Atlantic

1. Clemson
2. NC State
3. Florida State
4. Boston College
5. Wake Forest
6. Syracuse
7. Louisville

Coastal

1. Miami
2. Virginia Tech
3. Georgia Tech
4. Duke
5. Pittsburgh
6. North Carolina
7. Virginia

ACC Championship- Clemson over Miami

Independent

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Projected Record: 9-3

Notre Dame gets included with the ACC teams because of how many games they play against the ACC. On offense they lose two starting wide receivers including Equanimeous St. Brown along with starting RB Josh Adams. Brandon Wimbush is back at starting quarterback, but he must develop as a better passer for the Fighting Irish to be a playoff contender.

The strength of Notre Dame is the defense with nine returning starters. The front seven gets five returning starters including talented DT Jerry Tillery. Notre Dame has a tough schedule that includes a home opener against Michigan and an away game against USC. Notre Dame should enjoy a solid season.

ACC Atlantic

1. Clemson Tigers

Projected Record: 13-0 (8-0 ACC)

Back from a College Football Semi-Final loss, Clemson comes back loaded especially on the defensive front. Clelin Ferrell, Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins and Austin Bryant all should be drafted within the first three rounds.

The offense will need to step up after only scoring 6 points against Alabama. Mitch Hyatt leads a good offensive line even with losing two starting offensive guards to graduation. The running backs are solid with a combination of Travis Etienne and Tavien Feaster. Talented Freshman QB Trevor Lawrence could take over for Kelly Bryant if he is not effective. Clemson does have two non-conference games against SEC opponents Texas A&M and South Carolina. Clemson will try to avoid a trip up like last year when they lost to 4-8 Syracuse.

2. NC State Wolfpack

Projected Record: 8-4 (5-3 ACC)

NC State was my pick last year to be the surprise team of in College Football. After a few close loses the Wolfpack still finished with a solid 9-4 record, but were never a contender for the playoffs. The offense returns a very good QB with Ryan Finley and also returning 1,000-yard receiver Kelvin Harmon.

On the defensive side of the ball they lose 8 starters including the entire defensive line. The secondary remains a question mark as well. If NC State is able to get by a tough non-conference schedule that includes West Virginia they will be set up for a good season in ACC play.

3. Florida State Seminoles

Projected Record: 8-4 (5-3 ACC)

Florida State returns a lot of starters to the offense including QB Deondre Francois returning from a season ending injury. The 1-2 punch of Cam Akers and Jacques Patrick should also be solid like last year. The offensive line will have to make an improvement from last year.

The defense is very young and only return three starters. However, they are talented across the board with big time recruits like Marvin Wilson, Joshua Kaindoh, and Stanford Samuells. Levonta Taylor also is one of the best corners in College Football. They will have a rough finish ending the season with consecutive games against Clemson, NC State, Notre Dame, Boston College, and Florida.

4. Boston College Eagles

Projected Record: 7-5 (3-5 ACC)

RB AJ Dillon was almost unstoppable during his freshman year totalling almost 1600 yards. The offense will be led by him and returning the entire offensive line.

The defense should be solid too returning six starters including DE Zach Allen who had 100 tackles and 6 sacks last season. They played well without their best player, Harold Landry, last year and will look to continue that success after Landry was drafted by the Titans. The schedule is not too tough with non-conference games UMass, Holy Cross, Purdue, and Temple. They do have a matchup against Miami and Virginia Tech, the Coastal divisions two toughest teams.

5. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Projected Record: 6-6 (3-5 ACC)

Wake Forest had one of the biggest surprise seasons last year finishing 8-5. The offense led the charge finishing 17th nationally on offense. This year they will have to replace graduating quarterback John Wolford, but the offense does return eight starters.

The defense is the major question mark as they finished last in the ACC on defense and lost two major pieces to the NFL Draft in Duke Ejifor and Jessie Bates. The Demon Deacons have six returning starters and need to make an improvement. Other than Notre Dame, the non-conference schedule is more than manageable with Tulane, Towson, and Rice.

