Somehow, the football Gods allowed the 2020 College Football season to run to completion amid the pandemic, with the Alabama Crimson Tide securing yet another National Championship!
And of us who so dearly love the game were beyond thankful we were able to get it in!
While Covid and its variants are still negatively impacting many, we are set to get back to some normalcy. Lets start with the fanfare! Packed stadiums, with full tailgating compliments. The color and pageantry of it all, with the bands, cheerleaders and mascots! We can't wait!
As fall camp came rolling around, the college football world was shocked by another mind-boggling episode of conference realignment. Guess who? Of course, the unharnessed arrogance of The University of Texas rears its ugly head once again, as Texas, who has Oklahoma along for the ride, has bolted the Big XII to join the Southeastern Conference. This has essentially decimated the Big XII Conference, a second attempt by Texas to wreck the conference. Now, other conferences are scrambling, and the fallout is far, far from over. While past conference realignment has been troubling, this particular move has the potential to change the game we so adore in a very negative way. Intersectional games, old rivalries, particular some border wars, and upstart non power five teams looking to make noise and those hunting paydays are all in jeopardy. Once again, we can thank, or throw daggers, at those overrated and arrogant folks over in Austin.
Sadly, we will embark on the 2021 season with heavy hearts, as legendary Florida State head football coach Bobby Bowden died on August 8 at age 91. One can argue Bowden was the greatest college college football coach ever, and evidence in that regard can be found in Bowden taking downtrodden Florida State to a national power within a five year period. And then, there were the fourteen consecutive top five finishes, a feat that is beyond remarkable. But it was off the field where Bowden really exceled, displaying a high level of character buoyed by his profound faith and Christian principles. His folksy, jovial persona was as genuine as it gets. Everyone was a long lost friend to Coach Bowden, or he made those in his presence feel that way. Bowden built Florida State, and he was no doubt a top ambassador for the game of college football we hold so dear, but the lives he had a positive impact on cannot be adequately measured. Bowden served the Lord, his fellow countrymen, and his players and those who so appreciated him in divine fashion. Job well done Coach Bowden! We all hope to see you again down the road; a road that you helped so many travel by providing the roadmap! RIP Bobby!
Across America we are all hoping and praying for everyone affected by the Covid 19 pandemic, and we hope everyone can join in as we get back to living our best lives and enjoying our beloved game of college football!
We are very excited to release our 2021 College Football Preseason Top 25 and All America Team!
And we will also note who some potential breakthrough teams are!
We can't wait to put toe to leather and kick this season off!
Nebraska won't be facing Illinois in Ireland as originally scheduled, but the Week Zero game will be held at high noon EST on August 28 from Champaign!
THE COLOR & PAGEANTRY PRESEASON TOP 25
1. Oklahoma
Without question, the Sooners will be prolific on offense. Redshirt freshman quarterback Spencer Rattler, who improved as time went on in a 2020 season which saw him throw 28 touchdowns versus only 7 interceptions, only two of which occurred after mid season, is primed to lead OU to another National Championship, along with being a favorite for the Heisman Trophy. Wide receiver Marvin Mimms, who led the Sooners in 2020 in receiving yards and touchdowns, returns forming a devastating duo to lead a powerful OU offense with WR Theo Wease, who tied with Mimms with total receptions in 2020, who also returns as does potential All Big XII TE Austin Stogner. Talented WR Jadon Haselwood is back from injury, Drake Stoops is back and OU also welcomes Arkansas transfer Mike Woods. Five star wideout Mario Williams may figure early to boot. The running back room is deep, led by Kennedy Brooks, a second team all conference in 2019 who set out in 2020. Brooks better be at the top of his game, because talented Tennessee transfer Eric Gray is in the house. The offensive line returns three starters, led by All Big XII guard Marquis Haynes. Erik Swenson, Tyrese Robinson and Wanya Morris, who comes in from Tennessee, are all potential all conference candidates. Wow! We expect 40+ points per game. The Sooners return eight starters, including the top five tacklers, on the stop side, and the unit should be uncharacteristically stout! Up front, DT Perrion Winfrey is an All America candidate, as is DE Isaiah Thomas. All America sophomore linebacker Nik Bonitto, who had 10 QBH in 2020, returns to wreak havoc. Leading tackler Brian Asamoah is back to anchor the middle flanked by David Ugwoegbu on the weakside. Even with all that returning production and talent, top to bottom the secondary may be the strongest unit on the defense. SS Delarrin Turner-Yell was second in stops for the Sooners a year ago, while returning FS Pat Fields was third in stops. Key Lawrence, another Tennessee transfer, will join the fun. Woodi Washington may have a corner spot along with Justin Harrington. Sooner faithful are excited by the emerging DJ Graham as well and Jaden Davis is also going to contribute. Alex Grinch has brought this defensive unit a long way since his arrival, and this group appears his best yet. Finally, OU appears to have the defense to perhaps match the offense. Both specialists return, with placekicker Gabe Brkic an all conference selection, and the Sooners have plenty of speed to return kicks. Oklahoma opens with two easy wins before welcoming Nebraska to town to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1971 Norman classic. But, this ain’t you fathers Cornhuskers, so OU wins. Pesky and improving West Virginia then visits to make OU 4-0. A trip to K-State, a team who has bitten OU in the recent past, should have the Sooners attention. Oklahoma then goes to Dallas for the Texas State Fair, and they had better not lay an egg against the always opportunist Longhorns. OU then hosts TCU , who is no easy out to be sure. Kansas and Texas Tech offer two more wins, and then, after a bye, OU visits Baylor, who does not have enough to take out the Sooners. Iowa State does, but with the game in Norman, give it to the Sooners. Can Okie State spoil the Sooner fun in Stillwater in Bedlam? History says not a chance. Oklahoma runs the table, including the BIG XII championship Game, and parades into the playoff in the pole position!
2. Georgia
For a half decade now, Georgia seems in position to be a National Title candidate, and they are close, but can they get over the hump? Wonder what has been holding them back? Is this the year? The Georgia offense was stuck in the mud last fall until the staff finally turned former 5* USC transfer JT Daniels loose. We still wonder what they were thinking. Daniels got settled in and played very well, and is one of the nation’s top returning signal callers returning this fall. We expect his numbers, now that he is not looking over his shoulder, to improve. The Dawgs are deep in the backfield, but are no doubt led by Zamir White, an All America candidate. White is backed by James Cook, with Kenny McIntosh and Kendall Milton among others looking for time. George Pickens was set to challenge for national honors for Georgia at wideout, but unfortunately he blew out a knee in the spring and is doubtful in the fall, leaving Georgia a bit vulnerable at one of their weakest spots. Kearis Jackson tied with Pickens in receptions last fall, and he does return. Highly skilled Jermaine Burton and speedster Arion Mitchell return as well, and the Bulldogs add TE Arik Gilbert, the gifted 5* LSU transfer who may play wideout for the Bulldogs. No worries; TE Darnell Washington is high quality. Up front, Georgia is quite good under former Ole Miss coach Matt Luke, led by a pair of talented guards. Jamaree Salyer is a potential All America player and Justin Shaffer is an all conference player. Tackle Warren McClendon has nine career starts, but the Luke will depend on some pups to step up, most notably under center with Warren Ericson. Defensive tackle Jordan Davis, an All America candidate, anchors the Dawgs bite up front, joined by tackle Devonte Wyatt. Travon Walker and Jalen Smith are solid as well. Linebacker Nakobe Dean, the Dawgs leading tackler, returns to lead a strong linebacking core. Nolan Smith, Quay Walker (third returning tackler) and Adam Anderson, who is potential star in the making, are also back. Georgia is very strong in the middle of the secondary, with safeties Lewis Cline and Christopher Smith, returning starters, and Tykee Smith, a top West Virginia transfer, potential All SEC performers. Corner is more of an issue with Tyrique Stevenson transferring to Miami, but Georgia gains a cornerback starter in Derion Kendrick, a first team All ACC performer who transferred in from Clemson of all places. The pressure will be on Jalen Kimber on the other side to hold down opposing aerial attacks. Kelee Ringo may also figure in there. Jake Carmada is many a publications All America punter, and the kicking spot is in good hands with Jack Podlesny. Kearis Jackson and Kenny McIntosh were decent returning kickoff but Jackson, if he remains the guy, needs to improve his punt return average. In the ultimate border war, Georgia opens with powerful Clemson in Charlotte, a field the Tiger are familiar with. Clemson welcomes in a new quarterback, so this perhaps presents a golden opportunity to nip the Tigers. While both could make the playoff losing this game, it sure does put the winner in a great position as both teams will be favored the remainder of their regular seasons. With the veteran quarterback, we will take the Dawgs in a slight upset. Georgia then walks through UAB, South Carolina and Vanderbilt before hosting an improved Arkansas between the hedges. 5-0. Then comes a trip to Auburn, but the Tigers have a new coach and while they still have great talent, the Tigers appear no match for Georgia in 2021. Kentucky is a dangerous team in 2021, but they come to Athens. After a bye week, Georgia plays the Gators, who appear to be down a bit in 2021. Dangerous Missouri visits, then Georgia wins at Tennessee before hosting Charleston Southern. Georgia plays at Ga. Tech, who is fast ascending, but Georgia should take care of business in downtown Atlanta. Then, winning the SEC Championship game is all that stands in the way of secured trip to the playoff. Can the Dawgs bookend the season with wins over Clemson and, say, Alabama? Good Heavens! Forget the Silver Britches; that would seem a tall order for the New York Jets!
