The Wiz of Odds

Let the Voting Begin for Poster Primary No. 4

Select one of the previous seven posters displayed on the site. Click here to view the candidates. The winner of Primary No. 4 will advance to the final, where it will go against other primary winners for the right to be named Wiz Readers' Choice 2009 Poster of the Year.

This is the fourth of at least eight primaries. Voting for each primary will remain open until two days after the close of the final primary.

Three rivalries are featured in Primary No. 4: Florida-Florida State, Colorado-Colorado State and Army-Navy, plus a quality entry from Louisiana Tech. Don't let your team down!

Voting continues in four other primaries. Voting has just opened in Primary No. 5. In Primary No. 3, Michigan State continues to hold off a charge from North Carolina. In Primary No. 2, Texas Tech has a sizable lead over Idaho and Northwestern.

In Primary No. 1, Iowa State has a commanding lead over a bunched group that includes New Mexico State, North Texas and West Virginia.

Army

Rich Ellerson takes over as coach of the Black Knights, a team that has lost at least seven games in each of the past 12 seasons. Ellerson turned around the program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo before coming to West Point, and his first move involved Ali Villanueva, who started 12 games at left tackle in 2008. Villanueva, who is 6 foot 10 and 286 pounds, was moved to receiver. It should make for some interesting matchups in the fall, especially in the red zone. Thanks to Annie!

Navy

The Midshipmen feature linebacker Ross Pospisil and slotback Bobby Doyle on the 2009 poster. Pospisil had a team-leading 106 tackles last season and Doyle averaged a team-leading 10.6 yards a carry. The schedule is challenging, starting with the opener at Ohio State. There are also trips to Pittsburgh, Notre Dame and Hawaii and home games against Air Force and Wake Forest. Don't forget the finale against Army, Dec. 12 in Philadelphia. Navy has won seven in a row in the series and outscored the Cadets, 72-3, in the past two games. Thanks to Scott!

Florida

The Gators are loaded, with every starter back on defense and seven returning on offense, led by Tim Tebow, the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. The nonconference schedule should be a breeze, with home games against Charleston Southern (Division I-AA), Troy, Florida International and Florida State. Perhaps a road game at Louisiana State could prove troublesome. Maybe Georgia can rise up and give Florida a game in Jacksonville, or something unexpected could happen in the Southeastern Conference title game. Bottom line: This is a team on a mission to do something that has never been accomplished by a Gator team — an undefeated season. There is a good chance that happens. Thanks to Jon and Sam.

Colorado State

Steve Fairchild's first season at Fort Collins was a smashing success. The Rams defeated Fresno State, 40-35, in the New Mexico Bowl — their first bowl victory since 2001 — and finished 7-6. Gartrell Johnson, the Mountain West Conference's leading rusher with 1,476 yards, is gone, but four of five starters return on the offensive line. Colorado State will be challenged early with games against Colorado, Nevada, Brigham Young, Utah and Texas Christian. The second half of the schedule looks manageable. A reminder to click any of the poster schedules for an enlarged view. Thanks to Ben!

Colorado

Is this the Buffaloes' year to win the Big 12 North? Coach Dan Hawkins' stated goal of "10 wins and no excuses" was made last December after a disappointing 5-7 season that left Colorado out of the bowl picture. The offense, with seven returning starters, should be better, but the defense, with only four players back, will need some work. The Buffs play host to Colorado State and Wyoming and travel to Toledo and West Virginia in nonconference play. Thanks to Justin!