College Football Preview 2017-2018: 12. Michigan Wolverines

12. Michigan Wolverines

What's in store for Harbaugh in Year 3 at Ann Arbor?

Location: Ann Arbor, MI. Conference: Big Ten (East) Schedule Roster Coach: Jim Harbaugh (third year) Last Years Record: 10-3 (7-2 Big Ten) Bowl Result: Loss in Orange Bowl Overview After a debut season where he doubled Michigan's win total and made plenty of enemies, many people were curious about what Jim Harbaugh would do for an encore in 2016. The Wolverines certainly proved they were a legitimate threat, winning their first nine games of the year and rising as high as No. 2 in the country for a couple weeks. However, close losses to Iowa and Ohio State killed their Playoff chances, and the team played relatively uninspired in their bowl, dropping to Florida State in the Orange Bowl. The second consecutive 10-3 season did show Michigan's ceiling, but it also left this program wanting more after their first taste of success since 2011, when they won the Sugar Bowl. Harbaugh loses a ton of talent from this lineup, but he has proven he can reload as well as anyone and while this team will undergo some growing pains in '17, a Big Ten title is still not out of the question. Chris Evans Offense: Prior to 2016, Wilton Speight surprised some when he beat out Shane Morris and John O'Korn to win the Wolverines' quarterback job. Speight did not disappoint, showing excellent poise and command of the offense as he threw for 2,538 yards and 17 touchdowns. Speight's importance to this team was on full display late in the year, when a broken collarbone took him out of the Iowa game and left him hurt against archrival Ohio State, both which turned out to be losses. Standing at 6'6", 220 pounds the junior signal-caller is huge, but he'll have to stay more durable in 2017. Before that however, he has to lock down the starting job. Redshirt freshman Brandon Peters has long had a ton of hype surrounding him, and some believe he has a decent chance at stealing the job. No matter what happens, Michigan should have plenty of talent a the position, and Harbaugh is terrific at grooming quarterbacks. At running back, Michigan loses their reliable top rusher in De'Veon Smith but the ground attack should still be dangerous. Smith did rush for 846 yards and 10 touchdowns, but a committee including sophomore Chris Evans, USC transfer Ty Isaac and Karan Higdon should have no troubles replacing his production. Evans was an instant success as a true freshman, rushing for over 100 yards in his first game with the Wolverines. He continued that production throughout much of 2016, finishing with 614 yards, averaging an astounding 7.0 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Isaac (417 yards, five touchdowns) and Higdon (425 yards, six) give this offense a nice change of pace as power backs. The biggest question offensively will be at receiver, where Michigan loses it's top three receivers, and has an impact player whose future is up in the air. Jehu Chesson, Amara Darboh and tight end Jake Butt are all gone after they combined for 1,908 yards and gave defenses significant problems. That would leave junior Grant Perry as UM's top returning wide out, but Perry was suspended following an investigation of sexual assault. Perry accepted a plea deal, but will likely face further suspension once the year begins. If he does get on the field, the veteran receiver does offer reliable hands and a proven route runner. Michigan will turn to a large group of unproven weapons to help out at receiver, including sophomore Tyron Wheatley, sophomore Eddie McDoom and a group of true freshmen. Wheatley had three receptions last year but the tight end has tremendous size (6'6", 275 pounds) and is tough to tackle. McDoom had five catches and is a very explosive athlete. Newcomers like Donovan Peoples-Jones (a five-star recruit) and Tarik Black will also be expected to step up early on. Peoples-Jones is considered the best receiver UM has had in years, and will hope to showcase his tremendous talent right away. Junior tight end Ian Bunting will also see an increased role and will be expected to replace Butt, one of the top tight ends in Wolverine history. The offensive line loses a decent amount of experience, but the group should still be tough. The leader of the unit is no doubt veteran Mason Cole, who was All-Big Ten a year ago. Cole made 13 starts at center last season but the team's lack of depth at tackle could move him to the left tackle spot, which will be an interesting transition. Even though it will be different, Cole is a terrific pass blocker and should adjust quick. Sophomore Ben Bredeson is the other returning starter to the group, and should help out Cole on the left side, at LG. The rest of the line doesn't have a whole lot of experience, but much like many other units on the roster, has tons of talent and should see breakout campaigns. Sophomore Jon Runyan is the slated starter at right tackle and is the son of a long-time NFL standout offensive linemen. He could have a big year taking over at the position, after flashing plenty of brilliance in the spring. Mike McCray Defense: Michigan led the nation in players drafted in this spring's NFL Draft, with 11 going off the board. Much of that included defensive stars, including do-it-all linebacker Jabrill Peppers, All-American cornerback Jourdan Lewis, imposing defensive end Taco Charlton and the team's leading tackler, linebacker Ben Gedeon. That certainly leaves Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Don Brown rebuilding, but the unit still has enough talent and playmakers available that the group should still be very stingy. The D-Line is still stocked with terrific players, including sophomore end Rashan Gary and nose tackle Maurice Hurst. Gary was the nation's top recruit in 2016, and despite not seeing a ton of snaps in his true freshman year he managed 4 tackles for loss and seven quarterback hurries. At 6'5", 295 pounds with an explosive first step, Gary has all the tools to be a dominant pass rusher for the Wolverines, and a future top draft pick. Hurst is significantly more experienced and proved his worth to Michigan's rush defense last year, with 4.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss in '16. He doesn't get a lot of attention played at an under appreciated position, but Hurst will play a huge role for this team. The other two starters on the line are going to likely be junior Chase Winovich at end, and junior Bryan Mone at tackle. Winovich had 9.5 tackles for loss last year and knows how to cause chaos in the opposing backfield, while Mone is still recovering off a medical redshirt year he took in 2015 for ankle problems. When he's healthy, he can certainly be a force up the middle with Hurst. In the linebacker corps, Michigan will miss Gedeon, and the ultra-versatile Peppers, but there is actually a decent amount of experience in the unit. It is headlined by senior Mike McCray, who will undoubtedly be a leader. McCray was second on the team with 76 tackles a season ago, can really stuff the stat sheet (12.5 TFL, two interceptions in 2016). Sophomore Devin Bush showed flashes of promise as a freshman last season, and will now be expected to take over the middle linebacker role. When paired with sophomore Khaleke Hudson, the likely starter at the other outside linebacker slot, UM has plenty of youth but clearly plenty of potential. Hudson will get pressure from junior Noah Furbush as well (11 tackles). The secondary will almost certainly have some issues moving on from veteran leaders Lewis and safety Delano Hill. Lewis will be especially tough to replace as he was their shutdown cornerback the past two years who always took on the toughest assignments. Without him, the Wolverines are likely to turn to a committee of players at cornerback; such as sophomores Lavert Hill and David Long, as well as junior Brandon Watson and newcomer Ambry Thomas. None of those have very much experience but the good news is that UM doesn't face a dangerous passing offense until Purdue a month into the season, so the group will have time to mesh. Junior Jordan Glasgow and junior Tyre Kinnel are likely to start at the safety spots. Players will also likely have to step up at those positions as well, as the inexperience there is as severe as anywhere on this regrouping roster. Special Teams: After starting the year 4-8 on field goals kicker Kenny Allen hit 15 straight to end 2016. Now that he departs, Michigan will likely turn to redshirt freshman Quinn Nordin, who has potential. It's unclear to know who will replace Allen's punting abilities, and the return game is also a mystery as Peppers departs. In just two years in Ann Arbor, Jim Harbaugh has elevated the talent-level considerably. He'll need some of that impressive young talent to step up in a big way in 2017, as his team must recover from severe losses on both sides of the ball. The good news is that Harbaugh does bring back a QB with experience (Speight) and a backfield that should guide the ground-orientated offense, and there are still some key veterans returning defensively. The key for the Wolverines will be who steps up at receiver and how the pass defense improves, as well as how the team performs against Florida in a neutral site battle to begin the year. This team is still ultra-talented and it never pays to bet against Harbaugh, but with their losses and so much inexperience, a Big Ten title or Playoff berth is way too much to ask for. However, another double-digit win season and New Year's Six Bowl are a realistic goal for the Wolverines as they reload.  Player to Watch

Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR

Michigan is so thin at receiver, that true frosh Peoples-Jones may enter 2017 No. 2 or 3 on their depth chart despite not playing a single snap for the Wolverines. While that may not be very reassuring, the receiver is a five-star recruit who is ranked as the No. 12 player in the 2017 Class by 24/7 Sports, and set various records at Cass-Technical High in Detroit.

Five-Year Trend

2012: 8-5 (6-2 Big Ten)*

2013: 7-6 (3-5 Big Ten)*

2014: 5-7 (3-5 Big Ten)

2015: 10-3 (6-2 Big Ten)*

2016: 10-3 (7-2 Big Ten)*

*= Bowl appearance

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 13. Georgia Bulldogs

13. Georgia Bulldogs

A dominant backfield should propel an SEC East title run

Location: Athens, GA. Conference: SEC (East) Schedule Roster Coach: Kirby Smart (second year) Last Years Record: 8-5 (4-4 SEC) Bowl Result: Victory in Liberty Bowl Overview After years of rumors surrounding his likely head coaching future, Kirby Smart finally made the jump from Alabama defensive coordinator to head man in Athens last season. As expected for a first-year head coach in the unforgiving SEC Smart and the Bulldogs had significant ups-and-downs. They were as high as ninth nationally, and did beat Auburn, who was ranked 8th when Georgia beat them. However, overall the team's 8-5 campaign felt like a little bit of a disappointment, especially considering the immense talent on this roster. Entering Year Two, there is no doubt what Smart's goal is: an SEC East title, and likely more. With one of the nation's top backfields and an experienced defense, that goal seems like a distinct possibility. Nick Chubb Offense: Smart had quite the quarterback quandary entering 2016. Did he go with the more experienced but less talented Greyson Lambert, or throw true freshman Jacob Eason into the fire and see how the five-star recruit performed? Smart originally planned for Lambert as his guy but quickly turned to Eason, who played well despite his youth. Now a sophomore, there is no question that Eason is the guy for UGA, after he threw for 2,430 yards and 16 touchdowns a season ago. There is no question Eason's talent; he has elite arm strength already and plays with a maturity beyond his years. Even so, the sophomore will have to cut down on his turnovers in '17 and perform better at reading defenses. Eason will be joined in the backfield by senior Nick Chubb, who was impressive last year in his first season removed from a terrifying knee injury in 2015. Chubb had 1,130 yards and eight touchdowns, but those numbers should only improve as he gets healthier and stronger. When the veteran is fully healthy, there is no question his amazing power and breakneck speed make him a Heisman candidate. Keeping Chubb fresh is the fact that the Bulldogs have a plethora of options beyond him, namely fellow senior Sony Michel. Michel has taken advantage of the fact Chubb has had injury issues, as he added 840 yards and four touchdowns last season. Michel doesn't have Chubb's power or natural ability, but provides a wonderful change of pace as a speedster that can break open games. Sophomore Brian Herrien should also see opportunities after managing 363 yards on 63 carries a year ago (5.8 yards per carry). Between those three, you could certainly make the case that Georgia has one of, if not the most, talented and deep backfields in the entire nation. Georgia is hoping that their receivers corps can improve dramatically in 2017 after issues with drops throughout much of '16. Junior Terry Godwin was second on the team in receptions and receiving yards last season but should take over a bigger role as Isaiah McKenzie departs. Godwin isn't very big (5'11", 185 pounds) but makes an impact with his reliable hands and impressive elusiveness when he gets the ball. Expect his 38 catches and 397 yards to increase in a big way as his targets go way up. Sophomore Ryan Ridley is a prime breakout candidate after recording 238 yards as a true freshman. Ridley is an elite-level deep threat (19.8 yards per reception in '16) and should be a perfect fit with Eason's big arm. Junior Michael Chigbu and senior Javon Wims are two other wide outs expected to see much more action in '17 after showing flashes last season. At tight end, Georgia has the young star (Isaac Nauta) and the established veteran (Jeb Blazevich). Nauta was a five-star recruit by most recruiting services prior to 2016 and showed enough that the Bulldogs have to be very excited about his potential, while Blazevich is a tremendous blocker and solid red zone threat. Both should see plenty of action, with Nauta likely to overtake as the full-time starter at some point during the year. Up front, Georgia loses a ton of talent, including two-time All-SEC tackle Greg Pyke and former Rhode Island transfer Tyler Catalina. That should put a lot of pressure on the unit's lone returning starters, senior tackle Isaiah Wynn and junior center Lamont Gaillard, but both have proven they can lead. True freshman Isaiah Wilson, considered one of the top newcomers in the 2017 recruiting class, has a decent chance to start at one of the guard spots, where there is very little depth. Dominick