3. Alabama
Every season, prognosticators wonder if the dominance Alabama has been putting on display will drift into history, but year after year the tide continues to come in. Alabama will be young this fall on offense, with only three starters returning, but make no mistake, the talent level on hand is exceptional. Bryce Young, as you may suspect a 5* recruit, takes over for Matt Jones at quarterback. Young will have some growing pains, but he will potentially challenge for All SEC honors. Brian Robinson takes over at running back, and he will excel, again challenging for conference honors. Keep an eye on Trey Sanders. John Metchie is the latest in a long line of All America wide receivers the Crimson Tide has fielded. TE Jaheel Billingsly (18c) and WR Slade Bolden (24c) are also returning. Perhaps true freshman Jacorey Brooks can get involved? You think? Major losses are felt on the line of scrimmage up front, but Alabama does return sophomore All America tackle Evan Neal. Emil Ekiyor returns at guard, but Alabama will welcome new starters at the other three offensive line positions. Alabama did suffer loses, but really does return a veteran unit for 2021 as eight starters are back to form a very stingy and salty defensive unit. Phidarian Mathis, LaBran Ray and DJ Dale are the anchors up front, all potentially challenging for all conference honors. As usual, the linebacking core is lethal, this unit led by top returning tackler Christian Harris and Will Anderson, both potential All America candidates. Christopher Allen, also back, is no slouch. As if the linebacking core was not strong enough, Alabama adds highly regarded Tennessee LB Henry, To’o To’o, arguably Tennessee’s best player. This group can flat hit, run and tackle. The secondary is also strong. Freshman All American Malachi Moore wreaks havoc, while corner Josh Jobe is stellar, as both are All SEC candidates. Kool-Aid McKinstry settles at a corner spot, while Daniel Wright and Jordan Battle form an excellent safety duo. This is probably the best defensive unit in the country. Will Reichard is back at placekicker, but the punter spot appears open. Folks, have no worries; this is Alabama. As usual, the return game will be stellar. Alabama dodges nobody, so they open up in Atlanta against the upstart Miami Hurricanes. Bama will hurt Miami, then do some offensive fine tuning in the home opener against Mercer before traveling to Gainesville to play Florida. The Gators are down a bit, and will be unable to hang with Bama even in The Swamp. Bama then rolls Southern Miss before hosting a very dangerous team in Ole Miss. But the Rebels strength plays right into Alabama’s stellar defensive unit. It will be a game of interest, but Bama will win it. The Crimson Tide then travels to College Station to take on the Texas Aggies, but the Bama defense will once again rule the day. A potential let down at Mississippi State may occur, but Bama escapes before a home game versus Tennessee on the third Saturday in October. After a bye, LSU comes to town and this will be a great game, but Bama wins. New Mexico State allows some freshman to play, and Bama wins homer against improving Arkansas before traveling to Auburn, where they dismantle the Tigers. Bama may not be the complete team they have been in the past, at least early on, but they will be undefeated and ready for another expected SEC Championship game versus Georgia.
4. Clemson
Well, it was a historic run for Clemson with Trevor Lawrence at quarterback. Sure, the Tigers under Dabo Swinney are at the point that they simply reload, but I wonder if the faithful parading around Death Valley recognize what a terrific, generational player Lawrence was. I witnessed Lawrence play on a couple of occasions and it was easy to see the gifts he possessed, notably for me his arm strength on the deep crossings, as the Jacksonville Jaguars are about to find out. Now, Clemson must move on, and the pressure will fall on 5* D.J. Uigalelei, who welcomes the challenge. With Lawrence out due to Covid a year ago, Uigalelei got a pair of starts, and looked just fine in a road loss to Notre Dame. Clemson will be fine at signal caller, but it bears repeating Lawrence was special. Clemson lost brilliant running back Travis Etienne to the NFL, and Etienne and his versatility will be missed. Senior Lyn J. Dixon appears on deck, but freshman Will Shipley will get a shot! Justyn Ross is back at wide receiver, and he is spectacular, a bona fide All America candidate. Joseph Ngata is also an honors candidate. EJ Williams and Frank Ladson are also returning contributors, and freshman Ajou Ajou at 6’3 is one to watch. YouTube sensation Braden Galloway is back at tight end to challenge for All ACC honors. Three starters return up front, and overall the unit appears weaker, but don’t discount this bunch. The left side is set with Matt Bockhorst and Jordan McFadden. On the stop side, Clemson will be stout! Junior DE Xavier Thomas pretty much set out 2020 but he has big potential. But don’t worry! DE Myles Murphy terrorized opposing offenses a year ago making big plays including quarterback hurries and tackles for loss. Murphy is playing himself into an early day one draft pick, but for now, opposing signal callers had better look out. Tyler Davis is a big boy inside and both Justin Mascoll and KJ Henry can help on the edge, but sensational tackle/end Bryan Breese, the top player coming out of high school a year ago who looks NFL ready right now, is the man. Good heavens, the Tigers bite up front looks unrivaled at the collegiate level. All America linebacker James Skalski is back, and he wreaks havoc playing faster with a wider range in making plays for a 240 pound guy. On the weakside, Baylon Spector, the Tiger leading returning tackler, is an All ACC player in his own right. Gonna be hard to keep Jake Venables off the field! The Tigers are experienced in the secondary, with free safety Nolan Turner, another All America candidate, leading the way. Andrew Booth is a breakout candidate at corner, with Sheridan Jones and Mario Goodrich, two experienced guys, ready. Lannden Zanders is a strong safety with Joseph Charleston back up, and our eyes are on some younger players like Ray Thornton, Nate Wiggins and RJ Mickens, and especially Andrew Mukuba. The special teams are stout, with both specialist returning and a fleet of speedsters to handle the return game. Overall, the schedule is favorable, but the season opener border war against a veteran Georgia team is vitally important. We may take Georgia here in a nail bitter, but Clemson is capable of making that pick look silly. Clemson does travel to NC State, who is improved and usually plays the Tigers well. If Clemson loses to Georgia, the Pack have no chance, but if Clemson is undefeated and feeling boastful, look out. The Tigers handle another improved squad in Boston College for homecoming to head into a bye week at 4-1. Pittsburgh is fair, and even if Florida State is significantly improved, but Clemson wins anyway. Clemson misses what appear to be the two top ACC contenders in Miami and North Carolina, not to mention Virginia Tech, but they will see one of them in the ACC Championship game.. Clemson, even with a loss, should be a favorite to secure a spot in the playoff, and once in, the Tigers will be strong money.
5. Ohio State
Ohio State made a real strong challenge a year ago, but with a seemingly alarming lack of experience on the roster, the Buckeyes have a level of uncertainty and will be focused offensively in finding a new quarterback, and while many consider it a three man race, we have CJ Stroud easily winning the job. Stroud has all the tools, and given the strong line and the weapons at his disposal, we expect very solid if not impressive numbers. Master Teague returns at running back, and he has the skill set to challenge for All America honors, but then again, he may be pushed by incoming freshman 5* Treveyon Henderson. The receiving core the Buckeye house may be the best group in the country. Chris Olave, who led the Buckeyes in receptions and touchdowns drawing opposing defenses top cover guy, is without question a first team All America player. Garrett Wilson is just about as good, an All America player in his own right, who led Ohio State in average yards per catch, while second in receptions and touchdown catches. Jeremey Rucker (13c) returns at tight end. All America offensive tackle Thayer Munford anchors the offensive line, which although replaces a few stellar players, will be very strong. G Harry Miller and tackle Nicolas Petit -Frere are top returning starters, but Paris Johnson is an emerging star at one guard. Ohio State should approach 40 points per game with this assemblage of talent. The defensive line is a major strength for Ohio State, with All America defensive tackle Haskell Garrett and end Zach Harrison leading an attacking defensive front. DE Tyreke Smith looks like a future star, and watch frosh Jack Sawyer. There is little proven experience at linebacker, which is most unusual for the Buckeyes. Dallas Grant is expected to step in in the middle. K’Vaughn Pope looks like he fits on the strongside with Teradja Mitchell on the weakside. Talent is on hand here, but experience is not with the middle of the defense. The backfield had some issues last fall, but returning corner Sevyn Banks is another All America candidate with excellent ball skills. Safety Josh Proctor is solid. It looks like Marcus Williamson and Lathan Ransom will battle for the other safety spot while Cameron Brown appears ahead at corner opposite Banks. The Buckeyes have specialists on hand, and plenty of speed for the return game. Ohio State opens at Minnesota on a Thursday night, and the Gophers are decent, but the Buckeyes won’t lose here. Then Oregon visits Columbus for a very important intersectional game. Still, we think Ohio State is too much for the Ducks. Ohio State then beats Tulsa, Akron, Rutgers and Maryland before a bye week. At 6-0, Ohio State takes a trip to face a dangerous Indiana team that lit the Buckeyes up for 35 points a year ago. The game once again looks very close. Penn State then visits before Ohio State goes to Nebraska. Back in the day we got mandatory viewing for a couple of weeks, but in 2021 Ohio State is now 9-0. Purdue and Michigan State visit Columbus, before Oho State goes to Ann Arbor. Even with some deficiencies, it looks like the Buckeyes are undefeated and playoff bound, but we doubt they have the firepower in 2021 to win it.
