Heisman Watch (Week 1)

1. Landry Jones QB Oklahoma
Last Week: 375 yards 1 TD Next Week: Bye
Comments: It was easy pickens for Jones this past weekend. He had no trouble picking apart the Tulsa defense in route to 375 yards through the air. He only threw for one touchdown, but he'll have plenty more chances over the course of the season to improve on that mark. Next week the Sooners will be off, but they'll be getting ready for Florida State in week 3. That showdown will be a great opportunity for Jones to make an big impression on Heisman voters.

2. Andrew Luck QB Stanford
Last Week: 171 yards passing 2 TDs, 1 rushing TD Next Week: @Duke
Comments: It wasn't a great statistical day for Luck, but when your blowing out a WAC school your not really going to play too deep into the 2nd half. Luck got the job done. He was very efficient throwing 17-26 for 171 yards and two TD throws. He also ran another one in for good measures. Next week Luck and the Cardinal will travel to Duke where he should have another opportunity to put up some numbers in a blow out win. It will be week 3 where he gets his first tough match up against Arizona. But the season will all come down to their match up against conference rival Oregon.

3. Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State
Last Week: 144 yards 0 TD Next Week: vs Arizona
Comments: Last season Blackmon scored a touchdown in every game that he played in. In his first game this season he went TDless. Hold off on sounding the alarms, he'll be fine. He'll get plenty of opportunities to find the endzone throughout the season.Blackmon is such a dominant receiver that no matter how many defenders focus their attention to him, he'll produce. Next week the Cowboys face off against Arizona on Thursday night. That will be a great opportunity for Heisman voters to see him on a national stage where he can grab their attention.

4. Kellen Moore QB Boise State

Last Week: 261 yards 3 TDs 1 INT Next Week: @Toledo
Comments: I'll say the same thing that I said last year. For Kellen Moore to win the Heisman Trophy he is going to need to lead the Broncos to a undefeated record and be in contention for a National Title game. Boise State's win against Georgia is a great first step towards this process. He threw for 261 yards and 3 touchdowns in the 14 point victory. The win and performance by Moore has the nation talking. However Boise's schedule is pretty weak with only TCU being the toughest game left. And after their loss to Baylor everybody knows that they aren't the team they have been.

5. Trent Richardson RB Alabama
Last Week: 37 yards 3 TDs Next Week: @Penn State
Comments: Richardson is a lot of people's preseason Heisman favorite and he did score 3 touchdowns, but only rushed for 37 yards on 13 carries. Not the stats you would assume he'd get in a route of Kent State, but when the defense loads up the box to stop the run and make a new QB beat them its understandable. Richardson will have next week's match up at Penn State to show a national audience what he is really made of. Look for Richardson to bounce back from this low yardage to torch the Nittny Lions in a Alabama win.

6. LeMichael James RB Oregon
Last Week: 54 yards 1 TD Next Week: vs Nevada
Comments: Not a great first game for the 2011 Heisman finalist. He did rush for 54 yards and an early touchdown. But an injury really limited his effectiveness and forced the Ducks to play a true freshman at RB. I wouldn't panic if I were James or Ducks fans. LeMichael James and the Ducks will bounce back from this loss and have a great shot to run the table. Stanford and USC are the only two teams that they could run into trouble with. Next week James should be able to put up huge numbers against a Nevada team that could struggle this year.

Keep an eye on

Daniel Thomas QB Oregon
In the loss against LSU Thomas threw for 240 yards with a TD and an INT. If the Ducks can bounce back from this loss and run the table, Thomas should be right back in the hunt for the Heisman Trophy.

Robert Griffen QB Baylor
RG3 was well known by the Big 12 schools, but an impressive showing in an upset win againstTCU really showed the national how good he is. I'm not ready to go all in on him yet, but 359 yards and 5 touchdowns is a pretty good way to start of the season.

David Wilson RB Virginia Tech
Wilson isn't well known by many, but you'll get to know him this year. The speedster isbenefiting from Darren Evans and Ryan Williams leaving for the NFL and now that he is the man he showed on Saturday. He rushed for 162 yards and 3 touchdowns to lead the Hokies in a win against Appalachian State. The Hokies have a very easy schedule and have a great shot at running the table. If they do that, Wilson could get a ton of exposure.

