ESPN College Football

2011 overall record: 10-3
2011 conference record: 5-2 (T-1)
Returning starters: Offense 4; defense 8; kicker/punter: 2

Key returners
WR Kenbrell Thompkins, QB Munchie Legaux, WR Anthony McClung, DE Walter Stewart, DE Dan Giordano, S Drew Frey, LB Maalik Bomar

Key losses
QB Zach Collaros, RB Isaiah Pead, LB JK Schaffer, DT Derek Wolfe, DT John Hughes, WR D.J. Woods, LT Alex Hoffman, LG Randy Martinez

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Isaiah Pead (1,259 yards)
Passing: Zach Collaros (166-of-272 for 1,940 yards, 15 TDs, 10 INTs)
Receiving: Anthony McClung* (683 yards)
Tackles: JK Schaffer (114)
Sacks: Derek Wolfe (9.5)
Interceptions: Three with three each

Spring answers

1. Middle linebacker: One of the biggest holes for the Bearcats this spring was at middle linebacker, where JK Schaffer had more than 100 tackles in each of the past three seasons. After spring ended, Solomon Tentman was penciled in as the starter, after playing sparingly in his time on campus. The reason -- a major knee injury that threatened to end his career before it really started. But Tentman fought back with hard work and determination and is one of the surprise stories of the spring.

2. Inside presence: Cincinnati lost some major beef in the middle of its line, with the departures of John Hughes and Derek Wolfe, both high NFL draft picks last month. But as expected, Camaron Beard and Jordan Stepp had good springs and leave as the starters at tackle. The hope is that their athleticism will help make up for their smaller size.

3. Walter Stewart emerges as leader: Coach Butch Jones singled Stewart out not only for his exemplary play this spring, but also for his growth as a leader. Cincinnati is definitely going to need the leadership after losing so many key seniors from its Big East championship team.

Fall questions

1. Quarterback: Coach Butch Jones isn't ready to name his starter yet, though Munchie Legaux filled in for an injured Zach Collaros in three starts last season. Jones says Brandon Kay has really pushed Legaux this spring, and wants the competition between them to remain open into the offseason. Legaux has got to work on his accuracy and chemistry with his receivers in order to take the next step.

2. Receiver depth: One of the biggest areas of concern headed into the offseason is at receiver, where Cincinnati is in need of a number of players to step up. Receiver was one position where Cincinnati underachieved last season. Kenbrell Thompkins, Anthony McClung and Alex Chisum all have great potential, and so does the recently-converted Jordan Luallen. But given this offense, Cincinnati needs more than just four receivers to be playmakers.

3. Secondary depth: This has been one area that has been a concern for several years now. While Cincinnati does have several experienced players returning, Jones listed depth at this position as one area he wants to see improved throughout the offseason. Cincinnati had several players sit out spring drills because of injury, so that also was a factor.

2011 overall record: 5-7

2011 conference record: 3-4 (6th place)

Returning starters

Offense 7; Defense 8; Kicker/punter: 1

Key returners

RB Lyle McCombs, TE Ryan Griffin, LB Sio Moore, DE Trevardo Williams, CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson

Key losses

WR Kashif Moore, OT Mike Ryan, C Moe Petrus, DT Kendall Reyes, DT Twyon Martin, K Dave Teggart

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Lyle McCombs* (1,151 yards)

Passing: Johnny McEntee* (172-of-335 for 2,110 yards 12 TDs, 8 INTs)

Receiving: Kashif Moore (604 yards)

Tackles: Jory Johnson* (97)

Sacks: Trevardo Williams* (12.5)

Interceptions: Three tied with three each

Spring answers

1. Ryan Wirth steps up. UConn is taking a major hit to the middle of its line with Kendall Reyes and Twyon Martin both gone. Defensive tackle Wirth had one of the best springs for UConn and capped it with a terrific spring game, getting 4.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss and a safety. He could be a really good replacement up front.

2. Running back depth. Even though running back D.J. Shoemate sustained a career-ending shoulder injury, UConn has to feel good about its depth at the position. Leading freshman rusher Lyle McCombs returns. Max DeLorenzo had a good spring, and there could also be big contributions from Martin Hyppolite and Joe Williams.

3. Big-play receiver potential. Boston College transfer Shakim Phillips had a very good spring, giving the Huskies hope that they have found a player to help the receiving group improve. He had five catches for 55 yards in the spring game. Mike Smith is back after sitting out a year to get his grades in order. Maybe UConn can also figure out how to get Nick Williams more involved.