6. Iowa State
Can you believe it? A preseason Top 25 poll with the Iowa State Cyclones near the top five? The job Matt Campbell has done in once dreary Ames is something young coaches across the land should consider studying. There are fun times going on out there where Jack Trice once roamed. The 2021 Cyclones, who fell just short of the Big XII title a year ago, have almost the entire team coming back, with a sprinkle of newcomers who can add tremendous value. Look out, the storm the Clones will deliver will be devastating. The key for Iowa State is to bring it every Saturday. Last season, Louisiana showed up week one as an eleven point dog and blasted the Clones 31-14. Yikes! Brock Purdy who had a 19-9 touchdown to interception ratio throwing for 2750 timely yards while rushing for about another 400, is back and high quality. The Cyclones have an All America player at running back in sophomore Breece Hall, who is simply excellent. The weapons on the receiving end are stellar. TE Charlie Kolar is an All America candidate and a very dangerous target for Purdy, and Chase Allen is outstanding as well; perhaps the best tight end tandem in the country. Returning WR Xavier Hutchinson is an Al Big XII player led the Clones in receiving in 2020. Sean Shaw, Jaylin Noel and Tarique Milton have a chance to excel. The entire offensive line returns! Colin Newell and Derek Schweiger are all conference candidates. Iowa State averaged about 33 points per game last fall; expect more in 2021. On the stop side, nine starters return. Up front, DE Will McDonald is an All Big XII player and rangy strong side All America inside linebacker Mike Rose is back. Rose is stellar and a Butkus Award candidate. Starters O'Rien Vance and Jake Hummell also return to fill out the linebacking core. Star Isheem Young, fifth in 2020 tackles, is back to patrol yhearea. Safety Greg Ellsworth is another returning All America player, a top notch safety. Anthony Johnson is an honors candidate at corner, giving the Cyclones a strong secondary. Both specialists return, and there are plenty of speedsters to handle the return game. Iowa State got clocked at home opener by Louisiana las year, who turned about to be a really good team. That cannot happen again. Northern Iowa is first up this fall, and while they are no slouch, the Clones will be waiting. Iowa the comes into Ames, and this is a critical game for both teams if either have national aspirations. Iowa is quite a good team, but Iowa State has not won a CyHawk Trophy in a few years, so we got Iowa State. A trip to Baylor could be dangerous, but we likely have Iowa State heading into a bye 6-0. A trip to Manhattan is no gimmie, but off the bye, Iowa State wins. Then comes the season stretch. Oklahoma State comes in, and it will be a tight game. Then, Iowa State travels to an improving and spirited West Virginia. Then the Longhorns visit, in a very tough game. Iowa State then visits Texas Tech before going to Norman to face the mighty Sooners. This could well be for the conference championship. Iowa State closes hosting Texas Christian, a veteran team. There has to be one, if not two, losses in that stretch. The goal for the Cyclones is to make the Big XII Championship game, where they have every chance to win. Matt Campbell has done an excellent job in Ames, and this is probably the best Iowa State team ever! Are they enough to knock off the Sooners? Not twice.
7. Texas A&M
Back in the day it was more often than not the Wrecking Crew defense that led the way in Aggieland. When Jimbo Fisher was brought in from Florida State, folks thought the offense would now be leading the way, and ultimately that may be the case, but in 2021, it may well be the vaunted Wrecking Crew leading the way. In reviewing the offense, there is a hole at quarterback after the departure of Kellen Mond. Hayes King, who attempted four passes a year ago, is projected to win the job. Zach Calzada and Eli Stowers are other green possibilities. Keep in mind Fisher can coach signal callers with the best of them. The Aggies have an outstanding backfield, beginning with Isaiah Spiller, who has a chance to fight for All America honors. Devon Achane is outstanding as well. WR Ainias Smith, who led A&M in receiving yards in 2020, is back and an honors candidate in his own right. The unit is deep, with Chase Lane, Demond Demas and Hezekiah Jones returning. But folks, Caleb Chapman, if healthy, may outshine them all. He was playing at an All America level before being injured in an early game against Florida, a game he was dominating in. TE Jalen Wydermeyer, who led the team in receptions, is an All America candidate at tight end. Tackle Kenyon Green is another All America candidate on the Aggies offensive front; however, he is the only returning starter. Luke Mathews will play center and Jahmir Johnson will take one tackle spot. Defensively, the Aggies are stout at each level of the defense. Up front, All America candidate DeMarvin Leal at defensive tackle anchors the front. DT Jayden Peavy, DT McKinley Jackson, DE Tyree Johnson and DE Michael Clemons are also back, and even Isaiah Raikes will figure in. This is quite a deep position group. Weakside LB Aaron Hansford is the teams top returning tackler. The Aggie secondary is very strong. Corner Myles Jones is an honors candidate for sure. Erick Young and Antonio Johnson will battle it out for the nickel spot. Demani Richardson and Leon O’Neal are the safeties, and the other corner spot has Jaylon Jones. The Aggies are really stout on the stop side, of that there is no doubt. Both specialists return and Chase Lane and Ainias Smith are outstanding playmakers in the return game. Texas A&M has an interesting matchup in Denver week two against Colorado, but make no mistake the Aggies will be 3-0 before facing rival Arkansas in Jerry’s World. Now, the Razorbacks are much improved and dangerous, and this is a rival game, but we still have the Aggies. A&M then hosts Mississippi State before welcoming Alabama to Aggieland. This will be a huge game and the Aggies can win it, but we think they fall just short. A game at Missouri, another improving team and then home contests against South Carolina and Auburn precede a tough game at Ole Miss. The Aggies then close at LSU in a very tough ball game. Texas A&M could win every game, but there are a few that the Aggies could drop as well. We will go with 11-1 for the Aggies.
8. North Carolina
The ascension of the Tar Heels under Mack Brown has been very impressive, but can North Carolina take the next step? Well, offensively, North Carolina is in great shape with All America quarterback Sam Howell. The statistics were tremendous, with Howell throwing 30 touchdowns against only 7 interceptions and about 3600 yards. Now, many of the weapons Howell utilized in 2020 have departed for the NFL, but there is talent. Tennessee grad transfer Ty Chandler, who had a very successful stint with the Vols, appears set at tailback. All ACC candidate Garrett Nelson will be a valuable outlet for Howell at tight end to be sure. Khafre Brown, brother of Dyami Brown, Carolina's leading 2020 receiver who is off the NFL, is the top returning pass catcher for the Heels. Josh Downs, Beau Corrales and Emery Simmons have experience. Joshua Exeudu leads the Heels up front, where a veteran line with all five starters returning! Tackle Jordan Tucker Marcus and is an all conference candidate as well. Defensively, DT Raymond Vohasek, who anchors the defensive line is, an All ACC candidate. DE/OLB Tamari Fox is an emerging talent. LB Jeremiah Gemmel, the Heels leading returning tackler, stands tall in the linebacking core. Sophomore LB Eugene Asante is a rising star for the Heels and Tyrone Hooper has experience. Safety Trey Morrison is the leader of the secondary, which includes solid experience in corner Kyler McMicheal and safety Don Chapman. Watch corner Tony Grimes and safeties Cam’Ron Kelly and Ja’Quarious Conley. Both kicking specialists return, giving a young team a boost. The return game will need a new leader, but there is plenty of speed and elusiveness to work with. Carolina begins with a very dangerous game, in Blacksburg against Virginia Tech, who could really use a big victory to boost the faithful. We will give this one to North Carolina, but for sure, lookout! Carolina should win everything until a much improved Florida State team comes to town. FSU thumped UNC last fall, so the Heels are smarting and ready for this one. The Heels then host Miami, and this could well be for the ACC Coastal Division. We got the Heels in Chapel Hill. After a bye week, North Carolina travels to face Notre Dame. This may be where the first loss comes for Carolina. The Heels host Wake Forest, travel to Pitt and host Wofford before closing at a sneaky good North Carolina State. The Heels have Howell, that gives then a chance in about every game, but they are young in some spots. We have the Heels 10-2, but not quite sure, other than Touchdown Jesus, where the losses will come from. Carolina is favored to face Clemson in the ACC Championship game, a tall order to be sure.
9. Southern Cal
Within the COVID season of 2020, USC beat UCLA going 5-0 before falling to Oregon in the PAC 12 Championship Game. But the Trojans barely won a handful of those games, relying on incredible comeback efforts led by quarterback Kedon Slovis. So, as we get back to normal, it would appear that coach Clay Helton may move back to his seeming reserved hot seat. But hold up! USC has a real chance to be pretty good this fall, and a chance at the CFB Playoff is not as far fetched as you may think. Slovis is an All America candidate at quarterback for the Trojans. Slovis threw 17 touchdowns versus 7 interceptions in 2020, but he should improve and with eight returning starters back, expect the Trojans to field a potent offense. WR Drake London, the teams top receiver, was brilliant in 2020 and should contend for All America honors in 2021. Outstanding Colorado transfer KD Nixon arrives, and Gary Bryant and John Jackson will figure in, but much is expected from former 5* recruit Bru McCoy. TE Erik Krommenhoek returns as yet another familiar target for Slovis. The Trojans return Vavae Malepeai, who led USC in rushing in 2020, but he will be in a battle with Texas transfer Keaontay Ingram. No matter, USC has some quality at the running back position. Four out of five offensive lineman return, led by tackle Jalen McKenzie. USC should light up the scoreboard. The defense welcomes back six official returning starters, but this is somewhat misleading as there is more experienced talent on hand. DE Drake Jackson anchors the Trojans up front, and he is another potential All America candidate. Tuli Tuipulotu is back inside, as is end Nick Figueroa. Watch out for true freshman defensive end Korey Foreman, who is primed to figure prominently. The linebacking crew is experienced, with Kana’I Mauga and Ralen Goforth both back. Nickel player Greg Johnson is also back. FS Isaiah Pola-Mao and CB Chris Steele are all conference candidates in the backfield. Plenty of experience is around, with Chase Williams and Issac Taylor-Stuart. Don’t sleep on freshman Ceyair Wright. along with Xavion Alford and Chris Thompson, who the Trojans welcome as transfers from Texas and Auburn respectively. The Trojans will be fielding an athletic defense capable of massive disruption. Both specialists return, and Gary Bryant will look to handle the return game. The schedule sets up nice for USC, who opens at home against San Jose State. The Spartans are not bad, but they are in trouble at USC. USC should dispose of Stanford at home, Washington State on the road, an improved and dangerous Oregon State at home and a decent Colorado team on the road before a big game at home versus a veteran Utah team, a challenger for the division. USC could well be 6-0 here. The Trojans have a bye week before traveling to Notre Dame, and the Irish are working to fill several holes. The Trojans host Arizona before traveling to Arizona State. The Sun Devils projected to be the Trojans top challenger for the South, but they have drawn the ire of the NCAA and the impact of that is unknown. The Trojans visit Cal before hosting UCLA and BYU. USC could run the table, but the Trojans have as of yet failed to show the consistency to bring it at a championship level every week, so we will go 10-2.
