Sunday, December 20, 2020

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

 College Football 

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

1.       Alabama, 11-0, 1

2.      Clemson, 10-1, 4

3.      Ohio State, 6-0, 2

4.      Notre Dame, 10-1, 3

5.      Texas A&M, 8-1, 5

6.      Florida, 8-3, 8

7.      Indiana, 6-1, 7

8.      Georgia, 7-2, 9

9.      Oklahoma, 9-2, 12

10.    Cincinnati, 9-0, 6

11.    Northwestern, 6-2, 13

12.    Iowa State, 8-3, 10

13.    Iowa, 6-2, 14

14.    North Carolina, 8-3, 15

15.    Miami, 8-2, 16

16.    Coastal Carolina, 11-0, 17

17.    Louisiana, 9-1, 18

18.    Brigham Young, 10-1, 18

19.    Texas, 6-2, 21

20.    North Carolina State, 8-3, 22

21.    Auburn, 6-4, 23.

22.    Liberty, 9-1, 24

23.    Oklahoma State, 7-3, 25

24.    Oregon, 4-2, NR

25.    Southern Cal, 5-1, 11

OUT: Tulsa (21).

NEXT: Wisconsin, Tulsa, Colorado, Arizona, State, San Jose State, UCF, Louisiana State, Appalachian State, Memphis, Stanford, Ole Miss and Washington.


Tuesday, December 15, 2020

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

 College Football

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

1.         Alabama, 10-0, 1

2.         Ohio State, 5-0, 2

3.         Notre Dame, 10-0. 3

4.         Clemson, 9-1, 4

5.         Texas A&M, 7-1, 5

6.         Cincinnati, 8-0, 7

7.         Indiana, 6-1, 8

8.         Florida, 8-2, 6

9.         Georgia, 7-2, 10

10.       Iowa State, 8-2, 11

11.       Southern Cal, 5-0, 12

12.       Oklahoma, 7-2, 13

13.       Northwestern, 6-1, 15

14.       Iowa, 6-2, 16

15.       North Carolina, 8-3, 21

16.       Miami, 8-2, 9

17.       Coastal Carolina, 11-0, 14

18.       Louisiana, 9-1, 17

18.       Brigham Young, 10-1, 18

20.       Tulsa, 6--1, 19

21.       Texas, 6-3, 23

22.       North Carolina State, 8-3, 24

23.       Auburn, 6-4, 25

24.       Liberty, 9-1, NR

25.       Oklahoma State, 7-3, NR

OUT: Wisconsin (20) and Colorado (22). 

NEXT: Buffalo, Wisconsin, Colorado, Arizona State, UCF, Ole Miss, Memphis, UCLA, Boise State, San Jose State, Appalachian State, Missouri and LSU.

Monday, December 7, 2020

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

1.         Alabama, 9-0, 1

2.         Ohio State, 5-0, 2

3.         Notre Dame, 10-0, 3

4.         Clemson, 9-1, 4

5.         Texas A&M, 7-1. 5

6.         Florida, 8-1, 6

7.         Cincinnati, 8-0, 7

8.         Indiana, 6-1, 9

9.         Miami, 8-1, 10

10.       Georgia, 6-2, 11

11.       Iowa State, 8-2. 12

12.       Southern Cal, 4-0, 14

13.       Oklahoma, 7-2, 13

14.       Coastal Carolina, 10-0, 20

15.       Northwestern, 5-1, 15

16.       Iowa, 5-2, 25

17.       Louisiana, 9-1, 23

18.       Brigham Young, 9-1, 8

19.       Tulsa, 6-1, 23

20.       Wisconsin, 2-2, 16

21.       North Carolina, 7-3, NR

22.       Colorado, 4-0, NR

23.       Texas, 6-3, NR

24.       North Carolina State, 8-3, NR

25.       Auburn, 5-4, NR

OUT: Arizona State (17), Oklahoma State (18), Marshall (19), Oregon (21) and Washington (22).

NEXT: Liberty, Ole Miss, Buffalo, UCLA, Boise State and Virginia.

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football 

The Color & Pageantry Top 25


1.       Alabama, 8-0, 1

2.       Ohio State, 4-0, 2

3.       Notre Dame, 9-0, 3

4.       Clemson, 8-1, 4

5.       Texas A&M, 6-1, 5

6.       Florida, 7-1, 6

7.       Cincinnati, 8-0, 7

8.       Brigham Young, 9-0, 8

9.       Indiana, 5-1, 11

10.     Miami, 7-1, 12

11.     Georgia, 6-2, 13

12.     Iowa State, 7-2, 14

13.     Oklahoma, 6-2, 15

14.     Southern Cal, 3-0, 16

15.     Northwestern, 5-1, 10

16.     Wisconsin, 2-1, 18

17.     Arizona State, 0-1, 19

18.     Oklahoma State, 5-2, 21

19.     Marshall, 7-0, 22

20.     Coastal Carolina, 9-0, 23

21.     Oregon, 3-1, 9

22.     Washington, 3-0, 24

23.     Tulsa, 5-1, NR

24.     Louisiana, 8-1, NR

25.     Iowa, 4-2, NR

OUT: Auburn (17). Texas (20) and North Carolina (25).

Colorado, Auburn, Texas, North Carolina State, Liberty, North Carolina, Memphis, Washington State, West Virginia, Boise State and Ole Miss.

Monday, November 23, 2020

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

 College Football

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

1.        Alabama, 7-0, 1

2.        Ohio State, 4-0, 2

3.        Notre Dame, 8-0, 3

4.        Clemson, 7-1, 4

5.        Texas A&M, 5-1, 5

6.        Florida, 6-1, 6

7.        Cincinnati, 8-0, 9

8.        Brigham Young, 9-0, 8

9.        Oregon, 3-0, 7

10.      Northwestern, 5-0, 13

11.      Indiana, 4-1, 10

12.      Miami, 7-1, 12

13.      Georgia, 5-2, 13

14.      Iowa State, 5-2, 21

15.      Oklahoma, 6-2, 17

16.      Southern Cal, 3-0, 16

17.      Auburn, 5-2, 16

18.      Wisconsin, 2-1, 11

19.      Arizona State, 0-1, 19

20.      Texas, 5-2, 20

21.      Oklahoma State, 5-2, 18

22.      Marshall, 7-0 22

23.      Coastal Carolina, 8-0, 24

24.      Washington, 2-0, 25

25.      North Carolina, 5-2, NR

OUT: Liberty (23)

VOTES: Tulsa, Louisiana, Colorado, North Carolina State, Liberty, Pittsburgh, Memphis, Maryland, Iowa, Wake Forest, Ole Miss, Washington State, West Virginia, Southern Methodist and Appalachian State.

Dumb


 

Monday, November 16, 2020

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Color & Pageantry Top 25

1.        Alabama, 6-0, 1

2.        Ohio State, 3-0, 2

3.        Notre Dame, 8-0, 3

4.        Clemson, 7-1, 4

5.        Texas A&M, 5-1, 6

6.        Florida, 5-1, 7

7.        Oregon, 2-0, 4

8.        Brigham Young, 8-0, 8

9.        Cincinnati, 7-0, 9

10.      Indiana, 4-0, 12

11.      Wisconsin, 2-0,  14

12.      Miami, 7-1, 10

13.      Northwestern, 4-0, 15

14.      Georgia, 4-2, 13

15.      Southern Cal, 2-0, 11

16.      Auburn, 4-2, 16

17.      Oklahoma, 5-2, 18

18.      Oklahoma State, 5-1, 19

19.      Arizona State, 1-0, 16

20.      Texas, 5-2, 20

21.       Iowa State, 5-2, 21

22.      Marshall, 7-0, 23

23.      Liberty, 8-0, 23

24.      Coastal Carolina, 7-0, 25

25.      Washington, 1-0, NR

OUT: Southern Methodist (22),

NEXT: Tulsa, Louisiana, Colorado, Utah, North Carolina, Southern Methodist, North Carolina State, Kansas State, Maryland, Wake Forest, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Nebraska, West Virginia, UCF, Purdue, Washington State and Appalachian State. 

Carting a Fraud!


 

Monday, November 9, 2020

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

The Color & Pageantry Top 25 


1.        Alabama, 6-0, 3

2.        Ohio State, 3-0, 2

3.        Notre Dame, 7-0, 4

4.        Clemson, 7-1, 1

5.        Oregon, 1-0, 6

6.        Texas A&M, 5-1, 7

7.        Florida, 4-1, 8

8.        Brigham Young, 8-0, 14

9.        Cincinnati, 8-0, 10

10.      Miami, 6-1, 9

11.      Southern Cal, 1-0, 12

12.      Indiana, 3-0, 15

13.      Georgia, 4-2, 5

14.      Wisconsin, 1-0, 11

15.      Northwestern, 3-0, 18

16.      Arizona State, 0-1, 13

17.      Auburn, 4-2, 19 

18.      Oklahoma, 5-2. 20

19.      Oklahoma State, 5-1, 22

20.       Texas, 5-2, 21

21.       Iowa State, 5-2, 23

22.       Southern Methodist, 7-1, NR

23.       Marshall, 6-0, 24

24.       Liberty, 7-0, NR

25.       Coastal Carolina, 7-0, 25

OUT: Penn State (16) and Boise State (17).

VOTES: Washington, Utah, Tulsa, Purdue, Army, Louisiana, North Carolina, Wake Forest, Kansas State, Maryland, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Boston College, West Virginia and Appalachian State.

Burning Down Cities


 

Friday, November 6, 2020

Monday, November 2, 2020

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football


1.         Clemson, 7-0, 1

2.         Ohio State, 2-0, 2

3.         Alabama, 6-0, 3

4.         Notre Dame, 6-0, 5

5.         Georgia, 4-1, 4

6.         Oregon, 0-0, 7

7.         Texas A&M, 4-1, 8

8.         Florida, 3-1, 9

9.         Miami, 5-1, 10

10.       Cincinnati, 5-0, 14

11.       Wisconsin, 1-0, 11

12.       Southern Cal, 0-0, 13

13.       Arizona State, 0-0, 14

14.       Brigham Young, 7-0, 17

15.       Indiana, 2-0, 17

16.       Penn State, 0-2, 19

17.       Boise State, 2-0, 21

18.       Northwestern, 2-0, NR

19.       Auburn, 4-2, NR

20.       Oklahoma, 4-2, 23

21.       Texas, 4-2, NR

22.       Oklahoma State, 4-1, 6

23.       Iowa State, 4-2, 22

24.       Marshall, 5-0, 25

25.       Coastal Carolina, 6-0, NR

OUT:  Michigan (13), North Carolina (15), Kansas State (19) and Southern Methodist (24).

NEXT: Southern Methodist, Washington, Nebraska, Utah, Arkansas, West Virginia, Tulsa, Purdue, Liberty, Army, Louisiana, California, North Carolina, Virginia, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, Kansas State, Boston College, Ole Miss and Memphis.

Sunday, November 1, 2020

Trump 2020


The choice for President in 2020 is quite clear: Donald J. Trump!

In the Democrat challenger Joe Biden, a lifetime Senator from Delaware who became vice president under Barack Obama, America could expect to be dealt a devastating blow to prosperity should he be elected. 

Biden, who does not have an original idea with respect to Coronavirus, would listen to the scientists who are financially invested in the virus and have been noting but wrong so far in the predictions surrounding the virus. A Biden presidency will usher in further infective lockdowns.

Biden is weak, and heavily influenced by a group of radicals who will shove him aside if he is victorious and forge forward on actually following through on Obama's idea of fundamentally transforming The United States of America.  

Packing the courts, adding states to strengthen the position in their Congress and eliminating the electoral college ( a last line of defense of middle America) would arrogantly achieve that.

The mainstream media has had limited coverage, if they have covered it all, of the corruption involving Joe Biden's son Hunter. Evidence suggests Joe Biden had some level of involvement. I would like to know; wouldn't you? Some of these allegations have interaction with the communist government of China. Perhaps most importantly, if elected it is feared Biden will surrender to China and welcome placing America under globalist's rule under the "great reset.".

Biden supports anti-capitalist agendas involving such items as rent control and will increase taxes and regulation  This will thwart prosperity. Rule of law will relax and violence on our streets would escalate under Biden's direction. Citizens will then welcome big government to expand authority to squelch the unrest, which is part of the original plan.

America, as founded, would risk being lost forever under Biden's leadership. Biden seeks the overreaching government hand Ronald Reagan warned us about in his "Time For Choosing" speech in October of 1964. In fact, we are indeed at time for choosing.

Meanwhile, under President Trump, America can expect to embrace freedom while increasing prosperity.  

Continued progress will significantly restrict the virus, and it will fade into the annuals of history.

Entrepreneurship and individual freedom for all will advance.  Taxation and regulation will remain reasonable, assisting in the continued growth of the economy which offers avenues of prosperity for everyone.

America will continue to stand strong on the world stage, no longer being taken advantage of by those who seek ill will upon our people. Peace comes through strength, and the advancements recently made under President Trump will continue to bear fruit in that regard.

Rule of law will be expected and enforced. Racism, police brutality and rogue gangs terrifying our cites will not be tolerated. Equal justice for all will stand tall. 

If the DC elite does not like the way President Trump goes about his business, we take that as as a badge of honor. That elite has been wrecking our nation, without a care in the world of the citizens they proclaim to be attempting to help. It is President Trump who is lifting the forgotten man, and people on the ground of all races and income levels know it. 

Anybody who seeks individual freedom and prosperity and for America to continue her stature as a beacon of freedom and peace in the world should without question cast their ballot to re-elect Donald J. Trump as President of The Untied States.  We would walk over broken glass to do so. So should you. 

MAGA!

 

Running FOR YOU!