Sanders Defense: Kirby Smart's pedigree as a defensive coach certainly helped Georgia's defense in '16, as the group played very well, finishing with the fourth best total defense in the SEC and the 16th nationally. Now, the D returns an astounding 10 starters, ensuring that this group will be incredibly stingy in 2017. It begins with a defensive line that has tons of talent, beginning with junior defensive end Trenton Thompson. Thompson had five sacks last season and showed just how high his ceiling was with a tremendous bowl performance, which helped him earn Liberty Bowl MVP honors in the team's victory. If he can play with the type of focus and energy he played with in that one over the course of a season, he is surely an All-Conference player. Junior Jonathan Ledbetter was suspended the first six games after two alcohol-related arrests but played well when he finally got on the field. He is almost certain to start at the other defensive end spot, giving Georgia two dangerous pass rushers off the edge. Senior nose guard John Atkins doesn't get much credit, but the powerful veteran plays a pivotal role collapsing running lanes in the heart of the unit. Georgia is absolutely loaded at linebacker, where all four starters are back and some haven't fulfilled their full potential yet. Juniors Roquan Smith and Natrez Patrick are the two true stars of the unit, as both led the Bulldogs in tackles a year ago. Smith is one of the rangiest linebackers in the country, making plays from sideline. He doesn't get after the quarterback often, but nearly every other part of the game he offers significant help with. Patrick is back at the ever-important middle linebacker and the future NFL Draft selection should only get better after 59 tackles in his first year as starter. Senior Lorenzo Carter is probably the team's best pure pass rusher, but is still growing in other parts of the game. A former five-star recruit, Carter has loads of talent and did record five sacks last year, but could be one of the top 'backers in the conference if he can really fulfill his vast potential. Senior Davin Bellamy is back at the outside linebacker spot opposite of Carter. Bellamy is quite the relentless pass rusher himself, recording a whopping 17 quarterback hurries in 2016. The Bulldogs have had one of the top pass defenses in the country the past few seasons, and that should be the case once again, as nearly everybody is back in the secondary, with the exception of former Alabama transfer Maurice Smith, who graduated. They are especially strong at safety, where two All-Conference players roam in Malkom Parrish and Dominick Sanders. Parrish will lock down the strong safety job, and the hard-hitting senior should really set the tone for the back once again. Meanwhile, Sanders is a tremendous playmaker who managed three interceptions last season and is always around the ball. Every cornerback in this conference has a tough job having to deal with some of the freaks the SEC has at receiver, but these corners really know how to hold their own. Senior Aaron Davis is a fearless, ultra-competitive CB who will play a huge role, while junior Deandre Baker is expected to start opposite of him. Special Teams: Sophomore Rodrigo Blankenship took over for redshirt freshman William Ham at kicker early in 2016 and played very well, knocking down 14 of 18 field goals with a long of 49. Expect the unorthodox kicker to get even better in '17 with more experience under his belt. At punter, Georgia hopes sophomore Marshall Long can stay healthy after he was lost for the year, which forced former QB Brice Ramsey to handle punting duties. Last season's 8-5 mark continued a frustrating trend for Georgia; extremely talented teams that for some reason are unable to get truly over the hump. In fact, since coming within inches of an SEC Championship and likely National Championship berth in 2012, the Bulldogs haven't returned, and have finished just one year ranked, despite being ranked in the preseason every year since. That has put a lot of pressure on Smart to win right away, and once again, the talent that he has on this roster is not a question mark. If Eason can take big steps forward in his second year at the helm, Chubb continues getting healthier and the defense lives up to their astounding talent levels, this team certainly has more than enough to win the SEC East and contend for a Playoff berth. Now, it's merely a matter of execution for the 'Dawgs. Player to Watch Nick Chubb, RB After leading off 2016 with an impressive 222-yard performance in a win over North Carolina, Chubb slowed down. He did still finish with 1,180 yards, but didn't quite live up to what he did in 2014 and in the first half of 2015, when he absolutely feasted on opposing defenses. Now well over a year removed from that scary knee injury that sidelined him for much of '15, Chubb hopes to get back to his old ways. If he can regain his Heisman form, it may mean the difference between the Bulldogs being merely good versus being a Playoff-caliber team. Five-Year Trend 2012: 12-2 (7-1 SEC)* 2013: 8-5 (5-3 SEC)* 2014: 10-3 (6-2 SEC)* 2015: 10-3 (5-3 SEC)* 2016: 8-5 (4-4 SEC)* *= Bowl appearance

