The Wiz of Odds

Louisiana Tech

Louisiana Tech could be one of those teams everybody is talking about in September. The Bulldogs get a crack at Texas A&M, Houston, Virginia and Illinois before the first Saturday in October and given the team's continued improvement under Sonny Dykes, it wouldn't be out of the question for Louisiana Tech to give the big boys all they can handle. The Bulldogs should steamroll their way through the rest of the schedule and once again win the Western Athletic Conference title. But the days of a cushy league schedule will end in 2013 when the team moves to Conference USA.

Thanks to Courtney.

Mississippi State

Interesting tidbit from Paul Myerberg's fabulous Pre-Snap Read. Mississippi State has won 34 consecutive games when leading after three quarters, but has lost 23 in a row when trailing after three quarters. The Bulldogs are coming off a 7-6 season, Dan Mullen's third in Starkville. Playing in the rugged SEC West doesn't help. The team was only 2-6 in league play. So how does it stack up for 2012? The early schedule is favorable and there are seven winnable home games, but trips to Alabama and Louisiana State could be a bit much. Expect improvement, but in small steps.

Click the image to enlarge. Thanks to Chad.

Florida

Better days could be just around the corner at Florida, which staggered to a 7-6 record in 2011 in Will Muschamp's first season as coach. First, Charlie Weis is gone, leaving the offensive coordinator's post to become coach at Kansas. Considering that the Gators were 105th in offense last season, this can only be considered a plus. Replacing Crewcut Charlie is Brent Pease, who comes to Gainesville after six seasons at Boise State. The Gators return nine starters from a defense that ranked eighth nationally. Last, consider that a sizable chunk of contributors on offense and defense were either freshmen or sophomores.

Thanks to Patrick.

Maryland

Randy Edsall's first season at Maryland was nothing short of a disaster. The Terrapins lost their last eight games and finished 2-10. This after Ralph Friedgen guided the team to a 9-4 record in his final season as coach. And they call this progress? It's difficult to imagine a coach being on the hot seat after one season, but that's the case with Edsall, who would be advised to avoid another two-win season.

Thanks to Patrick.

Samford

Our latest Division I-AA poster comes from Samford, which is coached by 1971 Heisman Trophy winner Pat Sullivan. The Bulldogs, coming off a 6-5 season, opened camp on Sunday. Samford will finish the regular season with a trip to Lexington to play Kentucky.

Click the image to enlarge. Thanks to Don.

Purdue

No team can match Purdue for poster output. The Boilermakers cranked out six, each highlighting a player. Cornerback Ricardo Allen is featured at top, and in order below are receiver Raheem Mostert, running back Akeem Shavers, defensive tackle Kawann Short, quarterback Caleb TerBush and tight end Crosby Wright. Purdue is coming off an appearance in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl and coach Danny Hope had two years added to his contract, but the defense will have to play better for the Boilermakers to make a move in the Big Ten's Leaders Division.

Click a poster to enlarge. Thanks to Paul.