Guest Post: 2012 College Football Players to Watch in Week 1

As opening week of the 2012 college football season approaches, fans’ anticipation grows day by day. They cannot wait to delve into the games and storylines of the new season, and they eagerly anticipate watching the following players. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan Wolverines The quarterback known as “Shoelace” has shown flashes of brilliance and exciting play, but he has also turned the ball over at costly times. The Wolverines open against last season’s defending national champions, so most people are expecting Alabama to defeat Michigan. If Robinson has a special night, however, then a huge victory of the Tide could be a sign of great things to come for the Maize and Blue. Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina Gamecocks Lattimore burst onto the scene two years ago as a true freshman and torched defenses regularly, but he tore a ligament in one of his knees partway through last season and had to sit out the rest of the year. Steve Spurrier claims that Lattimore is back and ready to play, but college football fans will get to see the truth for themselves on August 30th when the Gamecocks take on the Vanderbilt Commodores. This is the first big game of the year, and if Lattimore is not as healed as the coaching staff says he is, then the Gamecocks could find their road to the Georgia Dome and beyond to be more complicated than originally suspected. Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee Volunteers The Vols were last seen losing in disgraceful fashion to rivals that they had dominated for decades, so Coach Derek Dooley’s seat is definitely warm at the start of this season. Tyler Bray’s behavior—off the field and on—has often left a lot to be desired, but Bray has shown the ability to play good football when he is on. He has a talented wide-out in Justin Hunter to throw to, but one-time five-star wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers has been indefinitely suspended. So much hinges on Bray to stay sharp against David Amerson, one of the game’s best cornerbacks who carded 13 interceptions last year. If Bray and the Vols lose this game, Dooley’s seat is going to be sizzling in Knoxville. Jeff Tuel, QB, Washington State Cougars Who is not at least a bit excited about seeing Mike Leach’s latest rocket-armed quarterback in action? The Cougars have fallen on hard times over the past few years, but the hiring of Leach has caused a buzz of excitement in the program. The Cougars open against BYU, who carded a 10-win season last year. Will Leach be able to successfully install his Air Raid offense at Washington State? This will be America’s first chance to find out. Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson The Clemson Tigers open against the Auburn Tigers, and Clemson’s success largely depends on Boyd’s ability to keep his cool. Clemson was last seen getting carpet-bombed by Dana Holgorsen’s high-octane West Virginia offense to the tune of 70-33; many of these painful Mountaineer points were gained courtesy of Boyd’s turnovers. Boyd will also be short his star receiver, Sammy Watkins, who is suspended for this opening game. In order for Clemson to emerge victorious opening weekend, Boyd will have to be on his game. Joe Southwick, QB, Boise State Broncos This list is quarterback-heavy, but so many of opening week’s best games center around teams with tested-but-inconsistent or new-and-untested quarterbacks. Southwick is of the latter variety; he has to step into the talented shoes of 5th-year-senior quarterback Kellen Moore against a Michigan State team that loves to dominate on both lines. Chris Petersen often has his teams ready for big games for which they have months to prepare, so fans will get to see how well he does preparing his new quarterback for this tough opening date. Eddie Lacey, RB, Alabama Crimson Tide The defending national champs open against Michigan this year and are highly favored to win that match-up. Heisman-finalist running back Trent Richardson is gone to the NFL, but Lacey is not exactly a walk-on. He will likely earn the starting spot, but week 1 against the Wolverines will give people their first glimpse of Lacey in the starting RB position during a major ballgame. Matt Barkley, QB, USC Trojans Fans love pro-caliber players who return for their senior years, and Barkley earned the love of the Trojan fan-base by doing just that. In spite of sanctions and scholarship reductions, the Trojans are fielding a highly competitive team that some think could go all the way to Miami. While Hawaii is not a world-beater, USC has had a bad habit these past few years of starting the season slowly. If Barkley and his teammates come out with something to prove, however, it could be a long day for the Rainbow Warriors. By Don Phan - Just another sports enthusiast. Don't miss my other week 1 takes: Top Match-Ups and Upset Picks.