cidsports: 2010 Preseason College Football Rankings

It's time to pull out the Top 25 poll for a new year: the 2010 College Football Season kicks off on Thursday, September 2Nd ...

Who is the likely BCS Champion for the 2010 season?

Past Season BCS Champions:

• 2010 - Who will finish #1? Will an 11Th school be added to the list of ten past winners?


• 2009 - Alabama Crimson Tide


• 2008 - Florida Gators


• 2007 - LSU Tigers


• 2006 - Florida Gators


• 2005 - Texas Longhorns


• 2004 - USC Trojans


• 2003 - LSU Tigers


• 2002 - Ohio State Buckeyes


• 2001 - Miami-FL Hurricane


• 2000 - Oklahoma Sooners


• 1999 - Florida State Seminoles


• 1998 - Tennessee Volunteers

The BCS champion more times (6) than not (5) will come from the SEC. Will the SEC make it five in a row in 2010? Alabama will kick-off the 2010 as the defending BCS champion and with the talent returning for coach Nick Saban, a good choice for #1 to open the 2010 season.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide (14-0 in '09) - the Crimson Tide were a #5 pick by both major polls heading into '09. USC is the last team (2004) to start #1 in the preseason and finish #1 in the BCS. Coach Saban enters his 4Th season in Tuscaloosa. Strengths: Talent returns, including 8 returning on offense, with starting experience at all skill positions and 3 OL back. Weaknesses: Only 2 starters return on defense and freshmen are projected at PK and punter entering the season. Senior QB Greg McElroy returns after starting all games in '09.


2. Ohio State Buckeyes (11-2) - the Buckeyes were #6 entering the '09 season, but lost in week 2 to USC and later were upset on the road @ Purdue. The Buckeyes beat Oregon 26-17 to win the Rose Bowl last season. Coach Jim Tressel enters his 10Th season in Columbus. They return 9 starters on offense and 6 on defense, along with PK that kicked the game winning FG in OT vs. Iowa to capture OSU's fifth straight Big Ten title. Junior starting QB Terrelle Pryor turned in his finest game in the 2010 Rose Bowl.


3. Boise State Broncos (14-0) - the Broncos finished the '09 season #4 and are the top choice among the non-BCS teams heading into the 2010 season. The Broncos will close out their last season in the WAC, before moving to the MWC in 2011. Coach Chris Petersen enters his 5Th season in Boise. They return 10 starters on both sides of the ball, plus starting kicker. The Broncos have won two Fiesta Bowl games in four seasons, with wins over TCU 17-10 last year and OU to end '06 season. (Note: past two bowl games were games vs. TCU). Junior QB Kellen Moore is back to lead the Broncos offensive attack.


4. Iowa Hawkeyes (11-2) - the Hawkeyes finished the '09 season with an impressive 24-14 BCS win in the Orange Bowl over ACC champ Georgia Tech. Iowa returns 48 letterwinners, including 6 offensive, 8 defensive starters and everyone back on special teams. Coach Kirk Ferentz is entering his 12Th season in Iowa City and is known for playing a discipline form of football. Is Iowa ready to breakout on the national scene in '10? They may have been a couple plays away in '09 from going 13-0. Iowa is solid at QB with senior starter Ricky Stanzi. The future is bright with sophomore backup James Vandenberg, who nearly lead Iowa to an upset win over Ohio State in Columbus in first start in '09 in relief for an injured Stanzi.


5. Florida Gators (13-1) - the Gators have won two BCS titles in coach Urban Meyer's first five season, though a 13-32 loss in the SEC title game cost them another chance at the BCS title. Meyer's health was a distraction late in Gainsville in '09, but he is back for his 6Th season with 6 offensive, 5 defensive starters and both kickers. Junior John Brantley will step into QB Tim Tebow's position. The Gators spanked Cincinnati in the 2010 Sugar Bowl 51-24 and can never be ruled out of the BCS picture.


