Their situation at quarterback will undoubtedly be the biggest storyline this offseason, but will have no impact on their success. Braxton Miller, J.T. Barrett, and Cardale Jones have proven themselves to be winners (side note: had Miller started and won at least 11 games this season, he would be the school’s all-time winningest quarterback) while arguably the nation's best running back Ezekiel Elliot and his outrageous production from the previous year (1,878 yards, 6.9 yards per carry, 18 TDs) is returning, and boasts a defense with seven returning starters. Evan Spencer, Michael Thomas, and Corey Smith all return and all combined for 89 receptions, 1,203 yards and 12 TDs (34% of all completions, 32% of total passing yards, and 29 % of total passing touchdowns) along with left tackle Taylor Decker and sophomore sensation Billy Price, who started all 13 games at guard for the Buckeyes last year. Jalin Marshall was also electric last season, scoring seven touchdowns on offense last year, returned a punt return for six points, and was even listed as Cardale Jones’ backup on the team depth chart; look for him to line up in the slot, at H-Back, and at running back; his versatility is uncanny.
Expect Armani Reeves to shift over from nickel back to cornerback to fill Doran’s spot and sophomore Cam Burrows to start at nickel back. Five-Star freshman Raekwon McMillian should earn the starting job at middle linebacker in place of Curtis Grant and have an impact similar to Darron Lee’s last year as a redshirt freshman (81 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions). Future first rounders Joey Bosa and Adolphus Washington (94 tackles and 18 sacks combined in 23 out of 28 combined games) anchor the line and have potential to rack up double-digit sacks.
2. TCU: After a spectacular 2014 season that saw the Horned Frogs finish 12-1 (that three point loss to Baylor still stings) with a 42-3 drubbing of Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl. The Horned Frogs are coached by one of the best in the nation as Gary Patterson has built TCU into a national contender, compiling a 132-45 record over the past 15 seasons.
At the head of TCU's potent and electrifying offense (second in points per game, seventh in passing yards per game, and tied for fifth in total yards per game last season) is quarterback Trevone Boykin, the nation's favorite to capture the Heisman trophy next season. In 2013, Boykin spent time as the starting quarterback in place of suspended starter Casey Pachall but moved to wide receiver towards the end of the season after struggles with turnovers. Boykin's success was unmatched in 2014: 301 completions for 3,901 yards and 33 touchdowns through the air, finishing first in the Big 12 in all categories. On the ground Boykin ran for 707 yards and eight touchdowns, finishing eighth in the Big 12 in both categories. Reciever Josh Doctson and running back Aaron Green both return, forming arguably the nation's best trio of playmakers. Doctson similarly had a breakout season after sitting out due to his transfer from Wyoming, catching 65 passes for 1,018 yards and 11 touchdowns ranking sixth, seventh, and first in the Big 12 respectively. Green, a transfer from Nebraska, earned second team All-Big 12 honors after rushing for 977 yards (with a 7.1 yards per carry average) and nine touchdowns, while leading all of the Horned Frogs running backs with 19 receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns. Fellow receiver Kolby Listenbee returns for his senior year after catching 43 passes for 753 yards and four touchdowns, leading him to garner Honorable-mention All-Big 12. Most importantly, four of the five starters along the offensive line return, while the new starter at right tackle, Joseph Noteboom, played in all 13 games last season. Most importantly, TCU finished third in turnover margin, recording 18 more turnovers than giveaways.
Despite TCU's notable offense, the defense was absolutely dominant last season, finishing eighth in the nation in points per game allowed, ninth in rushing yards per game allowed, and 18th in total offense per game. They also recorded 40 sacks and 26 interceptions, good for 12th and first in the nation respectively. However, the Horned Frogs were dismal against the pass (233 yards per game allowed, tied for 75th in the country), and the loss of linebackers Paul Dawson Marcus and Mallet leave major holes to fill; freshman Mike Freeze and junior Sammy Douglas are expected to take over, but have zero combined starts between them. The secondary has necessary depth, but the departures of Chris Hackett and Sam Carter, as well as their 11 combined interceptions, will certainly be missed. Outside of Josh Carraway and Davion Pierson, the defensive line lacks experience and will be tested against the other Big 12 offenses.
3. Baylor: Art Briles is back for his eighth year at Baylor, where he has built the Bears into a national contender. Baylor finished tied for first with TCU in the Big 12 last season, and look to garner a spot in the four team playoff.
Baylor had the top offense in the country last season, averaging 48.2 points per game last season (they scored 70 in one game, 60+ in three, and 40+ in another six) and 581.5 yards per game. The head of the offense, quarterback Bryce Petty, has moved onto the NFL, opening the door for junior Seth Russell. For most teams, a new starting quarterback would suggest growing pains and early struggles to find consistency and rhythm; this is simply not the case for Russell. The 6'3, 220 pounder has been clocked at 4.49 in the 40 yard dash and measured at 41 inches in the vertical leap, more than earning his "freak athlete" label. Russell has played in 15 games between 2013 and 2014, passing for 1,231 yards and 11 touchdowns to only four interceptions; on the ground, he's racked up 332 yards and six touchdowns thus proving Russell's experience. He won't have to do the work alone as running back Shock Linwood, the second most productive back in the Big 12 (1,252 yards and 16 touchdowns) returns, along with the best receiving tandem in the country in sophomore KD Cannon and junior Corey Colman. As a true freshman, Cannon caught 58 balls for 1,030 yards and eight touchdowns on his way to a Freshman All-American season and six school records. Fellow All-American Coleman caught 64 passes for 1,119 yards (third in the Big 12) and 11 touchdowns (first) and figures to expand on that remarkable season, along with Linwood and Cannon. Baylor also has veteran experience in fifth year senior Jay Lee who has played in 32 career games; last season, Lee snagged 41 balls for 633 yards (good for 15.4 yards per catch) and six touchdowns. All five starting offensive lineman return, anchored by All-Everything left tackle Spencer Drango, a 6'6, 310 pound left tackle who is a projected top 10 pick in next year's NFL Draft; the Bears' offensive line allowed just under a sack per game and have combined for a whopping 86 starts, numbers that make their line one of the best in the country. In total, Baylor returns eight starts on offense.
On the defensive side of the ball, an eye-popping nine starters return, headlined by freakish athlete Shawn Oakaman, Baylor's 6'9, 280 pound defensive end who finished second in the Big 12 in sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles last season (11, 20, and three respectively); the other three defensive line members return, including All-Big 12 selection Andrew Billings. Also returning is defensive end Jamal Palmer who tore his ACL in the fifth game of 2014 and was forced to missed the rest of season; Palmer was an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection as sophomore in 2013. The linebacking core lost some depth but leading tackler Taylor Young returns and figures to have an impact on the new starters. Baylor returns all four starters in the secondary lead by All-Big 12 free safety Orion Stewart, but the group must improve on their 264.2 passing yards allowed (107th in the nation) and 13 interceptions last season; the defense was also pedestrian in scoring (25.5 points per game allowed)and total yards (381.8 allowed), finishing 48th and 50th in the nation respectively.
4. Michigan State: After a dominant 11-2 finish and nail-biting victory over Baylor in the Cotton Bowl last season, Mark Dantonio's squad is primed to make another run at the National Championship.
Led by two year starting quarterback Connor Cook, the Spartans return five other starters on offense. Cook had a tremendous season in 2014, passing for a Big-10 best 3,214 yards while finishing second in touchdowns with 24, numbers that made him a semifinalist for the Maxwell and Davey O'Brien Award. Most importantly, Cook improved his record as a starting quarterback to 23-3. There will, however, be new faces at the skill positions with the biggest holes at running back (Jeremy Langford) and wide receiver (Tony Lippett). Faced with replacing Langford is sophomore Gerald Holmes, a reserve running back who toted the rock 15 times for 44 yards last season and will be called upon to continue the success of the Spartans' running game, rushing for 235.2 yards per game last season (19th in the country). Seniors Aaron Burbridge and Mcgarrett Kings Jr. have combined for 156 catches for 1,858 in their career and look to have a veteran impact on that offense, while junior R.J. Shelton looks to build on his 1,114 all-purpose yards last season and be a playmaker for the Spartans; Michigan State finished seventh in points per game (43) and 11th in yards per game (500.8) last season and will need their playmakers to continue their offensive explosion. The Spartans return four starting offensive lineman anchored by first-team All-Big 10 members Jack Allen (center) and Jack Conklin (left tackle), establishing themselves as one of the best units in the country.
Although the Spartans return seven starters on defense, including All-American defensive end Shilique Calhoun (eight sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss , they must find a replacement for standout defensive back and first round pick in the 2015 draft Trae Waynes. The departure of defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi will also have a seismic impact on the Spartans' defense as he was one of the top assistants in the country; last year, Michigan State finished first in rushing yards per game allowed and eighth in total yards allowed while only allowing 21.5 points per game (22nd in the nation). Nose tackle Lawrence Thomas is a power in the middle, starting all 13 games last season and racking up 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. Linebackers Ed Davis Darien Harris return at linebacker, forming a formidable and dominant front seven. The secondary however, needs help as they will be replacing two starters at defensive back and need better play from safeties Montae Nicholson and RJ Williamson; the Spartans finished 60th in the country against the pass last season.
