The Wiz of Odds

Western Michigan

The Broncos lost their opener at Michigan State, 38-14, but should get back on the winning side Saturday against Division I-AA Nicholls State, the first of three home games in a row. Western Michigan will no doubt be putting forth all of its effort toward Oct. 16, when the Broncos play at Notre Dame in a nationally televised game.

Remember to click the poster for an enlarged view.

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

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.

Last year, the site displayed 69 posters. This is poster No. 73 for 2010. Thanks to Elaine!

Kansas

Not anyone can follow in the substantial shadow left by Mark Mangino, but if anybody can do it, Turner Gill is the man. The former Nebraska quarterback and Buffalo coach takes over at Lawrence, and his first order of business is ending the Jayhawks' seven-game losing streak. He should do that Saturday as Kansas plays host to North Dakota State.

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

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.

Last year, the site displayed 69 posters. This is poster No. 66 for 2010. Poster designed by Old Hat Creative.

Central Florida

It has been and up and down six seasons for George O'Leary at Central Florida. His first Knights team in 2004 was perfect — 0-11. Central Florida rebounded to go 8-5 in '05, the biggest turnaround in Division I-A that season. Then came a 4-8 record in '06, followed by 10-4 in '07, 4-8 in '08 and 8-5 in '09. Spot the pattern? The Knights are 8-27 in even-numbered years under O'Leary and 26-14 in odd-numbered years. It's 2010, so what does that tell you?

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

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.

Last year, the site displayed 69 posters. This is poster No. 59 for 2010. Thanks to RaeLynn!

UCLA

Today's quiz: Since the NCAA adopted the divisional setup in 1978, only four I-A teams have not played a I-AA opponent. Can you name them? (Answer at bottom of post.) The Rick Neuheisel ride hasn't been all that was promised. After a disappointing 4-8 in his first season as coach, the Bruins improved to 7-6 last season. The only reason the team earned a bowl berth in 2009 is because 6-6 Notre Dame declined one. This sets up a pivotal season in Westwood, with Neuheisel expected to continue the upward momentum. A slip to another 4-8 record would turn up the heat on the former Bruin quarterback, who has been handed a golden opportunity with rival USC being put on probation.

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

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.

Last year, the site displayed 69 posters. This is poster No. 52 for 2010. Thanks to Jana!

Quiz answer: UCLA, USC, Washington and Notre Dame.

Rice

From 10-3 in 2008 to 2-10 in 2009. Few teams have fallen on hard times as quickly as the Owls, who found themselves near the bottom of several categories when last season came to an end. Rushing offense: 104. Total offense: 111. Scoring offense: 110. Rushing defense: 102. Pass efficiency defense: 119. Total defense: 117. Scoring defense: 120. The list goes on, but you get the idea. So is there a stunning turnaround in the works? Perhaps. Working against Rice is a schedule that includes three BCS opponents in the first four games. If it can survive that stretch, the second half of the schedule is manageable.

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

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.

Last year, the site displayed 69 posters. This is poster No. 45 for 2010. Thanks to Jay and MK.

Mississippi State

Although Dan Mullen's first season as coach wasn't a smashing success — the team finished 5-7, only a one-game improvement over 2008 — Bulldog fans sense the upward momentum. For the second consecutive year, Mississippi State has set a record for sales of season tickets. Mullen, 38, is one of college football's top young coaches, having previously worked alongside Urban Meyer at Bowling Green, Utah and Florida. He will have to find a replacement for workhorse running back Anthony Dixon if the Bulldogs are to return to the postseason.

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 Chad and Joe!