This season, they will settle it on the field. A four team playoff has been formed, expected to raise the roof on television ratings and fan excitement. I have always opposed this, appreciating the awarding of a mythical national champion. Last season, Florida State arrived to the party a year early, winning the BCS National Championship. The Seminoles lost the first BCS title game, and won the last. The greater landscape of college football is changing dramatically, which as a traditionalist, I deem unwelcome. Players at Northwestern are seeking unionization, the Big Five conferences are trying fairly successfully to squeeze out the others while the suit against the NCAA brought about by players seeking forms of compensation was awarded in against the NCAA. The NCAA has plenty of issues and should have seen the collection of love bugs flying at their windshield, but each of these issues are problematic if you seek to protect the tradition and color and pageantry of the collegiate game. Outside of the politics, teams hit the gridiron on Thursday night, August 28 with Texas A&M at South Carolina, of particular interest due to the launch of the SEC Network. The clock is ticking, and we cannot wait to lace up the pigskin this fall. We hope you enjoy the season, and ask to you follow us on our Facebook page at The Color & Pageantry.
Last year, The Color & Pageantry was the most successful of all the major prognostications in the accuracy of the Pre-Season Top 25. After exhaustive research, we look to top the charts again. Please see below, as we proudly present The Color & Pageantry Pre-Season Top 25.
THE COLOR & PAGEANTRY PRE-SEASON TOP 25
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| 1. Florida State |
The question for defending champion Florida State will be their mental intensity in effort to avoid complacency as this is as loaded a football team as we have seen in many a moon, potentially favored by 10 or more points in each game. Last season, the Seminoles had a strong team heading in but questions about the quarterback position gave pause. Those questions were answered in a brilliant season long performance by Jameis Winston, and a Heisman Trophy. Winston returns to lead the Seminoles high powered offense, littered with All America candidates. Karlos Williams, a rare combination of speed and power, becomes sole proprietor at running back. If there is a weakness, it is depth at receiver, but All America candidate Rashad Greene leads the core, and couple with TE Nick O'Leary, among the nations best, the aerial attack looms lethal. FSU has four returning starters on the offensive line, each an honors candidate, with tackle Cameron Irving a likely top ten NFL pick. New center Austin Barron has five career starts. The Seminoles have some holes on defense to plug, but plenty of former five star recruits are available. DE Mario Edwards, Jr, who can also line up inside, is an honors candidate returning to lead the line. Eddie Goldman looks to blossom at DT. Terrance Smith returns at linebacker but needs new running mates. Reggie Nothrup and Matthew Thomas lead the talented group ready to step up. Although there are losses, the secondary is perhaps the nations best. PJ Williams at corner and Sophomore Jalen Ramsey at safety are honors candidates, with Ronald Darby, Nate Andrews and Tyler Hunter, who returns from injury, helping fill the voids. Stop troops across the land should have such issues. All America kicker Robert Aguayo is back, but the Seminoles are looking for better production from the punting game. There is a high degree of difficulty in winning back to back titles, but this team is especially skilled at almost every position. The schedule is more challenging than it was a year ago, but outside of the opener against Oklahoma State in Dallas and trips to Louisville and down to South Florida to play rival Miami, the tougher opponents; Clemson, Notre Dame and Florida, each come to Tallahassee. Unless Winston goes down, FSU wins them all and enters the final four as the heavy favorite.
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| 2. Alabama |
Recent history, not withstanding last years two game losing streak to close the season, suggest Alabama is the premier program in college football. Bama got beat on a freaky play in the Iron Bowl, but once again, failed to show up in the consolation Sugar Bowl game versus OU. While Alabama has a slew of stars, and more five star recruits than anyone, the 2014 squad does have some questions entering this season. It begins at quarterback, where three year starter AJ McCarron is gone. Blake Sims is next on the depth chat, but his play has not put a spark in anyones eye. Enter Jacob Coker, a strong armed senior transfer from Florida State. Coker has a canon, can run well for his size and has great intelligence of the game having tooled under Jimbo Fisher, but he is green in on field experience, particularly in the big games Bama will be involved in. Up front, Bama seems a bit unsettled, without the benefit of an All America type player to build around as in recent years. History says they get it figured out, and given the top notch stable of running backs, it may not matter. TJ Yeldon is an AllAmerica candidate, while Derrick Henry -boy howdy he looks good- commanded the attention of everyone in the Sugar Bowl. The receiving core is perhaps the best in the country, with Amari Cooper, an All American, and Christion Jones leading the way. DeAndre White also returns. Should Coker emerge, as we expect, and the line come together, a solvable question, the Bama offense will be strong. The Crimson Tide returns experience up front with tackle Brandon Ivory and end A'Shawn Robinson, but this area has not been up to standards since Courtney Upshaw left two seasons ago. Trey Depriest is formidable at linebacker, with Denzel Devail, Xavier Dickson and Rueben Foster provide support. Landon Collins is the leader of this unit from his strong safety position; however, the other secondary positions will have new starters. Cyrus Jones looks to rise up at corner. Kicking has been a bit of an issue of late, and Bama will have a new kicker and punter. Thankfully, Christion Jones is among the nations best as a return specialist. Maybe some folks have caught up with Alabama, as they do not appear as elite as they have in the last half decade, but, they are absolutely loaded with talent and are coached by Nick Saban. Ole Miss and LSU are the potentially troublesome road contests, but a wounded Florida, the Texas Aggies and Auburn all come to Tuscaloosa. Not sure Auburn has enough to win at Alabama, so the Tide may win them all, even with the unusual amount of uncertianties heading in to the season.