10. Oregon
Oregon is in position to challenge, not only for the PAC 12 Championship, but a CFB Playoff spot. Sixteen starters are returning, and Mario Cristobal is ready to take the Ducks to the next level. At quarterback, Oregon will look to Anthony Brown, who backed up Tyler Shough after starring at Boston College. Brown fits Oregon and their offensive mindset well. RB CJ Verdell, who battled injuries in 2020, is back and ready to go! Travis Dye, who actually led the Ducks in rushing a year ago, also returns. WR Devon Williams (15c) barely led the Ducks in receiving yards in 2020, but Jaylon Redd (25c), Johnny Johnson (19c) and Mycah Pittman (9c) all return giving the Ducks a very talented and deep receiving core. Add in freshman Tony Franklin, and the weaponry is quite extended. C Alex Forsyth, G TJ Bass and T Shawn Jones lead the Ducks up front, all potential conference performers. Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, who he coaches are very high on, and Ryan Walk are quality pieces. While the Ducks offense beams with potential, it is the Oregon defensive unit which strikes fear in opponents. Oregon DE Kayvon Thibodeaux is our preseason Defensive Player of the Year, a sure fire top three NFL Draft pick, and he leads a veteran defensive unit for the Ducks, but there are new pieces on the defensive front. Oregon may have the most elite linebacking core in the country. Noah Sewell leads the group, and he should paly at an All America level. Isaac Slade-Matautia, who actually tied Sewell in total tackles in 2020, is also back. SO Mase Funa is an emerging star. In the secondary, CB Mykael Wright, NB Jamal Hill and FS Verone McKinley each will be vying for PAC 12 honors. The Ducks will be lethal on the defensive side, of this there is no doubt. Both specialists return, with Travis Dye and Mykael Wright back to field kicks. Oregon opens up hosting Fresno State before traveling to Columbus to face perennial power and national title contender Ohio State. The winner here grabs a favorited position for the college football playoff. Can Oregon win it on the road? Oregon misses USC and Arizona State from the South, and should be undefeated in conference before traveling to Seattle to face a strong Washington team. This will be a very tough and physical game. If Oregon survives, only trip to Utah stands in the way. Oregon has chance, and if they get by Ohio State, you have to figure them in the playoff. But, we think they fall to Ohio State and in one conference game, although the Ducks will likely still win the North. 10-2.
11. Cincinnati
Are the Bearcats a non-power five team that can make the CFB Playoff? Under Coach Luke Fickell, the talent level has risen quickly for Cincinnati, and with a stellar signal caller and a potential All America on the back end of the defense, the Bearcats might just pull it off. A big reason is due to their out of conference opponents, but before we get to that, let’s take a look at Fickell’s club. Quarterback Desmond Ridder, who has 25 career starts for the ‘Cats, epitomizes a dual threat quarterback. Last fall, Ridder threw for about 2300 yards with a 19/6 touchdown to interception ratio. Nut he also ran for 700 before discounting sack numbers. Ridder makes things happen! Jerome Ford looks to be the tailback in the Bearcats explosive offense. Alec Pierce, Michael Young and Tre Tucker are experienced wide receivers who return. We really like tight end Josh Whyle, who led the Bearcats in receiving. The three interior starters, led by guard Vincent McConnell, on the offensive line return, but both tackles have to be replaced. Cincinnati averaged about 37 points a year ago. Expect more o the same! Defensively, Cincinnati is stellar, playing an attacking defense. DE Myjai Sanders, who led the Bearcats in sacks in 2020, terrorizes opposing signal callers. Virginia transfer Jowon Briggs flanks Sanders. Darren Beavers is stout at middle linebacker, the teams leading returning tackler. Cornerback Ahmad Gardner is an All America candidate who is a real ball hawk. Cody Bryant should be an All AAC performer. Safeties Bryan Cook and Ja’Von Hicks are very talented. Cole Smith returns at kicker, but the Cats need a new punter. Tre Tucker will again field kicks. Cincinnati is loaded with respect to personnel. So, back to the schedule. Cincinnati has a chance at the playoff, as the Bearcats have contests on the road at Indiana and at Notre Dame. If Cincinnati runs the table undefeated, they are in. Two gimmies precede the game at Indiana in week three. Indiana is good, and should feel fortunate they are hosting this game. After a bye week, Cincinnati then travels to Notre Dame. The Irish are somewhat rebuilding, so Cincy could win it. Cincinnati will be favored the rest of the way, thankful a contest against UCF is at home. One could wonder how much inspiration Georgia had in the Peach Bowl last year, but Georgia barely barely beat the Bearcats. Folks, Cincinnati is very talented and a real threat for the playoff. I think they lose somewhere, and stay on the outside looking in, but again, if they run the table they are most likely in!
12. Wisconsin
The Badgers were not all that great last fall, but like many, dealing with the COVID issues, we chalk it up as an anomaly rather than the norm. After all, we pretty much trust the plug and play Wisconsin blueprint at this point. The Badgers are not alone in this upcoming post Covid season in the fact that they return a veteran team, as seventeen starters return. Graham Mertz is back at quarterback, and there is plenty of excitement about Mertz, who is more athletic than some of the previous Wiscy signal callers. We expect Mertz to have a significant jump in 2021. RB Jalen Berger, the Badgers leading 2020 rusher, is back, but there is little question the production at the position was inferior to what has become the norm over the years, so improvement is needed and expected. Clemson transfer Chez Mellusi should get some carries. Kendric Pryor, Danny Davis and Chimere Dike are all quality receivers returning. TE Jake Ferguson (30c) is an All America candidate, another in a long line of high quality Badger players in recent years. The offensive line has always been a team strength, but Logan Bruss is really the only major honors candidate on the offensive line, a position the Badgers have been brilliant at for decades. Even so, Wisconsin will be Wisconsin on offense, mashing people while averaging around 30 points per game. The defensive fell off a bit last fall, so a rebound is expected, even though the overall talent may have dipped a bit. LB Jack Sanborn is All B1G for sure, and Leo Chanel has chance to be considered for conference honors as well. Outside backers Nick Herbig and Noah Burks are back, so, the linebacking core, as usual, will be strong. Keanu Brenton is back inside on the line, and Bryson Williams is emerging. Colin Wilder, who was third in stops in 2020, returns at free safety. Starting corners Faion Hicks and Ceasar Williams and starting strong safety Scott Nelson return as well. Both specialists return as well as all return game players. Wisconsin will have an early opportunity to prove 2020 was a fluke as Penn State comes to visit. Wiscy wins that one, dumps Eastern Washington before taking a week off before playing Notre Dame in Chicago. Wisconsin then comes home to face Michigan. Wisconsin then travels to Illinois to face former coach Brett Bielema, who has taken over in Champaign. A win versus Army and on the road at Purdue happens before Iowa visits, which may be for the West Title. Roadies at Rutgers and Minnesota bracket home games Northwestern and Nebraska. Wisconsin may well be favored in every game. Are they that good? Don’t think so, so we think they will drop a pair somewhere along the way. One loss could be in the division between Iowa, Nebraska or Minnesota. Notre Dame could win, and so could Penn State, who is smarting. But we got Wiscy 10-2.
13. Washington
Under first year coach Jimmy Lake, who moved up from Husky assistant to take the over the head coaching spot, it was somewhat mixed reviews. Washington got a big victory against Utah but fell to underdog Stanford. But, like everyone, it was a Covid year so the Huskies will build upon their experiences. Ten starters return on offense. Quarterback Dylan Morris is back, but he did not exactly light it up, throwing four touchdowns against three interceptions. Now, Morris is ready to go, but Washington welcomes a legacy player in quarterback Sam Huard, who comes from a family of talented and highly thought of Husky signal callers. Will Huard supplant Morris? Odds would appear to ultimately favor it. Colorado State transfer Patrick O’Brien is also there, but we can’t visualize him winning the job. The backfield room is crowded, and it is anyone’s guess who will emerge. Sean McGrew led the team in rushing a year ago, and Kamari Pleasant is talented, but most of the bets have been placed on Richard Newton to start. TE Cade Otton is all All PAC 12 candidate for the Huskies, having led the team in receptions in 2020. Outside of Otton, nobody with more than ten catches returns on the receiving core. Terrell Bynum and Rome Odunze are the next pair up. Ja’Lynn Polk, a Texas Tech transfer, will have a chance as will true frosh Jabez Tinae. A possibility to emerge is Taj Davis, who opted out in 2020, who is also back; we think. As usual, the Huskies are outstanding up front led by All PAC 12 performer Jaxon Kirkland, Henry Bainivulu and Luke Watenberg. The Huskies have an outstanding linebacking core, which returns the top two leading tacklers from 2020 in Edefuan Ulofoshio and Jackson Sirmon. Jeremiah Martin transfers in from Texas A&M to take an end spot. Trent McDuffie is a big play guy at corner in the secondary, and Kyler Gordon is also quite good. Safety Asa Turner is another quality player in the back end, which welcomes Oklahoma transfer Brendan Radley-Hiles. “Bookie” started 32 games for the Sooners. Both specialists return, and McGrew and McDuffie will continue to field kicks. If Washington can excel at quarterback and running back, and get some receivers to step up, big things can happen. The Huskies miss USC and Utah, and get Oregon and at home. They will have to be on point when they travel to Ann Arbor in week two, but if they win that and get by a home game against improved UCLA, the game against Oregon in Seattle will be huge. We think the Dawgs stumble, but the record will be dog gone good!
