to a BCS bowl game since the 2005 season (2006 Orange Bowl). I’m not going to be surprised if the ‘Noles end up with a similar record from 2011.
#12 Wisconsin Badgers
Last season results:
11-3 (Lost Rose Bowl)
Key Losses:
QB – Russell Wilson, WR – Nick Toon, TE – Jake Byrne, C – Peter Konz, LB – Kevin Claxton, CB – Antonio Fenelus & S – Aaron Henry,
Returning Players:
RB – Montee Ball (SR), WR – Jared Abbrederis (JR) TE – Jacob Pedersen (JR), LB – Chris Borland (JR) & LB – Mike Taylor (SR)
Projected 2012 record:
10-2 (1st in Big Ten Leaders)
Key Games:
at Nebraska (9/29), vs Michigan State (10/27), vs Ohio State (11/17) & vs Penn State (11/24)
One major goal for the Badgers in 2012 must be winning their conference and heading back to a third consecutive Rose Bowl. Wisconsin has lost their last two Rose Bowls in close games to #3 TCU (2010) & #6 Oregon (2011). The Badgers pick up another ACC transfer in Danny O’Brien from Maryland. O’Brien should be able to manage a Badger “ground and pound” game especially with Montee Ball returning.
#11 Arkansas Razorbacks
Last season results:
11-2 (Won Cotton Bowl)
Key Losses:
WR – Jarius Wright, WR – Joe Adams, OT – Grant Freeman, OG – Grant Cook, LB – Jerry Franklin & S – Tramain Thomas
Returning Players:
QB – Tyler Wilson (SR), HB – Knile Davis (JR), WR – Cobi Hamilton (SR), TE – Chris Gragg (SR) & LB – Alonzo Highsmith (SR)
Projected 2012 record:
9-3 (3rd in SEC West)
Key Games:
vs Alabama (9/15), at Texas A&M (9/29), at South Carolina (11/10) & vs LSU (11/23)
Arkansas was surrounded with controversy during the 2012 offseason with the Bobby Petrino incident. In comes former Michigan State head coach John L. Smith. Smith will try to help the Razorbacks achieve their third straight double digit win season for the first time ever in school history. The Razorbacks get fellow SEC West foes, LSU and Alabama, at home this season which could set them up for a National title run if they can defeat both teams.
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