5. Alabama: The proverbial preseason number one year in and year out, the Tide are in something of a rebuilding phase. When Nick Saban is your head coach though, there's a certain level of expectations that will be set and met: Saban has compiled a remarkable 91-17 record over the last seven seasons that features three National Championships
Alabama had a rather dominant offense last season finishing 15th in points per game (36.9) and 17th in total yards per game (484.5). Lead by quarterback Blake Sims and other worldly wide receiver Amari Cooper, the Tide averaged 277.9 yards through the air last season, good for 28th in the country last season. Sims and Cooper both departed for the NFL and are now thin with talent at the quarterback and receiver positions. Jacob Coker is the projected starter at quarterback despite his struggles and inability to generate any rhythm in the spring, and with very few weapons around him, the pressure to succeed will remain high. While Bama has only two listed returning starters, Derrick Henry is an absolute beast at running back (6'3, 242 pounds) who rushed for 990 yards and 11 touchdowns with an average of 5.8 yards per carry, and will handle the running back duties with ease. The return of Kenyan Drake from a gruesome knee injury in October strengthens their running back position and provides a speedy, agile compliment to Henry who will also be a weapon catching the ball. Up front, they will experience growing pains with only two returning starters in left tackle Cameron Robinson and center Ryan Kelly; despite only being a sophomore, Robinson is the bright spot after earning Freshman All-American honors and using his massive frame (6'6, 326 pounds) to dominate defenders.
Such is the case with Alabama, the defense will be loaded with NFL talent, coached by defensive whiz Kirby Smart. Seven starters return, five of which make up one the nation's most dominant front sevens. Junior nose tackle A'Shawn Robinson was an All-SEC honorable mention after registering 49 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and a blocked PAT while defensive end and fellow honorable mention All-SEC Jarran Reed started all 13 games, recording 55 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and one sack. Linebacker Reggie Ragland is the star of this defense after racking up 95 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, an interception and 1.5 sacks on his way to earning first team All-SEC honors. He will be counting on returning starter Denzel Devall and newbie Reuben Foster to solidify the linebacker position. The secondary took a hit after losing Landon Collins to the draft, but returning safety Eddie Jackson and cornerback Cyrus Jones look to improve a passing defense that finished 58th in passing yards per game allowed.
6. Notre Dame: The fighting Irish are trying to regain that shine from their 2012 National Championship season, following it up with two average seasons (9-4 in 2013 and 8-5 in 2014) but finishing strong in 2014 with a 31-28 victory over 22nd ranked LSU in the Music City Bowl.
The Everett Golson project is finally over, as junior Malik Zaire looks to take over the offense full time after throwing for 266 yards and a touchdown in two starts last season. Zaire will have plenty of help with seven returning starters on offense, including running back Tarean Folston and receivers Will Fuller and Chris Brown. The junior Folston was a productive back last season, rushing for 889 yards and six touchdowns with a five yard per carry average and figures to build on those numbers after rushing for almost twice as many yards between his freshman and sophomore seasons. Fellow junior Will Fuller had a breakout season, catching 76 passes for 1,094 yards and 15 touchdowns (third in the nation), all tops amongst Independent teams; Fuller has also become one of the top receiving prospects and could be a first round pick in next year's NFL Draft. Along side Fuller are seniors Chris Brown (39 receptions for 548 yards and a touchdown) and C.J. Prosise (29 receptions for 516 yards and two touchdowns) who provide Zaire with veteran experience as well as a deep receiving corp. Folston has a great chance to top the century mark with a line as good as the Irish's that features left tackle Ronnie Staley and center Nick Martin, two guys who are the cream of the crop at their position; Steve Elmer returns as the starting right guard after starting all 13 games last season and four as a freshman. The Irish finished 18th in the country with 285.5 passing yards per game, and figure to stretch that mark to 300 or more with Zaire at the helm.
The defense is the focal point of this team with an astounding 10 starters returning. The defensive line is anchored by one of the top interior duos of Sheldon Day and Jarron Jones, but must get to the quarterback more after racking up a pedestrian 15 sacks as a unit. The linebackers are the most impressive unit of this defense, particularly Jaylon Smith who racked up 112 tackles last season and is arguably the top outside linebacker prospect; the return of Jarrett Grace provides the Irish added depth behind starters Nyles Morgan and James Onwualu. In the secondary, the return of KeiVarae Russell from suspension is a huge upgrade having started all 26 games between his freshman and sophomore seasons; he is joined by opposite corner Cole Luke and safeties Max Redfield and Elijah Shumate.
The Irish started 7-1 last season before going 1-4 to finish the season. The offense will continue their success but the defense needs to improve all facets of the game (82nd in points per game allowed, 72nd in rushing yards, tied-75th in passing yards, and 71st in total yards) to make a run at the National Championship. The Irish also finished tied-81st in turnover margin and will need drastically improve that mark to win games.
7. USC: The Trojans' first year under Steve Sarkisian was filled with highs and lows. Despite thundering Notre Dame 49-14 and beating Nebraska in the Holliday Bowl, the Trojans were upset by Boston College, suffered a heart breaker to Arizona State, and beaten handedly by UCLA, 38-20. All in all, three of USC's four losses were by a combined 13 points only.
The offense is lead by the best quarterback in the Pac-12, and one of the best NFL prospects, Cody Kessler. The fifth year senior returns after throwing for 3,826 yards and 39 touchdowns (11th and 4th in the country respectively) against five interceptions, fourth fewest in the entire conference; Kessler also lead the Pac-12 in completion percentage, completing 67.9% of his passes. Kessler's numbers make him a serious Heisman candidate, and he will six other returning starters to help. The Trojans lost Nelson Agholor and Buck Allen to the NFL, but pick up right where they left off from a talent stand point. Junior Justin Davis will take over the running back duties after rushing for 595 yards and four touchdowns seasons; with USC's talent up front, Davis has the intangibles to run for 1,000 yards. The highlight reel of this offense is sophomore receiver JuJu Smith, who racked up 54 receptions for 724 yards and five touchdowns and earned Freshman All-American and second team All-Pac-12 honors. While Smith will certainly fill Agholor's shoes, sophomore Steven Mitchell junior Darreus Rogers look to play a much bigger role in the offense, providing Kessler with unbelievable depth at the position. Up front, all five starters on the offensive line return and form the best unit in the Pac-12 but will need to cut down on the sacks allowed (32 last season).
The loss of All-American Leonard Williams leaves a major hole along the line but one that be filled. The defensive line has a load of veteran depth with three senior and one junior starter across the board; USC also looks to build on their sack total after getting to the quarterback 33 times last season (tied-32nd in the nation). Most importantly, former top 10 recruit from the class of 2013, Kenny Bigelow, returns at defensive tackle after tearing his ACL his first year and forcing him to miss all of last season. Three year starter Lamar Dawson returns after missing 2014 with a knee injury, and has been solid in 20 career starts having racked up 137 careers tackles, 7.5 for loss. He will be coupled with Anthony Sarao whose 74 stops last season were tops on the team. They will be both be joined by the superstar of that defense, Su'a Cravens. His 6'1, 225 pound frame and lack of depth at the position was the catalyst for the position switch Starting corners; the multiple-team All-American has recorded 120 career tackles (18.5 for loss), five sacks, one forced fumble, and seven interceptions. Adoree Jackson (did not allow a touchdown until the last game of the season against Nebraska) and Kevon Seymour return, looking to improve on their 115th best passing defense last season; they will need new starting safeties to play at high level.
8. Auburn: Gus Malzahn is a superstar head coach, and despite going 8-5 last season (three losses by a combined 17 points), the Tigers are loaded with talent and ready to take the SEC by storm.
The loss of quarterback Nick Marshall (3,300 total yards and 31 total touchdowns last season) and running back Cameron Artis-Payne (1,755 total yards and 13 touchdowns) are major holes the Tigers must find replacements for. At the head of the Tigers' offense is junior Jeremy Johnson, a 6'5, 230 pound dual threat quarterback who threw for 436 yards and three touchdowns in limited action last season; Johnson has gained praise from coaches and players as a bigger and better Marshall and has developed into a dark horse Heisman candidate. Replacing Artis-Payne is fellow junior Jovon Robinson, the 2013 junior college Player of the Year, is a bruising back at 6'0, 230 pounds and figures to get the bulk of Auburn's carries. Although the Tigers lost receiver Sammie Coats to the NFL, playmaker Duke Williams returns for his senior year; the former JUCO star caught 45 passes for 730 yards and five touchdowns (despite missing three games) in his first year at Auburn as their number two receiver. He is joined by fellow senior Ricardo Louis who caught 21 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns and ran the ball 18 times for 220 yards and a touchdown; Louis also returns kicks, and with an expanded role in the offense, he will be a dynamic player this season. Auburn was excellent up front, allowing only 15 sacks the entire season, but must replace starters at center and right guard. The Tigers look to replicate that success up front in hopes to improve their 66th best passing game in 2014.
After finishing as a middle of the pack defense (62nd in scoring, 67th in rushing, 68th in passing, and 64th in total) with a paltry 21 sacks (93rd in the nation), the Tigers' defense looks to be far better in 2015. It begins with new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp who built dominating defenses at Texas and Florida that played an integral part their National Championship runs. The return of 2013 Freshman All-American defense end Carl Lawson provides the Tigers with a major boost; expect to see him line up at Muschamp's vaunted "Buck" position, a hybrid linebacker/defensive end, that established Dante Fowler Jr. as a superstar. The secondary is the most talent group on this defense, intercepting an NCAA third-best 22 passes last season. Corner back Jonathan Jones headlines the group as one of the best secondary defenders in the country after leading the SEC with 17 pass breakups last season. He is joined by fellow senior corner Joshua Holsey and junior safety Rudy Ford bring veteran experience to a defense that returns a total of eight starters.
