Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Monday, August 29, 2022
Saturday, August 20, 2022
Florida State Seminoles 2022 Preview
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| Mike Norvell FSU Head Coach Photo/On3 |
OFFENSE
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| Jordan Travis Quarterback Florida State Photo/Tallahassee Democrat |
An improved offensive line will certainly help, so we expect to see significantly improved numbers from Travis. As we mentioned, the offensive line has been poor for years, however, the unit this year is without question improved under stellar position coach Alex Atkins. At center, Florida State would like to play Maurice Smith, a top player who gas put on some weight after playing, and getting injured, undersized. Kayden Lyles transferred in from Wisconsin and was expected to at a minimum compete here, but an injury in fall camp has him lost for 2022. Others are working at this important position to provide stability are Bryson Estes and Thomas Schrader. Dylan Gibbons is solid at one guard and Darrius Washington may be the other. Top backups here appear to be Thomas Schrader and Zane Herring. The versatile Washington seems a fit at tackle opposite Robert Scott, but Lamar transfer Bless Harris seems destined to play frequent snaps. Charlotte transfer D'Mitri Emmanuel could play tackle, along with South Carolina transfer Jazston Turnetine. Freshman Julian Armella and Kenyata Charlton are ready if needed, but this unit has much more quality depth and although not among the tops in the conference, is much improved.
While Norvell teams in the past have had strong passing attacks, but that success is predicated on the run. Although this team is not complete as far as the makeup Norvell ultimately seeks, the Seminoles do have a very strong compliment of backs. This group includes Trey Benson, who transferred in from Oregon. Benson is coming off an injury, but he has looked tremendous since his arrival and will figure prominently. Treshaun Ward, a shifty who makes would be tacklers miss, will get a high number of carries. Lawrence Toafili is a home threat rushing and receiving out of the backfield, so he will without question get snaps. For depth purposes, WR Joshua Burrell has gotten some work at running back, but look for true freshman Rodney Hill, who may be the fastest player on the team, to establish himself.
The receiving core has sadly been a deficiency for the Seminoles, who have really not had a top level player seemingly since Rashaad Greene. Ontaria Wilson, who has led the team in catches two seasons in a row returns, but he may be fighting for catches. Oregon transfer Mycah Pittman seems the consistent performer the Seminoles have been seeking, so we expect him to start. Arizona State transfer Johnny Wilson, beyond being a strong blocker, is a big target giving the Seminoles heighted opportunities in short yardage and the red zone. Winston Wirght transferred in from West Virginia after leading the Mounties in 2021 with 63 catches, but he was injured in an off-season car accident. Although he is working his way back, nobody seems sure when he might be available. Illinois transfer Deuce Spann has been quite a pleasant surprise, a rare combination of size and speed. Looks like Spann will get plenty of snaps. Malike McLain at 6'4" is a big target, but he has been a bit slow to develop. The time is now. Experienced contributor Keyshawn Helton, Darion Williamson, Kentron Pointier and Joshua Burrell are all working to take their games to a new level, although Burrell has put in work as in the running back room in fall camp. Ja'khi Douglass, who has made some game changing big plays, continues to be ready out of the slot to make house calls at a moment's notice. Overall, this group seems in prime position to very much improved, and everyone is counting on it.
Camren
McDonald, a leader in the locker room, returns at tight end. as does Wyatt Rector, a former quarterback who has deceptive skills at this position. Markeston Douglas is turning some heads in fall camp, and expectations are high for youngsters Brian Courtney and Jerale Powers. Nut make no mistake, FSU coaches are looking for more, much more, from this position.
Now, it all has to come together, but with an improved offensive line, a key element of an offense's success, a group of wide receivers poised to reach new heights and a very impressive group of talented running backs, with Jordan Travis directing a more structured and wide open attack, the Seminoles have a chance to be somewhat potent. We expect in the neighborhood of 500 yards and 33 points per game, and if so, that alone should send the hungry Seminoles bowling.
DEFENSELast year the Seminoles hit a home run with edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, who transferred in from Georgia and won All America honors becoming a first round draft pick. Can they do it again? Odds are against it, but FSU did bring in an edge rusher who could play at a very high level. Highly sought after Albany transfer Jared Verse is ready at 6'5" 250. Derrick McLendon is another quality player at the position, while the Seminoles are stacked inside. Defensive tackles Fabian Lovett and Robert Cooper are potential All ACC players, and on the edge is Dennis Briggs is primed for a big year coming of injury. Patrick Payton is a good looking young edge prospect, but tackle Joshua Farmer has the look of a future star, while Malcolm Ray and Jarrett Jackson continue their development. Not surprisingly, the defensive front under coach Odell Haggins might be the team's top strength.
The linebacking core is pretty good. Amari Gainer is a high level athlete, a lock for the all bus team, but as we have previously stated he continues to be a tweener and coaches are working to find the best spot for him, but make no mistake he needs to be on the field. Stephen Dix has talent and continues to develop but is also undersized. One starting linebacker spot will go to Tatum Bethune, who transferred in after leading UCF is tackles in 2021. Bethune is all over the field and could well challenge for conference honors. On the weakside, Kalen DeLoach really raised his game last year and he is primed for another big year. DJ Lundy is another quality player here, and freshman Omar Graham may figure in. Watch for converted safety Brendan Gant, who can make plays, to figure in.
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| JAMMIE ROBINSON SAFETY PHOTO/TWITTER |
SPECIAL TEAMS
Ryan Fitzgerald returns at placekicker, but he has not been stellar, so consider it a work in progress. Alex Mastromanno
will continue to handle punts, but although there was some consistency last year, improvement is needed there as well. Returning kicks has been a long time issue for the Seminoles, surrendering a hideous amount of hidden yardage. The return game seems low hanging fruit on the path to improvement for the Seminoles, and perhaps that has been address with two transfer players; Mycah Pittman on punt returns after averaging 10 yards per return last year at Oregon and Deuce Spann on kickoff after some success at Illinois last year. There are plenty
of other players with high levels of speed and elusiveness as long as this area of the game is given priority.
INTANGIBLES
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| Seminoles |
HONORS CANDIDATES
NEW ARRIVALS
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| MYCAH PITTMAN WR/KR PHOTO/24/7 SPORTS |
FINAL ANALYSIS
Folks, we can't dodge what is obviously very apparent to Nole Nation; this is nothing short of a critical season for Florida State, and more specifically head coach Mike Norvell. A losing season is simply unacceptable, and Florida State MUST make a bowl game. In fact, most acknowledge that Norvel has performed significantly well in every area, other than wins. The time for the wins to occur is now. While there is no question FSU will miss DE Jermaine Johnson, who not only dominated on the field but was a centerpiece in the locker room, the Seminoles appear improved at each and every level of play. Three areas of deficiency that with expected improvements could raise the overall level of play for the Seminoles are the offensive line, the wide receivers and the special teams. Norvell has done a great job in working to improve these areas. Now, the schedule is challenging. After a week zero tune up, a huge opportunity exists as FSU travels to New Orleans to face LSU, who is in transition under new coach Brian Kelly. After a bye comes some significant contests that could determine the order of finish in the Atlantic division. FSU travels to face a dangerous Louisville team and then returns home to host Boston College and Wake Forest. Each of these are winnable games, and after these games are played we should have a good read on the Noles. Anything worse than 3-2 here would be disappointing. Then come a pair of contests where Florida State will be underdogs, at a much improved and veteran NC State team and a home game with nationally ranked Clemson. After another bye week, FSU closes hosting Georgia Tech, road games at rival Miami and Syracuse, home to Louisiana and the rival Florida Gators. FSU seems an underdog to both Miami and Florida but could win both. So, following the odds, the Seminoles will come in at 6-6. We think FSU beats LSU and/or Louisville and holds serve at home early. FSU could be gaining strength as the season progresses, and it would be great to upset Miami or Florida. The Seminoles could be 9-3, but we are placing stake at 7-5. This gets FSU to a bowl game and allows Mike Norvell to continue has head coach. We can't wait for kickoff! Go NOLES!
GAMEDAY GALLERY
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Nebraska Cornhuskers 2022 Preview
The current state of the program notes Nebraska has now missed a bowl game for five consecutive seasons, something unthought of for half a century, and make no mistake, this is absolutely unacceptable. When the powers that be brought in as head coach Scott Frost, the golden haired former Husker National Championship quarterback, a greater majority thought, including me, that he would turn around the Big Red woes in short order. That has failed to happen, and although few if any in Husker Nation are not cheering Frost to have success for the Big Red, there is little doubt he is on thin ice. Although the Huskers played close in 2021, the season was a failure, with Nebraska going 3-9. Another former Husker All America player, Trev Alberts, was brought in at Athletic Director, and after evaluation, Alberts retained Frost but with conditions to include an overhaul of many parts of the coaching staff with an emphasis on the offensive side of the ball. The changes were significant and were overwhelmingly received as positive. First, highly thought of offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, who most recently had notable success at Pittsburgh, was hired. Whipple has extensive experience and success as a play caller, and most notably the development of quarterbacks. Now, longtime Husker quarterback Adrian Martinez transferred out of the program, which allows Whipple to mold candidates at the position. The receiver position has failed to meet expectations for years, so another former Husker player, Mickey Joseph, has come home to join the staff. Joseph comes from LSU, where he has coached many superstar players, several of whom are now household NFL names. Additionally, Joseph is a top level recruiter, another area Nebraska has not performed at an acceptable level. The offensive line is another area that has underachieved, and this no doubt hits a nerve in Husker Nation. Donovan Raiola is now on board, and early indications show a higher level of performance among the talented group, which is mandatory for Nebraska to get back to winning ball games. Remember, successful teams can't just run the ball when they want to, they can run it effectively when they need to. Last, but certainly not least, Nebraska has brought back former assistant coach Bill Busch, and he will primarily be responsible for shoring up the special teams. Special teams play has been nothing short of horrendous for years, but last year, it appeared to single handedly cost Nebraska two key football games; Michigan State and Iowa. Busch has a great reputation, and improvement seems guaranteed, but even a small level of investment here would pay big dividends. Frost and the coaches have really done a great job of working the transfer portal, and there are several key additions that appear ready to be all conference candidate players this fall. So, with talent on hand, and an easier slate, the Cornhuskers seem poised to be one of the most improved teams in the nation this season. The ability for all the new pieces to mesh together without transitional issues will dictate the level of the anticipated success. There is plenty of goodwill behind Alberts, Frost and the new staff, so everyone is hoping for a successful season. Failure to reach a bowl game would place everyone in Husker Nation in a position nobody wants to be in, and a change would necessarily be strongly considered. So how do we see the Big Red performing in 2022? Let's have a look!
OFFENSE
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| Casey Thompson Quarterback |
As previously mentioned, longtime quarterback Adrian Martinez has transferred out of the program, and while Martinez, who often flashed spectacular abilities, was a great player and a tremendous young man, deficiencies in game management and turnovers hampered his progress. It appears that new scenery is the best option here, and all of Husker Nation wishes Martinez well. Logan Smothers returns for the Big Red, and he is a capable quarterback, a smart player with superb running ability. He does lack the arm strength that Whipple will be seeking, so we expect the starting job to be won by one of two transfers; Casey Thompson from Texas and Chubba Purdy from Florida State. Both of these players demonstrate sound running ability, but Whipple wants to throw. Thompson has a much higher level of experience and success in his background, including three games where he threw five touchdowns in the game, last year in throwing for over 2100 yards and 24 touchdowns for the Longhorns. Now while we like Purdy, and are confident with him for 2022 along with being very excited at his future, we think Thompson will win the job. We expect if Thompson can remain healthy, he will have a big season with approximately 2500 and 25 touchdowns. Henrich Haarberg will continue to work on his game no doubt benefitting from the tutelage from Whipple.