 

Monday, October 26, 2020

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

1.       Clemson, 6-0, 1

2.       Ohio State, 1-0, 2

3.       Alabama, 5-0, 3

4.      Georgia, 3-1, 4

5.      Notre Dame, 5-0, 5

6.      Oklahoma State, 4-0, 7

7.      Oregon, 0-0, 8

8.      Texas A&M, 3-1, 9

9.      Florida, 2-1, 10

10.    Miami, 5-1, 11

11.    Wisconsin, 1-0, 12

12.    USC, 0-0, 13

13.    Michigan, 1-0, 22

14.    Cincinnati, 4-0, 14

15.    North Carolina, 4-1, 15

16.    Arizona State, 0-0, 18

17.    Brigham Young, 6-0, 19

18.    Indiana, 1-0, NR

19.    Penn State, 0-1, 6

20.    Kansas State, 4-1, 23

21.    Boise State, 1-0, NR

22.    Iowa State, 3-2, 20

23.    Oklahoma, 3-2, NR

24.    Southern Methodist, 5-1, 21

25.    Marshall, 5-0, 25

OUT: Virginia Tech (16), Minnesota (17), North Carolina State (24).

NEXT: Washington, Tulsa, Memphis, Louisiana State, Nebraska, Auburn, Arkansas, Coastal Carolina, Northwestern, Utah, Army, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, Air Force, Louisiana, Liberty and California.  

Red Tsunami


 

Monday, October 19, 2020

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

1.        Clemson, 5-0, 1

2.        Ohio State, 0-0, 2

3.        Alabama, 4-0, 3

4.        Georgia, 3-1, 4

5.        Notre Dame, 4-0, 5

6.        Penn State, 0-0, 7

7.        Oklahoma State, 3-0, 8

8.        Oregon, 0-0, 9

9.        Texas A&M, 3-1, 10

10,      Florida, 2-1, 11

11.      Miami, 4-1, 12

12.      Wisconsin, 0-0, 14

13.      Southern Cal, 0-0, 15

14.      Cincinnati, 3-0, 16

15.      North Carolina, 3-1, 6

16.      Virginia Tech, 3-1, 13

17.      Minnesota, 0-0, 17

18.      Arizona State, 0-0, 19

19,      Brigham Young, 5-0, 20

20.      Iowa State, 3-1, 23

21.      Southern Methodist, 5-0, 24

22.      Michigan, 0-0, 25

23.      Kansas State, 3-1, NR

24.      North Carolina State, 4-1, NR

25.      Marshall, 4-0, NR

OUT: Tennessee (18), Auburn (21) and Louisiana (22)

NEXT: Iowa, Tulsa, Kentucky, Indiana, Oklahoma, Boise State, Memphis, Washington, South Carolina, Utah, Ole Miss, Nebraska, Arkansas, Coastal Carolina, Tennessee, Auburn, Louisiana, Army, Texas, Air Force, Northwestern and Liberty.


Nebraska 2020 Preview


 

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Nebraska Cornhuskers 2020 Preview


  

Nebraska appeared set to make a move in 2019, but after a lethargic victory over South Alabama where nobody looked good, Nebraska fell at Boulder after leading 17-0, indicative of yet another disappointing season that is hard for the faithful to tolerate. Injuries and the ineffectiveness of Adrian Martinez at quarterback played a role, but after getting blown out at home by Ohio State tanked the season. The offensive woes were glaring, a puzzling product of this coaching staff with a returning quarterback.  Failing to make bowl games should not and will not be tolerated, so the pressure is now on this coaching staff to get the Big Red rolling, even in this coronavirus stricken upcoming season. Talent has been being assembled, and the sense of urgency now engulfs the program.

OFFENSE

QB Adrian Martinez
Photo: Cornnation.com
Coming off a strong freshman campaign, in our Nebraska preview last year we wrote the Big Red should be stronger on offense with QB Adrian Martinez, who if able to remain healthy, appeared poised to play himself into national honors consideration. Martinez was not healthy, lost many of his weapons, and had a horrendous season, in no way resembling the player he was in 2018.  In fact, while coach Scott Frost may not concur, fans will have a short leach on Martinez this fall if major improvement is apparent in short order. Improving upon the numbers Martinez had in 2018 numbers, which saw him throw for 17 touchdowns (rushing for 8) while competing some of 65% of his throws accounting for 2600 yards, were expected last year. Those numbers would be a significant improvement from the 2019 effort.  Martinez appears to have all the tools, and he will need to rise up to the occasion to keep his job, which he almost lost last year.  Noah Vedral got some opportunities, but the 'Husker legacy player has transferred to Rutgers, clearing the way for Luke McCaffrey, who flashed some outstanding play making ability in limited opportunities. Coaches and fans have confidence in McCaffrey, with some hoping he hits the field sooner than later.  Martinez dazzled us in 2018, and we hope he regain that level of performance.  We will know early, and if he fails to show significant improvement from 2019, expect to see the talented McCaffrey right quick. Four star freshman Logan Smothers, who has many excited, will be the third team signal caller.

Georgia Tech transfer Dedrick Mills had a decent season last year, especially with him seemingly having to shoulder a more extensive role than originally thought after phenom Maurice Washington, who often showed flashes of brilliance, was removed from the team. Rahmir Johnson could be an exciting player, but stamina and health are a concern. If Johnson is 100%, he could be a very dangerous player for the Huskers. If healthy, Ronald Tompkins could be a weapon. Freshman Sevion Morrison and Marvin Scott look ready for primetime. 

Nebraska record setting WR JD Spielman, a potential honors candidate, inexplicably left Nebraska to transfer to TCU to be a kick returner, so the Huskers are pretty inexperienced at wide receiver. 
Sophomore Wandale Robinson, certainly considered the Big Red's top offensive player in 2019, returns at slot receiver ready for a breakout season on the national stage. Kade Warner was injured much of 2019, but he has been very reliable for the Big Red. JUCO transfer Omar Manning, at 6'4" 225, appears the big play stretching the field wideout the Huskers have longed for, but the Huskers seem treading slowly here  heading into the season. If ready, Manning has unlimited potential and could be a very dangerous weapon. Jamie Nance and Chris Hickman are ready to go. Freshman Alante Brown seems poised to play, while Marcus Fleming and Zavier Betts are very talented, but Betts seems poised for a redshirt. A wildcard is Demaryion Houston, who had great speed as is Levi Falck, who has impressed in fall camp. This is a potentially strong group with Robinson leading the way, but as a whole it is unproven. The impact of new OC Matt Lubick will be vital.

The tight end position was a weapon for Frost at UCF, and we expect it to increase as a central piece of the offense in Lincoln moving forward. Jack Stoll is the starter, but 6'8" Austin Allen was a favorite target for Martinez in 2018 and should be a factor. Travis Vokolek, a transfer from Rutgers, seems a playmaker and will factor in without doubt. Kurt Rafdal will also play.

When evaluating the potential ascension of a team, we often look at returning starts on the offensive line. So in looking at the 2020 Cornhuskers, the offensive line looks like a veteran group as there is a high number of starts returning within the offensive line. Former Husker player Greg Austin came to Nebraska from UCF and is considered an outstanding offensive line coach.  Austin seems to have settled in on a group as we get going in 2020. At left tackle is Brendan Jaimis, who has 20 starts under his belt. Jaimes has played some good ball and is an All B1G candidate, but there is still room for improvement. The most unknown spot up front is left guard.  Boe Wilson will start with Broc Bando backing up. Cameron Jurgens is anchored at center and has massive potential. Will Farniok will back up. Matt Farniok moves inside on the right side at right guard from right tackle, which suits him better. Ethan Piper  and Trent Hixon are reserves. Bryce Benhart, at 6'9" 300, steps in at right tackle. Christian Gaylord backs up along with Brant Banks. We expect the starting line to be good. It will be important for this group to at a minimum meet expectations, as if Nebraska is to emerge as conference champion contender, the Big Red will need to be able to run the ball when they have to, just not when the want to. It would also be great if one of these veterans steps up as leader within the unit as a coach on the field.

Nebraska also must improve significantly in the red zone, as without a reliable placekicker in 2019, Nebraska has difficulty in finishing drives. Tough to win games having that issue. Much of this will fall on the quarterback position having an experienced line to operate behind. With an experienced line, a veteran quarterback and a standout player in Wandale Robinson, the unit should average a minimum of 30 points per game. Should things go off smoothly, there is potential for so much more.  

DEFENSE

Cam Taylor-Britt
Photo-Hudl

    
Nebraska improved statistically on defense in 2019, but it was hard to recognize it. There were too many breakdowns and few turnovers and the Blackshirts were unable to consistently get opposing offenses off the field. Failures offensively contributed to the problem as well. The Huskers have some very intriguing young talent rising up on stop side, and there is potential for some real upside in 2020.

An area of the defense that needs significant improvement is the defensive end position. The Big Red had serious issues setting the edge and have had for several seasons. Nebraska has been average in quarterback sacks and pressures and gave up an alarming amount of yards per rush in conference a year ago. For the Huskers to rise to the next level, this must improve. Ben Stille needs to improve on his stat line, which accounted for only 3 sacks. Casey Rogers is on the come, so look for him to get on the field.

Everybody is raving about Ty Robinson at nose tackle.  Robinson has the potential to be a superstar and will be a real issue for opposing lines. Damion Daniels is also stout. These are big guys, the guys Frost spoke about wanting to see a few years back when Iowa was pushing around the Husker DL.

On the front, Nebraska can go big or small, and they have players to fit the situation. North Carolina transfer Jordan Riley, who has quick feet and tall at 6'6", can play inside or on the edge. Keem Green is going to be involved, likely on the strong side. Pheldarius Payne is making a move and could help rush the passer. Chris Walker, freshman Nate Hutmaker and walk-on Colton Heist along with Mosai Newsome figure inside while Tate Wilderman looms large in potential at DE.

Mike Dawson comes back to help the defensive front. JoJo Domann will man one outside linebacker spot. Domann is quick and has good football IQ capable of making big plays. Nico Cooper is emerging backing up and could well see significant time. Garrett Nelson will back up Domann. Freshman Javian Wright showed promise, but a shoulder has sidelined him for the year. Caleb Tannor has serious potential at the other OLB spot, but he has not been a complete player at the spot as of yet. Nick Henrich and Niko Cooper are players that can get on the field. Perhaps Jackson Hannah can figure in

Much improvement is needed at inside linebacker. Returning starters Colin Miller and Will Honas return,  Miller has speed but gets lost on occasion, but he seems settled. Will Honas has been injured, but he has not maximized his potential since arriving. Luke Reimer seems to make plays when given the opportunity. Nick Henrich is a player to watch. Garret Snoodgrass, Zach Schlager and Eteva Mauga-Clements are all potential pieces at play.

We were very excited at the promise of Braxton Clark at corner, but he has been lost for the season, Thankfully, the secondary is perhaps the strongest position on the team. Cam Taylor-Britt can play every position, and has, but it seems he is best suited at cornerback. Dicaprio Bootle is very solid at the opposite corner. JUCO transfer Nadab Joseph has size at 6'2" and is pushing to get on the field while Quentin Newsome is one of the best Husker players nobody knows about. Ronald Delancy and freshman Tamon Lynum are fast improving.  Deontai Williams was ready for primetime in 2019, but he was lost for the season early. Williams is potentially special and his injury really set the defense back.
Freshman Noa Pola-Gates is a star in the making and will start out backing Williams, but expect him to find the field somewhere. At strong safety, starter Marquel Dismuke returns. Dismuke is quite capable, but there is a contingent of folks who think Myles Farmer has great potential at the spot. Cam Taylor Britt would be the fifth safety if necessary. There is a lot of talent and experience on the back end for the Big Red, and this should be a position of strength. 

An issue for the Blackshirts since Frost arrived is winning the turnover battle, an item his defenses are predicated on. The defense is designed to give up some yards while feasting on turnovers. So far under Frost and Chinander, we have not seen much of that. The Husker defense has had issues getting opponent offenses off the field on third down. There appears talent to make gains in the area of quarterback pressures, stopping the run and creating an environment that produces turnovers. It is paramount if Nebraska wants to get back to winning.


SPECIAL TEAMS

Nebraska has been horrific on special teams for years now and it is costing Nebraska football games. The kicking specialist were very average, and field goals were once again sketch at best. Opponent kickoff returns for touchdowns by Wisconsin and Iowa were perhaps decisive in those games a year ago. Considering the intelligence and athleticism Nebraska has, this is simply unacceptable and must be significantly corrected.  Michigan State transfer William Przystup came in last year and should win the job as punter. LSU transfer Connor Culp is the obvious favorite at placekicker. Chase Contreraz from Iowa Western is also a possibility. Feels like this aspect will be improved. Certainly, WanDale Robinson can return kicks, and Cam Taylor-Britt has experience returning punts. But those guys are valuable, so the staff will likely look elsewhere. Candidates from the trio of backs in Rahmir Johnson, Marvin Scott and Sevios Morrison and perhaps Demaryion Houston, Alante Brown and Marcus Fleming could get chances. Kick returns are hidden yardage, and Nebraska needs to improve dramatically in this important area of the game.

 

INTANGIBLES

In year two at UCF, Frost took the Knights to an undefeated season and a Peach Bowl win over the SEC's Auburn Tigers. Many thought something similar would occur after he arrived in Lincoln, but while it is not all on Frost, thus far his return has not produced anything close to the expectations for on the field performance. There are indications internally the program is being built correctly and brighter days are ahead, but the natives are already becoming restless, and they cannot be blamed after two 4-8 seasons with no bowl game participation. This team is young but becoming more talented every year. This is a group that is poised to excel. But, this very young team needs leadership on the field who can assist when bad things happen. Nebraska has been horrible at overcoming adversity, and that needs to change. Winning helps bring confidence, but taking care of your own individual business out on the gridiron is key. Perhaps Brendan Jaimis offensively and Cam Taylor-Britt on the defensive side can step up.
The weight program implemented by Zach Duval has changed the physical condition of the team, allowing more avenues for success to travel. 