6. Virginia Tech Hokies (10-3) - the Hokies beat Tennessee 37-14 in the Chick-fil-A to close out '09. Coach Frank Beamer enters his 24Th season in Blacksburg with 8 offensive and 4 defensive starters back. Special teams are always strong, but both kickers are projected as redshirt freshmen. The offense is lead again by senior QB Tyrod Taylor.


7. Texas Longhorns (13-1) -the Longhorns came up short 21-37 to Alabama in the BCS Championship game. Coach Mack Brown enters his 13Th season in Austin with 5 offensive, 7 defensive starters and punter back. QB Colt McCoy graduated to the NFL, but sophomore Garrett Gilbert got a taste of action, when McCoy went down in the BCS title game. The Longhorns have won 4 of the last five games vs. rival Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry.


8. TCU Horned Frogs (12-1) - the Horned Frogs lost 10-17 in their first ever BCS game (Fiesta) to Boise State to close out a nearly flawless season. Coach Gary Patterson enters his 10Th season in Fort Worth, though other programs have called on him unsuccessfully. Patterson returns 9 offensive, 7 defensive starters and everyone on special teams. Senior starting QB Andy Dalton returns to lead the strong attack.


9. Oregon Ducks (10-3) - the Ducks lost 17-26 to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, then lost QB Jeremiah Masoli to off the field issues. Coach Chip Kelly returns for his 2Nd season in Eugene. Sophomore QB Darron Thomas or senior backup Nate Costa are returning lettermen. The Ducks have 9 offensive, 8 defensive starters and punter back. The Ducks only play 4 of 9 conference games at home.


10. Wisconsin Badgers (10-3) - the Badgers finished '09 with a solid 20-14 win over Miami-FL in Champs Sports. Coach Bret Bielema enters his 5Th season with 10 offensive, 6 defensive starters and everyone back on special teams. Bielema went 12-1 his first season, with primarily Alvarez players. After a 7-6 record in '08, the Badgers rebounded to 10-3 in '09. Senior QB Scott Tolzien is back, after starting his first season in '09. Three of four starters have departed in the defensive line for the Badgers.


11. Miami-FL Hurricane (9-4) - the Hurricane didn't close out '09 with a win, losing 14-20 to Wisconsin at Champs Sports. Coach Randy Shannon enters his 4Th season in Miami, with 6 offensive, 7 defensive starters and everyone back on special teams. Junior starting QB Jacory Harris is back to lead the Hurricane offense in '10.


12. LSU Tigers (9-4) - the Tigers were young in '09, finished the season with a 17-19 loss to Penn State at Capital One. With 2010 arriving in Baton Rouge, it's been three seasons since the last BCS title and some want to place Les Miles, entering his 6Th season on the hot seat. The Tigers have 6 offensive, 4 defensive starters and both kickers back. Junior QB Jordan Jefferson is back under center to lead the Tigers offense.


13. Utah Utes (10-3) - the Utes beat California 37-27 in the Poinsettia to close out the '09 season on a three game winning steak. The Utes were 13-0 in 2008, with 31-17 win over Alabama in Sugar. Coach Kyle Whittingham enters his 6Th season in Salt Lake City with 8 offensive, 4 defensive starters and everyone back on special teams. Sophomore Jordan Winn is back at QB, after starting the last five games for the Utes in '09.


14. Georgia Bulldogs (8-5) - the Bulldogs had an up and down season, but finished '09 with a win over in-state rival Georgia Tech and a 44-20 win over Texas A&M in Independence. Coach Mark Richt enters his 10Th season in Athens with 10 offensive, 5 defensive starters and both kickers back. Redshirt freshman Aaron Murray is projected as the starting QB entering '10, replacing Joe Cox.


15. Nebraska Cornhuskers (10-4) - the Cornhuskers smoked Arizona 33-0 in the Holiday. Buzz is returning to Lincoln, as the Cornhuskers head into their final season in the Big 12, before joining the Big Ten in '11. Coach Bo Pelini returns for his 3Rd season at the helm, with 9 offensive, 6 defensive starters and all back on special teams. Will returning starting QB Zac Lee rebound from injuries and elbow surgery for a strong senior campaign?