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| Mickey Joseph Asst. Coach/WR PHOTO/OWH |
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| Gabe Ervin, Jr. Running Back PHOTO/Saturday Tradition |
Donovan Raiola has the offensive line hungry, ready to operate from a position of attack, which matches the historical mindset of the program. The best player on the line is left tackle Teddy Prochazka, who is coming off a season ending injury. Prochazka is an NFL player, and he is expected to be at 100% when the season kicks. Turner Corcoran, also coming off injury, is expected to the opposite tackle, but he may move to left guard with incoming transfer Keith Williams, seemingly a guard, perhaps operating at right tackle. Bryce Benhart has started at tackle in the past and has great potential, so if he wins right tackle William seems a lock for a guard spot. Ethan Piper has experience at guard, but redshirt freshman Henry Lutovsky looks ready to significantly contribute. Brock Bando has experience at tackle but can play guard while versatile player Trent Hixon appears set at center. Oklahoma State transfer Hunter Anthony may find a spot. Under Raiola, we expect this unit to be improved, and improvement up front will really benefit the Big Red. Whipple has had tremendous success with his offenses, so we expect Nebraska to average well over 30 points per game. For this to happen, Nebraska will have to move on from the items of discipline they have failed to exhibit in recent seasons. First, and most important, is protecting the football. It is essential to success. Additionally, eliminating idiotic penalties, especially those which negate big plays, is critical. Attention to detail in this regard will hopefully be a byproduct of the installation of the new offensive staff. We think it will.
DEFENSE
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| Garrett Nelson Outside Linebacker Photo/Scottsbluff Star Herald |
Nebraska was quite impressive on defense last season, and while there are significant personnel losses, this group under Erik Chinander has a chance to be improved. Much of the optimism centers around a strong pair of rush ends in Garrett Nelson and TCU Ochaun Mathis. Both are expected be among the best in the conference. Caleb Tannor really stepped up his game last fall, this season he will figure prominently once again and I am excited to see how his talents are best utilized. DT Ty
Robinson is a mountain of a man, a guy with pass rushing skills that will anchor the interior. Alabama transfer Stephon Wynn and Texas Tech transfer Devin Drew are new faces brought in to plug up the middle. Nash Hutmacher returns, and he is a stout, strong guy who refuses to get pushed around, reminding some of us old timers of ole nose guard Danny Noonan, so consider Hutmacher my kind of guy! but he needs to step up. Colton Fiest has shined in fall camp, while Blaise Gunnerson, Javin Wright and Jimari Butler are solid reserve players.
The linebacking core has transformed from somewhat of a liability to a team strength. Nebraska will be in a 4-3 on most occasion to keep three top players on the field. Returning linebackers Nick Henrich and Luke Reimer, who topped the team in tackles last season, are set for stellar seasons. Isaac Gifford, who has excellent speed, is ready to assume the nickel spot, although expect Chris Kolarevic to get some situational snaps. Garrett Snodgrass, a Nebraska native, is emerging and will back this group up. Senior Eteva Mauga-Clements can play a couple spots and is a solid inside player. But freshman linebacker Ernest Hausmann from Columbus is going to be a great one; too stout to keep off the field.
The secondary is loaded with safeties. At strong safety, Myles Farmer brings a big stick and he is poised to challenge for conference honors. Deshon Singleton is ready to rock, so look for him to find a spot on the field. Marques Buford will get his time to shine at free safety, but the time is now Noa Pola-Gates to reach his potential. Transfer Omar Brown is also on hand. Arizona State transfer Tommi Hill and Braxton Clark will both play at boundary corner, with Quentin Newsome all set at field corner. With another year with Chinander's system and what is expected to be a much improved pass rush, we expect Nebraska to field one of the top defenses within the conference. The linebacking core is strong, and the secondary could emerge as top notch. As was the case last fall, employing a strong defense has the opportunity to keep Nebraska close in every game on their schedule.
SPECIAL TEAMS
INTANGIBLES
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| Mark Whipple Offensive Coordinator PHOTO/CBS Sports |
HONORS CANDIDATES
As far as a player receiving All America honors, it would seem a stretch at this point to forecast anyone from Nebraska, although if punter Brian Buschini can replicate his FCS success, it could happen. As far as all conference honors in the B1G, there are several candidates. Offensively, we expect Casey Tompson to have a big season, but Ohio State QB CJ Stroud is a Heisman favorite. Consider Trey Palmer a wild card as he could be in position to have a breakout season. We love the running back room, but there does not seem to be enough carries for one back to be recognized. TE Travis Vokolek has a chance, as does OL Teddy Prochazka. Defensively, there are several candidates. Both rush ends, Garrett Nelson and Ochaun Mathis could be in the mix, as will linebackers Luke Reimer and Nick Henrich. Quentin Newsome may get some consideration from his corner spot. It should be noted that the lack of national honors candidates does not indicate the Big Red will be a poor team; quite contrary. There is a slew of rising quality players on the precipice of making their mark.
NEW ARRIVALS
Good heavens! Where do we start? At quarterback, transfers Casey Thompson from Texas and Chubb Purdy from Florida State, both quite capable, are set to compete for the starting job, expected to be won by Thompson primarily due to experience. WR/KR Trey Plamer is expected to play a huge role for Nebraska, a potential game breaker at two positions. WR Marcus Williams, a former teammate of Thompson at Texas, should get serious snaps along with New Mexico State transfer Isaiah Garcia-Castenada. Running back Anthny Grant, who comes from JUCO via Florida State, is a special talent who we expect to make some real noise. Don't discount him on kickoff returns! On the OL, Keith Williams will no doubt find a spot. Defensively, it likely starts with DE Ochaun Mathis, who was a two time second team All Big XII performer. Up front, Alabama transfer Stephon Wynn and Texas Tech transfer Devin Drew both are set to be strong contributors. Among the true freshman, three players come to mind. LB Ernest Hausmann is really turning heads; no redshirt for him. WR Janiran Bonner is making the fall camp highlight reel, so keep your eyes out for him. RB Ajay Allen is catching eyes, but he faces an avalanche of competition. A pair of safeties should also see action; transfer Omar Brown from Northern Iowa and JUCO transfer Deshon Singleton. Additionally, Arizona State transfer Tommi Hill is a potential starter at cornerback. Add Alabama transfer Kaine Williams to the mix at safety. And last, but certainly not least, placekicker Timothy Bleekrode, who transferred in from Furman, may be the most important of them all.
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| Trey Palmer WR/KR PHOTO/Twitter |
FINAL ANALYSIS
GAMEDAY GALLERY
Saturday, August 13, 2022
The Color & Pageantry 2022 Preseason Top 25
Traditionalists that we are, while
we have a tear in our eye when thinking about the current ever changing status of
the game we hold so dear, college football, we are also extremely excited as
within a few short weeks we will place toe to leather and begin another wild
season of NCAA College Football.
With the NIL now playing a
significant role, the transfer portal has made college football somewhat reminiscent
of the wild, wild west; without a sheriff. The NCAA does not have anyone with
any kind of authority ready to police the situation, and a statesman in this regard
is desperately needed.
While the move Oklahoma and Texas
made to the SEC last year, unfortunate in our mind, seemed to be a prelude to a
bunch of movement, everything in the eye of the public sat still until another
late summer bombshell occurred a few weeks back with USC and UCLA announcing
their move to the B1G. This leaves the PAC 12 in a staggered state, and leaves
one quickly out with their number two pencil wondering where the next move will
be. It would appear some sort of a decision by Notre Dame is next on deck, and
should they move, that can be the lynchpin for the breakup of the ACC.
We could certainly see the likes
of Clemson, Florida State and Miami, owners of a number of college football
titles over the last few decades, making a move, and that seems quite logical considering
the gridiron. But what about the college basketball fortunes of blue blood
programs in North Carolina and Duke? Where might they find footing? We will soon find out.
Back to the upcoming college
football season. Folks, the run Alabama
has been on is historical, something we all should sit back and appreciate. In
a rebuilding season, the Crimson Tide played for the National Title, almost
winning it. They did beat National Champion Georgia in the SEC Championship. In a rebuilding year.
The Crimson Tide is our pick to
win the National Championship in 2022. The Tide houses the best coach in the
game, and arguably the best players on both sides of the ball with the returning
Heisman Trophy winner in quarterback Bryce Young and defensive stalwart Will Anderson,
who from his linebacker position in our mind is the best defensive player we
have seen since Ndamukong Suh.
Some of the same old characters
are chasing Alabama, most notably Ohio State, Georgia and Clemson. We really like Utah as the primary challenger
to the Final Four. Is there a dark horse challenger our there? NC State is a
veteran team with a talented signal caller and a favorable schedule, and you
wonder what kind of damage USC can do with Lincoln Riley and a slew of high
talent transfers.
We can’t wait to kick it off and with that. The Color & Pageantry proudly presents our Pre-season Top 25 and All America team.
THE COLOR & PAGEANTRY PRESEASON TOP 25
1. ALABAMA
We really need to take a moment and appreciate the historic
run Alabama has been on over the last decade or so. Few teams post WWII have
had similar runs, so cheers to Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide. Expect this
dominance to continue in 2022. Last year, Bama was young on offense and lost to
Texas A&M before squeaking by Auburn before upsetting Georgia in the SEC Championship
game. But the Dawgs bit back in the CFP
Championship Game to win the title. But Alabama is our preseason #1 team here in 2022 behind a veteran team full of 5*
players, including what we consider among the best players in the nation on
both sides of the ball in quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson.
Alabama grew on offense down the stretch behind Bryce Young, who emerged to win
the Heisman Trophy. Young is poised to continue to elevate his game, and he
will have plenty of weapons to utilize. Enter Jahmyr Gibbs, an electric and
versatile running back who we expect fireworks from as he transfers in from
Georgia Tech. Trey Sanders also returns,
and Alabama has a slew of talented backs. At wide out, Georgia transfer
Jermaine Burton is a national honors candidate, but the experienced depth is
thin. Louisville transfer Tyler Harrell,
JoJo Earle and Ja’Corey Brooks will be emerging key contributors. TE Cameron Latu, the leading returning reiver
with 26 catches, is among the conference's best. All America candidate Emil
Ekiyor anchors an offensive line that is a work in progress. Tyler Steen
transfers in from Vanderbilt, while JC Latham, Javion Cohen and Darrien
Dalcourt will be key contributors. Defensively, Alabama will be extremely
challenging for opposing offensive coordinators. LB Will Anderson (17s) is as
good a player on the stop side as we have seen in a decade of so. Don’t count him out for the Heisman. Henry
To’oto’o is an All America candidate as well at linebacker, and rising
sophomore Dallas Turner (8.5s) could be the next superstar on the Crimson Tide
defense. DE’s Byron Young and Justin Ebiogbe and nose man DJ Dale form a stout
line. The secondary is stacked, with a
pair of All America players in transfer cornerback (LSU) Eli Ricks and standout
safety Jordan Battle. Kool-Aid Mckinstry
is got one corner spot. Brian Branch is also back, as is STAR Malachi Moore,
who is returning from injury. Both K
Will Reichard, who is outstanding, and punter James Burnip, return and Alabama always
has a dangerous return game. The
schedule is not easy –it never is. But Alabama thrives on the competition. The
Tide is at Texas week two, so that will be intriguing. October begins with four
straight tests. First comes a challenging contest at Arkansas, who is much
better than most think. In a much anticipated contest, top ten Texas A&M
comes to Tuscaloosa. Bama then is in Knoxville versus up and coming Tennessee
on the third Saturday in October before closing this stretch with a home game
versus a veteran Mississippi State team. After a week off, a pair of road tilts
at LSU and Ole Miss close a daunting stretch only Alabama could survive. That
stretch is in advance of a tune with Austin Peay before hosting Auburn.
Although that is a rough slate, we think Bama makes it and lands in the SEC
Championship Game undefeated against Georgia, once again. The Crimson Tide is our pick as the 2022
National Champions.
2. OHIO STATE
It was not the strongest season by Ohio State Buckeye
standards in 2021, but there were plenty of positives that appear likely to set
the groundwork for a potential championship run in 2022. Quarterback CJ Stroud had some issues out of
the gate in ’21 but finished strong ending the season as a Heisman finalist.