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 14. South Florida Bulls

14. South Florida Bulls

Immense talent + favorable schedule = undefeated season?

Location: Tampa, FL. Conference: AAC (East) Schedule Roster Coach: Charlie Strong (first year) Last Years Record: 11-2 (7-1 AAC) Bowl Result: Victory in Birmingham Bowl Overview Since they began playing football in 1997, South Florida has had some memorable moments in their short history. Rising to No. 2 in the country in 2007, beating Notre Dame in 2011 and various bowl victories are all moments the fans won't forget about anytime soon. As the team looks ahead to 2017, there is hope that the Bulls could do something that would certainly top that list: win the American Athletic Conference, and maybe just maybe, pull off an undefeated season. With an underrated quarterback leading the charge, a physical defense stopping opponents' in its tracks and a motivated coach on the sideline, it could be a truly special season in Tampa, Florida. Quinton Flowers Offense: No conversation of the country's most explosive players would be complete without adding South Florida QB Quinton Flowers to the mix. After earning All-AAC honors in 2015, Flowers exploded for huge numbers last season, throwing for 2,812 yards and rushing for 1,530 yards. In total, the dynamic dual threat was able to record 42 total touchdowns (24 through the air, 18 on the ground) and give defenses nightmares throughout the whole year. What makes Flowers so impressive is that just because he is extremely fast and a dangerous runner, doesn't mean he leaves anything to be desired passing the ball. He still completed nearly 63% of his passes last year and limited himself to just seven interceptions despite playing in an offense that did like to throw the ball. If he can put up even bigger numbers his senior year, it's hard not to imagine Flowers not being in the Heisman conversation, even if he doesn't get the national exposure of others. Unfortunately for the Bulls, Flowers will not have his backfield mate back to help him, as running back Marlon Mack departed. Mack was far from a slouch himself, adding 1,187 yards and 15 touchdowns, while averaging 6.8 yards per carry. His departure opens the door for senior D'Ernest Johnson to slide into the featured back role. Johnson added 543 yards and eight touchdowns himself a year ago and while he may not be quite the back Mack was, he certainly has the speed and elusiveness to be very dangerous. Fellow returnees like senior Darius Tice and sophomore Trevon Sands should also see carries in the Bulls' spread look, as will redshirt freshman Elijah Mack (no relation to Marlon). At receiver, USF also loses one it's go-to weapons in Rodney Adams (67 receptions, 822 yards in '16) but much like the backfield situation, has plenty of talent waiting in the wings. NC State transfer Marquez Valdes-Scantling impressed in his first season in Tampa, finishing off second on the team in receiving yardage. The senior is quite the deep threat; he had 415 yards on just 22 catches, averaging nearly 19 yards per catch. With Flowers big arm, Valdes-Scantling will look to really take the top off defenses early and often in 2017. Junior Tyre McCants should also be expected to step up after finishing last season with solid numbers. McCants isn't quit the big-play threat Valdes-Scantling is, but finds a way to get open and make plays for this offense. Junior Chris Barr, redshirt freshman DeVontres Dukes and newcomer Kevaughn Dingle should all be expected to see increased roles in the offense as well. At tight end, South Florida has a potential future star in sophomore Mitchell Wilcox, who earned All-AAC honors last season after hauling in 12 passes for 278 yards. With soft hands and underrated speed, Wilcox could put together an even bigger campaign in '17. Up front, South Florida hopes the offensive line will take steps forward after an uneven 2016. There is no dearth of experience in the unit, as three starters are back, who have combined for 40 starts. However, the group struggled throughout much of the spring and arguably the line's most important position, left tackle, is a question mark. Those question marks should put even more pressure on the seniors of the unit, center Cameron Ruff and Jeremi Hall, to step up and provide leadership. Auggie Sanchez Defense: New head coach Charlie Strong has long been known as a defensive coach. The former Louisville and Texas head man played safety at Central Arkansas in the early 80's, and while at times his defenses have struggled, they've always played with significant toughness and ferocity. He'll hope to instill that on a defense that already has plenty of talent and difference-makers ready to go. The Bulls strength defensively could be on their defensive line where they return basically everyone, including their top pass rusher, senior Bruce Hector. Hector, a senior, doesn't really fit the mold of a typical defensive tackle in major FBS football. Hector is a tremendous athlete and very light on his feet despite weighing in at nearly 300 pounds. That athleticism helped him record six sacks last year, which tied for the team lead. Fellow seniors Mike Love and Deadrin Senat should also make quite an impact on the D-Line. Senat is quite the load to handle himself; the veteran caused chaos in the heart of the unit, and managed 49 tackles with seven going for a loss. Love will look to provide pressure off the edge, as will sophomore Kirk Livingstone, who will spend his time playing the "Bull" position, a end/linebacker hybrid role that focuses on covering the opposing running back. Depth should not be an issue at all for the line either with plenty of experience ready to rotate in like junior Juwuan Brown (2.5 sacks) and junior Josh Black. At linebacker, South Florida returns one of their two starters in their 4-2-5 defense. That starter just happens to be senior Auggie Sanchez, who hopes to cement himself as one of the top defenders in the AAC this year. Sanchez put together an extremely impressive 2016, racking up 120 tackles, six sacks and added an interception. Playing at the ever-important middle linebacker position, it's likely that Sanchez will once more replicate that type of production. Who starts next to Sanchez at the other linebacker spot is still a question mark, with a wide range of candidates still competing for the starting gig. Sophomore Trent Shaw, junior Jimmy Bayes and redshirt freshman Andre Polk are all likely to see snaps at the outside linebacker spot. USF's pass defense took a major step forward last year, and the return of three starters should ensure it continues to take strides. The Bulls have two rock-solid cornerbacks in senior Deatrick Nichols and junior Ronnie Hoggins, both who have played plenty of big snaps. Nichols is one of their best defensive playmakers; the veteran recorded four interceptions last year and is always ready to make a big play. Senior free safety Tajee Fullwood is the other returnee to the group. The exceptionally rangy defender managed 65 tackles and two picks last year and brings impressive size and physicality to the backend (6'2", 215 pounds). The strong safety position is the only one without a returning starter to look to, but senior Devin Abraham brings plenty of experience and knowledge at the position. Special Teams: After wrestling the job over from Brandon Behr full-time, senior Emilio Nadelman hit 7 of 7 field goals for the Bulls with a long of 42. He should have a big year now that he's the clear-cut starter. At punter, former Florida State transfer Jonathan Hernandez is back after averaging 41.2 yards per punt in '16. The return game will miss the explosive Rodney Adams (24.3 yard average on kick returns) but D'Ernest Johnson could realistically handle both punt and kick return duties in '17. Even though he never managed a winning record in three years at Texas, there is no denying how good of a coach Charlie Strong is, and instead of at UT, he is blessed with a fabulous roster to work with right away at South Florida. Flowers, Johnson and company should be enough to keep the offense as lethal as ever, and the defense could really take a huge step forward, particularly if the defensive line makes the improvements expected of them. That talent and experience, mixed with one of the easiest schedules in college football (toughest non-conference game is Illinois, they get Temple, Houston and Tulsa all at home) has the Bulls thinking big, and rightfully so. If the team keeps its focus and plays to it's potential, an undefeated season is a real possibility and if that happens, it will throw the Playoff system into chaos. Player to Watch Mitchell Wilcox, TE Even with Rodney Adams now departed, USF should have no troubles finding a new No. 1 receiver for Quinton Flowers to work with. However, the offense could become even more dangerous if the tight end position becomes a real strength, which it definitely could. Wilcox had just 12 catches his freshman year but averaged 23.2 yards per reception and showed he had impressive speed for his size. If he can continue to take steps forward, he could mold into one of the country's better and more explosive tight ends. Five-Year Trend 2012: 3-9 (1-6 Big East) 2013: 2-10 (2-6 AAC) 2014: 4-8 (3-5 AAC) 2015: 8-5 (6-2 AAC)* 2016: 11-2 (7-1 AAC)* *= Bowl appearance

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 15. LSU Tigers

15. LSU Tigers

It's a new day in Baton Rouge, but will the same old problems persist?