Fall questions

1. Quarterback. Stop me if you've heard this one before. UConn is in need of a starting quarterback. For the second straight offseason there is uncertainty at the position, with five different players still in contention for the starting job. Junior college transfer Chandler Whitmer had the best performance in the spring game, but coach Paul Pasqualoni is going to wait to name his starter again.

2. Offensive line. UConn was shaky there last season and now goes into this year without its two best players in center Moe Petrus and tackle Mike Ryan. This has been made a priority, hence the decision to move offensive coordinator George DeLeone to coach this position. This group has to be better for the Huskies to be better.

3. Kicker. Dave Teggart was so reliable for so long for the Huskies, it would be easy just to take him for granted. Now he's gone and there will be a new player stepping up to fill his big shoes. Junior Chad Christen is among several players vying for the job. UConn also will have a true freshman come into the mix in the fall Bobby Puyol, one of the best high school prospects in the nation.

2011 overall record: 7-6

2011 conference record: 5-2 (T-1)

Returning starters

Offense 8; Defense 10; Kicker/punter: 1.

Key returners

QB Teddy Bridgewater RB Dominique Brown, WR DeVante Parker, WR Eli Rogers, C Mario Benavides, CB Adrian Bushell, LB Preston Brown, S Hakeem Smith

Key losses

RB Victor Anderson, DE Greg Scruggs, LB Dexter Heyman, K Chris Philpott, TE Josh Chichester

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Victor Anderson (539 yards)

Passing: Teddy Bridgewater* (191-of-296 for 2,129 yards, 14 TDs, 12 INTs)

Receiving: Michaelee Harris* (455 yards)

Tackles: Dexter Heyman (90)

Sacks: Marcus Smith* (5.5)

Interceptions: Heyman (three)

Spring answers

1. Strong secondary. Louisville should have one of the better secondaries in the Big East with the return of cornerbacks Adrian Bushell and Andrew Johnson, and safeties Hakeem Smith and Calvin Pryor. Highly heralded Gerod Holliman isn't even included in the bunch after sitting out spring with a shoulder injury. Coach Charlie Strong has to be happy with this core group.

2. Preston Brown in the middle. Brown played on the outside last season but has shifted to middle linebacker to replace Dexter Heyman, the team's leading tackler from a year ago. Strong had nothing but praise for the spring Brown had in making the transition. Louisville feels good about having him in there.

3. Bridgewater on the rise. Any time true freshmen have good seasons, the phrase that gets thrown around is "sophomore slump." Therefore, some have wondered whether Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will be as effective in Year 2 as he was as a true freshman. If his spring is any indication, he will be much more effective. Bridgewater had complete command of the offense in the spring and grew as a leader as well. Louisville appears to be in good hands.

Fall questions

1. Running back rotation. Strong's preference is to have one workhorse back, but Louisville may not achieve that for the second straight season. Coming out of spring, Strong said his team would most likely work four running backs into some sort of a rotation -- Dominique Brown, Jeremy Wright, Senorise Perry and Corvin Lamb. Just how that rotation will work and how effective the run game will be remain big questions.

2. Maturity. Strong has talked extensively to his players about being more mature this season, especially with increased expectations for another Big East championship. Though his team is more experienced, it's laden with sophomores and juniors who are still learning as they go. This team has to prove it can handle higher expectations, and big wins. After every big win last year, a letdown followed.

3. Kicker. With the reliable Chris Philpott gone, Louisville now turns to redshirt freshman John Wallace, who leads the way after the spring. Most every Big East game comes down to the wire, which increases the value of having a good kicker. Wallace is going to have to prove he can do it in game action right out of the gate.

2011 overall record: 6-7

2011 conference record: 4-3 (T-4)

Returning starters

Offense 8; Defense 4; Kicker/punter: 2.

