College Football Preview

We are now just hours away from the kickoff of the 2011 college football season.  This is a time of year I am always looking forward to.  I believe one of our local teams is set for a breakout year, and two others that should come out on top of a pretty tough schedule.

Down in Champaign the storyline most of the year will surround coach Ron Zook.  With U of I bringing in Mike Thomas to be their new Athletic Director it could mean Zook will be out if they don't have a highly successful season.  Zook has been a great recruiter in Champaign and previously at Florida, but he has not translated that into wins.  Thomas may choose to go with one of his guys if Zook does not have a good year.

I predict Illinois to go 7-5 (3-5 in conference).  Probably not good enough to save Zook's job.  With a big year from Sophomore QB Nathan Scheelhaase the Illini could suprise a lot of people.  The game that will really determine a lot will be their matchup with Northwestern on October 1st.  If they get off to a good start in conference they could end up with a 9 win season and save Zook's job.

Up in Evanston the Northwestern Wildcats will be relying on the arm and legs of QB Dan Persa.  At the moment Persa is questionable to start the opener at Boston College on Saturday because of weakness in his surgically repaired achillies which he tore late last season.  If Persa is at full strength the Wildcats can score with anyone.  The big question is if the defense will be improved.  Defense definitely cost them a couple games last year. 

I'm going with Northwestern to go 8-4 (5-3 in conference).  Again, that game with Illinois will say a lot about how their season will go.  I have the Cats going to Champaign and winning a high scoring game.

In South Bend I think the Irish are the team that will have a breakout season under second year coach Brian Kelly.  They have a relatively easy schedule this year, and having a full year of experience in Kelly's spread offense will be a big help.  They have two QB's ready to play in Dayne Crist and Tommy Rees.  Crist will be the starter, but Rees has solid experience and will be ready to play unlike last year in the Michigan game when the lack of experience behind Crist cost them that game.

I am taking Notre Dame to go 11-1 this year.  If their defense plays like it did the second half of last season the Irish will find themselves in contention for a BCS bowl game.  The game that will show what the Irish are made of will be at home against Michigan State on September 17th.  They need to get back at the Spartans for that loss on the fake field goal last year (I still contend there were uncalled penalties against MSU on that play). 

As for a National title predecition I will take Oklahoma to beat Alabama and end the SEC's reign.  However if Boise State goes to Atlanta on September 3rd and knocks off Georgia they could finally get that shot at a national title.  They only have to beat TCU after that.

Time to sit back and enjoy the college football season.  Let me know who you are cheering for and how you think they will finish.