HONORS CANDIDATES

WanDale Robinson seems the leading honors candidate, and with the production we anticipate him having, he should garner All B1G honors. Offensively, Brendan Jaimis could reach All B1G, and don't count out Dedrick Mills if he elevates his game.  Cam Taylor-Britt, Dicaprio Bootle, Marquel Dismuke and Deontai Williams are potentially in contention for All B1G status.

NEW ARRIVALS

WanDale Robinson
Photo:Star-Herald
 There are many newcomers who are expected to play pivotal and notable roles for the Big Red in 2020, but perhaps the most significant is WR Omar Manning, the #1 JUCO player coming out last year. Manning is big and fast, the type of player at the receiver position has lacked in recent years. However, it appears his status is somewhat in question in fall camp, so we are not yet sure what if any role he will play. Running backs Marvin Scott and Sevios Morrison look primed to play, Receivers Marcus Fleming, Alnate Brown and TE Travis Vokolek will figure. DL Jordan Riley will get a ton of snaps. LB Nico Cooper along with defensive backs Noa Pola-Gates, Nadab Joseph and Ronald Delancey (wearing #0) will see time. One or both of the placekickers, Connor Culp and Chase Contreraz, will play.

FINAL ANALYSIS

First, we are thankful to be playing ball in 2020, and fans across the nation can really thank folks associated with the Nebraska program (along with a contingent from Ohio State) that we are playing. If it were up to B1G commissioner Kevin Warren advancing a political agenda, we would be holed up in our basement. 

A revised schedule dealt Nebraska no favors, as the Huskers open up on the road at veteran and powerful Ohio State. Coming back to Lincoln, Wisconsin visits. The plug and play Badgers are a top fifteen team, but starting quarterback Jack Coan is out indefinitely. The Huskers then travel to Northwestern before returning to Lincoln to play top ten team Penn State. The Lions best player, LB Micah Parsons, opted out. Odd favor a 1-3 record here, but 2-2 seems more reasonable. Illinois visits, sp the Big Red should be 3-2 before traveling to Iowa City on Black Friday. Boy, Nebraska is due in this game. Nebraska then visits Purdue before hosting Minnesota to close out. Most will say Nebraska goes 5-5 but I will project that some good things happen and the Huskers finish 6-4. GBR!  

GAMEDAY GALLERY

Monday, October 12, 2020

College Football Top 25

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football


1.        Clemson, 4-0, 1

2.        Ohio State, 0-0, 2

3.        Alabama, 3-0, 3

4.        Georgia, 3-0, 5

5.        Notre Dame, 3-0, 7

6.        North Carolina, 3-0,  8

7.        Penn State. 0-0, 9

8.        Oklahoma State, 3-0, 11

9.        Oregon, 0-0, 12

10.      Texas A&M, 2-1, 21

11.       Florida, 2-1, 4

12.       Miami, 3-1, 6

13.       Virginia Tech, 2-1, 10

14.       Wisconsin, 0-0, 14

15.       Southern Cal, 0-0, 15

16.       Cincinnati, 3-0, 17

17.       Minnesota, 0-0, 17

18.       Tennessee, 2-1, 13

19.       Arizona State, 0-0, 18

20.       Brigham Young, 4-0, 19

21.       Auburn, 2-1, 22

22.       Louisiana, 3-0, 23

23.       Iowa State, 3-1, 24

24.       Southern Methodist, 4-0, 20

25.       Michigan, 0-0, NR

OUT:  Louisiana State (25).

VOTES: Iowa, Tulsa, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Indiana, Kansas State, Oklahoma, UCF, Boise State, Washington, Nebraska, NC State, Boston College, Marshall, Texas, Arkansas, Utah, Army, Memphis, Coastal Carolina, Houston, Texas Christian and Air Force.

Monday, October 5, 2020

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

 The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

1.        Clemson, 3-0, 1

2.        Ohio State, 0-0, 2

3.        Alabama, 2-0, 3

4.        Florida, 2-0, 4

5.        Georgia, 2-0, 5

6.        Miami, 3-0, 6

7.        Notre Dame, 2-0, 7

8.        North Carolina, 2-0,8

9.        Penn State, 0-0, 9

10,      Virginia Tech, 2-0, 10

11.       Oklahoma State, 3-0, 19

12.       Oregon, 0-0, 16

13.       Tennessee, 2-0, 14

14.       Wisconsin, 0-0, 14

15.       Southern Cal, 0-0, 21

16.       Cincinnati, 3-0, NR

17.       Minnesota, 0-0, 20

18.       Arizona State, 0-0, 23

19.       Brigham Young, 3-0, NR

20.       Southern Methodist, 4-0, NR

21.       Texas A&M, 1-1, 18

22.       Auburn, 1-1, 15

23.       Louisiana, 3-0, NR

24.       Iowa State, 1-1, NR

25.       Louisiana State, 1-1, 20

OUT: UCF(11), Texas (12), Oklahoma (22) and Pittsburgh (24).

VOTES: Michigan, Texas Christian, Iowa, Tulsa, Indiana, Texas, Oklahoma, UCF, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Kansas State, Marshall, Memphis, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Boston College, Army, Utah, Coastal Carolina, Washington and Virginia. 

Monday, September 28, 2020

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

 The Color & Pageantry

College Football

1.        Clemson, 2-0, 1

2.        Ohio State, 0-0, 2

3.        Alabama, 1-0, 3

4.        Florida, 1-0, 5

5.        Georgia, 1-0, 4

6.        Miami, 3-0, 10

7.        Notre Dame, 2-0, 6

8.        North Carolina, 1-0, 9

9.        Penn State, 0-0, 12

10.      Virginia Tech, 1-0, 13

11.       UCF, 2-0, 14

12.      Mississippi State, 1-0, NR

13.       Texas, 2-0, 11

14.       Wisconsin, 0-0, 16

15.       Auburn, 1-0, 17

16.       Oregon, 0-0, NR

17.       Tennessee, 1-0, 18

18.       Texas A&M, 1-0, 15

19.       Oklahoma State, 2-0, 19

20.       Minnesota, 0-0, 20           

22.       Louisiana State, 0-1, 8

23.      Southern Cal, 0-0, NR

23.       Oklahoma, 1-1, 7

24.       Arizona State, 0-0, NR  

25.       Pittsburgh, 3-0, 21

OUT: Cincinnati (22), Memphis, (23), Brigham Young (24 and Kentucky (25).

VOTES: Cincinnati, Memphis, Brigham Young, Michigan, Louisiana, Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, Marshall, Iowa State, Arkansas State, Kansas State, Kentucky, Baylor, SMU, Washington, Boston College and Ole Miss.   

Softball


 

Monday, September 21, 2020

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

The Color & Pageantry 

College Football Top 25 

1.      Clemson, 2-0, 1 
2.      Ohio State, 0-0, NR 
3.      Alabama, 0-0, 2 
4.      Georgia, 0-0, 3 
5.      Florida, 0-0, 4 
6.      Notre Dame, 2-0, 5 
7.      Oklahoma, 1-0, 7 
8.      Louisiana State, 0-0, 8 
9.      North Carolina, 1-0, 9 
10.    Miami, 2-0, 13
11.    Texas, 1-0, 11
12.    Penn State, 0-0, NR
13.    Virginia Tech, 0-0, 12 
14.    UCF, 1-0, 16 
15.   Texas A&M, 0-0, 9 
16.   Wisconsin, 0-0, NR
17.   Auburn, 0-0, 14 
18.   Tennessee, 0-0, 15 
19.   Oklahoma State, 1-0, 10 
20.   Minnesota, 0-0, NR 
21.   Pittsburgh, 2-0, 18 
22.   Cincinnati, 2-0, 19 
23.   Memphis, 1-0, 20 
24.   Brigham Young, 1-0, 21 
25.   Kentucky, 0-0, NR

OUT: Louisville (17), Louisiana (22), Mississippi State (23) and Texas Christian (25). 

VOTES: Michigan, Louisiana, Iowa, Indiana, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Army, Marshall, Northwestern, Texas Christian, Baylor and Arkansas State. 

EDITORS NOTE: After omitting the B1G Ten Conference last week, per the reversal of the conference decision with the B1G slated to begin play October 23, teams previously ranked or now thought worthy of a ranking were added to the poll. The same scenario will hold true for the PAC 12 should they also reverse their decision and begin play. Some teams, most notably Oregon, Texas A&M and Michigan, have had several players opt out of the season; therefore, their ranking, or potential ranking, will have dropped from where they were placed in our preseason poll.

Monday, September 14, 2020

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football Top 25

1.      Clemson, 1-0, 1
2.      Alabama, 0-0, 3
3.      Georgia, 0-0, 5
4.      Florida, 0-0, 6
5.      Notre Dame. 1-0, 7
6.      Oklahoma, 1-0, 8
7.      Louisiana State, 0-0, 9
8.      North Carolina, 1-0, 10
9.      Texas A&M, 0-0, 12
10.    Oklahoma State, 0-0, 13
11.    Texas, 1-0, 14
12.    Virginia Tech, 0-0, 16
13.    Miami, 1-0, 18
14.    Auburn, 0-0, 19
15.    Tennessee, 0-0, 23
16.    UCF, 0-0, 24
17.    Louisville, 0-0, NR
18.    Pittsburgh, 1-0,
19.    Cincinnati, 0-0, NR
20.    Memphis, 1-0, NR
21.    Brigham Young, 1-0, NR
22.    Louisiana, 1-0, NR
23.    Mississippi State, 0-0, NR
24.    Kentucky, 0-0, NR
25.    Texas Christian, 0-0, NR

OUT: Iowa State (25)

The following ranked preseason teams were dropped as at the time of the creation of the poll, their conferences have prohibited their play:  Ohio State (2), Oregon (4), Penn State (11), Southern Cal (15), Wisconsin (17), Michigan (20), Minnesota (21) and Arizona State (22). Should play commence in the B1G Ten and/or PAC 12, the teams will be eligible for ranking within the poll.

VOTES: Army, Arkansas State, Appalachian State, Ole Miss, Baylor and Georgia Tech.

Monday, September 7, 2020

Florida State Seminoles 2020 Preview





As we noted last fall, by any standard applied, Coach Willie Taggart's first season at Florida State was a complete disaster. So, while there was hope, there was little wiggle room for Taggart in year two. As the season started, giving up an 18 point lead in the opener at home in a hurricane moved game to lose to Boise State riding their gunslinger freshman quarterback set an ominous tone. On the FSU spring tour, I told Taggart that first game was vitally important. It was, and it was a failure on many levels. A lackluster home loss to a marginal Miami team sealed Taggart's fate, not soon enough for many of the Seminole faithful. I was at the game, and it was apparent when entering the stadium a loss filled the air as the Seminoles were not prepared to play. So, thankfully, and with a hole in our wallet, we move on.

The coaching search burned up the internet, with Big Game Bob wearing out Tallahassee Realtors, but in the end perhaps the best available choice has become the new Florida State head coach as Mike Norvell comes over from Memphis. Norvell is an energetic young coach with an offensive mind, dare I say reminding some of a young Bobby Bowden. FSU could only be so fortunate. We like Norvell quite a bit, and think he was an outstanding hire.

There is a culture issue Norvell will have to work around, but there is also some serious talent on hand, led by two players with NFL on the mind in Marvin Wilson and Tamorrion Terry who came back for a chance to better their stock while helping FSU begin a new. Make no mistake; if they had any issue at all with Norvell they would have been gone. FSU has lost very few players in the transition, with some strong leadership on and off the field returning, 2020 could offer some intriguing opportunities.

With the nation turned upside down due to the coronavirus while in the midst of the upheaval of a fourth turning, college football is on the ropes. Two conferences, the B1G Ten and PAC 12, are not playing, if you could possibly imagine. Schedules for the major conferences still playing have been reduced, for some unknown reason, to conference only. The Gators trip to Tallahassee has been cancelled, and the game will not be played for the first time since 1958. Just an idiotic overreaction to the pandemic!

Florida State seems to have a slightly easier revamped schedule, but it will still be very difficult, especially with spring ball shelved due to the coronavirus.  Norvell  and his staff did not get proper timing to implement their philosophies on either side of the ball, although they aren't the only team facing this issue. 2020 will be a building year, one where confidence and comraderies are gained. We expect FSU to find many speed bumps along the way, but the talent on hand makes the Seminoles a dangerous team. It should be fun, but we are just thankful to be on the field. So enjoy!


OFFENSE

QB James Blackman
Photo/Bleacher Report
Memphis teams under Mike Norvell continually lit up the scoreboard, so once his system is fully implemented, we should expect the same. For so long, James Blackman showed such promise, but he appeared to lose focus on many occasions throughout the year. Who can blame him, given the merry go round of coaching he had? Blackman has always displayed his strong arm, but it was disappointing to see him lose his focus and composure. Therefore, Blackman was no shoe in to lead FSU in 2020, but he has performed well in fall camp and will guide the Seminole offensive attack. Freshman Chubba Purdy was thought to be a fierce competitor for the job, but a collarbone injury derailed any hope he had of winning the job. Purdy will be sidelined for a while, leaving Jordan Travis, a gifted runner who adds an intriguing element to the offense, and true freshman Tate Rodemaker to back Blackman. The gifted Cam Akers departed for the NFL, leaving 5* Khalan Leborn to take over, but his continued behavior issues got him dismissed from the team. Jashaun Corbin, a talented 4* transfer from Texas A&M, appears set to take over. But freshman 4* Lawrance Toafili has been turning heads in fall practice and may challenge for significant playing time. Coaches are also impressed with freshman La'Damian Webb. Junior Deonte Sheffield, who has made some plays in his own right, will also figure in. Tamorrion Terry, who average almost 20ypc with 60 snags for 1188 yards, is an All America candidate at WR. There is plenty of talent to catch the attention of opposing stop troops. DJ Matthews is fleet of foot and is the second leading retuning receiver with 36c. Ontaria Wilson and Keshawn Helton, who returns from injury, are weapons. Isaiah Bolden, a big target at 6'4,", has moved from CB to WR and is turning heads. It is time for 4* SO WR Warren Thompson to make waves on the field rather than off. Jordan Young has good speed, while Kentron Pointier, Bryan Robinson and Ja'Khi Douglass, freshman, have a chance for playing time. Camren McDonald is emerging as a team leader for FSU at TE while Wyatt Rector is an intriguing target. UCLA transfer Jordan Wilson is out for the year. The line has been a hinderance for the Seminoles for several years now, giving up a horrendous 48 sacks a year ago, but this group is the best in a couple of seasons. FIU grad transfer Devontay Love-Taylor will anchor a tackle spot. Donte Lucas played well as a freshman and has a bright future at guard. Tony Boselli should be at center, with Baveon Johnson backing up. Versatile Brady Scott will play guard, while redshirt freshman Darius Washington at tackle. This is a decent first team offensive line. However, the second team line is a definite drop down, so FSU must stay healthy up front. G Maurice Smith, T Chaz Neal and G Thomas Schrader will need to step up quickly. Freshman Zane Herring, who could have played his way to a spot, is out for the year. FSU should score points, but being able to do the things you want to do when you need to do them, versus just having success intermittently, will key the potency of the attack. Keeping the first team offensive line healthy will also be vitally important.