16. 
    Brigham Young Cougars (11-2) - the Cougars finished strong in '09 five straight wins, including a 44-20 win in Las Vegas over Oregon State. Coach Bronco Mendenhall enters his 6Th season in Provo, with 7 offensive, 5 defensive starters and all returning on special teams. Reserve junior QB Riley Nelson is back, but look for true freshman Jake Heaps to emerge as an option for Max Hall's replacement in '10


17. Texas Tech Red Raiders (9-4) - the Red Raiders ended '09 with a dismissal of Mike Leach, prior to the bowl game. The Red Raiders still beat Michigan State 41-31 in the Alamo. Coach Tommy Tuberville resurfaces in Lubbock as the new leader of the Red Raiders. Tuberville was head coach at Auburn for 10 seasons, including a 13-0 season in '04 and nine solid seasons. He was 5-7 in his final season at Auburn in '08. Eight offensive, 6 defensive and everyone is back on special teams. Senior Tyler Potts is back at QB, along with back up senior Steven Sheffield. Known for the spread offense under Leach, Tuberville wants all phases to be emphasized.
    
18. Oklahoma Sooners (8-5) - the Sooners rebounded to end the '09 season with a 27-0 win over Okie State, then a 31-27 win over Stanford in the Sun. Injuries and an inexperience O-Line lead to a down year in Norman. Coach Bob Stoops enters his 12Th season with 8 offensive, 5 defensive starters and both kickers back. Sophomore QB Landry Jones replaced Sam Bradford, after the first game, due to injury.


19. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (11-3) - the Yellow Jackets offense often give opponents defensive coordinators fits. But, the Yellow Jackets have made some changes of their own this off season changing to a 3-4 defense. Coach Paul Johnson's offense remains the same as he enters his 3Rd season in Atlanta. The Yellow Jackets return 6 offensive, 8 defensive starters and everyone on special teams for '10. Senior QB Joshua Nesbitt returns to run the offense again.


20. Penn State Nittany Lions (11-2) - the Nittany Lions finished '09 with three straight wins, including a 19-17 win over LSU in the Capital One. Coach Joe Paterno returns to Happy Valley (State College) for his 45Th season leading the Nittany Lions. Many positions will require youth to step up, with QB likely going to a sophomore or freshman. Will sophomore reserve Kevin Newsome win the job before the season opener? The Nittany Lions have 8 offensive, 5 defensive starters and PK back in '10.


21. Florida State Seminoles (7-6) - the Seminoles begin the '10 season with a new coach for the first time in 34 seasons, with Bobby Bowden's retirement. Coach Jimbo Fisher is elevated from the coach in waiting position in Tallahasse, as Bowden's OC. The Seminoles have 9 offensive, 6 defensive starters and everyone on special teams back from the team that finished '09 with a 33-21 win over West Virginia in the Gator. Starting senior QB Christian Ponder returns after 1-1/2 years as the #1 signal caller for the Seminoles.


22. Pittsburgh Panthers (10-3) - the Panthers finished '09 with a 19-17 win over North Carolina in the Meineke Car Care. Coach Dave Wannstedt enters his 6Th season in Pittsburgh with 5 offensive, 6 defensive and his kicker all back for '10. Sophomore reserve Tino Sunseri is first up to replace departed QB Bill Stull in '10.


23. Cincinnati Bearcats (12-1) - the Bearcats have played in back to back BCS games (Orange, Sugar) in Brian Kelly's final two seasons. They didn't win either game, but the Bearcats are on a four game bowl streak and are 2-2 the past four seasons. Butch Jones arrives from three successful seasons at Central Michigan, where he replaced Kelly, when he came to Cincinnati. Now, Jones replaces Kelly again and will build on 7 offensive, 5 defensive starters and PK back for '10. Junior reserve QB Zach Collaros likely becomes the #1 signal caller. He has 4 previous starts.