Given the job Tom Allen has been doing at Indiana, you would think he would be the talk of the town with respect to recent coaching vacancies. Perhaps he was, but Allen remains in Bloomington and has a veteran team hitting the field in 2021. Michael Pennix Jr. is a fabulous signal caller, who last year had a 14/4 touchdown to interception ratio, also utilizing his legs in game changing fashion, as Penn State certainly knows. The issue for Pennix is staying healthy, something he has been unable to do throughout his career. If he plays the entire season, Pennix would be a favorite for all conference honors and Indiana should be lethal on offense. Jack Tuttle backs up Pennix, who has a plethora of weapons to target. Stevie Scott has departed, with Sampson James ready to take over at tailback. Tim Baldwin looks like the backup, and David Ellis could get some carries. Ellis has 16 carries along with 11 catches in 2020. Ty Fryfogle, who led he Hoosiers in receptions in 20201, is an All America candidate back at wide receiver. Florida State transfer DJ Matthews, a speedster, and Miles Marshall will fill out the starting receiving core, but keep an eye on freshman Jaquez Smith. TE Peyton Hendershot is another honors candidate, hauling in 24 catches a year ago with four scores. The offensive line returns four, with Caleb Jones and Matthew Bedford all conference candidates. Indiana should have a potent offense ready to score 30+ points per game. Demarcus Elliott anchors defensive front as the only returning starter. But the Hoosiers welcome Ole Miss transfer Ryder Anderson who will take an end spot and James Head will figure in. Another All America candidate Indiana has is middle linebacker Micah McFadden, the teams returning tackler. McFadden is a terror; a special player with the ability to cover the entire field. LB Cam Jones and Rover Marcelino McCray-Ball, who is back in injury, are two excellent defensive players who return. CB Taiwan Mullen is All B1G at a minimum, but an outstanding player to be sure backed up by Jaylin Williams and Reese Taylor. Strong safety Devon Williams is the teams second leading returning tackler. Raheem Lewis jumps in at free safety. Indiana is set at placekicker but needs a new punter, who might not be very busy! This is a veteran, if not extremely deep ball club, and the Hoosiers are capable of giving most anyone a load of trouble. But the schedule leaves little room for error. Indiana opens at Iowa, and that will be a slobber knocker, but the Hoosiers appear to have too much offense for Iowa. Indiana faces Toledo before a very talented and hungry Cincinnati team, with playoff aspirations, visits. These teams are very similar, so a turnover will settle this one. The next big game is at Penn State, who has Indiana targeted due to the last second loss a year ago. Three remaining three games could be trouble for Indiana. The Hoosiers host Ohio State, travel to Michigan and then host a veteran Minnesota squad. We will go with 10-2, assuming they stumble somewhere outside of the projected loss to powerful Ohio State. Lookout!
15. Utah
The Utes, who commonly field a salty defensive unit with an offense that initiates enough to keep opponents guessing, are kind of a lunch bucket group which kindles thought of Virginia Tech west! Nobody nationally really considers Utah a real threat to win the PAC 12, much less grab a playoff spot, but they have been closer than you think. Led by All America linebacker Devon Lloyd, who led the Utes in tackles in 2020, Utah will once again field a sting defensive unit, one that returns nine starters. Up front, All PAC 12 performer Mike Tafua is back at end, flanked by Xavier Carlton, Viane Moala is back at DT. Nephi Sewell, the teams second leading 2020 tackler, is back to assist Lloyd in the linebacking core. JaTravis Broughton is a potential All PAC 12 corner, and there is quite to like with Vonte Davis at safety. The Utes led the league in defense a year ago and they will be right there in the conversation again. The offense does return ten starters, but sadly, the Utes have a hole at running back due to the tragic death of All PAC 12 running back Ty Jordan, a fun loving guy who was freshman All America, who died of an accidental gunshot would. His smile and enthusiasm will be deeply missed within the Ute program. Micah Bernard will try to pick up the slack, but do watch for Oklahoma transfer TJ Pledger. A void at quarterback will be filled by Baylor transfer Charlie Brewer, who was outstanding with the Bears when he was not being sacked. Brewer has had several concussions, but he is cleared to go. Now, good news for Brewer is the entire Utah offensive line is back, led by Nick Ford and Sataoa Laumea. Brewer can target TE Brant Kuithe, another honors candidate, and all star receiver Brian Covey, who has been dealing for the Utes for years. Solomon Enis is also a talented returnee. The Utes may have some issues in the punting game but are set at placekicker and in the return game where Covey excels. Can this veteran Ute squad win the PAC 12 and set up a playoff opportunity? Well, in week two, they are at BYU, who was surprisingly very strong a year ago. It won’t be easy. In week five, a two game stretch will tell the tale, as Utah faces their top divisional competition. Utah goes to the Coliseum to face Southern Cal and then returns home to face Arizona State. Now, the Devils are in the NCAA crosshairs, so we are not quite sure what to expect with them, but they do have a talented veteran squad. A split would seem fair. UCLA comes to Salt Lake, and we expect the Bruins to be very much improved, so don’t count that one just yet. Stanford, who hosts Utah, may also be improved. Then, before hosting Colorado to close, the mighty Oregon Ducks come to town. That will be mandatory viewing! We are not sure Brewer can stay healthy, and the schedule is tough, so we will think the Utes go 10-2. But if they beat USC, with ASU potentially having issues, a win over Oregon could propel the Utes to the playoff!
16. Miami
Since joining the ACC, the Hurricanes have never won a
conference title and have appeared in only one ACC Championship game, getting
blasted by Clemson. But with Manny Diaz
appearing to be making serious headway, we ask the same question we always do;
are the Hurricanes back? Ten starters are back on offense, giving Miami a
wonderful opportunity to put pressure on opponents. But this projected prowess
is primarily based on quarterback D’Eriq King, a special player Diaz has
directing the team. King brought his magic over from Houston, and dazzled Cane
fans all season, throwing for 23 touchdowns against only 5 interceptions while
running for over 500 yards. Only the team that played in the aforementioned ACC
title game averaged similar points per game in the last five seasons. King will
return for Miami in 2021, but King is coming off a serious knee injury he
suffered in the Hurricanes bowl loss to Oklahoma State. King has beaten knee
injuries before, but while he expected back for the opener, this is always
tricky. Nobody with King’s talent, at least not yet, is on the roster. Freshman
Jake Garcia looks to be the future leader. Cam’Ron Harris is a powerful runner
who can give Miami stability in the running game, which will operate behind a
line returning five plyers with starting experience, led by tackles Zion Nelson
and Jarrid Williams. Backs Donald Chaney and Jaylon Knighton give the Canes a
deep backfield. Mike Harley led the Canes in receptions in 2020 with 57c, is an
All ACC candidate at wide receiver. Talented Jeremiah Payton is expected to
shine, but the big news is Miami welcomes Charleston Rambo, an explosive transfer from Oklahoma. TE Will Mallory is
potential All ACC and a definite weapon. With King firing on all cylinders,
Miami can light up the scoreboard.
Defensively, on the score sheet it looks like Miami returns a ton, but
they lost three NFL players up front on the edge, (Phillips, Roche and
Rosseau), who will be hard to replace. Ends Jahfari Harvey and Tennessee
transfer Deandre Johnson will take it on. The good news is inside the
Hurricanes are stout with DT Harrison-Hunte and and NT Nesta Jade Sivera. Bradley Jennings Jr is
back at middle linebacker, and Gilbert Freirson, second in stops in 2020, moves
outside, but other emerging talent is on hand. The secondary is very strong,
led by All ACC safety Bubba Bolden, who led the Canes in 2020 stops, DJ Ivey,
Georgia transfer Tyrique Stevenson and corner Te’Cory Couch are expected to
rise. Punter Lou Headley is outstanding
but Miami will need a new placekicker, but this is not an area of concern in
South Florida. The return game is in decent shape. The schedule is not
favorable. Miami opens in Atlanta
against Alabama, which while presenting an opportunity can also punish the
psyche. Even with King completely healthy, this is a daunting task. Appalachian
State, not a bad team to be sure, comes to visit followed by Michigan
State. These games will be testy, but
these are not the old Spartans. A gimmie homie against Central Connecticut and
a visit by UVA in my mind leaves Miami 4-1 here. After a bye Miami goes to Chapel Hill
smarting from a shellacking in 2020, but we favor the Tar Heels in this
one. NC State then comes to Miami, and
while the Pack are better than most think, we have Miami 5-2 here. Four tough
games follow; at Pitt, home against Georgia Tech, at Florida State and home
against Virginia Tech. There has to be a loss among these four, and if there is
not, potentially place Miami in New Years Six game. But we got the Canes, after
dumping Duke to close the season, at 9-3. This is considering a healthy King
makes it through the entire season. Diaz has Miami heading the right direction,
but the Hurricanes remain on the outside looking in.