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| 3. Auburn |
Auburn emerged from the ashes of a 3-9 full slate, winless in the SEC, to win the SEC and face Florida State for the BCS National Championship, a game they almost won. The Tigers started slow, and won some wild heart stopping contests, but as the season progressed, they got Coach Gus Malzahn's system down and were very hard to deal with. Was it somewhat of a fluke, or does Malzahn, who was offensive coordinator under Gene Chizik when Auburn won the title in 2010, really have something sustainable going on the plain? We think he does. On offense, the scheme caused problems for the best of defensive coordinators, and returning to run the show is quarterback Nick Marshall. Gone is RB Tre Mason and tackle Greg Robinson, who was playing NFL caliber at the end of the year, but there cupboard is not bare. Marshall will take snaps from Reese Dismukes, an All America center, and three other starting lineman return. Sammie Coates and Ricardo Louis are proven receivers, with a slew of youngsters looking to step up. Tight end CJ Uzomah is also a threat; however, it really is the scheme, a variation of the veer and the triple option, that worry opponents. Jeffrey Whitaker, Montravius Admas, LaDarius Onwes and Gabe Wright anchor a solid defensive line, but it appears Carl Lawson, a budding sophomore superstar at DE, is lost for the year with a knee. Leading tackler Cassanova McKinzy returns at linebacker, flanked by Kris Frost and Robenson Therezie. Corner Jonathan Mincy and safety Jermaine Whitehead patrol the secondary for coordinator Ellis Johnson. The kicking game is inexperienced, and we need not worry about the return game. This is a team capable of playing Florida State again, or on the other hand, may not win a few of those close contests they won a year ago. Auburn capitalized on their great season in recruiting, and got some talent that may immediately contribute. The Tigers are real trouble, and given a very tough slate, perhaps in some trouble. A road trip to a decent Kansas State team will tell us quite a bit. LSU, South Carolina and Texas A&M come to the plain, while Auburn travels to Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Georgia and Alabama. The Tigers are very good, and will only get better, but even though that slate looks certain to deliver a loss or two, it may not keep the Tigers from winning the division if not the conference.
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| 4. Oklahoma |
No fluke. Oklahoma, who had been fumbling big game opportunities in recent years, used the opportunity to face Alabama in hostile territory in the Sugar Bowl to bomb blast the Crimson Tide with authority. And it was no fluke. Considered notice served for 2014, as OU is noted by most as a National Title contender. The strength of the Sooners will be on defense, where nine starters return from the top defense in the Big XII. Eric Stryker, with 10.5 TFL, and Frank Shannon lead the group from their respective linebacking positions. Add in Big XII newcomer of the year and you got quite a group. OU is solid up front, led by end Charles Tapper. Much of the excitement surrounding OU is the emergence of Trevor Knight at quarterback. Knight played brilliantly in the Sugar Bowl against the strong defense of Alabama. Only five starters return, so Knight will need to continue to play at a high level. Sterling Shepard leads the receiving core, while the line is a strength, led by Tyrus Thompson and Daryl Williams. Running back is an area of concern, or opportunity; possibly seized by frosh Joe Mixon, widely considered a top 50 recruit. Oklahoma gets Baylor at home and will be favored in every game, perhaps by at least a touchdown. An undefeated OU gets a spot in the college football playoff, but they do not appear as strong as some other title contenders. But then again, don't ask Alabama about that.
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| 5. UCLA |
Under Jim Mora, the Bruins have made major strides are now poised to challenge for and potentially win the PAC-12, and perhaps the National Title. UCLA had a great season a year ago, including a great comeback from a 21-3 deficit at Nebraska to win, but were outclassed to some degree by a veteran Stanford team, high flying Oregon and a dangerous Arizona State squad. Maybe the Bruins were learning what it takes to be a champion. UCLA will field a veteran team this fall. On offense, it all begins with quarterback Brett Hundley, a three year starter who came break a game open with his arms and legs. Hundley ran for 748 and threw for 3071 a year ago. Everybody who is anybody returns to the backfield and the core of wide receivers. Jordan James looks to be the guy at running back, but look for linebacker Myles Jack to get his share of caries. Jordan Payton leads the wideouts. Up front, UCLA had to utilize some young players and will benefit from that experience this fall as four starters return. The defense brings back 10 of the top 14 tacklers. The aforementioned Myles Jack, the next coming of Lavonte David, is All America at his linebacker position. along with Eddie Kendricks, this unit is stout. Up front, ends Eddie Vanderdoes returns and big things are expected from Owamagbe Odighizuwa. Cornerback Fabian Mooreau leads an athletic secondary. Both kicking specialists also return. UCLA battles Texas out of conference before facing a high powered offense at Arizona State in a revenge game. Oregon, in mid season, and USC and Stanford to close the regular season all come to Los Angeles. The Bruins could be flying high by then, and if they have in fact learned lessons from last years successes and failures, a spot in the final four could well be waiting for the Bruins.