Robert Woods WR USC
The Trojans didn't have an impressive win, but Woods really got a lot of attention in the game. Woods set the USC record for catches in a game with 17 and added 177 yards and 3 touchdowns. Woods is extremely talented and should get plenty of opportunities to show off his talents this year.

Geno Smith QB West Virginia

Despite playing in a shortend game, Geno Smith was able to put up big numbers in a route of rival Marshall. Smith threw for 249 yards and 2 touchdowns. Smith looked very comfortable playing in Dana Holgerson's spread offense and he'll get plenty of opportunities to put up big numbers throughout the season. If the Mountaineers can win the conference and get some big wins throughout the season he could have a shot at making an appearance in New York City.

SEC Predictions

Every year the SEC has a representative in the National Title game. This year shouldn't be any different. The SEC is the premier conference in college football and will have several teams ranked in the top 25 all year long.

Here is how I believe the SEC will play out this upcoming college football season.

East

1. South Carolina Gamecocks, 10-2 (7-1)

After some years of struggling, Steve Spurrier finally has the Gamecocks a yearly contender for the SEC East Championship and for the SEC Title. This year should be no different. QB Stephen Garcia is back and so is ultra talented RB Marcus Lattimore. If Garcia can stay out of trouble and limit turnovers the Gamecocks will find their way back into the SEC Title Game, and maybe have a chance to win it.

2. Florida Gators, 7-5 (4-4)

Florida struggled in their first year in the post Tebow era, but that was understandable since they had pro style QB John Brantley trying to run a spread running attack. Now that Charlie Weis is now the OC the offense will be built around the stengths of Brantley. On defense HC Will Muschamp will bring some attitude back to a team that seemed to loose that the past couple of years. I'd watch out for Ronald Powell who Muschamp could use much like he did with Brian Orakpo and Sergio Kindle.

3. Georgia Bulldogs, 7-5 (4-4)

A lot of people are higher on Georgia than I am, but I'm just not seeing it. They'll really miss what AJ Green did for their offense and with Caleb King being ineligible will put a lot of pressure on true freshman Isaiah Crowell. However their defense will be strong and Aaron Murray is a very good quarterback. They could surprise me, but I think a 7 or 8 wins is all they will get.

4. Tennessee Volunteers, 6-6 (2-6)

There were a lot of qustion marks about Tennessee last year leading up to the season and after starting the season at 2-6 it was looking like a lost season. However QB Tyler Bray emerged and the Vounteers rallied to win their final four games against the SEC celler dwellers. I have a feeling this year might be very similar. They'll struggle against the top level teams and have a chance against the Vanderbilt'\s and the Mississippi's. However if Tyler Bray can elevate his game they could surprise a few teams and finish with better than two or three wins.

5. Kentucky Wildcats, 6-6 (2-6)

Kentucky finished last season with two wins in the confernece and I don't see them winning more than that this year. Last year they were blessed with two talented offensive weapons in Derek Locke and Randall Cobb. Both are gone and that leaves them without many other options. I would not be surprised if they went winless in confernce play either.

6. Vanderbilt Commodores, 5-7 (2-6)

After going hard after Gus Malzahn to be their head coach they ended up getting James Franklin who was the OC at Maryland. Now Vanderbilt is not a destination job by any means, but the Franklin hired is a dud in my opinion. He was the OC but Maryland's offenses where not anything to brag about. And he'll be coaching in the toughest conference in the NCAA and against some of the best defenses in all of college football. Its an uphill battle and they have a long way to go.

West

1. Alabama Crimson Tide, 12-0 (8-0)

Its crzay how talented the SEC is when Alabama last year had a veteran QB and three first round picks and all the rest of that talent and lost three conference games. This year should be different. The Crimson Tide are loaded on defense and are going to make it very difficult for teams to score on them. The real question mark will be at quarterback. They have Phillip Sims and AJ McCarron battling out at quarterback, but look for the Tide to rely on Trent Richardson to carry the early load till whoever wins the QB race gets more comfortable. But none the less the Tide will be the team to beat and have a great shot to make it back to the National Title game for the second time in three years.

2. LSU Tigers, 10-2 (7-1)

The Bayou Bangles might be one of the most talented teams in all of college football but their success will all be dependent on how well Jordan Jefferson plays at quarterback. Jefferson is very talented, but often makes bone headed decisions that really costs the team. If he can improve his decision making the Tigers will be a National Title contender. But if he doesn't, all will be for not and they'll find themselves back in the Cotton Bowl. No pressure huh?