6. Syracuse Orange

Projected Record: 6-6 (3-5 ACC)

Year 3 of Dino Babers at Syracuse starts this year. After shocking Clemson last year they lost their last five games. On offense, Senior QB Eric Dungey returns with inexperienced WRs.

Defensively, the unit is led by Chris Slayton at nose tackle. The defense is a older group, but they have to replace all of last years starting linebackers. It will be interesting to see if Dino Babers can take the next step after back-to-back 4-8 seasons.

7. Louisville Cardinals

Projected Record: 5-7 (3-5 ACC)

Louisville will be much different without Lamar Jackson. There are Still plenty of playmakers at wide receiver, including Jaylen Smith and Dez Fitzpatrick. The questions remain the same on this offense, can the offensive line protect new quarterback Jawon Pass.

Besides replacing Jawon Pass, the defense is even a bigger concern. The Cardinals return only two starters lack the talent that they had under former coach Charlie Strong. LB Dorian Etheridge is a bright spot and the leader on defense. Louisville also added former Notre Dame Defensive Coordinator Brian VanGorder to try and straighten out a defense that finished 10th in the ACC last year. Louisville’s schedule is not easy with two non-conference games against Alabama and Kentucky.

ACC Coastal

1. Miami Hurricanes

Projected Record: 11-2 (8-0 ACC)

The wheels fell off last year. After a 10-0 start, Miami lost their final three games. Malik Rosier is the key to the offense as he played more inconsistent near the end of the year. He has talented wide receivers including Ahmonn Richards, Jeff Thomas and Lawrence Cager.

The defense should be the strength for the Hurricanes. Miami returns all three starting linebackers and an experienced secondary including S Jaquan Johnson.. Joe Jackson and Jonathan Garvin are highly rated defensive ends that will also contribute. The schedule is pretty easy after LSU and the Coastal conference is not very difficult. Miami should be a playoff contender this upcoming year.

2. Virginia Tech Hokies

Projected Record: 9-3 (6-2 ACC)

There’s Miami and Virginia Tech before a huge drop off in the Coastal division. Josh Jackson returns at QB for his sophomore year season after a pretty good freshman campaign. Virginia Tech will have to replace the all-time leading receiver, Cam Phillips.

On defense the Edmonds twins left for the NFL. The Virginia Tech defense is very young, but they do have talented defensive tackle Ricky Walker. The Florida State home opener is a big one, but the schedule is more than manageable after that.

3. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Projected Record: 7-5 (4-4 ACC)

The triple option is back again led by returning QB Taquon Marshall and three other experienced backs. With eight starters returning from last year the offense should return to averaging over 300 yards rushing per game.

The defense faded down the stretch last year, giving up 38+ points in three of the last four games of the season. With six returning starters, the Yellow Jackets will try to improve. Non-conference play won’t be easy as they have to play in Athens against Georgia and in Tampa against South Florida.

4. Duke Blue Devils

Projected Record: 6-6 (3-5 ACC)

Duke could surprise some people this year with a lot of returning starters to a 6-6 team last season. QB Daniel Jones returns with all of his starting wide receivers back. The offensive line must improve from last season though if they want to have success.

The defense ranked 21st in the nation last year and has a very talented front seven led by MLB Joe Giles-Harris. Questions remain in the secondary with so many new starters. Duke does start out the season with a tough non-conference schedule that includes Army, Northwestern, and Baylor.

5. Pittsburgh Panthers

Projected Record: 5-7 (3-5 ACC)

QB Kenny Pickett was the hero on Senior Day against Miami that capped off a 5-7 season. Pitt will try to take that momentum into this season as Pickett leads the offense again. Pickett will continue to improve going into his Sophomore year with the aid of a 1-2 punch backfield of Senior running backs Darrin Hall and Qadree Ollison.