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| 6. Oregon |
For all the outstanding athletes Oregon has, the Ducks have fallen just short of the National Title in recent years primarily due to the inability to win the line of scrimmage against powerful, physical teams, exemplified by two straight losses to Stanford. Look for this to change this fall. All five starters return on the offensive line, including All America center Hroniss Grasu. Marcus Mariotta, the brilliant signal caller, returns to pilot the offensive attack. Mariotta is a top contender for The Heisman Trophy. Byron Marshall and Thomas Tyner will get plenty of opportunities to tote the rock for the Quack Attack. Bralon Addison, who had 61 catches a year ago, was lost In spring to a knee, leaving Keanon Lowe as the only proven players in the receiving core, but there is a plethora of talent. Behind Mariotta, this unit will be very strong and among the nations best. The defense is a bit more unsettled. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu came back for his senior season and will lead the defense. DeForest Buckner and Tony Washington are solid at end, while Arik Almstead coaches feel is an emerging star at tackle. Derrick Malone will anchor and experienced linebacking core. Oregon returns their place kicker but they do break in a new punter, which they pain to use. An early season tile with Michigan State will be fun and could propel Oregon. Beyond that, the schedule has Stanford and Washington at home, misses USC and Arizona State. However, the game with the primary challenger in conference, UCLA, is on the road, and the Bruins are loaded. None the less, Oregon is capable, behind Mariotta, of running the regular season table.
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| 7. Michigan State |
Michigan State kicked it up a notch last year. The Spartans defeated arrogant Ohio State, who had not lost in 24 straight games, in the BIG Championship game and then took out a rough and tough Stanford squad to capture The Rose Bowl. Heading into 2013, there were significant questions at the quarterback position, but Conner Cook took over the spot, grew throughout the season and became the total field general, winning the Rose MVP. Cook, who tossed 22 TDs against 6 picks, is underrated still, and he will lead the Spartan offense in 2014. Cook will have honors candidate Jeremy Langford back at running back, and he can flat carry the load. The receiving core is led by Tony Lippett, and although not spectacular, just rosey by Spartan standards. All BIG center Jack Allen will anchor a line with some holes, but this in an area Michigan State annually excels in. All BIG DE Shilique Calhoun teams with Macus Rush to form a pair of bookends rivaled by few. Look for frosh DT Malik McDowell to emerge as a force. Taiwan Jones returns to jump to the middle linebacking spot, but newcomers will jump in elsewhere in the front seven. Trae Waynes becomes the field corner, while Kurtis Drummond will challenge for honors at safety, and the coaches rave about Jalyn Powell, who will play rover. The kicking game is very good. The Spartans get Nebraska, Michigan and Ohio State at home but end the season in a tough road trip at Penn State, so the BIG title game looks good. An early contest at Oregon looms large, and if MSU wins that, a spot in the four team college playoff is in the cards.
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| 8. Ohio State |
Winners of 24 consecutive games, the Buckeyes were on the outside looking in as the BCS title game matchups were being formulated, with analysts thinking Ohio State was a tier below others being considered. This analysis proved correct, as the Buckeyes were handled in the B1G Title game. Ohio State landed in the Orange Bowl, and fell to Clemson. Urban Meyer has been recruiting well, and his Buckeye squad is loaded with four and five star talent. For OSU, it all begins with quarterback Braxton Miller, who is a threat to break a game open, with his arm and/or legs, at any time from anywhere. Miller has had trouble staying healthy, but he is All B1G when he is. Miller returns two of his top aerial targers in Devin Smith and Evan Spencer, along with TE Jeff Heuermann. Michael Thomas, Dontre Wilson and Georgia Tech transfer Jeff Greene could play significant roles as well. Watch frosh Johnnie Dixon. Bruiser back Carlos Hyde left for the NFL, leaving Ezekiel Elliott an opportunity to shine. A usual area of strength, the big uglies are largely inexperienced outside of tackle Tyler Decker. Pat Elfein could challenge for B1G honors at guard, but the other spots are green. Defensively, the Buckeyes are stout; at least on paper. DT Michael Bennett is on a number of preseason All America teams, but Joey Bosa and his relentless motor have most insiders attention. Noah Spence is outstanding off the edge, but starts the season on suspension. Leading tackler Joshua Perry returns at linebacker and Doran Grant leads the secondary, with Cam Burrows, Von Bell and Tyvis Powell emerging soph safeties. Raekwon McMillian is a five star who will find his way into the linebacking rotation quickly. Ohio State returns a top punter, but will welcome a new kicker. OSU had better not sleep on Virginia Tech, who they host in week 2, but get Michigan at home. The Buckeyes do travel to East Lansing, where they likely will be dogs, followed by a dangerous trip to a decent Minnesota team. Once again, even if the Buckeyes are undefeated, they do not appear to be an elite team and may find themselves outside looking in at the playoff. We will call it 11-1.