Key returners

RB Ray Graham, QB Tino Sunseri, OG Chris Jacobson, RB Isaac Bennett, WR Devin Street, DT Aaron Donald, S Jarred Holley, CB K'Waun Williams

Key losses

DE Brandon Lindsey, DT Chas Alecxih, DT Myles Caragein, LB Max Gruder, CB Antwuan Reed

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Ray Graham* (958 yards)

Passing: Tino Sunseri* (247-of-385 for 2,616 yards, 10 TDs, 11 INTs)

Receiving: Devin Street* (754 yards)

Tackles: Max Gruder (116)

Sacks: Aaron Donald* (11)

Interceptions: Eight tied with one each

Spring answers

1. Depth at safety. Pitt has some major talent at safety, with four players capable of starting in Jarred Holley, Andrew Taglianetti, Jason Hendricks and transfer Ray Vinopal, one of the highlights for the Panthers this season. Coaches are going to have a hard time determining the starters from the backups once the season begins.

2. Michigan transfers rise. Speaking of Vinopal, he and Cullen Christian came to Pitt from Michigan and were forced to sit out a year. Though the scheme has changed, both players had terrific springs. Vinopal was making plays all over the field, exactly what you want your safety to do. Christian is making a serious play to win the starting cornerback job opposite K'Waun Williams.

3. Chryst comfortable. Pitt has had more coaching transitions in the last two years than any other school in America. So naturally, many wondered how coach Paul Chryst would do in his first spring. I haven't heard any complaints about him or what he is trying to do at Pitt. His persona has been embraced, and so has his offensive scheme.

Fall questions

1. Is Ray Graham 100 percent? All indications are that Graham is on schedule in his rehab from a torn ACL. But he missed all of spring, and just how much he will do in the fall remains up in the air. Remember, he will be less than a year removed from knee surgery when the season opens in September. So his recovery will be one of the biggest story lines to watch this season for the Panthers.

2. Can Tino Sunseri be better? If everything holds as expected, Sunseri will be going into his third season as a starter. Of course, he will be going into his third different offense as well, hard enough for most players to adjust to, let alone the quarterback. Coach Paul Chryst did a great job tailoring the offense to the players he had while at Wisconsin. It will be paramount to do the same with Sunseri, to get him comfortable in the offense and limiting his mistakes.

3. Revamped defensive front. Pitt lost three of its top four linemen from a year ago, and will feature a radically reshaped defensive front. Sack leader Aaron Donald is the only one who returns. The others who will be counted on to step up, from Shayne Hale to Bryan Murphy to T.J. Clemmings, were all highly touted players who must now meet expectations to maintain Pitt's status as a solid defensive team.

2011 overall record: 9-4
2011 conference record: 4-3 (T-4)
Returning starters: Offense 6; Defense 8; Kicker/punter: 1.

Key returners

LB Khaseem Greene, NT Scott Vallone, CB Logan Ryan, S Duron Harmon, WR Mark Harrison, RB Jawan Jamison, OT Kaleb Johnson

Key losses

WR Mohamed Sanu, S David Rowe, K San San Te, LG Desmond Wynn, RG Art Forst, DT Justin Francis

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Jawan Jamison* (897 yards)
Passing: Chas Dodd* (139-of-245 for 1,574 yards, 10 TDs, 7 INTs)
Receiving: Sanu (1,206 yards)
Tackles: Khaseem Greene* (141)
Sacks: Justin Francis (6.5)
Interceptions: Duron Harmon* (five)

Spring answers

1. Flood in control. One of the biggest story lines in the Big East headed into the spring was how coach Kyle Flood would manage a team ready to compete for a Big East title. It appears he has everything under control. There is a more relaxed mood around the facility, Flood has proven to be more of a delegator, and he isn't screaming at players every two seconds. He seems to know how he wants to lead this team, and used the spring to get comfortable as the man in charge.

2. Waters emerges. The Rutgers defense returns nearly everybody, but among the biggest shoes to fill is at strong safety, with David Rowe departing. Lorenzo Waters went into the spring penciled in as the starter, and did nothing to change that view during practices. He could be a force this year.

3. New kicker. It appears freshman Kyle Federico has emerged as the leader at kicker, to replace San San Te. Federico enrolled early and took advantage of being in the spring game, performing consistently well. Now we'll see how he does when the pressure is on Saturdays in the fall.

Fall questions

1. Quarterback. Chas Dodd and Gary Nova battled for the starting quarterback job, and neither was consistent enough to win it after spring practice. So the two go into the offseason, continuing their competition. Dodd started eight games last season; Nova 5. Flood says he wants to make a decision at least a week before the season opener against Tulane.