Stroud, who threw for over 4400 yards while completing over 70% of his throws,
connecting on 44 touchdowns against only 6 interceptions. Stroud could elevate
his game, given the talent on hand; therefore, consider him a Heisman candidate
once again. At running back is the
talented Treveyon Henderson, who ran for over 1200 yards as a freshman a year
ago and enters 2022 as a national honors finalist. Ohio State has perhaps the nation's top group
of receivers, which is led by consensus preseason All America player Jaxson
Smith-Njigba who led the Buckeyes in receiving in 2021 and had a career day in
the Rose Bowl. Marvin Harrison is another honors candidate at the position for
the Buckeyes, and Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming are quality players in the
fold. The offensive line is outstanding, led by tackle Paris Johnson. Luke
Wypler, Donovan Johnson and Dawand Jones are returning players with
experience. Expect this offense to score
plenty. Defensively, the group has
chance to be strong as none of the top ten tacklers in 2021 return. Additionally,
Jim Knowles comes over from Oklahoma State to take over the defense. Zach Harrison, an All America candidate, leads
the unit up front from his defensive end position. LB Tommy Eichenberg was
second in stops in ’21 and is expected to challenge for conference honors.
Steel Chambers at linebacker and Oklahoma State transfer Tanner McAlister at
nickel support. The secondary is quite strong. Top ’21 tackler Ronnie Hickman
is back at safety, joined by standout corner Denzel Burke. CB Cameron Brown
excites the coaches with S Josh Proctor starting at the other safety spot. With the offense potent, improvement from
this unit be needed for the Buckeyes to win it all. Both specialists return with
Emeka Egbuka handling the return game. The Buckeyes open at the Horseshoe hosting
Notre Dame who is good but has a new coaching staff. Wisconsin comes to
Columbus, so the first real road test will come at Michigan State in game
six. Iowa comes in after the bye and
then Ohio State visits Happy Valley, a somewhat unfriendly spot for them in the
past. A home game with Indiana is sandwiched with road games at Northwestern
and Maryland before Ohio State hosts Michigan.
If Ohio State gets by Notre Dame, and we think they do, the Buckeyes
should be undefeated hosting Michigan, who will be good once again. With the offensive output expected, along with
an improved defensive unit, we expect Ohio State to run the table, beating the
west entrant in the B1G title game and securing a spot in the playoff.
3. GEORGIA
The Bulldogs solved some early offensive issues at
quarterback and receiver early on riding a nasty defensive unit to avenge a
loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship game and win first National
Championship since 1980. It was a great year Dawg Nation! Much of that defensive unit is now in the
National Football League, but the Dawgs will still bite! There are only three
starters returning on the stop side, but included in that group are stars on
each level of the unit; DT Jalen Carter, LB Nolan Smith and S Kelee Ringo-- all
potential honors candidate defenders. Carter is the man inside, but watch the
development of DE Mykel Williams and DT Nazir Stackhouse. Jamon Dumas-Jackson is set to emerge at
linebacker, where Robert Beal (23t) also returns. Corner Kelee Ringo emerged
last year as one of the nation’s top corners, with the perfect combination of
frame, speed and instincts. SS Christopher Smith, an outstanding player, returns
with FS Dann Jackson (40t) and I look for West Virginia transfer Tyreke Smith,
who redshirted last fall after injury, to be a force. The overall experience is
lacking, but this talented group may end up being down right stingy. Offensively, there is quite a bit to
like. Stetson Bennett, who continues to
play very well, returns at signal caller. He completed almost 65% of his throws
with 29 TD's versus only 7 INT’s against stellar competition as he demonstrated
in last season’s CFP Final. Kenny McIntosh and Kendal Milton will fight it out
at running back. Ladd McConkey is the
top returning wide receiver in terms of catches, but there is talent around.
Dominick Blaylock has great potential, returning from injury. Adonai Mitchell
should shine. TE Arik Gilbert, sometimes
thought of really a wide receiver, is a mismatch for defenders and could really
be a strong weapon. But more importantly, TE Brock Bowers, our first team All
America Tight End, returns. Bowers had 13 scores in ’21, giving opposing
defensive coordinators fits. G Warren Ericson, an honors candidate, leads a
decent offensive line. Among the remaining projected starters, Broderick Jones,
Sedrick Van Pran and Warren McClendon, are expected to ascend in performance.
Georgia will look for a new punter, but returns K Jack Podlesny. WR Kearis
Jackson excels in the return game. Georgia is finished opening with a border
war with Clemson for now, but travels to Atlanta to face Oregon, now coached by
former Georgia assistant Dan Lanning. The Ducks do not appear to have he sort
of team to come across the fruited plain to take out the Dawgs in their back
yard, so Georgia starts 1-0. A trip to an improving South Carolina has been a
stumbling block in previous years, but we think the Dawgs handle that, sone
easy home wins, a trip to Missouri and a home game with Auburn to start 7-0. After a bye, they have cocktails in Jacksonville
in handling the Gators, but then face a dangerous trio of games at home versus
Tennessee and roadies at Mississippi State and Kentucky. Then Georgia closes at
home versus Georgia Tech, who is struggling hard by this point. Favored in every game, Georgia marches to the
SEC Championship game undefeated to see about reaching the College Football
Playoff!
4. UTAH
For 2022, Utah is a veteran team with fourteen returning
starters that is a dark horse candidate to make the college football playoff.
They served you notice by pummeling Oregon, twice, to close the regular season
before losing a sizable lead, with quarterback knocked out of the game, in
losing close to powerful Ohio State in The Rose Bowl. Utah has an honors
candidate at quarterback in Cameron Rising, who took over after the Utes stumbled
out of the gate last year at 1-2, before going 9-1 to close the season. Rising
completed almost 64% of his throws, with 20 TD’s and 5 INT’s. He can run as well. Tavion Thomas, who led Utah in rushing last
year with over 1100 yards, is back at running back, and he is All PAC 12. Watch
Micah Bernard out of the backfield! Utah loses versatile WR-KR Britain Covey,
but does return four of the top five pass catchers from a year ago, led by All
PAC 12 TE Brant Kuithe. Devaughn Vee and Solomon Enis both has over 20
receptions from the wide receiver position, as did second TE Dalton Kincaid. Utah is always strong in the trenches, and the
offensive line is led this year by OT Braeden Daniels and G Sataoa Laumea. With
Rising, Utah should score 30+ points per game. Defensively, the Utes lost the
phenomenal linebacker Devin Lloyd, but although only four to the top ten
tacklers from last year return, they are still stout. Junior Tafuna, who stared
as a freshman in ’21, anchors the defensive line. DE Van Fillinger returns,
while DT Devin Kafusi transfers over from BYU and DE Gabe Reid comes over from
Stanford. Mohamoud Diabate, who transfers in after starring at Florida, assumes
a linebacker spot. Karene Reid has a
spot in the lineup. CB Clark Phillips is a good one, and safety Cole Bishop is
an honors candidate. CB JaTravis Broughton is returning from injury. The unit
has quite a few settling pieces, but the talent is there. The loss of Covey in
the return game hurts, so Utah has some work to do with regard to the
specialists. Utah starts the season at Florida, so they better have the chin
strap fastened. The Swamp will be hot, and physical conditioning will be critical. This is a good time to catch Florida in
transition, so we think Utah escapes with a win. Utah should be 4-0 before hosting
a dangerous Oregon State ahead of a road trip to UCLA before coming back home
to face the wildcard that we find in USC. The South should be decided there.
From there, Utah is favored along the way with a home game with Stanford and a
road tilt at Oregon. We doubt if Utah
remains healthy that they are an underdog anywhere along the schedule.
Historically, they will stumble somewhere but they well could be a playoff
team, so be advised.
5. MICHIGAN
With almost everyone but the most faithful Michigan Man
having given up on the Wolverines knocking off mighty Ohio State and winning
the Big Ten Conference, all the pieces of the puzzle came together for a
special season and Michigan smashed Ohio State going away, then thumped Iowa to
win the B1G and secure a College Football Playoff spot. Even though the
Wolverines were dominated in the semifinal by eventual National Champion Georgia,
Michigan made the leap and the faithful were thrilled! Of course, Harbaugh
flirted with the NFL, but in the end he remains in Ann Arbor, although both
coordinators do not. Offensively, Michigan won’t miss a beat! Two outstanding
quarterbacks give Michigan plenty of offensive opportunities. Cade McNamara is the projected starter, and
he is coming off a stellar campaign with 2500+ yards and 15 touchdowns. Five
star JJ McCarthy, who as we have already seen has big plays with arsenal.
Michigan is quite comfortable with either or both. Blake Corum ran for just
under 1000 yards a year ago and returns ready to rock, but most can’t keep
their eye off super sophomore Donavan Edwards.
The receiving core is really explosive. First, After leading the
Wolverines in receiving for two seasons, WR Ronnie Bell was lost for 2021 in
the opening game. He is back healthy and ready to make some noise. 2021 leading
receiver Cornelius Johnson is also back, as is Andrel Anthony and Roman Wilson.
A collection of standout newcomers, Darrius Clemons, Amorion Walker and Tyler
Morris shined in spring work. TE Erik All returns at tight end. The offensive
line is stellar! Ryan Hayes is a national honors candidate, and guards Trevor
Keegen and Zach Zinter shoot for conference honors. It gets better, as in from
the transfer portal from Virginia is Olusegun Oluwatimi, a Rimington finalist
at center. Best wished stopping this group! It is on the defensive side where
the deficiencies are, which is expectable after losing Heisman finalist edge
rusher Adrian Hutchison and standouts in DE David Ojabo and DB Daxton Hill. Up
front, we like the starters. NT Mazi
Smith is highly regarded, and Kris Jenkins and Mike Morris have big potential. Junior
Colson, and All B1G player, anchors the linebacking core. Will backer Nikhai
Hill-Green is ready to shine. Corner DJ Turner is the top returnee in the
secondary, which is seemingly the weak spot of the unit. Germon Green is back
and RJ Moten is ready, but the inexperience has led Michigan to move WR Mike Sainristill
over to help. Michigan has perhaps the
top pair of specialists in the nation in K Jake Moody, and All America player,
and P Brad Robbins. Michigan has quite a favorable schedule. There appear to be seven somewhat easy
wins. Make it eight, as we think they
revenge a loss last year to Sparty, who comes to Ann Arbor. An early road tilt at Iowa in week five looms
large. Penn State and Nebraska come to the Big House, and Michigan will be
favored by over a touchdown over both.
Then there is the road finale at The Buckeyes. 11-1 looks like the best
bet, but will Michigan revert back to the old ways? We will call it 10-2 for Harbaugh and the Wolverines.
6. TEXAS A&M
The powers that be in College Station hired Jimbo Fisher
away from Florida State to bring Texas A&M to the level of Alabama and
compete for National Championships. The
Aggies beat a visiting Crimson Tide last season, but somehow only finished the
season 8-4 losing their final game at LSU.
That is not why Fisher was paid 75 million dollars in a record hire, so
folks are getting fidgety with Fisher 34-14 in his four year tenure. You bet, Jimbo Fisher is a quarterback guru
and a well respected offensive mind, but when we think of this group from
Aggieland, we are compelled to reflect back to the old days of the Wrecking
Crew! This group is just that salty, with former Maryland coach DJ Durkin the
coordinator! The secondary leads the unit, and we can start with safety Antonio
Johnson, an All America candidate and the teams leading returning tackler, when
discussing the group. Strong safety Demani Richardson returns as the teams
second returning tackler from ’21. Speaking of returning, CB Myron Jones
returns after missing ’21 and he could be an All SEC player. Jaylon Jones also
returns at corner, along with Tyreek Chappell.