Location: Baton Rouge, LA. Conference: SEC (West) Schedule Roster Coach: Ed Orgeron (first year) Last Years Record: 8-4 (5-3 SEC) Bowl Result: Victory in Citrus Bowl Overview There was no questioning how hot Les Miles' seat was in Baton Rouge entering 2016. The long-time, quirky head coach was going to be fired at the end of 2015 but was eventually retained following LSU's season finale victory over Texas A&M. A loss to Wisconsin in the Tigers' opener only warmed Miles seat further and after the team suffered a heartbreaking loss to Auburn, his time eventually came to an end. His replacement, former Ole Miss and USC interim head coach Ed Orgeron went a good, not great, 6-2 after Miles was let go. However, after LSU was unable to convince Houston head coach Tom Herman to come to Louisiana, they opted to bring back Orgeron on a full-time basis. Orgeron will have plenty of talent to work with, including a superstar running back, but unless he can figure out some new things to do with the offense it's hard to realistically see the Tigers overtaking Alabama and others in the loaded SEC West. Derrius Guice Offense: The Tigers' offense was putrid for years under former offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, but they hope things change under new OC Matt Canada. Canada arrives from Pittsburgh, where he engineered one of the country's most underrated offenses. Canada will hope to find a way to improve LSU through the air, where have been among the nation's worst teams over the past few seasons. Purdue transfer Danny Etling took over the quarterback job early on last season and while he wasn't terrific he seemed like a significant improvement over incumbent starter Brandon Harris. Harris decided to transfer to North Carolina, which leaves Etling as the clear-cut starter. The senior doesn't have the arm strength or big-time playmaking ability of some of the other solid quarterbacks in the SEC West but his play late in the 2016 campaign should have LSU feeling better about what they can do in the passing game in '17. At running back, the Tigers lose one of the sport's best players in Leonard Fournette, but amazingly could get even better at the position. Junior Derrius Guice filled in for the injured Fournette last year and put on an absolute show, rushing for 1,387 yards and 15 touchdowns, while averaging 7.6 yards per touch. Guice is reportedly now squatting 650 pounds and has bulked up overall even more this off-season, which should strike fear right into the heart of opposing SEC defenders. In a featured role, there is no reason Guice can't cement himself as a serious Heisman candidate this year. Senior Darrel Williams helped out with 233 yards and three touchdowns in 2016 and should be a nice option as a backup. At receiver, LSU will have to replace two of their better pass-catchers, as Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural both depart. Dupre and Dural never quite put up the stats they had the potential to because of the Tigers' limited passing game but there isn't any denying the offense will miss their explosiveness. Senior D.J. Chark will likely take over as Etling's top weapon in the passing game after recording 466 yards a season ago, which included nearly 18 yards per reception. Beyond Chark, LSU will look towards a long list of players with potential, but who are very unproven. Sophomore Drake Davis is certainly a breakout candidate as the speedster can break open games. However, he had just one reception in six games last season, so it's hard to know what a "breakout" would really look like for the youthful wide out. Senior Russell Gage and sophomore Stephen Sullivan will also look for an increased role in 2017. At tight end, the Tigers must replace rock-solid Collin Jeter (11 catches for 157 yards) but junior Foster Moreau is exceptionally athletic for his position and a real matchup nightmare. There should no questions about what the offensive line can do this season, after it was dominant for much of '16 despite losing plenty of talent. This year, they lose their anchor, guard Ethan Pocic, but still return three starters with significant experience. Juniors Maea Teuhema and Will Clapp will open up massive lanes for Guice to run through, while senior K.J. Malone (the son of NBA legend Karl Malone) will be a staple at left tackle. Defense: Throughout the Les Miles era in Baton Rouge, LSU consistently had some of the nastiest defenses in the country, and don't expect that to change at all under Orgeron. Former Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Aranda did a marvelous job in his first year with the Tigers in 2016, and the group could be even more dominant this season. It all starts with the defensive line, which doesn't have a real star but should still be very stout. Senior defensive end Christian LaCouture missed the entirety of 2016 due to injury but should have a big year now that he is fully healthy. He had 34 tackles in 2015, and has proven that he can give blockers major difficulties. At the other end spot, expect sophomore Rashard Lawrence to put together a big campaign. Lawrence didn't see much action his first season on campus but has really impressed this off-season and has the size (6'5", 300 pounds) to be an absolute force off the edge. Veteran Greg Gilmore (34 tackles in 2016) will lock down the nose tackle position in the Tigers' 3-4 look. At linebacker, LSU returns one of the country's most disruptive pass rushers in outside 'backer Arden Key. Key was a monster throughout last season, with a staggering 12 sacks and 56 tackles. He took a leave of absence from the program during the spring for personal reasons but should return with a vengeance. Aranda and Orgeron are both great at creating exotic blitzes to create different types of pressure, and Key should be at the heart of their efforts. The rest of the linebacker corps must replace some difference-makers, namely Duke Riley and Kendall Beckwith, who led the Tigers in tackles, with 93 and 91, respectively. Senior Donnie Alexander has proven that he can be a major help in run support and he'll have to play a big role at an inside linebacker spot, as will sophomore Devin White, who is expected to start alongside him. The outside linebacker position opposite of Key will see a competition for the starting job, as senior Corey Thompson, redshirt freshman Ray Thornton and sophomore Michael Divinity are all in the mix. Thompson, who was out for all of 2016, may be the favorite as he brings valuable experience and has been in the system since 2012. LSU has produced a long list of terrific defensive backs over the years, a list that includes current NFL stars such as Patrick Peterson, Morris Claiborne, Tyrann Mathieu and this year's No. 6 overall selection Jamal Adams. Adams really was a playmaker for this defense last season, recording 76 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. Even so, the defensive backfield should once more be very good, particularly at cornerback. Former five-star Kevin Toliver recruit Kevin Toliver is ready to step into a starting role, and the lengthy junior could have a huge season. Fellow junior Donte Jackson, who had eight pass breakups and two interceptions last season, is expected to join him as a starter but Saivion Smith, one of the stars of the 2016 recruiting class, should push him for snaps. At safety, LSU has nobody can that truly replace Adams' range and playmaking ability, but seniors Ed Paris and John Battle bring impressive experience. Special Teams: Long-time placekicker Colby Delahoussaye departs after knocking down 11 of 15 field goals last season but big-legged senior Cameron Gamble could actually end up being an improvement at the position. Punting-wise sophomore Josh Growden returns after averaging 41.4 yards per punt in 2016. The return game shouldn't be a problem, with Guice and Donte Jackson likely to see plenty of opportunities. Despite the fact Miles won a National Title in 2007 and played for another one in 2011, LSU fans, boosters, and alums alike were clearly frustrated with the direction of the program, which now hasn't won double-digit games since 2013 and has lost six straight to intense rival Alabama. The arrival of Orgeron and Canada should breath new life and energy into the program, and there should be no denying how talented the Tigers are on both sides of the ball. Yet, it's hard to see LSU really taking the next step until their passing game improves in a big way, which puts significant pressure on Etling and the receivers to make the offense more balanced. If the aerial attack improves, this is a team that can realistically contend for an SEC title and Playoff berth but if not, it's very hard to imagine the Tigers advancing much farther past the 8-9 threshold that's held them back the last few seasons. Player to Watch Danny Etling, QB Etling was able to take over Brandon Harris' job in his first season of being eligible after transferring from Purdue, and had some major ups-and-downs. His downs were very severe (11-24 for 92 yards against Alabama) but he did play very well towards the end of the year, including throwing for over 300 yards against Texas A&M and shredding Louisville in the bowl game. Etling doesn't need to be an All-SEC quarterback but if he can at least improve on his 59 percent completion percentage or become a more dangerous down-the-field passer this team becomes much, much more dangerous. Five-Year Trend 2012: 10-3 (6-2 SEC)* 2013: 10-3 (5-3 SEC)* 2014: 8-5 (4-4 SEC)* 2015: 9-3 (5-3 SEC)* 2016: 8-4 (5-3 SEC)* *= Bowl appearance