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| 9. South Carolina |
Coach Steve Spurrier has taken South Carolina to heights not previously reached in the history of the program. Perhaps the most significant result of this success is the Gamecocks no longer have peak and valley seasons; they just simply reload. This fall will be evidenciary, with the Cocks losing top NFL pick Jadeveon Clowney and long time quarterback Connor Shaw. However, fifteen starters return. The offense should not skip a beat. Exemplary running back Mike Davis, a rare combination of power and speed, should challenge for national honors. Dylan Thompson got numerous repetitions at quarterback for the often injured Shaw over the past two seasons, and is ready to take over the job. Thomspon will have outstanding weaponry on his receiving core to target, led by Shaq Roland (if he can sideswipe some legal issues) and sprinter Damiere Byrd. Pharoh Cooper, a gifted athlete, may be an ace in hole. The offensive line returns four starters led by mammoth tackle Corey Robinson and guard A.J. Cann. This could be a very strong unit for Spurrier. Only six starters are back on the stop side, led by linebackers Sharrod Golightly and Skai Moore. DE Gerald Dixon and DT Jared Suratt will man the D-line. Among those who could emerge is another Gerald Dixon (both are from Rock Hill ) and JC transfer Abu Lamin. Safety Brison Williams is the star of the secondary, and although talent abounds, Rico McWilliams is the only experienced corner. The kicking game is solid. Carolina opens at home against a youthful Texas A&M, welcoming in the SEC Network. Then they host Georgia, which should tell bunches about the SEC East. Missouri visits Columbia, with trips to Auburn and Florida potentially troublesome. The Cocks are set up well to take the SEC East if they get by Georgia, and if they dispose of Clemson as they normally do, they have a chance to arrive in Atlanta for the SEC Championship undefeated.
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| 10. Georgia |
Georgia had visions of a big season in 2013, but significant injuries hit early, in a close loss at Clemson, and continued throughout the season, culminating with the loss of quarterback Aaron Murray, a four year starter. But, due these injuries, several youngsters got meaningful playing time, most notably signal caller Hunter Mason. The performance of Mason was mixed; staging a rousing comeback to defeat Georgia Tech but failing to engineer big plays in the Gator Bowl loss to Nebraska. Mason will have to elevate his game -he has the ability- for the Dawgs to challenge for SEC supremacy. Up front, Georgia has some work to do, with only two starters returning, so some younguns will have to grow up quick. Thankfully, the line will be paving holes for Todd Gurley, perhaps the most complete back in college football. Gurley limped through the year last fall -noticeably slowed in the Gator Bowl- but when healthy, he is All America all day long. The status of Keith Marshall, another outstanding back who suffered a knee injury, is uncertain, but again, if healthy, he is special. The receiving core is very strong, returning several key contributors, most shaking off injuries from 2013. The group of Michael Bennett, Justin Scott-Wesley, Malcolm Mitchell and Chris Conley rival anyone. Ramick Wilson, at inside linebacker, will be lead Dawg of the junkyard, with Jordan Jenkins and Amarlo Herrera running shotgun. The linebacking core will be very strong. Takcle Jon Taylor has been dismissed, so outside of DE Sterling Bailey, the defensive line is green. DE Ray Drew is turning some heads. Tray Matthews leads a large group of players looking for a spot in the secondary, but Matthews got booted over the summer and the availability of several other players, is in question due to disciplinary action. Damian Swann also returns. Perhaps the biggest gain for the defense is new coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, who comes over from national champion Florida State, where he worked wonders. The Dawgs have a special collection of linebackers and perhaps the nations best running back, but there are too many uncertainties, and a tough schedule, to call them the favorite in the SEC East, but they are close and should not be taken lightly.