Defensively, the linebackers are the strength with 3 returning. OLB Oluwaseun Idowu is the top returning tackler and sack leader to the defense. A point of emphasis for the defense will be improving a secondary that finished 106th in passing yards allowed per game. Tough non-conference games against Penn State and UCF may make it tough for the Panthers to be bowl eligible.

6. North Carolina Tar Heels

Projected Record: 4-8 (2-6 ACC)

North Carolina is without 13 players to start the season after they were busted trying to sell their team-given Nike Jordans online. This includes returning starting QB Chazz Surratt. The offense still has two talented running backs in Jordon Brown and Michael Carter to lead the offense, but the offensive line is inexperienced.

The defense has finished last against the run in the ACC for the past 5 seasons. In order to avoid another 1-7 record in the ACC, they must make stopping the run a focus. With the early suspensions it will make the opener at Cal-Berkeley a tough game along with a game against UCF.

7. Virginia Cavaliers

Projected Record: 3-9 (0-8 ACC)

Virginia finished last season 1-6 and with a 6-7 record. This season will be tough replacing Kurt Benkert at QB, but it seems JUCO transfer Bryce Perkins is ready to take over. The offensive line is also a major question returning only two starters. Look for RB Jordan Ellis to carry a heavy load early in the season.

On defense, the Cavaliers also have major work to do. They lose safety Quin Blanding, linebacker Micah Kiser and defensive end Andrew Brown. LB Jordan Mack is a good player who will look to lead this defense. The schedule isn’t too bad, but a trip to Indiana to face the Hoosiers will be the biggest non-conference test.

 

Big 12 Predicted Standings

1. Oklahoma
2. West Virginia
3. TCU
4. Texas
5. Iowa State
6. Oklahoma State
7. Kansas State
8. Texas Tech
9. Baylor
10. Kansas

Big 12 Championship- Oklahoma over West Virginia

1. Oklahoma Sooners 

Projected Record: 11-2 (7-2 Big 12)

The Baker Mayfield era is over, but that doesn’t mean Oklahoma won’t be competing for the playoffs. Kyler Murray is expected to take over, but Redshirt Sophomore Austin Kendall has pushed him for the starting job. The offense returns one of the best running backs in college football with Rodney Anderson. The offense will revolve around Anderson and a strong offensive line. The receiving group should give the new quarterback help with high profile WRs Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, CeeDee Lamb and Mykel Jones.

The defense continues to be a question especially after allowing 54 points to Georgia in the semi-final game last year. There are some solid young players including LBs Caleb Kelly and Kenneth Murray. The non-conference schedule is interesting with FAU, UCLA, and Army. FAU will try to pull the upset in Norman for the first game of the year. Replacing a quarterback with Baker Mayfield’s talent won’t be easy, but there is still enough talent on the roster to compete for a spot in the playoffs.

2. West Virginia Mountaineers

Projected Record: 9-4 (6-3 Big 12)

The offense will be lethal with quarterback Will Grier. West Virginia also has one of the best receiving groups with Gary Jennings, David Sills, and Alabama transfer TJ Simmons at wide receiver. They were 13th in passing yards last year, but 84th in rushing yards. In order to be elite West Virginia will need a running back to step up.

The defense is the exact opposite. The defense was ranked 107th in the nation and only returns 4 starters. In order for West Virginia to compete in the Big 12 they will have to improve. West Virginia has a few big non-conference games including the season opener against Tennessee and a road game at North Carolina State. The offense will have the Mountaineers competing for a Big 12 championship, but the defense will most likely prevent them from attaining a spot in the playoffs.

3. TCU Horned Frogs

Projected Record: 8-4 (6-3 Big 12)

TCU enjoyed a great year last year finishing 11-3 with a comeback win against Stanford. Shawn Robinson will replace Kenny Hill as the starting quarterback. He’ll have some weapons including versatile playmaker KaVontae Turpin. Look for Darius Anderson to have a breakout year as one of the Big 12’s best running backs.