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 16. Kansas State Wildcats

16. Kansas State Wildcats

'Cats aren't flashy but as tough to beat as anybody 

Location: Manhattan, KS. Conference: Big 12 Schedule Roster Coach: Bill Snyder (26th year) Last Years Record: 9-4 (6-3 Big 12) Bowl Result: Victory in Texas Bowl Overview Now entering his 26th season in Manhattan, Kansas, head coach Bill Snyder has clearly built a formula for consistent success even in the ever-changing Big 12. A mobile, smart quarterback operating behind a physical offensive line and being supported by an experienced defense is the type of team Snyder has consistently been able to build, and this year's edition appears no different. Underrated signal-caller Jesse Ertz will lead a team with plenty of experience and terrific play in the trenches. After ending 2016 on a high note (winning six of their final seven games) the hope is that formula will yield a possible Big 12 Champion, particularly without an overpowering team to point to right now in the conference. Jesse Ertz Offense: Last season, Kansas State entered the year with an interesting quarterback competition between former junior college transfer Jesse Ertz and inconsistent but talented Joe Hubener. After winning the job and putting together a marvelous 2016 there is clearly no question who will be running the offense in 2017: Ertz. Ertz proved to be a decent passer (1,755 yards and 9 touchdowns) but his real strength is as a runner where he recorded 1,012 yards and 12 scores a year ago. With his physical running style and ability to consistently gain yardage when he tucks it, he is extremely reminiscent of former Heisman finalist Collin Klein. The next step for Ertz is to become even more reliable through the air, where he had a pretty poor 57% completion percentage in '16. If he can do that, he certainly can make a case to being one of the top quarterbacks in the conference. At running back, Kansas State is breaking in a new starter but should still have a very dangerous and versatile backfield. Sophomore Alex Barnes is expected to get the bulk of carries, but expect junior Justin Silmon and freshman Bernard Goodwater to see action. Barnes had 442 yards and six touchdowns and impressed with a whopping 7.9 yards per carry while Silmon is more of a short-yardage weapon. Expect junior fullback Winston Dimel to also see a ton of use in the Wildcats' physical, smashmouth offense. The son of offensive coordinator Dana, Dimel is an absolute force as a runner, where he managed 12 touchdowns on just 30 carries. At receiver, Kansas State doesn't really have a star but they are very experienced and have plenty of potential. Juniors Byron Pringle and Dominique Heath will compete to be Ertz's top weapon through the air. Pringle qualifies as the team's most dangerous "home run" threat after recording 631 yards on 39 receptions (16.2 yards per reception) last season and burning a number of Big 12 defenses along the way. Meanwhile, Heath does most of his damage on short and intermediate routes, which this offense leans on heavily. Byron Pringle Sophomore Carlos Strickland could have a breakout year in Manhattan, after transferring from Cal. It will be an interesting transition for Strickland going from Sonny Dykes' Air Raid offense at Cal to Snyder and Dimel's methodical, run-based approach, but he should still find a way to use his impressive speed to his advantage. At tight end, the Wildcats bring back junior Dayton Valentine, an extremely proven blocker. What should make the K-State offense even more tough to stop is the fact that they have perhaps the best offensive line in the conference. Three starters return to the group, led by All-Conference level players such as sophomore Scott Frantz and junior Dalton Risner. Both will handle the tackle positions, which will make the Wildcats very tough to stop running side to side. Up the middle, senior Reid Najvar will lock down the center spot, although both guard spots are up for grabs. With Ertz returning and plenty of weapons at every level on the offense, there is a lot of reason to believe K-State will improve on their 32.2 points per game in '16, and have their most explosive group in years. Defense: The Wildcats had the best defense in the Big 12 in terms of points allowed and total yardage, but the unit could undergo somewhat of a rebuild in 2017 as they lose a number of key leaders and difference-makers. The toughest loss was the departure of dominant defensive end Jordan Willis, who had 11.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss last season and constantly occupied opponents' attention. The hope is that the returning talent on the D-Line should be able to help replace Willis' production. Senior defensive tackle Will Geary is an absolute stud who clogs up running lanes (45 tackles in 2016). He isn't much of a pass rusher, but the role he plays on the defense cannot be overstated. Sophomore Reggie Walker showed plenty of promise in his true freshman season with 6.5 sacks and has the potential to have a huge season, while senior Tanner Wood, who has impressed in reserve roles, will be expected to start at Willis' departed defensive end spot. Kansas State was incredibly good at stopping the run last season, leaning on that D-Line and a rangy linebacker corps to shutdown opponents. The line should still play a big role, but the linebacker corps loses a ton, namely star Elijah Lee, the real heart and soul of the defense and the leading tackler. There isn't a ton of experienced options for the Wildcats to turn to at the position, so expect some growing pains as the linebackers figure some things out. Senior Trent Tanking is a former walk-on who knows defensive coordinator's Tom Hayes' system and is an excellent communicator. Senior Jayd Kirby will also be expected to see a much larger role after seeing very little snaps in 2016, while JUCO transfer Da'Quan Patton is a breakout candidate. In the pass-happy Big 12, having a great secondary is a significant advantage. That really wasn't the case at all for Kansas State last year (114th ranked pass defense in the country) but the return of three key starters means likely wild improvement. The cornerback spots are going to be clear strengths, as veterans D.J. Reed and Duke Shelley are both returning. Reed is vastly underrated; the junior managed to pick off three passes last season while also managing to get his hand on a whole lot more, with a staggering 16 pass deflections. Reed's ability to force turnovers should force quarterbacks to look elsewhere, but Shelley is quite the force on the opposite side as well (48 tackles, three interceptions in '16). Junior safety Kendall Adams is the other returnee, and the hard-hitting safety will play an important role, making plays from sideline to sideline. At nickelback, Kansas State is excited about the potential of newcomer Elijah Walker. Walker, one of the nation's top junior college transfers, and absolutely dominated at Cerritos College in Long Beach, California. Snyder has gotten amazing production from his junior college transfers throughout his lengthy coaching career, and Walker could be the next former JUCO star. Special Teams: Senior Matthew McCrane split time at placekicking duties last season but after knocking down 11 of 14 field goals, he should be the full-time starter at the ever-important position. Extremely reliable Nick Walsh returns for his senior season at punter, while the return game should be dangerous as well with Heath and Pringle doing damage. Both had one return for a touchdown last year, and should be threats to go the whole way whenever they touch the ball. Compared to some of the other traditional powers in the conference such as Texas and Oklahoma, Kansas State has never had the big-time recruits or an insane amount of talent. Yet, that clearly hasn't stopped Snyder from building one of the conference's most consistent programs. As they turn to 2017, there is plenty of reason to believe K-State should once more be very dangerous, and perhaps even put together their best season since making the Fiesta Bowl in 2013. In fact, if Ertz continues to improve and the defense can identify some new playmakers to replace Lee and Willis, Kansas State might have a chance at a conference championship and possibly even a Playoff bid.

