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
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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6. Florida
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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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 16. Virginia Tech |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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,
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Trevor Lawrence
QuarterbackCLEMSON |
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
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DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Micah Parsons
Linebacker
PENN STATE
|
ALL AMERICA DEFENSE
DE Greg Rosseau, Miami
DL Marvin Wilson, Florida State
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
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
DNC Bryan Breese, Clemson
*EDITORS NOTE: Trevor Lawrence photo via FOX Business and Micah Parsons phot via Good Morning America
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