2. Offensive line. Though Flood has a better idea about who can be his main contributors on the line, injuries really set back the group in terms of building chemistry. Tackle Kaleb Johnson was out; Betim Bujari missed time with an injured ankle but has moved from guard to center. In fact, four of the five starting linemen have been changed on the post-spring depth chart.

3. Running back. Jamison and Savon Huggins are sure to split the reps this year, as Flood has basically said he wants to use both as much as he can. But it remains to be seen who is tabbed as the starter, and how Rutgers is going to try and divide up the reps. Huggins came into Rutgers as the most highly touted prospect in school history. Now he gets another chance to live up to his advance billing.

2011 overall record: 5-7
2011 conference record: 1-6 (T-7)
Returning starters: Offense: 8; defense: 7; kicker/punter: 3

Top returners
QB B.J. Daniels, RB Demetris Murray, WR Sterling Griffin, WR Andre Davis, LB DeDe Lattimore, LB Sam Barrington, DE Ryne Giddins, DT Cory Grissom

Key losses
C Chaz Hine, OG Jeremiah Warren, RB Darrell Scott, DE Patrick Hampton, DT Keith McCaskill, S Jerrell Young, CB Quenton Washington

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Darrell Scott (814 yards)
Passing: B.J. Daniels* (215-of-365 for 2,585 yards, 13 TDs, 7 INTs)
Receiving: Sterling Griffin* (530 yards)
Tackles: DeDe Lattimore* (94)
Sacks: Lattimore* (7)
Interceptions: Jerrell Young, Kayvon Webster*, JaQuez Jenkins* (two each)

Spring answers

1. Offensive line: The Bulls went into the spring with question marks at center and guard, thanks to the departures of two of the most consistent players up front last season, Chaz Hine and Jeremiah Warren. It appears Austin Reiter has the edge at center, while Damien Edwards did really well at left guard. He and Lawrence Martin will compete at right guard when Danous Estenor returns from injury to his left guard spot.

2. Cornerback: The Bulls have plenty of returning starters, but one of the biggest holes to fill was at cornerback with the departure of Quenton Washington. Junior college transfer Fidel Montgomery stepped right in and showed why he deserved to win the starting job, making plays for most of the spring.

3. Andre Davis emerges: We all saw glimpses of how good Andre Davis could be last season, when he played extensively as a true freshman because of injuries at the position. He got even better this spring and is currently listed as the starter ahead of Sterling Griffin, who led the team in receiving yards last season. Davis is the type of player who can stretch the field -- and clearly B.J. Daniels has much more confidence in him now that he is a year older.

Fall questions

1. Cory Grissom's return. Grissom broke his ankle toward the end of spring practice, and coach Skip Holtz is hopeful that his big tackle will be back in time for the start of the season. But as of right now, there is no real set timetable for his return -- it just a matter of how well he heals. Without him, USF is not as deep at the position as it would want. But there is some talent there in Elkino Watson, Luke Sager and Todd Chandler.

2. Safety. This is a pretty deep position for the Bulls, who are hoping for improved play out of this position. Starter Jon Lejiste was out for the spring, but Mark Joyce and JaQuez Jenkins did really well in his absence. Lejiste is going to have a fight on his hands when he returns, but no doubt the Bulls are happy about having some competition here going into the spring.

3. Using Lindsey Lamar. While Murray is the starter at running back, Lamar was moved to the position in the spring and coaches were happy with how he came along. Now the big question is how can Lamar provide some of the big plays out of the backfield the Bulls are going to need to complement the bigger Murray.

2011 overall record: 5-7
2011 conference record: 1-6 (T-7)

Returning starters: Offense: 5; defense: 6; kicker/punter: 2

Top returners
QB Ryan Nassib, WR Alec Lemon, WR Marcus Sales OT Justin Pugh, LB Marquis Spruill, S Shamarko Thomas

Key losses
DE Chandler Jones, DE Mikhail Marinovich, RB Antwon Bailey, TE Nick Provo, S Phillip Thomas

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Antwon Bailey (1,051 yards)
Passing: Ryan Nassib* (250-of-415 for 2,685 yards, 22 TDs, 9 INTs)
Receiving: Alec Lemon* (834 yards)
Tackles: Phillip Thomas (82)
Sacks: Chandler Jones (4.5)
Interceptions: Phillip Thomas (6)

Spring answers

1. Ryan Nassib at QB: Coach Doug Marrone hinted that he wanted some competition at quarterback, particularly with Ashton Broyld joning the team. But Nassib is the entrenched starter going into the fall. Though the offense didn't play well in the spring game, Syracuse is best served at having its most experienced offensive player taking the snaps. He will have the luxury of Marcus Sales returning. Now he needs some better protection up front.

