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While a lot of the spotlight this time of year glares on the top teams in the country and who will contend for the national title -- the Floridas, USCs, Ohio States, Oklahomas of the world -- this season some major players that have been absent from the national scene are due for a return -- at least to their winning ways, if not beyond.
COLORADO
The Buffs are back. After stealing some headlines last year with upsets over the likes of Oklahoma and others, the reeling CU program now has a lot of young talent in the right places. Colorado arguably signed the best running back recruiting class in the country. Darrell Scott was the top prep back, and he's flanked by fellow star freshmen Ray Polk and Rodney Stewart. Cody Hawkins, Coach Dan Hawkins' son, has a year under his belt at quarterback and should be much more productive. The receiving corp is solid and the offensive line has a lot of young talent to work with. The defense has question marks, but the offense has enough zip to be a sleeper of a contender in the Big 12 North.
NEBRASKA
It looks like Missouri and Kansas are going to have a lot of competition this year. Nebraska suffered from some miserable defensive outings last year, and that finally led to the ouster of Bill Callahan. Bo Pelini should be a much better fit at Nebraska. He preaches defense, and, more importantly, a balanced offense. That means less pressure on the quarterbacks and more use of a talented stable of running backs.
MIAMI
Randy Shannon may finally be getting this proud program on the right track. The defense should be solid. Miami always has athletes. And the Canes have two studs, Jarvarris James and Graig Cooper at running back. This team is looking at rotating quarterbacks, which is never optimal for an offense. But if Miami gels early and gets a little luck on its side ... it could put a scare into teams like Sunshine State rival Florida.
OLE MISS
It's hard to gain ground in the highly-competitive SEC West, but the Rebels might just be able to do that this year. Texas transfer Jevan Snead is giving Ole Miss fans a reason for optimism at quarterback. Running back Enrique Davis highlights a very solid recruiting class. There are enough returning starters to flank the talent.
NOTRE DAME
Sure, this is the trendy choice of many national experts. The reason, though, to like this team isn't because of vast improvement. Yes, there will be some. And Jimmy Clausen shouldn't look like a deer caught in the headlights at quarterback. But the main point of hope here is the schedule is dramatically easier than last year's. Certainly the Irish can muster at least seven wins when the schedule includes games against San Diego State, Stanford, Washington, Navy and Syracuse. If Notre Dame wins those, they just have to beat two of the following: Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Boston College and USC.