Defense has consistently been TCU’s strength and it will be again for the 2018 season. The defense is led by pass rusher Ben Banogu. Senior linebacker Ty Summers should also be a leader on the defense. TCU faces a tough non-conference game in Cowboys Stadium against Ohio State. TCU should be a legitimate contender in the Big 12.

4. Texas Longhorns

Projected Record: 8-4 (6-3 Big 12)

Every year it seems like it will be the bounce back year for the Longhorns. This season actually looks like it could happen. Coach Tom Herman was a great offensive mind with Ohio State and Houston, but Texas actually took a step backwards in 2017. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger must play more consistent, but with talented wide receiver Collin Johnson it should make the step up easier.

The defense has talent across the board including the secondary. The secondary includes veteran corners Kris Boyd and Davante Davis. True freshman safety Caden Sterns should see some action as well. Gary Johnson and Anthony Wheeler make for a solid linebacker pair and

Brecklyn Hager will try to improve on his four sacks in 2017. Texas plays Maryland, Tulsa, and USC in non-conference play. USC will be a tough game and Maryland could possibly trip them up just like last year. An improvement on the 6-6 regular season finish is likely for Tom Herman’s 2018 team.

5. Iowa State Cyclones

Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big 12)

Iowa State was a major surprise last season under Matt Campbell as they finished 8-5 and were the only Big 12 team to beat Oklahoma. Look for a similar year from the Cyclones who return running back David Montgomery, one of the best backs in college football. Senior quarterback Kyle Kempt was efficient in 2017 with 15 TDs to just 3 INTs.

The Defense returns six starters to the 2nd best defense in the Big 12 from last season. Ray Lima is a really good nose tackle that leads the defense along with Marcel Spears Jr. who had 107 tackles last year. The yearly matchup against Iowa will be key in starting the year right. With a solid offense and defense Iowa State should be a legitimate competitor for a Big 12 championship appearance.

6. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big 12)

Oklahoma State will have to replace a plethora of offensive talent with QB Mason Rudolph, WR James Washington, and WR Marcell Ateman moving onto the NFL. There is still talent at wide receiver with Jalen McCleskey and Tyron Johnson, along with 1400-yard rusher Justice Hill. But the question remains who will be giving them the ball. Coach Gundy stated at Big 12 media days that Taylor Cornelius was “their guy” at quarterback. However, Hawaii grad transfer Dru Brown just arrived in Stillwater. The offense will most likely take a step back from being the 2nd ranked offense in the nation.

After a bad season on defense, Coach Gundy brought in a new defensive coordinator that will install a 4-2-5 defense. The defense does return 7 starters, but will need to make a major improvement from last year. The non-conference schedule is interesting with a September 15th game at home against Boise State. Look for the Pokes to take a step back this year due to the major losses on the offensive side of the ball.

7. Kansas State Wildcats

Projected Record: 6-6 (4-5 Big 12)

A Bill Snyder coached team always finishes a few spots better than expected. The offense should improve from last season with running QB Skylar Thompson and returning the entire offensive line. Skylar Thompson had the Sooners nervous last year when Oklahoma barely made it out of Manhattan, KS with a 42-35 victory.

Defense was an issue last year for the Wildcats and this year the front seven is inexperienced. The secondary must also replace standout CB DJ Reed. Add the defensive worries with an early tough game against Mississippi State, and that equals a slow start. Look for Kansas State to be an average team this year that will most likely make a bowl game.

8. Texas Tech

Projected Record: 5-7 (3-6 Big 12)

For the first year in Kliff Kingsbury’s tenure at Texas Tech the offense is a bigger question mark than the defense. This stems from a quarterback competition with no clear winner. The contestants for this role include McClane Carter, Jett Duffey and Alan Bowman. Reports are out that true Freshman Alan Bowman may be the best of the group. In addition to the quarterback worries the receivers are not as talented of a group as in years past. What will be a plus for the offense is an experienced offensive line.

