YA I DID TOO JAMES FRANCO.

Instead this dang hurricane is out here wreckin’ our football! Brilliant, CTE-free, football scientist Danny Kanell had the great idea of not canceling the football games until everyone has traveled to the place where the hurricane is supposed to hit:

https://twitter.com/dannykanell/status/1039556455353987073

It may be news to Danny, but the goal of hurricane evacuation is to get out of the way of the hurricane. Maybe at Florida State, Kanell should have got out of the way of a few more Miami Hurricanes then he would be able to see this clearly. But I will go easy on him since Florida State and the ACC are a dumpster fire.

In all seriousness, stay safe East Coast.

Now moving onto the football that isn’t cancelled, we have our rundown of the week!

The Run Down (All Times EST)

Thursday Happy Hour Game

Boston College (-5.5) at Wake Forest, 5:30 ESPN

Yes, you read that right. A 5:30 game. Boston College goes from playing Holy Cross to traveling to play the Demon Deacons. Heisman hopeful AJ Dillon should run wild against a Wake Forest team that barely escaped the Green Wave in New Orleans. No, I’m not talking about a sea of Dos Equis, I’m talking about the Tulane Green Wave.

Gambling Advice: Take Boston College, they’ll win by double digits.

Saturday Morning Hangover Games

#5 Oklahoma (-17) at Iowa State, Noon ABC

REVENGE GAME!! Last year Iowa State went to Norman and pulled off the upset. This year Oklahoma has been killing everybody. Sure they haven’t had much competition with UCLA and FAU, but their offense looks legit. Iowa State on the other hand scored 3 points against Iowa last week and have a hurt quarterback.

Gambling Advice: OU smokes them. Take Oklahoma.

Florida State (-3) at Syracuse, Noon ESPN

Just how far are the Seminoles going to fall. The Willie Taggart era hasn’t started smoothly with a blowout loss to Virginia Tech and close game against Samford. We will see if Florida State can turn it around in the Carrier Dome.

Gambling Advice: Stay away. Florida State is unpredictable right now which is never good for betting.

6-Pack Down Afternoon Games

Vanderbilt at #8 Notre Dame (-14), 2:30 NBC

It’s always nice seeing a SEC team go into South Bend, even if Vanderbilt doesn’t exactly scream SEC atmosphere. Notre Dame is coming off a not impressive 8-point win against Ball State. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt actually has been playing some decent football against weaker opponents.

Gambling Advice: Take Vanderbilt and the 14 points. They may not win, but they’ll cover. Vanderbilt has a decent defense and Notre Dame’s offense has only averaged 24 points a game. Might as well take the Under 52 points while you’re at it.

#12 LSU at #7 Auburn (-9.5), 3:30 CBS

Best game of the week. SEC Football. Top 15 Matchup. This is what fall is all about. Both of these teams have had impressive non-conference wins, but Saturday will show which one is the real threat to Alabama in the SEC West.

Gambling Advice: I don’t get the 9.5-point spread. I think it is going to be a close game and I’m not confident who is going to win. But give me LSU and the points.

#17 Boise State at #24 Oklahoma State (-2.5), 3:30 ESPN

The best group of five team with a legitimate power five matchup. Nobody is talking about how good this Boise State team is. They have a legitimate quarterback in Brett Rypien and a very good defense. Oklahoma State’s quarterback, Taylor Cornelius, on the other hand hasn’t played as well. Think Boise State is the better team and comes out with a win in Stillwater. Cowboys fans will need a few Payne County Painkillers at Copper Penny (You Shotgun a Red Bull with Alcohol in it… so I’ve heard).

Gambling Advice: Boise State +2.5 and take the over 62.5.

Houston (-1) at Texas Tech, 4:15 FOX

Red Raiders and Cougars in Lubbock. Tech students will be glad it’s not a 11am kickoff, but it could be the last non-conference game for Kliff Kingsbury. Especially with a 1-2 start before Big 12 play even starts. Houston blew out an unimpressive Arizona team and I think they win a close one against Texas Tech.

Gambling Advice: Bet Houston.

Whiskey Night Games

#1 Alabama (-21) at Ole Miss, 7:00 ESPN

The Rebels have offense, but absolutely no defense. Tua may accidentally throw for 500 yards. The Alabama secondary will be tested, but Bama hasn’t gave up at least 30 points since Deshaun Watson in the 2016 National Championship. Ole Miss will keep it closer than last year when they lost 66-3, but Alabama still wins big. At least the Rebels still have the Grove. And a $75 cover at the Library.

Gambling Advice: Alabama, Alabama, Alabama

#4 Ohio State (-12.5) vs. #15 TCU, 8:00 ABC (Arlington)

The first test for Ohio State. Dwayne Haskins and the Buckeye’s offense has looked elite against mediocre competition. TCU’s defense will be a little bit more of a test. The TCU offense isn’t bad also as they’ve scored 40+ points against non-FBS competition. This is going to be new QB Shawn Robinson’s first test.

Gambling Advice: Ohio State wins by two touchdowns and the Over 60 points hits

#22 USC at Texas (-3), 8:00 FOX

Honestly both of these teams aren’t very good. They’re big name College Football programs that have very little offense. USC scored just 3 points against Stanford and Texas hasn’t scored more than 30 points all season. Texas could only beat Tulsa by seven points. I guess enjoy 6th street because both of these teams are extremely average this year.

Gambling Advice: Take USC +3

One-Eye Open Game

#10 Washington (-6.5) at Utah, 10:00 ESPN

Have to stay up for this one because it could be a Pac-12 After Dark upset. Top ten team traveling to play a late night game in Utah sounds like an upset recipe to me.

Gambling Advice: Stay Away, unless you need some entertainment. Then I’d go Utah and the points

Top 10 Bets of the Week

1. LSU (+9.5) at Auburn
2. Missouri (-7) at Purdue– Purdue is not very good and Missouri can score some points. Mizzou by double digits.
3. USC (+3) at Texas
4. Alabama (-21) at Ole Miss
5. Boise State (+2.5) at Oklahoma State
6. Ohio State vs. TCU (Over 60)
7. Georgia Southern at Clemson (Over 44.5)– This line confuses me. Georgia Southern has scored 30+ the past two weeks and Clemson could score 45 points by themselves. I’d watch the weather though.
8. Boston College (-5.5) at Wake Forest
9. Houston (-1) at Texas Tech
10. Vanderbilt (+14) at Notre Dame

Bonus Picks

1. Vanderbilt at Notre Dame (Under 52)
2. Boise State at Oklahoma State (Over 62.5)
3. BYU (+21) at Wisconsin– Wisconsin hasn’t covered the last two weeks. BYU isn’t a bad team and Wisconsin struggles blowing these teams out.
4. Rutgers (+3) at Kansas– I get it. Kansas won last week. But they’re still Kansas and I don’t think they can beat Rutgers.

