ESPN College Football

It's Valentines Day. I know. Awesome.

Because we are so captivated by the spirit of the holiday, which isn't a holiday, we're handing out Roses to the Pac-12. Just like our hero does.

A Rose for Arizona quarterback Nick Foles: Nick, you lose all five starting offensive linemen, but don't think of this rose as something you'd get at a funeral. Really.

A Rose for Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict: Vontaze, buddy, stop and smell the flowers. Er, rose. Chill. Breathe. You're going to have several million dollars in the bank 14 months from now. No need to act so crazy.

A Rose for California coach Jeff Tedford: Jeff, it's not really about the rose. It's the guy giving it to you. It's Aaron Rodgers. He's back. With four more years of eligibility.

A Rose for Colorado running back Rodney Stewart: Does anyone know you rushed for 1,318 yards last season? No? Well, here's a rose and a guess you're going to be the "Who the heck is that guy?" player in the Pac-12.

A Rose for Oregon coach Chip Kelly: You don't like my rose, Chip? Oh, did I mention that Nick Fairley is allergic to roses? And that this rose doubles as a time machine? And you can go back and get quarterback Darron Thomas to make the right read on the first play of the second quarter?

A Rose for Oregon State: But it's not just a rose. It's a Rose Bowl. You like?

A Rose for Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck: Not to get all serious, but we're glad you're back. Stay healthy.

A Rose for UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel: "Hey, Rick, the Pac-12 blog told me to give you this rose. I coach defense. My name is Dick LeBeau. Can I have a job?"

A Rose for USC coach Lane Kiffin: It's from the NCAA. Note reads: "Sorry. We were wrong about you and the Trojans." Anybody have any idea what that means?

A Rose for the Utah student section: They don't know about the MUSS yet, do they?

A Rose for Washington running back Chris Polk: Guess who finally gets the credit he deserves in 2011? Can I interest you in a Pac-12 rushing title, perhaps?

A Rose for Washington State: It has six petals. One for each win in 2011.

Can you feel the love?

It's Valentine's Day, and the celebration is on here at ESPN.com. As some of you scramble for those last-minute gifts, I'm going to pass out Valentine's Day cards to each Big Ten squad.

The cards represent a reason why each team should feel warm and fuzzy heading into the 2011 season.

ILLINOIS: Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase. He showed a ton of promise in his first season as the starter and made significant strides with his passing between the end of the regular season and the Texas Bowl. Scheelhaase boasts the maturity, poise and confidence to lead the Illini offense for the next three seasons. It also helps that he's a perfect fit for Paul Petrino's offense.

INDIANA: A demanding coaching staff led by Kevin Wilson. Mediocrity no longer will be tolerated in Bloomington, and while it might take some time to get things fully on track, Wilson is going to change the culture around the program. He comes from a big-time program (Oklahoma), has orchestrated a big-time offense and carries big-time expectations for the Hoosiers.

IOWA: Young playmakers on both sides of the ball. Iowa didn't win the Insight Bowl because of its seniors. It won because of a record-setting performance by freshman running back Marcus Coker and a pick-six by sophomore cornerback Micah Hyde. Quarterback James Vandenberg returns to the spotlight after impressing a lot of folks in 2009. Outside expectations likely will be tempered, but the future looks promising for Iowa.

MICHIGAN: Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison. Coach Brady Hoke hit a home run with his choice to rebuild an historically bad defense. Mattison boasts an impressive track record at the college and pro levels, and his recruiting prowess speaks for itself. Although Michigan's defense faces significant challenges in 2011, it no longer will be held back by coaching.

MICHIGAN STATE: A restocked offensive backfield. Most Big Ten teams lose their top quarterback or running back from 2010, but the Spartans bring back all of their leading men. Kirk Cousins enters his third season as the starting quarterback, making him the league's second-most experienced signal caller. He'll be joined by talented running backs Edwin Baker, Le'Veon Bell and Larry Caper.

MINNESOTA: Quarterback MarQueis Gray. Not only is Gray back at his preferred position of quarterback, but he'll be operating in an offense that best suits his talents. It likely will take some time for things to click, but Gray should eventually thrive in a system that values a dual-threat quarterback.

NEBRASKA: The return of three key defenders. Sure, the Huskers lose their share of defensive standouts, but to get defensive tackle Jared Crick, linebacker Lavonte David and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard all back for their senior seasons is huge. Crick will be the Big Ten's most decorated defensive tackle heading into 2011, and he and the other two form a very solid nucleus for Carl Pelini's unit.

