First look at the 2012 college football season: who wins the national title and the Heisman?

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Too early to talk college football? Nah. We can always talk football. It’s a game too beautiful to ignore. I mean, is there a better place to be than at a college football stadium under the lights on a Saturday night, cheering on your favorite team? I can’t think of one. So let’s take a look at what the 2012 college football season has in store for us.

Heisman Trophy Contenders

USC Quarterback Matt Barkley:

The Trojans quarterback could have easily been a finalist last year. He put up more than 3,500 yards passing with a 69.1 completion percentage. His touchdown-to-interception difference was ridiculous with 39 TDs compared to only seven picks. He’ll be a senior next year and should be even better. Leading his team to an undefeated record wouldn’t hurt, either.

Oklahoma Quarterback Landry Jones:

4,463. That’s the number of passing yards Jones accumulated last season, and he did it in a major conference. While the yards were there, his completion percentage was less than stellar at 63.2 percent and his touchdown-to-interception ratio was just below 2/1. In his final season, look for Jones excel. However, if his team stumbles down the road again as it did this past season, then that could take Jones out of the running.

Oregon Running Back Kenjon Barner:

Barner didn’t put up massive numbers last year as he only had 939 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. But, when you consider the fact that he did that with the LaMichael James in the spotlight, then you realize that’s pretty impressive. Did I mention he had an average of 6.2 yards per carry? With James and quarterback Darren Thomas gone, it’s Barner’s time to lead the team. Don’t be surprised if he has a breakout season.

Pac-12 South:

Welcome back, USC. After having served their sentence for violating NCAA rules, the Trojans are once again eligible to participate in postseason play, and the college football world is glad to have them back. Does anyone want to see a 6-6 team go to the conference championship game again to face powerhouse Oregon? No.

This division should really be no contest. The Trojans finished 10-2 last season, and had 10 starters who were freshmen or sophomores, which means they have plenty of experience coming back. Leading the way is star quarterback Matt Barkley, who surprised a lot of people by returning to school.

Pac-12 North:

The past couple of seasons have seen Oregon and Stanford battle it out for the crown, and this year should be no different. But it probably won’t be as easy as it’s been as both teams lose their star quarterbacks. The Ducks also lose running back LaMichael James, but they should be fine with Kenjon Barner and De’Anthony Thomas filling the void.

Stanford, on the other hand, may have a difficult time replacing the man who helped turn the program around – quarterback Andrew Luck. He was without question the best player on the team and the Cardinal will most likely struggle without him.

In the end, we’ll probably see Oregon back in the championship game, except this time against a quality opponent: USC. If Ducks quarterback Darren Thomas hadn’t decided to leave early for the NFL, I would give Oregon the edge in the final tilt. But, he did. So, I won’t.

Pac-12 Champion: USC

 

SEC West:

Hmmmmmm. I wonder who will win this division … Ole Miss? Just kidding.

While Arkansas will be in the mix with quarterback Tyler Wilson returning, the Razorbacks just can’t keep pace with the two juggernauts. Once again, this division will come down to LSU and Alabama. Let’s just hope they don’t end up facing each other twice again, for the sake of all of college football.

The Crimson Tide loses several key players, but have proven before that they reload, not rebuild. The Tigers need to find a new quarterback, which may actually be a good thing. Eight home games should also help, but my money goes to the defending national champions.

SEC East:

Last year, this race came down to Georgia and South Carolina, and it looks like it’s going to be no different this year. Are we starting to sense a similar theme here? The Bulldogs are probably the most talented team in the division and have the best quarterback in Aaron Murray and one of the best defensive players in Jarvis Jones, who headlines a defense that should have 10 starters back. South Carolina won with its defense last year, and will once again be leaning on that side of the ball. It’ll be much harder without defensive end Melvin Ingram running all over the field. Running back Marcus Lattimore needs to stay healthy, as well.

Florida could be in the hunt, but it may take head coach Will Muschamp a couple more years to get the Gators rolling.

Expect to see a lot of red at the championship game. Georgia will aim to upset an undefeated Alabama team, and while the Bulldogs will keep close for most of the game, the Crimson Tide will be too much.