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| 11. Baylor |
Last we saw the Bears, they were failing miserably in stopping the UCF Golden Knights, not exactly a powerhouse, in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in a 42-52 loss. Once again in 2014, the stop troops will dictate the success of Baylor. Gone are eight starters, so this will be challenging. Leading tackler Bryce Harper does return, and he is a All America candidate at middle linebacker. Up front, while experience is thin, the coaches like the talent, particularly Shawn Oakman, the Penn State transfer who had 12.5 sacks. With the aerial attacks of the Big XII, the secondary will have to grow up fast. A soft early schedule will certainly help, with an early October trip to Austin versus the Longhorns the first real test. Bryce Petty (yes Baylor's best players on both sides of the ball are named Bryce), a Heisman hopeful at quarterback, returns to dissect opposing defenses. Although some weapons were lost, Petty still has an arsenal capable of lighting up the scoreboard. Antwan Goodley, another All America candidate, leads a strong receiving core, inclusive of Levi Norwood who caught 47 passes. Coach Art Briles would be shocked if tailback Shock Linwood did not improve on his stellar freshman performance; he ran for 182 vs. OU. The offensive line is an area of concern, but can be hidden under the Bears fast track offensive scheme. Other than traveling to Norman to take on league favorite Oklahoma, the schedule is very favorable. The Bears are likely favored in the rest of the games, so an upset over OU could get them the league title. On the national stage, outscoring physical teams seems much to tall an order for this team, but 11-1 in the Big XII is not.
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| 12. Stanford |
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| 13. LSU |
Without question, LSU has taken a step back from National Title contention in recent seasons, but make no mistake, they are as tough as they come; strong in the trenches and skill position speed. The Tigers come into 2014 with major holes to fill, particularly at quarterback. Anthony Jennings got some important snaps stepping in for injured Zach Mettenberger late last fall, but failed to demonstrate he has command of the position. Highly touted freshman Brandon Harris will challenge for the spot. Terrence Magee and Kenny Hilliard return as running back by committee, but they will likely give was to Leonard Fournette, widely considered the top recruit in the country. Fournette is as five star as they get, and coaches think the really have something in him. We have heard the same thing, and have Fournette as our national newcomer of the year. A veteran offensive line will pave holes for whoever totes the pigskin. Four starters return, led by All America candidate La'el Collins. LSU lost two 1000 yard receivers to the NFL, leaving a very inexperienced group. Soph Travin Duval will be counted on heavily, and five star freshman Malachi Dupre will get the opportunity to contribute, but this will not be helpful as the quarterback position settles. Linebacker Kwon Alexander and free safety Jalen Mills return to lead the defense, but both made slight position changes. Jemmaurla Rasco, with four sacks in 2013, returns at DE. The kicking game is very solid; however, a return man, where WR Odell Beckham excelled a year ago, will have to be found. LSU is young at most positions, with seemingly too many holes to be a legitimate challenger in the SEC West. However, the Tigers are very talented and will get better as the year goes on. LSU has a tough opener against Wisconsin, a game which will lay the landscape. Back to back games at Auburn and Florida will be tough, but the Tigers do host Alabama. Fournette could be a real difference maker, and we expect LSU to be a top 7 team in 2015.
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| 14. Nebraaka |
It has been quite a roller coaster ride in Lincoln in recent years, and last year was no exception. In addition to a young defense finding their way, the 'Huskers suffered a significant blow when senior quarterback Taylor Martinez was lost to a freak foot injury. Team chemistry seemed to take a hit, and the mood was low after a home drubbing by Iowa to close the regular season. But on an uncharacteristically cold and rainy day in Jacksonville's Gator Bowl, Nebraska seemed to exercise some demons in defeating Georgia. The loss of Martinez provided the opportunity for backup quarterback Tommy Armstrong to get meaningful playing time. Armstrong had his moments, good and bad, but he has the confidence of the coaches, and more importantly, the players. Elite 11 standout Johnny Stanton could push him hard, but the leadership Armstrong has exhibited should rule the day. Weapons abound for whoever pilots the Huskers, starting with All America back Ameer Abdullah, who should burn up the stat sheet. Kenny Bell is ready to make a statement at wide out, and should grab All B1G if not higher honors. There are losses up front, but there are also bright spots. Jake Cotton is an honors candidate, and Colorado transfer Alex Lewis is planted at left tackle. Several young players are primed to make a move and secure a starting spot. After having been pushed around for a couple of seasons, the Blackshirts are poised to post a dominating season. Randy Gregory came out of nowhere to grab 10.5 sacks a year ago, and he has the look of a top ten NFL pick, easily considered All America. The line is formidable, with Vincent Valentine and Maliek Collins set to wreak havoc. The linebacking core lacks a superstar -as of now- but boasts a handful of talented young players. Senior Zaire Anderson leads the groups of youngsters. Josh Mitchell will patrol the secondary from his corner position, with strong safety Corey Cooper anchoring the middle. Charles Jackson is primed to step into the nickel role Coach Pelini utilizes to mix coverages and attack from. LeRoy Alexander played well late last year at safety as well. Improvement is expected in the kicking game, with Afro 80 Thunder(Kenny Bell) returning kicks. This is a dangerous team, seemingly relaxed and ready to make a statement. The 'Huksers can ill afford to stub their toe in a road trip to Fresno State followed by welcoming the Miami Hurricanes to Lincoln out of conference. A trip to Michigan State seems long on the odds. Nebraska may be a dog at Wisconsin, but could be somewhat veteran by then. The Big Red should be favorites in others. I think Nebraska wins at Wisconsin, and gets to the B1G title game, which they can win.