The defense on the other hand is starting to make a turnaround. They jumped 30 spots in scoring defense from 2016 to 2017, and return 9 starters to the defense. Linebacker and Last Chance U star Dakota Allen is the leader on the defense. The secondary has a senior tandem at safety with Vaughnte Dorsey and Jah’Shawn Johnson. The schedule is tough for the Red Raiders with an early game against the Ole Miss Rebels explosive offense. The week 3 game against Houston is also not an easy game. With the questions on offense, but a good defense the Red Raiders could finish anywhere between 4 and 8 wins.

9. Baylor Bears

Projected Record: 5-7 (3-6 Big 12)

Baylor had a nightmare season last year going 1-11 with their only win against Kansas. QB Charlie Brewer did show some promise last year and will look to improve during his Sophomore year. Brewer has some good playmakers to throw to with wide receivers Denzel Mims, Tennessee transfer Jalen Hurd and Chris Platt. The offense wasn’t bad last year and should take another step up.

The defense was horrible last year and is a major question mark again. They are young and inexperienced with only 5 returning starters. The defense could make an improvement in year 2 of defensive coordinator Phil Snow. The non-conference schedule is not bad, but does include a very even matchup against Duke. Baylor will win more than one game this year, but may fall just short of a bowl game.

10. Kansas Jayhawks

Projected Record: 2-10 (0-9 Big 12)

It must be tough for a Kansas football fan to be optimistic about the season. Coach David Beatty acquired a dumpster fire and it has remained that way through his 3-33 record. A bright spot of the offense is RB Khalil Herbert who had a 291 yard game against West Virginia last year. Steven Sims is also a solid receiver for Kansas.

On defense the Jayhawks have a lot of young talent that hopefully will develop. Defensive tackle Daniel Wise is a first-team Big 12 performer along with safety Hasan Defense (yes that is his name). There is no easy victory for this Kansas team so they need to come ready to play during their non-conference schedule of Nicholls State, Central Michigan, and Rutgers.

East

1. Georgia
2. South Carolina
3. Florida
4. Missouri
5. Tennessee
6. Kentucky
7. Vanderbilt

West

1. Alabama
2. Mississippi State
3. Auburn
4. LSU
5. Ole Miss
6. Texas A&M
7. Arkansas

SEC Championship: Alabama over Georgia

SEC East

1. Georgia Bulldogs

Projected Record: 12-1 (8-0 SEC)

Georgia comes off a great season and heartbreaking loss in the National Championship. Getting back to the playoffs will not come easy as they must replace 8 starters on the defensive side of the ball. The roster is talented with Georgia having three out of the last four years a top five recruiting class.

On offense talented WRs Terry Godwin, Mecole Hardman, and Riley Ridley should give SEC defenses trouble along with shifty RB De’Andre Swift. It’ll be interesting whether QB Jake Fromm can hold off freshman phenom Justin Fields for the starting job. There will be new starters across the defense, but Georgia still has reliable players like CB Deandre Baker, Safety J.R. Reid and DE Jonathan Ledbetter. The schedule will not be easy with matchups against Auburn and LSU from the West. If Kirby Smart can find a way to replace the lost defensive starters Georgia should not only be in Atlanta for the SEC Championship, but the College Football Playoffs as well.

2. South Carolina Gamecocks

Projected Record: 9-3 (6-2 SEC)

There is some buzz growing for the Gamecocks to be sleepers in the East. Now, I do not believe they will be able to take down Georgia, but they do have enough talent on their roster to have a nice season. South Carolina has one of the best duos at wide receiver with Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards. Whether Jake Bentley continues to improve will be the difference in the Gamecocks being contenders or pretenders. The 126 yard performance against Clemson last year will not be near good enough if South Carolina has top ten dreams.

The defense is solid in the front 7 with star linebacker T.J. Brunson. Where the Gamecocks need to improve is in the secondary. Games against Georgia and Clemson will test the secondary and show if they can compete on the national stage. The Cocks also avoid Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi State, and LSU in SEC play.