17. Louisiana State
LSU had such a historic run in 2019, it seemed unthinkable the engine would blow and leave LSU in the garage area in a pandemic tainted 2020, but with extremely heavy personnel losses to the NFL, opt outs and an unsettled quarterback situation, LSU stumbled to an unbelievable 3-5. Changes had to be made, highlighted by monumental failure of defensive coordinator Bo Pelini, and they were as LSU will field new coordinators on both sides of the ball in 2021. For coach O and the LSU faithful, the stage appears set for the Tiger to regain their bite and challenge for an SEC title, as the Tigers return eighteen starters. Offensively, the quarterback spot will be the main focus. Myles Brennan was the man to replace Heisman winner Burrow, but Brennan was lost for the season early on, leaving LSU to split time using TJ Finley and Max Johnson. Finley eventually gave way to Johnson, and then hit the road. So, the competition in the fall is between Brennan and Johnson. We think Johnson emerges, but it is tight. Tyrion Davis-Price, the leading rusher from 2020, returns and figures to start, but keep an eye for John Emery. No worries for the receiving core; Kayshon Boutte is an All America player at wide receiver, flanked by Koy Moore, Jaray Jenkins (23c), Trey Palmer and emerging Devonta Lee. Kole Taylor seems set at TE. Talented backs John Emery and Tyrion Davis Price, the teams top two 2020 rushers, return. LSU returns the entire offensive line from 2020, a key factor in our evaluation of a team poised to improve; however, in mid summer starting LT Dare Rosenthal entered the transfer portal. Certainly, it is not good to lose a player of his caliber, but the Tigers are very experienced up front. Guard Edward Ingram, tackle Austin Deculus and center Liam Shanahan are all honors candidates. Defensively, the Tigers could be daunting. All America cornerback Derek Stingley (5INT), who missed time in 2020, is set at corner, and perhaps the nations best at the position. Meanwhile, on the opposite side, is sophomore Eli Ricks (4INT), who played at an All America level at the position in 2020 and is considered the next superstar LSU DB. Both safeties, Todd Harris and Jay Ward (3INT), can also contend for conference honors. Talented freshman Sage Ryan and Derrick Davis could figure in as well, and so could Georgia transfer Major Burns. Opposing QB’s better really be careful target throwing on this group. LB Damone Clark, the Tigers top tackler, leads the linebacking core. Micah Bakersville (55 stops) returns and JUCO transfer Navonteque Strong joins the unit. Expect Mike Jones, who transfers in from Clemson, to figure prominently. The Tigers return the line intact, and big things are expected from DE Ali Gaye (7.5TFL) and DT Glen Logan. All America placekicker Cade York returns, but the punter position is up for grabs. With a plethora of speed and experience, the return game should be among the nations best. Folks, if all the internal waves have calmed, the Tigers are without question a top ten team, but we are not sure the rough waters have subsided. An opening game at a much improved UCLA could be very dangerous, but get a win there and LSU should be 4-0 before a four game stretch that includes hosting Auburn, traveling to face a veteran Kentucky team, returning home to face Florida culminating with a trip to Ole Miss. That is a very tough stretch, and it would seem 2-2 would be reasonable. After a bye week, LSU concludes at Alabama, hosting dangerous Arkansas in that border war, a breather in ULM before closing with powerful Texas A&M coming to the bayou. Man, that is tough sledding in the SEC West! LSU has top ten level talent and will not resemble the poor team we saw last year. But the Tigers could be very strong and still go 9-3, which seems about right.
18. Florida
Florida gave Alabama quite a battle in the SEC Championship game in 2020, but that team was loaded, particularly on offense. Can the Gators become a stronger overall team and reach new highs in 2021? Well, despite a high level of overall talent on the field, the Gator defense was not all that great in 2020. Many quality players return this fall to give the Gators a chance at having a real deep bite on opposing offenses. Up front, DE Zachary Carter is an honors candidate and former five star Georgia transfer Brenton Cox returns. Inside, the Gators welcome Auburn transfer Daquan Newkirk and Penn State transfer Antonio Shelton. LB Ventrell Miller was all over the field for the Gators last fall, leading the Gators in tackles. Miller is All SEC at a minimum, and he will be the catalyst for the defensive unit. Jeremiah Moon and Amari Burney have experience, but the Gator staff really likes Mohamoud Diabate, who was second in stops in 2020 for the Gators. Kalir Elam is another in a long recent line of outstanding defensive backs coming through the program, and he is an All America player. Tre’Vez Johnson looks settled at STAR, with Trey Dean at strong safety and Rashaad Torrence at free safety. A battle between Jason Marshall and Jaydon Hill is brewing at the corner spot opposite Elam, and Missouri transfer Jadarrius Perkins is looking for a spot. While the returning production is limited, the talent level is quite high. Kyle Trask is gone, but Emery Jones returns at quarterback and big things are expected from the dual threat player. Jones has big time talent, and some have him as a top ten NFL Draft pick next year. Even so, there is a contingent of Gator faithful who think the highly rated Anthony Richardson is better. Both are similar players, and this battle will be fun to watch. The Gators have an embarrassment of riches at running back. The top two leading rushers at running back return in Dameon Pierce and Malik Davis seemingly poised to form a strong one two punch. But, the Gators also welcomes five star Clemson transfer Demarkus Bowman. The receiving core was decimated by losses, but there is talent. Former Penn State transfer Justin Shorter should get one starting spot as will former Ole Miss transfer Jacob Copeland, who is an honors candidate. Rick Wells is also back, as is Trent Whittemore and Xavier Henderson. The line returns some experience, but nobody stands out as a potential All SEC performer. Jean Delance has potential and Stewart Reese has talent at center. TE Kyle Pitts will be sorely missed, but there is talent at the position in Keon Zipperer and Kemore Gamble. Shoe throwing aside, the Gators need new specialists but do have talented folks to return kicks. Does Florida have a favorable slate? Games against Florida Atlantic and on the road at USF precede a home contest with Alabama. The Gator faithful is lying in wait, but this looks like a loss to us. The Gators then beat Tennessee, but a roadie at an improved Kentucky could be dangerous. A win over Vanderbilt set the Gators up for a road game at LSU. Off a bye week, the Gators face Georgia. Then, Florida closes at South Carolina, home against Samford, at Missouri and then home to face Florida State. Due to the lack of experience among the Gators, we think the Gators go 9-3, but we could see 10-2 fairly easily if the talent emerges.
19. Notre Dame
In perhaps one of the most intriguing changes in playing the season last fall during Covid, a veteran Notre Dame team played in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Irish defeated Clemson at home with Tiger QB Trevor Lawrence on the sideline due to Covid, but fell hard to the Tigers in the ACC Championship Game. Notre Dame still made the CFB Playoff, quickly dismantled by Alabama. Much of the frontline talent that led Notre Dame in 2020 has departed, so as much as it can be, this is a rebuilding season for the Irish. But that does not mean there is not enough talent on hand for Notre Dame to have another ten win season. At quarterback, Wisconsin transfer Jack Coan will replace Ian Book, who led the Irish to 30+ victories during his tenure. Coan has two primary weapons to depend on. RB Kyren Williams is an All America candidate, Williams has breakaway speed, and runs with power. Chris Tyree is no slouch either, backing Williams up. TE Michael Mayer, who emerged in strong fashion last fall with 42c, returns to further excel. Avery Davis is the top returning wide receiver in terms of catches, and along with Braden Lenzy, Kevin Austin and Lawrence Keys, they will be expected to carry the receiving core. Freshman Deion Colzie could get a look. Notre Dame lost the heart of a top notch offensive line, which has been a team strength in recent years. Star offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson will play where his skills are best utilized, but he will have four new brothers up front, and the line, particularly considering their high level of play in recent seasons, is an area of concern. Defensively, the unit is led by All America safety Kyle Hamilton, who is spectacular. Clarence Lewis is a returning starter at corner, but the Irish are breaking in some secondary help. Tariq Bracy and Cam Hart return with experience, as does Houston Griffith, who had entered the transfer portal but rescinded and will be back. Middle linebacker Drew White is back, second on the team in 2020 tackles behind Hamilton. Jack Kiser, Bo Bower and Shayne Simon will be busy. Tackel Kurt Hinson and end Myron Tagavailoa-Amosa return but Irish coaches really excited at the future prospect of Isaiah Foskey at defensive end. Both specialist return, a critical factor for a somewhat inexperienced team. Notre Dame opens the season at Florida State, and this had danger written all over it. The Seminoles will be very improved, and the home crowd off the Covid restricted season will be epic. The Irish will have to hit all cylinders to get this done, and we think they fall short. The Irish then defeat Toledo and Purdue before a three game stretch that could propel the Irish into playoff talk or perhaps derail the season. Notre Dame faces Wisconsin in Chicago, and we trust the Badgers will by tough. Then, a talented and veteran Cincinnati team, with their own playoff aspirations, visits South Bend. The Irish then close this stretch at Virginia Tech. We think Notre dame drops two of these; close! A bye week give the Irish time to heal before hosting Southern California, who might have their best team in a half decade or so. After that, here comes top ten ranked North Carolina! Wow! Splitting these we would consider a win. From there, while it won’t be easy to be sure with roadies at Virginia and Stanford and home games with Navy and Georgia Tech, the Irish should close 4-0. So, we got Notre Dame finishing 8-4.
20. Iowa
Spencer Petras seemed to struggle at times last year, not generating the production the Hawkeyes expect, but it was a Covid season and the later the season went, the better the Hawkeyes got. The staff is quite comfortable with Petras, so we expect no issues at the quarterback position. RB Tyler Morrison is really good and he might challenge for All America honors. Sam Laporte is a top notch tight end and honors candidate, and Iowa knows how to utilize this position better than anyone. Nico Ragaini will jump in after some significant personnel losses at wide receiver. Tyrone Tracy is ready to show his skills. Tyler Linderbaum is an All America center leading the Hawkeyes up front. Cody Ince is another stellar potential all conference player offensively up front. Defensively, Zach Van Valkenburg anchors the front line from his defensive end position. Iowa always has a strong player at linebacker, this Hawkeye squad is led by Seth Benson. All four in the secondary return, led by safety Jack Koerner and cornerback Riley Moss, both of whom will challenge for conference honors. Dnae Benton returns at nickelback. Tory Taylor is an excellent punter, but Iowa will have a new placekicker. Charlie Jones is back to handle the return game. The early slate is brutal for Iowa, hosting upstart conference foe Indiana, who returns a veteran team. Then, the battle for the CyHawk Trophy takes place in Ames. If Iowa wins both, look out, but it is really tough not to see at least one loss, or two. Iowa hosts Penn State as October comes. Later comes a stretch which includes trips to Wisconsin and Northwestern before a veteran Minnesota team visits Iowa City. A seemingly easier home contest comes before Iowa travels to Nebraska, a team Iowa has recently owned. It would seem at least three losses awaits this team, if not four. But again, if they open 2-0, it could spur a special season.
