NCAA College Football 2012 Preview

In the midst of my individual team previews, the fans have called for an overall, blanket college football preview. And, as I am a man of the people, I have decided to undertake said preview. College Football is almost here. So let's get to it...

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS

FAVORITES

ALABAMA- they are always in the running with Saban bringing in top-notch talent year after year, and they also return their starting QB and top O-lineman in Barrett Jones. O yeah, and they still have Kirby Smart.

LSU- Last year's runner up is at it again. Their QB situation in 2011 was reprehensible, but Zach Mettenberger will try to bring some stability to the position while Mathieu, Mingo, and Montgomery look to continue defensive dominance in Baton Rouge.

USC- After the 2-year postseason ban, the Trojans are back with a vengeance. Kiffin has as much talent as anyone at his disposal. Matt Barkley and the offense are set, and it's up to the defense to win them a title, cause we know the offense is fine.

OKLAHOMA- I have some doubts about the Sooners, but Landry Jones is good. It's the skill positions that scare me, and the lack of defensive consistency in recent years. But, the talent is there, the question is: can they figure it out?

OREGON- Chip Kelly has built an incredibly stable program in Eugene, and the offensive talent is there yet again for the Ducks. As always, the question will be whether or not the defense can keep them in games and shut down offenses like USC.

THE BEST OF THE REST

GEORGIA- a lot of people will tell you UGA is overrated, and, while they may be, they still have a ton of playmakers on defense, most notably Jarvis Jones, and also have a solid QB in Aaron Murray. RB could be a black hole, but if they can get consistent production from the run game, look out for the Dawgs.

WEST VIRGINIA- Don't sleep on the Moutaineers. That offense, led by Geno Smith, is as explosive as any in America, and the Big 12 is down this year. Far down. Also, WVU's toughest games (Oklahoma and TCU) are both in Morgantown, so all the pieces are in place for West Virginia to make a run.

WISCONSIN- Every year, Wisconsin is underrated in preseason polls, and every year they wind up in the Rose Bowl (it seems like, anyway.) Bret Bielema has one of the top rushing attacks every single year, and the Big Ten is not going to be good this year outside of Michigan and maybe Michigan State (also, don't count out the Buckeyes and Urban Meyer).

DON'T SLEEP ON

TCU- I mentioned the mediocrity of the 2012 Big 12, and TCU may benefit. The schedule is not ideal (OK State, WVU, K-State, Texas, OU all in a row), but they have the talent to win any game on the schedule, and the extra motivation of being in the Big 12 won't hurt.

Shifting gears here, let's take a look at some of the Heisman contenders in 2012...

FAVORITES

MATT BARKLEY- Man crush. That is all.

LANDRY JONES- Doesn't have his usual slew of talented WRs, but the talent and system are there.

MARCUS LATTIMORE- All-around beast.

MONTEE BALL- Heisman finalist in 2011, and, if he stops running into street toughs on campus, should have another chance at the prize this year.

GENO SMITH- Not talked about much, but he put up incredible numbers in 2011, and he's back for more.

DENARD ROBINSON- it will be tough for such a small guy to maintain a rushing workload like he has, but boy, he is fast.

Apr 14, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley (7) is pressured by linebacker Hayes Pullard (10) in the 2012 spring game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Photo Courtesy By Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE.

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DON'T SLEEP ON...

CASEY PACHALL- The TCU QB is flying under the radar, but with more freedom in the passing game this year, look out.

AARON MURRAY- He has nice WR weapons, a great coach in Richt, and all the tools a top QB needs.

TAJH BOYD- Clemson may not be a title contender, but the offensive system is good for numbers, and he's athletic as well.

LOGAN THOMAS- he's a mountain of a man at QB, has a sick arm and is still very mobile.

COLLIN KLEIN- He's unorthodox (especially passing), but few players are nearly as effective as this guy.

TYLER WILSON- he would be a favorite if Bobby Petrino hadn't been fired for, well, we all know why he was fired, but Wilson has talent and nice weapons.

DE'ANTHONY THOMAS- Speed, speed, speeeeeeeeeeed.

KEITH PRICE- broke onto the scene in the 2011 Alamo Bowl, and returns for a solid offense led by guru Sarkisian.

GAMES TO WATCH IN 2012

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