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 17. Miami Hurricanes

17. Miami Hurricanes

There will be growing pains, but the program is clearly on the rise

Location: Coral Gables, FL. Conference: ACC (Coastal) Schedule Roster Coach: Mark Richt (second year) Last Years Record: 9-4 (5-3 ACC) Bowl Result: Win in Russell Athletic Bowl Overview After firing former head coach Al Golden late in the 2015 season, it wasn't clear what direction Miami football was heading in. Since losing a National Championship in the Fiesta Bowl in 2002, Miami had been mired in mediocrity. Past head coaches like Randy Shannon and Golden had been able to have some moments of success but the program's direction was still stagnant. Enter Mark Richt, fresh off a 15-year stint at Georgia. Richt immediately hit the recruiting trail hard and injected the Hurricanes with a different dose of energy. The 'Canes were able to jump out to a 4-0 start in 2016 before some of the youth and inexperience on their roster caught up to them. However, they were able to finish the season on a very high note, winning their final five games and beating West Virginia in the Russell Athletic Bowl. The late-season success seemed to be clear evidence that while the team still had issues, something special was brewing in Coral Gables. Richt will have to replace his starting quarterback and plenty of other difference-makers as he looks ahead towards 2017, but the talent level on the roster is still impressive. If all goes as planned, Miami should be able to take the next step and win their first division title since they joined the ACC in 2004. Mark Walton Offense: The first order of business for Richt in 2017 is to identify who his next starting quarterback will be. Three-year starter Brad Kaaya made the jump to the NFL despite having an uneven 2016, leaving the Hurricanes with a major void at the position. Richt has indicated that he will be patient with the decision on who will start, but he has an interesting decision. Junior Malik Rosier is the only QB on the roster that has thrown an FBS pass and has been in the system for a year. Rosier's arm strength and ability to create with his legs are both impressive, but the signal-caller is still incredibly raw and wasn't overly impressive throughout the spring. That may leave incoming freshman N'Kosi Perry as the favorite to start. The four-star recruit out of Ocala, Florida, is a proven dual threat with good size and a great feel for the game. It is almost certain he will need some time to adjust to the speed of the collegiate level but his ceiling seems to be higher than Rosier's. No matter who starts, they will have the luxury of having a proven running back to help them. Junior Mark Walton is back after rushing for 1,117 yards and 14 touchdowns last season and he could end up being on the conference's top backs in '17. Walton isn't exceptionally quick or speedy but he's a workhorse who Richt and offensive coordinator Thomas Brown should feed often, especially early in the year as they figure out the QB spot. Receiver should be another strength for the offense, as sophomore Ahmmon Richards appears ready to become a star on the national stage. Richards led all freshman nationally with 934 receiving yards and wowed on-lookers with his fabulous hands and playmaking ability. With even more snaps, the sophomore could have an absolutely monster 2017. Senior Braxton Berrios also returns after hauling in 12 passes for 178 yards last season. Berrios isn't quite the reliable threat Richards proves to be, but finds a way to make an impact. Younger guys like sophomore Lawrence Cager and newcomer Jeff Thomas will also likely find a way to make an impact, particularly the explosive Thomas. The tight end position will undergo a change after David Njoku left for the NFL. While Njoku's impressive red zone presence (eight touchdowns) will be missed, senior Chris Herndon IV is a breakout candidate, and sophomore Michael Irvin II certainly has the bloodline to be a star. The offensive line was pretty solid throughout much of 2016 and will have to be again in '17, as Miami faces a number of aggressive, attacking defenses. Nearly every key contributor to the unit returns, including three seniors to anchor the group. Guard Kc McDermott is an All-ACC candidate who should continue to attract the attention of NFL scouts, while fellow veterans Nick Linder and Trevor Darling should help guide the line. Zach McCloud Defense: Last season saw an incredible turnaround by Miami's defense, as the Hurricanes went from an undisciplined, inconsistent group to a Top 20 total defense under the guidance of new D-coordinator Manny Diaz. Diaz should once again have a dangerous cast of playmakers to work with, including a wonderful front seven. The defensive line has a ton back, namely Chad Thomas and R.J. McIntosh. Thomas is probably the best pass rusher on the team, using an explosive first step and a powerful frame to record 11 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Meanwhile, McIntosh will join Kendrick Norton in the interior of the unit to help stop the rush, which Miami did a great job of a season ago (131.8 yards per game, 26th in the country). Depth also won't be a concern as the Hurricanes have a depth chart stocked to the brim of players ready to contribute on the line. There's also reason to be very excited about the linebacker corps, which has some truly impressive talent returning. The trio of sophomores Zach McCloud, Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney was impressive last year, but could get even better. Quarterman himself may end up being one of the country's best impact defenders. Despite his youth, the versatile middle linebacker had 84 tackles (10 of them going for a loss) and displayed wonderful instincts and poise. The big question for the defense has to be in the back-end, where Richt and Diaz must work together to rebuild a decimated secondary. Four starters graduated, which included such guys like Corn Elder (76 tackles, 12 pass deflections in '16) and safety Rayshawn Jenkins (76 tackles, two interceptions). With those losses, the Hurricanes will have to lean heavily on a cast of newcomers and fresh faces. Senior Dee Delaney has never played a snap at the FBS level but may be considered the star of the unit for what he did at FCS The Citadel, where he was an All-American. Jumping from the FCS to FBS is significantly tougher, but Delaney's toughness and physical style of play should all translate well. Along with Delaney, newcomers such as Trajan Bandy and Jhavonte Dean will see significant usage. Bandy is a true freshman with immense potential slated to help out at corner, while the junior college transfer Dean has a decent chance to start opposite of Delaney at cornerback. There is some experience back, namely at safety where junior Jaquan Johnson and Robert Knowles return. Johnson had 38 tackles in a reserve role last year and looks like a leader, while Knowles and fellow sophomore Romeo Finley have to be ready to step into larger roles. Special Teams: Special teams should be a strength for Richt and the 'Canes as senior kicker Michael Badgley returns, after knocking down 21 of 26 field goal attempts last season. Punter Justin Vogel departs but is expected to be replaced by highly-touted newcomer Zach Feagles, who is the son of former NFL punter Jeff Feagles. It seems like nearly every off-season we wonder when Miami is going to return to their dominant days, and so often, the Hurricanes haven't come through. This, however, seems different. Mark Richt was let go at Georgia because of his inability to get them over the top, but that shouldn't overshadow how great of a recruiter he is or how well he is able to develop talent. His second season in Coral Gables won't exactly be perfect; there will almost certainly be some severe growing pains as this team figures out its quarterback situation and rebuilds their entire secondary. Yet, the offense is still ripe with playmakers and Diaz will engineer another impressive defensive performance. With North Carolina and Virginia Tech both in significant rebuilding states, the top of the ACC Coastal appears wide open, the perfect time for the Hurricanes to finally take over the division. Player to Watch

Dee Delaney, DB

While Mark Richt had a fine 2017 recruiting class, no get was bigger than securing the graduate transfer of Dee Delaney from The Citadel. Delaney was considering the NFL, but figured a year at a bigger school would likely help out his chances at the next level. The speedy cornerback recorded six interceptions and had 35 tackles en route to All-American honors this past season with the Bulldogs. With the losses Miami is dealing with in the back, he will have to bring that playmaking ability and experience to the table right away.

Five-Year Trend

2012: 7-5 (5-3 ACC)*

2013: 9-4 (5-3 ACC)*

2014: 6-7 (3-5 ACC)*

2015: 8-5 (5-3 ACC)*

2016: 9-4 (5-3 ACC)*

*= Bowl appearance

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 18. Boise State Broncos

18. Boise State Broncos

They aren't the powerhouse they once were, but their consistency is incredible

Location: Boise, Idaho Conference: MWC (Mountain) Schedule Roster Coach: Bryan Harsin (fourth year) Last Years Record: 10-3 (6-2 MWC) Bowl Result: Loss in Cactus Bowl Overview After a down 2015 in which the Broncos went 9-4 and slipped to a relatively mediocre 5-3 in the Mountain West, head coach Bryan Harsin was hoping for a resurgent 2016. A 7-0 start seemed to show Boise was in serious New Year's Six conversation, but the Broncos would eventually lose to Wyoming and then finish the regular season with a deflating loss to Air Force. A frustrating loss to Baylor in the Cactus Bowl cast a bad shadow on what overall was a pretty successful season. However, it marked the second straight year Boise was not playing in a MWC Championship, a disappointment for a program that used to collect WAC titles consistently. Though the team has significant reason to believe that 2017 will be the year they finally are able to retake the conference. With an experienced signal-caller leading a dangerous offense and an aggressive front seven, all the signs point to a big fourth season at the helm for Harsin.