DEFENSE

DT Marvin Wilson
Photo/Seminoles.com
Mike Norvell was given a gift when All America DT Marvin Wilson announced he would return to the Seminoles for his senior year. Even when COVID became a player, Wilson stood firm. In fact, taking a well deserved leadership role, Wilson helped Norvell in getting many players to buy in to what Norvell is selling. The Seminoles will forever owe Wilson a debt of gratitude. Wilson is a top ten draft pick, and will anchor the Seminoles defensive unit. In the middle with Wilson is Corey Durden, a high quality player in his own right. Robert Cooper, who has flashed high level play, will figure prominently. Emerging star Dennis Briggs will sit out due to COVID. Tru Thompson and Fabien Lovett could figure. On the outside, Joshua Kaindoh has superstar potential with conference honors candidate Janarius Robinson flanking.  Quashon Fuller will be ready, especially with Jamarcus Chapman siting out due to COVID. True freshman Josh Griffs is really making waves, so look for him to excel when given snaps. RS Freshman Derrick McLendon is another to watch.  Emmett Rice is a quality player who will handle the weak side of the linebacking core. Jaleel McRae is an emerging star. Leonard Warner mans the middle, with freshman Steven Dix, who seems poised to get plenty of playing time, and Kevon Glenn backing up. On the wide side, Amari Gainer will have a chance at conference honors, backed by Kalen DeLoach and Decalon Brooks. The secondary is very strong. Akeem Dent will play boundary corner with All ACC Asante Samuel on the field side. FAU transfer Meiko Dotson will make noise as well. Jarrian Jones and Travis Jay are stellar players to keep a keen eye on.  Safety Hamsah Nasirildeen made plays all over the field before going down to injury last year. The same holds true for Jaiden Lars-Woodbey. Both players have a chance to challenge for national honors if fully healthy.  Brendan Gant, Cyrus Fagan, Carlos Becker and Renardo Green will be the primary backups, but keep an eye on 4* Demorie Tate. Raymond Woodie and Jarvis Brownlee seem very talented as well. The Seminoles could be very stingy on the stop side as this unit could be special.  Those picking FSU to surprise are basing those prognostications on the defensive unit.

SPECIAL TEAMS

It boggles the mind, but the Seminoles have been very average in special teams in recent seasons. Ryan Fitzgerald has been brought in at placekicker. Alex Mastromanno will handle punts. Among those slated to handle kicks are DJ Matthews, Keyshawn Helton, Deonte Sheffield, Travis Jay and Isaiah Bolden.  The Seminoles really need to pick it up a notch here to have success.

INTANGIBLES

Seminoles
Firing Willie Taggart, although financially painful, was a move that simply had to be made. While many of the faithful were seeking big name coaches, the opinion here is that Florida State found exactly the man they needed in luring coach Mike Norvell away from Memphis.  Norvell immediately went to work on the culture, which is the foundation of a successful football program. As fall camp concluded, the team has the look and feel of a group that has bought in, formed a bond, and is ready to play together for all the right reasons. In the past two moribund seasons, the Seminoles have not been lacking talent, so it can be concluded that the right leadership establishing a foundation of meaningful culture can pay huge long term dividends.  While victories may come later, the faithful will surely notice improvement all around the program.

HONORS CANDIDATES

WR Tamorrion Terry
Photo:DraftRite
For Florida State, the list of players who have a legitimate shot at national honors is, although not what it used to be, but higher in number than most suspect. Marvin Wilson at defensive tackle is a fist team All America player and a top ten draft pick. He is the centerpiece of the team on and off the field. Tamorrion Terry is All America capable given our quarterbacks get him the ball regularly. His size and speed make him an prime target for FSU's passing attack. CB Asante Samuel is a national honors candidate. On the defensive side, Hamsah Nasirildeen, if fully healthy, is All ACC at a minimum. Jaiden Lars-Woodbey is also an honors candidate. DE Josh Kaindoh has a chance to enter the national stage with a big year! Offensively, perhaps OT Devontay Love-Taylor could get some consideration for al conference honors.

NEW ARRIVALS

Demorie Tate is Florida State's highest rated recruit, and we expect him to get limited playing time. this fall. At running back, the Seminoles will have two newcomers who will be on the field in Lawrance Toafili  and La'Damian Webb. But Texas A&M transfer Jahsaun Corbin figures to be game one starter. Coaches have been impressed with WR Kentron Pointier in fall camp.  Freshman Stephen Dix is standing strong at linebacker and is a future star. Carter Boatright at TE and OT Thomas Shrader appear set to get opportunities. Two transfers are ready to see major action. OT Devontay Love-Taylor, and FIU transfer, is set to start on the OL. Ball hawk FAU transfer Meiko Dotson will see plenty of time in secondary. Redshirt freshman Ryan Fitzgerald at kicker and Alex Mastromanno at punter will be fresh faces which FSU will need to play well for gridiron success.

FINAL ANALYSIS

It goes without saying that the pandemic has had a mid boggling effect on college football. Heck, as of this writing, in an idiotic and politically driven move (#FireKevinWarren) , the B1G Ten and PAC 12 are not even playing this fall! FSU was supposed to open in Atlanta against West Virginia, but that game was cancelled. Also cancelled was a trip in early September at a pretty good Boise State team, which defeated FSU in Tallahassee last year. The annual game against the Florida Gators, which was to be played in Tallahassee this year, has also been cancelled.  Good grief! The revamped schedule has FSU opening the season by hosting Georgia Tech. While Tech is a fast improving team, this should be a game FSU can handle. Jacksonville State comes to Bobby Bowden Field next, so FSU should be 2-0. Now comes the stiff challenges. The Seminoles travel to Miami September 26, a game they can but probably won't win. Then, Florida State travels to top ten Notre Dame. The Irish have a veteran quarterback and solid team, so winning this is unlikely for FSU. After these two tough road games, a very dangerous North Carolina team visits Tallahassee. UNC is a sleeping giant which has just woken up under coach Mack Brown and appears set for a top ten season. FSU could win it, but it would take a fantastic performance. So, at this point, we got FSU at 2-3. The 'Noles then travel to Louisville, another fast improving  and dangerous team. We consider this game a tossup, but will give it to FSU given the competition they have just been playing. Pittsburgh then comes to Tallahassee, and Pitt is much better than the experts think. Since this is at home, we think FSU wins. So, now we find FSU 4-3. FSU travels to NC State, usually a house of horrors for the Seminoles, but the talent gap appears to large in 2020. So, FSU is 5-3 heading to Clemson, where they will lose to a national championship team. Florida State closes at home against Virginia and at Duke. We think FSU will be playing well and we think FSU easily wins these two games. So, we project FSU to finish 7-4.

GAMEDAY GALLERY


Hidin Biden


Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Imagine The Arrogance























New York Governor Andrew Cuomo had the worst coronavirus response in the country. Why should anyone read his book?---The Washington Examiner

"Gov. Cuomo, who presided over the worst pandemic response in the country and whose policy actively and directly made it worse, has no business writing a book to congratulate himself on a job well done. He deserves exactly zero plaudits for good leadership and should be remembered for, if anything, his “impossible mountain” of death."--Dr. Kevin Pham, MD.

Nobody should read Governor Cuomo's book, and given his horrific performance in dealing with the virus, it is astounding that he had the arrogance to write one.

Much of New York City remains shut down further exacerbating an economic catastrophe, with no tourism and local businesses engaging in guesswork to find out when they may fully reopen.

Cuomo is a disgusting individual, a leftist intellectual elite who thinks he knows how you should live your life better than you do. He should be promptly disposed from holding political office.

Thursday, August 20, 2020

The Color & Pageantry 2020 Preseason Top 25



Who could have possibly imagined that after celebrating the 150th season of College Football while witnessing a historic championship run by the Louisiana State Tigers we reached a point in here in the preseason where we may not even have a 2020 season?

The affects on the America fabric of the coronavirus, with many families dealing with the heartbreaking loss of loved ones amid devastated economic conditions in many parts of the country, are reshaping our future.

In what we consider a premature and idiotic course of action, the Big Ten Conference and Pac 12 Conference have cancelled their seasons.  Commissioner Kevin Warren of the B1G led the way, and some say there was political motivation. Sadly, we agree, and find the seemingly arbitrary decision, one made without consulting coaches, players and parent, a disturbingly arrogant action.



















Most other major conferences, most notably the SEC, ACC, AAC and Big XII, are giving it a go, and we certainly hope all goes well and we get to kickoff.

For 2020, schedules have been altered, and the color and pageantry associated with the game, including fans, bands, cheerleaders and tailgating, will be heavily restricted if allowed at all. These limitations have a negative affect on all of us, for those are key elements on why the game is so appreciated and loved.

We especially want to think of the students, who lose the sights and sounds of a home game week on the campuses across the nation while their college experience is turned upside down.

While we are releasing The Color & Pageantry Top 25 and Preseason All America Team at this time knowing the alterations of the season, the majority of the prognostications were derived prior to these announcements and presented as such.  For example, teams from the B1G and PAC 12 were included, although as of this presentation they will not be competing in 2020.

Across America we are all hoping and praying a vaccine for the coronavirus is discovered soon, and maybe more importantly an effective therapeutic even sooner, so we can get back to living our best lives and enjoying our beloved game of college football!












Lets move toward kickoff, and we wish safety and good health to all!

THE COLOR & PAGEANTRY PRESEASON TOP 25 



1. Clemson





Clemson hung tough with LSU in the CF Final last year before giving way to the historic Bengal Tigers. However, there is no doubt Dabo Swinney has built a juggernaut there at Clemson, and his 2020 team, led by a couple of Heisman candidates on offense, has an arsenal ready to win the National Championship. The Tigers have a gifted quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, an All America and Heisman candidate, who is poised to craft yet another banner season. In 2019, Lawrence started out a bit shaky, but regrouped to end up tossing 36 TD’s with 8 INT’s. Lawrence is a very special player who combines a rifle arm with he ability to use his feet to keep drives moving.  Even with the unexpected loss of WR Justyn Ross, an All America candidate who will have to miss 2020 due to neck surgery, the Tiger have a wide assortment of weapons to utilize. All America running back Travis Etienne, who ran for 1614yds and 19 TD’s, pleasured the faithful by announcing he will return for 2020. With Ross gone, Amari Rodgers (30c) is the top returning wideout. A pair of sophomores, Frank Ladson and Joseph Ngata (watch him) will be counted on heavily. Braden Galloway can play a huge role at tight end. Up front, the Tigers must replace four starters, but do return tackle Jackson Carman, who is an honors candidate. SO OT Jordan McFadden is a budding All ACC player. It is noted that co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott moved to take over the head coaching spot at South Florida. Scott was well respected, and it will be interesting to see if his departure has a negative effect on the offensive efficiency. On the stop side, the Tigers have had a real strong bit in the interior line. While there have been major departures, it is expected that Clemson will remain quite strong along the line. DT Tyler Davis will lead the group, but keep an eye on Nyles Pinckney and top frosh Bryan Bresee. Justin Foster, who had 10.5 TFL, returns at DE as does Xavier Thomas. James Skalski returns inside, the Tigers top returning tackler with 105 stops in 2019. Baylon Spector is an emerging star for the Tigers. CB Derion Kendrick is the top returning player in the secondary. CB Mario Goodrich also returns. Nolan Turner is experienced at safety. S Landen Sanders may step up, and many are watching closely the development of CB Andrew Booth. Will Spiers is quite sound punting the football, but the Tiger seek improvement from placekicker B. T. Pottier,  Look for Jonathan Ngata to assume the kick returner spot, but Clemson has several speedsters to choose from. Clemson travels to Notre Dame first week in November, which will be a major test. Improving Louisville is at home, and Florida State is rebuilding. Clemson will be favored in every game. A battle with rising North Carolina in the ACC Championship game might be fun, but look to find the undefeated Tigers in the college football playoff once again.




