Week 0 Recap

Florida vs. Miami was exciting, but there was some bad football during it. Miami clearly does not have a competent offensive line. They do have playmakers on both side of the ball and I believe QB Jarren Williams will be just fine. Even with the bad offensive line they still are probably the second best team in the ACC.

Florida on the other hand is not ready to take over the SEC East. QB Feleipe Franks has not made the needed improvements and his weaknesses put a ceiling on this team.

Week 1 Game of the Week 

Auburn (-3.5) vs. Oregon – 6:30pm Arlington, TX

Game Preview: It’s strength vs. strength and weakness vs. weakness. Oregon has one of the best offensive line in the country and they’re facing one of the top five defensive lines in the country. However, Auburn is starting QB Bo Nix, a pocket passing true freshman. This is going to be a back and forth, lower scoring game.

Pick: Oregon 24-17

Top Picks of the Week (All Times CST)

Texas State at Texas A&M (-33.5) – Thursday 7:30pm

Texas State is bad and Texas A&M is loaded on offense. As long as A&M defense hold up I think this game ends up being something like 45-10. Not one of my favorite bets, but A&M should cover.

Utah (-6) at BYU – Thursday 9:15pm 

Utah is a top ten team this year. I don’t care it is a rivalry game, if you’re giving me less than a touchdown spread against a team ranked outside of the top 25, I’m taking them.

Tulsa (+24) at Michigan State – Friday 6:00pm

Tulsa will be much improved with Zach Smith at QB. This also has to do with how bad Michigan State’s offense was last year. They didn’t cover by more than 24 points all last year and their offense struggled mightily at the end of the year. I like it a lot.

Wisconsin at South Florida Under 57.5 – Friday 6:00pm 

Wisconsin runs the ball and plays good defense. South Florida will struggle to score and the game play won’t be overly fast. Under, under, under in Tampa in August.

Colorado State at Colorado (-13.5) – Friday 9:00pm

Colorado has legitimate playmakers and Colorado State is still bad. 14 point cover should be easy.

Oklahoma State (-14.5) at Oregon State – Friday 9:30

Oklahoma State can put up points and Oregon State is not a good team. Cowboys by 20 plus.

South Alabama (+36) at Nebraska – Saturday 11:00am

Nebraska will have a good offense, but this team was 4-8 last year. They didn’t even cover 36 points against Bethune Cookman. Too many points for a team I think finishes 8-4.

North Carolina vs. South Carolina (-9) – Saturday 2:30pm

I like betting against true freshman QBs in their first game. South Carolina is much more experienced than North Carolina and a much better football team.

Duke vs. Alabama (-33.5) Over 57 – Saturday 2:30pm

Always bet Alabama on opening games no matter what. This offense will also average close to 50 points per game too. Just need to give up a touchdown to Duke for the over.

Houston at Oklahoma Under 83 – Sunday 6:30pm

Don’t get me wrong, there will be a lot of points. But Oklahoma’s defense will be better this year and Jalen Hurts running style will lead to less points. Expect a 45-24 type of score.

Preseason Top 25

1. Alabama
2. Clemson
3. Georgia
4. LSU
5. Oklahoma
6. Oregon
7. Notre Dame
8. Michigan
9. Ohio State
10. Utah
11. Washington
12. Florida
13. Texas A&M
14. Iowa State
15. Texas
16. Iowa
17. Missouri
18. Miami
19. Syracuse
20. Stanford
21. Michigan State
22. Wisconsin
23. Virginia Tech
24. Virginia
25. Oklahoma State

Final Four

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

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

Alabama has a complete team this year. Their offense is loaded on the offensive line and wide receiver position. All this will help Tua lead one of the most explosive offenses in College Football history. Defensively, the only concern is at middle linebacker and defensive line depth. The only competition on their schedule that could realistically beat them is against Texas A&M, LSU, Auburn, or in the SEC Championship game. Alabama should win all of these as long as they don’t have a mental collapse.