 

Rant of the Week

Why is fumbling out of the end zone a touchback? Down 28-20 with 2:13 left, Quartney Davis for Texas A&M made a move for the pylon and fumbled. It looked like the ball went to the left of the pylon, but replay didn’t have a good enough angle to overturn it. Clemson’s ball.

But my question is why should Clemson get the ball. They never recovered the fumble and the possession was last with Texas A&M. It remains one of the dumbest “it is what it is” rules in not only College Football, but in every level of football. There is no reason for Clemson in this case to get the ball. How fumbling at the one-yard line somehow turns into the other team’s ball at the twenty is mind-boggling.

Let’s say they did change the rule. Wouldn’t that make football more exciting? It would mean more diving for the pylon and not worrying about losing the ball out of bounds. Changing the rule makes sense and would add more excitement to the game.

Two weeks! It’s been two weeks of College Football and the picture of who’s good and who’s bad has started to take shape. Michigan State and Florida- Bad. Georgia and Oklahoma- Good.

But with three months still to go, the playoff picture is far from set and conference play is ready to start. We learned a lot from non-conference play. We learned the SEC West is by far the best division in football with Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Mississippi State, and Texas A&M. The Big Ten East was highly overrated with Michigan and Michigan State already having a loss on the resume. Penn State was pretty close too against Big Ten Homewrecker Appalachian State.

However, the biggest lesson I’ve learned? THE ACC STINKS! Seriously. The Coastal division has only two undefeated teams left. Florida State looks like a Sun Belt team. North Carolina got blown out by ECU. Who the heck is going to beat Clemson? Clemson’s toughest opponent left is probably NC State and they struggled against James Madison. Clemson may not have room to slip up. Think they could be the Wisconsin of last year where if they lose in the conference championship, they won’t make the College Football Playoff.

As for me, I’ve spent the past few weeks at a bachelor party in Miami and watching Aaron Rodgers come back from the dead in Green Bay. Halftime at the Packer game was as hopeless as I’ve felt since… halftime in the National Championship. But just like Tua, Rodgers put the team on his back and put Chicago fans into the pit of misery.

This next weekend I will be taking a trip to Jerry World for the showdown between Ohio State and TCU. The first big challenge for Ohio State without Urban Meyer. Dwayne Haskins is not talked about nearly enough as he has been really impressive for the Buckeyes. He’s better than JT Barrett. I repeat. HE’S BETTER THAN JT BARRETT. I know he’s played against Oregon State and Rutgers, but I think the Buckeyes are for real.

Here are some more thoughts I’ve had around College Football:

Tyler’s Thoughts

Alabama’s schedule doesn’t look like a walk in the park anymore

CUPCAKES. NOVEMBER FCS TEAM. PLAY REAL OPPONENTS.

The lazy analysis of the twitter commenters. Now I’m not going to say their non-conference schedule this year is tough, but Alabama may have one of the toughest schedules in all of college football. I mean pray for the entire SEC West, especially Arkansas, that there are that many quality teams in one division. All should be ranked in the top 25 and I’d argue Bama, LSU, Auburn, and Mississippi State are all top 10 teams. Alabama will have to play three of those teams in November. We’ll also get to see how good Texas A&M is when they go to Bryant-Denny on September 22nd.

Oklahoma’s Offense

Well. Kyler Murray can play. Oklahoma is back into form with scoring a lot of points and playing a little defense. They won’t have to play that much defense considering their next opponent, Iowa State, put up just 3 points against Iowa. Oklahoma again is the team to beat in the Big 12. I will say Rodney Anderson out for the year is a bigger blow than people are making it out to be. The guy is one of the best running backs in college football and will be needed against big time opponents down the stretch.

Texas is STILL Not Back

The last two years I’ve picked Texas to finish 8-4. I don’t know when I’m going to learn. This team isn’t good. They lost to Maryland and then beat Tulsa by seven points. TULSA! Their schedule doesn’t get any easier with USC, TCU and Oklahoma over the next month. I thought because Tom Herman was starting to recruit Texas well that this was the year things would start to turnaround. Nope, they still stink.

Boise State is the best Group of Five team, not UCF

Not sure if anyone has been paying attention, but Boise State and their senior quarterback Brett Rypien are tearing it up. Boise State outgained UConn 818 to 193 yards. That’s a difference of 625 yards! They didn’t even look like they should be on the same field.

UCF also played UConn, they only outgained them by 166 yards. Boise State has a big matchup with Oklahoma State this week, but I’d bet UCF is the team to trip up this year and not Boise State.

My Top 25

1. Alabama
2. Georgia
3. Ohio State
4. Clemson
5. Wisconsin
6. Oklahoma
7. Auburn
8. Notre Dame
9. LSU
10. Mississippi State
11. Stanford
12. West Virginia
13. Virginia Tech
14. Oregon
15. TCU
16. Penn State
17. Boise State
18. UCF
19. Washington
20. Miami
21. Texas A&M
22. Michigan
23. Utah
24. Houston
25. Boston College

AP Mess of the Week

If you’ve been following me, I’m always critical of the AP poll. Part of the reason is many AP voters have no idea what they are doing. Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press voted Florida State number 25 after a blowout loss to Virginia Tech and narrowly escaping Samford. No, not Stanford… Samford. I sometime wonder if these voters even watch college football. Thankfully they have no say in the playoffs.

The AP Mess of the Week goes to ranking Michigan State and not ranking Texas A&M. What has been impressive about the Spartans to get them ranked? Was it their close win against Utah State or their narrow loss to Arizona State? All I know is both teams are 1-1 and A&M went to the wire with who the AP voters voted number 2 in Clemson. Yet a loss to the 23rd ranked Sun Devils is much more impressive.

The Run Down (All Times EST)

Early Hangover Games

It’s 10am. You look to your left. There’s a 1/4 full Miller Lite can on your night stand. Your mind goes to last night watching Wisconsin vs. Western Kentucky at the bar and that’s the last thing you remember. All of a sudden it hits you… COLLEGE GAMEDAY IS LIVE FROM SOUTH BEND. You quickly rustle around for the remote in your bed. Finally, Lee Corso is in your room on a Saturday morning again.