OHIO STATE: No juniors departing to the NFL. The silver lining in the suspension saga is Ohio State returns all of its juniors for the 2011 season. If the Buckeyes can survive the first chunk of their season, they'll welcome back some of the league's more proven offensive performers. Ohio State also got a big boost when center Michael Brewster, who isn't among the suspended players, opted to return for his senior season to anchor the offensive line.

NORTHWESTERN: Dan Persa's work ethic. It's not easy to recover from a ruptured Achilles', but no player will work harder in his rehab than Persa, who already is well ahead of schedule. The quarterback had established himself as the team's hardest worker before the injury, and although time will tell if he reclaims his All-Big Ten form, you have to like his chances.

PENN STATE: A stockpile of offensive skill players. Whoever emerges as Penn State's starting quarterback will be surrounded by plenty of weapons in 2011. Derek Moye leads a receiving corps filled with playmakers, and Silas Redd and Stephfon Green give Penn State two home-run threats at running back. Devon Smith and Justin Brown both should see increased touches this coming season.

PURDUE: An offseason to get healthy. No college football team in America needed a healing period more than Purdue, which could be extremely explosive on offense if several players return at full strength. Quarterback Robert Marve, running back Ralph Bolden and receivers Keith Smith and Justin Siller are among the Boilers on the mend. Reserve quarterback Caleb TerBush also is expected to be back this fall.

WISCONSIN: Running backs Montee Ball and James White. Normally, a team losing its starting quarterback, its most experienced running back and two All-American offensive linemen would have reason to be concerned. But the emergence of both Ball and White plus tremendous depth along the offensive line should put Wisconsin in good shape entering the fall. The quarterback question is a valid one, but the Badgers will be able to run the ball effectively.

Love is in the air, ACC fans. Happy Valentine’s Day. In honor of Cupid, I have taken the time to painstakingly write each coach a Valentine’s Day card. Enjoy.

Dear …

FRANK BEAMER,
A national title has seemed to escape you, but how quickly the fans seem to forget: Where the program once was and where it is now, to you is owed some major debt.

DAVID CUTCLIFFE,

A monumental task you took on when you were hired, a program disrespected, the situation dire. But attendance has risen and Virginia fallen, it’s only a matter of time before a bowl rep comes calling.

BUTCH DAVIS,

“We support Butch” has been the cry, the fans so loyal and there’s no question why. You’re a great head coach, make no mistake, but moving forward, the rules cannot break.

RANDY EDSALL,

Much has been made about the way you were hired, how the ACC’s Coach of the Year had to be fired. The top 25 is not out of reach, so just give it a year, and they’ll forget about Mike Leach.

JIMBO FISHER,

What’s not to love about this recruiting class? No. 1 in the nation, they’ll get you back fast. You’ve worked hard, and jumped through hoops, but the big question is, can you beat Bob Stoops?

AL GOLDEN,

Welcome to Miami, where expectations are soaring, where championships are expected and life never boring. You’ll hear more than once, “Is the U back?” Just smile, win, and say, “We’re on the right track.”

JIM GROBE,

You set the standard a little too high, now home for Christmas, the fans started to cry. Where is our bowl game, our offense, our attack? With an older team now it’s more likely to come back.

PAUL JOHNSON,

A losing season is bad for the ticker, and the loss to Georgia probably made you sicker. But cheer up! You won’t lose to Kansas again. You’ve got home field advantage – a coach’s best friend.

MIKE LONDON,

The word in the biz is that London is good, and eventually he’ll do more than his predecessor could. This recruiting class will help, but there’s one task you can’t wreck. You know the answer: Beat Virginia Tech.

TOM O’BRIEN,

If there’s one thing that has kept you in State fans’ good graces, it’s for beating Butch Davis on every occasion. The program seems to have turned the corner, but winning a title will be the next order.

FRANK SPAZIANI,

Time and again your defense is strong, still winning games when the offense goes wrong. The Eagles have fared well, to say the least, and as we all know, the ACC beats the Big East.

DABO SWINNEY,

They say your seat’s hot, but there’s no need to fret, for in this recruiting class the top linebackers you did get. Clemson fans will love you if you’d just beat South Carolina, and all of the negativity would be in the mirror behind ya.

Oh, it's back. America's most polarizing holiday (sorry, Thanksgiving!) is here, and it's time to pass out a few Valentines to various things across the league that did things deserving of love in the past year.