2. Clemson Tigers

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

Their offense is going to be great and only Texas A&M will give them any sort of a challenge. The defense will take a step back, but they have enough talent to replace the starters they lost. If Bama and Clemson go undefeated Alabama has the edge based on their schedule.

3. Oklahoma Sooners

Projected Record: 12-1 (8-1 Big 12)

I’m not high on this Oklahoma team even though I have them in the playoffs. I just don’t think they will be challenged in the Big 12. Jalen Hurts does well playing against lackluster defenses and I don’t see a defense on their schedule that will challenge them. Add the fact I think their defense will be average equals a one loss playoff team. They will get stomped by Clemson or Alabama, but I think they’re good enough against bad teams to make the playoffs.

4. Oregon Ducks

Projected Record: 12-1 (8-1 Pac 12)

I love this Oregon team. Their offensive line is one of the best in the country and they have a top 3 QB with Justin Herbert. Add in a tough non-conference game against Auburn and they’ll have the resume to get to the playoffs. As long as their defense is decent they can get through Pac-12 play.

 

Pac 12 Championship: Oregon over Utah

Pac 12 North

1. Oregon Ducks

Projected Record: 12-1 (8-1 Pac 12)

I’m all in on Oregon. They have a top three quarterback and one of the best offensive lines in the country. As long as the defense finishes similar to last year’s 55th ranking they are going to be alright. With seven returning starters on defense and almost everybody back on offense… this team is going to be good.

2. Washington Huskies

Projected Record: 10-2 (7-2 Pac 12)

Washington has major changes on the defensive side as they have to replace nine starters on defense. I think going from Jake Browning to Jacob Eason will actually be an upgrade to the quarterback position though. Washington takes a step forward on offense, but a step back on defense.

3. Stanford Cardinals

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

Stanford has a young team this year. They are replacing a lot of starters on the defensive side and will have to find some new offensive weapons. QB K.J. Costello and a solid offensive line makes this team a contender in the Pac-12.

4. Washington State Cougars

Projected Record: 6-6 (3-6 Pac 12)

No Gardner Minshew and replacing a lot of defensive starters adds up to this not being a 11-2 cinderella team like last year. The offensive line is experienced, but expect Mike Leach to fall back closer to .500. Going to Houston will be a tough non-conference game for the Cougars.

5. California Golden Bears

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

Cal has one of the best secondaries in the Pac-12, but other than that the Golden Bears are pretty underwhelming. The defense and CB Camryn Bynum will have to lead this team to some low scoring wins.

6. Oregon State Beavers

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

The defense is bad and the offense is not good. There is still a lot of work to Oregon State being decent again.

Pac 12 South

1. Utah Utes

Projected Record: 10-3 (7-2 Pac 12)

Utah has one of the best and deepest defensive lines in the country. Their defense is going to give teams problems this year in the Pac-12. Offensively they return a lot of starters including QB Tyler Huntley and 1,000 yard rusher Zack Moss. Utah will win the division again.

2. USC Trojans

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

QB JT Daniels should make an improvement and he has a ton of weapons including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tyler Vaughns, and Michael Pittman. This USC team is just not as talented as other USC teams in the past as they’ve taken a step back in recruiting. Expect a more competitive USC team than last year.

3. Arizona State Sun Devils

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

Arizona State was surprisingly decent last year. This year they will start a true freshman highly recruited QB Jayden Daniels. Expect growing pains early, but a strong finish in the Pac-12.

4. UCLA Bruins

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

UCLA was awful last year as they transitioned to Chip Kelly’s offense. They return a ton of starters and will be better than last year’s 3-9 season. Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s development as a quarterback will be the key for a UCLA improvement.

5. Arizona Wildcats

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

Can Khalil Tate be as dynamic as he was his Sophomore season? That is a huge question as this defense will again be not very good. Expect Arizona in a lot of shootouts especially  with the offense led by 1400 yard rusher J.J. Taylor.