Firing aerials against this group will be a challenge. DT McKinley
Jackson is primed to star leading the line, but experience is thin as most of those
who rushed the passer gone. Tenmise Adeleye has potential, and the coaches
surely like the potential of 5* Shemar Turner. The Aggies have great potential
at the linebacker position. Edgerrin Cooper, a freshman All SEC player in ’21
is ready to go, as is Andre White. This pair was third and fourth among the
teams retuning tacklers. A&M needs a quarterback, and transferring in from
LSU is Max Johnson, who has FSU ties with Fisher through his dad, Brad Johnson.
Johnson could excel under Fisher’s tutelage. RB Devin Achane shined as a
freshman and looks ready to challenge for honors. Ainias Smith is a potential All America
player at wide receiver. Joining him in the receiving core are highly regarded Evan
Stewart. Jalen Preston and Chase Lane
are back, and watch FR Chris Marshall. The line is strong, with returning
starters OG Layden Robinson and C Bryce Foster leading the way, both honors
candidates to be sure. OT Rueben Fatheree is decent as well. While the defense
is the calling card, factoring in the anticipated quarterback play, we think
the offense will be quite productive. A&M needs a new placekicker, but is
stout at punter with Nik Constantinou. Without question, WR Ainias Smith is
among the nation’s best in the return game. With this strong team, can the
Aggies reach the pinnacle? A&M get Sam Houston State and a dangerous
Appalachian State to get the kinks out before hosting what is expected to be a
very improved Miami team. A nemesis in Arkansas awaits in Arlington, and the
Hogs are tough. But this stretch gets no easier, as A&M hits the road to
face a very capable Mississippi State team. That is followed by a road game at
mighty Alabama in a revenge game for the Tide.
Then, A&M hits the road against an improving South Carolina squad. Well,
we gotta believe A&M has at least one loss at this point. After a bye, Ole
Miss visits, and then Florida is at Aggieland, that both could be trouble. A
roadie at Auburn and home finale versus LSU complete the slate. Folks, we think A&M is quite good, but
this slate portends one if not two losses.
7. NORTH CAROLINA STATE
Just a few seasons ago, it appeared North Carolina State was
treading water under head coach Dave Doren, with some speculating about his
future with the school. We wondered if
internally measurable progress was being made, as we really did not see it
materializing on the gridiron. However,
coming out of Covid we have seen strong signs of the Wolfpack resurgence,
culminating with a win over Clemson last year.
NC State, with a favorable schedule and a veteran team returning, it is
no stretch to strongly consider the Wolfpack as THE favorite in the Atlantic
Coast Conference. After all, after a
near miss due to a missed field goal at Clemson in 2020, the Wolfpack beat the
Tiger last year. The time is now! Talented and versatile dual threat QB Devin
Leary returns to direct the offense, and he will challenge for conference if
not national honors. Leary threw for over 3400 yards and 35 TD’s in 21. Keeping
Leary healthy is important, but although the Wolfpack lost their best offensive
lineman in first round pick Ikem Ekwonu, three starters return led by center
Grant Gibson. The Pack will be strong
here, certainly if the tackles emerge. Another big loss was Emeka Emezie at wide
receiver, but the is top talent on the perimeter, led by senior Thayer Thomas,
who hauled in 51C and 8 scores a year ago. Starter Devin Carter (31c) and
senior Porter Rooks (23c) are also back, so there is plenty of targets
available offensively. Now NC State does need a new starting running back, but
although experience is thin, we like the group, led by Jordan Houston. We are
interested to see if 4* recruit Michael Allen can make some noise; we think we
hear him now! The Wolfpack defense appears salty, the kind of unit that could
be the difference for NC State. The unit is led by an outstanding pair of
national honors candidates at linebacker; Peyton Wilson on the inside and Drake
Thomas on the outside. All ACC is just
the beginning for these two! Florida State transfer Cory Durden is a cat quick
monster on the inside, flanked by DE Savion Jackson up front, both returning
starters. The secondary returns quite a bit of experience, including all
starters, and could be very strong. Tanner Ingle brings the wood from his
safety spot while Derrick Pitts and Shyheim Battle are very solid corners.
Christopher Dunn is an outstanding place kicker but a new punter will be in
action. The return game offers extensive opportunity. Now, the schedule is favorable, particularly
out of conference save perhaps the opener at pesky East Carolina. The season is
on the line next with the Pack on the road at Death Valley. The
Pack did beat the Tigers in Raleigh last fall.
They can win at Clemson. Then, they are home to an improved Florida
State, but NC State plays well against FSU, and it seems too tall an order for
the Seminoles anyhow. From there, the
Pack are perhaps favored the rest of the way with the toughest games at home
vs. Va. Tech and Wake and on the road at North Carolina to close. We find it
against the odds for them to run the table, and it seems they are a good
candidate to stub their toe somewhere. But look out! 10-2.
8. CLEMSON
Expected to be a playoff team, as usual, the performance of
the Clemson Tigers last year was quite intriguing, and potentially eye opening
seemingly leaving the Tigers at a crossroads.
To be fair, injuries really hampered Clemson last year, but the issues
really centered around an offense lack potency.
DJ Uiagalelei could not work off his excellent freshman season and
turned in a performance which raised real questions. Although they did smash a
decent South Carolina squad to close out the regular season, Clemson had
trouble all year moving the ball much of the season, barely winning several
games they pulled put due in large measure to their stingy defensive unit. So,
will Clemson get it back together and reclaim their ACC dominance or were those
issues forecasting the future. I am not sure
if anyone is quite sure. It seems the
defense will once again be salty, with potential All America players in DE
Myles Murphy, DT Bryan Breese and OLB Trenton Simpson. The Tigers bite up front
housing perhaps the nations best defensive front, with DT Tyler Davis and DE
Xavier Thomas and DE KJ Henry joining Murphy and Breese, who is coming off a
season ending injury. ILB James Skalski will be missed, but there is some
talent to help at linebacker in Barrett Carter, Jeremiah Trotter Jr and Keith
Maguire. The secondary suffered losses but does return safety Andrew Mukuba.
CB’s Sheridan Jones and rising Nate Wiggins and S Jalyn Phillips are ready, but
watch for 5* CB Jaedyn Lukus to get involved. The unit looks strong, but an
important wildcard is the loss of longtime defensive coordinator Brent
Venables, who is the new head coach at Oklahoma. Venables was considered the best in the
business, so he won’t be easily replaced, so a dominating unit may not be
given. Additionally, offensive coordinator Tony Elliott is the new head coach
at Virginia, and there is much work to do offensively. Uiagalelei is going to
have to elevate his game, mentally included, to retain his spot. He is capable,
but should questions arise, a large portion of the Tiger faithful will be
calling for 5* freshman Cade Klubnik, impressive in the spring with folks
touting his accuracy. Is that noteworthy? Will Shipley is an honors candidate
at running back, always a threat when getting his hands on the ball. WR Joseph
Ngata is another honors candidate, but there are questions here. Beaux Collins and EJ Williams will play, but
watch 5* freshman Antonio Williams who may find playing time in the slot. Tight
ends Davis Allen and Jake Briningstool might be the quarterbacks best friend,
so keep an eye out. Up front, the Tigers are strong, with potential All America
tackle Jordan McFadden and honors candidate Will Putnam anchoring the line. BJ
Potter is back as the Tiger specialist and he is big time. So, while the
defense appears solid, the offense needs to step it up big time if Clemson has
playoff hopes, and with new coordinators on both sides of the ball, there seems
little wiggle room for Dabo Swinney.
Clemson opens on the road against Georgia Tech, and they will be
expected to roll; questions will arise if they don’t. So the Tigers should be
3-0 before a pair of games which will answer our questions; a road tilt at Wake
Forest and a home contest against a veteran NC State team planning on a big
season. Clemson has roadies at Notre Dame and Florida State before closing at
home with Louisville, Miami and South Carolina, all dangerous. Clemson could
win them all, and make the doubters look foolish, but they do not have the
overall talent and consistency, particularly on offense not to mention a pair
of new coordinators, to get it done. We
will go with 9-3 for Clemson.
9. NOTRE DAME
After over a decade with the Fighting Irish, Brian Kelly inexplicably left for the perception of greener -we man that literally- at Louisiana State. Odd in our view to say the least, but a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. Formerly DC at Cincinnati and then at Notre Dame, former Buckeye player Marcus Freeman was chose to take the helm at this historic place. This is Freeman’s first head coaching gig, but his hiring was well received across the nation. We also like the choice. Freeman wasted no time in assembling a decent staff, and he is blistering a path of success on the recruiting trail. Now comes the main thing; winning ball games. Although Notre Dame brings back fifteen starters, the Irish will need a signal caller for the third consecutive year. Tyler Buchner is going to be the guy, and has some limited experience. Buchner is considered a dual threat, possessing running ability having run for over 300 yards last year. Drew Pyne will be there if anything goes wrong. Logan Diggs is there, but we look for Chris Tyree to win the running back spot. The Irish expect the receiving core to be productive, but the experience is limited with no wideout coming back having over 35 catches last year. Braden Lenzy is the top threat. While that group emerges, the Irish can rely on TE Michael Mayer, who has wideout characteristics and is a real weapon, to show the way. Mayer is All America in most minds, and he is certainly as advertised having hauled in 71 receptions for 7 scores in 2021. Jarrett Patterson is our All America pick at center, anchoring a line that should be pretty good. Three other starters return, most notably tackles Blake Fisher and Joe Alt. G Andrew Kristofic is a quality player as well. So consider the line a strength for Notre Dame. Quarterback play, with the help of the receivers, will be key to the overall production of the unit. Defensively, and this is Freeman’s forte, the Irish will be strong. Up front, DE Isaiah Foskey is outstanding, coupling with DT Jayson Ademilola to form a strong front. Last year’s leading tackler JD Bertrand returns at linebacker to give the Irish leadership. Bo Bauer in the middle has experience as well. The secondary is very strong. At safety, Northwestern transfer Brandon Joseph enters as perhaps Notre Dame’s best defensive player. He is an NFL player all day. CB Clarence Lewis quite good, and Cam Hart has great potential at corner. Jack Kiser returns at ROV, and Houston Griffith is solid as a rock at strong safety. Notre Dame will be stout on the stop side. Notre Dame is revamping their kicking game this season, but Chris Tyree is quite capable returning kicks. The schedule as always is tough. The Irish open at The Horseshow at Ohio State, and with this being the first game out for the new coaching staff getting a win here against the powerful Buckeyes seems too tall an order. Then, Notre Dame hosts Marshall and Cal; both are solid teams but not in the class of the Irish. Notre Dame then travels to North Carolina, and while the Tar Heels are not what they were a couple years ago, are still a bowl team. After a bye week, Notre Dame plays BYU in Las Vegas. The Cougars are a very solid team, strong in the trenches and not a team to take lightly by any means. Home games with Stanford and UNLV precedes a road game at Syracuse, but Notre Dame wins all three. At worst, we think the Irish are 6-2 here. Games with Navy in Baltimore and home against Boston College are flanked by a home game against powerful Clemson and a road game at the Coliseum at Los Angeles against Southern Cal, which could well be a really interesting game. It would seem Notre Dame finishes 10-2, splitting the tough games against Ohio State, BYU, Clemson and Southern Cal.