1. The Big 12. Congratulations, you exist! Sure, it sounds simple, but if I were a betting man in June, I would have bet against it, at least in terms of being one of college football's elite leagues. Commissioner Dan Beebe convinced the Longhorns and their West Coast-eyeing tagalongs to keep playing their games exclusively in flyover country. Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State and Missouri love you lots for it. Sources indicate that edible bouquets have been sent by all five schools to the Big 12 offices in Irving and UT president William Powers' offices. Athletic director DeLoss Dodds, too.

2. Taylor Potts. Potts wins easily for gesture of the year. After coming off the bench (following a week of being passed over for Steven Sheffield for the first time all season and taking it like an adult in practice) and leading Texas Tech to its biggest win of the year, a 24-17 win over then-No. 12 Missouri, Potts had plenty to beat his chest about. That's when a rare thing happens: answering reporters' questions is fun. Potts didn't take any after the game, instead electing to read a statement to the media paying homage to those in the armed forces. Texas Tech wore camouflage jerseys during the game as part of the Wounded Warrior project. Potts said speaking with soldiers during the week made enough of an impact on him that he chose to use his platform to honor them. You've got to love everything about that.

3. Fans' patience. Entering the 2011 season, there's nary a Big 12 coach on a realistic hot seat. Colorado's Dan Hawkins got the ax in midseason, but all 10 Big 12 coaches return with rather comfortable seats heading into the season. Mike Sherman at Texas A&M looked headed for a rough offseason at 3-3 early in the year, but a late push and a share of the Big 12 South title means he's sitting pretty entering 2011. Turner Gill hauled in a great recruiting class at Kansas to take some heat off a disappointing debut season. Minor doubts, annoyances and worries aside, every other school in the Big 12 is much closer to a dizzying love affair with their head coach.

4. Oklahoma. Thank them, the rest of the Big 12. A "laughingstock" is certainly too strong, but there would have been noticeable snickers from around the country if Nebraska had won the Big 12 and skated off to the Big Ten with the trophy in hand. But the Sooners climbed out of a 17-0 hole and knocked off the Huskers in Cowboys Stadium in the Big 12 title game. The loss sent the Huskers to the Holiday Bowl, where they self-destructed and faced a coaching overhaul in the offseason, rather than a coronation. If you're a fan of a Big 12 team, you ought to shake the hand of Sooners fans the next time you see them. They saved the league a lot of grief.

5. A fresh start in 2011. I'm extremely sad to see the Big 12 Championship go. I loved the game, it was almost always interesting, and a great event in a great venue. That said, 2011 should be pretty interesting with 10 teams all gunning for the same title and no more divisions. What will that ultimately do, and what will it change in the league? Who knows? We'll find out in 2011, and I'm loving the anticipation of finding out.

6. Returning stars. You've got to love Oklahoma State stars Justin Blackmon and Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma stars Ryan Broyles and Travis Lewis and Texas A&M star Jeff Fuller. Thanks to them, the Big 12 should be a whole lot more fun to watch in 2011. And really, that's what it's all about. All five could have entered the draft early, but elected to stay, preserving some big-time star power in the league in 2011, something that seemed to be missing a bit early on in 2010. Because of Lewis and Broyles, Oklahoma should enter the season as one of, if not the favorite for the national title. Oklahoma State and Texas A&M should be top 20 teams at worst, and the two co-Big 12 South champs in 2010 look ready to give the Sooners a run for their money in 2011. Who doesn't love that?

Can you feel the love?

Better yet, why don’t we spread a little love in a conference that’s brimming with love among all of its fans and teams?

Sound the sarcasm alert.

It’s Valentine’s Day, so we’re going to set aside all the bitter rivalries, feuds and finger-pointing for a day and hand out some very deserving cards.

Sit back and enjoy.

Dear …

Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs,

You were skewered for your hiring of a guy with a 5-19 head coaching record back in December 2008. Clearly, Gene Chizik was the right hire for Auburn. And, clearly, you knew exactly what you were doing.

Georgia coach Mark Richt,

The class you’ve exuded during your tenure at Georgia speaks for itself, the way you treat people and the way you live your life. But coming off a 6-7 season, it’s the way your team plays in 2011 that will determine your coaching future. Even for the best of guys, it’s a bottom-line business.

Linda Bell, the mother of Mississippi State defensive end Nick Bell, who died last November,

The entire SEC aches for your loss. The courage Nick showed in his fight against the dreaded disease of cancer was an inspiration to us all. As I’m sure Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen has reminded you on several occasions, Nick’s spirit will endure.