The Tigers open up against Louisville in a neutral-site game in Atlanta and host Jacksonville State before beginning conference play at LSU. Road games against Arkansas and Texas A&M are potential trap games but the Tigers should enter their Iron Bowl matchup on November 28th undefeated.
9. Oregon: Mark Helfrich returns at the helm of the Ducks who has compiled a 24-4 record and a Pac-12 Championship over the past two seasons. After an early season slip up against Arizona, the Ducks won 10 straight before losing to the Buckeyes 42-20 in the National Championship.
After seven straight seasons with a Top 10 scoring offense, the Ducks must find a way to replace two Oregon legends. Quarterback Marcus Mariota finished one of the most accomplished careers of any player in conference history and center Hroniss Grasu is a three time All-American and two time Rimington Award Finalist. Jeff Lockie was penciled in as the next starting quarterback before Eastern Washington's Vernon Adams transferred in February. Despite playing in the FCS, Adams has had an unbelievable career himself, compiling 11,670 total yards of offense and 121 total touchdowns in only three years; Adams is also a two time All-American, Big Sky Player of the year, and Walter Peyton Award Runner-Up (the FCS' Heisman equivalent). Adams has experience against Pac-12 teams after facing Oregon State in 2013 (518 total yards and six total touchdowns en route to a 49-46 victory, only the third time in history that an FCS school beat an FBS school) and Washington in 2014 (475 passing yards and seven touchdowns in a 59-52 loss). Oregon's plethora of playmakers continues as one of the nation's top running back tandems in Royce Freeman (Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year) and Thomas Tyner return, along with Charles Nelson who made the transition to defensive back but will see many snaps on offense as well. Oregon's depth at receiver is unmatched as stats don't tell the full story: Mariota threw for a conference best 4,454 yards, but only one receiver went over 1,000 yards, while 17 different players caught a pass. Most importantly, junior red shirt receiver Bralon Addison returns after tearing his ACL last spring; Addison was primed for a breakout season after catching 61 passes for 890 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore in 2013.
While the loss of Arik Armstead provides a hole to fill, the Ducks' defensive line is still loaded. Senior DeForest Buckner headlines the entire defense, and at 6'7, 290 pounds, he has the chance to rack up double digit sacks; the second team All-Pac-12 also recorded 13 tackles for loss and 81 total tackles last season. Fellow senior nose guard Alex Balducci returns as the man in the middle and one of the best run stoppers in the country and 6'6, 275 pound junior T.J. Daniel is listed as Armstead's replacement, thus forming one of the biggest defensive lines in the nation that looks to build on their 33 total sacks. The linebacker corp consists of seniors Tyson Coleman, Joe Walker, Christian French, and Rodney Hardrick, solidifying the Ducks' front seven as one of the most formidable in the nation. Oregon also took hits in the secondary, losing corner Troy Hill (team best 18 pass breakups), safety Erick Dargan (team high 95 tackles and seven interceptions, third best in the nation), and All-American corner Ifo Ekpre-Olomu. Starting free safety Reggie Daniels returns for his junior year after finishing third on the team in tackles with 83, while finishing with nine passes defended and an interception; sophomore Tyree Robinson is expected to replace Dargan, and at 6'4, 205 pounds, look for him to make impact plays. Corners Arrion Springs and Chris Seisay will lockup the starting spots as young playmakers with adequate experience. The defense will need to improve after finishing 108th in passing defense and 87th in total defense; they will also need to improve their 13 team interceptions (tied-38th).
10. Clemson: Dabo Swinney has injected lightening into this football program, compiling a 61-27 record, two division titles, and an ACC title over seven seasons. The Tigers are coming off a 10-3 record and 40-6 destruction of Oklahoma in the Russell Athletic Bowl.
With the return of quarterback Deshaun Watson, a valid Heisman candidate, it seemed like the perfect marriage between he and superstar offensive coordinator Chad Morris. Such is the business of college football, Morris took the head coaching job at SMU and has left his former duties to Jeff Scott and Tony Elliot. They are responsible for upgrading Clemson's offense after finishing 51st in scoring, 88th in rushing, 38th in passing, and 55th in scoring, but have the playmakers to do so. Watson returns after missing five games to a torn ACL, throwing for 1,466 yards and 14 touchdowns against only two interceptions, while completing 67.9% of passes; he also added 200 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, solidifying him as a bona fide dual threat. The Tigers had depth at running back with six different options, but figure to go with Wayne Gallman, a 6'1, 205 pound junior who had a team high 769 yards and four touchdowns along with 24 catches for 108 yards and a touchdown. The receiving duo of junior Mike Williams and sophomore Artavis Scott is one of the best in nation, as both should easily go over the century mark this season. As a true freshman, Scott hauled in a team high 76 passes for 965 yards and eight touchdowns as a first team Freshman All-American and second team All-ACC selection. Williams was also a second team All-ACC choice after catching 57 passes for a team high 1,030 yards and six touchdowns; the trio of Williams, Watson, and Scott will arguably be the nation's most lethal. Most imperative to Watson's success will be the offense line where only a single starter returns (Isaiah Battle was expected to return at left tackle but declared for the NFL Supplemental Draft) from a unit that only allowed 27 sacks. They will need to duplicate that success to keep Watson healthy in order for the offense to function at a high level.
Clemson's defense took major hits, none bigger than the loss of Vic Beasley and Stephone Anthony whose 14.5 combined sacks accounted for 32% of the team's 45 sacks. Beasley will be the toughest to replace after a stellar career that saw him finish as the school's all-time leader in sacks. Despite Brent Venables' success as a defensive coordinator, he is responsible for a defense that returns a paltry three starters. The entire defense line is new, but Beasley's replacement Shaq Lawson has drawn loads of praise from the coaches and players, and figures to rack up double digit sacks. At linebacker, Korrin Wiggins is the only returner (and will be featured as a nickleback) after racking up 3.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions in 2014. In the secondary, corner Mackensie Alexander (21 tackles) and free safety Jayron Kearse (60 tackles, five for loss, three sacks, and two interceptions) are the only returners as Kearse looks to be the star of this defense; the Tigers hope to build on their 12 interceptions last seasons, as well as defense that was first in total defense, second in passing, third in points, and fifth in rushing.
The Tigers opened 2014 starting 1-2, losing one that they should've closed out (Florida State) and getting beaten down in another that didn't accurately reflect the equal talent of both squads (Georgia). They went on to win six straight before dropping another one where they were the better team, this time against Georgia Tech.
11. Georgia: Mark Richt returns for his 15th season at Georgia, and have a made a bowl game under him every single year while going 135-48. Despite going 10-3 and finishing second in the East last season, the pressure on Richt is heating up; the Bulldogs have yet to win the SEC in 10 years.
Lead by new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, Georgia will be a major threat on the ground. They must find a replacement for quarterback Huston Mason who threw for 2,168 yards for 21 touchdowns against only four interceptions; it is a four-way race between Jacob Park, Brice Ramsey, Faton Bautua, and graduate transfer Greyson Lambert, the former starter at Virginia. Although the Dawgs finished tied-88th in passing yards per game last season, they have the best depth in the nation at running back that translated into the 11th best run game last season. Sophomore sensation Nick Chubb returns as a Heisman candidate after rushing for 1,547 yards and 14 touchdowns as a true freshman; he is also a threat catching the ball, racking up 18 receptions for 213 yards and two touchdowns. He is joined by Sony Michel, the third rated running back in the 2014 class, who ran for 410 yards and five touchdowns in only eight games and junior Keith Marshall. As a true freshman, Marshall ran for 759 yards and eight touchdowns while sharing the nickname "Gurshall" with former standout running back Todd Gurley; Marshall has battled injuries over the last two seasons, playing in only eight games over that period of time. The loss of receiver Chris Conley is a noticeable one as well allowing Malcolm Micthell to breakout (31 catches for 248 yards and three touchdowns) and become the go to guy. Four of the five starters from the offensive line that only surrendered 17 sacks and lead the SEC with 257.6 rushing yards per game, return; there will be a two way battle between Isaiah Wynn. and Hunter Long for the center spot.
Six starters return on defense after finishing 16th in total defense and 17th in points, while forcing 29 turnovers. One of the SEC's best defensive lines features returning starter Sterling Bailey at defensive end and true freshman Trent Thompson, the nation's number one recruit, at defensive tackle; behind them are linebackers Leonard Floyd and Jordan Jenkins who are two highly rated NFL prospects. The back end of the defense is filled with young, athletic talent that was superb and helped the defense finish fifth against the pass.
12. LSU: Les Miles has an astounding 103-29 record (.78 win percentage) in 10 years at LSU but is the feeling the pressure after a disappointing 8-5 record in 2014 (capped by a loss in the Music City Bowl to a Notre Dame team that had lost four straight and were 7.5 point underdogs) and a 9-7 record in conference play over 2013 and 2014. Fans are also clamoring for a National Championship, something the Tigers haven't captured since 2007, although many are quick to note, with Nick Saban's final recruiting class with LSU.
The crux of the offense depends on the level of quarterback play they're going to get after finishing 114th with 162.9 passing yards per game; the battle is between junior Anthony Jennings (49% completion percentage in 12 games) and sophomore Brandon Harris (3-14 for 58 yards in one start at Auburn). The offense will be centered around star running back Leonard Fournette who enters the season as a legitimate Heisman contender after rushing for a freshman school record 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns. Whoever the starting quarterback is, he will have tremendous help in former five star recruit Malachi Dupree, sophomore Travin Dural (37 receptions for 758 yards and seven touchdowns), and returning starter at tight end Dillon Gordon. Left tackle Jerald Hawkins, center Ethan Pocic, and right tackle Vadal Alexander all return and will anchor a line that only surrendered 25 sacks and has earned praise as one of the nation's best.