24. Navy Midshipmen (10-4) - the Midshipmen beat Missouri 35-13 in Texas to close the '09 season. Coach Ken Niumatalolo enters his 3Rd season in Annapolis, with 8 offensive, 5 defensive starters and everyone back on special teams for the Middies. Senior starting QB Ricky Dobbs returns to run the offensive attack again.


25. Houston Cougars (10-4) - the Cougars pulled off two solid OOC wins over Big 12 Okie State and Texas Tech in September, but lost the C-USA title game to East Carolina 32-38. Then, Houston lost to Air Force 20-47 in the Armed Forces. Coach Kevin Sumlin returns to Houston for his 3Rd season with 8 offensive, 6 defensive starters and PK back for '10. The real boost for Houston entering '10 is the return of senior QB Case Keenum and many quality skilled players in the Cougars offense.

On Probation - USC Trojans (9-4) - the Trojans have a new AD and a new head coach to begin the 2010 season. They are also on probation and will not be eligible for a bowl game. Coach Lane Kiffin (7-6 at Tennessee in one season) returns to Los Angeles as a head coach. The nine years of the Pete Carroll era closes, with Carroll back in the NFL, with Seattle. Kiffin will work with a lot of returning letter winners, sanctions and 5 starters back on offense and defense, plus their punter from '09. USC did win the '09 Emerald Bowl 24-13 over Boston College.

Other Teams to Watch for in 2010, who did not make our Preseason Top 25:

• SEC - Auburn (8-5) - beat Northwestern 38-35 in Outback; coach Gene Chizik enters 2Nd season with 7 offensive, 8 defensive starters and PK returning. Chizik returns two lettermen at QB, but a new starter will have to emerge, which could include JUCO transfer Cameron Newton for Tigers.


• SEC - Arkansas (8-5) - beat East Carolina 20-17 in Liberty; coach Bobby Petrino enters 3Rd season with 10 offensive, 7 defensive starters and PK, PT returning. Former Michigan transfer junior QB Ryan Mallett begins his second season as a starter for the Razorbacks.


• SEC - Mississippi (9-4) - beat Oklahoma State 21-7 in Cotton; coach Houston Nutt in 3Rd season returns 4 offensive, 6 defensive starters and punter back. Sophomore letterwinner Nathan Stanley gets first opportunity to replace departed QB Jevan Snead for Rebels.


• SEC - Mississippi State (5-7) - coach Dan Mullen enters 2Nd season with 7 offensive, 7 defensive starters and both kickers back. Last Bowl - 2007 Liberty Bowl (win). Junior letterwinner Chris Relf gets opportunity at QB for Bulldogs.


• SEC - South Carolina (7-6) - lost to UConn 7-20 in Pappajohns.com; coach Steve Spurrier enters 6Th season with 9 offensive, 7 defensive starters and kicker back. The Gamecocks return junior Stephen Garcia who emerged as the full-time starter in '09.


• SEC - Tennessee (7-6) - lost to Virginia Tech 14-37 in Chick-fil-A; new coach Derek Dooley arrives after 3 seasons at Louisiana Tech and will work with 3 offensive and 6 defensive starters back. The Volunteers top two QBs have departed, so look for Dooley to start junior Matt Simms, who played at a JUCO last year after brief action at Louisville in '08.


• SEC - Kentucky (7-6) - lost to Clemson 13-21 in Music City; first year coach Joker Phillips steps up to replace retired Rich Brooks with 5 offensive, 6 defensive starters and punter back. The Wildcats return sophomore QB Morgon Newton, who emerged for 8 starts in '09.

• Big Ten - Michigan State (6-7) - lost to Texas Tech 31-41 in Alamo; coach Mark Dantonio in 4Th season returns 7 offensive, 6 defensive starters and punter back. MSU hasn't won a bowl game, since 2001 and while Dantonio is a fine coach, the Spartans appear to have the underachieving tag returning to East Lansing. Junior Kirk Cousins returns as the top QB and his backup junior Keith Nichol will move to a starting WR spot for the Spartans in '10.