Although it seemed on occasion that Clay Helton might get things going at Southern Cal, a veteran team slumped out of the gate last fall and Helton was shown the door early in the campaign. After the season, USC dropped a bombshell and hired Lincoln Riley away from Oklahoma, where he has had tremendous success. Then, with the NIL raging, several Sooner players, including highly touted quarterback Caleb William, followed Riley out to Los Angeles. So, with all these transfer players combined with a high level of talent on hand, it would seem the Trojans are primed to make some serious noise in the PAC 12. Williams is uber talented and experienced in running the offense Riley will employ, so we can expect the Trojans to be proficient offensively. Veteran running back Travis Dye transfers in from Oregon and he will have a very good line returning four starters to run behind. C Brett Neilon and G Andrew Vorhees are honors candidates. Joining Williams in coming over from OU is standout wideout Mario Williams, who had 35 catches in ’21. But the real addition comes in consensus All America and Biletnikoff winner Jordan Addison, who transfers in from Pittsburgh. Good heavens! If healthy, the Trojans could really be lethal on offense. Defensively, things are not as well put together, but although only three starters return, there is a basis to work from. Tui Tuipulotu was a first team all conference player last year, and he is a terror in the middle up front. DE’s Nick Figueroa and Romello Height, an Auburn transfer and Stanley Ta’ufo’ou support. Shane Lee transfers in from Alabama and should find a starting role along with returning Ralen Goforth at linebacker. Joining them will be former freshman All America player Eric Gentry, who transfers in from Arizona State with sky high talent. Corner Mehli Blackmon transfers over from Colorado to lead the secondary. Calen Bullock is a rising talent at safety, and OU transfer Latrell McCutcheon should figure prominently. It is noted that new DR Alex Grinch is considered a strong defensive mind. USC will revamp the specialists and return game, by Riley has been very successful in this area in the past. If USC has trouble with the new systems and game plans early, there are some dangerous early games, most notably at Stanford and Oregon State and a home match with Fresno State. In mid-October, USC goes to Utah, and that will be huge. The Trojans close at Westwood versus UCLA and then hosting Notre Dame. If they remain healthy, it is hard to imagine USC finishing worse that 8-4. However, it looks like USC will be underdogs only at Utah, so 10-2 would seems reasonable as Lincoln Riley gets going. The Trojans will be fun to watch for sure!
11. BAYLOR
For those inclined to short futures on the projected win
totals for the Baylor Bears in 2022, you may want to rethink that strategy. The
Bears are a veteran team in the right places; the lines of scrimmage, which
under Dave Aranda has exhibited a high level of physicality. This gives the
Bears a big advantage. The Bears possess
the strongest offensive line in the conference, led by an All America candidate
in tackle Conner Galvin, along with C Jacob Gall, who is an all conference
player. There is plenty of experience up front for the Bears, including Grant
Miller, which will hopefully allow the offense to grow quickly. TE Ben Sims, beyond challenging for national
honors, will benefit a young quarterback. Blake Shapen has had some dazzling
moments, but although he does not have many starts under his belt, we think he
will be fine. Taye McWilliams seems set a running back for Baylor. The
receiving core is a work in progress, with limited proven experience returning. Perhaps 4* Armani Winfield will play quick. Defensively,
talent at all levels return. The
strength of the unit is up front, with all starters returning, led by DT Gabe
Hall and NT Siaki Ika, both honors candidates. Dillon Doyle leads the
linebacking core, which houses Matt Jones and LSU transfer Josh White. The
secondary lost some outstanding players, but CB Al Wolcott and FS Christian Morgan
return and we really like the look of this group. Baylor is sound in the
specialist department, with both specialists returning. The schedule is tough.
After a tune-up in the opener, Baylor travels to face BYU, which is always
tough. After trip to Iowa State, the Bears host Oklahoma State, who they beat
in the Big XII Championship game a year ago. Additional Big XII contenders
Oklahoma and Texas are both on the road.
Baylor is very well coached and strong where it counts, on the lines of
scrimmage which maximizes their style of play. However, although they lack
proven skill talent and face a challenging slate, we think the Bears are the
favorite in the Big XII.
12. OKLAHOMA
Wow! The changes at Oklahoma re substantial, all ignited
when Lincoln Riley bolted for Southern Cal. Several key players on the Sooners
hit the transfer portal with a good handful, most notably quarterback Caleb
Williams, following Riley to the Trojans. So the Sooners welcomed highly
regarded Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, a former OU assistant, to
Norman. This is Venables first stint as a head coach, but hey, it worked for
Bob Stoops. Sooner fans like Venables, so he will start his tenure with plenty
of goodwill. Venables brought in Jeff Lebby as offensive coordinator, and this
looks like a good move. The transfer portal depleted the team, but the
quarterback position gained a significant transfer in former UCF signal caller
Dillon Gabriel, who Lebby is familiar with from his days with the Knights. Gabriel threw touchdowns all over the place
at UCF, and he could be a breakout star across the nation if things go
right. Top WR Marvin Mims, who was third
in catches but made some big plays, returns to be Gabriel’s primary target.
Theo Wease returns from injury and Drake Stoops is also back. TE Brayden
Willis, a potential All Big XII player, is also back. Former Tennessee star
Eric Gray is back at running back primed for a big year, back in all
probability by freshman Javontae Barnes. The Sooners are led up front by tackle
Anton Harrison and Chris Murray and welcome in USC transfer McKade Mettauer,
who will start at guard. Tackle Wanya Morris is a potential star. OU has holes on defense, but Venables is
perhaps the most highly regarded defensive mind in the game, so expect the unit
to improve quickly. We like DE Reggie Grimes and DT Jalen Redmond; both seem
poised for a strong season. LB DeShaun White is All Big XII at a minimum, the
Sooners best defensive player. The secondary give Venables a good group to work
with. Woodi Washington and DJ Graham give the Sooners a solid pair of bookend
corners. At the safety spots, Key Lawrence continues to emerge and Trey
Morrison transfers in from North Carolina, where he was a multi-year
starter. P Michael Turk is an All America
candidate, but OU will have a new placekicker. Oklahoma will need to get
settled early. In week three, the
Sooners go to Lincoln to face Nebraska, who is better than most think. That is
followed by a home game against dangerous Kansas State. OU then goes to TCU
before the Red River Rivalry against Texas. Seems certain there is at least one
loss in there. A trip to Iowa State is
followed by a home game against Baylor but the Sooners do have Oklahoma State
in Norman. Can OU come into the Texas State Fair 5-0? If so, the could finish
11-1. But we think there will be too many transitional pains along the way, so
we will call it 9-3.
13. MIAMI
Former Hurricane offensive lineman Mario Cristobal, who after his playing days has had a fine career in coaching, left a high profile spot at Oregon to come home and help resurrect the Hurricane program, which has never won the ACC since entering with only one trip (a blowout) to the ACC championship game. Cristobal has always been a fabulous recruiter and is stellar as a position coach, but he was brought to Miami to win championships. One position he does not have to recruit to pay off in 2022 is at quarterback, as sophomore signal caller Tyler Van Dyke returns to guide the Canes. Van Dyke (6’4” 224) showed flashes of brilliance last fall, closing the year with 25 touchdowns against only 6 interceptions. Van Dyke is expected to elevate his game, and he should certainly be a top player in the ACC. Cristobal is a decorated former offensive lineman and Miami brings back plenty of experience up front with Zion Wilson and DJ Scaife leading the way. Jaylon Knighton led the Canes in rushing a year ago and returns at running back: Miami has talent there. The Canes lost some receiving production, but welcome back Key’Shawn Smith and Xavier Restrepo, who made plays, and gain via the transfer portal Frank Ladson, Jr from Clemson. This gives Van Dyke plenty of weapons, including TE Will Mallory (30c) if the Canes can develop a consistent passing attack. The Canes have holes defensively, but there is plenty of young talent on hand. CB cover corner Tyrique Stevenson, who transferred in from Georgia last year, played very well for the Canes and leads the team defensively in 2022. The secondary is strong with James Williams a top ACC safety. Waynmon Steed, Jr and Corey Flagg return in the linebacking core, but the unit can use some detailed attention from outstanding new DC Kevin Steele. The Canes are green up front, but could get some help from a pair of portal players in Antonio Moultrie (UAB) and Frank Lichtenstein, who made plays for Southern Cal in 2021. Freshman TE Jaleel Skinner has great potential, and the Canes are hoping RB Trevonte Citizen can add immediate help. Miami is very good in the kicking game, and that could get them a close game somewhere on the schedule. The Canes will get two early home wins but then travel to Aggieland to face a probable top five team in Texas A&M. Pencil the Canes in at 4-1 as they welcome North Carolina, a team they always play close. A trip to Blacksburg against Va. Tech and a roadie at Virginia sandwich a contest with Duke. The Canes could well be 7-1 before Florida State comes to South Florida. Although the Seminoles are improved, given FSU beat Miami last year, look for Miami to win in a revenge game. Miami wins at Atlanta vs. Georgia Tech but then plays crucial games to close at Clemson and home against Pitt. This is not an overwhelming schedule and Miami could well be 11-1, but we doubt they can display the level of consistency for that to occur. Odds are certainly against winning at Clemson, and there are plenty of opportunities to stumble. We will say 9-3, but Miami could for the first time legitimately be on their way back!
14. OKLAHOMA STATE
15. OREGON
Oregon lost head coach Mario Cristobal as he returned home
to Miami to take over the Hurricanes. Enter Dan Lanning, who exceled as a defensive
assistant with Georgia, and Lanning looks the part. With his forte on the stop side, Lanning has
to appreciate that the best player on the team is returning All America
linebacker Noah Sewell, who gives the Ducks a foundation defensively on a unit
returning seven starters. Up front, the Ducks will be disruptive with end
Brandon Dorlus leading an experienced group. Pope Aumavae is at nose, DJ Johnson
and Keyon Ware-Hudson are experienced returnees. A trio of transfers, DE Casey
Rogers and DT Jordan Riley from Nebraska and Washington transfer Sam Taimani
give the Ducks plenty of talent. Sewell is really good, but his cohort Justin
Flow, if he can stay healthy, is stout as well.
Strongside linebacker Mase Funa is quite solid and Jamal Hill will be
given every opportunity. The secondary is green, but there is talent. The Ducks
added CB Christian Gonzalez, who transfers in from Colorado. Dontae Manning is
young but did start the Alamo Bowl. At safety, Trikweze Bridges is one to
watch, as is Bennett Williams, who returns from injury. Steve Stevens is a
returning starter with Bryan Addison providing depth. Offensively, Oregon seems in transition. Bo Nix, who has shown flashes, arrives as a
Tiger legacy transfer in from Auburn. It will be interesting to see how Nix
fits in, but he does have a relationship with new coordinator Kenny Dillingham.
There are holes at running back with the top two rushers having departed, but sophomore
Byron Aldwell appears ready to emerge. Watch Minnesota transfer Mar’Keise
Irving. Kris Hutson is the top returning
receiver hauling in 31 balls last year. A trio of sophomores, Dont'e Thornton,
Seven McGee and Troy Franklin are ready to make noise. Add in UCLA transfer Chase
Cota along with Texas Aggie Caleb Chapman along with Isiah Brevard and the
group has strong potential. Terrance
Ferguson (17c) returns at tight end. The big uglies are perhaps the strongest
unit of the team this year as all five starters return led by honors candidates
TJ Bass and Alex Forsythe. Oregon has some question but we think it all gets
solved adequately, so the kicking and return game will be solid. Oregon travels
across the country to open against Georgia, of all teams, in the Atlanta,
otherwise known as the Bulldogs back yard. So the Ducks start 0-1. After
hosting Eastern Washington, a very physical and good BYU visits. Better have the chin strap on tight. The
Ducks open with three winnable conference games, road tilts at Wazzu and
Arizona bracketing a homer with Stanford.
After a bye, a dangerous team in UCLA visits, but the game is followed
by two away games Oregon will be favored in at Cal and Colorado. Then come
three tough games; home against Washington, home against powerful Utah and at
an improved Oregon State. In year one of
the new staff with differing schemes, although there is talent on hand, it will
be tough for Oregon to challenge nationally. We see a likelihood of three
losses provided things go smoothly and the quarterback position is productive.
We won’t be surprised with 8-4 either.