The early slate is awesome. So much intrigue. Better somehow find three TVs because the schedule makers are shoving high-level football action right in your face.

#23 Texas (-13) vs. Maryland, Noon FS1 (Landover)

‘Member when Texas lost to Maryland in the home opener last year. ‘Member when they were favored by 14. Ya I remember. Maryland then lost three quarterbacks by the third game of the season and finished the year 4-8. Have to tune in to find out if Texas is back.

Gambling Advice: Stay away. Maryland is in hot water with their abusive environment and you never know what you’re going to get from Texas early.

Florida Atlantic at #7 Oklahoma (-21), Noon Fox

LANE KIFFIN AGAINST A POWERHOUSE. LANE KIFFIN AGAINST A POWERHOUSE. This is not a drill. We have highly entertaining Lane and a pretty good FAU team going to try to upset the Sooners in Norman. FAU was one of the hottest group of five teams last season and now they have a 25-year old offensive coordinator coaching his first game against Oklahoma. FAU’s defense isn’t bad either, this game will be entertaining early.

Gambling Advice: I like FAU to cover. Oklahoma struggled on defense last year so I think star RB Devin Singletary will put up some points. OU still wins, but not by over 21.

Ole Miss vs. Texas Tech (-2.5), Noon ESPN (Houston)

I don’t know what happened, but Ole Miss isn’t being respected at all. The Rebels (Black Bears? Landsharks? I don’t know what you want me to call you guys) have one of the best trio of wide receivers in the country. Add a pretty good quarterback and points will be put up. Tech is used to the 11am local time kickoffs and their defense will be much better than in years past. However, their offense is questionable for the first time in awhile with a lack of receiver talent and a major question at the quarterback position. Ole Miss is not very good defensively. So there’s a classic matchup of good offense vs. decent defense and subpar offense vs. bad defense.

Gambling Advice: Give me Ole Miss and the 2.5 points. They finished the year hot last year and will be a lot for the Red Raiders to handle. Also over 68 points is the right call here.

6-Pack Down Afternoon Games

Now that you’ve got your right thumb hitting the previous button on the remote back in College Football watching mode, it’s time for some great afternoon games.

#6 Washington vs. #9 Auburn (-2.5), 3:30 pm ABC (Atlanta)

Welcome to Atlanta where the players play. We got Auburn’s Jarrett Stidham throwing to Ryan Davis all day. But Auburn has to stop RB Myles Gaskin since you’re askin’. And that defensive line may be up to taskin’…. AND I’ll stop. I’ve never been a Jake Browning fan and it didn’t go well the last time he was in Atlanta (2016 loss to Alabama 24-7). Close game, but give me Stidham over Browning.

Gambling Advice: Auburn wins by 7. Also the under 48.5.

Tennessee vs. #17 West Virginia (-10), 3:30 pm CBS (Charlotte)

Will Grier and the Mountaineers have been the Big 12 sleeper pick of the summer. But the defense has major questions so I have no idea. Speaking of questions, the entire program of Tennessee is a question right now. I have no idea what product Coach Pruitt is going to put out there. It could be decent or it could be awful and they give up 56 points. Either way I’m here for it.

Gambling Advice: I’d lean towards West Virginia, but I have no clue on Tennessee so I may stay away… Or I’ll end up betting West Virginia six minutes before kickoff.

Whiskey Night Games

#14 Michigan (-1) at #12 Notre Dame, 7:30 pm NBC

Is this the year Jim Harbaugh finally puts it all together at Michigan? I mean finishing 4th in his own division isn’t what he was hired for. But that defense is loaded and Shea Patterson gives the offense at least a heart beat. I like the Fighting Irish defense, but that offense won’t score many points against Michigan.

Gambling Advice: Michigan. Michigan. Michigan.

Louisville vs. #1 Alabama (-25), 8:00 pm ABC (Orlando)

After all the offseason talk, let’s watch… Tua start the game and run up the score on Louisville. I don’t think Louisville will be able to score many points either. Think this is a down Cardinal team. Wish this was a year earlier and we had the chance to see Lamar Jackson vs. Alabama’s Defense. Also still want to see 2017 Oklahoma vs. 2017 Alabama.

Gambling Advice: Never bet against Nick Saban in an opening game matchup. Also take the under 59 points. Louisville won’t score a ton and I think Bama takes the pedal off in the fourth quarter.

One-Eye Open Game

BYU at Arizona (-11.5), 10:45 pm

Just watch Khalil Tate until you can’t keep your eyes open anymore.

Gambling Advice: Take Arizona and wake up in the morning a winner. BYU is still bad and Arizona will be a surprise team in the Pac-12 this year.

OH DEAR LORD THERE’S TWO MORE DAYS OF FOOTBALL

#25 LSU vs. #8 Miami (-3), Sunday 7:30 pm ABC (Arlington)

You rested all day and now you’re ready for a Sunday Showdown with Miami and LSU. It’ll be interesting to see if LSU is able to get any offensive production this year. The defense will be good and will slow Miami down. However, Miami’s defense is solid and will keep LSU from scoring. Low scoring, Close game, Miami wins.

Gambling Advice: I think I’m going to stay away. Miami ended the year awfully, but so did LSU. If anything I’d take the under 48.

#20 Virginia Tech (+7) at #19 Florida State, Monday 8:00 pm ABC

This game is not getting enough hype. Monday Night. ACC Football. Top 20 matchup. What a huge game with ACC Championship implications IN THE FIRST WEEK! As for the game it is tough to play an away season opener, but I think not enough respect is going to the Hokies. Florida State has Deondre Francois back, but the defense is young. Yet, so is Virginia Tech’s. Virginia Tech had a better season last year and has a better team. Virginia Tech in a close one.

Gambling Advice: Virginia Tech and give me those 7 points. I like Virginia Tech to win outright, actually.