2. Ohio State







When Urban Meyer stepped down at Ohio State, even though most thought Ryan Day held great promise, most saw the Buckeyes slipping a bit. We included ourselves in that group. But, nothing has been further from the truth as Ohio State has been rolling, on the field and on the recruiting trail. The future looks bright, with 2020 having the potential of crowning Ohio State National Champs. Bringing in Georgia transfer Justin Fields paid huge dividends for the Buckeyes in 2019, and Fields is among the favorites for the Heisman Trophy in 2020.  Fields was quite skilled running the Buckeye offense. While he really made some timely runs, scoring 10TD’s, Fields put up incredible stats in the air, throwing for 3273yds. 41 TD’s and only 3 INT’s. Expect much of the same from Fields in 2020. The offensive line will be among the nation’s strongest, led by center Josh Meyers and guard Wyatt Davis, both All American candidates. Thayer Munford will own a tackle spot, a national honors candidate in his own right. Chris Olave, who had 49pc in 2019, is the top returning receiver. Garrett Wilson is an impressive player poised for a breakout year and big time recruits Julian Flemming and Jaxon Smith-Njigba figure to play key roles. Luke Ferrell and Jeremey Ruckert are a pair of really good tight ends. Master Teague III, who ran for 789yds backing JK Dobbins in 2019, steps in at running back, but he will be challenged by Trey Sermon, who transferred in from Oklahoma. This will be potent unit set to average 40ppg. Defensively, although there were significant losses, there is outstanding talent to work with. This is Ohio State; what did you expect? The amazing Chase Young is gone, but many wonder if Zach Harrison is poised to pick up the slack on a top performance level. DE’s Jonathan Cooper and Tyreke Smith give the Buckeyes some disruptive forces. Tuff Borland returns at MLB, as does OLB Pete Werner (top returning tackler) and strong OLB Baron Browning. CB Shaun Wade (8PBU), an All America candidate, is the lone returning starter in the defensive backfield.  Tyreke Johnson, a highly rated recruit, and Sevyn Banks, who has some experience, are expected to be vital contributors. Ohio State has strong specialists, with K Blake Haubell and P Drue Chrisman potential All B1G performers. The Buckeyes have plenty of footspeed in the return game. Assuming it happens, the trip out to Oregon could spell trouble, but Ohio State will be favored.  Ohio State is their own worst enemy in conference, and they have had off days. But they mashed everyone in 2019, and the Buckeyes are a class above everyone who can outmuscle contenders Wisconsin and Penn State. OSU hosts Michigan. Place a likely undefeated Ohio State in the 2020 Playoff. 





3. Alabama


Although Alabama won eleven games last year, the Crimson Tide missed out on the CFB Playoff for the first time and were outscored down the stretch by LSU and Auburn. It was on the defensive side of the ball where Alabama fell short, which is uncharacteristic for a Nick Saban coached team. The season ending injury before the season to All America ILB Dylan Moses may have been catalyst which hurt the unit. Bama has pieces at every level to get back to the dominating defensive unit they usually are. Up front, DE LaBryan Ray anchors the line. DJ Dale returns on the nose with emerging Christian Barmore ready to make waves. Moses is back at middle linebacker, and prior to injury, he was an exceptional player and bona fide All American. We expect him to pick right up where he left off, a team leader who will anchor the unit. Joshua McMillian, Christian Harris, Shane Lee and King Mwikuta will form a stellar unit.  Patrick Surtain III is an All America player at cornerback. Many expect Ronald Williams Jr. to help fill the void in a depleted secondary. It will be interesting to see how this unit comes together, but this is Alabama under Nick Saban.  Offensively, the gifted Tua Tagovailoa is gone at quarterback, but Matt Jones got some time under fire, playing well, down the stretch last year after Tua’s injury.  Jones threw for 14 TD’s against 3 INT’s and 1500 yards. The job is Jones to assume, but if he should falter, highly touted incoming freshman Bryce Young, who many feel is a can’t miss star, is ready to go. Usually, it is slow going with a top freshman QB, but these days not so much.  Najee Harris will be to go to guy at running back, an All SEC preseason choice. BAMA has become a haven for not only recruiting outstanding receivers, but developing them. Although losses were suffered, Jones will have aerial weapons rivaled by few if any as targets. All America candidate DeVonta Smith outshined many last fall, hauling in 14 TDs and 1250 yds. Don’t forget about Jaylen Waddle, a fleet footed and dangerous option. If opposing corners lose Waddle, they won’t get a second chance. TE Miller Forrestal is exactly what the Tide want at TE. The Crimson Tide are again very good on the offensive line, led by All America OT Alex Leatherwood. Donnie Brown and Florida State transfer Landon Dickerson are potential All SEC candidates.  SO Evan Neal appears to be the next great tackle in line. Alabama needs improvement with both specialists, but Jaylen Waddle is perhaps the nation’s top kick returner. If it gets played, Alabama has a tricky opener versus USC in Arlington TX, who has a chance to exploit the inexperience in the secondary.  Georgia, a very strong team, comes to Tuscaloosa, with trips to a very improved Tennessee and defending champion LSU as November comes before closing hosting a dangerous ranked team in Texas A&M and arch rival Auburn. Although talent is everywhere, that schedule is tough and BAMA will need top level play at quarterback and the secondary to rise up to win the conference and reach the playoff.  The veteran lines and skill position players on offense indicate the Tide can get it done, but it is not going to be easy by any stretch.



4. Oregon







If Justin Herbert had stayed, in evaluating Oregon we could well be thinking we had our national champion, as the Ducks are loaded. However, with Herbert’s departure to the NFL, Oregon will be breaking in a new quarterback. Redshirt sophomore Tyler Shough is the heir apparent, a former 4* prospect. Shough has limited game experience and would have surely benefitted from spring ball, but it got shelved as it got going due to coronavirus.  In this day and age, a young QB is not as big of an issue as it used to be, and the Duck staff thinks they will be fine. Part of that reason is due to Boston College transfer Anthony Brown. Brown has some skills, having some big games up at BC, and he may end up running the show. Whoever steps in will work behind an inexperienced line, but the one returning starter is Penei Sewell, a consensus All America player and Outland Trophy winner. SO Steven Jones is a player worth watching, and hopes are high for Makaesala Aumavae-Laulu. CJ Verdell, who is an All America candidate at running back, returns after rushing for 1220 yards in 2019 and is a versatile weapon for Oregon to utilize. Johnny Johnson and Jaylen Redd are a dangerous duo, exceling at creating mismatches for opposing defenses to curtail.  Oregon will get on the scoreboard, benefitting from the addition of former Penn State OC and Mississippi State head coach Joe Moorhead.  Defensively, Oregon is exciting and powerful. Former top recruit Kayvon Thibudeaux, a 6’5” 242 pound sophomore defensive end, is ready to explode on the scene as an All America player.  Opposing offenses must account for this guy to be sure. NT Jordan Scott returns to plug up the nose. Mase Funa is a top returnee at linebacker, but Isaac Slade Matautia, an athletic 245lbs, will cause problems galore. We also expect Noah Sewell, the younger bother of Penei and 5* recruit in his own right, to figure prominently. The Ducks are skilled at utilizing the back end with hybrid players to wreak havoc.  The top returning tackler returns to patrol the back levels in NB Jevon Holland, a national honors candidate. A pair of honors candidates are back at the corners in Thomas Graham and Deommodore Lenoir, who combined for 17 PBU in ‘19. Nick Pickett is also back at safety, as is fan favorite roaming safety Brady Breeze.  This may be the nation’s best secondary, and with Thibudeaux terrorizing signal callers, this will be a fun train wrecking unit to watch. The kicking game is sound and there are a plethora of fleet footed folks to utilize in the return game. Oregon opens hosting FCS mega power North Dakota State before hosting playoff contender Oho State. Man, that is tough, and Oregon will have to perform at a much higher level than they opened with a year ago in dropping the opener vs. Auburn. If Oregon is 2-0, a playoff appearance is likely, and may be even with a loss to the Buckeyes.  Washington and Stanford visit Autzen, and both are descending. Other top contenders on the slate, USC and Arizona State, are back to back home games to start November.  With quality quarterback play, this is a playoff team, and we think they will get it. Man, that Ohio State matchup is a can’t miss contest, and with the aggressive defensive unit the Ducks house, they can win it.


5. Georgia






There are many around the country who think the Georgia Bulldogs will take a step back this season, and with QB Jake Fromm bolting early for the NFL, there is logic to that mindset. But, with the addition of Wake Forest transfer QB Jamie Newman, who many appear to be underrating, the Dawgs may well have more bite. Newman dazzled for the Deacons (26TD/11INT in ’19), and he has a great deal more talent around him in Athens to make SEC stop troops look befuddled. Newman will look for the uber talented George Pickens to be his main aerial target, and Pickens is expected at minimum to be an All SEC player. Demetris Robertson (30c), Dominick Blaylock and Matthew Landers will give the Dawgs an experienced group. Athletic Florida State transfer TE Tre’ McKitty offer more weaponry.  At running back, Zamir White is expected to follow the recent success UGA has had at the position, certainly an all conference honors candidate. James Cook and Kendall Milton could also figure in. C Trey Hill anchors the line, a strength for the Dawgs over the last half decade, but with former Ole Miss HC Matt Luke in charge, expect the unit to be stout. OG Ben Cleveland is another starter returning for the Dawgs. Justin Shaffer and Jamaree Salyer will be counted upon. The Dawgs have always been stingy on the stop side and we expect that to continue.  The secondary will be a strength, led by Al America candidate Richard LeCounte, who picked 4 passes in ’19 from his safety spot. Corner Eric Stoke is also a conference honors candidate. Up front, DE Malik Herring and DT Jordan Davis, conference honors candidates, lead the way. Travon Walker is an emerging star at DE; Georgia’s leading tackler from 2019, LB Monty Rice, is back as an All SEC performer. Jermaine Johnson also returns. Eight total starters are back, giving the Junkyard Dawgs a chance to be special. Due to personnel losses, the special teams will need revamped. Georgia gets Virginia to kickoff the season, and they will easily win that. Alabama comes to Athens in September, and that will be a must see contest where the winner takes command in the SEC. Georgia hosts Auburn and after a bye, meets a strong Florida in Jacksonville on Halloween. Emerging Tennessee visits Athens as well.  Georgia is not retracting as many suspect, and we think they have a decent chance at the playoff.  We have them 11-1.



6. Florida






Coming off an 11-2 season capped off with an Orange Bowl victory over Virginia, Dan Mullen has the Gators right where he wants them; a serious contender for the SEC East and therefore a player for a spot in the College Football Playoff.  The Gators are sure to have a strong bite in 2020 and are well positioned to win the SEC East.  Mullen is a quarterback coach and he has worked wonders with Kyle Trask, who came off the bench in early 2019 at Kentucky to rally the Gators to a win. Trask performed strongly the rest of the season, finishing with an impressive 25/7 TD/INT ratio, and is considered among the top SEC quarterbacks for 2020. Emory Jones came back and wants the job, but is certainly a quality backup and/or situational player who would be starting for many programs.  Damien Pierce seems positioned to take over at running back, but 5* Miami transfer Lorenzo Lingard is eligible and may be the guy. Malik Davis is also looking for carries.  The Gators lost most of their top receivers, but there is talent on hand. Kadarius Toney is a speedster, while Trevon Grimes and SO Jacob Copeland are set to shine.  Penn State transfer Justin Shorter could become a significant playmaker if he can realize his potential which he failed to do with the Lions. The Gators have an All America tight end in Kyle Pitts, who is a real weapon for Trask to utilize. We expect big things from Pitts.  Brett Heggie returns at center, but the line will be a work in progress. Stewart Reese will figure in at guard and returning LT starter Sloan Forsythe will be an anchor at tackle. The offensive unit could be powerful, but there are question marks. More often than not, the Gators have always been ferocious on the stop side, but there are questions here as well.  The secondary is the strength of the unit, with All  SEC CB Marco Wilson the top dog. SO Kalir Elam has a big future and Shawn Davis also returns. Amari Burney and Brad Stewart figure in.  Terry Dean returns as a bandit, but the strength of the linebacking core is inside with Ventrell Miller (top returning tackler), James Houston and Jeremiah Moon. The Gators also welcome Georgia transfer Brenton Cox, a 5* player with unlimited potential.  Up front, nose tackle Kyree Campbell plugs the middle. Tederral Stanton and Zachary Cox flank Campbell. Frosh Gervon Dexter could also figure in. Evan McPherson returns at place kicker with Jeremey Crenshaw jumping in a punter. Plenty of candidates are ready to accept the kick return challenges, but Toney seems a logical choice. Florida waltzes into a game at Tennessee, which, although they will be favored, is dangerous. The Gators host LSU, who they played tight a year ago. Florida will tangle with Georgia at the Cocktail Party to likely settle the SEC East. Florida closes at Fla. State, which although a rivalry game the Gators appear built to handle this year.  We ever so slightly favor Georgia in the East, but while Florida could well finish 9-3, don’t be surprised if the Gators run the table into an SEC Championship bout with Alabama.


7. Notre Dame





There is no question that Brian Kelly has elevated the Fighting Irish, currently on a three year run of 33-6 with a playoff appearance.  Although not projected to do so, under the direction of three year starter Ian Book at signal caller, the Irish have an outside shot of reaching the 2020 playoff. Book, who tossed 34 touchdowns against only six intercepts while throwing for 3000 yards, will lead an offensive unit that returns 7 starters, but while the line is veteran, the skill positions are not.  Notre Dame may have the best OL in the nation. OT Liam Eichenberg and OG Tommy Kraemer are legit All America candidates, and SO C Jarrett Patterson may soon join them. LG Aaron Banks and LT Robert Hainsey are quality returning starters. Notre Dame has a roster full of backs to compete for the starting job, but Jafar Armstrong appears to have the inside track. Jahmir Smith and Bo Flemister are competitors, as might be frosh Chris Tyree. Javon McKinley (11c/4TD) and Braden Lenzy (11c) are the top returning pass catchers, and talented tight end Tommy Tremble also returns.  For Notre Dame to really get rolling, some of these skill people will need to step up. Only five starters return on the stop side led by honors candidates in rover Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and MLB Drew White, who both tied as the top tacklers for Notre dame in 2019 with 80 stops. This is quite a pair to be sure. Up front, Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa returns, to anchor the line.  The secondary needs to replace some quality players, but does welcome back SO Kyle Hamilton (6 PBU/4INT), who turned many an eyeball in his freshman campaign a year ago. Nick McCloud and Shawn Crawford have experience. There are pieces here to put together a formidable unit. The kicking game is outstanding, with WR Lawrence Keys back to handle kicks. Notre Dame always plays a tough schedule but the opening slate is not as rough as usual.  The Irish should be 4-0 beginning October when they hit Green Bay to face Wisconsin. They play at Pitt and USC, and host Stanford, Clemson and emerging Louisville. Put down a bunch of W’s.  If Notre Dame could handle Wisconsin and then upset Clemson at home, they are in the playoff. It would seem Clemson is too much, but weather could be a factor. But, USC could also spoil it all. We will mark the Fighting Irish at 10-2.   

