Welcome to WWCFM's preseason edition. Below are links to my preseason analysis of each team in the four conferences on which I place the bulk of my handicapping emphasis (SEC, Big 12, Pac 10 and Big 10.)
I've tried to offer material above and beyond that which you get in preseason publications, such as my sense of public perception, and teams that I see as harboring early season line value. I attempt to look beyond the numbers and in the process unearth some gems.
You'll note a series of numbers and letter(s) next to each team. Those refer to the team's returning starters. More specifically, those on offense and defense, returning offensive linemen, punter and kicker, their spread record over their last 4 games in '97, and how I view them relative to public perception.
For example: Texas A&M (8*-6-2-P/3-1/slightly underrated.) The Aggies have eight returning offensive starters including their QB which is denoted by the asterisk. Six starters are back on defense, two starting offensive linemen return, and their punter is back. They went 3-1 ATS their last four in '97 and I see A&M slightly underrated relative to public perception going into the season.
When preseason handicapping I emphasize QB's, offensive linemen, special teams, offensive and defensive yards per carry the last season, schedule strength last season, upcoming season goals, public perception, last year's turnover ratios, coaching changes, and how that team finished the previous season. I believe these to be among the more salient factors when assessing a team in the preseason, therefore you'll find most of them included in the analysis of each team.
The reason that each team's season goal is presented is because a team's performance is often a product of where they are at in pursuit of that goal. If a team with a goal of winning the conference championship is thwarted, look for them to play with little emotion in the subsequent games after their goal is no longer attainable.
Also included in this edition are games that I have found to be rather tantalizing and bear keeping a close eye on as they approach. I call these "fertile '98 games" and of course, full rationale accompanies each of them. Please keep in mind that these are not selections, but simply games that look good as of now. As always, one should look at team performance leading up to a specific game, and at the line, before making a selection.
Note that if I add any new material after the posting of a team's analysis, it will be designated via "Addendum."
Looking forward to a fun and hopefully fruitful season. Thanks for subscribing to Wizard Weygint's College Football Magic. Now back to the 'capping trenches.
Fertile '98 Games
Big 12 Analysis
SEC Analysis
Pac 10 Analysis
Big 10 Analysis