Seven starters return on the defensive side of the ball, and will more than likely keep the Tigers close in games after finishing fifth in scoring, third in passing, and ninth in total yards. The front seven is filled with talent in defensive tackles Christian LaCouture and Davon Godchaux and linebackers Lamar Lewis and Kendal Beckworth. The secondary returns three of four, lead by free safety Jalen Mills who was regarded by many as a first round talent last season. The defense must continue to play at this high of a level to keep them close, and possibly win, in games.
13. Tennessee: Although his record is 12-13 in two years, Butch Jones has the Vols headed in the right direction after finishing 7-6 (4-1 in the last five games), capped by a 45-28 victory over Iowa in the Tax Slayer Bowl.
Tennessee was very pedestrian on offense last season (62nd in scoring, 89th in rushing, 70th in passing, and 90th in total yards) with Justin Worley at the helm. After missing the last five games due to injury, Worley was replaced by Joshua Dobbs and did not disappoint: 1,206 yards and nine touchdowns through the air and another 469 and eight on the ground; the offense also averaged 36.7 points per game and saw their rushing yards per game jump from 96.4 to 208.5 in those five games. Dobbs has a tremendous amount of help, including their 1-2 punch at running back with Jalen Hurd (899 rushing yards and five touchdowns as a true freshman) and Alvin Kamara (JUCO All-American who ran for 1,211 yards and 18 touchdowns); this will allow them to keep defenses off balance and expand their ability to get guys all over the field. Continuing the trend of playmakers, the Vols' receiving corp is one of the nation's best lead by the trio of Pig Howard (54-618-1), Von Pearson (38-393-5) and Marquez North (30-320-4), all who will undoubtedly see their numbers increase with Dobbs as the full time starter; Hurd also added 35 receptions for 221 yards and two touchdowns. The offensive line returns four of five starters (nine total on offense), but will need to improve after allowing 43 sacks.
The defense will be equally impressive with eight returning starters and an unbelievable defensive line. Double digit sackers Curt Maggitt (11) and Derek Barnett (10) will be even better; in the interior, incoming freshman Shy Tuttle and Khalil McKenzie arrive with mounds of hype and talent. Jalen Reeves-Maybin is the only returning linebacker but he bring leadership and an innate playmaking ability (101 tackles, 11 TFL, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and an interception). The secondary will also be very strong with junior corner Cameron Sutton leading the way. The former Freshman All-American and All-SEC choice recorded 37 tackles, four tackles for loss, three interceptions, and 16 pass breakups; senior safeties Brian Randolph and LaDarrell McNeil return, back ends of a unit that intercepted 16 passes and only surrendered 16 touchdowns, while holding opponents to a 53.3 completion percentage.
14. Arizona State: Todd Graham returns for his fifth season, having gone 28-12 over the last four at the helm of the Sun Devils; he calls this team "the best in four years." Despite losing two of their last three games in nail biting fashion (each by a touchdown), ASU ousted Duke 36-31 in the Sun Bowl to finish the season.
While a losing a three year starting quarterback is a blow to nearly every team, the Sun Devils pick up right where they left off with Mike Bercovici. Berco threw for 1,445 yards and 12 touchdowns when Taylor Kelly was injured, and also beat Stanford and USC. Starting running back D.J. Foster returns (1,081 yards and nine touchdowns) but has made the move to receiver (163 career receptions), opening the door for talented Demario Richards who ran for 478 yards and four touchdowns, while hauling in 13 passes for 156 yards and four touchdowns. Foster's move to receiver helps replace the loss of All-Pac-12 selection Jaelen Strong to the NFL and Cameron Smith (41-596-5) to knee surgery; this deep receiving corp will also feature Devin Lucien, Gary Chambers, and tight end Kody Kohl. Up front, three offensive linemen return but they must play better after allowing 39 sacks and finishing 56 in rushing.
The defense was just short of awful last season, finishing 74th in points (including 62 to UCLA and 170 over their last five games), 49th in rushing, 103rd in passing, and 81st in total defense. With nine starters returning and depth at all positions however, this group should be even better. Six members of one of the Pac-12's best front sevens return, catalyst's of ASU's 13th most sacks per game. The loss of Damrious Randall in the secondary is going to be noticeable, but safety Jordan Simone returns as another top NFL prospect, leading a unit that lead the Pac-12 with 14 interceptions. Corners Lloyd Carrington and Kweishi Brown both return as lock down guys who are rangy and fast.
15. Florida State: The Seminoles carried a remarkable 29 game win streak (tied-8th longest all time) into their Rose Bowl matchup against the Ducks before getting thrashed 59-20. Nevertheless, Jimbo Fisher has done an even more remarkable job in five years in Tallahassee: 58-11 record, three straight ACC titles, four recruiting classes ranked in the top five in the country, and National Championship in 2014.
Replacing a Heisman trophy winner at any position is never easy. Factor in the guy is a quarterback who was regarded as one of the best pro prospects in the last decade, and things are magnified tenfold. The battle to replace Jameis Winston is a storyline many college football fans will be paying attention to as Sean Maguire, the guy who almost beat Winston out two years ago, and Everett Golson, the man under center that lead the Irish to a National Chmpionship appearance in 2013, battle it out. Golson is the proverbial favorite to win the job, due to his experience and athleticism (threw for 3,445 yards and 29 touchdowns while rushing for 283 yards and eight touchdowns last season). The running back was solidified with All-ACC second team selection Dalvin Cook who ran for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns as a true freshman, all while splitting carries, was indefinitely suspended for striking a 21 year old woman this off season; as of now, those duties will be handled by Mario Pender (206 yards and four touchdowns) and incoming five star recruit Jacques Patrick. The Seminoles receiving corp features young athleticism that is off the charts, beginning with Travis Rudolph who caught 38 receptions for 555 yards and four touchdowns as a true freshman. Both he and junior Jesus Wilson (42-527-4) have solid chances to breakout and become weapons with Rashad Greene gone; sophomore Ermon Lane also looks to build on his 13-267-1 season. Another underlying issue is who will fill Mackey Award winner Nick O'Leary's void as their third down and goal line threat. The issues continue to mount for FSU as all five starters from an extraordinary offensive line (three were drafted) are gone, and three of the projected starters are sophomores or younger.
Defensively, seven starters return but they must improve: 49th in scoring, 71st in passing, 61st in total, and recorded only 17 sacks. The defensive line is lead by defensive end DeMarcus Walker (38 tackles, six TFL, one sack, and one forced fumble) and returning defensive tackles Derrick Mitchell and Nile Lawrence-Stample. The talent at linebacker is deep, featuring Terrance Smith and the team's leading tackler, Reggie Northrup (122) returning. The secondary is equally as talented, and the ACC's best unit (14 interceptions). They return three starters lead by corner Jalen Ramsey who recorded 79 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles; Ramsey is the arguably the 2016 Draft's top corner prospect.
16. Georgia Tech: Paul Johnson has done a tremendous job in seven years, going 59-35 and taking the Yellow Jackets from ACC bottom feeders to national contenders; under Johnson, Tech has also captured an ACC title and made three other ACC Championship appearances. They were close in every game, as their three loses were by a combined 13 points but won six of their last seven (finished 11-3) capped by a 49-34 defeat of Mississippi State in the Orange Bowl.
The offense is lead by dark horse Heisman candidate quarterback Justin Thomas; the senior threw for 1,719 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 1,086 yards and eight touchdowns. Their vaunted triple option offense will likely lead the nation in rushing again (an incredible 392.1 yards per game last season). Thomas is the ACC's Offensive Player of the Year favorite and is expected to see his numbers rise. The offense returns five other starters, but the backfield took a hit as both B Backs, C.J. Leggett and Quaide Weimerskirch, were lost to season ending injuries, forcing Johnson to move receiver Marcus Allen to that spot with Stanford transfer Patrick Skov behind him. There is experience at A Back with Broderick Snoddy (283 yards and three touchdowns) and Dennis Andrews (106 yards), but they must replace key contributors in Zach Laskey (851 yards and nine touchdowns) and Synjyn Davis (924 yards and nine touchdowns). Thomas loses key receivers Deandre Smelter (35-715-7) and Darren Waller (26-442-6), opening the door for playmakers Antonio Messick and Michael Summers. Four of the five starters return from an offensive line that may very well be the ACC's best, with the mammoth Shamire Devine (6'7, 365 pounds) set to be the new starter at right guard.
The defense will be experienced with seven returning starters lead by nose tackle Adam Gotsis, whose blend of size and speed (6'5, 282) makes him an intriguing Draft prospect, and corner D.J. White who earned All-ACC Honorable Mention with 66 tackles, four interceptions (one that went for a touchdown), and a forced fumble in 2014. The defensive line also returns defensive end KeShun Freeman; the sophomore recorded 54 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. The secondary is far and away Tech's best unit as the other three starters, corner Chris Milton and safeties Desmond Smith and Jamal Golden, return after combining for seven interceptions and four forced fumbles.
