New coach most likely to succeed: Rick Neuheisel. His predecessor led UCLA to five consecutive bowl games and even won a few games that he shouldn’t have. But, Karl Dorrell lost way too many games that he had no business losing. That won’t happen under Neuheisel.  His track record — on the field of play only — shows that he has the ability to keep a steady course and come up with something big from time to time. That’s just what’s required in Westwood between basketball seasons.

New coach most likely to fail: Greg McMackin. June Jones was a miracle worker at Hawaii. He did more with less than anyone in college football history. One visit to the Warrior football facilities and a simple glance at the budget is all you need to be convinced of that.  Jones also was able to attract talented defensive coordinators such as Jerry Glanville and McMackin in an attempt to balance out his offensive brilliance.

Heisman favorite: Ohio State tailback Chris “Beanie” Wells. If the Buckeyes have the season that they’re expected to have, a healthy Wells will be a frontrunner from start to finish. His ability is unquestioned and his candidacy contains all the necessary elements.

Tebow is so good and such a cult figure that he’s virtually assured a return trip to New York, but one of his teammates will be the biggest reason he doesn’t repeat. Tailback Emmanuel Moody, a transfer from USC, will take some of the load — and repeated poundings — off Tebow’s broad shoulders. There won’t be another 20-20.

The “Tebows” of 2008: Moreno and Bradford. With class-bias now out of the way, how about another sophomore winning the Heisman? As the centerpieces of their respective teams, Moreno or Bradford could easily make strong runs if they’re playing for title contenders late in the season.

Other Heisman contenders: Texas running back Jamaal Charles, Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel, West Virginia quarterback Pat White and Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell.  Charles has all the ability in the world and could be in for a monstrous season. Daniel will need someone to replace Tiger running back Tony Temple for him to have the same type of season that made him a finalist in 2007, but it’s entirely possible. White will have his work cut out for him during the transitional period in Morgantown, but he’s such a special player. You can’t count him out. Harrell will have outrageous statistics, putting him into the middle of what promises to be a lively debate.

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