6. Colorado Buffaloes

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

Colorado has the top player in the Pac-12 with WR Laviska Shenault and that is about it. Senior QB Steven Montez has been solid,  but the offense will have to improve from it’s 75th ranked finish last year. Defensively, they replace a lot of key starters. Colorado will be an OK team this year, but a non-conference matchup against Nebraska keeps them just out of bowl bound.

 

ACC Championship: Clemson over Miami

ACC Atlantic

1. Clemson Tigers

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

Clemson should be playoff bound again. The offense will be electric again with their once in a generation QB Trevor Lawrence. Clemson has weapons at the skill positions especially with Travis Etienne, Justyn Ross, and Tee Higgins. Joe Ngata is a freshman WR to look out for also. How Clemson does reloading the defense will be a question on how elite this team is. Replacing the entire defensive line and numerous other defenders won’t be easy.

2. Florida State Seminoles

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

Talented team who is off a nightmare 5-7 season. If James Blackman can evolve as a QB, this team has a high ceiling. The defense has experience and talent, but we will see if  this will translate to on the field success. Expect an improvement.

3. Syracuse Orange

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

Dino Babers has turned Syracuse around in three years. Now it is time to see if this is sustainable. Babers returns a veteran team and Alton Robinson is the real deal at Defensive End. Syracuse possibly could finish 10-3 again and turn into one of the top teams in the ACC

4. Boston College Eagles

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

AJ Dillon is one of the best running backs in the nation and he will carry this offense. However, Boston College hasn’t had the same level of defense lately and Steve Addazio has been just 38-38 in his career. The Eagles will be a tough team, but don’t expect anywhere close to a double digit win season.

5. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

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

Wake Forest has had two straight successful seasons under coach Dave Clawson. They have their leading rusher and quarterback back. The defense will need a major improvement after finishing 116th last year. If they get some better play on defense, they’ll make a bowl and have a good season.

6. NC State Wolfpack

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

They lose a lot on offense and the defense is just alright. Sophomore starting quarterback Matthew McKay will try to pick up where Ryan Finley left. Honestly, trying to pick between BC, Wake Forest, and NC State is like choosing your favorite vegetable, they are all pretty average.

7. Louisville Cardinals

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

Louisville flat out quit last year. The Cardinals are more talented than the 2-10 they finished. 9 starters return on defense and Juwan Pass should make some strides in his progress as a quarterback. They will most likely lose non-conference games against Notre Dame and Kentucky, but they’ll be competitive in the ACC.

ACC Coastal

1. Miami Hurricanes

Projected Record: 9-4 (6-2 ACC)

Miami will be good defensively, but how is the offense going to be with redshirt freshman QB Jarren Williams? I think Williams will start off with some growing pains, but pick it up when ACC play starts. The opener at Florida will be a test.

2. Virginia Tech Hookies

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

Virginia Tech has a lot of promise. All 11 defensive starters are coming back, but there is going to have to be growth unless they want to lose to Old Dominion again. I believe QB Ryan Willis can be a solid reliable QB. Virginia Tech could go from 6-7 to ACC division champs.

3. Virginia Cavaliers

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

Tons of hype for Virginia as they are the media’s pick to win the division. It makes sense with 13 returning starters including QB Bryce Perkins. Offense will need to take a step up to get there though. The defense was top twenty last year and have one of the top corners in the country returning in Bryce Hall. Virginia will be in the running for a ACC division championship.

4. Pittsburgh Panthers

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

The defense will be tough under Narduzzi, but will the offense ever get going? QB Kenny Pickett is alright, but they need him to progress if they want to compete for the division. I don’t think they’re talented enough to win it, but 8-4 is not out of the question.

5. North Carolina Tar Heels

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

Mack Brown is in and the roster isn’t awful. The problem is they do not have a quarterback with experience on the roster. They will have to start freshman QB Sam Howell because that is their only option. The opener against South Carolina is almost a sure loss. A bowl game would be a great first season for Mack.

6. Duke Blue Devils

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

They’re not an awful team… they just have to play Bama and Notre Dame non-conference. Daniel Jones leaves and they don’t have many offensive weapons. Nine returning starters on defense should help.

7. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

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

Georgia Tech goes from the triple option to a modern day offense. Only problem is they have a bunch of low ranked recruits who were brought there to run the triple option. It is going to be rough transition year.

Big 12 Championship: Oklahoma over Iowa State

 

Big 12

1. Oklahoma Sooners

Projected Record: 12-1 (8-1 Big 12)

Jalen Hurts takes over and their offense should be explosive again. They have the best player in the Big 12 with CeeDee Lamb and some outstanding freshman receivers. The defense just has to be not terrible. Oklahoma wins the Big 12 and makes the playoffs because their defense will improve to average.

2. Iowa State Cyclones

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

Not enough attention is on Brock Purdy. He put a heck of a freshman campaign as a first year starter. The defense will be one of the best in the Big 12 and playing in Ames is never easy. Iowa State is a major contender in the Big 12.

3. Texas Longhorns

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

I’m not on the Texas as a national playoff contender train. The defense has young talent, but only returns two starters. Sam Ehlinger is good, but the media is making him out to be a top 5 elite quarterback. Overall, I still think Texas is a year away from being in the national conversation. LSU will be the test in week 2.

4. Oklahoma State Cowboys

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

Oklahoma State could be a breakout team. They have playmakers with Biletnikoff finalist Tylan Wallace and breakout running back Chuba Hubbard. If they can find consistent quarterback and average defensive play, this team will compete for a Big 12 championship spot. They almost beat Oklahoma last year, but they get them at home this year and might be able to pull the upset.

5. Baylor Bears

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

Charlie Brewer is one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12 and Matt Rhule has this team  on an upward trajectory. The defense will need to improve for Baylor to end up in the top half of the Big 12.

6. TCU Horned Frogs

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

I love everything about TCU’s roster except the quarterback position. They will be a top defense and possess one of the best playmakers in the Big 12 with receiver Jalen Reagor. If a quarterback like Alex Delton or Justin Rogers steps up they’ll have a really good season.

7. Texas Tech Red Raiders

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

Texas Tech found their QB of the future with Alan Bowman and the offense should stay explosive. Defense is the question mark. Jordyn Brooks and Riko Jeffers are bright spots at linebacker, but the depth and star power are lacking around the rest of the defense. Look for the Red Raiders to be in some shootouts.

8. Kansas State Wildcats

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

It is your classic upperclassmen Kansas State team. Not a lot of star power, but they will play you tough. Really like the new coach hire in Chris Kleiman, but it will take some time before they are contenders for Big 12 championships.

9. West Virginia Mountaineers

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

West Virginia lost just about everybody including their head coach. New coach Neal Brown has patched some holes with JUCO players and Oklahoma transfer quarterback Austin Kendall. They’ll sneak a few wins, but them going bowling will be tough.

10. Kansas Jayhawks

Projected Record: 3-9 (1-8 Big 12)

Les Miles inherits a bad team with a little bit of younger talent. Kansas always sneaks one Big 12 win by being over looked. The Mad Hatter turnaround will take a few years to have this team back over .500.

 

Big Ten Championship: Michigan over Iowa

Big Ten East

1. Michigan Wolverines

Projected Record: 10-3 (7-2 Big Ten)

The offense returns most of it’s offensive line and some dangerous receivers with Donovan Peoples-Jones, Nico Collins, and Tarik Black. Shea Patterson will have plenty of weapons to work with in their new spread offense. The only question I have is how do they replace all of their losses in the front seven. The defense is going to take a step back. Think this is the year they finally beat Ohio State though.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

Projected Record: 10-2 (7-2 Big Ten)

There is talent all around Ohio State on both sides of the ball. But replacing four starters on the offensive line and expecting Justin Fields to be the answer at QB will be tough. If they had an experienced quarterback I would be much higher on them.

3. Michigan State Spartans

Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)

Their top ten ranked defense returns almost all of their starters. The defensive front is stacked especially with Kenny Willekes at defensive end. The offense was absolutely pitiful after QB Brian Lewerke was injured in Week 6. If Michigan State can get some improvement to their offense they will be a dangerous Big Ten team.