16. ARKANSAS
There seemed to be a collective yawn when Arkansas “settled”
on hiring Georgia offensive line coach Sam Pittman. I must admit that I thought
the Hogs had superior options. It
certainly appears that all of us were dead wrong, as Pittman has done a
tremendous job all while his personality seeming fitting right in with Razorback
Nation. Pittman and Arkansas are tough,
and they have won some big games; ask those Texas Aggies! Expect much of the
same in 2022. On offense, sophomore
sensation QB KJ Jefferson returns after an impressive season where he had a
21/4 touchdown to interception ratio. He
makes plays, even with his feet where added another six scores. While All
America receiver Treylon Burks will certainly be missed, Oklahoma transfer Jadon
Haselwood has arrived to pick up the slack, as has Georgia transfer Matt
Landers. Add in Warren Thompson, who
elevated his game having transferred in from Florida State last year, Bryce
Stephens and Ketron Jackson and the Hogs seem to have a strong wide receiver
room. True freshman Isaiah Sategna may even get a look. Tre Knox, the teams
second leading returner in catches, is back at TE. Raheim Sanders ran for 600 yards last year and
will get first crack at the running back spot where depth is deep. Ricky
Stromberg is an All American candidate on the offensive line, where three
additional starters return. The Hogs look proficient on both sides of the ball
offensively. On the stop side, The Hogs
are short on returning starters but got plenty of talented and experienced
players, so forget about that. Up front,
Isaiah Nichols will anchor things from the nose. The ends may be a pair of
transfers; Jordan Domineck from Georgia Tech and Landon Jackson from LSU but
Eric Gregory returns after 27 stops a year ago. LB Bumper Pool, who led the
Hogs in stops in 2021, is an honors candidate at linebacker. Drew Sanders, an
Alabama transfer, will be a handful for offenses. Chris Paul will get reps
somewhere to be sure, which might be cheating in the secondary. The secondary is a team strength. Myles Slusher is experienced at nickel back. Jason
Catalon, who will challenge for All America honors, will patrol the secondary from
his safety spot for the Hogs. Simeon Blair is back at strong safety, and the
Hogs welcome LSU transfer corner Dwight McGlovern who will battle with Ladarius
Bishop. This is a deep and talented
group throughout the stop troops, and opposing coordinators will have some
sleepless nights. Speaking of coordinators, Arkansas has a great pair in
Kendall Briles on offense and former Missouri head coach Barry Odom on defense.
Both specialists return as does talented return men AJ Green and Ladarius
Bishop. So, we like the Hogs roster. How does the schedule stack up? The Hogs
open with Cincinnati, a playoff team last season. Although the Bearcats lost most
key contributors from that talented team, they are well coached and got
players, so this will be tight. The Hogs then host South Carolina, who is
improving under Shane Beamer. It won’t
be easy, but Arkansas needs to be 2-0 to have a great season, and we think they
are. After a home win versus Missouri State, the Hogs play A&M in
Arlington. They won easily last year, but A&M is better; and has revenge on
the mind. Then, Alabama comes to Fayetteville. Arkansas then travels to upstart
Mississippi State and then across the country to face a physical BYU team. This would be tough for the Cincinnati
Bengals! After a bye, the Hogs go to Auburn then host Liberty, LSU and Ole Miss
before ending the season in a border war game at Missouri. Good heavens! Fasten that chin strap! This is a really good football team, but even
in the best case scenario, it seems there are least 3 losses. We say 8-4.
17. MICHIGAN STATE
Michigan State certainly appear to have hit a home run
hiring Mel Ticker from Colorado, and the Spartans fended off several interested
teams who came inquiring about Tucker.
The Spartans sweetened his deal, and they love what the future looks like
as Tucker continues the rebuild in East Lansing. The Spartans had a big season in 2021, going
11-2 and surprising a host of folks. But
lingering in the success was an eye opening 51-7 loss at Ohio State, so there
is work to be done. Tucker has some nice
pieces on offense to work with. Quarterback Peyton Thorne, who has limitations
but made plays when he had to in directing all those wins. He should be improved in the fall. Standout
Kenneth Walker, who transferred in from Wake Forest, is NFL bound, but
transferring in are a pair of outstanding backs. Jarek Broussard, a workhorse standout PAC 12
player who Tucker had at Colorado, comes over. Additionally, Jalen Berger, who
shined at Wisconsin, transfers in as well. Both could be honors
candidates. While TE Daniel Barker is
solid, together with Tre Nelson, Tyler Hint and Keon Coleman they form a nice
group or receivers, but speaking of honors, Spartan wideout Jayden Reed, who
was third team B1G last fall, is ready to become a household name. Don’t forget Reed is among the nations best
in the return game. The Spartans hope to have a fully healthy Jarrett Horst
back from injury and the experienced Nick Samac will jump in at center with
excitement brewing at the future of Spencer Brown But uncharacteristically so,
Michigan State is inexperienced up front, no doubt costly in the B1G, and there
are limited quick fixes. A late addition to the unit in Washington State
transfer Brian Greene was welcomed. The defense is stout, housing a talented
experienced secondary led by SS Xavier Henderson. Cal Haladay is decent at
inside linebacker and the line with tackle Jacob Slade and Simeon Barrow
anchoring the line up front. Top punter Bryce Barringer is back, but Sparty
needs a new placekicker with a top return game.
Michigan State travels to Washington in week three, but we just don’t
think the Huskies are there just yet, so Sparty will be 3-0 heading into
conference play which starts with a quick important battle at home against a
very capable Minnesota. Three tough games
then await, with home games against Ohio State and Wisconsin and a roadie
revenge game at Michigan. Michigan State ends at Penn State, but otherwise the
schedule is favorable. We think the best is two losses, but we think three,
perhaps four, is more reasonable.
18. TENNESSEE
Although he was well liked within the university and
community, and his success on the field was without question good, many UCF
fans were cheering when the Tennessee Volunteers hired Josh Heupel away from
the Knights. While Tennessee only went 7-6 a year ago, including a wild Music
City Bowl, there were some promising signs in what was seemingly an average
season. They Vols got punked a few times, against Florida and outside of
powerful Georgia and Alabama. Tennessee lost close ones to Pitt and Ole Miss,
who were New Years Day Six participants and notched a win versus a good
Kentucky team. Offensively, Tennessee was lit, and the catalysts of the unit
return. Hendon Hooker was firing darts
when healthy, with 31 TD’s against only 3 INTS last year. Imagine his encore
with an additional year in the system Huepel has employed! Jabari Small is back
after leading the team is rushing last year. Rising junior Cedric Tillman, who
is ALL SEC at a minimum, was ridiculous last fall, leading the team with 12
receiving touchdowns. Now the second and third leading receivers from a year
ago are gone, but there is plenty of talent at hand, and that includes Jaylin
Wyatt, who is ready to rock. Princeton Fant had over 15 catches last fall, and
watch former USC Trojan Bru McCoy, a former 5* who is having trouble finding
the right home. Maybe that is with
Heupel and the Vols? TE Jacob Warren
also returns. The offensive line is not a top unit, but four starters return
and it is quite good enough for the offense to continue to click. Tackles Darrell
Wright and guard Jerome Calvin lead the way. With a healthy Hooker, Tennessee will keep the
scoreboard operator busy. Defensively, the Vols need improvement, having given
up 29ppg last fall, but have promise. Seven starters return, including the
owner of the defensive stat sheet, outside linebacker Jeremy Banks, recorded
128 stops with 11.5 TFL to boot. Wow! As
good as Banks was, middle backer Aaron Beasley was stout as well finishing
second stops and returns. DT Omari Thomas and DE Byron Young give the Vols some
strength up front. Three starters return in the secondary, led by the Vols
third returning tackler in FS Trevon Flowers. SS Jaylen McCullough (3INT’s) and
CB Warren Burrell (7PBU) are solid. Both specialists return, but the Vols will
look to find a speedy replacement in the return game, of which there are plenty
of strong candidates. Tennessee opens on a Thursday nigh hosting a pesky Ball
State team, but the Vols post way too many points. Tennessee then travels to
face a decent and veteran Pitt team. Tennessee fell close to the Panthers last
year, but this is a game the Volunteers need if the aspire for a big
season. Akron comes in before Tennessee
host Florida, a good time to face the Gators who are early in transition. Two
losses here would not be good, but if Tennessee is 4-0, well, we could be on to
something. After a bye, Tennessee travels to LSU, but the talented Tigers are
also in transition. A loss awaits hosting Alabama in The Third Saturday in
October. UT Martin gets smashed before the Vols host rival Kentucky, who is
capable of beating UT and then travels to Georgia who will beat UT. Tennessee host Missouri before traveling to
South Carolina and Vanderbilt to close.
Odds favor there are at least three losses; Alabama, Georgia and one (or
two) somewhere else.
19. OLE MISS
For those anticipating the Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss
“experiment” to fail, you may want to grab a six pack for your lawn chair and
enjoy the fun. Kiffin has the Rebels
rocking, and even though there are significant personnel losses, Ole Miss has
reload characteristics and is ready to compete for another New Year’s Six Bowl.
The talented Matt Corral is gone at quarterback, but Kiffin is a quarterback
guru and he loves to mold new signal callers. 4* Luke Altmyer, who quarterbacked Ole Miss in
the majority of the Sugar Bowl after Corral was knocked from the game, returns
and had a decent spring. But Kiffin
welcomed in 5* USC transfer Jaxson Dart, who is ultimately expected to win the
job. Dart threw for 9 scores with almost 1400 yards before injury, but had
flashes of brilliance. The running back room suffered huge losses, but Kiffin
again worked the portal in bringing in Zach Evans from TCU. The rising
sophomore Evans, a 5* recruit, has vast potential and ran for a thousand yards
last year for the Frogs, so expect him to thrive for the Rebels. The receiving
core is led by Jonathan Mingo, an honors candidate who had 22 catches last
year. Dannis Jackson also returns, and watch for UCF transfer Jaylon Robinson
and Louisville transfer Jordan Watkins. At tight end, USC transfer Michael Trigg
is expected to be a big playmaker. On the OL, a bunch of talent is on hand led
by honors candidates Nick Broeker and Jeremy James. Mason Brooks transfers in
from a career at Western Kentucky. The defense is not necessarily the Rebels
strong suit and there are no sure fire all conference candidates, but they will
be active and decent. Up front, KD Hill returns at the nose but he needs some new
faces to emerge. Enter Auburn transfer JJ Pegues, who is hoping to seize the
opportunity, as does Georgia Tech transfer Jared Ivey. Tavious Robinson also
has experience. Linebacker Cedric Johnson is a playmaker on the stop side who
flashed as a true last fall. Troy Brown
comes joins the Rebels after three All MAC performances at Western Michigan;
expect him to be a force. FS AJ Finley (3INT) will lead an experienced and
talented back end with SS Otis Reese bringing the wood; the teams top two
returning tacklers and a pair of potential all conference players. Corners
Deantre Prince and Tysheem Johnson combined for three interceptions a year ago.
Miles Battle had 22 stops in ’21, but keep an eye out for Isheem Young, a
rising sophomore who tore it up for Iowa State a year ago; might be an impact
player! An Australian punter arrives to join returning placekicker Jonathan
Cruz at placekicker who transferred in from Charlotte. The schedule allows time
for this team to get its legs underneath it. Home dates with Troy and Central Arkansas
precede a trip to Atlanta to face Georgia Tech. Another home game against Tulsa
readies Ole Miss for the SEC slate, which begins with a home date against
Kentucky, no easy task. The Rebels travel to Vanderbilt, and should leave no
worse than 5-1. Auburn comes to Oxford
in what seems to be a rather important contest for both side. We like Ole Miss
here. Mississippi hits the road to visit
LSU and Texas A&M, where at least one loss seems likely. A bye week sets up a really tough run to
close out; Alabama at home, at Arkansas and Mississippi State at home in the
Egg Bowl. We see at least four losses
for Ole Miss, as the rigorous schedule, even later with potentially most issues
solved, is too tough to bear.