• Big Ten - Michigan (5-7) - back to back losing seasons in Ann Arbor for the first time, since 1961-62 seasons; coach Rich Rodriguez enters 3Rd season on the "hot seat" with 7 offensive and 8 defensive starters back, with freshman projected at kickers. The QB position will still be young, with sophomores Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson 1-2 in '09 and true freshman Devin Gardner in the wings for the Wolverines.


• Big Ten - Northwestern (8-5) - lost to Auburn 35-38 OT in Outback; coach Pat Fitzgerald returns 7 offensive, 6 defensive starters and both kickers back. This program is gaining strength and Fitzgerald loves coaching at his alma mater. The Wildcats will turn to junior Dan Persa at QB, after a relief role in '09.


• Big Ten - Illinois (3-9) - coach Ron Zook is in his 6Th season, with only one winning season. Ironically, the past decade, the Fighting Illini have been to two bowl games (both BCS games, both losses); Zook has 5 offensive, 6 defensive and both kickers back, in what could be his last season, if he doesn't get something positive going. The Fighting Illini will turn to redshirt freshman Nathan Scheelhaase, with #2 QB the past three years, Eddie McGee, at one of the WR spots.


• Big Ten - Purdue (5-7) - coach Danny Hope enters 2Nd season and has a win over Ohio State to his team's credit in '09; Boilermakers return 5 offensive, 6 defensive starters and PK back. Former Miami-FL QB Robert Marve (11 starts at UM in '08) is projected starter, as a junior for Boilermakers.


• Big Ten - Minnesota (6-7) - lost to Iowa State 13-14 in Insight; coach Tim Brewster enters 4Th season with 9 offensive, 2 defensive starters and PK back. The Golden Gophers return three year starter in senior Adam Weber and change of pace QB sophomore MarQueis Gray.


• Big Ten - Indiana (4-8) - coach Bill Lynch enters his 4Th season on the hot seat a little. Team has 9 offensive, 4 defensive starters and punter back. Last bowl - 2007 Insight (loss), which was first bowl game, since 1993 for Hoosiers. The Hoosiers return senior QB Ben Chappel for '10.

• Big 12 - Texas A&M (6-7) - lost to Georgia 20-44 in Independence; coach Mike Sherman enters 3Rd season with 7 offensive and 9 defensive starters back. QB should be solid for the Aggies with senior Jerrod Johnson returning.


• Big 12 - Oklahoma State (9-4) - lost to Mississippi 7-21 in Cotton; coach Mike Gundy enters 6Th season with 4 offensive, 4 defensive starters and PK back. Backup QB junior Brandon Weeden will likely step into Zac Robinson's vacated spot for the Cowboys in '10.


• Big 12 - Missouri (8-5) - lost to Navy 13-35 in Texas; coach Gary Pinkel enters 10Th season with 8 offensive, 8 defensive and PK back. Junior QB Blaine Gabbert will begin his second year as the Tigers signal caller.


• Big 12 - Colorado (3-9) - coach Dan Hawkins appears to be on the hot seat as he enters his 5Th year with 10 offensive, 7 defensive starters and PK back. Only two bowl bids in year one and year three (both losses). CU will head to Pac Ten soon, most likely in 2012. Coach Hawkins has his son, Cody, a senior, but look for the Buffaloes to go with junior Tyler Hanson, who started more than half the games in '09.


• Big 12 - Kansas (5-7) - new coach Turner Gill arrives from Buffalo and will work with 7 offensive, 6 defensive starters and both kickers back. The Jayhawks went to two straight bowl games (both wins) prior to last year's dip. New coach and a new QB as sophomore Kale Pick will likely get first opportunity for the new coaching staff.


