The Wiz of Odds

Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt seemingly did the impossible in 2012-13 with back-to-back nine-win seasons to close out the James Franklin era. Derek Mason took over in 2014 and the Commodores tumbled to 3-9. It's a long climb back and a midseason stretch that has the team playing on the road five of six games won't help.

Cincinnati

Tommy Tuberville has put together back-to-back nine-win seasons at Cincinnati, but the Bearcats lack a signature victory. The big problem in 2014 was the defense — or lack of defense. Cincinnati gave up 710 yards to Ohio State and finished 96th in total defense. That will have to change if Cincy is to make a move up.

Purdue

Could be a make-or-break season for Purdue coach Darrell Hazell, who has won only four games in two seasons. The Boilermaker defense relied on several freshmen and sophomores last season and it showed down the stretch as the team lost its final six games. All of the starters in the offensive line return and that should give the team much-needed stability.

UCLA

UCLA returns 17 of 22 starters, but one of the departures is a big one — quarterback Brett Hundley. The likely replacement is junior Jerry Neuheisel, the son of former Bruin Rick Neuheisel. If the younger Neuheisel can't handle the job, freshman Josh Rosen will take over. The schedule is challenging — UCLA is one of only three teams to have never played a Division I-AA opponent — and getting it done at quarterback will likely determine whether the team can put together a third consecutive 10-win season.

Maryland

Not a bad debut season in the Big Ten for Maryland. The Terrapins finished third in the East Division behind Ohio State and Michigan State and won road games at Penn State and Michigan. But Maryland has much rebuilding to do, beginning with its defensive front seven. The Terps should start strong with four of their first five games at home.

Arizona

Arizona has won 26 games in Rich Rodriguez's three seasons — the most in a three-year period in team history — and expectations are sky-high. It's a fun squad to watch — averaging 34.5 points a game in 2014 — and quarterback Anu Solomon and running back Nick Wilson should keep the Wildcats purring. How far Arizona progresses will rest with the defense.