4. Penn State Nittany Lions

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

It is life after Trace McSorley. Their expected starter at QB transferred to Mississippi State and now I don’t think they have an answer on how to replace him. The defense should be solid with two big time front seven guys in DE Yetur Gross-Matos and OLB Micah Parsons. They’ll be 8-4 Penn State.

5. Maryland Terrapins

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

I’m a lot higher on Maryland than others. Josh Jackson at QB and Anthony McFarland at RB should keep this offense respectable. The defense replaces quite a few starters, but they will be decent enough not to give up too many points. Mike Locksley in his first year has a chance to make this Maryland team bowl bound.

6. Indiana Hoosiers

Projected Record: 5-7 (2-7 Big Ten)

Indiana has been 5-7 the last two seasons… this year is going to be the third. They return a decent amount of starters and their QB Peyton Ramsey is alright. But the schedule does them no favors in their division and  a few tough cross divisional matches with Nebraska and Northwestern.

7. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Projected Record: 2-10 (0-9 Big Ten)

This is a bad football team that really isn’t worth my time. Their returning starting QB Artur Sitkowski threw 4 TDs and 18 INTs last year and they were embarrassed by KANSAS 55-14. Somehow McLane Carter, the Texas Tech transfer, hasn’t beat Sitkowski out yet. There is a chance they don’t win a football game this year. Alright, that was four sentences too long on the current state of Rutgers football.

Big Ten West

1. Iowa Hawkeyes

Projected Record: 10-3 (7-2 Big Ten)

In the division anybody can win (except Illinois) I like Iowa’s chances the best. They are going to have one of the best defenses in the Big Ten and return a very good QB in Nate Stanley. Their offensive line is also loaded with one of the best left tackles in College Football Alaric Jackson. If they can get a little explosion from their offensive playmakers this will be a good football team.

2. Wisconsin Badgers

Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)

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Wisconsin has a great running back in Jonathan Taylor, but other than that theres not much star power. Replacing four starters to the offensive line and a new quarterback will be tough. I believe true freshman Graham Mertz ends up starting at QB and he will be pretty good. The defense and running game will have to win games for this team though.

3. Nebraska Cornhuskers

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

I’m not going as far as a lot of people and picking Nebraska to win the division, but this will be a good football team. QB Adrian Martinez finished his true freshman year strong and he will look to take his game to another level. There’s a lot of young talent, but this is still a defense that finished the year ranked 94th. Tough to win in the Big Ten that way.

4. Minnesota Golden Gophers

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

They’re a sneaky team with 16 returning starters and one of the best/most underrated receivers in College Football in Tyler Johnson. P.J. Fleck has this team improving and I think this is the year they finish the regular season with seven wins.

5. Northwestern Wildcats

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

Expect Northwestern takes a step back this year. They are replacing a lot of defensive starters and they are not known for their offensive weapons. They also have a tough first game at Stanford. It will be tough for Clemson transfer QB Hunter Johnson to take over with not a whole lot to work with.

6. Purdue Boilermakers

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

Rondale Moore is electric and one of the best players in the Big Ten. Brycen Hopkins is a legitimate threat at Tight End. The rest of the roster isn’t great however. Purdue must replace a really solid QB in David Blough. Playing TCU and Vanderbilt in non-conference play won’t be easy either. They’re not a bad team, they just have a tough schedule.

7. Illinois Fighting Illini

Projected Record: 4-8 (1-8 Big Ten)

This is year four of Lovie Smith and he is going into the season 9-27. The defense was ranked 128th last year and there isn’t a lot of signs of improvement. Illinois has recruited better, but at some point there has to be results on the field. They’ll sneak up on one Big Ten team, but that’s about it.