Kentucky receiver Randall Cobb,

As you embark on your NFL career, take pride in the fact that you set a standard in this league for being a true “Renaissance Man.” It may be a while before we see somebody else who does as many things well on a football field as you did.

LSU coach Les Miles,

For a guy who gets pummeled for being lucky, loony and out in left field sometimes, I’m sure you’re aware that a lot of coaches out there would love to have your record. And one other thing: I hear the grass at Tiger Stadium this fall will be yummier than ever.

Florida quarterback John Brantley,

Here’s to starting over. Yes, you’re going to be a senior, but I would imagine a brand new coach, brand new offensive coordinator and brand new offensive scheme have given you a brand new lease on life.

South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore,

A phenomenal start, young man. But as I’m sure you’re well aware, true greatness is achieved by doing it over time in this league. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for your sophomore season.

Arkansas running back Knile Davis,

Thanks for reminding us all that it’s not about where you are when the race starts, but where you are when the race ends. I doubt any of the coaches in this league even knew what jersey number you wore when last season began. I guarantee you they know now who wears No. 7 for the Hogs.

Alabama coach Nick Saban,

I realize that contentment, entitlement and inconsistency are variables that are as foreign to you as snow is to Miami Beach, but there were traces of all three last season in your team. Something tells me 2011 at the Capstone will look a lot more like 2008 and 2009 in the way your team goes about its business.

Vanderbilt coach James Franklin,

Your enthusiasm is infectious as you tackle one of the toughest jobs in all of college football. Bobby Johnson made some real strides there, but he could never quite get it right on offense for a sustained period of time. That will be your greatest challenge, in particular generating a legitimate passing game.

Tennessee safety Janzen Jackson,

Your head coach, Derek Dooley, is determined to see that you get yourself straightened out as you continue to battle your ongoing personal demons. And that’s whether you ever play football again at Tennessee or not.

Ole Miss defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix,

What a nightmare last season had to be with all the issues and injuries on defense. When I think of your defense, I think of the attacking units you put on the field in 2008 and 2009 that finished 19^th and 21^st nationally in total defense … and not the one that finished 107^th nationally in scoring defense last season.

It's Valentine's Day, and while this is mostly a holiday set up to make florists and greeting card companies rich, it can be a fun time to express your love for someone or something.

The Big East knows this well. Using my ace reporter skills, I managed to intercept some Valentine's Day cards that were sent out from the home office in Providence and other league ports for this special day:

"You're Making Me Hot!"


To: Dana Holgorsen

From: West Virginia fans

Other people may be worried about scoring on Valentine's Day. We just want to score as much as possible on Saturdays in the fall. We're burning up just thinking about your new offense.

"I Only Have Eyes for You"

Dear Todd Graham:

Mike Who? Believe me, you were my first choice as head coach all along. Can't wait to see you coach our Panthers.

Love,

Steve Pederson

P.S. Please, please, please win big.

"Love Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry"

Dear Robert Burton:

Sorry for the misunderstanding. Just know that all is forgiven now. Oh, and cash makes a nice Valentine's gift.

Sincerely,

Jeff Hathaway

"You Choo-Choo-Choose Me?"


Dearest Charlie Strong,

We weren't sure we could ever love again after the last guy so thoroughly broke our hearts and crushed our spirits. But you have renewed our faith, and your early Valentine's gift of a star-studded recruiting class has us all aflutter. Please accept this miniature train modeled on the one outside Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. And please never, ever, ever leave us.

Yours,

Louisville fans

"We'll Make It Up To You"

To: Associated Press and USA Today coaches' poll voters

From: The Big East

We know we messed up in 2010. We now you're probably still mad. But don't hold it against us next season, OK? Remember the good times when Louisville, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Rutgers, South Florida and Pittsburgh were all Top 10 teams? You know, the 2005-2009 years? Let's make things like they were before.

"Wish You Were Here"

Dearest Horned Frogs:

Loved watching you in the Rose Bowl. Speaking of roses, did you get the bouquet I sent? Really looking forward to our upcoming rendezvous. Don't forget to bring your national ranking.

Counting down the hours,

John Marinatto

"Will You Be Mine?"

To: Villanova

From: Big East football

Hey there, Wildcats. Looking good. So, uh, anything new? We were kind of wondering if you were interested in us. We thought you were, and then you said you had to think about it, and we've kind of been sitting by the phone ever since. No rush; we mean, we've been seeing other people and everything. Orlando is nice this time of year. Just sayin'. Anyway, if you could get back to us by, like, April or something, that would be great. No pressure, though.