17. Oklahoma State: In the five years before Mike Gundy took over at Oklahoma State, the Cowboys were an average 31-29. In the last 10 seasons, Gundy has compiled an 84-44 recorded and Big 12 Championship in 2011. Their 2014 season was plagued by inconsistent quarterback (-8 turnover margin, 109th in the nation) and defensive (92nd in scoring, 57th in rushing, 110th in passing, and 91st in total) play lead to a 2-5 finish after starting 5-1.
Highly touted sophomore Mason Rudolph takes over at quarterback after starting final three games, throwing for 853 yards and six touchdowns; Rudolph has all-conference potential. State's three headed monster at running back features Rennie Childs, Todd Mays, and Chris Carson will give defenses headaches and help open up the passing game. The Cowboys have a very talented receiving duo in Brandon Shepard (39-737-5) and James Washington (28-456-6) who figure to post even better numbers with Rudolph as the starter. The offensive line returns three starters from an abysmal line that allowed 40 sacks, tied-fifth in the nation. The line must improve to dictate their success on offense (73rd in scoring, 99th in rushing, 53rd in passing, and 82nd in total).
The defense returns seven, none more important than defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah; the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year had a huge year, finishing with 49 tackles, 17 TFL, 11 sacks, and a forced fumble. On the other side is 6'5, 250 pound senior Jimmy Bean (42 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles), forming one of the best bookend duos in the nation. Ryan Simmons returns at linebacker after having an impactful year (96 tackles, 11.5 TFL, and two sacks) along with returner Seth Jacobs (92 tackles, six TFL, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and two forced fumbles). The secondary returns three starter lead by free safety Jordan Sterns (103 tackles, six TFL, and two forced fumbles) and the Big 12's best corner, Kevin Peterson (59 tackles, two interceptions, and 11 pass breakups); opposite Peterson is Ramon Richards, the team's leader in interceptions last season.
18. UCLA: In just three years, Jim Mora has brought the Bruins back to relevance with a 29-11 record and two bowl victories. The Bruins' 6-1 finish, capped off by a strong 40-35 victory over Kansas State in the Alamo Bowl, propelled them to a 10-3 finish and the 10th spot in the final AP Poll.
At quarterback, multiple school record holder Brett Hundley is gone, and Mora has given the keys to true freshman Josh Rosen. The five star recruit comes in with mounds of hype as the oft-considered top quarterback prospect in the 2015 class. He won't have to do it alone with nine returning starters on offense, none more important than running back Paul Perkins who ran for a Pac-12 best 1,575 yards and nine touchdowns as the nation's most underrated running back. A trio of returning starters will given Rosen tremendous weapons: Jordan Peyton (67-954-7), Thomas Duarte (28-540-4; will also see time at tight end), and Eldridge Messington (25-367-3) all return. The corp also receives a boost from senior Devin Fuller, who hauled in 59 catches for 447 yards and a touchdown. The best news for Rosen is that all five starting offensive linemen lead by center Jake Brendel, a four year starter and second team All-Pac-12 choice.
Defensive tackles Kenny Clark, a second team All-Pac-12 choice, and Eddie Vanderdoes return, forming the conference's best interior duo. While they lost one All-American at linebacker in Eric Kendricks, 2013 All-American Myles Jack returns (87 tackles, eight TFL, and an interceptions in 2014) along with talented sophomore Kenny Young. The secondary is phenomenal lead by corner Fabian Moreau (53 tackles, three TFL, one interception, and eight pass breakups) and joined by serious NFL talent in corner Ishmael Adams, nickel back Tahaan Goodman, and safety Jaleel Wadood cap off a total of eight returning starters; despite talent at every position on defense, they must play better: they were tied-75th in points, 42nd in rushing, 93rd in passing, and 63rd in total.
19. Wisconsin: Gary Anderson compiled a 19-7 record in two seasons, including a 13-3 record in Big 10 play, but left for Oregon State. The Badgers have turned to Wisconsin alum and former offensive coordinator Paul Chryst, who had a rather disappointing three year tenure at Pitt, going 19-20 in three years.
Quarterback Joel Stave returns for his third year as a starter but regressed from 2013 (336 attempts, 2,494 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions versus 206, 1,350, 9, and 10) but is more than capable of being a much needed playmaker and winner with a 21-7 record as a starter. Wisconsin's history of great running backs has another in the making in Corey Clement; as a backup to Melvin Gordon, Clement ran for 949 yards and nine touchdowns. Outside of Stave, only three starters return but one is senior receiver Alex Erickson who lead the Badgers in catches (55) and yards (772). Tight end Troy Fumagalli will play a much larger role as a true sophomore but the entire receiving corp will need to play at higher level after finishing 116th in passing. Up front, left tackle Tyler Marz, one of the nation's best, and center Dan Voltz return, indicating that the newbies must play well to open holes in the run game and keep the quarterback upright, two things they were great at last season: the Badgers finished third in rushing and surrendered a lowly 13 sacks. Size remains a huge factor on the Badgers' line as the starter's average size is 6'5, 315 pounds.
The defense only returns six but they were very dominant in 2014, finishing 17th in points, 23rd in rushing, and fourth in both passing and total defense. Defensive end Chikwe Obasih is the sole returner on the defensive line, and will likely be asked to do more than last year. Although linebackers Marcus Trotter and Derek Landisch are gone (177 combined tackles, 12.5 sacks), Vince Biegel and Joe Schobert (125 combined tackles, 10.5 sacks) return to form the conference's second best unit. The most talented unit on the defense is the secondary with corners Sojourn Shelton and Darius Hillary and strong safety Michael Caputo returning. Caputo and Hillary bring veteran experience and broke up 11 combined passes last year; Caputo was everywhere, leading the team with 106 tackles while also racking up six for loss, a sack, and an interception. The defense did a good job of getting to the quarterback (tied-14th in the nation) but only intercepted six passes.
20. Boise State: In his first season, Bryan Harsin lead the Broncos to a 12-2 record, including a 38-30 upset over Arizona in the Fiesta Bowl, and captured the Mountain West Championship. The Broncos got off to a slow 3-2 start, but won the next nine and carry serious momentum in 2015.
While the Broncos return nine starters on offense, they have to replace quarterback Grant Hedrick and running back Jay Ajayai who accounted for nearly 90% of their offense last season. Sophomore Ryan Finley is slotted to replace Hedrick who saw action in five games last season, throwing for 161 yards and two touchdowns. Replacing Ajayai will be a much more difficult task as the All-American was the only running back to run for more than 1,500 yards and have more than 500 receiving yards; those duties have been given to fellow sophomore Jeremy McNichols who was used primarily as a kick returner but ran for 159 yards and a touchdown in nine games last season. All three starting receivers and tight end Jake Roh are back, lead by 5'6 slot man and last years team leader in catches (68) and touchdowns (seven) William Rhodes; Rhodes is fifth in school history in receptions. Thomas Sperbeck lead the team in yards with 877 while catching 51 passes and scoring three touchdowns. Chaz Anderson posted a 21-456-2 stat line while Roh went 35-408-2. The key to the offense's success (ninth in points, 14th in yards) in the offensive line that returns all five starters, lead by All-Mountain West center Marcus Henry; the line only allowed 28 sacks as well.
The defense struggled last year, finishing 63rd in scoring, 36th in rushing, 74th in passing, and 48th in total but with eight returning starters they have the opportunity to build on those numbers and become dominant. The defensive line was the best in the conference and has the best defensive player, defense end Kamalei Correa (his 12 sacks were tops in the Mountain West). Defensive tackles Armand Nance and Sam McCaskill also return after combining for five sacks last year. The linebacker duo of Tanner Vallejo and Bean Weaver, the team's leading tacklers in 2014 and 2013 respectively (Vallejo had 100, Weaver 89), return as defensive playmakers. The secondary returns corners Johnathan Moxey and Donte Deayon and safety Darian Thompson who intercepted seven passes. Deayon is also a ball hawk after intercepting six passes last season, two of which went for a touchdown.
21. Arizona: Rich Rodriguez has helped the Wildcats find success in the Pac-12 with a 26-14 record in the last three years. 2014 was Rich Rod's best team, finishing 10-4 and first in the Pac-12 South but were blown out by Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship and upset by Boise in the Fiesta Bowl.
The 'Cats have one of the best young offenses in the nation with six starters returning. Quarterback Anu Solomon had a monster redshirt freshman throwing for 3,793 yards and 28 touchdowns while adding another 291 and two on the ground. In the backfield, Nick Wilson has developed into one of the best young backs in the country, rushing for 1,375 yards and a whopping 16 touchdowns and 5.8 yards per carry; he also had 90 receiving yards and a touchdown, making him and Solomon one of the nation's best quarterback-running back duos in the nation. Solomon has an incredible receiving duo in Caleb Jones and Samaje Grant; Jones was a Pac-12 Honorable Mention selection after catching 73 passes for 1,019 yards, and nine touchdowns while Grant caught 45 for 718 yards and six touchdowns. The offensive line only returns two starters from a line that allowed a whopping 40 sacks; the unit must play better to allow their explosive offense to score points, and they will have help from left tackle Freddie Tagaloa, a 6'8, 316 pound beast.
Six starters return on defense, none more important more linebacker Scooby Wright. Wright had one of the greatest defensive seasons in college football history with 163 tackles, 29 TFL, 14 sacks, and six forced fumbles en route to All-American status and multiple defensive awards. Along the defensive line, defensive end Reggie Gilbert and nose tackle Parker Zellers return after combing for only three sacks and six TFL; behind them the only returning linebacker is Wright who will be asked to replicate the success he had last year. In the secondary, corners Cam Denson and Jarvis McCall and safety William Parks all return. As the unit the secondary posted solid numbers with 13 interceptions and 35 sacks, but 40% of those sacks came from Wright; the defense as a whole also must vastly improve after finishing 78th in scoring, 68th in rushing, 118th in passing, and 103rd in total.
