From time to time I like to take a look at what is happening across the college football landscape.  It helps us keep up with our opponents, and it helps you impress your friends.  I apologize for the rather informal nature of this piece.

Clemson is having an interesting Spring.  It appears that Kyle Parker will be a very high 1st round pick in the baseball draft if he continues on his torrid pace.  Will he continue at this pace?  If he does, will he elect to turn pro?  The guys at ShakinTheSouthland.com can't tell you that, but they know pretty much everything else about Clemson.  Here are some early observations from Dr. B.  New WR (Bad), OLine (blah), Running backs (studly), defensive line (tremendous), linebackers (average- generously), defensive backs (very good).  And here are some notes from their Spring Scrimmage.

With the recent transfer of a former Freshman All-American Offensive Tackle, Tennessee has now lost its quarterback (also lost the backup as well), its top running back (Hardesty), its young stud back Bryce Brown, top wide receiver, top tight end, ALL 5 starting offensive linemen, multi-year starter at defensive tackle, 1st round defensive tackle/ nose guard, 2 starting linebackers, and its best two defensive backs left school early for the NFL draft (Eric Berry).  But they do return a fullback.  Perhaps Kiffin made a great choice?  More at RockyTopTalk.com

Alabama coach Nick Saban is toying with the idea of potentially trying wide receiver Julio Jones as... - Roll 'Bama Roll
Alabama is trying receivers at safety. This is probably why they are looking good for 2011 safety Hasean Clinton-Dix. Luckily for the 'Noles, FSU already has several stud prospects at the position.

Florida has had an up and down Spring practice. They lost a ton of great players.  Jon Bostic has looked great at linebacker, but the defensive line has not been particularly impressive (this could be an adjustment year until their ridiculous defensive line recruiting class of 2010 gets acclimated).  Brantley is still trying to find chemistry with his wideouts.  He has an impressive arm but could need time.  The best units are clearly the offensive line and the defensive backs.  This team still has a lot of talent but has a bunch of questions for the first time in quite a while. 

Miami had its Spring Game Saturday.  Jacory Harris missed Spring due to a thumb injury, but my take is that Miami is going to be a pretty good team.  They could have serious offensive line problems, but they should still have top 25 or better offenses and defenses.  The defense could be particularly good, depending on their linebacker play.  The wide receivers are ridiculous.

Boston College is actually looking pretty good.  They return 4 of 5 offensive linemen including one of the best tackles in the country in Costanzo.  They return a 25 year-old quarterback who will now be in his 2nd season.  They have Montel Harris back at running back.  The defense returns its best 2 linemen, the ACC rookie of the year in linebacker Luke Keulchy, and get back All-American 'backer Mark Herzlich (cancer).  With 16 returning starters, the Eagles will be in the hunt for the Atlantic title and Clemson must travel to BC the week after they face Georgia Tech.

Deacons working on return to option  Riley Skinner is gone and Wake will go back to its old option game. Wake's rushing offense has been o the decline in recent years and this could help.  Our own Wake blog has a great recap of Wake's scrimmage.  I really don't see Wake being very good this season.  The way they developed low-rated high school talent for a few years just isn't repeatable over many years.  I don't wanna say they got lucky for a few years, but...  I just don't see them being competitive with FSU any time in the near future. On defense, they must replace both defensive tackles, 2 linebackers, and their best corner.  They also lost 3 of their starting offensive linemen.