• Big 12 - Kansas State (6-6) - coach Bill Snyder came back last year, after a three year retirement, as he enters 19Th season for Wildcats, with 5 offensive, 6 defensive and both kickers back. Last bowl game, which was under coach Ron Prince, was Texas in 2006 (loss). Senior Carson Coffman has limited starting experience and likely will be first option for Wildcats in '10.


• Big 12 - Iowa State (7-6) - beat Minnesota 14-13 in Insight under first year coach Paul Rhoads, who will enter 2Nd season with 8 offensive, 4 defensive starters and PK back. Rhoads was a very good hire for ISU, but 2010 may be a tough road. Cyclones return top 1-2 at QB with senior Austen Arnaud and sophomore Jerome Tiller, who lead team to 9-7 upset win @ Nebraska in '09.

• ACC - North Carolina (8-5) - lost to Pittsburgh 17-19 in Meineke Car Care; coach Butch Davis enters 4Th season at UNC with 10 offensive, 9 defensive and both kickers back. Some issues with an agent has the NCAA and state investigating the matter. Senior QB T.J. Yates returns for Tar Heels.


• ACC - Boston College (8-5) - lost to USC 13-24 in Emerald; coach Frank Spaziani in his 2Nd season has 8 offensive, 6 defensive starters and punter back. Sophomore QB Dave Shinskie was the primary starter and is back for the Eagles in '10.


• ACC - Clemson (9-5) - beat Kentucky 21-13 in Music City; coach Dabo Sweeney in 3Rd season has 7 offensive, 6 defensive and both kickers back. Big boost was return of sophomore QB Kyle Parker, who passes up Major League Baseball to return to Clemson.

• Pac Ten - Arizona (8-5) - lost to Nebraska 0-33 in Holiday; coach Mike Stoops enters 7Th season in Tucson with 8 offensive, 4 defensive starters and both kickers back. Arizona is the only Pac Ten team never to reach the Rose Bowl. Like last year, third game of season is a match up with his alma mater, Iowa. This time the Wildcats host Iowa and junior QB Nick Foles is starting now.


• Pac Ten - California (8-5) - lost to Utah 27-37 in Poinsettia; coach Jeff Tedford enters 9Th season with 8 offensive, 6 defensive starters and both kickers back. Senior QB Kevin Riley became the full time starter in '09 for Golden Bears and is back.


• Pac Ten - Oregon State (8-5) - lost to BYU 20-44 in Las Vegas; coach Mike Riley enters 10Th season with 8 offensive, 7 defensive starters and both kickers back. Sophomore backup QB Ryan Katz will likely get call for Beavers in '09.


• Pac Ten - Stanford (8-5) - lost to Oklahoma 27-31 in Sun; coach Jim Harbaugh enters 4Th season with 8 offensive, 7 defensive starters and both kickers back. Outstanding sophomore QB Andrew Luck returns for Cardinal in '10.


• Pac Ten - Washington (5-7) - coach Steve Sarkinstan enters 2Nd season and can build using the '09 upset win over USC 16-13. Huskies have 10 offensive, 8 defensive starters and both kickers back. Senior veteran QB Jake Locker is again behind center for the Huskies for '10.


• Pac Ten - UCLA (7-6) - beat Temple 30-21 in EagleBank; coach Rick Neuheisel has 8 offensive, 5 defensive starters and both kickers back. Sophomore QB Kevin Prince is back after gaining the QB position as a redshirt freshman in '09 for the Bruins.


• Pac Ten - Arizona State (4-8) - coach Dennis Erickson has had two rebuilding years, since bowling in year one. As Sun Devils prepare for 4Th season, team has 4 offensive, 5 defensive starters and both kickers back. Last Bowl - 2007 Holiday (loss). Junior Michigan transfer Steven Threat is the likely new QB for the Sun Devils in '10.

• Big East - West Virginia (9-4) - lost to Florida State 21-33 in Gator; coach Bill Stewart is entering his 3Rd full season and will have 7 offensive, 9 defensive starters and PK back. The Mountaineers have a new QB in sophomore Tino Sunseri for '10, thus, will start season outside the Top 25.