3. Arkansas Razorbacks, 9-3 (6-3)

Its too bad that the Razorbacks aren't in the SEC East where they would be the favorite to win the division. However they are in the West where 4 out of the 6 teams have a legit shot to win the division (instead of one in the East). Arkansas took a big jump last year finishing with a 10-3 record and a birth in their first BCS Bowl. The good thing is that they return all their skill position players but they have to replace some key starters along the offensive line. They also lost QB Ryan Mallett, but replace him with Taylor Wilson who might not have the physical talents of Mallett, but is a much better decision maker which better suits the offense. The key will be the defense. Bobby Petrino is known for his offenses, but not for his defenses. If they can stop the likes of Alabama and LSU they'll have a shot to win the divison, but that might be too hard of an accomplishment.

4. Mississippi State Bulldogs, 8-4 (4-4)

Mississippi State hit a home run hire when they got Dan Mullen from Florida. Mullen has turned the Bulldogs from SEC West bottom dweller to a 9 win team last year. They are lead by QB Chris Relf who has done a good job running Mullen's spread offense. They have to replace some key linebackers, but the Bulldogs should find themselves in that 8 to 9 win category. But just like Arkansas its too bad they play in the West and not the East where they would contend for a division title rather than having to challenge Alabama and LSU for the West Title.

5. Auburn Tigers, 6-6 (3-5)

You don't see teams win the National Title and they go .500 or wose the next year, but that could very well happen this year. Last year Auburn had the best offensive player in the country in Cam Newton and the most dominant defensive player in Nick Fairley. Those two players elevated a medicore team into a National Title. Both are gone and the Tigers are going to feel it. But Gene Chizik and company are hoping the experience they got last year and the young talent they brought in will allow them to make it to a bowl game. But It will be a long season in Tiger country.

6. Mississippi Rebels, 3-9 (0-8)

I bet Ole Miss fans were wishing that the University didn't fire David Cuttcliff who had the Rebels as a constant 9 win team and yearly bowl appearances. However after they have fired him they had to endure the Ed Orgeron era and now Houston Nutt. Nutt has had one good year (with Orgeron's players) but has struggled since. This year shouldn't be any different. The Rebels don't have the talent and its going to show. They'll be lucky to win a game in conference and Nutt will probably be goon in two or three years.

Offensive Player of the Year: Trent Richardson RB Alabama

Defensive Player of the Year: Devin Taylor DE South Carolina

Freshman of the Year: Isaiah Crowell RB Georgia

Coach of the Year: Steve Spurrier, South Carolina

All SEC Team

QB: Taylor Wilson, Arkansas

RB: Trent Richardson, Alabama

RB: Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina

WR: Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

WR: Greg Childs, Arkansas

TE: Phillip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn

T: Cordy Glenn, Georgia

G: Larry Warford, Kentucky

C: William Vlachos, Alabama

G: Josh Dworaczyk, LSU

T: DJ Fulker, Alabama

DE: Devin Taylor, South Carolina

DT: Jaye Howard, Florida

DT: Josh Chapman, Alabama

DE: Ronald Powell, Florida

LB: Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

LB: Jerry Franklin, Arkansas

LB: Chris Marve, Vanderbilt

CB: Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

S: Robert Lester, Alabama

S: Mark Barron, Alabama

CB: Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

K: Blair Walsh, Georgia

P: Drew Butler, Georgia

KR/PR: Joe Adams, Arkansas

Rankings: Top 5s (Offense)

Quarterback
1. Andrew Luck, Stanford
2. Matt Barkley, USC
3. Landry Jones, Oklahoma
4. Nick Foles, Arizona
5. Ryan Lindley, San Diego State

Sleeper: John Brantley, Florida

Comments: Last year saw four quarterbacks go in the first round, but only Blaine Gabbert would break into this top 5. Andrew Luck, Matt Barkley, and Landry Jones all project to be franchise quarterbacks and it wouldn't be a shock if all three went in the top 10. Nick Foles and Ryan Lindley are both bigger quarterbacks with strong arms. Foles has to show people that he isn't a system quarterback while Lindley comes from a West Coast Offense. A guy to watch out for is John Brantley from Florida. A highly touted throwing quarterback was not a great fit for Urban Meyer's spread offense. Now that Charlie Weis is in Gainsville Brantley will have an opprotunity to show what he can do in an NFL offense.