3. Florida Gators

Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3 SEC)

I know they had a terrible 4-8 year and still haven’t found a quarterback. But there are too many playmakers on this Florida Gators roster to stay down for long. Coming off a tragic year that was plagued by suspensions and injuries, Dan Mullen will look to turn things around.

The Gators return the entire offensive line and have talented wide receivers Tyrie Cleveland and Ole Miss transfer Van Jefferson. However, the offense will only go as far as Feleipe Franks takes them.

The defense is talented across the board highlighted by Cece Jefferson rushing the passer, David Reese at MLB and Chauncey Gardner playing a playmaker role at Nickelback. They have a tough non-conference game with Florida State and play LSU and Mississippi State from the SEC West. The talented roster should be good enough to have a solid year in the East.

4. Missouri Tigers

Projected Record: 8-4 (4-4 SEC)

Missouri had one of the worst starts to the college football season starting 1-5, but they finished the season 6-2. The Tigers have one of the most talented quarterbacks with Drew Lock along with 9 returning starters to an offense that was 8th in the nation.

The defense will need to improve, but they have the talent on the defensive line with Terry Beckner Jr. and Texas transfer Jordan Elliott. They return all of their starting linebackers including leading tackler Cole Garrett.

Part of Missouri’s schedule is absolutely brutal. They play Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama in back-to-back-to-back weeks. But if Missouri takes care of business with their winnable games in the SEC East, they should enjoy a nice season.

5. Tennessee Volunteers

Projected Record: 5-7 (2-6 SEC)

Tennessee welcomes new head coach Jeremy Pruitt after a whirlwind of a search. It will be anything but easy for Tennessee to bounce back from a 4-8 season with no conference wins. It starts with the quarterback position which will come down to Stanford transfer Keller Chryst or Jarrett Guarantano. Trey Smith is one of the best offensive lineman in the SEC and Alabama transfer Brandon Kennedy should help.

The defense has talent and should make an improvement with Coach Pruitt. However, the schedule is absolutely brutal. They start out against West Virginia and then have a five game stretch of Florida, Georgia, Auburn, Alabama and South Carolina. With the difficult schedule it will be tough for Tennessee to make a bowl game.

6. Kentucky Wildcats

Projected Record: 5-7 (1-7 SEC)

The big question for Kentucky will be at QB between Terry Wilson and Gunnar Hoak, neither have thrown a pass in a FBS game. Kentucky will instead rely on one of the best running backs in the SEC in Benny Snell and an offensive line that returns four starters.

Josh Allen leads a defense with a lot of returning starters especially in the secondary. The schedule isn’t too tough, but with the unsettled quarterback situation it is tough to see Kentucky competing for a SEC East championship.

7. Vanderbilt Commodores

Projected Record: 3-9 (0-8 SEC)

There was once upon a time that Vanderbilt wanted Alabama. The season was all downhill after that with the Commodores winning just one game. Kyle Shurmur is back and will lead the offense for his senior year. The offensive line also returns all of their starters from last season.

The defense was the strength early, but fell off in SEC play. There are only 4 returning starters on this defense, but CB Joejuan Williams and OLB Charles Wright are talented. It will be tough for Derek Mason to make a bowl game with the SEC schedule and facing Notre Dame.

SEC West

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

Projected Record: 13-0 (8-0 SEC)

The defending National Champions shouldn’t fall off. The national media is making it out like there is a quarterback controversy. There is none… Tua is the starter. The offense is loaded at Running Back with Damien Harris and Najee Harris. The receivers are young and talented. To cap it off four out of the five offensive lineman are back. Expect Alabama to average 40 points per game.

The defense should stay elite with the front seven. Defensive lineman Raekwon Davis and Isaiah Buggs lead up front. Inside linebackers Mack Wilson and Dylan Moses also make a dynamic duo.