22. Oklahoma: In 12 years, Bob Stoops has built the Sooners in a national powerhouse with a 168-44 record, eight Big 12 Championships, and one National Championship. Stoops is facing an increasing amount of pressure to win their first National Championship since 2000 after appearing three more and losing all three despite having very talented teams. Oklahoma entered 2014 fifth in the pre-season AP Poll but failed to meet those expectations finishing 8-5 and getting obliterated by Clemson in the Russell Athletic Bowl, 40-6.
Lincoln Riley takes over at offensive coordinator and will implement his Run N' Shoot offense that transformed East Carolina into one of the nation's top offenses. While the quarterback battle between Trevor Knight and Baker Mayfield heats up, Mayfield should the favorite to lead the offense after Knight struggled mightily last season; Mayfield is a former walk-on at Texas Tech, who also runs the Run N' Shoot, who threw for 2,315 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for 190 and two in eight games last season. The star of this team is Heisman candidate Samaje Perine. The sophomore ran for an astounding 1,713 yards (including an FBS record 427 against Kansas) and 21 touchdowns as a true freshman last season. Former five star recruit Joe Mixon is back from suspension and joins Keith Ford and Alex Ross (combined for 987 yards and nine touchdowns), forming the nation's top running back unit. The Sooners are stacked at receiver with seniors Sterling Shepard (51-970-5) and Duron Neal (42-513-3) returning. Also in the mix are sophomores K.J. Young (19-225-1) and Michiah Quick (25-237-1) who will both see their numbers jump with improved quarterback play. The offensive line took a major hit losing four starters (105 career starts), but return center Ty Darlington returns and will anchor their line, while their tackles feature incredible size: left tackle Josiah St. John is 6'6, 309 pounds while right tackle Derek Farnoik stands 6'9 and tips the scale at 345 pounds.
Although the defense returns five starters, they feature the top line backing corp in the nation. Dominique Alexander returns after leading the team the tackles with 107, and enters his third year as a starter. Eric Striker is the best linebacker in the country not named Scooby Wright after recording 68 tackles, 17 TFL, and nine sacks, while the team's second leading tackler, Jordan Evans (92), retuns as well. Most imperative is the return of Frank Shannon from suspension, the team's leading tackler in 2013 who also racked up seven TFL, two sacks, an interceptions, and a forced fumble. The secondary was dreadful last season, finishing 117th in passing, but returns corner Zack Sanchez who intercepted six passes and broker up another eight; Ahmad Thomas is slotted to start at strong safety while the free safety position will feature both Steven Parker and Hatari Byrd.
23. Virginia Tech: Frank Beamer has become a mainstay at Virginia Tech, going 231-115 and capturing seven ACC titles in 28 years; the Hokies also made a National Championship appearance in 1999. Beamer is however, on the hot seat having gone 22-17 in the last three years and not reached an ACC Championship games since 2011, as the Hokies were a disappointing 7-6 that included a 6-3 loss to Wake Forrest, the ACC's worst team; they managed to rebound by defeating Cincinnati 33-17 in the Military Bowl.
The Hokies have fire power, returning eight starters, but to be successful on offense, they're going to have get better play from quarterback Michael Brewer. The talent is there having thrown for 2,692 and 18 touchdowns last season, but the lack of consistency is evident in his 59.9 completion percentage and 15 interceptions. Senior J.C. Coleman returns at running back after rushing for 533 yards, 468 which came in the last four games, and five touchdowns, and junior fullback Sam Rogers returns after racking up 370 yards from scrimmage; Tech also looks to get Marshawn Williams back from a knee injury. The receiving corp is lead by sophomore returning starters Isiah Ford (59-709-6) and Cam Phillips (40-498-3) and tight end Bucky Hodges (45-526-7); all will provide Brewer with needed weapons to build on the nation's 75th best passing game. The offensive line returns three starters after allowing 34 sacks, but left guard Wyatt Teller is an all-conference talent.
The defense also returns eight starters including all four along the defensive line, the ACC's best unit. There is much hype surrounding the return of defensive tackle Luther Maddy who missed nine games due to surgery but was a third team All-ACC selection in 2013 after racking up 13.5 TFL and 6.5 sacks. Defensive ends Dadi Nicholas (second team All-ACC with 18.5 TFL and 9 sacks) and Ken Ekanem (third team All-with 14.5 TFL and 9.5 sacks), forming one of the best bookends in the country. Deon Clarke is the only returning linebacker but Andrew Motuapuaka has earned a starting role after recording 54 tackles, four TFL, and two sacks last season. There are many question marks in the secondary, but corner Kendall Fuller is a top NFL prospect with 54 tackles, 4.5 TFL, two sacks, and two interceptions in 2014.
24. Arkansas: Brett Bielema struggled in his first year in Fayetteville but turned in around in 2014 going 7-6, five losses that were by an average of just seven points. The Razorbacks had a phenomenal final four game stretch in which they went 3-1 with victories over Ole Miss (17-0), LSU (30-0), and Texas (31-7).
Senior Brandon Allen returns at quarterback after throwing for 2,285 yards and 20 touchdowns against only five interceptions and will be asked to do more after finishing with the 100th best passing game. The strength of the offense is in the running game with their fantastic duo in Alex Collins and Johnathan Williams who ran for 1,100 and 1,190 yards and a 5.4 and 5.6 yards per carry average respectively with 12 touchdowns each. Leading receiver Ken Hatcher returns after catching 43 passes for 558 yards and six touchdowns, along with sophomore Jared Cornelius who hauled in 18 for 212 yards and two touchdowns; Arkansas also has one of the nation's top tight ends in Hunter Henry who caught 37 passes for 513 yards and two touchdowns. Four starters return an off ensive line that gave a lowly 14 sacks and was the key to their efficient running game.
The defense lost loads of talent to the NFL, but return six starters that was 10th in scoring, 12th in rushing, 37th in passing, and 10th in total. Junior JaMichael Winston and Taiwan Johnson (eight TFL and 4.5 sacks) return at defensive end and defensive tackle respectively. Fellow juniors Brooks Ellis and Josh Williams return at linebacker and were the team's second and eight leading tacklers respectively; Ellis was a playmaker last season with 72 tackles, 5.5 TFL, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Corner Jared Collins and safety Rohan Gaines return after making 53 and 59 tackles respectively while each forcing a fumble; Collins also broke up 13 passes.
25. Stanford: David Shaw has continued and further built on Jim Harbaugh's success, going for 42-14 while capturing two Pac-12 titles in four years. The Cardinal had a bit of a disappointing year going 8-5 but four losses were by a combined 25 points and finished the season with a 45-21 victory over Maryland in the Foster Farm's Bowl.
Senior quarterback Kevin Hogan returns with a 24-8 record as a starter and put up solid numbers last season: 66 % of his passes were completed for 2,792 yards and 19 touchdowns against eight interceptions and will continue to play efficiently and build on those numbers. Hogan is joined by eight other returning starters including running back Remound Wright (601 yards and 1 touchdowns) and third leading rusher Barry Sanders Jr. (315 rushing yards), but they look to improve the 70th best running game. While losing receiver Ty Montgomery is a hole to fill, Devon Cajuste (34-557-6), Christian McCaffrey (42 rushes for 330 yards, 17-251-1) and tight end Austin Hooper (40-499-2) will all have a significant role in the passing game. Up front, second team All-Pac-12 selection Kyle Murphy will slide over to left tackle while three other starters return; they gave Hogan tons of time to throw after only allowing 23 sacks.
Despite the defense's huge success (second in scoring, seventh in rushing, eighth in passing, and third in total), they only return four starters featuring an entire new defensive line that will have to get to the quarterback. Playmakers Kevin Anderson and Blake Martinez return at linebacker after combining for 153 tackles,18.5 TFL, 10 sacks, and three interceptions (all from Martinez) as the Pac-12's best duo. Talented corner Wayne Lyons transferred to Michigan but Ronnie Harris returns after totaling 29 tackles and five TFL; safety Zach Hoffpauir returns at safety (44 tackles, four TFL).
Where They'll Finish
1. Ohio State: The Buckeyes simply have too much talent to not go unbeaten in Big 10 play. Repeating is a daunting task (it has only been done twice since 1998) especially today where the champion will play 15 games, but Meyer's 2009 Florida Gators team was only an SEC Championship game away from a national title birth. Ohio State is, however, eerily similar to the 2003-2004 USC and 2011-2012 Alabama teams: a conference with only one or two other elite teams, Heisman candidates at quarterback and running back, NFL talent at every defensive position, and head coaches that are proven winners. The Buckeye’s schedule is also set up very favorably to where they should be a mainstay at number one. They play Western Kentucky and Central Michigan, two rather solid teams, and the underachieving Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at home to begin the season. The earliest test comes in week 1 when they travel to Blacksburg to take on Virginia Tech (they are 134-39-1, a .773 win percentage, under Beamer) in an effort to avenge their only loss from last season. The fate of the season rests on two weekends in November when they take Michigan State (they are against the Spartans, with both wins in East Lansing, under Meyer) on the 21st and travel to Ann Arbor to face the Wolverines on the 28th, a team Meyer has not lost to since taking over at Ohio State. The Buckeyes are riding a 13 game win streak, and making through another season with 15 wins is an incredibly daunting task, one that they can accomplish if they can remain healthy.
