DCTF's 2012 Texas College Power Poll — Preseason
| # | School | 2011 Final Rank |
| 1 | TCU Horned Frogs | 2 |
| DCTF says: Since they were left on the outside looking in when the Southwest Conference disbanded in 1996, the Horned Frogs have been fighting for a chance to prove they belong. Now, with a spot in the Big 12, the state’s best quarterback in Casey Pachall and the state’s best coach in Gary Patterson, there’s nothing stopping the purple reign. | ||
| 2 | Texas Longhorns | 4 |
| DCTF says: There’s little doubt that the Longhorns are trending upward after their abysmal 2010 season, and this year should prove to be another step back toward the top. The triumvirate of underclassmen running backs — Malcolm Brown, Joe Bergeron and Johnathan Gray — is the headliner, but it’s a crushing defense that will determine Texas’ fate in 2012. | ||
| 3 | Baylor Bears | 1 |
| DCTF says: Life in Waco without Robert Griffin III begins now, but to write the Bears off as a one-year wonder is a mistake. Baylor returns an impressive core of players, including NB Ahmad Dixon and WR Terrance Williams, and there are few coaches who get more out of their players than Art Briles. If QB Nick Florence lives up to his promise, the Bears will roar again. | ||
| 4 | Texas A&M Aggies | 5 |
| DCTF says: The 2011 campaign is in the Aggies’ rearview mirror, along with coach Mike Sherman and the Big 12 Conference. Now Kevin Sumlin leads A&M into the SEC, and while there are holes to fill at quarterback and on the defensive line, this cupboard is far from bare. The Luke Joeckel-led offensive line is excellent, and the ground game should hum, too. That can obviously work in the SEC. | ||
| 5 | Texas Tech Red Raiders | 8 |
| DCTF says: Last year is mercifully over for Tommy Tuberville and company, and with what seems like 80 percent of their team back from the infirmary, the Red Raiders should be better in 2012. But this group is only going to go as far as the defense takes them. If the new 4-3 scheme and improved depth are apparent from day one, this team could rearrange the preseason Big 12 picks. | ||
| 6 | SMU Mustangs | 6 |
| DCTF says: Is this the season that SMU gets over the conference championship hump, securing the Ponies’ first conference crown since winning a share of the 1984 Southwest Conference title? The defense has big-time playmakers in DE Margus Hunt and LB Taylor Reed, but Texas transfer Garrett Gilbert will have to find his way quickly for this team to live up to expectations. | ||
| 7 | Houston Cougars | 3 |
| DCTF says: The most prolific quarterback (Case Keenum), the most explosive wide receiver (Patrick Edwards) and one of the most successful coaches (Kevin Sumlin) in school history are gone, but there’s reason for optimism for the Coogs. QB David Piland is capable of steering the high-flying offense, and the defense, led by Derrick Mathews, might be better than last year. | ||
| 8 | UTEP Miners | 7 |
| DCTF says: Mike Price is understandably confident that the Miners can make strides from last year’s disappointing season, especially with a strong core led by QB Nick Lamaison back for another season. The keys to UTEP’s revival chances are twofold: the development of playmakers on the outside, and an improvement in the secondary. | ||
| 9 | North Texas Mean Green | 9 |
| DCTF says: Replacing sensational RB Lance Dunbar is priority No. 1, but the defense — which ranked 97th in the nation last year — must make strides. MLB Zach Orr and DE Brandon McCoy will be called upon to lead North Texas forward. If the Mean Green absorb half the toughness of coach Dan McCarney — who shook off his offseason stroke like a common cold — they’ll be in business. | ||
| 10 | Rice Owls | 10 |
| DCTF says: The Owls look like they will play an exciting brand of football in 2012, something that hasn’t necessarily been the case in past years. RB Turner Petersen and QB Taylor McHargue could be due for breakout years, but replacing pieces on the offensive line is paramount. If LB Cameron Nwosu can hold together the defense, Rice could surprise some people. | ||
| 11 | Texas State Bobcats | N/A |
| DCTF says: The Bobcats’ rise to the FBS ranks is cause for celebration in San Marcos, and they have the right man for the transition job in coach Dennis Franchione. Success won’t come easy — or quickly — but the 4-2-5 defense, anchored by CBs Darryl Morris and Craig Mager, should be fun to watch. The ground game has to be stellar to get this team to .500. | ||
| 12 | UTSA Roadrunners | N/A |
| DCTF says: Excitement in the River City is palpable for the Roadrunners’ inaugural season at the FBS level, but tempered expectations are necessary. While QB Eric Soza and a stable of skilled receivers will provide some offensive pop, the bridge from brand-new to conference-contender isn’t crossed overnight. Let’s just sit back and enjoy the making of history, shall we? | ||
ABOUT THE PANEL:
> Travis Stewart is the managing editor of DCTF
> Greg Tepper is the associate editor of DCTF
> Adam Hochfelder is the Executive Director of DCTF and several other IMG College properties
> Brad Hilliard is the operations coordinator for DCTF and several other IMG College properties