20. KENTUCKY
You really have to appreciate
the job Mark Stoops has done at Kentucky, where he has guided the Cats to a
pair 10 win seasons within the past five seasons. Last year’s squad was quite strong,
beating Iowa in the Florida Citrus Bowl in beautiful downtown Orlando. The main
take away is the roster is strong, and Kentucky is not going anywhere, well
positioned to compete in the SEC East; for second. The gap beneath powerful Georgia is deep, but
Kentucky is there with Tennessee and Florida. Offensively for 2022, Kentucky is
set to do damage. Will Levis, who had a
solid season last year, is primed to raise the level of his game. Running back Chris Rodriguez is an All
America candidate, and he should eclipse 1000 yards again with ease, even in
the vaunted SEC. Kentucky lost a good deal of receiving production, but return
plenty of talent, led by Izayah Cummings (14c). Dane Key is ready to emerge, Demarcus
Harris returns and Kentucky welcomes in Tayvion Robinson from Virginia Tech. TE
Brendan Barnes is also back. Left guard Kenneth Horsey leads the offensive line
returnees, Eli Cox is a returning starter, but the rest will be newcomers.
Kentucky has recently had very strong lines of scrimmage. The Cats bite defensively, and have a veteran
unit. Former five star recruit Justin Rogers is a very big man at the nose,
ready to toss anchor. Octavious Oxendine and Ytrvonn Rybka are solid ends. The
linebacking core is simply outstanding. JJ Weaver and Jacquez Jones (86 stops) are
honors candidates, and DeAndre Square (80 stops) and Jordan Wright (30 stops) are
quite impressive as well. CB Carrington Valentine is the top returning tackler
returning in a depleted secondary. SS Ty Ajian is also back, btu Ole Miss is
excited about Keidron Smith, who transfers in from Ole Miss. Joel Williams is
working to elevate his game at nickel. Both
specialists return, and Kentucky has some really qualified candidates to handle
the return game. Kentucky has to go to Florida week two, and winning at the
Swamp is always an uphill climb, nut they are catching the Gators in the very
beginning of a transition fresh off a tough game vs. Utah. So we like the Cats
at 4-0 before traveling to Ole Miss. Kentucky will be dogs, but they can win
it. Home games with rising South Carolina and pesky Mississippi State follow.
Win both and we are really on the train! But we will go with at least one loss
from somewhere at this point. Off a bye, road games against rival Tennessee and
Missouri at on the slate. The Vols beat Kentucky last year, so this revenge
game against an improved Tennessee team is a key contest. The Cats beat
Vanderbilt at home, lose to Georgia on the road then close with a key game
against Louisville, an improved team with a quarterback that can hurt you. We doubt Kentucky is strong enough to win
them all outside of the loss to Georgia, but minimizing the losses will tell
the tale on the year. We will go with three
losses, thinking four rather than two. But Kentucky is a very good football
team, and program thanks to the unheralded job Mark Stoops has done.
21. PITTSBURGH
With Pitt losing both quarterback Kenny Pickett and OC Mark
Whipple, one might expect Pat Narduzzi’s squad to take a step back from their
ACC Championship, but don’t expect it.
Former USC QB Kedon Slovis, who has somewhat underachieved, transfers in
to try to win the Panther QB job. Even
with the puzzling transfer loss of award winning wide receiver Jordan Adison to
USC, the Panthers bring back eight offensive starters. The top three rushers return, with Israel
Abanikanda, an All ACC candidate, leading the way. Pitt has had a very strong receiving core in
recent seasons, and the talent is there once again. Jared Wayne had 47 catches
and 6 scores last year and he will be the top target. But the Panthers bring in
Konata Mumpfield, an Akron transfer, to join Jaden Bradley in the production.
Gavin Bartholomew is back at tight end. The offensive line returns in full,
with OT Carter Warren and OG Marcus Minor potential honors candidates. If
Slovis can elevate his game, and we don’t see why he can’t, this offense should
continue to light up the scoreboard. Seven official starters return on the
defensive unit led by a disruptive All America candidate at defensive tackle, Caljah
Kancey, who earned first team Al ACC as a freshman. DE Destin Alexander is an honors candidate
who, along with Habakkuk Baldonado flanks Kancey. STAR linebacker SirVocea
Dennis, who led the Panthers in stops last year, is back to wreak havoc all
over the field. In the middle, Shayne
Simon transfers in from Notre Dame and is expected to have a starting role. The
secondary is quite strong returning three starters. Sophomore safety Brandon
Hill is the ring leader, with a great pair of corners in Marquis Williams and Erick
Hallett. Sam Scanton is back at kicker but watch Ben Sauls. Sam Vander Haar
will punt. The return game is in the quality hands of Isarel Abanikanda. Pitt
opens at home in a welcome revival of the Backyard Brawl with West Virginia.
The Mounties look improved, and this is a huge rivalry game, so watch out! Pitt
then host Tennessee, and the Volunteers got things going, so Pitt may not even
be favored. The Panthers then go to Western Michigan, who beat Pitt last fall
in Pittsburgh. Could the Panthers be 0-3? Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech are at
home and then after a bye roadies at a scary Louisville team and at North
Carolina fill the slate. Home games with Syracuse and Duke bracketing a roadie
at Virginia await Pitt before closing at Miami, which should find them as
underdogs. Slovis has no time for rust, as the slate is mighty sketchy out of
the gate. Pitt won the ACC last year,
but we don’t think the seas part in such an advantageous way this fall, so we
got Pitt 8-4 based on Slovis having a decent season.
22. WAKE FOREST
The Demon Deacons were pretty doggone good in 2021 closing with a drubbing of Rutgers in the Gator Bowl, and it looks like they will once again field a dangerous and capable football team, especially on offense. It all starts with junior quarterback Sam Hartman who threw 39 touchdowns while adding 11 on the ground. Wow! Hartman is poised to have another high performance season and could well challenge for All America honors if Wake can pull off a special season, which would include winning the ACC. Don’t count them out. Nine staters return on offensive, headlined by Hartman and a tremendous receiving led by another All America candidate, A. T. Perry. Perry is special, especially in the red zone; he scored 15 touchdowns! Donovan Greene and Taylor Morris are talented receivers with starting experience. Justice Ellison and Christian Turner return at running back and both are quite capable. Wake also brings in a pair of *4 recruits in RB Demond Claiborne and WR Wesley Grimes. All the offensive line returns, led by C Michael Jurgens G Sean Maginn. The unit is not special, but given the offense employed by Wake they don’t need to be a physical downhill group, but the group is very thin. The defensive side of the ball is where Wake is deficient, but the unit did get some timely stops last year. Up front, DE Rondell Bothyard is an All ACC candidate and there is some experience. Ryan Smenda Jr is back at linebacker leading the team in ’21 with 83 stops, while Chase Jones also returns. The secondary has some talent, but needs to mesh. We think Safety Malik Mustapha has potential, and S Colby Davis and corners Caelen Carson Gavin Holmes are key contributors. This is a thin unit, and if Wake has plans of reaching higher levels, the jump will have to come from better results on this side of the ball. The specialists are sound, and there is some excitement in the return game. A new defensive coordinator in Brad Lambert may pay dividends. Can Wake win the ACC and make national noise? The Deacs will be 3-0 as they welcome Clemson, who we think is a wildcard in 2022. But that seems too tall an order. Next is a trip to Florida State, and this is very dangerous as well. We got Wake 5-2 before a trip to vastly improved and strong NC State. So, for us, Wake sits 6-3 before hosting North Carolina, then beating Syracuse at home and Duke on the road to finish 9-3 falling short of an achieving an ACC Atlantic Championship Game berth.
23. NEBRASKA
If it were not for a series of fixable issues, it seems
Nebraska would have been about 9-4 last year. Their offensive line underachieved,
the special teams were abysmal, the turnover bug was an invited house guest and
there were bouts of inexplicable play calling leading to mindset that lacked a
winning attitude. At the end of the day, this on head coach Scott Frost and he
knows it. The time is now. The Huskers
made significant changes with the assistant coaching staff, with two key
newcomers. Mickey Joseph, a former Husker quarterback from the recruiting
hotbed of Louisiana, comes over from LSU to help a talented and under achieving
receiving core reach potential, and veteran play caller Mark Whipple, who came
from Pitt, where his quarterback made Heisman finalist last year. And perhaps
most importantly, Veteran Bill Busch will handle special teams. Can Frost and Nebraska rise up after these and
other changes? Adrian Martinez is off to K-State, a divorce that seems best for
both parties. Nebraska brought in two
transfers; Casey Thompson (24TD/9INT) from Texas and Chubba Purdy, (2TD/0INT)
after injured year at Florida State. Most are betting on Thompson here, but the
improvement, particularly holding onto the ball, seems likely. The Huskers have a slew of decent backs,
including sophomore Gabe Irvin, who is coming off injury, Rahmir Johnson,
Yaquez Yant and JUCO phenom Anthony Grant.
Talent abounds in the receiving core, with LSU transfer Trey Palmer, Texas
transfer Marcus Williams, Oliver Martin and Huskers leading returning guy in
Omar Manning leading a deep group. TE Travis Vokolek (11c) returns of injury
and Nebraska is hoping top recruit Thomas Fidone can finally find the field
after being sidelined by injuries. The
line has talent and should rise above last year's performance. Turner Corcoran,
Bryce Benhardt and Teddy Prochazka, who is returning from injury and the best
of the group if healthy, are top returnees.
Defensively, the unit was stout a year ago and has a good chance to be
so again. Garrett Nelson great on the
edge, and TCU transfer Ochaun Mathis, 2nd team BIG XII in ’21, joins
him. Ty Robinson returns inside, with
Alabama transfer Stephan Wynn or Texas Tech transfer Devein Cres perhaps primed
to emerge. Caleb Tannor, Luke Reimer, Isaac Gifford and Nick Henrich are very
solid in the linebacking core. Quentin Newsome owns a corner spot, and Myles
Farmer seems solid at safety. A bunch of young talent is looking for playing
time, including Northern Iowa transfer CB Omar Brown, Alabama transfer S Kaine
Williams, CB Braxton Clark, S Noa Pola-Gates and Arizona State CB transfer
Tommi Hill among others. New kicking specialists have been brought in with
nowhere to go but up. Trey Palmer, who returned a kickoff for a TD for LSU versus
A&M a year ago, will handle returns. Nebraska will be the road team in
Ireland Week 0 against Northwestern, and they simply must win this game. If
not, expect firings. So, Nebraska should
be 3-0 before hosting Oklahoma in a game that presents a golden
opportunity. Can the Big Red relive
glory and capitalize against an OU team in transition? After a bye, Indiana and
Rutgers are next before a dangerous road game at Purdue. Seemingly 5-2 at worst
here, after another bye and then it’s money time. Nebraska host Illinois and
Minnesota, both who beat the Huskers last year, then travel to Michigan.
Wisconsin comes to Lincoln before the Huskers close at Iowa. The Big Red have
long losing streaks to both, so odds favor one or both ends. That should give
Nebraska a record of perhaps 8-4, maybe 7-5, but a bowl game and an outside
shot at the Top 25.
24. TEXAS
There are quite a few questions for the Texas Longhorns
heading into 2021. With Casey Thomson off to Nebraska, it seemed Hudson Card
would be the guy at quarterback. But
coach Sarkasian has welcomed transfer Quinn Evers from Ohio State. Most think
Evers will win the job, but with the verbal commitment of Arch Manning, the
number one player in the 2022 class and the presumed future starter, will Evers
stay? We will assume he does for this analysis, and also assume he edges out
Card for the job. At tight end, Alabama transfer Jaheel Billingsley will be a
desired target for the Longhorn signal caller. Texas has a pair of dangerous
receivers in juniors Jordan Whittington and Wyoming transfer Isaiah Neyor, but
sophomore Xavier Worthy is the one to watch, an electric All America candidate.