2. Sales is back: With Lemon on the sideline because of an injury, Sales seized his opportunity to show what he can do after sitting out last season. He is listed as the starter at one of the receiver spots and had a solid spring, hoping to pick up his play from where he left off in the Pinstripe Bowl against Kansas State.

3. Inside presence: One of the more intriguing competitions in the spring was at nose tackle, after Deon Goggins was moved to defensive end in the spring. Cory Boatman is listed ahead of Eric Crume on the post-spring depth chart, although competition is expected to continue into the fall.

Fall questions

1. Injuries: Syracuse had a large number of players, particularly starters, either sit out the spring or get injured during practice. Marrone has not commented much on their availability for the fall. So now we wait and see whether Syracuse will have projected starters Alec Lemon, Justin Pugh, Marquis Spruill and Keon Lyn back in time for the start of practice.

2. Broyld's role: We saw only brief glimpses of how Syracuse plans to use the dynamic athlete during the spring. The bigger question is: What is his role going to be in the fall? He is listed at running back on the post-spring depth chart, but there should be opportunities for him as a Wildcat quarterback or to line up in the slot. Syracuse needs to use his athleticism to help improve its big plays.

3. Defensive line: Several junior college transfers are coming in the fall to help, but building depth and finding good replacements for Chandler Jones and Mikhail Marinovich on the defensive line remain a priority. Syracuse struggled mightily up front last season, an area that should be a point of emphasis this fall.

2011 overall record: 9-4
2011 conference record: 5-3 (2nd, MAC East)
Returning starters: Offense: 4; Defense: 5; Kicker/punter: 1

Top returners
QB Chris Coyer, RB Matt Brown, OL Martin Wallace, LB Blaze Caponegro, S Justin Gildea, K Brandon McManus

Key losses
OL Pat Boyle, OL Pat Tribue, RB Bernard Pierce, TE Evan Rodriguez, DE Adrian Robinson, LB Stephen Johnson, LB Tahir Whitehead

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Bernard Pierce (1,481 yards
Passing: Chester Stewart (54-of-83 for 743 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs)
Receiving: Evan Rodriguez (479 yards
Tackles: Stephen Johnson (123)
Sacks: Adrian Robinson (6.5)
Interceptions: Kevin Kroboth, Justin Gildea* and Kee-ayre Griffin (3 each)

Spring answers

1. Offensive line: Temple loses four of five starters on the offensive line, but the Owls left the spring feeling good about the starting lineup they will feature in the fall: Zach Hooks at left tackle; Jeff Whittingham at left guard; Sean Boyle at center; Jaimen Newman at right guard; and Wallace at right tackle. Wallace is the only returning starter, and coach Steve Addazio is hoping he can lead the less experienced players along.

2. Running back development: With Pierce gone, there had been fears about a lack of depth in the backfield. But coaches have been pleased with the development of Jalen Fitzpatrick and Kenny Harper to team with returner Brown. Their versatility is going to be a huge key in the way Temple wants to run its offense.

3. Coyer the man: Coyer had a terrific performance in the bowl game against New Mexico and a good spring, solidifying the quarterback position going into the fall for the first time in several years. There is no question he has developed into a leader on this team.

Fall questions

1. Depth: One of the biggest unknowns about Temple as it transitions to the Big East is whether the Owls have the type of depth needed to survive a tougher schedule. In particular, building depth up front is going to be huge. Right now, Temple has six offensive linemen it feels good about. That number has to ratchet up to at least eight when the season begins. Depth is also a concern in the secondary, where true freshmen might have to be relied upon.

2. Where does Kevin Newsome fit: Newsome, the Penn State transfer quarterback, arrives this summer. The question is how Temple plans on using him, with Coyer seemingly entrenched as the starter. Addazio promises that there will be a role for Newsome, because he is too good to keep off the field. How will that be developed in the fall?

3. Linebacker: Stephen Johnson and Tahir Whitehead helped form one of the better linebacking groups in the MAC last season. They combined for 193 tackles and 18 tackles for loss. Where is the production going to be made up? Blaze Caponegro returns to anchor the group, and much will be expected of Ahkeem Smith.