Running Back
1. Trent Richardson, Alabama
2. LeMichael James, Oregon
3. Chris Polk, Washington
4. Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M
5. Edwin Baker, Michigan State

Sleeper: Jeff Demps, Florida

Comments: Five years ago Trent Richardson would be a lock to be a top 5 pick, but with the running back position becoming devalued he probably won't go till the mid to late 1st. The 2nd round seems to be the place that most top running backs come off the board. After James its a crap shoot. James is your speedy game breaker while Polk, Gray, and Baker are more traditional between the tackle runners. A guy to keep an eye on is Jeff Demps. Demps is a speedster that should wow everybody at the combine. He is short, but is stocky. He make a team as a return man but could find himself in a Darren Sproles type of role.



Wide Receiver
1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
2. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina
3. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
4. Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M
5. Greg Childs, Arkansas

Sleeper: Jermaine Kearse, Washington

Comments: Everybody seems to be anoiting Jeffery the top receiver, but I like Justin Blackmon a lot better. I look at Blackmon and see Terrel Owens but better hands. He can take it to the house at any point and has the big body to sheild of defenders. Jeffery is good, but he could have trouble seperating from cornerbacks. Ryan Broyles is another receiver that I really like. He is a very similar player to Santonio Holmes in that he is a good route runner and has the speed and quickness to get open. Jermaine Kearse is my sleeper to watch. When I saw Washington play this past season he really impressed me. He runs good routes and has good hands. He reminds me of a faster Vincent Brown that came out of San Diego State last year.


Tight End/Fullback
1. Michael Egnew TE, Missouri
2. Dwayne Allen TE, Clemson
3. Joe Halahuni TE/FB, Oregon State
4. David Paulson TE, Oregon
5. Cody Johnson FB, Texas

Sleeper: Coby Fleener TE, Stanford

Comments: Fullbacks are starting to become an endangered species. With offenses becoming pass oriented the fullback and tight end positions are starting to merge. Last year Kyle Rudolph was the top rated tight end and didn't go till the the middle of the second round. This year we have Michael Egnew and Dwayne Allen as the top two tight ends but I would highly doubt either of them come close to the first round. Joe Halahuni and Cody Johnson are the top two fullbacks by many people but both don't play the position in college.



Tackle
1. Matt Kalil, USC
2. Jonathan Martin, Stanford
3. Reilly Reiff, Iowa
4. Nate Potter, Boise State
5. DJ Fulker, Alabama

Sleeper: David Pickard, Southern Illinois

Comments: Tyron Smith was the first tackle taken in the 2010 NFL Draft, but he didn't even play left tackle in college. Thats because Matt Kalil was manning the position. Kalil and Jonathan Martin are two top flight tackles that should go in the top 10 and Kalil has the opprotunity to go top 3. Reilly Rieff carries on the tradition of good Iowa offensive lineman. Nate Potter is a guy to watch out for. He isn't going to be confused for a road grader, but he is very athletic, has good technic, and good length. He'd be a great fit in a zone blocking scheme and could protect a quarterback's blind side for many years.


Guard
1. Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State
2. David DeCastro, Stanford
3. Cordy Glenn, Georgia
4. Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin
5. Ryan Miller, Colorado

Sleeper: Mike Remmers, Oregon State

Comments: With the importance of protecting the quarterback at an all time high your starting to see more and more teams looking at guards at the end of the first round. This year has a strong group of gaurds that might be the best in a couple years. Osemele plays left tackle at Iowa State but profiles to be a mauling guard. David DeCastro has be a constant at Stanford and open hole for Toby Gerhart and protected Andrew Luck. Ryan Miller is a huge guard standing at 6'8 but he is a very good athlete and could play guard or right tackle.

Center
1. Mike Brewster, Ohio State
2. William Vlachos, Alabama
3. Ben Jones, Georgia
4. David Molk, Michigan
5. Moe Petrus, UConn

Sleeper: Kai Maiava, UCLA

Comments: The 2010 center class was probably one of the weekest position groups I've seen in a while. Mike Pouncey, Stefen Wisneiwski, and Brandon Fusco where the all centers taken. This year is a little better but not by much. Brewster is a stud and will carry on the tradition of 1st round centers. Vlachos has been a consistent starter but will probably be a 2nd rounder at best.