8. Oklahoma








Until Texas steps up, Oklahoma remains in a really good spot out in the BIG XII. The Sooners have superior talent and a high powered offense which continues to yield championship results.  What OU does not have in 2020 is a proven Heisman candidate returning at quarterback like usual.  Not to worry, the Sooners will be fine, but at this time, Spencer Rattler, the projected starter, does not translate to the game breaking player the Sooners have had in recent seasons. Rattler is a 5* recruit and should perform a high level, particularly considering the talent OU has on hand offensively.  Kennedy Brooks is back at running back, a 1000 yard rusher and an all conference performer at a minimum. As usual, Oklahoma has strong weaponry on the outside; however, the 2020 unit is young and inexperienced. Charleston Rambo is the top returnee and an all conference candidate. Jason Haselwood appears out to injury, so Theo Howard, a UCLA transfer, will be counted on.  Austin Stogner is at tight end. The offensive line is strong with the entire line returning, led by All America candidate Creed Humphrey at center. T Marquis Hayes is also an honors candidate. Although Oklahoma saw improvement on the defensive side last year, it is the stoop troops that have held the Sooners back in recent seasons. Up front, OU welcomes back Ronnie Perkins at DE, a game changing player who makes plays all over the field. Jalen Redmond is back as an honors candidate at DT, with JUCO standout Perrion Winfrey at nose. Nik Bonitto is back at outside linebacker, as is Caleb Kelly with DeShaun White in the middle.  Delarrin Turne-Yell is the teams top returning tackler at safety, and nickel-back Brendan Radley-Hiles is also back hoping to realize his outstanding potential. Tre Brown is the top cover corner joining returnees Pat Fields and Jaden Davis. OU has a great placekicker and punter; both set to challenge for conference honors. Tre Brown should return kicks. OU hosts Tennessee early which could be dangerous, but we are not sure the Volunteers are ready.  A visit to Army will be most interesting, before OU hits conference play.  After the Red River Rivalry at the Texas State Fair in Dallas, OU travels to Iowa State before hosting the best Oklahoma State team in a half decade and then traveling to TCU.  The Sooners stumble somewhere and finish 11-1.



9. Louisiana State






The Louisiana State Tigers are the defending national champions, completing a historic run in 2019 that captured the nation along with the hardware, which included the Heisman won by QB Joe Burrow. The Tigers were dominant.  Although there is no shortage of athletes in Baton Rouge, the Tigers will be rebuilding big time in 2020, having lost a tremendous amount of talent. Replacing Joe Burrow at quarterback will be the biggest challenge, and without question there will be a drop-off in production. Myles Brennan will follow the legend, but the good news is Brennan has weapons to work with. All America wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who caught 20 TD’s in ’19, is the go to guy.  Terrance Marshall, a big target at 6’4, also returns. Five star TE Arik Gilbert may figure in early working with Jamal Petigrew. Austin Deculus is the only returning lineman, one of the three returning offensive starters coming back. The offensive line will be a work in progress to be sure. Chris Curry and Tyrion Davis Price will spell one another at running back. Former Nebraska coach Bo Pelini returns at DC and will move to a 3-4 formation. DT Tyler Shelvin returns for the defense up front, and he is an all conference candidate. DT Glen Logan will play inside also, with Nick Farrell at DE. The linebacking core is new, with Damone Clark the leader in the middle. Jabril Cox, who transfers in from North Dakota State, will figure prominently. The secondary is very strong, with All America CB Derek Stingley (6 INT) aiming for the Jim Thorpe Award. S Jacoby Stevens also returns and the Tigers figure to use prep superstar Elias Hicks at CB. The specialists are above average to be sure and plenty of speed lurks around to break kicks open. LSU hosts Texas outside of conference week two, and the Horns played LSU close last year. LSU travels to Florida, where they have historically played well. Alabama comes to Baton Rouge and Tigers close at Auburn before traveling to face the Texas Aggies. LSU has a very talented roster, but the Tigers are very inexperienced entering 2020, especially at some critical spots offensively. It is hard to see LSU powering through their schedule to reach the SEC Championship Game. No worries after the historic a championship run in 2019, but a step back in 2020, which we foresee, is expected. Damn, the 2019 run for Coach O and ole Joey Burrow was fantastic but in 2020 we got LSU 9-3.



10. North Carolina







North Carolina has always been a sort of sleeping giant in our view, and although there have been some top five teams in the past, the Heels have never reached perennial power status. A few years back, under now departed coach Larry Fedora, we thought UNC had a veteran squad capable of a top ten finish, but the Heels faltered. Fedora is gone but Mack Brown, who last guided Carolina to a top ten finish, is back and doing wonders. The steps the Heels under Brown are taking have the conference worrying about a rising power in the coastal division.  North Carolina returns ten starters on offense and should field a prolific offensive attack. SO QB Sam Howell, who Brown flipped from Florida State, had a brilliant freshman campaign and comes into his sophomore season as one of the top quarterbacks in the country with seemingly brilliant capabilities. Howell, who had a very impressive (38/7 TD/INT ratio) is poised to inflict damage across the conference. Carolina brings back two potential national honor candidates in wideouts in Dazz Newsome (71c/1018yds/10TDs) and Dyami Brown (51c/1034yds/12TD;s).  Senior starter Beau Corrales (40c) is a big target for Howell at 6’4”, 210 lbs.  In fact, the top nine pass catchers from 2019 return, including TE Garrett Watson.  A pair of 1000 yard rushers return, with Michael Carter leading the way. Four offensive line starters return, with G Marcus McKethan and T Jordan Tucker leading the way while readying to challenge for All ACC honors. Stopping the Heels while certainly be an issue for opposing defenses. Seven starters are back defensively, but improvement is needed for UNC to really challenge nationally; Carolina gave up about 24 points per game in ’19. However, collectively the unit should be improved, and it begins with All ACC linebacker Chaz Surratt, the Heels leading tackler in 2019 who made plays all over the field. MLB Jeremiah Gemmell, second in stops in ’19, also returns. DE Tomon Fox is the lone returnee up front, where the Heels will try to regroup from the uber talented crew they had on the line a year ago. Trey Morrison is a utility player set to patrol the secondary where necessary. Kyler McMichael seems set to emerge at a corner, and UVA transfer Bryce Watts seems poised to grab a corner spot. Patrick Rene, Storm Duck and Don Chapman will figure in. Both specialists return, with Dazz Newsome and Michael Carter returning kicks. North Carolina opens at UCF, and the Knights will present a stiff challenge, but we think Howell directs the victory. Then Carolina hits the ATL to face Auburn, and that may be tough to win. The Heels host Virginia Tech, Miami and Pittsburgh, their main coastal competition for 2020.  The Tar Heels can run the table, make no mistake, but we see a loss somewhere before they face, and give Clemson fits, in ACC Championship Game.  11-1.



11. Penn State






The 2020 Nittany Lions James Franklin has assembled are positioned to, with favorite Ohio State visiting the valley, challenge for the B1G and a potential playoff spot. For the Lions, the roar will be on the defensive side, led by The Color & Pageantry preseason Defensive Player of the Year, LB Micah Parsons. The skills Parsons possesses make him a sure fire top five NFL pick, and a player who can change the game from his weakside linebacking position. Opposing offenses will attempt to account for Parsons, the teams leading returning tackler, but they will fail all while allowing a talented supporting cast to make plays. Up front, DE Shaka Toney, who had 5 QBH in 2019, and DT Antonio Shelton return to anchor the line of scrimmage, with Jayson Oweh is set become a dominant player at DE. Ellis Brooks would seem to have a linebacking spot with highly touted SO Brandon Smith stepping in. Lamont Wade, an All B1G pick, leads the secondary from his safety position while honors candidate Tariq Casro-Fields shines at corner. Marquis Wilson looks to fill the open corner spot while senior Jaquan Brisker is at safety. The Lions welcome back Sean Clifford at quarterback, who had an impressive 23/7 TD/INT ratio.  With Clifford more comfortable, even better numbers are anticipated. At running back, the Lions are excited by Journey Brown, who excelled in 2019 running for 890 yards and 12 touchdowns. Brown is a legit All B1G candidate. The receiving core will be led by Jahan Dotson, who had 5 TD’s in ’19 but experience behind him is limited. Floridian TJ Jones has a chance to emerge while Daniel George and John Dunmore figure in. All America TE Pat Freiermuth (23c/7TD) will be heavily counted upon. The offensive line is not the standards usually noted at Happy Valley, but the pieces are in place to field a decent unit. C Michal Menet, an All B1G candidate, leads the group. G Mike Miranda and Will Fires are very solid players. K Jake Pinegar returns but the Lions seek a new punter and return specialist. A trip to Virginia Tech in week two will give a us a nice snapshot of the strength of the Lions. Penn State will then be favored hosting Northwestern and at Michigan before Iowa, and after a bye, Ohio State visits Happy Valley.  If Penn State emerges out undefeated, they will have a playoff opportunity. However, even with Parsons, we are not confident the defense can hold up and the offense can outscore the others.  We got Penn State 10-2.

12. Texas A&M









Finally, in his third season at College Station, most of the Aggies squad are Jimbo Fisher recruits, and with QB Kellen Mond returning, expectations are high for Texas A&M. And why not? Seventeen starters are back giving the Aggies a shot at a potential SEC West title, which of course, is much, much easier said than done. Mond has had his moments, throwing for almost 3000 yards last fall with a 20/9 TD/INT ratio. Mond, an All SEC honors candidate, will look to build upon his 62% completion rate, and he has the skill people around him to do just that. Jhamon Ausbon, an honors candidate who led the team in receptions in 2019, leads the receiving core. TE Jalen Wydermyer, who led the team in TD receptions a year ago, is also back. Baylor Cupp and true frosh Demond  Demas figure prominently. 2019 leading rusher Isaiah Spiller, a splendid sophomore, also returns. The Aggies need a new center, with Ryan McCollum expected to win the job, but bring back both guards and tackles, led by guard Kenyon Green and tackle Dan Moore.  With this veteran group, the Aggies expect the unit to be a team strength. On the stop side, A&M returns nine starters.  Up front the Aggies will be strong, with NT Bobby Brown and DT Jayden Peevy and DE DeMarvin Leal, who will be vying for conference honors. DE players Tyree Johnson and Michael Clemons also come back. Top 2019 tackler Buddy Johnson returns at middle linebacker, as does Anthony Hines on the weakside. The entire secondary is youthful but returns all meaningful players. S Demani Richardson is a super soph, and the leader of the group. Elijah Blades, a Hurricane legacy, jumps in at corner joining Myles Jones. Leon O’Neal is at strong safety, while many have true freshman Jaylon Jones finding the field. The top five total tacklers return, so expected improvement for the Aggies will be welcomed on the stop side. Seth Small is back at placekicker, but the Aggies need a new punter but like Nik Constantinou.  WR Ainias Smith should lead kick returnees. There is no Clemson on the slate for 2020, which is favorable. A&M should be 4-0 before traveling to Hail State as a favorite. If A&M can will at Auburn in mid October, they will be 10-0 traveling to Alabama. Then A&M hosts LSU to close.  With Fisher guiding a capable quarterback like Mond, anything can happen, but we will go with 10-2 for the Texas Aggies.



13. Oklahoma State








Oklahoma State, with seventeen starters returning including potential All America players in running back Chuba Hubbard and WR Tylan Wallace,  is positioned to make a serious challenge at an undefeated season and a Big XII Championship. Improvement is expected from SO QB Spencer Sanders, who in his freshman campaign last season had an unimpressive 16/11 TD/INT ratio, making Hubbard (2094yds) and Wallace (53c/903yds/8TD’s) even more dangerous. Dillon Stoner, Braydon Johnson and ‘6’6” target Dee Anderson fill out the receiving core. Jelani Woods is dynamic at tight end.  The offensive line is better than most know, with a handful of potential honors candidates. G Josh Sills, a UVA transfer, and T Teven Jenkins are most notable, but SO Bryce Bray is also an outstanding player.  With improved play from Sanders, the Pokes will no doubt be potent offensively. The stop troops, who gave up 27ppg in ’19, including back to back games with opponents scoring 45, were not a bright spot. But with ten starters back, they coaching staff expects significant improvement as nine of the top ten tacklers from 2019 are back. Up front, where most of the losses were suffered, is where the Cowboys are most inexperienced. DT Israel Antwine is the key up front, but on occasion Tre Ford made some big plays and perhaps he rises his game. The linebacking core is stout, led by Amen Ogbongbemiga and Malcolm Rodriguez, both All Big XII players. The secondary is a problem for opposing offenses. The interior is great, with All Big XII FS Kolby Harvell-Peel (5 picks in’19) and Tre Starling back at SS. Rodarius Williams and Jarrick Bernard are quality corners. The Pokes need a kicker, but do return the punter and have speed galore for kick returns. Look for Braydon Johnson to do work. We think OSU will win at TCU, leaving them 4-0 before Iowa State visits. The Clones are fun, but they get beat in Stillwater. Heading to Norman, the Cowboys should be 7-0. Can they get that done? Perhaps. If so, they host Texas to close the season.  There was some concerning turmoil in the offseason as racial tensions emerged across the country in the form of RB Chuba Hubbard calling out coach Mike Gundy (ridiculously in our view) which could cause dissention internally. With this veteran squad poised to do so much, that would be a shame.  With that being noted, we cannot see Okie State running the table, so we will go with OSU coming in at 10-2.