21. Ole Miss
Even though his father is a hall of fame defensive mind, there is little question that Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is a masterful offensive scheme designer and play caller. We know Ole Miss can light up the scoreboard, but for Ole Miss to take the next step, to contend rather than be a dangerous out in the SEC West, it will be the defense that gets it done. Hope was plentiful, with the Rebels seemingly improving as the 2020 season concluded, but the centerpiece of that hope heading into to 2021 has evaporated as 2020’s leading tackler, linebacker Jaquez Jones, inexplicably transferred to Kentucky. The secondary may now be the strength of the unit. Otis Reese returns from injury, a transfer from Georgia who is thought to contend for conference honors at safety, along with AJ Finley. Corner Keidron Smith, who was second in stops in 2020, returns as well. Lakia Henry leads a green linebacking core and will need to step it up with Jones having moved on. Sam Williams is talented at BUCK, and he will be busy, but we do expect the defensive line to show some stoutness. DT Tywone Malone was a highly recruited player who figures in heavily at tackle, with Quentin Bivens and a pair of incoming JUCO players Isiah Iton and KD Hill and Hal Northern are expected to heavily contribute. The offensive firepower is breathtaking. The Rebels return quarterback Matt Corral, who tossed 29 touchdowns in 2020, 8 completions of 40+ yards, but if he is able to limit mistakes, with 14 interceptions last year, he could really excel and challenge for first team All America. Five star running back Jerrion Ealy is also back, having run for 745 yards and 9 touchdowns a year ago. Ealy is elusive and fast, able to break loose at any time. The receiving core is always a strength. The trio of Dontario Drummond, Braylon Sanders and Jonathan Mingo strike fear in opposing secondaries. Don’t forget elite athlete John Rys Plumlee, the former quarterback turned slot receiver, who has blazing speed and is a dangerous playmaker. The Rebels make good use of their tight ends, and Casey Kelly starts there. Nick Broeker and Jeremy James are stellar returnees along an offensive line which returns four starters. Expect offensive fireworks galore down in the Grove in 2021. Ole Miss should open with a win versus Louisville and be 3-0 before traveling to Alabama. Upstart Arkansas is next, with a trip to Tennessee and a home date with LSU next. No road for the weary. After a trip to Auburn, which is winnable, comes high flying Liberty, coached by former Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze. Oh boy. The Texas Aggies then come to The Grove, and Ole Miss closes at Hail State. This is a very tough schedule to be sure, with at least three losses seemingly certain. But we love this offense, and picture Ole Miss being tough to handle for most opponents. It would seem 7-5 fits, but we are going to take the over and call it 8-4; and quite fun!
22. Penn State
In a Covid season shocker a year ago, with their best overall player opting out, highly regarded Penn State limped to an 0-5 start, leading many to wonder if there was some sort of a potential internal issues perhaps centering around James Franklin changing addresses. But, the Lions regrouped and closed on a four game winning streak. It was not like the beat anybody any good, but you just want to get the wins at that point. Heading in 2021, Penn State is a talented team returning 16 starters, including quarterback Sean Clifford. Clifford is pretty good (16/9), but experience behind him is quite lacking. Next up appears to be true freshman Christian Veilleux. The Lions have some talented backs, Keyvone Lee and Devyn Ford both had 60+ carries a year ago, but Noah Cain, who got injured early in 2020, is back and expected to assume the starting position. Jahan Dotson, who led the B1G in receiving yards in 2020, is very talented at wide receiver, and he can challenge for All America honors. Parker Washington looks like an emerging star and Keyandre Lambert-Smith is very sound, so there are plenty of weapons for Clifford to utilize. Brenton Strange, who jumped in after Pat Freiermuth was injured, is back at tight end. Only a sophomore, Rasheed Walker is among the nation’s best offensive lineman; a top NFL Draft pick in waiting. Tackle Caedan Wallace is a very talented freshman who started seven games in 2020, who is back along with C Mike Miranda. Defensively, the Lions bring back talent but improvement is needed as Penn State yielded about 28 points per game. Six of the top eight tacklers from 2020 return, so improvement is expected. Up front, some real good news is that transferring in from Temple is stud DE Arnold Ebiketie, who will grab a starting spot. Nose tackle PJ Mustipher is stellar. Ellis Brooks, who led the team in stops in 2020, is an All B1G candidate at middle linebacker. Jesse Leuketa also returns, as does Brandon Smith on the weakside and Curtis Jacobs. South Carolina transfer Johnny Dixon will jump in as a rover. CB Joey Porter and strong safety Jaquan Brisker (third in 2020 stops) both return, as does Tariq Castro-Fields. Jonathan Sutherland, Keaton Ellis, and Ji’Ayer Brown also return to give the Lions a very experienced secondary. Both specialists return, with outstanding players Dotson and Washington returning kicks. Penn State opens at Wisconsin, and that is a tough one to be sure. Then, after facing Ball State, who was 7-1 last season, Penn State hosts Auburn. While Auburn appears a bit down from normal levels, this will still be a very tough football game. A home game against Indiana and a roadie at Iowa close out the first half. Penn State travels to Ohio State and Maryland, and hosts Illinois, Michigan and Rutgers before closing at Michigan State. The Lions might pull off a 9-3 season, but also easily drop four contests..
23. Arizona State
If there is a wildcard team out there, Arizona State would be
it. In our original thinking, we had the Sun Devils ranked quite a bit higher, thinking
they had a decent shot at not only winning the PAC 12 South, but the entire
conference. But then, the NCAA came snooping around, looking into accusations
the Devil hosted recruits during a Covid mandated dead period, and one has to
wonder if Arizona State continues to have the team focus necessary to compete
for divisional and/or conference championships. Well, offensively, the
firepower seems plenty. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is special, and he can
change games with his effectiveness running or passing. Daniels can push for conference
and perhaps national honors. Tailback Rachaad White returns after leading the
team in rushing in 2020. Chip Trayanum is a high quality backup, and can serve
as a really solid one two punch. The receiving core is somewhat inexperienced,
but there is plenty of talent and the group overall is expected to shine. Start with Utah transfer Bryan Thompson, who is
proven and can really stretch the field.
LV Bunkley Shelton actually led the Devils with catches a year ago, but
had only eleven. Andre Johnson, Ricky Pearsall and Johnny Wilson will get opportunities,
as is freshman Junior Alexander. TE
Curtis Hodges could have a breakout season, and he might want to with Oklahoma
Jalin Conyers looking for the spot. Center Dohnovan West, a conference honors
candidate as only a sophomore, leads the Devils up front. LT Kellen Diesch and
Henry Hattis are returning starters and G LaDarius Henderson is talented so the
offensive line looks more than adequate.
A year ago prior to Covid, we thought we would see the Sun Devils rise
up defensively with an attacking defensive unit. However, Arizona State fell
short. However, eleven starters and almost the entire unit returns, so big
things are expected. OLB Merlin Robertson is a potential All America player, so
the stinginess of the defense unit starts with him. Up front, DJ Davidson
returns to plug the middle. Playmaker defensive
ends Tyler Johnson and Jermaine Lole are all conference candidates. MLD Darien
Butler should also contend for PAC 12 honors. The secondary is strong with all
conference corner Chase Lucas back. Safeties Evan Fields and DeAndre Pierce are
quite good. All the specialist return, including a very elusive kick returning
team. The schedule presents a big
opportunity for the Sun Devils to start strong. Road contests at BYU and UCLA
and home games against Colorado and Stanford are all winnable games the Sun
Devils may be favored in, and if the Devils win them, they start 6-0 before
traveling to Utah for a pivotal divisional game. After a bye and a visit from
Washington State, a string of three important games follow. USC comes to Tempe,
and that could be for the division. The Devils then travel to Washington and
then to Corvallis to face a better than you think Oregon State before finishing
at home against the rival Wildcats, who the Devils demolished in 2020. We consider
Arizona State a very dangerous team; a sleeper for national contention. But
this NCAA deal seems heavy, so we think it has a negative impact. Even without it, we can’t see the Devils
undefeated, but they are a complete team that
can play with most anyone. Call it 9-3, but do keep your eye on the Devil you
may not know!