The secondary remains the one unknown. Deionte Thompson is a dynamic safety, but there are young, unproven corners that will have to step up. The schedule sets up well with Louisville the only Power 5 test for nonconference play. A trip to LSU for a Saturday night game could be tricky as well.

2. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Projected Record: 10-2 (6-2 SEC)

Just because Dan Mullen is gone doesn’t mean this team isn’t talented. Nick Fitzgerald leads an experienced offense that includes 1000-yard rusher Aeris Williams and four of the five offensive line starters.

The defensive line is the strength of a defense, led by sack leader Montez Sweat and former five star Jeffrey Simmons. The defense was ranked 10th in the nation last year and should be good again. The schedule sets up nicely with SEC East matchups against Kentucky and Florida, as well as a home game against Auburn. Look for Mississippi State to compete in the West and possibly finish as a top ten team.

3. Auburn Tigers

Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3 SEC)

The Tigers should be back challenging for the SEC even after blowing it in the bowl game against UCF. Jarrett Stidham is one of the most talented passers in college football and has his favorite target back with WR Ryan Davis. However, the offense will have to overcome losing RB Kerryon Johnson and an inexperienced offensive line.

The defensive line is solid with Marlon Davidson, Derrick Brown and Dotavius Russell. However, the secondary has some concerns. The schedule is tough with games against Washington, Alabama, Mississippi State and Georgia.

4. LSU Tigers

Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3 SEC)

LSU has the same story every year, will the offense be at least decent? The quarterback competition is between Ohio State transfer Joe Burrow and Myles Brennan after LSU has had two transfers. Jonathan Giles is a talented WR transfer from Texas Tech that should help the new signal caller out.

The defense is LSU’s strength again with defensive lineman Breidan Fehoko (Texas Tech transfer), Ed Alexander and Rashard Lawrence. LSU’s tackle leader, Devin White, is back again along with one of the best corners in college football, Greedy Williams. LSU has a tough season opener in Arlington, TX against Miami.

5. Ole Miss Rebels

Projected Record: 7-5 (3-5 SEC)

Everyone counts out Ole Miss because of all the turnover and mess left over from the Hugh Freeze scandal. Ole Miss’s roster still has a lot of talent on it especially on the offensive side of the ball. Jordan Ta’amu is a talented QB who played just as good and maybe even better than Shea Patterson. Ole Miss also has one of the best receiving units in the country with DK Metcalf, AJ Brown, and Demarkus Lodge.

The defense will be the weakness coming off a season where they were ranked 124th against the run. Ole Miss starts off with a game against Texas Tech, but the SEC schedule isn’t too bad with their SEC East opponents being Vanderbilt and South Carolina.

6. Texas A&M Aggies

Projected Record: 6-6 (3-5 SEC)

The Jimbo Fisher era has started at Texas A&M. The first major decision he will need to make is whether Nick Starkel or Kellen Mond is the starter. Outside of the quarterback position they have talented young wide receivers led by Jhamon Ausbon. Running back they return 800-yard rusher Trayveon Williams.

The defense has a few bright spots with linebacker Otaro Alaka and defensive lineman Kingsley Keke. They will need to improve especially after allowing 55 points to Wake Forest in their bowl game. Texas A&M has a tough home game against Clemson and along with questions along the offensive line and defense, it could be a tough first year for Jimbo Fisher.

7. Arkansas Razorbacks

Projected Record: 6-6 (2-6 SEC)

The Razorbacks are coming off a tough 4-8 season and new coach Chad Morris is in charge now. Last season Arkansas finished 94th offensively and 102nd in defensively in the nation. The offense does return a veteran offensive line and a good running back with Devwah Whaley. Cole Kelley should be the new starting quarterback.

On defense there is talent to work with linebackers De’Jon Harris and Dre Greenlaw. The new defensive coordinator John Chavis is one of the best in the business so a turnaround could happen. The schedule sets up decently for Arkansas with no tough non-conference games and SEC East opponents Missouri and Vanderbilt. A bowl game would be the step in the right direction.