Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Fox Sports: 30 Biggest Issues of 2006

Read the entire article here.

 

12. How much of an impact will David Cutcliffe have in his return to Tennessee?
It better be profound or else there'll be hell to pay at Tennessee. One 5-6 season is a nightmare. Back-to-back flops will not be tolerated. Cutcliffe returns to the Volunteers to manage the second half of quarterback Erik Ainge's career and help restore the order in Knoxville. After a terrific true freshman year, Ainge regressed swiftly in 2005, and should benefit from the presence of one of the game's better teachers. If he doesn't, get ready for the debut of redshirt freshman Jonathan Crompton, who just two years ago was one of America's most coveted high school quarterbacks. Wholesale changes are expected on both sides of the ball, so 2006 is a time to lay the groundwork for loftier pursuits in 2007.

 

15. If USC leaves the door open, which team is most likely to storm the Pac-10 gates?
If they can get consistent play from the quarterback, Cal heads a deep pack that's lining up behind the Trojans. In back Marshawn Lynch and receiver DeSean Jackson, they've got two of the best playmakers in the conference and the Brandon Mebane-led defense is athletic and underrated. Top to bottom, the Pac-10 is as balanced as it's been in years, leaving the Trojans a little less margin for error. Oregon and UCLA return plenty of talent from last year's 10-win squads. Arizona State is a traveling air show that can score with anyone. Both Washington State and Oregon State will be improved after falling below .500 in 2005. And Arizona has enough emerging players to be one of this season's big surprises. The Oct. 7 visit from Washington looks like the only snoozer for four-time defending league champ USC.

 

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