Top 10 Bets of the Week

1. Northwestern (+3) at Purdue– Northwestern has a Senior quarterback, their defense is loaded, their team is better, but they’re not favored? Northwestern is the easy call.
2. North Carolina at California (-7)– This is ludicrously low. North Carolina has 13 players suspended (including their starting quarterback). California has their entire offense back and a really good running back. North Carolina has finished last in the ACC in the last five years in stopping the run. North Carolina has to fly across the country to play a 1pm local time game. This has blowout written all over it.
3. Ole Miss (+2.5) vs. Texas Tech
4. Michigan (-1) at Notre Dame
5. SMU at North Texas (-4)– SMU lost their head coach and North Texas has basically their entire offense back. North Texas wins by double digits.
6. Bowling Green at Oregon (-31.5)– Justin Herbert playing against a low level MAC team is going to be a 40 point blow-out.
7. Florida Atlantic (+21..5) at Oklahoma
8. BYU at Arizona (-11.5)
9. Virginia Tech (+7) at Florida State
10. Alabama vs. Louisville (Under 59.5)

Bonus Picks

1. Appalachian State (+24) at Penn State– Last year Georgia didn’t even beat Appalachian State by 24 points. And Penn State is supposed to do that without Saquon Barkley? Penn State wins by double digits, but not by 24 points
2. Washington vs. Auburn (-2.5)
3. Alabama (-25) vs. Louisville 

My Top 25

1. Alabama
2. Clemson
3. Georgia
4. Wisconsin
5. Ohio State
6. Miami
7. Mississippi State
8. Auburn
9. Oklahoma
10. Washington
11. Oregon
12. Michigan
13. Michigan State
14. Arizona
15. USC
16. Notre Dame
17. Stanford
18. Boise State
19. West Virginia
20. Penn State
21. Virginia Tech
22. TCU
23. Northwestern
24. UCF
25. South Carolina

Rant of the Week

Let’s talk about Alabama’s starting quarterback “controversy.” This has been going on, non-stop, for seven months in the national media. I’m here to say… THERE IS NO CONTROVERSY.

Jalen Hurts has been a very good game-managing quarterback for Alabama, but he has never developed as a passer. He is able to carve up the Arkansas and Ole Miss defenses of the world because of how great of a runner he is. But let’s take a look at how he has done against Top 25 Power-5 Defenses:

Florida State: 10/18 96 Yards 1 TD, 15 carries 55 yards 1 TD

LSU: 11/24 183 yards 1 TD, 14 carries 44 yards 1 TD

Mississippi State: 10/19 242 yards 1 TD, 19 carries 40 yards 1 TD

Auburn: 12/22 112 yards 1 TD, 18 carries 82 yards

Clemson: 16/24 120 yards 2 TD, 11 carries 40 yards

Georgia: 3/8 21 yards, 6 carries 47 yards

Against these tougher defenses, Hurts is a 54% passer and averages 4.2 yards per carry. The opposing defenses are able to focus on stopping the run and aren’t scared of a 54% passer. A sad fact is Hurts has never developed as a passer. For people that watch Alabama, it is the same anytime he drops back. Looks at Ridley, if he’s not open he looks to scramble out of the pocket, and then most likely he will try to run or throw it away. But then came Tua Tagovailoa.

Tua was a revelation not only in the National Championship game, but throughout the season. He would stay in the pocket, go through his reads, and would throw with arm talent Tuscaloosa hadn’t seen before. Tua displayed the ability of the weapons Alabama actually had at receiver. Nick Saban reported that when Hurts was sick for a few days in National Championship preparation practice, Tua went 54/58 against the Alabama defense. 54/58!!! This was a defense that held opponents to 53.8% passing.

Jalen has a role in the offense as a premier running quarterback in college football, but Tua is a next-level quarterback Alabama has never had during the Nick Saban tenure. If Tua is not out there taking the first snap against Louisville, it will be the first time I doubt Nick Saban mentally.

“Wish it Was Still Saturday” is a weekly review of the College Football Weekend

Oh boy, it is nice to have football back again. I know it was only Hawaii, Wyoming, New Mexico State, and Colorado State (and for the 48 people that have ESPN+, Prairie View A&M and Rice). But it was REGULAR SEASON FOOTBALL!! Games that mattered and counted. No more NFL Preseason, no more college football depth chart reveals, just real football.

The games gave us an appetizer for the big matchups coming this next week. Week 0 should be known as Group of Five appreciation week. The fans that don’t stay up to 1am one and only chance to watch the Rainbow Warriors. So we will give it the same type of love in this week’s “Wish it was still Saturday.”

Prairie View A&M at Rice
31-28 Rice

Rice. You’re a FBS program. Prairie View A&M went 6-5 last year. You need a last minute field goal to beat them? Going to be a long season for Rice especially when they go to LSU in November. At least Rice’s performance was better than ESPN+ camera work.

Hawaii at Colorado State
43-34 Hawaii

This is the type of Hawaii I like to see. Take me back to the Colt Brennan and Timmy Chang days. Colorado State had to replace QB Nick Stevens, RB Dalyn Dawkins, and WR Michael Gallop. The offense struggled early, but new QB K.J. Carta Samuels went on to throw for 537 yards and set a new Colorado State record. Former 4-star Preston Williams is also a talented wide receiver that almost helped the Rams comeback from a 37-7 deficit (See him in the below video). But Hawaii’s big lead held thanks to QB Cole McDonald’s 5 TD performance. Congrats Rainbow Warriors.

Wyoming at New Mexico State
29-7 Wyoming

Wyoming’s defense is good. They outplayed New Mexico State from the start and never let up. The Aggies finished with -9 rushing yards and only had one first down in the first half. RB Nico Evans leads Wyoming’s offense and flat out dominated with 190 yards. Wyoming is a legitimate contender in the Mountain West. New Mexico State has a lot of work before they play Minnesota on Thursday…

It happened again. After doing a study last year about characteristics of college football teams going from unranked to the top ten, the theory proved true again. The 2017 study can be found here. Every year there are around three teams who go from unranked to the top ten. Here are the history of teams that fit that criteria since 2010:

2010: Auburn (1), Stanford (4), and Wisconsin (7)
2011: USC (6)
2012: Ohio State (3), Notre Dame (4), Texas A&M (6), and Florida (9)
2013: Auburn (2), Michigan State (3), Missouri (5), and Central Florida (10)
2014: TCU (3), Georgia Tech (8), and Georgia (9)
2015: Stanford (3), Oklahoma (5), Houston (8), and Iowa (9)
2016: USC (3), Washington (4), and Penn State (7)
2017: Georgia (2), UCF (6), TCU (9)

Both Georgia and TCU fit the criteria to perfection and we actually guessed Georgia as one of the three teams to make the top ten. UCF is different since the criteria only applies to Power 5 teams. But, we have found a formula to track down potential Power 5 sleeper teams. It is a combination of two key areas, recruiting rankings and returning starters. And now… I give you the rules:

Rule 1- Four year recruiting average must be less than 60

Rule 2- Recruiting ranking of less than 35 for the senior class or the senior class ranking must be the highest of the four classes. If neither are the case, must have at least one top 30 class in the last four years.