• Big East - South Florida (8-5) - beat Northern Illinois 27-3 in International; coach Skip Holtz replaces fired Jim Leavitt, who was the only FBS coach in Bulls history. The Bulls return 10 offensive, 5 defensive starters and PK. Sophomore QB B.J. Daniels is back after 10 starts in '09 and a medical redshirt in '08.


• Big East - Connecticut (8-5) - beat South Carolina 20-7 in PapaJohns.com; coach Randy Edsall enters his 12Th year with 8 offensive, 8 defensive starters and PK back. Senior QB Zach Frazier, who began his career at Notre Dame, split time with junior Cody Endres in '09 are both back.


• Big East - Rutgers (9-4) - beat UCF 45-24 in St. Petersburg; coach Greg Schiano enters his 10Th season with 6 offensive, 6 defensive starters and both kickers back. Sophomore QB Tom Savage is back after starting 11 games as a true frosh in '09 for Scarlet Knights.

• MWC - Air Force (8-5) - beat Houston 47-20 in Armed Forces; coach Troy Calhoun enters 4Th season with 5 offensive, 6 defensive starters and PK back. Junior QB Tim Jefferson has been the top QB for most games the past two seasons for the Falcons, with junior Connor Dietz ready to step in when needed.


• MWC - San Diego State (4-8) - coach Brady Hoke enters his 2Nd season, after leading Ball State to 12-2 mark in '08. The Aztecs have 9 offensive, 7 defensive starters and punter back. Junior QB Ryan Lindley is basically a two year stater, after missing a game due to injury his first season.


• MWC - Wyoming (7-6) - beat Fresno State 35-28 in New Mexico; coach Dave Christensen enters 2Nd season, after serving as a OC for 12 seasons for Gary Pinkel at both Toledo and Missouri. Cowboys have 8 offensive, 7 defensive starters plus both kickers back. Sophomore QB Austyn Carta-Samuels played all 13 games, starting 10 in '09.

• C-USA - Tulsa (5-7) - after going to four straight bowl games, the Golden Hurricane were home for the holidays in '09; coach Todd Graham enters his 4Th season with 9 offensive, 5 defensive starters and both kickers back. After starting out at Texas, junior QB G.J. Kinne returns under center for '10.


• C-USA - SMU (8-5) - beat Nevada 45-10 in Hawaii; coach June Jones enters his 3Rd season, after leading the Mustangs to their first bowl game, since the '84 season, which was pre-NCAA Death Penalty. The Mustangs have 8 offensive, 7 defensive starters and kicker back. Sophomore QB Kyle Padron appears ready to assume QB postion full-time in '10, after earning 6 starts as a true freshman in '09.


• C-USA - UCF (8-5) - lost to Rutgers 24-45 in St. Petersburg; coach George O'Leary begins 7Th season with 8 offensive, 7 defensive starters and both kickers back. Junior QB Rob Calabrease steps into the starting position for the Knights after 11 starts the past two seasons.


• C-USA - Southern Miss (7-6) - lost to Middle Tennessee 32-42 in New Orleans; coach Larry Fedora enters 3Rd season with 3 offensive, 9 defensive starters and both kickers back. Junior QB Austin Davis started full-time in '09 and is back for the Golden Eagles.


• C-USA - UAB (5-7) - The Blazers have one bowl in their FBS history: 2004 Hawaii (loss). Coach Neil Callaway enters 4Th season with 7 offensive, 9 defensive starters and both kickers back. Sophomore reserve David Isabelle is likely the first QB to step up and start for '10.


• C-USA - Marshall (7-6) - beat Ohio U 21-17 in Little Caesars Pizza; coach Doc Holliday replaces fired Mark Snyder with 7 offensive, 7 defensive starters and punter back. Senior starting QB Brian Anderson returns for the Thundering Herd in '10.