24. Texas
The eyes of Texas are now upon head coach Steve Sarkasian, who has taken over at Texas after Tom Herman was shown the door. Hard to imagine Herman failed in such fashion, knowing the area after coming over from a very successful stint at Houston, but you are what your record says you are, and his record is not going to get it done in Austin. Hopefully the well traveled Sarkasian has some personal issues in the rear view mirror, but we think that is the case after being under Nick Saban running the Alabama offense before moving to Austin. Sark is a well respected offensive mind, so we expect with the talent the Horns have to see some fireworks in short order. Texas lost starting quarterback Sam Ehlinger, but does return another offensive weapon capable of national honors in running back Bijan Robinson. Roschon Johnson would start at may spots, and will give the Horns a solid two punch. The receiving core seems average by Texas standards but be careful, as Sark will get this group going. Joshua Moore is a conference honors candidate and Jordan Whittington has great potential. Troy Omeire, returning from injury, may figure prominently. Cade Brewer has 15 catches a tight end in 2020, but look for 5* recruit Ja’Tavion Sanders to find the field. Right tackle Derek Kerstetter leads the offensive line, which returns four starters but is not representative, so far, of past Horn hogs standards. The problem for Texas offensively may be at quarterback, where Sark will have to work his magic. Casey Thompson shined in the bowl game and has plenty of tools, but many have paced bets on Hudson Card. Either way, under the tutelage of Sarkasian, the position should be ascending throughout the season. Plenty of talent returns for the Longhorns defensively, primarily found on the back end. DT Kenodre Coburn is the lone returning starter up front, but Alfred Collins and Moro Ojomo are quite capable. The linebacking core is spearheaded by weakside terror DeMarvion Overshown, who is an all conference player at a minimum. LSU transfer Ray Thornton is expected to jump in at the JACK spot. Corner D’Shawn Jamison (6PBU) leads a strong secondary, flanked by Josh Thompson. Safety BJ Foster is a very good player when healthy, with Jerrin Thompson and Brendan Schooler figuring in along with nickelback Chris Adimora. Both specialists return, as I am sure Sarkasiona appreciates, and D’Shawn Jamison is a fantastic kick returner. This is not a real strong Texas team, so Sarkasian may ride some rough waters before sailing into national contention. A home battle with a strong Louisiana team, which walloped Iowa State in Ames a year ago, comes first for the Horns, followed by a trip to former arch rival Arkansas, who is very much improved and dangerous. Folks, 0-2 is not out of the question, but neither is 2-0. Texas Tech at home, and even TCU on the road are winnable, but at this point the Horns probably have one if not two losses. The Red River Rivalry followed by a tough one vs. visiting Okie State could be a turning point, but could also offer two losses. Trips to upstart Baylor and now powerful Iowa State are tough, as is a roadie at West Virginia and a home tilt with K-State. For a growing team with a new coach, even if he is a proven winner, this is a rough schedule. We will go with 8-4, which should be considered an excellent start for what figures to be a future of perennial power.
25. Kentucky
While there were several teams that could have ended up in this selection, we are settling in with the Kentucky Wildcats. Don't laugh! Mark Stoops has a veteran team with some key transfers and an extremely favorable schedule. Offensively, seven official starters return, but two starter transfers from other schools join the unit and Kentucky has brought in coordinator Liam Coen from the LA Rams. However the all important quarterback position is vacant, with four players we whittle down to two vying for the job, and the success of the winner of this battle is critical to the potential rise of the Cats. Auburn transfer Joey Gatewood has a year within the program but was unable to win the job last fall. He will battle with Penn State transfer Will Lewis, where it appears the smart money resides. Chris Rodriguez is an all conference candidate at running back, where he has been steady for Kentucky throughout his career. Rodriguez led Kentucky in rushing last year, but as good as he is, the Cats will also utilize Kavosiey Smoke. Kentucky will have an outstanding receiving core, led by Josh Ali who led the team in receiving in 2020. Sophomore Keaton Upshaw, at 6'6" 245", gives UK a large target, and Brenden Bates and Justin Rigg are a very solid pair of tight ends. Nebraska transfer Wandale Robinson, from Frankfurt, is a versatile playmaker who can play running back, but he figures to line up in the slot and will be a dynamic weapon for the Cats. Michigan State transfer Tre'Von Morgan will also challenge for time. Isaiah Epps and DeMarcus Harris will figure in as well. Up front, the Cats are in good shape. Tackle Darian Kennard, with 33 career starts for the Cats, is an All America candidate and tip NFL Draft pick. Joining Kennard is LSU transfer Dale Rosenthal, an all conference caliber player. Luke Fortner and Quintin Wilson are returning starters. Defensively, the Cats run the 3-4. Junior Marquan McCall anchors from the nose spot, with ends Oxtavious Oxendine and Josh Paschal, both quality players. JJ Weaver is hoping to return from an ACL injury. Ole Miss transfer Jacquez Jones, the Rebels leading tackler in 2020, transfers in to jump in at middle linebacker. DeAndre Square and Jordan Wright are potential all conference performers. Another Michigan State transfer, Luke Fulton is one to watch, as is Davonte Robinson (27 stops). Free safety Yusuf Corker, the Cats leading returning tackler, is a potential all SEC performer. SS Tyrell Ajian (48 stops) and corner Cedrick Dort are solid, with experienced players in corner Carrington Valentine and safety and Joel Williams ready. Watch safety Vito Tisdale, an emerging star. Both specialists return, and you could certainly see Wandale Robinson handling returns. After opener hosting Terry Bowden and his Louisiana Monore Warhawks, Kentucky has a pivotal home game against Missouri. The Tigers are decent to be sure, similar in many ways to Kentucky, but given the veteran presence of the Cats, we think they win it. Kentucky travels to South Carolina, but should be 4-0 before hosting Florida, a game they have chance to win. Then, the Cats host LSU and then travel to Georgia. The goal should be to win two of those, but it does look 1-2 or 0-3. Kentucky closes with five straight winnable games; at Mississippi State, Tennessee at home, at Vanderbilt, home with New Mexico State and the finale at Louisville. At worst, we see Kentucky 8-4, but with strong quarterback play this veteran team could be 9-3 with a second place finish in the SEC East.
THE SLEEPER SIX
TEXAS CHRISITAN -Seemingly every other year the thought is TCU poised for a banner season. Could 2021 be one of those years. Maybe so. Ten offensive starters return, including Max Duggan, who may be the best quarterback you never heard of. The defense is stout, particularly in the secondary, led by All America corner Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson.
COASTAL CAROLINA -Nineteen starters return from a Top 25 team in 2020, inclusive of quarterback Grayson McCall who challenged for All America honors with a most impressive 26/3 touchdown to interceptions ratio. DT CJ Brewer are and TE Isaiah Likely potential All Americans as well. An undefeated season is not out of the question.
LOUISIANA - The Ragin Cajuns were very good last year, and with 20 starters returning, Coach Billy Napier has Louisiana poised to win the Sun Belt. The schedule is favorable, with Appalachian State at home. An upset to start the season (they clocked Iowa State in '20) over Texas could lead to undefeated season.
OKLAHOMA STATE -Only thirteen starters return, but the Cowboys are dangerous. Spencer Sanders returns at quarterback and there are offensive weapons available. The offensive line is a strength. The defense is experienced and the secondary is particularly strong. The schedule is favorable and Bedlam is in Stillwater.
UCF- Former Auburn coach Gus Malzahn had landed with the Knights, and there is plenty of talent to work with, most notably quarterback Dillon Gabriel and his top target Jaylon Robinson. Transfers have been brought in to plug holes, including WR Brandon Johnson (Tennessee), S Divaad Wilson (Georgia), RB Isaiah Bowser (Northwestern), WR Jordan Johnson (Notre Dame) and DT Big Kat Bryant (Auburn).
UCLA -The Bruins showed signs of progress last fall under Chip Kelly, and with 20 returning starters, UCLA may be ready for the next step. Dorian Thompson-Robinson is an All Pac 12 performer at quarterback, as key weapons in WR Kyle Phillips and TE Greg Dulcich are back. Defensively, improvement is needed. LB Caleb Johnson and SS Stephen Blaylock lead the unit. An early home game with LSU provides a big opportunity to hit the national stage! Arizona State and Oregon are at home while Washington and Southern Cal are road contests. Win one of those and 8-4 looks good.
POTENTIAL BREASKTHROUGHS
Boston College, Florida State, Missouri, Minnesota, Auburn, Nebraska, Michigan, NC State, Liberty, Boise State, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Northwestern, Brigham Young, Wake Forest, Arkansas, Pittsburgh, Ball State and Nevada.
ASCENDING:
Florida State, Arkansas, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Boston College, Rutgers, Baylor, Georgia Tech, UCLA and Texas.
DESCENDING:
It should be noted it was tough to compile this list, we did
not identify any teams that are really in a tailspin. But here are few teams
that may back up a bit this fall. Louisville, Purdue, South Carolina, Syracuse
and Michigan State.
2021 ALL AMERICA TEAM
 |
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
SAM HOWELL
Quarterback
NORTH CAROLINA
|
|
ALL AMERICA OFFENSE
WR Chris Olave, Ohio State
WR Traylen Burks, Arkansas
WR John Metchie III, Alabama
WR Jaquarrii Roberson, Wake Forest
TE Jalen Wydermeyer, Texas A&M
OT Evan Neal, Alabama
OL Alec Lindstrom, Boston College
OL Kenyon Green, Texas A&M
C Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa
OL Derrick Kinard, Kentucky
OL Zion Johnson, Boston College
OT Thayer Munford, Ohio State
QB Spencer Rattler, Oklahoma
RB Breece Hall, Iowa State
RB Kevin Harris, South Carolina
RB Bijon Robinson, Texas
 |
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
KAVON THIBODEAUX
Defensive End
OREGON |
ALL AMERICA DEFENSE
DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
DT Haskel Garrett, Ohio State
DT Jordan Davis, Georgia
DT DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M
DT C. J. Brewer, Coastal Carolina
DE Drake Jackson, Southern Cal
OLB Will Anderson, Alabama
ILB Micah McFadden, Indiana
ILB Mike Rose, Iowa State
ILB Grant Morgan, Arkansas
ILB Devon Lloyd, Utah
OLB Nik Bonito, Oklahoma
CB Derek Stnigley, Louisiana State
S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame
S Brandon Joseph, Northwestern
S Greg Ellsworth, Iowa State
CB Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati
SPECIALISTS
K Cade York, Louisiana State
P Jake Carmata, Georgia
KR Aron Cruickshank, Rutgers
PR Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State
AP Wandale Robinson, Kentucky
OFFENSIVE NEWCOMER: RB Donovan Edwards, Michigan
DEFENSIVE NEWCOMER: DE Korey Foreman, Southern Cal