Rule 3- Must have at least 13 total starters returning

The criteria cut the list from 44 unranked Power 5 teams last year to just 12. So without any more delay here are the 12 teams that statistically can go from unranked to the top ten this season ranked by recruiting rankings:

1. Texas
2. Texas A&M
3. Florida
4. Michigan
5. Oregon
6. South Carolina
7. Arkansas
8. Kentucky
9. Missouri
10. Arizona
11. Texas Tech
12. Georgia Tech

Now that we have the list here’s my three picks to make a run at the top ten:

1. Oregon Ducks

Not only do I have Oregon making the top ten, I think there’s a legitimate possibility of them making the College Football Playoffs. Justin Herbert is a stud and was 5-1 as a starter last year. Returning 14 starters and having a 18 four-year recruiting average, the Ducks are a prime candidate to make the top ten.

2. Michigan Wolverines

This one kind of surprised me. Jim Harbaugh has struggled to find legitimate success at Michigan, but with 8 returning starters on defense, the defense is loaded. If Shea Patterson can just improve the offense moderately Michigan has a legitimate shot at finishing in the top ten.

3. Arizona Wildcats

My final pick is a little out there. They have the most returning starters out of anyone on the list with 17, a new head coach Kevin Sumlin, and one of the most dynamic quarterbacks out there with Khalil Tate. They have a lower recruiting ranking, but this is a team that could surprise in a weak Pac-12 South division.

 

For the nerds out there, here’s the work:

Recruiting Rankings Elimination

SEC		2018	2017	2016	2015	4 YR AVG
1	Tennessee	20	17	14	4	13.75
2	Texas A&M	17	12	18	11	14.5
3	Florida	15	11	12	21	14.75
4	Ole Miss	31	30	5	17	20.75
5	South Carolina	18	21	25	20	21
6	Arkansas	48	27	23	22	30
7	Kentucky	37	29	33	38	34.25
8	Missouri	43	42	43	25	38.25
9	Vanderbilt	40	64	54	49	51.75
Big Ten		2018	2017	2016	2015	4 YR AVG
1	Michigan	21	5	6	37	17.25
2	Nebraska	22	23	26	30	25.25
3	Maryland	28	18	42	47	33.75
4	Iowa	41	41	47	60	47.25
5	Minnesota	38	58	46	63	51.25
6	Indiana	49	63	53	53	54.5
7	Illinois	52	45	73	48	54.5
8	Rutgers	57	43	64	57	55.25
9	Purdue	51	72	80	67	67.5
ACC		2018	2017	2016	2015	4 YR AVG
1	Florida State	11	6	2	3	5.5
2	North Carolina	23	31	35	28	29.25
3	Louisville	29	32	38	32	32.75
4	Pittsburgh	46	37	30	46	39.75
5	Duke	62	48	32	55	49.25
6	Georgia Tech	54	47	60	44	51.25
7	Syracuse	50	54	62	56	55.5
8	Virginia	60	57	63	50	57.5
9	Wake Forest	63	67	57	51	59.5
10	Boston College	69	66	78	60	68.25
Pac-12		2018	2017	2016	2015	4 YR AVG
1	UCLA	19	20	13	12	16
2	Oregon	13	19	27	16	18.75
3	Arizona State	36	35	24	20	28.75
4	Utah	34	33	37	45	37.25
5	Cal	42	73	31	34	45
6	Washington State	45	46	56	42	47.25
7	Arizona	58	44	48	43	48.25
8	Colorado	53	35	67	71	56.5
9	Oregon State	67	51	58	61	59.25
Big 12		2018	2017	2016	2015	4 YR AVG
1	Texas	3	26	6	10	11.25
2	Baylor	30	40	41	36	36.75
3	West Virginia	35	56	39	35	41.25
4	Texas Tech	73	49	44	32	49.5
5	Iowa State	55	53	55	64	56.75
6	Kansas State	71	60	72	55	64.5
7	Kansas	61	69	71	73	68.5

Returning Starters Elimination

SEC		Offense	Defense	Total
1	Tennessee	4	6	10
2	Texas A&M	7	7	14
3	Florida	10	6	16
4	Ole Miss	8	4	12
5	South Carolina	8	5	13
6	Arkansas	6	7	13
7	Kentucky	7	8	15
8	Missouri	9	6	15
Big Ten		Offense	Defense	Total
1	Michigan	6	8	14
2	Nebraska	5	7	12
3	Maryland	7	4	11
ACC		Offense	Defense	Total
1	Florida State	8	3	11
2	North Carolina	5	7	12
3	Louisville	7	2	9
4	Pittsburgh	4	7	11
5	Georgia Tech	9	6	15
Pac-12		Offense	Defense	Total
1	UCLA	4	6	10
2	Oregon	7	7	14
3	Arizona State	7	4	11
4	Washington State	4	7	11
5	Arizona	8	9	17
Big 12		Offense	Defense	Total
1	Texas	6	7	13
2	Baylor	6	5	11
3	West Virginia	7	4	11
4	Texas Tech	5	9	14

Final Four

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

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

Why They Made It: They’ve made it every year, so it’d be foolish to predict them missing right? They don’t have a challenging game until November.

Team Review: 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. Clemson Tigers

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

Why They Made It: A great defense should get Clemson through an ACC schedule that isn’t very tough. The Tigers will just have to avoid a surprise loss against non-conference opponents Texas A&M and South Carolina.

Team Review: 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.

3. Georgia Bulldogs

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

Why They Made It: I know they’re not conference champions and do not have a difficult schedule. But in years past the committee does not punish conference championship losses heavily and I think Georgia will more than past the eye test.

Team Review: 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.

4. Oregon Ducks

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

Why They Made It: I think Oregon could shock a lot of people this year. Justin Herbert will lead a dynamic offense that the committee will love. They will be knocked on their non-conference schedule, but winning the Pac-12 with one loss in the tougher division will get them in.

Team Review: My biggest surprise candidate for the 2018 College Football season. Oregon has all the makings of a surprise team- a great quarterback, talented roster, and alot of returning starters. Last year with Justin Herbert at quarterback, Oregon had a 6-1 record and averaged 52.1 PPG. New head coach Mario Cristobal has had success before, turning around Florida International. He then served as a great recruiter and offensive line coach under Nick Saban.

On defense, the Ducks specialize in stopping the run with a front seven that includes DE Jalen Jelks and ILB Troy Dye. The defense will just have to slow down the opponent and let the offense put up points. The schedule sets up really well for Oregon as they play Stanford and Washington at home, and they do not have to face USC from the South. Oregon could shock the country and be a playoff contender.