SEC Champion: Alabama

 

ACC Atlantic:

Clemson shocked a lot of people by winning the division last year. Then, the Tigers shocked even more people when they were obliterated 70-33 to a team from the Big East in the Orange Bowl. With quarterback Tajh Boyd and receiver Sammy Watkins returning, the offense should put up plenty of points. But how can anyone trust their defense? Yes, former Oklahoma assistant Brent Venables has replaced defensive coordinator Kevin Steele. But, it might take some time for him to fix that mess.

Meanwhile, Florida State looks to climb back to the top, and is more than capable of doing so. Expect quarterback E.J. Manuel to be a big factor next season.

ACC Coastal:

Is there really any question as to who’s going to win this division? Even when Virginia Tech is supposed to be rebuilding, head coach Frank Beamer still manages to find a way to pull his team to the top. Quarterback Logan Thomas had his struggles last year as a first-year quarterback, but has the skills to be a difference-maker. The loss of running back David Wilson certainly hurts, but this team will be led by the defense and special teams anyway. Beamer ball.

This one’s a toss-up. Florida State or Virginia Tech? A slight edge goes to the Hokies for winning their division last year and the fact that they’ll have at least eight defensive starters returning.

ACC Champion: Virginia Tech

 

Big 12:

Oklahoma is the clear favorite as is usually the case, and with quarterback Landry Jones returning there is no reason why they shouldn’t be. But, what about Kansas State? Jones may get all the hype, but Wildcats quarterback Collin Klein may be the most valuable to his team as he accounted for 40 touchdowns last season. Oklahoma State will have a shot to defend its title, but it’s going to be extremely difficult replacing both a record-breaking quarterback and receiver.

If Landry Jones manages to stay healthy all year, then this should be Oklahoma’s for the taking. But, don’t count out coach Bill Snyder and the Wildcats. The Sooners have had a few disappointing seasons recently, and if that happens again, look for the Kansas State to step in.

Big 12 Champion: Kansas State

 

Big East:

The biggest question here is will West Virginia be here or not? If the Mountaineers are, then they’re the clear-cut favorite to win the conference. With quarterback Geno Smith returning, along with his running back and top two receivers, the Mountaineers should be even better offensively, which is pretty scary considering they were one of the top offensive teams in the nation last year.

If the Mountaineers do leave, then Cincinnati and Louisville will most likely be fighting for the championship. The Bearcats won 10 games last year, but Louisville may have more of an upside with a possible star in the making in quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. However, none of this may matter if West Virginia is still here.

Big East Champion: West Virginia

 

Big 10 Legends:

Three teams have a shot to take the Legends division. Michigan, Michigan State and Nebraska finished as the top 3 teams in the division last year and will be at it again this year. The Wolverines are losing their two best players in center David Molk and defensive tackle Mike Martin, and face a far more daunting schedule than last year, including Alabama to kick off the season.

The Spartans lose their leader in quarterback Kirk Cousins and practically their entire receiving corps.

The Cornhuskers get eight starters back on defense, but lose their best one in linebacker LaVonte David and will have to replace three offensive linemen who can create holes for Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead.

So, who has the edge? Right now, it’s the Spartans who are returning eight starters to a defense that was one of the top ranked in the country.

Big 10 Leaders:

The race for the Leaders division should be wide open in 2012. Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer has the ability to bring the Buckeyes back to glory, but it’s unclear as to just how soon that will happen. How will Wisconsin handle with the loss of its star quarterback and almost an entire new coaching staff? Penn State is a complete question mark, and Purdue still doesn’t look ready to compete for the title. Should be fun to watch.

For the championship game, I like the Spartans to have a showdown with an 8-4 Buckeyes team. The Leaders division is basically up for grabs this season, so expect whoever wins the Legends division to win the championship game.

Big Ten Champion: Michigan State

 

So who will win the national championship? Will USC be able to end the reign of the SEC? Or will Alabama or LSU take home another championship for their conference? Maybe Georgia? Or will Oklahoma finally be able to get over the hump? Until further notice, look for the SEC to keep the crown in their homeland.

Yes, it’s boring. But, the Crimson Tide are too strong right now.

National Champion: Alabama

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