The Tigers are 2-2 (0-1) with wins over Miami (OH) and Western Illinois and losses at Arizona State in overtime and at Oklahoma. The Tigers return 16 starters from a team that went 10-3 (6-2). The Tigers were projected to finish 4th or 5th in the conference depending on which publication you use.
QB James Franklin has completed 61% of his passes for 985 yards (319 at Arizona State) with 7 touchdowns (3 vs. Western Illinois) and 1 interception (vs. Miami OH) in 2011. He has also rushed for 260 yards (103 at Oklahoma - 3.6 yards/carry) and 4 touchdowns (2 at Oklahoma).
RB Henry Josey has rushed for 533 yards (263 vs. Western Illinois) on 43 carries (12.4 yards/carry) with 4 touchdowns (3 vs. Western Illinois).
Josey will run behind an offensive line that features 3 seniors (LG Jayson Palmgren, RG Austin Wuebbels and RT Dan Hoch), 1 junior (OC Travis Ruth) and 1 sophomore (LT Justin Britt). It is an offensive line that has allowed Franklin to be sacked 7 times so far in 2011.
WR's T.J. Moe and Wes Kemp have combined for 444 yards (291 by Moe) on 36 catches (23 by Moe) with 3 touchdowns (2 by Kemp).
Defensively, the Tigers are lead by DE's Jacquies Smith and Brad Madison. The line is helped by the return of DT Dominique Hamilton from an ankle injury. The Tigers are really excited by the potential of WLB Zaviar Gooden. Also in the LB corp are MLB Andrew Wilson and SLB Luke Lambert who must remain healthy.