14. Texas














Big things have been expected at Texas since Tom Herman took over, and while there have been some moments, the Horns have underachieved during this period. The Horn faithful are an impatient bunch, so for Herman to remain in Austin the Horns had better get kicking.  With sixteen starters returning, including gunslinger senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger., the time is now.  In 2019, Ehlinger, who completed 65% of his throws with an impressive 32/10 TD/INT ratio, should garner All Big XII honors. Junior running back Keaontay Ingram, the Horns 2019 leading rusher returns, backed by talented Roschon Johnson and freshman Bijan Robinson. The two top pass catchers are gone, with Brennan Eagles (32C,6TD) the most experienced returnee. Joshua Moore, Malcolm Epps and Jake Smith seemed primed to step in for Texas. Jordan Worthington, a five star running back, appears set to move to slot receiver.  Cade Brewer can make some noise at tight tend.  Samuel Cosmi and Junior Angilau lead the offensive line, which returns three starters. Texas returns nine defensive starters, but the Horns were not especially stout at stopping opposing offenses in 2019 giving up 27.5 ppg, so improvement is needed. Up front, with TaQuon Graham and Keondre Coburn back, the Horns hope to solidify the middle front. The Horns “Jack” DE Joseph Ossai is a playmaker. DeMarvion Overshown, Juwan Mitchell and Ayodele Adeoye form the linebacking core. The secondary should be strength after an injury plagued 2019.  BJ Foster will play the SPUR spot, and he can make plays. Caden Sterns has All America potential at safety, and when pitted with All Big XII candidate Chris Brown, the Horns are stacked deep on the inside. D’Shawn Jamison and Jalen Green return at the corner positions.  The kicking game returns in tact, with D’Shawn Jamison and Brandon Jones returning kicks.  The Horns travel to LSU early, which may be the best considering the heavy personnel losses of the National Championship Tigers. TCU and Iowa State come to Austin but the Horns hit the road for K-State and Okie State.  Beating Oklahoma in Dallas is the catalyst to the season, for if they are undefeated at Oklahoma State they have a good chance. It will be tough, so we got Texas at 10-2.


15. Southern Cal










Another year of trying to run coach Clay Helton out of town has failed, and given the goings on, it may be a real good turn of events for the Trojans as there is talent on hand to make a run at the PAC 12 Title. Offensively, USC is led by QB Kedon Slovis, who outlasted a parade of five star competitors. Slovis threw for 3500 yards with 30/9 ratio and will compete for all conference honors should he remain healthy. The Trojans will employ a running back committee, with the steady Vavae Malepeai teaming with Stephen Carr. Kenan Christon will get snaps to break to the open field, but many think Markese Stepp is the guy. Up front, Alijah Vera-Tucker is an All America candidate at left tackle who will anchor the unit. Jalen McKenzie also returns at tackle as does center Brett Neilon. Where the Trojans are lethal offensive is in their receiving core, perhaps the nation’s best. Junior Amon Ra-St. Brown will appear on several pre-season All America teams; deservedly so. Tyler Vaughns (74c) and Drake London (5TD’s) also return. Kyle Ford and Bru McCoy are ready to go as well. USC will pile up points, so opponents will need to find plenty of paydirt to outduel the Men of Troy. Defensively, the Trojans exhibit strength right up front, with returning starters DT Jay Tufele and DE Marlon Jackson leading the way. Palais Gaoteote IV returns at linebacker, but this is a unit under progress. The secondary is sound. Talanoa Hufanga returns at safety as an all conference awards candidate.  S Isaiah Pola-Mao and corners Olaijah Griffin, Chris Steele, Greg Johnson and Issac Taylor-Stuart all have experience. USC was not good on special teams, so they will look for improvement across the board. Southern Cal opens at Alabama, where a loss seems likely but SC has the passing attack to perhaps exploit a green Tide secondary. The PAC 12 slate is tougher than most think, but the hardest game for the Trojans would be at Oregon first week of November.  USC closes at UCLA before hosting Notre Dame.  The Trojans have pieces to be quite dangerous, but USC also has some holes and a tough schedule.  We will go 9-3 for Southern Cal.





16. Virginia Tech







So far, the tenure of Justin Fuentes has been shaky at Virginia Tech. There have been some notable wins, but there also has been some mind bogging losses. Furthermore, one wonders the about the framework of the team, given the heavy participation in the transfer portal by a slew of Hokie players.  It has the feel of a make or break season for Fuentes, but the talent coming back (eighteen starters return) indicates the Hokies are capable of winning the Coastal Division.  Tech has a strong returning quarterback in Herndon Hooker (13TD/2INT), who took over and closed the season 6-2. Former starter Quincy Patterson returns, but Oregon State transfer Braxton Burmeister enters the mix. Three of the top pass catchers return, led by Tre Turner, and All ACC candidate. Turner tore up the stat sheet, with 34 catches for 543 yards while running for another 255 yards. Tayvion Robinson returns and Kaleb Smith starts into a starting role. TE James Mitchell (21c/2TD) is also back.  All five starters on the offensive line return, giving the Hokies a real chance for a balanced attack. Christian Darrisaw and Lecitus Smith lead the way, but there is talent and depth within the unit.  Tech should be quite potent on offense. Ten defensive starters return. The entire front returns to disrupt rushing attacks and seek quarterback sacks. DT Jarrod Hewitt and DE Justus Reed are All ACC candidates. MLB Rayshard Ashby led the ACC in tackles in 2019 and is primed for primetime while WLB Dax Hollifield is another honors candidate.  CB Caleb Farley is an All America candidate who leads a very talented secondary. CB Jermaine Walker, an honors candidate as well, had ten pass break ups a year ago. From his OLB spot, Chamarri Conner hopes to build upon a ridiculous stat line he assembled in ’19; 5.5S/4.5TFL/8PBU/7QBH. Are you kidding? Did anyone try to block him? This unit could be daunting for opposing offenses facing it. Both specialists also return. Tavion Robinson and Terius Wheatley are back to field kicks and punts. If the mindset among the team is in the right place, this team could be very dangerous and a legitimate threat to win the Coastal Division. Given the talent on hand, they could be more than competitive in the ACC Championship Game.


17. Wisconsin







Step outside the world of Alabama and Clemson and perhaps the definition of plug and play can be found in Madison, Wisconsin, home of the Badgers. Even with a mix of coaches over the past pair of decades and various levels of talent, Wisconsin is always in the mix for the B1G Championship. Until somebody steps up and knocks them out, we expect to find them representing the B1G West in Indianapolis. Wisconsin has been a running back factory, but they must replace All American Jonathan Taylor, a brilliant and versatile three year starter.  At this point, there does not appear to be a back of Taylor’s capabilities hanging around. Nakia Watson seems first in line to become the featured back, but top recruit Jalen Berger may get an opportunity. Jack Coan played much better than expected at quarterback, holding off top recruit Graham Mertz, and both return. The receiving core suffered significant losses, but the Badgers have high hopes for Kendric Pryor (23c) and Danny Davis (30c). For the last several seasons, Wisconsin has had a veteran line which pulverized opponents; they are what old school Nebraska used to be. For 2020, there are some new pieces that need settling, but behind potential Al B1G LT Cole Van Lanen, expect the Badgers to field a stout unit. Jake Ferguson (33c) and Cormac Sampson are reminiscent of the prior Wisconsin tight ends that move the chains. Defensively, nine starters are back from a unit which gave up only 17ppg. All three of the 3-4 front return, so up front the Badgers will be a force. DE Isaiahh Loudermilk is ready to breakout, while Keannu Benton at NT and Garrett Rand at DE have the Badgers biting. MLS Jack Sanborn, the Badgers top returning tackler from 2019, is back to clear up the middle. Noah Burks is on the outside. CB Falon Hicks and Ceasar Williams along with S Eric Burrell (3INT’s) lead the secondary. Collin Larsh only hit 12 of 18 attempts last fall, so improvement is needed. New folks will step up at punter and in the return game. Wisconsin sometimes seems due to step back, but plug and play just continues to roll, at least in the West. Wisconsin opens hosting a dangerous Indiana team, but should be 4-0 before traveling to Michigan, where they should be slightly favored. The Badgers then face Notre Dame in Green Bay and then host Minnesota. They won’t get through that without a blemish. Northwestern and Iowa away and a home date with Nebraska are seemingly wins, but life in the B1G never seems to go as expected. 10-2.



18. Miami








It is the same song and dance.  Last year, like many other recent seasons, we projected the Miami Hurricanes to have a strong season, but once again, we were disappointed. The Canes, while seemingly hosting a danceathon on the sidelines, lost to at FIU for crying out loud! Not only that, after losing close to Florida and North Carolina, the Hurricanes did not appear well coached and lacked discipline. Victories over Louisville, ranked Virginia and Florida State were the highlights of the 6-7 season which ended with UM being shut out by Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl. Prospects for a strong season are once again in the cards, if they can overcome the coaching and discipline issues, as the Hurricanes continue to assemble talent. The Hurricanes struck gold in garnering the services of Houston transfer quarterback D’Eriq King, an electric player who can kickstart the Canes offense, which averaged a pedestrian 25ppg, especially given the athletes the Canes employ. CamRon Harris is poised to take over at running back, but watch Jaylan Knighton. TE Brevin Jordan is special and All ACC. Mike Harley, Mark Pope and Dee Higgins are the wideouts. The offensive line was shaky a year ago, with the unit giving up 51 sacks and having trouble running the football. Most of the unit returns, but significant improvement is necessary. LG Delone Scaife is the best player, while LT Zion Nelson has great potential. Miami has chance to be dominant on defense, at least up front. All America DE Greg Rousseau is ready to terrorize opposing QB’s, but the Canes brought in All America Temple transfer Quincy Roche, a sack specialist. This pair of ends is tops in the country.  Jonathan Ford is at DT. MLB Zach McCloud leads the linebacking core. Avery Huff is on the weakside. SS Amari Carter and legacy CB Al Blades are top secondary returnees.  Former USC transfer Bubba Bolden will figure prominently.  The kicking game is solid, but a new return man is needed, which should not be an issue with the speed merchants the Canes house. A game at Michigan State should be a breeze for the Canes but a game hosting Pitt may be tougher than most think. We project Miami 7-1 before hosting Florida State, and that should be a win. The Canes travel to Virginia Tech before closing at Ga. Tech and home versus Duke.  Miami could be 11-1, but we cannot see the issues that always plague the Canes going away. So, we go Miami finishing 9-3.


19. Auburn







Out on the plains, there are always rumblings, and rightfully so. On paper, the Tigers annually look like a top ten team, and while they have won titles and lost in the national title game just 7 years ago, they seemingly have underachieved. They did beat Oregon and Alabama last year, showing the promise, but got handled by Florida, edged by LSU and beaten by Georgia before getting defeated by Minnesota in the Outback Bowl. Two big victories but 9-4, which is not what the goals are for Auburn. Highly heralded legacy recruit Bo Nix was everything they hoped he would be at quarterback, giving the Tigers a player to build around. Seth Williams is an All SEC candidate at receiver (8TD’s). Eli Stove and Anthony Schwartz also return giving the Tigers a deep receiving core, with Jashawn Sheffield turning heads. TE John Samuel Shenker is the typical Auburn flex option. DJ Williams will battle incoming touted frosh Tank Bigsby for the top spot at running back.  Nick Brahms returns at center, but the rest of the line must be replaced.  Brodarious Hamm is a player to watch, as is Akron transfer Brandon Council, but overall this is unit in progress.  Markaviest “Big Kat” Bryant will be a beast DE, figuring to challenge for conference honors. Tyrone Truesdell also returns, and the Tigers went the JUCO rout for some help.  KJ Britt is back at outside linebacker, a top playmaker while Owen Pappoe and Chanlder Wooten also returning. This unit is strong. The secondary will need to regroup after losing several players, but there is talent on hand. CB Christian Tutt and S Smoke Monday are two to begin with CB Roger McCreary and S Jamien Sherwood set to rock. The Tigers seek improvement in the kicking game, but have confidence in K Anders Carlson. Tutt should handle the kicks. The schedule would appear easier, but North Carolina is on the come and very dangerous, so that game in Atlanta will be fun. Coin flip contest at Ole Miss and hosting Kentucky are preliminaries for the real deal, which includes a visit to Georgia followed by a trip to College Station. The Tigers close at home vs. LSU and at Alabama. Auburn does not appear equipped to handle all of that.  The Tigers are looking 8-4 in the eyeball. 



20. Michigan








All is not well at Michigan. Maize and blue faithful are flat tired of getting clocked by arch rival Ohio State, which includes a 56-27 home trouncing a year ago.  The Wolverines have favorite son Jim Harbaugh as head coach, are recruiting well and have everything in place to be a playoff contender; except they are not.  Answers are not readily available, so Michigan will continue to do work and strive to close the gap. Only five starters return offensively, but there is talent among the group. We got Dylan McCaffrey taking over at quarterback, and we think he is much better than most think. Zach Charbonnet (726yds) returns after leading the Wolverines in rushing a year ago, but watch Hassan Hawkins. Nico Collins (7TD’s) is an All B1G performer at WR. Ronnie Bell, Giles Jackson and newcomer AJ Henning form a nice group. Nick Eubanks (25C) is back at tight end, but on the line, an annual strength for Michigan, only guard Jalen Mayfield returns. The staff likes the group, but experience is short. The defense has big personnel losses as well. DE Adrian Hutchison is the Wolverines top returning tackler, just ahead of WLB Cameron Lagrone. DE Kwitty Paye is a guy who seems poised to elevate his game and DT Carlo Kemp has talent. Honors candidate FS Dexton Hill leads the secondary while cornerback Ambry Thomas has his moments. CB Vincent Gray flanks Thomas. Michigan opens at Washington, and although the Huskies have issues, the Wolverines will be dogs. Before Michigan travels to see the Spartans and Gophers, they host Wisconsin and Penn State. 2-2 would be good in this run. The Wolverines close at Ohio State. There are at least 3 losses coming, if not four. 8-4 for Harbaugh and Michigan.



