The Wiz of Odds

Houston

All offense, little defense. Thus was the story of the 2009 Cougars, who finished No. 1 nationally in total offense and No. 111 in total defense. Victories over Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and Mississippi State were offset by humbling losses to Texas El Paso, Central Florida, East Carolina and Air Force, the latter coming in the Armed Forces Bowl. So where does this put Houston in 2010? Case Keenum is back at quarterback, and you'll be hearing his name associated with the Heisman Trophy. But if the Cougars are to make a run at a special season, they will need a dramatic improvement from the defense — especially the run defense, which ranked 115th. There's no better way to beat Keenum and the Cougars than to play a game of keep-away.

As a run-up to the start of the season, the Wiz will display one poster each day until our supply is exhausted. Last year, the site displayed 69 posters.

Then we turn it over to readers, who will vote on the poster of the year. In the meantime, send your team's poster schedule to jayzuma (at) gmail.com. Thanks to Brice!

Click the image for an enlarged view.

New Mexico

Year One of the Mike Locksley experience didn't go as planned for the Lobos. Not only did New Mexico finish 1-11, but Locksley embarrassed the program in two off-field incidents. The coach was accused of sexual harassment and age discrimination by an administrative assistant in May 2009, then was involved in an altercation with receivers coach J.B. Gerald after the team's 20-17 loss to rival New Mexico State. Locksley was given a one-game, unpaid suspension for the incident with Gerald, but somehow held on to his job. The harassment case was settled out of court last October, but Gerald is expected to file a lawsuit against Locksley, the university and Board of Regents within a week claiming allegations of race discrimination and physical battery. The Lobos open 2010 against Oregon, Texas Tech and Utah and close against Air Force, Brigham Young and Texas Christian. It's going to be another long season in Albuquerque.

As a run-up to the start of the season, the Wiz will display one poster each day until our supply is exhausted. Last year, the site displayed 69 posters.

Then we turn it over to readers, who will vote on the poster of the year. In the meantime, send your team's poster schedule to jayzuma (at) gmail.com. Thanks to Chris!

Click the image for an enlarged view.

Florida State

Jimbo Fisher's team should have no trouble scoring points behind quarterback Christian Ponder, but it's the defense that holds the key to the season. One of Fisher's first moves was to bring in Mark Stoops as defensive coordinator. Stoops had spent the previous six seasons at Arizona, and he's facing quite the challenge in Tallahassee. Florida State gave up an average of 30 points a game last season and finished 108th in total defense. The nonconference schedule features a road game at Oklahoma and home games against Brigham Young and Florida.

As a run-up to the start of the season, the Wiz will display one poster each day until our supply is exhausted. Last year, the site displayed 69 posters. This is the 21st poster that has been displayed, and we 37 others in hand.

Then we turn it over to readers, who will vote on the poster of the year. In the meantime, send your team's poster schedule to jayzuma (at) gmail.com.

Click the image for an enlarged view. Thanks to Jason! Poster designed by Old Hat Creative.

Oklahoma

If the Sooners return to the top of the college football world in 2010, they will have earned it. Florida State and Christian Ponder visit Norman in Week 2, followed by Air Force in Week 3. That could be a trap game considering Oklahoma plays at Cincinnati the following week and then battles Texas in the Red River Rivalry. It's as brutal of a four-game stretch as you'll see. Thanks to Scott!

As a run up to the start of the season, the Wiz will display one poster each day until our supply is exhausted. Last year, the site displayed 69 posters.

Then we turn it over to readers, who will vote on the poster of the year. In the meantime, send your team's poster schedule to jayzuma (at) gmail.com.

Click the image for an enlarged view.

West Virginia

The Mountaineers take an in-your-face approach on their 2010 poster, which features running back Noel Devine and receiver Jock Sanders. Devine rushed for 1,465 yards last season and should rack up big numbers again behind an offensive line that returns four starters. Sanders had 72 receptions and has caught a pass in 28 consecutive games. West Virginia, which has won at least nine games the past five seasons, travels to Louisiana State on Sept. 25. Thanks to Joe!

As a run up to the start of the season, the Wiz will display one poster each day until our supply is exhausted. Last year, the site displayed a record 69 posters.

Then we turn it over to readers, who will vote on the poster of the year. Until then, send your team's poster schedule to jayzuma (at) gmail.com.

Click the image for an enlarged view.