Just Missed The Cut

5. Wisconsin Badgers

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

Why They Missed: This is the toughest team to leave out. Wisconsin does have to play at Penn State and at Michigan, but playing in one of the easiest divisions I think will keep them out. Add in a soft non-conference schedule and Alex Hornibrook as the quarterback, Wisconsin might just be left out as a one-loss team again.

Team Review: Wisconsin is a hot pick to make the College Football Playoff and for good reason. The Badgers have a loaded offensive line and they’re returning an almost 2,000 yard rusher with Jonathan Taylor. QB Alex Hornibrook will just have to manage the game for the Badgers to be in good shape.

The defense has 8 starters to replace, but TJ Edwards is one of the best LBs in the country. Also add DT Olive Sagapolu and this defense should be solid again. Wisconsin has an easy schedule with no tough non-conference opponents and just a few tough road matchups against Iowa, Michigan, Northwestern and Penn State. The schedule sets up well for a Big Ten Championship run.

6. Oklahoma Sooners 

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

Why They Missed: I’m projecting two losses for this Oklahoma team. Losing Baker Mayfield is big, and I don’t think a two loss Big 12 Conference Champion gets in the playoff. A decent non-conference schedule does help their case.

Team Review: 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.

North

1. Oregon
2. Washington
3. Stanford
4. California
5. Washington State
6. Oregon State

South

1. Arizona
2. USC
3. Utah
4. UCLA
5. Arizona State
6. Colorado

Pac 12 Championship: Oregon over Arizona

 

Pac 12 North

1. Oregon Ducks

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

My biggest surprise candidate for the 2018 College Football season. Oregon has all the makings of a surprise team- a great quarterback, talented roster, and alot of returning starters. Last year with Justin Herbert at quarterback, Oregon had a 6-1 record and averaged 52.1 PPG. New head coach Mario Cristobal has had success before, turning around Florida International. He then served as a great recruiter and offensive line coach under Nick Saban.

On defense, the Ducks specialize in stopping the run with a front seven that includes DE Jalen Jelks and ILB Troy Dye. The defense will just have to slow down the opponent and let the offense put up points. The schedule sets up really well for Oregon as they play Stanford and Washington at home, and they do not have to face USC from the South. Oregon could shock the country and be a playoff contender.

2. Washington Huskies

Projected Record: 10-2 (8-1 Pac 12)

Washington will be a contender for the playoff again, but face a tough opponent in the season opener against Auburn. Jake Browning continues to be one of the most overrated quarterbacks in the nation, but the offense will be led by RB Myles Gaskin and the offensive line. The defense is solid up front even after losing first round pick Vita Vea. The secondary stays loaded as well led my Preseason All-American Safety Taylor Rapp. Washington does get a break as they do not have a matchup against Pac-12 South opponents USC or Arizona.

3. Stanford Cardinal

Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Pac 12)

Stanford actually has a better offense this year than defense. K.J. Costello showed promise as a freshman and heisman-hopeful RB Bryce Love is back for his senior year. Defensively, the Cardinals lost CB Quenton Meeks and safety Justin Reid to the NFL. The defensive line also does not have much experience. The Stanford schedule is tough with games against USC, Oregon, Notre Dame, Utah and Washington. That includes a road back-to-back against Oregon and Notre Dame.

4. California Golden Bears

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

Cal’s offense wasn’t great last year, but they return ten starters and QB Ross Bowers should make improvements in his junior year. The offense also has RB Patrick Laird to rely on as he is coming of a 1200 yard season. The defense should also be improved as they have a really good cornerback in Cam Bynum. Cal was young last year and should make major improvements from a 5-7 season.

5. Washington State Cougars

Projected Record: 5-7 (2-7 Pac 12)

Mike Leach will hope that he found a quarterback in ECU transfer Gardner Minshew. The offense will also have three new starters on an offensive line that was not that great in 2017. It may sound crazy, but I am starting to doubt how great of an offense Mike Leach will be able to have this season. On defense the Cougars have seven returning starters, but star, undersized DT Hercules Mata’afa left for the NFL. The strength of this team remains in the secondary. A tough schedule will make it tough for Washington State to make a bowl game.

6. Oregon State Beavers

Projected Record: 3-9 (0-8 Pac 12)

Oregon State absolutely stunk on both sides of the ball last year and now are without their best player from last year RB Ryan Nall. New coach Jonathan Smith has his hands full for this turnaround as there isn’t much talent on the roster that would even show a bowl game next season.

Pac 12 South

1. Arizona Wildcats

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

Arizona is another Pac-12 team that I think will have a surprising year to many. QB Khalil Tate is one of the most dynamic players in all of college football. The offense also returns eight starters to an offense that averaged 41.3 ppg. The defense was not great last year, but with nine returning starters expect a better performance. Kevin Sumlin has a good squad that may finish better than his former Texas A&M team. The schedule is also not so bad as the Wildcats do not have to play Stanford or Washington.

2. USC Trojans

Projected Record: 9-3 (7-2 Pac 12)

USC lost one of the best quarterbacks in college football when Sam Darnold went to the NFL. He will most likely be replaced by true freshman QB JT Daniels. A veteran offensive line should help the transition along with quality skill players like RB Stephen Carr, WR Tyler Vaughns, and WR Michael Pittman Jr. The defense should be solid as well with MLB Cameron Smith leading the way. The secondary had their issues last year, but they return both starting corners, Iman Marshall and Jack Jones. The schedule is USC’s biggest obstacle with non-conference matchups against Texas and Notre Dame.

3. Utah Utes

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

Utah is just a solid overall football team. The offense should be similar to last year with a returning offensive line and Tyler Huntley at quarterback. The Utes was led by their defense last year, but will have to replace a good amount of starters. Bradlee Anae will look to lead the unit coming off a 7 sack season. The non-conference schedule isn’t too bad, but they do have Pac 12 North opponents Washington, Stanford and Oregon.

4. UCLA Bruins

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

UCLA made a splash hire when they signed new Head Coach Chip Kelly. It will be tough for UCLA to make a big splash in the first year without an established quarterback. The quarterback competition is wide open between Michigan transfer Wilton Speight, Devon Modster, and true freshman Dorian Thomas-Robinson. On defense there are some young talented players including sophomore OLB Jaelan Phillips. The non-conference schedule does not do UCLA any favors with a tough road game in Norman against Oklahoma. I think it will be a tough rebuilding year for Chip Kelly at UCLA.