2. TCU: Since Amway became the head of the preseason coaches poll in 1991, only three teams have ever started and finished number one; case in point: history is not on the Buckeyes side, opening the door for a TCU-Ohio State matchup. Getting 10 starters back from an offense that scored the second most points and racked up the fifth most yards is scary, and a factor that leads me to believe, along with Gary Patterson's 82-31 record against Big 12 opponents, they will run the through Big 12 no matter how much the defense is rebuilding; the Horned Frogs also defeated Big 12 opponents by an average of 23 points last season. Aside from Texas and Minnesota, TCU faces putrid pass defenses and figure to put up ridiculous numbers again. TCU begins the season against Minnesota, Stephen F. Austin, and SMU, three games where they will certainly be the favorites. The soft non-conference schedule allows the Horned Frogs to go through their defensive growing pains and try to figure everything out, as they should make it through their Big 12 schedule with ease despite potential road bumps against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Their season rests on their November 27th rematch against Baylor, a game where both teams could be ranked 1 and 2 with a spot in the playoff on the line. Many forget that TCU was up by 21 points with 11minutes remaining before breaking down and allowing Baylor in the game, while also allowing nearly 800 yards of total offense to the Bears. TCU will get their defensive situation figured out during those first three games and find their rhythm, in addition to the fact that Baylor goes to Forth Worth this season. While Oregon matched up well on the field against the Buckeyes, they were superiorly out-coached by Meyer. TCU won't be as Patterson is equally a great coach, which means the biggest difference will come on the field. Ohio State was able to slow down a far better quarterback and a deeper receiving corp and backfield while thrashing a defense with more experience. Their matchup will be much closer, and one thing to never do is count the Horned Frogs out.
3. Notre Dame: The Irish are an absolutely loaded team that gets Georgia Tech and USC at home. Not only does the defense return 10 from a group that was depleted by injury, but they are a far deeper group than that of the Irish's 2012 National Championship team with some of the top units, on all levels of the defense, in the country. Continuing that trend is the offense's seven who will have even better quarterback and offensive line play, coupled with a bevy of playmakers. Brian Kelly is a proven winner who will find a way to win at Clemson, but their biggest test comes in the final week at Stanford where Notre Dame has yet to win under Brian Kelly. The Irish can only afford one loss to make the playoff, but it can't come in the November due to the weakness and timeliness of the schedule. People around the Notre Dame program are all high on Zaire, but Death Valley is a tougher place to win than Palo Alto which leads me to believe they'll fall to Clemson but win out and finish number three with a win in what would likely be the Peach Bowl or Cotton Bowl.
4. Baylor: Returning 18 starters and the nation's best receiving corp makes everyone high on Baylor, but replacing Bryce Petty is no easy task. On the other hand, Briles has produced six 3,500 yard passes and Russell is another undeniable talent who has all the talent around him to take this team to new heights. Depending on a defense that couldn't stop the pass and gave more 40+ points four times last season is another issue in itself; the Bears also lead the nation with 127 penalties, something they must quickly address. the Bears were tripped up by West Virginia 41-27 and cannot afford to lose more trap games if they want to become the second team in Big-12 history to three-peat as conference champions and earn a spot in the playoff. Traveling to Kansas State and Oklahoma State are possible trap games, but the fate of the season comes down to their November 27th matchup against TCU, this time in Forth Worth. This matchup was imperative to both teams' playoff snub last season, and if Baylor can enter their December 5th matchup against Texas undefeated or one loss (that wasn't against TCU), they will have an excellent chance of making the playoffs.
5. USC: Kessler and a plethora of playmakers make for a high potent offense that will attack from multiple directions with multiple weapons; with all five starters on the offensive line, they are easily the Pac-12's best unit that will allow the passing and running game to thrive. The loss of Williams and moving of Cravens leaves holes in the defense that young players will be asked to fill due to USC's level of recruiting these past three years. Sark is a great coach and will find a way to utilize guys like JuJu Smith and Adoree Jackson at multiple positions. The Trojans open the season against Arkansas State and then travel to Idaho before beginning conference play against Stanford, whom they face at home. Their conference schedule is a daunting task, playing against six teams that have a very strong chance to appear in the AP Top 25 Poll when the season starts. USC will also have to travel to Arizona State, Notre Dame, and Oregon and will have to play better on the road (3-3 last season) to have a shot at the playoff. While entering the Pac-12 Championship is unlikely, the Trojans have enough talent to enter with only one loss belt, but multiple losses is also a real possibility.
6. Alabama: With all the attention surrounding the quarterback battle and who the starter will be, it's time to put the debate to bed: Greg McElroy and A.J. McCarron won National Championships in their first year as a starter and Blake Sims lead the Tide to the number one seed in the playoffs. But with only two returning starters and no All-American receiver Amari Cooper, there is a real concern as to how much this team will produce on offense. The one constant is the run game, 'Bama's MO that will yet again feature an NFL-level left tackle (Cam Robinson) and an undeniable running back duo (Derrick Henry and Kenyon Drake). The defense will continue to be ferocious with dominance at every position of the defensive line and star of the defense at linebacker (Reggie Ragland), but they must find a way to play better against the pass. Alabama has an extremely young, talented team that figures to take a step back on offense and attempt to continue their defensive dominance (sixth in scoring, fourth in rushing, and 12th in total yards). The Tide has to find their groove quickly as they open up with a tough game against Wisconsin in Dallas, Texas and face a talented Ole Miss two weeks later. Conference play won't be any easier with games at Georgia, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, and Auburn. The Tide are staring in the face of a third straight two loss season.
7. Michigan State: With 13 returning starters, the Spartans have leg work to do to crack the playoffs. Connor Cook and four offensive linemen returning are key to their offensive success, but with new playmakers there is uncertainty to their level of efficiency, as well as Cook's (24 touchdowns to eight interceptions and an 81.2 QBR). The defensive line will disrupt and frustrate opposing quarterbacks but losing Narduzzi is a huge factor that undoubtedly have an impact on their defense and one of the reasons I don't see Sparty making the playoff. Michigan State will be tested early on September 12th as they hope to avenge their 46-27 loss against Oregon in 2014; unlike last season, the Ducks will be traveling to East Lansing where Michigan was 6-1 last season but the game is a 50-50 matchup; they also have to travel to Nebraska. Should the Spartans make it to their November 21st matchup against the Buckeyes undefeated, they have every chance of using that momentum to escape Columbus with a victory. Two losses is a real possibility, but MSU will win 11+ games for the fifth year in a row regardless.
8. Georgia: The Bulldogs were arguably the best three loss team last season and will thrive in the tough defense, ground-and-pound SEC with a very talented defense and backfield. Whether it's Brice Ramsey, Greyson Lambert, or another guy who emerges at quarterback, the addition of Schottenheimer will help develop the starter into an NFL talent with his pro style, two tight end offense. The trio of Chubb, Marshall, and Michel will alleviate pressure off the quarterback and passing game and allow the offense to thrive. Experience on offense will score points, stay healthy, and replicate turnover margin (16th in the nation). Jeremy Pruitt is an outstanding coordinator and his guys will come ready to play (38 points was the most they allowed in one game all season, finishing 16th in scoring defense). The Dawgs are the favorites to win a weaker East division, but do face West foes Alabama and Auburn and have to travel to Knoxville to face a much improved Tennessee team. Their regular season finale against the Yellow Jackets is at Georgia Tech this year and improved Florida and talented Missouri teams figure to be possible road bumps. The Bulldogs have the arsenal to earn an SEC Championship birth with a perfect record, but it's still the SEC and you have to be elite to make it to bowl season undefeated. Georgia isn't quite there yet, but with a 83-37 record in SEC play under Richt, they have a real shot to make the playoffs.
9. Ole Miss: The Rebels were left off my Preseason Top 25 for myriad reasons: replacing three year starting quarterback Bo Wallace, who racked up more than 10,000 total yards and 81 total touchdowns, is a huge task, Laquon Treadwell is coming back from a gruesome leg injury and may be 100% by week one, left tackle Laremy Tunsil is also coming back from injury and was facing possible eligibility issues, and future first round pick defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche missed seven games last season due to a broken ankle; despite going 9-4 and finishing third in the West, they went 2-4after starting 7-0. The quarterback battle between Ryan Buchanan and Chad Kelly is undecided, but whoever is named starter has NFL talent around them in Treadwell, Tunsil, and tight end Evan Engram. Running back Jay Walton is among the nine total returning starters on offense. The defense was the number one scoring defense in the country last year, and with seven starters and Nkemdiche returning, they figure to be close to as good as they were last season; nickel back Tony Conner will also have a huge impact on this defense. The schedule does them no favors having to travel to Alabama and Florida and a five week stretch to complete the season that features road games at Mississippi State and Auburn and home games against Texas A&M, LSU, and Arkansas. The Rebels have a real shot to complete that seven game stretch 6-1 but two, maybe three, losses will be their result.
10. Auburn: With all the hype surrounding Johnson, we have yet to see if he can make through a complete SEC schedule and play well. With their staple of playmakers, his job will be made easier but Williams has been indefinitely suspended which is a major loss if he misses significant time. The Tigers figure to be very talented on defense with Lawson and eight starters back along with Muschamp, the nation's best defensive coordinator. They open against Louisville in Atlanta and get Miss. State, Ole Miss, 'Bama, and Georgia at home but have to travel to A&M, Arkansas, and LSU, but figure to possibly drop two; should they make the playoffs (aka through their schedule and a victory in the SEC Championship with a minimum of one loss), they're my bet to win it all.