SEC Championship: Alabama over Georgia

SEC East

1. Georgia Bulldogs

Projected Record: 11-2 (7-1 SEC)

Kirby has been bringing in top three recruiting classes the past few years and this team is loaded with young depth. Jake Fromm is an experienced top 5 QB, D’Andre Swift is a dangerous runner, the offensive line is talented, but their wide receivers are a huge question mark. The defense will be great in the secondary even with losing Deandre Baker, but Georgia needs a pass rusher to step up. Notre Dame in Athens will be an early test.

2. Florida Gators

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

Florida will be carried by their defense who was ranked top 30 last year and returns seven starters. Felipe Franks also broke out as the Florida finally found a competent QB. Florida returns all their skill players, but the offensive line is a huge concern replacing four starters. Another solid season is probable after last year’s 10-3 year.

3. Missouri Tigers

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

Lose Drew Lock off a 8-4 team and replace him with Kelly Bryant. Missouri returns 13 starters and are poised for another solid year. The schedule is an absolute cake walk by SEC standards.

4. South Carolina Gamecocks

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

Will Jake Bentley ever be anything but above average? A lot of starters return to the above average offense and the defense looks to be above average too with solid players like T.J. Brunson and Javon Kinlaw. What does all this equal? A slightly above average season.

5. Tennessee Volunteers

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

Year two of Jeremy Pruitt after a 5-7 season should see a slight increase. The eight returning starters on offense will try to improve the 122nd ranked offense. Defensive line is a huge concern especially after losing Emmitt Gooden, but the rest of the defense will be alright. Expect the Vols to finally go bowling.

6. Kentucky Wildcats

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

Kentucky lost just about every premier player they had off last years 10-3 team. This includes their best offensive player and six other starters to the 104th ranked offense. In summary, Kentucky will go back to being Kentucky.

7. Vanderbilt Commodores

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

Vanderbilt actually has some solid offensive players with RB Ka’Shawn Vaughn, WR Kalija Lipscomb, and TE Jared Pinkney. However, the defense and offensive line are not at a SEC level. Derek Mason can maybe get this team to 6-6 and bowl bound.

SEC West

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

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

Going to be the most dangerous offense in the country. Alabama has four WRs with blazing speed and a very deep talented offensive line. Throw in Tua and this offense will put up 50 points per game. The defense is good across the board with the only potential issue being inside linebacker. Alabama is going to the playoffs again.

2.LSU Tigers

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

They lose Devin White and Greedy Williams, but with safety Grant Delpit and corner Kristian Fulton in the secondary the defense will be elite again. The offense has Joe Burrow (Bureaux in Cajun) leading as LSU finally has someone who can push it down the field a little bit. 15 returning starters returning off a 10-3 season makes LSU a playoff contender.

3. Texas A&M Aggies

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

Kellen Mond and seven starters return to a top 20 offense. The receivers are studs including Quartney Davis, Jhamon Ausbon, and Kendrick Rogers. The defense is where I question if this team can be a playoff contender. It is full of first time underclassmen starters and replaces a ton of talent on the defensive line. The schedule does them no favors playing at Clemson, at Georgia, at LSU, and Alabama.

4. Auburn Tigers

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

I really like Auburn’s roster… outside of the quarterback position. They are forced to start True Freshman Bo Nix which will be trouble come SEC play. Defensively, Auburn will be top 20 with talent in the secondary and upfront. I just don’t trust the quarterback to put this team in SEC championship contention. Think they lose to Oregon the first week also.

5.Mississippi State Bulldogs

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

Mississippi State replaces way too much on defense for me to consider them a threat in the SEC. They were the top ranked defense last year with Jeffery Simmons and Montez Sweat on the defensive line and Jonathan Abram in the secondary. Only three starters return to that defense. Do I trust Penn State transfer QB Tommy Stevens and the offense to lead this team to 10 wins? No.

6. Arkansas Razorbacks

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

I mean they’re going to be better than 2-10 last year. Arkansas has much better options at QB with SMU transfer Ben Hicks and Texas A&M transfer Nick Starkel. The defense returns some quality players including McTelvin Agim and De’Jon Harris. Expect a slight improvement this year and a possible Bowl Game next year.