Speaking of All America candidates, running back Bijan Robinson may be the odds
on favorite for the Doak Walker Award. Any quarterback should have plenty of
success with these weapons on hand. Even
though there is experienced, the line had struggles in 2021 and opportunities
exist. The best player in the group is guard
Junior Angiau. DJ Campbell and Kelvin Banks are a pair of freshman lineman that
will get a look. Defensively, the team is led by weak side linebacker DeMarvion
Overshown, the top tackler in 2021, who is quite good. Luke Brockermeyer
returns in the middle after injury, but there is competition. James Madison
transfer Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey figures to find the field. Jaylan Ford also
figures in. Up front, Moro Ojorno and Kenondre Coburn loom large. Ovie Oghoufo will
house himself at BUCK. On the back end, Ryan Watts, an Ohio State transfer, will
impact at the corner position while D’Shawn Jamison is at field corner. Anthony Cook, along with Jerrin Thompson and Kitan
Crawford, are experienced safeties. Texas will replace its specialists, but
does have a decent returner in D’Shawn Jamison. The Longhorns open with a home
win over Terry Bowden’s ULM Warhawks before hosting Alabama. Ouch. Texas beats
UTSA then faces a tough roadie at Texas Tech, no cakewalk. West Virginia then
visits Austin before the Red River Rivalry versus Oklahoma. Iowa State visits
before roadies at Oklahoma State and Kansas State. A road game at Kansas brackets home games with
TCU and Baylor to close the season. The Longhorns have some pieces but would
need escalated quarterback and offensive line play to figure prominently in the
BIG XII race. But Texas can beat some
folks, so we consider them dangerous in the conference. 7-5.
25. WISCONSIN
It is worth noting that Wisconsin, although they have
continued to be a strong football team, have not won the B1G West in two seasons.
The Badgers are the poster child for plug and play, having done it for decades.
But this season, it might be a more significant challenge. Wisconsin has rarely
had outstanding quarterback play, relying for the most point on a field general
signal caller who efficiently directs the offense minimizing errors. Graham
Mertz returns at quarterback for Wisconsin this fall, but significant
improvement is needed as Mertz had an unfavorable touchdown to interception
ratio (10/11). We thought Mertz looked great when he first arrived, but things
have gone south and we are not convinced Mertz will noticeably improve. Of
course, Wisconsin can rely on their annually punishing running game. The offensive line is not up to usual Badger
standards, but it is still better than the majority of the country. Inside
players C Joe Tippmann and G Tyler Beach lead the way. At running back,
Wisconsin once again has an All America candidate in Braelon Allen. A slew of
talent resides behind Allen, led by former Clemson transfer Chaz Mellusi.
Senior Jack Eschenbach will handle the tight end duties. Wisconsin can go
behind Allen, but the must take flight with Mertz to play for the conference
title. Defensively, only four starters return, but DC Jim Leonard is salivating
thinking opposing offensive coordinators see an opportunity. One does not appear to exist. Up front.
Wisconsin is strong as usual. NT Keeanu Benton was a terror last fall, and
could be an all conference player this year. DE Isaiah Mullens also returns,
and keep your eye on Rodas Johnson. The
linebacker core is depleted, but there are some hosses ready to rock. Outside
linebacker Nick Herbig, the teams leading returning tackler, is expected to be
an All B1G performer, returns to lead the unit.
Senior CJ Goetz is stout on the other side. Jordan Turner is a high
level talent the coaches are raving about, so we look for him to excel inside
for Wiscy. Kaden Johnson and Darryl
Peterson are ready for extended snaps. Safety Jon Torchio makes plays and is a
potential honors candidate. Hunter Wohler should be at SS with Travian Blaylock
ready for action. Transfers Jay Shaw (UCLA), Cedrick Dort Jr. (Kentucky) and
Justin Clark (Toledo) all are expected to figure prominently. Awesome punter
Andy Vujnovich returns at punter with Arkansas transfer Vito Calvaruso expected
to be the new placekicker. Wisconsin runs to 3-0 before visiting powerful Ohio
State after drawing the Buckeyes from the East. Wisconsin will be favored in
the next two games, home versus Illinois and at Northwestern. Tougher games at
Michigan State and Purdue follow. We see the likelihood of Wiscy being 6-2
here. Then, the West gets settled. After hosting Maryland, Wisconsin travels to
Iowa and Nebraska before returning home to try to avenge last seasons late loss
to Minnesota. This could be 0-3, but
more likely 2-1 losing one of the road games.
Because of the anticipated average quarterback play, we got Wisconsin
8-4, possibly even 7-5.
SUPER SIX (those who just missed selection)
BRIGHAM YOUNG
Even when BYU is not very good, they are pretty good. This
fall, we were all set to rank the Cougars inside the Top 20 as they have a very
good, veteran team. Then, we looked at their murderous schedule. BYU returns nineteen starters, including top
signal caller Jason Hall. The top two receivers are back and offensive line is
always strong. All the top tacklers return defensively, and the Cougars will be
salty! BYU opens across the country at USF, not a great team, but that’s a
dangerous game. The Cougs return home to face Baylor before hitting the road
again to play at Oregon; by week three! In mid October, BYU faces Notre Dame in
Vegas and then hosts Arkansas before visiting a dangerous Liberty team.
Additional games at Boise State and Stanford close out the season. Strong team; brutal slate.
IOWA
Once again, the Hawkeyes will be who you expect them to be,
a team that is strong on the lines, plays it close to the vest with solid
defense that does not make mistakes. Offensively, QB Spencer Petras is back,
and he is a solid game manager. Sam Laporta, and All America candidate, is back
at tight end but a bunch of skill talent was lost. Potential All America
players are back on the stop side in ILB Jake Campbell and corner Riley Moss,
who is the only returning secondary starter returning. The schedule is favorable; the Hawks should
be 4-0 before hosting Michigan. Ohio State, Purdue and Minnesota are on the
road, while divisional foes Wisconsin and Nebraska are at home.
UCF
Eighteen starters return for the Knights under Gus Malzahn
but all eyes are on the QB battle. Ole Miss John Rhys Plumlee, who spent some
WR time with the Rebels, is a very good athlete we expect to win the job. With top
rusher Isiah Browser and leading receiver Ryan O’Keefe back, along with a very
solid line, the offense will click. Last year's leading tackler transferred, but talented SS
Quadric Bullard returns to lead the defensive unit, along with cover corner Davonte Brown who had an incredible 13 PBU in 2021.
Tough home game with Louisville early is on the slate, but win that,
with a descending Georgia Tech and rebuilding Cincinnati at home and no Houston, the Knights, although not a top team
nationally, could well be undefeated!
FLORIDA STATE
The Seminoles appear improved at almost every level, but notably
in the offensive line, an area that has been a huge problem for FSU in recent seasons.
This team is now in the hands offensively of Jordan Travis, and if he can stay
healthy, he could have a strong season.
The receiving core is much improved, and FSU has good backs. The secondary, led by Jammie Robinson, is
strong, and the long pedestrian linebacking core looks stronger with arrival of
UCF top tackler Tatum Bethune. Improvement with the specialists and return game
is also a welcomed expectation. The schedule offers no favors, with Clemson and
Florida at home and trips to NC State and Miami. The Noles must win at home over
Wake and/or on the road at Louisville, but a win on Labor Day weekend at New
Orleans over LSU could spearhead the Seminoles to an 8-4 season and a decent
bowl game destination.
PENN STATE
The Lions fall just outside our Top 25 for 2022 as they seem
at a bit of a crossroad. There is talent on this team, but enough holes and a challenging
schedule that appear to prohibit a banner season. QB Sean Clifford returns, and
he could shine if he remains healthy, but he has never really set the world on
fire. The Lions have a pair of nice receivers in Mitchell Tinsley and Parker
Washington, Usually stout on the OL, the team does not appear to have an all
conference candidate at the position. Returning starting experience in thin
defensively, but DT PJ Mustipher and CB Joey Porter are excellent. In seemingly
a must win, the Lions open on a Thursday night at Purdue, the after an open
date, travel south to face Auburn, a game both squads will need bad. Penn State travels to Michigan after a bye,
the has home dates against crossover Minnesota and powerful Ohio State. Penn
State closes at home against Michigan State. If the Lions are undefeated going to
Ann Arbor, they can’t help but win eight.
KANSAS STATE
Chris Klieman is a really good football coach you may not of
even heard of, but his group of Wildcats is an extremely dangerous, veteran squad
poised to make some real noise on the national stage. If you want a dark horse;
this is your team. Uber talented former Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez
transfer in hoping a new environment helps him up his game. All American player
Deuce Vaughn, an excellent and versatile backfield player (and top kick returner)
returns, as does the three top receivers. Defensively, top tackler Daniel Green,
an all conference candidate, leads the unit. Corner Julius Brents anchors a
stout secondary. The non con should all
be wins, so among the perceived conference contenders that leaves roadies at
OU, where the Cats historically play well, Baylor and West Virginia along with
home contests against Baylor, Texas and Oklahoma State. Kansas State will score
plenty and is salty on D. Pull an upset or two, and these Cats can collect
around nine wins.
NEXT: Mississippi State, LSU, Florida, Louisville, UCLA,
Minnesota, Purdue, Houston, Cincinnati, Auburn, North Carolina, Iowa State,
Texas Christian, West Virginia, South Carolina, Boise State, Fresno State, Boston
College, Oregon State, Washington and Air Force.
NOTES: MISSISSIPPI STATE; Look out. Eighteen starters return, but this schedule is menacing. The SEC West, plus a roadie at Kentucky and a home game against Georgia as the crossovers. Would not want to play these guys, but it will be hard to crack the top 25 with this slate. LSU: Not sure if we buy the fit for Brian Kelly at LSU, so even though the Tigers have plenty of top talent, this may take some time. FLORIDA: We think Billy Napier is the right hire, but the Gators have some holes. QB Anthony Richardson, whose talent level has a sky high ceiling, could catapult the Gators much higher. LOUISVILLE; Malik Cunningham is an elite quarterback and plenty of skill returns. Division foes FSU and Wake are at home/ Early test at UCF sets tone. UCLA; The Bruins might be good. Dorian Thompson-Robinson is back at quarterback and the entire offensive line returns, but only two defensive starters are back. MINNESOTA; Sixth year quarterback Tanner Morgan, potential All America running back Mohamed Ibrahim and a slew of receivers return making Minnesota quite dangerous and a B1G west candidate. PURDUE; The Boilers were better than expected last year and do return a talented signal caller, and two Iowa transfer receivers. They lost their top defensive player and top skill talent. Keep an eye on them. HOUSTON is dangerous behind QB Cayton Thune. CINCINNATI; The Bearcats lost some serious talent from their playoff team but are a solid team and still a threat. AUBURN: The Tigers will be tough, but they don’t seem strong enough to contend in the SEC West; NORTH CAROLINA: Only five offensive starters return and the Heels will have a new quarterback, but the offense has an All America candidate in Josh Downs at WR and an improved defense, so they have a chance. IOWA STATE; Last year was the year for the Clones; excited to see how they respond in 2022. TCU; Wholesale for the Frogs offer new opportunities. WEST VIRGINIA: The Mounties seems on the upswing and winning seven games in 2022 would be strong signal. SOUTH CAROLINA; Likely a year or so away, with the addition of former OU quarterback Spencer Rattler, the Gamecocks could serve early notice on some folks; BOISE STATE: Seventeen starters return including top quarterback Hank Bachmeier, we find out early when they open on the road at Oregon State; FRESNO STATE; The Bulldogs are tough, and with gunslinger QB Jake Haener, outside of the lash on the road at Boise State only a pair of PAC 12 games early are potential losses. BOSTON COLLEGE; There are holes, but with NFL QB Phil Jurkovic and talented WR Zay Flowers, the Eagles can fly! OREGON STATE; An experienced team returns, and we like them, but the schedule is really tough including the best from the Mountain West right out of the gate; WASHINGTON; Seems like things are sort of starting over for the Huskies, but this is not a bad team and if they get it together earlier than expected, they can do some damage. MARYLAND: The Terps bring back seventeen starters and are dangerous in the B1G. AIR FORCE: The Falcons could run the table!
ASCENDING
NEBRASKA, FLORIDA STATE, OREGON STATE, TENNESSEE, KANSAS
STATE, KANSAS, SOUTH CAROLINA and WEST VIRGINIA.
DESCENDING
GEORGIA TECH, AUBURN, ARIZONA STATE, WISCONSIN, NORTH CAROLINA, IOWA STATE and WASHINGTON.
ALL AMERICA TEAM
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