11. Oregon: Mark Helfrich has done a phenomenal job keeping the Ducks' offensive machine running in the right direction and he will get the team ready to play. The quarterback battle likely won't be decided until late August and replicating Mariota's 90.9 career QBR will not be done but their amount of playmakers will provide assistance to the new starter; they did however suffer a major setback this offseason losing Tyner to shoulder surgery. The defense will continue to hit their stride lead by Buckner and Daniels, while sack leader Christian French returns. The Pac-12 is neck and neck with the SEC in regards to toughest conference, and the Ducks' Pac-12 slate is a challenge having to travel to Stanford and Arizona plus their matchup against USC at home. Furthermore, the Ducks have one of the toughest non-conference matchups against Michigan State in East Lansing. Lose to Michigan State, a game that's closer than many think, and they have to run the tables in the Pac-12, a low proposition due to the increased talent in the conference. Optimism says they only drop one of the aforementioned and win out, but reality says two losses.
12. Clemson: Quarterback Deshaun Watson returns as a serious Heisman candidate with one of the nation's most productive receiving corps and Gallman, but the loss of Morris and four offensive line are giant holes that need to be filled. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables is a superb coach but with only three returning starters, there figures to be major growing pains and struggles to duplicate their success on that side of the ball. With games at Louisville, N.C. State, and South Carolina and Georgia Tech, Florida State, and Notre Dame on the schedule, the Tigers will need to play mistake free football. An ACC title game appearance doesn't look like a reality but the Tigers' fifth straight 10 win season is a real possibility.
13. Florida State: Hefty amounts of talent are gone on both sides of the ball, primarily offense. Although Golson is expected to replace Winston, his career has been plagued by injury and turnovers and the loss of Green and Cook will not make things much easier but the Seminoles have done a solid job recruiting and feature young talent. The defense's seven returning starters have both NFL and younger talent, thus making them the catalyst for the team's success. Their October stretch features home games against Miami and Louisville and then traveling to Georgia Tech, but their most important game is in Death Valley against Clemson, a game that could determine their ACC fate. They finish their season with a tricky matchup against the Gators in their annual in-state matchup, this time in Florida. Fisher is one of the game's top coaches, but with all that they lost it's hard to imagine they lose less than two games.
14. Stanford: Getting Hogan and eight other starter back on offense is going to help produce numbers and win games but Shaw is going to establish the run game and utilize Hogan's efficiency and arm to produce a well-rounded offense. Four returning starters on defense is a bit of a scary number but they were one of the nation's top units last season and figure to hit their stride early on. They have winnable home games against Arizona and UCLA but traveling to USC and facing Oregon and Notre Dame at home will be tougher-than-usual matchups; Stanford has the talent and the coach to better those expectations and make a serious run at the playoff.
15. UCLA: The offense's nine returning starters will provide Rosen with the necessary pieces but the line will have to lay better in the passing game by protecting Rosen and allowing him to build some confidence and find his rhythm. The defense will continue to play at a higher and be even better than last year. They face a brutal four week stretch in mid September to mid October with road games at Arizona and Stanford (lost by 21 at home last season) and home games against BYU and Arizona State that will set the tone for the season, with road games against Utah and USC to finish season. I don't envision them beating improved Stanford and USC teams on the road, although their matchup against USC isn't a true road game, thus finishing the regular season with two losses.
16. Boise State: The perennial giant killers are once again reloaded and coming off a "rebuilding year" in which they finished 12-2. There will be questions at quarterback and the loss of Ajayai is going to be noticeable despite nine returning starters, but the defense will be stout and tough lead by Correa and seven more starters. The first two games, their most important if they wish to make a run at the playoff, will set the tone by hosting Washington and then traveling to BYU; despite the challenging matchups, Boise figures to be favored in both. The schedule doesn't get easier having to travel to Virginia, Colorado State, and Utah State. The Broncos' worst case scenario is them going 3-2 in those games and winning out to earn a spot in the Group of 5 major bowl game.
17. Tennessee: Jones has an extremely talented group that could make a serious run at the playoff. Dobbs is primed for a 3,000 yard, 30 touchdown season with a slew of athletic receivers while Hurd should top 1,000 yards if he doesn't split too many carries. The defense's eight returning starters are going to find their groove and shut down offenses by getting to the quarterback and forcing turnovers. They get Oklahoma, a team that they should win, at home in week two before a four game stretch with road games at 'Bama and Florida and home games against Georgia and Arkansas; they also have to travel to Missouri. The Vols are looking at a 11-3 or 10-3 season.
18. Georgia Tech: Thomas is the star of this team and a dark horse Heisman candidate who, despite returning five other starters, will be asked to carry a heavier work load this season. The defense is going to build on what they did last season, but they must find a way to give up fewer points to keep the Yellow Jackets in games. Their schedule is rough with games at Notre Dame, Duke, Clemson, Miami, and Georgia, a stretch that may only produce two wins. Home games against North Carolina, Virginia Tech, and Florida State are winnable, and with a weak Coastal Division, Tech looks to earn another shot at the ACC title game.
19. Arkansas: With Allen, the offensive line, and their running back duo, the Hogs have a shot to average 35+ points per game and be a serious factor in the ever so competitive SEC West. Their top 10 defense may take a step back with six starters coming back but have the talent waiting in the wings. The Razorbacks have a great shot to start 4-0 (although the A&M game will test them) before a tough three game stretch at Tennessee and 'Bama with a home game against Auburn. Their final four games are road games versus Ole Miss and LSU and home games against Miss. State and Missouri; they went 2-2 against those same four last year, with the losses coming on the road. Arkansas has the talent to reach double digit wins.
20. Wisconsin: Despite having a new coach, the Badgers will stick to their bread and butter of dominant line and running play. The passing game finished dead last in the Big 10 and without Gordon, they will have to improve to be a more efficient offense. Chryst gets six starters back on defense, and has earned a reputation for building strong defense during his tenure at Pitt. They open against 'Bama in Dallas but face very little tough matchups after that (at Nebraska and Minnesota): the Big 10 West lacks the power the East possess, but will likely lose the Big 10 Championship; add in the loss against 'Bama and a very feasible loss or two in Big 10 trap games, the Badgers should still get to 10 wins.
21. Oklahoma: After starting 2014 as the fifth ranked team in the preseason poll and finishing unranked, I refuse to buy into the hype. If the starting quarterback, whoever it may be, can find his groove, the offense should have no problems scoring points. The defense's returners are also very talented but the secondary is filled with questions that they just address with a schedule full of opponents that are good through the air. Road games against Tennessee, Baylor, and Oklahoma State are all difficult matchups that the Sooners may be the underdog in; a home game against TCU and neutral site game against Texas will also be headaches but Oklahoma has more talent top to bottom than last season, and with consistent quarterback play, should reach 10 wins.
22. Arizona State: Graham is an offensive whiz and has the offensive firepower to maintain or improve their 36.9 points per game average. The defense returning nine starters is vital to their success, but they must improve and not be prone to allow big plays in an offensive-dominated conference; both sides look to replicate their giveaway/takeaway success after finishing sixth in turnover margin. The Sun Devils open up with a "neutral site" matchup against A&M in Houston, yet get USC, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona in Tempe where they are 12-2 in the last two seasons. Traveling to UCLA an Utah could very well hand them two losses, but ASU should top out at 10 wins.
23. LSU: The Tigers will still be plagued by quarterback defincies if Jennings and Harris don't quickly improve; whoever the starter is, the duo of young receivers will provide viable weapons. The offense will be centered around Fournette but he must find a way to be more consistent. Their successful defense gets seven starters back, and will forces offenses to beat them in both facets of the game. Weeks two and three are at Miss. State and home against Auburn while drawing Flordia in Baton Rouge; it gets worse with a killer four week finale at 'Bama and Ole Miss and home games against A&M and Arkansas as nine wins seems to be their ceiling.
24. Texas A&M: After starting 5-0, the Aggies crumbled, losing three straight and forcing coach Kevin Sumlin to pull the trigger on the Kenny "Trill" experiment and start true freshman Kyle Allen who did not disappoint, throwing for 1,322 yards and 16 touchdowns in nine games. Their receiving corp is indescribably talented and running back Tra Carson will help establish a dominant ground game and provide Allen a weapon out of the back field. The defense returns six, lead by 6'5, 265 pound sophomore defensive end Myles Garrett who many already view as a top pick in the 2017 NFL Draft; the defense must play better overall after finishing 102nd in total defense. The Aggies matchup well against ASU and have a good shot to win their opener but face a crucial six week stretch with road games against Ole Miss and LSU, home games versus 'Bama, South Carolina, Miss. State, and Auburn, and a neutral site matchup in Arlington against Arkansas. Allen has yet to play a full year of SEC West football and the Aggies were 105th in turnover margin. Coupled with the defense's struggles, A&M ell struggle to get to nine wins.
25. Arizona: Offensive fireworks will continue to go off as the 'Cats will likely score more than 34 points per game despite playing in the talented South Division. The defense was awful last year as their 10 wins were merely the result of offensive shootouts, and with six returning starters, they just build on their 103rd ranking in total defense. Oregon isn't on the schedule and they get UCLA at home whom they will probably be underdogs to. The road schedule does them no favors traveling to Stanford, Washington, USC, and ASU, the latter three coming in a final four game stretch that also features a home game against Utah. 'Zona will claw and scratch their way to nine wins.
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