21. Minnesota









Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck has his detractors, but nobody can question the run the Gophers went on last season!  Even the Najarian brothers were fired up, especially with Minnesota thumping Auburn in the Outback Bowl! Can Fleck and the Gophers build on the 11-2 campaign in 2020?  They can start offensively, with junior quarterback Tanner Morgan returning. Morgan hit 66% of his throws, with a very impressive 30/7 TD/INT ratio!  Rashod Bateman, an All America candidate at wide receiver (60c/1219yds/11TD’s), is quite a target for Bateman’s aerials. Chris Autman-Bell (28c) also returns. Mo Ibrahim (604yds) is ready to step in at running back, and he looks ready to emerge nationally. The Gophers were impressive up front a year ago, and with everyone back, expect more of the same. With OT Daniel Faalele, at 6’9” 400lbs, they are imposing to say the least. Sam Schlueter and Blaise Andries are potentially all conference as well. On the stop side, the Gophers only bring back 4 starters with no all conference locks on the unit. The secondary will be the strength, with three starters back. Both corners, Benjamin St-Juste and Coney Durr, each of whom had a stellar 10 PBU”s a year ago, are back to thwart aerial offenses. S Jordan Howden is the top returning tackler. Micah Dew Treadway is the lone returning starter on the line, but look for DE Esezi Otomewo to rise his game. Mariano Sori-Marin leads a green linebacking core. The kicking game is seemingly in flux, but Demetrius Douglass is back to handle the kicks. Minnesota has issues with Iowa, but host the Hawkeyes. The Gophers travel to Wisconsin before hosting Michigan in midseason before hosting Northwestern before closing at Nebraska. Minnesota will light up the scoreboard but there plenty of holes on the stop side. Even so, the schedule allows for a strong season. 9-3.





22. Arizona State









Count us as shocked, but the Herm Edwards experiment appears to be working, and there is real excitement surrounding the Arizona State football program. While only twelve starters return, the Sun Devils are a very young team with scores of players gaining valuable experience a year ago.  Only four are back on offense, which was kind of a helter skelter unit in 2019 while averaging 24ppg. However, there are key components returning. Start with QB Jayden Daniels, who, while throwing for almost 3000 yds, tossed 17 touchdowns against only 2 interceptions. Protecting the football is a fundamental belief in Edwards coached team! On top of that, Daniels ran for 546 yards and is the Sun Devils top returning rusher. Deamonte Trayanum, a true freshman, is being penciled in at running back. So the coaches think highly of him! Frank Darby is a conference honors candidate at WR, and he could put up big numbers. Ricky Pearsall, Jorden Kerley and freshman Johnny Wilson will get chances to make plays. Dohnovan West at left guard is the premier player up front for the Sun Devils. Texas A&M transfer Kellen Diesch gets the LT Spot with Stanford transfer Henry Hattis finding the field. RT Ladarius Henderson also returns. Curtis Hodges is at tight end. Eight defensive starters return for the aggressive Sun Devils, including nine of the top ten tacklers. DT Jermayne Lole (6.5s) anchors the front. Darien Butler (top returning tackler) and Merlin Robertson form a standout linebacking core. The secondary is quite good. Corner Jack Jones (13 PBU) and FS Aashari Crosswell (10 PBU) are All PAC 12 candidates.  Don’t forget about S Evan Fields, who was second in stops in 2019 with 83. The future is bright, and Devils are a dangerous team. A trip to Southern Cal in late September should be for the South Division. Arizona State hosts an improved Cal then travels late to Oregon and to rival Arizona. 9-3 for Arizona State,


23. Tennessee









When we look back at the absolute dumpster fire that was burning up the Tennessee program a few years back, it is remarkable to consider how far they have come in such a short time under coach Jeremy Pruitt, a guy nobody in Knoxville wanted. In 2019, the Vols were 2-5 with a win over UT Chattanooga before ripping off six straight and a win at rival Kentucky before dumping Indiana in the Gator Bowl. Seventeen starters are back. Offensively, QB Justin Guarantano, who had a 16/8 TD/INT ratio, returns to direct the Volunteer offense, who will likely hold off a challenge from highly regarded 5* recruit Harrison Bailey. Josh Palmer is the top returning pass catcher coming back, although Brandon Johnson, a top target from years prior, is also back. Velus Jones, Ramal Keyton and Deangelo Gibbs will get repetitions. Freshman freak athlete Malachi Wildeman may also figure in. Sophomore Eric Gray looks like the guy at tailback, but the top rusher from 2019 Ty Chandler is also back. The entire offensive line returns, led by All SEC G Trey Smith. Cade Mayes, a Georgia transfer, and Brandon Kennedy will also vie for All SEC honors. Austin Pope is at tight end. Tennessee has the potential to be potent on offense. LB Henry To’o To’o, who earned freshman All America honors as a freshman, returns to lead the defensive unit and challenge for All SEC honors, which brings back eight starters. Up front, Emmit Gooden returns from injury at DE along with Darel Middleton. Aubrey Solomon, a transfer from Michigan, is an athletic tackle. Quarvaris Crouch, Kivon Bennett and STAR safety  Shawn Shamburger join the linebacking core. Junior CB Bryce Thompson, with 3 picks a year ago, leads the secondary. Alontae Taylor flanks Thompson at CB while Jaylen McCollough, Trevon Flowers and Theo Jackson are the safeties. Brett Cimaglia is a strong kicker while Paxton Brooks is sound at punter. Ty Chandler is the return man.  Tennessee is on the rise, make no mistake, but we may not notice so much in 2020. An early trip to Oklahoma is on the non conference slate, which is tough but does provide a big opportunity.  Florida comes to Rocky Top, and if Tennessee is really going to step up, a victory over a quality Gator team would speak volumes. The third Saturday in October has Alabama visiting but after Kentucky visits Tennessee then travels to Georgia.  So, Tennessee is an underdog in four contests. We got Tennessee finishing 8-4, but don’t be surprised if they nip Florida and/or Georgia.


24. UCF





It has been quite an impressive run for the Knights over the last half decade, and had fantastic quarterback McKenzie Milton not suffered a career jeopardizing leg injury, who knows what UCF may have accomplished. Even so, UCF has positioned itself well as the top of the class in the AAC. For 2020, the Knights bring back sixteen starters, and among those are some integral pieces. SO Dillon Gabriel performed well in 2019, completing 60% of  his aerial while tossing 29 touchdowns against only 7 interceptions leading the offense to an average of 43ppg. Darreil Mack has previous starts and want the job back. Greg McCrae (542yds) seems the man at running back, with the versatile Otis Anderson (726yds) splitting time as a receiver (31c). What a pair of elite players. Tre Nixon, an NFL prospect, leads the receiving core but Marlon Williams is the top returning pass catcher (51c). Jacob Harrison and Jaylen Robinson (OU transfer) will see time.  TE Jake Hescock (9c,2TD) returns. Cole Schneider and Parker Boudreaux give the Knights a stellar pair of guards inside. Edward Collins and Marcus Tatum, a grad transfer from Tennessee, will shine. The defensive unit is led by potential All America safety Richie Grant. UCF has a strong secondary, with nickelback Aaron Robinson (10PBU) and All AAC performer and conference honors candidate Antwan Collier at safety. Brandon Morse and Tay Gowan, who had 8 PBU from his corner spot cover the perimeter. Eriq Gilyard mans the middle linebacker spot and could well earn All AAC honors. From the weakside, Eric Mitchell returns as the third returning top tackler. DT Kenny Turnier (10TFL)  anchors the line with help from Kalia Davis and emerging Randy Charlton coming off the edge. Andrew Osteen is a good punter, but he Knights need  a new placekicker. Otis Anderson did have a punt return touchdown last year, so no problems in the return game. UCF hosts powerful North Carolina to open the year, and it is a big one for both teams. Trips to Georgia Tech and Tulsa should be wins but a trip to Memphis could be for the conference, but if not, the conference will be decided when a good Cincinnati team comes to Orlando. The Knights either drop the opener then run the table or lose a few along the way. We got them 10-2.


25. Iowa State









The job Matt Campbell is doing in Ames is not going unnoticed as many teams with coaching vacancies came calling seeking a chance to sway Campbell from the Clones.  Campbell has the Cyclones reaching for the top of the Big XII and with the veteran team returning in 2020, Iowa State should be considered dangerous for their conference opponents.  Headlining the Cyclones offense this season is returning quarterback Brock Purdy, whose strong performance in 2019 generated almost 4000 yards with 27 touchdowns. Purdy is really good signal caller (354 rushing), and we expect him to challenge for All Big XII honors. SO Breece Hall, who emerged in 2019 to lead the Cyclones with 950 rushing yards, is poised to take his dynamic game to the next level. Tarique Milton (35C) leads the returning wideouts. Landen Akers, JUCO transfer Xavier Hutchinson and Sean Shaw will get opportunities. The Clones have perhaps the nations best group of tight ends with Chase Allen and All Big XII Charlie Kolar (51c). Trevor Downing, Robert Hudson and Colin Newell lead a line which is seeking improvement. Iowa State was stingy on the stop side last year, but did surrender 26ppg.  This season, the Clones hope they are more experienced. DE JaQuan Bailey returns from injury and is ready to make waves. NT Eyioma Uwazurike and DE Zach Peterson return as well.  Expect JUCO transfer Latrell Bankston to find a spot at DT.  Linebackers Mike Rose (77 stops) and Orien Vance (6.5s) return. All Big XII SS Greg Eisworth and conference honors candidate Anthony Johnson (10PBU) are stars while FS Lawrence White returns as the teams top returning tackler to form a very strong secondary. Both specialists return as do returners Tyrique Milton and Kene Nwangwu.  Iowa State has a chance to make some real noise. The Clones open hosting South Dakota before traveling to Iowa. In October, they play at Okie State then host OU. K-State and Baylor visit while Iowa State ravels to TCU, Texas and West Virginia. The Clones will get nicked along the way but seem poised to dump somebody as a dog. We got the Clones 8-4.

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THE SLEEPER SIX

FLORIDA STATE
-'Noles and Norvell needed spring ball, but there is measurable talent on hand, including All America players in DT Marvin Wilson and WR Tamorrion Terry. The upgrade in coaching is offset by a murderous schedule, but Florida State is on the way back!

LOUISVILLE
-Scott Satterfield did a magnificent job in his first season, and now, with sixteen returning starters including splendid WR TuTu Aatwell and 1660 yard rusher Javian Hawkins, the Cards should be considered potent on offense and mighty dangerous.

MEMPHIS
-Memphis is set to light up the scoreboard behind three very talented players in QB Brady White, RB Kenneth Gainwell and wideout Demonte Coxie. There are also some decent pieces on the stop side, most notably to NFL corner prospect TJ Carter. 

PITTSBURGH
-The Panthers have been quietly ascending and are a legit threat to win the ACC Coastal. Pitt returns QB and entire offensive line, but they have a stout D led by All America DT Jaylen Tywan and All ACC DE Patrick Jones and S Paris Ford.

CINCINNATI
- The Bearcats, coming off back to back 11 win seasons, have a veteran team with a returning quarterback and an aggressive defense with a standout secondary. Early game at Nebraska gives chance for a springboard.


WASHINGTON
-Led by All America candidate Levi Onwuzurike at DE and hawk Elijah Bolden at nickel, the Huskies will again be tough on the stop side, but the Dawgs break in new head coach and people at skill quarterback and running back positions.



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POTENTIAL BREAKTHROUGHS:  Iowa, Indiana, Boise State, Nebraska, Mississippi State, California, Utah, Stanford, Kentucky and Northwestern. 

ASCENDING:  Louisville, Nebraska, Georgia Tech, Florida State, Tennessee, California, Ole Miss and Iowa State.

DESCENDING: South Florida, NC State, Baylor and Washington State.

COACHING HOT SEAT: Dave Doren, NC State, Kevin Sumlin, Arizona, Clay Helton, USC; Justin Fuetnes, Virginia Tech and Gus Malzahn, Auburn.

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2020 PRESEASON ALL AMERICA TEAM


OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Trevor Lawrence
Quarterback
CLEMSON



























ALL AMERICA OFFENSE

WR         Ja'Marr Chase, Louisiana State
WR         Rashod Bateman, Minnesota
WR         Tamorrion Terry, Florida State
WR         Tylan Wallace, Oklahoma State
TE           Kyle Pitts, Florida
OT          Penei Sewell, Oregon
OL          Liam Echenberg, Notre Dame
OL          Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma          
OL          Wyatt Davis, Ohio State
OL          Trey Smith, Tennessee
OT          Alex Leatherwood, Alabama
QB          Trevor Lawrence,Clemson
RB           Travis Etienne, Clemson
RB           Chubba Hubbard, Oklahoma State
RB           Najee Harris, Alabama
RB           Kenneth Gainwell, Memphis


DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Micah Parsons
Linebacker
PENN STATE

























ALL AMERICA DEFENSE


DE          Greg Rosseau, Miami
DL          Marvin Wilson, Florida State
DT          Julian Okwara, Notre Dame
DL          Jaylen Twyman, Pittsburgh
DE          Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon    
OLB       Quincy Riche, Miami
ILB         Dylan Moses, Alabama
ILB         Paddy Fisher, Northwestern
ILB         Chaz Surratt, North Carolina
ILB         Rayshard Ashby, Virginia Tech
OLB        Micah Parsons, Penn State
CB          Derek Stingley Jr., Louisiana State
S             Jevon Holland, Oregon
S             Richard LeCounte, Georgia
S             Andre Cisco, Syracuse
CB          Shaun Wade, Ohio State


SPECIALISTS

K            Nick Sciba, Wake Forest
P            Max Duffy, Kentucky
KR         Savon Scarver, Utah State
PR          JalenWaddle, Alabama
AP          Rondale Moore, Purdue


NEWCOMERS

ONC       Zachary Evans, TCU
DNC       Bryan Breese, Clemson

*EDITORS NOTE: Trevor Lawrence photo via FOX Business and Micah Parsons phot via Good Morning America