5. Arizona State Sun Devils

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

Arizona State is pretty good on offense especially with one of the most talented receiver duo in N’Keal Harry and Kyle Williams. Combine that with talented senior QB Manny Wilkins and the offense should do just fine. The defense is where major questions start popping up. There are only 4 returning starters to the defense and a first year defensive coordinator. Herm Edwards hasn’t coached a football game in ten years and hasn’t coached in college since 1989 as a defensive backs coach for San Jose State. The week two test at home against Michigan State will be the big test.

6. Colorado Buffaloes

Projected Record: 4-8 (2-7 Pac 12)

Colorado has taken a major step back since their 10-4 season a few years ago. This Buffaloes team may struggle to make a bowl game. The offense was decent last year, but they return just three starters. Add in a defense that finished 110th and that does not make a good combination. LB Drew Lewis is the unquestioned leader and will need to have a big year.

 

 

 

 

 

East

1. Ohio State
2. Michigan
3. Michigan State
4. Penn State
5. Maryland
6. Indiana
7. Rutgers

West

1. Wisconsin
2. Northwestern
3. Iowa
4. Purdue
5. Minnesota
6. Nebraska
7. Illinois

Big Ten Championship- Wisconsin over Ohio State

 

Big Ten East

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

Projected Record: 11-2 (8-1 Big Ten)

It is still up in the air on how many games, if any, Urban Meyer will miss this year. However, Ohio State is still extremely talented. QB Dwayne Haskins showed his potential in the Michigan game last year and he may even be a better thrower than J.T. Barrett was. Haskins is surrounded by weapons including extremely fast 1400 yard rusher JK Dobbins.

On defense, Nick Bosa is just as talented as his older brother and will have one more season terrorizing Big Ten offensive lines. The defensive line will be the strength, but the linebackers are young and inexperienced. The secondary will also have to find a way to replace first round cornerback Denzel Ward. Ohio State will be tested early with a matchup at Cowboys Stadium against TCU.

2. Michigan Wolverines

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

Jim Harbaugh was supposed to improve the offense. In his third year at Michigan, the offense finished 105th. QB Shea Patterson (Ole Miss transfer) will try to change that as he’ll have talented young receivers with sophomores Tarik Black and Donovan Peoples-Jones. Karen Higdon almost had 1,000 yards rushing last year on only 164 carries. Not only is Shea Patterson the key, but also improving the offensive line.

A defense that was 3rd in the nation returns 8 starters. The front seven includes studs like DT Rashan Gary, OLB Devin Bush, and DE Chase Winovich. Look for the defense to carry this team again. Michigan’s schedule is brutal with games against Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan State, and Wisconsin. A conference championship is not out of reach from this Michigan team.

3. Michigan State Spartans

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

Michigan State was a surprise team last year going from 3 wins to 10 wins. The Spartans are also one of the most experienced teams as they return 19 starters. With QB Brian Lewerke throwing the ball and RB LJ Scott running the ball this offense is due for a major improvement from last season.

The defense was 7th in the nation last year and bring back 9 starters. DE Kenny Willekes returns with 7 sacks last season and MLB Joe Bachie leads the linebacking group. The secondary should also be dynamic this year with both corners and safeties returning. Given the Spartans solid defense and improving offense, Michigan State should have another nice year.

4. Penn State Nittany Lions

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

Penn State has some work to do to keep up with the other top teams in their division. The Nittany lions are no longer led by Saquon Barkley, but they do return QB Trace McSorley and an experienced offensive line.

The defense is another story with only 2 returning starters. The linebacking group is thin and Penn State graduated both starting corners and safeties off of last years team. The defense will have to step up in a hurry with an early September 29th matchup against Ohio State. Penn State will also have to play Wisconsin from the Big Ten West.

5. Maryland Terrapins

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

Maryland does have their own set of distractions heading into the season with reports of the football program having a toxic environment. Last year was rough for Maryland as well. After beating Texas they lost two quarterbacks for the season by week three. This year they should have more success than their 4-8 season. New Interim Head Coach Matt Canada will run a more pro-style offense with QB Kasim Hill under center.

The defense is questionable with only four returning starters and coming off a year where they finished 87th. The schedule starts off with a tough game against Texas in Landover, MD. Maryland has had two straight top 30 recruiting classes, so a change upward could possibly be coming if they are able to avoid the distractions.

6. Indiana Hoosiers

Projected Record: 5-7 (2-7 Big Ten)

Indiana is going through some changes as it tries to decide who its starting quarterback will be for the 2018 season. The competition is between Freshman Michael Penix Jr., Redshirt Sophomore Peyton Ramsey and Graduate Transfer Brandon Dawkins. Whoever the quarterback will be, he will have a very good running back in Morgan Ellison. Overall, this is a young team with not very many returning starters. A soft non-conference schedule against FIU, Virginia, and Ball State keeps a bowl game in reach.

7. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

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

Rutgers is at the bottom of the barrel in the Big Ten. Their offense finished almost last in 2017 and doesn’t have the necessary talent to keep them from the bottom of the East again. The defense will have to carry the Scarlet Knights led by OLB Trevor Morris who is looking for his 3rd straight 100 tackle season. It will be a matchup of the bottom power five teams when Rutgers takes on Kansas in the third week.

Big Ten West

1. Wisconsin Badgers

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

Wisconsin is a hot pick to make the College Football Playoff and for good reason. The Badgers have a loaded offensive line and they’re returning an almost 2,000 yard rusher with Jonathan Taylor. QB Alex Hornibrook will just have to manage the game for the Badgers to be in good shape.

The defense has 8 starters to replace, but TJ Edwards is one of the best LBs in the country. Also add DT Olive Sagapolu and this defense should be solid again. Wisconsin has an easy schedule with no tough non-conference opponents and just a few tough road matchups against Iowa, Michigan, Northwestern and Penn State. The schedule sets up well for a Big Ten Championship run.

2. Northwestern Wildcats

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

Northwestern had a great season last year finishing 10-3 and could be set up again. Northwestern returns Senior QB Clayton Thorson and a veteran offensive line. On defense the Wildcats return six starters including defensive ends Samdup Miller and Joe Gaziano. The duo combined for 16.5 sacks last year. The secondary will have to improve after finishing 101st with 250 yard per game against. Northwestern have tough games against Notre Dame, and Big Ten East opponents Michigan and Michigan State. Look for another solid year from Northwestern.

