Texas: Texas has not been "Texas" these past few years. No, the past few seasons haven't been awful but they haven't been what the Longhorn faithful have hoped for. It's hard to pinpoint a problem because most of the coaching staff has stayed intact and that staff has recruited exceptionally well. So what's the problem?
The Longhorns seemed to have finally found a solid quarterback in David Ash. Last season he battled injuries late in the season but statically, he had a fine season. Ash will probably be an All-Big 12 second or third team preseason selection, but that still doesn't equal immediate success. The Texas rush defense last season was 88th nationally and finished eighth in the conference. With losses of key players on defense that is a stat that will have to improve for Texas to find success in 2013.
Kansas State: Kansas State have had two fabulous back-to-back seasons with Collin Klein at quarterback along with a solid defense. How do the Cats perform without Optimus Klein? Kansas State has eight returning starters on offense but only one returning starter on defense. The Cats first two conference games are at Texas and at Oklahoma State.
Louisville: Louisville will be/is a very intriguing team in 2013. The Cardinals won the Big East title and then defeated the almighty Gators of Florida in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Charlie Strong has now built a solid foundation and is finally getting the attention his program deserves. Teddy Bridgewater returns after a fine season and Louisville also returns nine starters on defense! The Cardinals could be ranked top five preseason and could remain there throughout the season as they have a very favorable schedule.
Miami, Florida: Ever since Coker's departure in 2006 the Canes have been borderline mediocre. Al Golden seems to have everything under control entering his third season as the Miami head coach. Miami returns 19 starters to a team that went 7-5 last season. Sophomore running back Duke Johnson will fill the highlight reel and Stephen Morris enters his senior season with plenty of experience. Look for Miami to finally be a threat again in the ACC. They will definitely be one of my top sleeper teams for 2013!
The Longhorns seemed to have finally found a solid quarterback in David Ash. Last season he battled injuries late in the season but statically, he had a fine season. Ash will probably be an All-Big 12 second or third team preseason selection, but that still doesn't equal immediate success. The Texas rush defense last season was 88th nationally and finished eighth in the conference. With losses of key players on defense that is a stat that will have to improve for Texas to find success in 2013.
Kansas State: Kansas State have had two fabulous back-to-back seasons with Collin Klein at quarterback along with a solid defense. How do the Cats perform without Optimus Klein? Kansas State has eight returning starters on offense but only one returning starter on defense. The Cats first two conference games are at Texas and at Oklahoma State.
Louisville: Louisville will be/is a very intriguing team in 2013. The Cardinals won the Big East title and then defeated the almighty Gators of Florida in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Charlie Strong has now built a solid foundation and is finally getting the attention his program deserves. Teddy Bridgewater returns after a fine season and Louisville also returns nine starters on defense! The Cardinals could be ranked top five preseason and could remain there throughout the season as they have a very favorable schedule.
Miami, Florida: Ever since Coker's departure in 2006 the Canes have been borderline mediocre. Al Golden seems to have everything under control entering his third season as the Miami head coach. Miami returns 19 starters to a team that went 7-5 last season. Sophomore running back Duke Johnson will fill the highlight reel and Stephen Morris enters his senior season with plenty of experience. Look for Miami to finally be a threat again in the ACC. They will definitely be one of my top sleeper teams for 2013!