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| 15. Ole Miss |
Ole Miss has been making progress each of the past two seasons, but behind two top notch recruiting classes and a veteran quarterback, many believe that the Rebels can break out this fall and contend for the SEC Championship. Now, it might be easier for them to win the AFC East, as they do play in the SEC West. But, Ole Miss can beat anybody. Boo Wallace is the returning signal caller, and he will need to utilize his experience as the offense will welcome plenty of newcomers. Brilliant receiver Laquon Treadwell give Wallace a top target on the flank. Competition for the other spots is fierce, which is a good thing. Damorea Stringfellow, a Washington transfer, may be eligible this fall as well, and he is very good. Larry Tunsill is the only returning starter on the line, but he is All SEC. On defense, nine starters return. Two, Robert Nkemdiche and Tony Conner, were top recruits. Conner utilized maturity and has been in stone at safety, playing at an excellent level and on path to stardom, as is free safety Cody Prewitt. The secondary is veteran, and will cause opposing aerial assaults trouble. In addition, former Southern Miss QB Anthony Alfrod, a great athlete, has transferred in a wants a safety spot. Nkemdiche is coming into his own and seems poised for a breakout season of 10+ sacks. CJ Johnson flanks him at end. Serdarious Bryant, who led the Rebels in tackles and collected 9.5 sacks, is back. Rookies at the kicking positions may prove troublesome, but athletes abound for the return game. The Rebels scare everyone, and we do not know just how good this team can be. The Rebels go on the road to play LSU, A&M and a strong Mississippi State team, but do face Alabama and Auburn at home. One loss and a spot in the SEC title game is not out of the question, but likely just outside the grasp of this very dangerous team.
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| 16. Clemson |
Gone are two of the most prolific offensive weapons for the Tigers the past two seasons in quarterback Taj Boyd and to the house at any moment receiver Sammy Watkins, and these two playmakers will be difficult to replace. But, Clemson is well established under Dabo Swinney, so there is talent to work with. Cole Stoudt appears to be the man at quarterback, but coaches will see what incoming freshman Dashaun Watson can do in camp. Adam Humphries and Charon Peak will try to compensate for the loss of Watkins. Zac Brooks will go at running back, which has always been productive for the Tigers. The interior of the offensive line is solid, but the tackle position will welcome some newcomers, which is concerning in breaking in a new quarterback. Vic Beasely is an All America players at defensive end, and the defensive unit will be built around him. Corey Crawford and Grady Jarrett will work around Beasely. Linebacker Stephone Anthony will challenge for conference honors. Robert Smith is the only starter back in the secondary, so the pass rush of Beasley & company will be helpful. A void at placekicker must be addressed. Clemson needs some time to come together, but sadly, two of the first three games are road trips to Georgia and Florida State. Then, an emerging North Carolina comes to Death Valley. Clemson looks 2-2 out of the gate, but could run from there until South Carolina, who Clemson has been unable to handle, visits. Last year was it for Clemson, with this team in a bit of a rebuilding stage. As time goes by, the Tigers will continue to get better and will be an issue come bowl time.
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| 17. Notre Dame |
After playing for the National Title against Alabama, the Fighting Irish took a step back last fall. While Tommy Rees performed at quarterback, the Irish missed the playmaking ability of Everett Golson at the position. Golson was lost for 2013 due to suspension for plagiarism but has been re-instated and will lead the Irish attack this fall. Tarean Folston will be the featured back. Davaris Daniels returns at wideout, complimented by Amir Carlisle and Corey Robinson. Three lineman return as well. WR DaVaris Daniels and TE Ben Koyack are quality targets for Golson. Only a few returning starters are sprinkled about the defensive unit. Corner Kelvarae Russell is a ball hawk from his field side corner position, and hopes to be helped from Florida transfer Cody Riggs. Linebacker Jaylon Smith, only a sophomore, is stellar and will the cog of this defensive unit. Sheldon Day is a returning starter up front. There are holes to fill, and the level to which the young players step up will determine much for the Irish. Freshman linebacker Nyles Morgan is one the coaches hope can step in and help immediately. Both kicking specialist return. As usual, the schedule is a bear. Home games with Michigan, Stanford and North Carolina in the first half do not give the Irish much wiggle room. Then comes a trip to Tallahassee to take on the Seminoles. Home games against Northwestern and Louisville are surrounded by road tilts at Arizona State and USC. A pessimistic view could show seven losses, but we think behind Golson, and with plenty of emerging talent, this may be the best four loss team out there.