7. Ole Miss Rebels

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

This is the worst team in the SEC. A 5-7 Ole Miss team last year lost all of their offensive talent to the NFL and their defense continues to be NOT GOOD. All of the big time five star recruits that Hugh Freeze recruited onto Ole Miss are gone. Add in they will be starting a freshman quarterback and you get a really tough year for Ole Miss.

Dinosaurs, sabre-toothed tigers and starting white NFL cornerbacks… three creatures that have gone extinct. A white cornerback has not started at the position in the NFL since Jason Sehorn in 2003, making this the 17th consecutive NFL season without a starting white cornerback. The last time we even got a glimpse of a white cornerback was Julian Edelman playing some emergency nickel late in the 2011 season.

This phenomenon isn’t only in the NFL. College Football also has a severe lack of white cornerbacks.

This marks the third annual ranking of white cornerbacks. During the time period of these rankings no cornerback has even been close to playing in the NFL. There is some promise on the current list, but no sure NFL players. The search continues for the next Jason Sehorn and to break a 17 year drought of no white cornerbacks in the NFL..  Here are your 2019 rankings:

1. Ashtyn Davis, Cal

Davis took a step up in 2018 earning first team All-Pac 12 honors as a kick returner. The ultimate move to safety happened, but he still has corner experience. He could be a NFL player, but will he ever be moved back to corner? Let’s hope so.

2020 Update: Davis was taken with the 68th selection in the 3rd Round of the NFL Draft by the Jets. The switch back to cornerback never happened.

2. Johnathan Durham, Kansas State

Durham started the final 6 games and also had an interception during the season. Durham will compete this year for a starting cornerback role on the Wildcats and hopes to have a solid season. The NFL is unlikely, but maybe he will impress enough for a spot on a training camp roster.

2020 Update: Durham finished the season with one start at nickel corner… that one start was the upset against #4 Oklahoma. The call from the NFL and Bill Belichick never happened

3. Ethan Bonner, Stanford

The highest ranked recruit on the list as the 107th rated corner on 247 for the class of 2018. Bonner saw playing time in the final four games as a freshman. He has the most promise on the list and the most likely to play in the NFL. Bonner will look to see the field more often as a Redshirt Freshman.

2020 Update: Bonner did not see the field in 2019. He will return to Stanford for his redshirt sophomore season.

4. Brandon Ezell, San Jose State

Ezell will compete for a starting cornerback spot on San Jose State. He played sparingly in 2017 as a JUCO transfer and took a redshirt year in 2018. He also has potential as a punt returner. He is not going to be a NFL player, but he makes the list.

2020 Update: Ezell had an outstanding senior season finishing with 4 INTs and 36 tackles. However, he was not picked up as a priority free agent by the NFL.

5. Jake Herbstreit, Clemson

Kirk’s son debuts at number five. Herbstreit is a freshman walk on at Clemson. He most likely won’t see the field for a few years (if at all), but playing at a power five school is quite the accomplishment.

2020 Update: Herbstreit did not receive any playing time.

6. Dawson Hurst, Cal Poly

Cal Poly Freshman.

2020 Update: Hurst did not receive any playing time.

7. Justin Murray, Bucknell

Bucknell Freshman.

2020 Update: Murray was switched to safety.

White Cornerback Prospects on the Radar

Ayden Hector- Sammamish, WA

By far the highest white ranked cornerback recruit we’ve had. He is a top 300 player and 4 star recruit. Hector hold 22 offers including Pac-12 Powerhouses USC, Stanford, and Oregon.

2020 Update: Hector committed to Stanford as a 4-star, 14th ranked CB in the country. His scholarship was rescinded in April 2020 after finding Hector was part of a sexual assault investigation involving four boys, 2 witnesses and a girl in the back of a truck bed. No charges were ever brought by the prosecution.

Many of these players were found by comments left by the readers. So if there is someone I’m missing, let me know. As you can probably tell, it is tough to find white cornerbacks.

Twitter: @TylerVesely