With all of the offseason drama in the NFL, the college football season is tiptoeing by with a relatively low anticipation level. This really shouldn’t be the case. The upcoming college football season should be one of the most entertaining in recent years. One of the main reasons for this centers around one NFL-ready signal caller, which makes him the top reason for the season.

ANDREW LUCK, Senior QB, Stanford:

He was all but guaranteed the first overall pick in this past NFL draft, but decided against going pro and returned for his senior season (when you think about it — he would have been picked by Carolina — wouldn’t you bounce on that?). Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh left for the NFL (San Francisco), but his quarterback stayed behind to lead the seventh-ranked Cardinal. Coming off a season in which he passed for 3,338 yards and 32 touchdowns, Luck’s every move will be scrutinized this season.

TRENT RICHARDSON, Junior RB, Alabama:

If you don’t know his name, shame on you. If you think he’s simply just “Mark Ingram’s backup”, think again. He’s known as ‘The Beast.’ Richardson is now all alone in the backfield, but the Crimson Tide aren’t worried. He rushed for 700 yards last year at 6.3 yards per carry. Coming out of high school, Richardson was ranked the No. 1 running back in the nation after he rushed for 2,090 yards on 225 carries (9.3 ypc) and scored 26 touchdowns as a senior.

OREGON DUCKS OFFENSE:

Led by two Heisman Trophy candidates in QB Darron Thomas and RB LaMichael James, Duck season will be crazy in Eugene, Ore. this fall. James led the nation in rushing last year (144.3 yards per game) and had three games with 200 yards or more. Thomas recorded over 2,800 yards of total offense and is a threat to run the ball on any given play. Their offense is built for speed. Viewers will surely feel the rush these two bring to the field every game — be sure to check the No. 3 Ducks out this Saturday night when they take on No. 4 LSU, 8:00 PM on ABC.

THE U’s ANSWER ON THE FIELD:

If you don’t know anything about the Miami Hurricane scandal, do me a favor and Google it so I don’t waste precious space. The ‘U’ faces potential harsh penalties from the NCAA (rumor has it the “death penalty” is possible), but how will the current players react? The team declared eight players, including junior quarterback Jacory Harris, ineligible for accepting benefits.

Will they be able to start next Monday against Maryland? Who will step in and star for the Canes? Can current head coach Al Golden continue to turn this program around, or is it too late? Will the U return to their dominant status? Hopefully, some of the questions will be answered in 2011.

THE BOISE STATE WATCH:

Everybody’s favorite Cinderella team is now viewed as Miss America. Boise State is officially a top tier program, a team that should be in contention for a BCS game year in and year out. The Broncos return their star quarterback Kellen Moore, last year’s Heisman Trophy finalist. Moore leads a team that should breeze through their conference, but as we all know, the bowl game will always bring drama. Will they run the table and fight for a BCS spot?