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| 18. Southern Cal |
Steve Sarkisian returned to take over at SC after a successful un at Washington, but he finds the Trojans, who have been dealing with NCAA sanctions, having lost ground in the conference. However, there is plenty of talent; after all, this is USC. Quarterback play was an issue in 2013, but it appears Cody Kessler has settled in. Javorius Allen is ready to rumble at tailback, and wideout Nelson Agholor is among the nations best. Three starters return on the line; however the production was not up to SC standards last fall and must improve. Defensive tackle Leonard Williams is an All America candidate and anchors what should be a stingy unit. The linebacking core returns in tact, led by honors candidate Hayes Pullard. Safety Su'a Cravens is back, big things are expected from corner Josh Shaw. Both kicking specialists are back, although the place kicking needs improvement. Agholor handles the returns, so consider that spot in good hands. Right out of the gate, USC goes to Stanford, but after that, including a home date with Arizona State who pounded the Trojans last fall, the schedule is favorable until USC closes at UCLA followed by a visit from Notre Dame. USC does not play Washington or Oregon. The Trojans could well be looking at ten to eleven wins.
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| 19. Wisconsin |
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| 20. Kansas State |
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| 21. Florida |
The mighty Florida Gators stumbled to a 4-8 season last fall, losing their final 7 contests, including a home loss to 1-AA Georgia Southern, who did not complete a pass, and being sandblasted by Florida State. This was the first losing season since 1978 for the Gators, and their consecutive bowl streak, second only to FSU, was broken. Injuries took an enormous toll on the Gators, most notably losing signal caller Jeff Driskel early in the season in a home loss to the Miami Hurricanes. Many think Driskell, if healthy, is a sleeper Heisman contender. We do not, but we do know he is very capable and given his frame, downright elusive as a runner. The biggest problem for Driskell is the lack of playmakers. Kelvin Taylor emerged at running back, but Matt Taylor will be heard from if healthy. Quentin Dunbar had 40 catches in 2013, and coaches expect Demarcus Robinson and Ahmad Fullwood to raise their game. Injuries also decimated the line a year ago. Max Garcia returns at center, while Chaz Green and DJ Humphries are solid at tackle, again, if healthy. Tyler Moore, a former Nebraska transfer from Clearwater Countryside, returns at guard after a motorcycle accident derailed him in '13 and much is expected of him. For decades, the Gators always played stout defense, but the unit flat wore down last year with the injuries. End Dante Fowler, Jr. is an All America candidate, but his game fell off late last year even though he posed 10.5 TFL. Although the remainder of the line is experienced, there is concern with the caliber of play. Antonio Morrison, who splashed as a frosh, regressed in 2013, perhaps due to being in Muschamp's doghouse. Jarrad Davis and Michael Taylor have shown signs. Vernon Hargreaves III starred as a freshman last season, gaining honorable mention All America. Hargreaves III is tremendous; a shutdown corner among the best in the nation. The boundary side is up for grabs, and freshman Jalen Tabor may be ready to step in, although an off season arrest may slow his progress. The kicking game was horrendous, particularly the place kicking; nowhere to go but up. The injury decimated Gators hung tough in many games, including losses to Georgia and South Carolina. No coaching seat is hotter than the one under Will Muschamp, and there is no doubt Florida is much better than the record showed a year ago. However, the schedule, with road tilts at Alabama and Florida State, looks like four losses at a minimum, which may not be enough for him to retain employment. If they can pull an upset at Bama, the entire mindset of the team could shift and the SEC East could be in reach.
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| 22. North Carolina |
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| 23. Washington |
With Steve Sarkasian jumping back over to USC to take over the Trojans, it gave chance to get a snapshot for the Huskies. Perhaps things were not a rosy as they appeared, but in an outstanding move, Washington was able to hire Chris Petersen away from Boise State. Pedersen brings a winning pedigree, and plans to have Washington playing for championships quickly. The Huskies lost an abundance of talent on offense and will be breaking in a new signal caller. It appeared it would be Cyler Miles, but he got into some trouble and his status is unclear. Stellar wideout Damorea Stingfellow got booted and has landed at Ole Miss. The receiving core, led by John Ross, is young but talented, and the line returns four starters. The Huskies are searching for someone to step up at running back, and it looks as though they may continue to utilize linebacker Shaq Thomson at the position. Thompson leads an experienced defensive unit which sees the entire from seven returning. End Hau'oli Kikaha and nose tackle Danny Shelton are worthy of honors consideration. Corner Marcus Peters will lead a secondary replacing three starters. The Huskies will also have a new kicker and punter this fall. The Huskies travel to Oregon midseason, but all the other meaningful contests are in Seattle, and they are projected to be underdogs just three times.