3. Iowa Hawkeyes

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

Iowa will most likely be in for a similar year as last year when they finished 8-5 with a bowl game win. The Hawkeyes have a good returning Junior quarterback, Nate Stanley, who has one of the best tight end in the country with Noah Fant. The offense will improve on their 117th finish last year. The defense must replace all three starting linebackers including All-Americans ILB Josey Jewell and CB Josh Jackson. Iowa State will be a good early season matchup at home in their non-conference schedule.

4. Purdue Boilermakers

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

A bowl game win in his first year, Jeff Brohm has Purdue going in the right direction. The offense returns eight starters, but it is still to be determined who will be the starting quarterback. Senior David Blough and Junior Elijah Sindelar both played pretty well last year. The defense also made a big improvement last year, but will face the challenge of only having four returning starters. Another challenge is two tough non-conference games against Missouri and Boston College. Back-to-back bowl game appearances should be attainable.

5. Minnesota Golden Gophers

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

The Golden Gophers offense was terrible last season as it finished 123rd in the nation. P.J. Fleck in a surprise move named walk-on freshman QB Zack Annexstad. The new quarterback will have growing pains, but there is talented WR Tyler Johnson and 1000 yard RB Rodney Smith to rely on. The defense was solid last year and it returns seven starters. Along with the returning starters, Minnesota will also have Alabama transfer OJ Smith starting in the defense. Minnesota should have time to adjust to having a Freshman starting quarterback as they do not have a matchup against a power five opponent until week 4. A bowl game should be the goal for P.J. Fleck’s team.

6. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Projected Record: 5-7 (2-7 Big Ten)

New Nebraska head coach Scott Frost has his work cut out for him. Nebraska has no experienced quarterback on their roster and the starter will be either Redshirt Freshman Tristan Gebbia or True Freshman Adrian Martinez. The new quarterback will have Senior and 1000-yard WR Stanley Morgan Jr. The defense is another major question mark after giving up 36 points per game last season. The defense does have seven returning starters, but will need to improve from last season where they gave up 50+ points in their last three games. The non-conference isn’t challenging with home games against Akron, Colorado and Troy. Scott Frost’s turnaround of Nebraska will take some time.

7. Illinois Fighting Illini

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

Lovie Smith has not had a great time in college football. Lovie is entering his 3rd season, he is 5-19, and a turnaround is not in sight. The offense averaged 15 ppg last season, while the defense allowed 31.5 ppg. Graduate transfer A.J. Bush won the quarterback competition. Bush is a former four-star quarterback who has been on Nebraska and Virginia Tech’s roster. The offensive line had four freshman starters last year so expect an improved performance from them. The defense is also fairly young and will need to take a step up from last year. The Fighting Illini do return tackle-leader LB Del’Shawn Phillips. A key game to start the year will be a non-conference game against South Florida in Chicago.

 

2019 Updated Rankings Here: 2019 White Cornerbacks Rankings

Time for some updated rankings. The 2017 rankings were a huge hit, but much has changed since the 2017 season. There have been players cut in the NFL, but also some players from the list were named All-Conference. The next Jason Sehorn could come from this list and break the 16 year drought of a white cornerback starting a NFL Game.  Now it is time for the 2018 rankings:

1. Justus Parker, Texas Tech

What a season for Justus.

He finished the year with 4 interceptions (including a crucial, game-changing interception against Texas), he was named All-Big 12 Second Team, and he was given a scholarship in December by Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola.Justus this year was named to the All-Big 12 Preseason Team and will be starting for Texas Tech again at the nickel spot.

2018 Season Update: 0 INTs and only 18 tackles. Suspended for 2019.

2. Ashtyn Davis, Cal

Ashtyn has been unfortunately moved to starting safety, but he does have experience in his early Cal career at cornerback. He is also a star on the Track & Field team as he was named First-Team All-American during the indoor season. Hopefully he makes a move back out to cornerback.

2018 Season Update: First-Team All-Pac 12 Punt Returner, 4 INTs, but still a Safety

3. Jonathan Durham, Kansas State

One that slipped under our radar during the 2017 white cornerback rankings, Durham started against Iowa State. He finished his Redshirt Sophomore year with 12 tackles in 7 games played. Durham will compete this year for the starting cornerback or nickelback role on the Wildcats.

2018 Season Update: Started Final 6 games, 1 INT

4. Brandon Ezell, San Jose State

Ezell will compete for a starting cornerback spot on this year’s San Jose State team. He played sparingly in 2017 as a JUCO transfer, but now will try to earn a starting role as a Senior. He also had a two punt returns last season for 15 yards.

2018 Season Update: Redshirted 2018

5. Ethan Bonner, Stanford

One of the highest rated white cornerbacks in recent history (unofficial stat) Bonner was the 107th rated corner on 247 for the class of 2018. Bonner decommitted in August from Northwestern and instead committed to Stanford in December. Expect Bonner to be in the white cornerback rankings for a few years as he starts his Freshman year this year.

2018 Season Update: Played in the final four games recording a tackle.

6. Austin McChesney, BYU

McChesney has faced major injuries in college as he has torn both ACLs. But that hasn’t stopped him from making the rankings. McChesney is a cornerback through and through, just look at this quote:

“They were thinking about moving me to safety but I’ll be a corner,” he said. “I played safety in high school. You have more freedom there. But in college, I’ve enjoyed corner and it’s grown on me. I have no problem staying. I love it. Wherever they think the best opportunity for me to play is, I’ll be there.”

McChesney will try to make an impact for BYU after his August 2017 ACL tear.

2018 Season Update: Injured. Retired from Football.

7. Garrett Binkley, SDSU

Binkley has the odds stacked against him. He received a scholarship in Fall 2017 camp, but tore his ACL in preparation for the Stanford game. Now Binkley sits fourth on the depth chart for the cornerback position. Also not in Binkley’s favor to making it to the NFL is he is only listed at 5’9 170 lbs. Still, being a scholarship white cornerback gets him on the rankings.

2018 Season Update: Played 8 Games on Special Teams

White Cornerback Prospects on the Radar

Jake Herbstreit- Nashville, TN

Yes. He’s the son of ESPN College Gameday’s Kirk Herbstreit. He is also the 232nd Rated Cornerback in the class of 2019

2018 Season Update: Walking on at Clemson

Dawson Hurst- Loomis, CA

242nd CB 2019. Offers from Cal Poly, Stetson, UC Davis

2018 Season Update: Committed to Cal Poly

Justin Murray- Coppell, TX

244th CB 2019. Offers from Syracuse, Air Force, and Louisiana-Lafayette

2018 Season Update: Committed to Bucknell

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

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.