For whom the bell tolls. 2011 is gone. Enter 2012.

2011 is in the books. What can we expect 2012 to look like? Let’s take a look at some very early prognostications. Here’s what we did. We took the LaxPower top 21 and removed Michigan. The Wolverines still finished with the number one ranking scoring 1.12 higher than second place Arizona State. We then looked at the final poll on College Lax published May 3rd. And then finally, we considered all graduation losses.

1. BYU 20-3

Key losses: Tyler Monteath, Dan Cole

Top returners: Ted Ferrin, Andrew Harding, Corey Gunderson

Comments: On the paper this was one of the youngest title teams in MCLA history, but with the culture at BYU we know that’s not the case. The top 3 scorers (Ferrin, Harding, Gunderson)  all began their careers in 2007 and they’ll be back in 2012. That fire power can make up for the losses of Monteath and Cole in the middle not to mention anybody else that returns from their missions and any recruits that show up in the fall. BYU will be a favorite to repeat.

2. Chapman 14-4

Key losses: William Morrison, Spencer Halverson

Top returners: Andrew Clayton, Madison Fiore, Matt Walrath

Comments: This was a very young squad struggling to find themselves after the departure of Martin and they still reached the MCLA quarters. They have special players at the attack position, a seasoned goalie, and the de facto top pole in the country coming back. If they stay healthy and aren’t competing in the title game in San Diego/Florida/Alaska in 2012 I would be shocked.

3. Arizona State 14-5

Key losses: Eric Nelson, Ryan Westfall

Top returners: Dylan Westfall, 4 freshmen in the top 8 in scoring

Comments: It took Danowski graduating from Duke for the Devils to win the title, maybe the final offensive minded Westfall leaving will be the magic potion for the Devils. You have to wonder if ASU would have been able to beat BYU if they hadn’t played their personal Super Bowl the day prior.

4. Texas 13-1

Key losses: Stefan Knipp

Top returners: Johnny McKnight, Spencer Price

Comments: Despite a perfect regular season, the Horns were generously given the 13th seed in the tournament. They’ll need to schedule some tougher OOC games to move in the polls, but they have the talent to play with the top teams in the country. They have an elite player at each position and most importantly those elite players have experience which, as we saw this past weekend, wins big games. Don’t be surprised when Texas gets snubbed in the first poll and lands at 17 and goes on a revenge tour.

5. Cal Poly 14-6

Key losses: Matt Rudow

Top returners: Scott Herberer, Matt Graupmann

Comments: No one likes playing Cal Poly, but people will want nothing to do with the Mustangs in 2012 with Herber and Graupmann returning. They might be the best one two punch not named Ferrin and Harding in the country. They had some unexpected losses this season and still earned a 9th seed because the program commands so much respect. They’ll walk to the WCLL title again but expect a bigger regular season and a higher seed come May. This team will be in the title hunt.

6. Colorado State 15-3

Key losses: Cooper Kehoe, Garrett Fugier, Andy Flax

Top returners: Austin Fisher and Alex Devlin

Comments: The Rams offense this season wasn’t the shock and awe extravaganza from days gone by in the Fort. Who will replace Cooper Kehoe’s production and leadership? The Michigan streak has really hurt the State’s image as the bad boys of the MCLA. Maybe that attitude returns next year.

7. Colorado 11-6

Key losses: James Blackburn

Top returners: Jack Cranston, Bradley Macnee

Comments: A first round exit in 2011 was a bit of a shock to all and should galvanize the roster returning to Boulder more so than the coaching change in 2010. It will be up to D1 transfers Cranston and Beimford to play like former D1 players if the Buffs hope to get over the hump and avoid regular season losses to conference foes BYU and CSU. You never know who will show up in January to give them some extra fire power.

8. UCSB 10-7

Key losses: Jamie Bridgman

Top returners: Aaron Hemon, CJ Jacobs, Andrew Noto

Comments: Back from the dead in 2012? The loss of top producer, Bridgman, will require Hemon and Jacobs to step up but it would appear the Gauchos have righted the ship under Jaffe. With a large core returning, they will be back in the mix in the SLC and national title hunt. If only they would return to their yellow lids next season.

9. South Carolina 12-3

Key losses: Shaun Lynch

Top returners: top 9 scorers

Comments: Everyone hated this team in 2011. In 2012, you won’t be able to ignore them. They return too much talent not to be in contention and when your top talent is from Virginia and Maryland you’re going to be in serious contention. However, they will have to schedule OOC games if they want to receive the votes they deserve.

10. Buffalo 11-4

Key losses: Kurt Stavdal (false alarm, Stavdal returns per Grand Island, NY insider)

Top returners: Ryan Grogan, Alex Hultgren, Brian Powell

Comments: Lose by 3 in the first round to eventual tournament runner up Arizona State? Not a bad showing from the western New York side. Only graduating 57 points and returning the top 3 scorers will keep this team in contention through 2012. A slightly tougher OOC schedule could vault their tournament seed should they decide to top Boston College for the PCLL title again.

On the Edge

Clemson – If leading scorer Will Patch uses his final year of eligibility then Clemson will be very scary in 2012.

Simon Fraser – If anyone can figure out how to play just a touch more defense in Vancouver, the Clan’s offense will be enough to carry them into the top 10 and maybe deep into the tournament.

Virginia Tech – Should have been in the original post. Another young SELC team that will be up there if they can figure out how to replace their goalie.

Give me your top 10 or top 5 if you’re lazy in the comments section.