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| 24. Texas A&M |
The time has come for Texas A&M to replace their gifted Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Johnny Manziel. Unfortunately for the Aggies, the have to replace a whole lot of other guys as well, inclusive of top ten first round NFL picks in WR Mike Evans and OT Jake Matthews. All expectations have top recruit Kyle Allen taking over for Manziel at quarterback. A&M has a band of backs to utilize; powerful Tra Carson and speedy Trey Matthews. OU transfer Brandon Williams, a mixture of both, will see the field as well. Cedric Ogbuehi aims to continue the reputation of All America play up front, along with three returning starters. Malcome Kennedy, a steady senior with 7 TD's in '13, is back to lead the receiving core. But, sophomore Ricky Seals-Jones and freshman Speedy Noll will figure prominently in the aerial attack. Although only five starters return, this unit may excel. Nine defensive starters are back, but A&M was not proficient in stopping anyone. Up front, it is expected all four starters return, although tackle Isaiah Golden is dealing with some personal issues. However, stellar recruit Myles Garrett, who dominated the Army All Star game, will be starting at rush end. Each member of the secondary also returns, led by corner Deshazor Everett. Both kicking specialists, including AA Punter Drew Kaiser, who could be a real weapon for a growing team, return. A&M has a host of elusive return specialist candidates. The Aggies look to you to realistically challenge for the SEC West this fall. Although Sumlin is strong, and won at Houston with minimal talent, the SEC West is not CUSA. However, there is a youth movement of top notch five star talent invading Aggieland, and they may grow up quicker than we anticipate. An early tilt at South Carolina is too much too soon, and back to back games vs. Ole Miss and at Alabama in October are trouble. A trip to Auburn late, followed by home contests with Missouri and LSU may just overwhelm the youthful Aggies. But A&M will be able and willing to beat somebody late, and set the tone for a big season in 2015 and beyond. Notice is served.
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| 25. Iowa |
Last fall, with tension brewing following a 4-8 season, Kirk Ferentz and the Iowa Hawkeyes rebounded with a solid 8-5 campaign, complete with beating Nebraska in Lincoln going away in the season finale. The Hawks held their own versus LSU in the Outback Bowl as well. Although the Hawkeyes suffered big losses, there is reason for optimism. On offense, quarterback Jake Rudock returns, expected to improve immensely from his sophomore season. Three starters on the line return, inclusive of All America tackle Brandon Schreff, all 6'5' 320 of him. Kevonte Martin-Manley leads the receiving core. The linebacking core, excellent in 2013, is gone. The stop troops will lean on the line, where each starter returns, led by Carl Davis. Corner Desmond King, after a stellar freshman year, will join safety John Lowdermilk in anchoring the secondary. Although there are some nice pieces, Iowa is not a top tier team. However, the Hawkeyes may be favored in every game, and could well be 10-0 until they host Wisconsin and Nebraska to close out the season. An upset or two finishing strong is not out of the question.
POTENTIAL BREAKTHROUGHS: UCF, Arizona State, Mississippi State, Texas, Michigan, Louisville, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Cincinnati, Texas Christian, Miami, Arizona, Virginia Tech, Texas Tech, Duke, Northwestern, Fresno State, Marshall, Georgia Tech and Minnesota.
ASCENDING: Minnesota, UCF, UCLA, Arizona, Kentucky, Pittsburgh and Kansas State
DESCENDING: Michigan, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, NC State.
COACHING HOT SEAT: Randy Edsall, Maryland, Will Muschamp, Florida, Dana Holgersen, West Virginia; Mike London, Virgina and Brady Hoke, Michigan.
2014 Preseason All America Team
OFFENSE
WR Amari Cooper, Alabama
WR Rashad Greene, Florida State
WR Tyler Lockett, Kansas State
WR Antwan Goodley, Baylor
TE Nick O'Leary, Florida State
OT Cameron Irving, Florida State
OL Andrus Peat, Stanford
OL Tre Jackson, Florida State
OL Reese Dismukes, Auburn
OL Hroniss, Grasu, Oregon
OL BJ Finney, Kansas State
OT Brandon Schreff, Iowa
QB Jameis Winston, Florida State
RB Todd Gurley, Georgia
RB Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska
RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
RB TJ Yeldon, Alabama
DEFENSE
DE Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State
DT Mario Edwards, Jr., Florida State
DT Leonard Williams, USC
DT Joey Bosa, Ohio State
DT Dante Fowler, Jr., Florida
DE Randy Gregory, Nebraska
OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson
ILB Myles Jack, UCLA
ILB Denzel Perryman, Miami
ILB Ramik Wilson, Georgia
OLB Eric Striker, Oklahoma
DB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon
DB Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech
DB PJ Williams, Florida State
DB Kurtis Drummond, Michigan State
DB Landon Collins, Alabama
DB Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida
SPECIALISTS
K Roberto Ahuayo, Florida State
P Drew Kaiser, Texas A&M
KR Tyler Lockett, Kansas State
PR Ryan Switzer, North Carolina.
NEWCOMERS
ONC Leonard Fournette, LSU
DNC Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
***EDITORS NOTE: The Color & Pageantry Pre-Season Top 25 was previously prepared for release and presentation on this date. Therefore, injuries and suspensions from inception of fall camp was not considered. Among the teams which potentially would have been impacted in poll placement are Oklahoma, who lost an honors candidate to suspension, Nebraska, who lost three key defensive contributors, two for knees and one suspension, Duke, who lost their standout senior linebacker to injury and Notre Dame, who has suspended three key defensive players and their top receiver for potential academic fraud.