• C-USA - East Carolina (9-5) - lost to Arkansas 17-20 in Liberty; coach Ruffin McNeill replaced departed Skip Holtz, who lead Pirates to four straight bowl games. Pirates have 6 offensive and 2 defensive starters back. The QB spot will have a newcomer in '10, though JC transfer, junior Dominique Davis had 3 starts at Boston College in '08.

• WAC - Nevada (8-5) - lost to SMU 10-45 in Hawaii; coach Chirs Ault enters 26Th season with 9 offensive, 6 defensive starters and both kickers back. Senior QB Colin Kaepernick is back for the Wolf Pack for '10.


• WAC - Fresno State (8-5) - lost to Wyoming 28-35 in New Mexico; coach Pat Hill enters 14Th season with 8 offensive, 7 defensive starters and PK back. Senior QB Ryan Colburn returns for the Bulldogs in '10.


• WAC - Idaho (8-5) - beat Bowling Green 43-42 in Humanitarian; coach Robb Akey enters 4Th season with 4 offensive, 10 defensive starters and both kickers back. Veteran senior starting QB Nathan Enderle returns to lead the Vandals attack in '10.

• Ind. - Notre Dame (6-6) - the Fighting Irish exit the five year era under Charlie Weis as coach Brian Kelly moves over after 3 years each at Central Michigan and Cincinnati, where he found success. Sophomore Dayne Crist most likely replaces departed Jimmy Clausen, with 5 offensive, 9 defenisve starters and both kickers back for the Irish for '10.


• Ind. - Army (5-7) - the Black Knights enter their 2Nd season under coach Rich Ellerson, with 8 offensive, 8 defensive starters and both kickers back. Army has not attended a bowl game, since 1998 and has lost a record 8 straight in the series with Navy. Sophomore QB Trent Steelman is back at QB, after starting as a true freshman in '09 for Black Knights.

• MAC - Temple (9-4) - lost to UCLA 21-30 in EagleBank, which was Owls first bowl game, since 1979. Coach Al Gordon enters 5Th season with 9 offensive, 7 defensive starters and both kickers back. Junior QB Chester Stewart was a part-time starter the past two seasons for Owls.


• MAC - Ohio U (9-5) - lost to Marshall 17-21 in Little Caesars Pizza; coach Frank Solich enters 6Th season with 6 offensive, 6 defensive starters and PK back. Iowa State transfer junior QB Phil Bates may start ahead of part-time starter senior Boo Johnson in '10 for Bobcats.


• MAC - Bowling Green (7-6) - lost to Idaho 42-43 in Humanitatian; coach Dave Clawson enters 2Nd season with 4 offensive, 4 defensive starters and PK back. Redshirt freshman Matt Schilz could be the #1 QB for the Falcons in '10.


• MAC - Northern Illinois (7-6) - lost to South Florida 3-27 in International; coach Jerry Kill enters 3Rd season after two straight bowl bids. Huskies return 7 offensive, 8 defensive starters and punter back. Primary two-year starter junior Chandler Harnish is back at QB for Huskies for '10.


• MAC - Central Michigan (12-2) - beat Troy in 2OT 44-41 in GMAC; coach Dan Enos replaces Butch Jones, who lead the Chippewas to 3 of the 4 straight bowls they have reached. Enos, the former Michigan State QB and assistant coach, arrives with 7 offensive, 5 defensive starters and punter back. Sophomore QB Ryan Radcliff steps up from his back-up duties for the Chippewas in '10.

• Sun Belt - Middle Tennessee (10-3) - beat Southern Miss 142-32 in New Orleans; coach Rick Stockstill in his 5Th season has 8 offensive, 6 defensive starters and PK back. Senior starting QB Dwight Dasher is back for Blue Raiders in '10.


• Sun Belt - Troy (9-4) - lost to Central Michigan 41-44 in GMAC; coach Larry Blakeney enters 20Th season with 6 offensive, 3 defensive starters and both punters back. Junior QB Jamie Hampton, with 6 prior starts, will likely start after redshirting in '09 for Trojans.

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