Brett Rypien

Offense: Now a junior, quarterback Brett Rypien has a chance to have a truly special season. Rypien won the quarterback job back in 2015 as a true freshman, and has been a staple at the position since then. He threw for 3,646 yards and 24 touchdowns this past season, and if he can continue to improve his decision-making and deep throws, he could end up being the best player Boise has at the position since record-setting signal-caller Kellen Moore graduated. Rypien will not have his backfield mate left after running back Jeremy McNichols departed. McNichols had a huge 2016, rushing for 1,709 yards and 23 touchdowns before he was selected in the fifth round of the Draft by Tampa Bay. McNichols wasn't the power-back Jay Ajayi was before him, but was incredibly elusive and a threat to make a big play every time he touched the ball. With his absence, Boise will likely turn to sophomore Alexander Mattison to take over feature back duties. Mattison had 328 yards on 67 attempts and showed the ability to make defenders miss. He certainly isn't at McNichols' level of playmaking, but Mattison should still be able to give the Broncos consistent yardage on the ground. Senior Ryan Wolpin could also get some snaps at the position after getting 13 carries a year ago. Boise State also has to identify some new targets on the outside for Rypien to work with after the extremely reliable Thomas Sperbeck left. Sperbeck had 80 receptions for 1,272 yards in '16 and leaves Boise as the program's all-time leading receiver. Senior Cedrick Wilson will certainly be the favorite to take over Sperbeck's departed No. 1 receiver role. Wilson isn't quite as consistent or reliable as Sperbeck but is extremely fast and a little bit more dynamic with the ball in his hands. After recording 56 catches for 1,129 yards in 2016 he could have an even bigger year in '17. Beyond Wilson, Boise is extremely inexperienced in the receivers corps, but there is plenty of potential. Juniors A.J. Richardson (2 catches in 2016) and Sean Modster (8) should both see much larger roles and have shown they break open up games. There is also a good chance we could see some true freshman see significant snaps, particularly Octavius Evans and Cartrell Thomas, two of the higher-rated prospects in the 2017 recruiting class. Evans was a huge pickup, as the 6'2", 220-pound wide out seems to have all the tools to be the next great Boise State receiver. At tight end, Boise has plenty of experience, namely senior Jake Roh. Roh played in just four games a season ago due to injury but had 68 receptions over the first two seasons of his career. Senior Alec Dhaenens took over his spot last year and should also see plenty of opportunities in the

Alec Dhaenens

passing game. On the offensive line, the Broncos are hoping that they can continue the immense progress they made last year, when they decreased their sack total by 12. Three starters depart, but senior left tackle Archie Lewis and senior center Mason Hampton are two experienced anchors they can point to. Junior college transfer Isiah Moore was very highly recruited, and should fight for a starting job right away.

Defense: While the Broncos' offense has gotten plenty of attention for it's impressive play over the years, the defense has long been underrated. That was, for the most part, once again the case last season, as Boise had the Mountain West's No. 2 scoring defense, and 29th nationally. They were rock-solid in the front seven for much of last season, and they return a difference-maker in junior David Moa. Playing at not-glamorous position like defensive tackle, Moa doesn't get the national respect he should but he had 8.5 sacks last season and can really get after the opposing quarterback. The Broncos will have to find out who will join him on the D-Line, where starters depart at both end and the other tackle spot. Junior Durant Miles really impressed in the spring and he has the speed off the edge to really have a breakout year at the end spot. The linebacker corps will also undergo somewhat of a transition as they break in plenty of fresh faces. Junior Jabril Frazier is the lone returning starter, as he is back to man the "Stud" position, an aggressive pass rushing spot off the edge, where he had four sacks in '16. The middle linebacker spot is up for grabs, with sophomore Tyson Maeva competing with redshirt freshman Benton Wickersham. Maeva has to be the favorite, but the position could be a question mark Boise State must address going forward. At the outside linebacker slots, Boise State has some veteran presences, namely senior Gabe Perez and Leighton Vander Esch. Perez had 7.5 tackles for loss in 2014, but has missed significant time over the past two seasons with injuries, as has Vander Esch. Perez will have to still fight for a starting spot, while Vander Esch's impressive spring could indicate he is on track for a breakout campaign. The clear-cut strength of the defense will be in the back, where Boise brings back plenty of talent. Junior Tyler Horton and senior Cameron Hartsfield are the two real stars of the unit. Horton is very experienced and fundamentally sound, which should help him lock down the No. 1 cornerback spot. Hartsfield is the Broncos' leading returning tackler, with 65, and has proven his worth as a fabulous run defender. The rest of the unit is less experienced, but upside is no question. Junior cornerback Michael Young is expected to lock down a starting role opposite of Horton, while the crazy athletic DeAndre Pierce is fighting for a safety job. Overall, the defense will undergo some adjustments as new starters are breaking in but there is no shortage of talent and plenty of playmakers. That should be important, considering the fact the Broncos' D managed just nine total turnovers a year ago, the fewest in school history.

Special Teams: Much like other parts of this roster, special teams will have some new faces, at both punter and kicker. Placekicker Tyler Rausa is gone after going 9/13 on field goals last season, while fabulous punter Sean Wale also departs. Both duties are expected to be taken over by big-legged redshirt freshman Joel Velasquez. The Broncos should be very dangerous in the return game, where Cedrick Wilson is expected to handle both punt and kick return duties.

After winning the Fiesta Bowl in his first season taking over for former head coach Chris Petersen, Bryan Harsin has yet to have a very complete encore, although 19 wins over the past two seasons isn't exactly terrible either. Talent should be no question, as the Broncos add another strong recruiting class to a roster that has impressive depth and a good dose of experience. Add in a quarterback only getting better, a solid offensive line and some breakout candidates on defense, and Boise State has the pieces they need to get back to the MWC Championship Game, after a two-year absence. Also working in the Broncos favor: one of the easier schedules they've had in years. Outside of a road trip to Washington State, there is a good chance Boise will be favored in every single game they play. It seems like a long time since we've been able to see Boise showcase their magical style of play on the national stage. If everything goes as planned, a return to a New Year's Six Bowl, where they'll have a chance to topple another college football power, should be able to change that.

Player to Watch
Alexander Mattison, RB
Not only is Mattison the replacement to the dynamic Jeremy McNichols, the sophomore is the next in a long line of great Boise running backs, which includes McNichols, Jay Ajayi and Doug Martin. Despite the fact he was behind McNichols in the depth chart, Mattison certainly showed enough that Broncos fans should feel very confident he can honor that impressive lineage. With his speed and shiftiness, a 1,000 yard season should be well within reach.

Five-Year Trend
2012: 11-2 (7-1 MWC)*
2013: 8-5 (6-2 MWC)*
2014: 12-2 (7-1 MWC)*
2015: 9-4 (5-3 MWC)*
2016: 10-3 (6-2 MWC)*

*= Bowl appearance

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 19. Florida Gators

19. Florida Gators

Improved QB play means a third straight SEC East title is a real possibility

Location: Gainesville, FL. Conference: SEC (East) Schedule Roster Coach: Jim McElwain (third year) Last Years Record: 9-4 (6-2 SEC) Bowl Result: Victory in Outback Bowl Overview Entering 2016 it was hard to get a read on which Florida Gators' team would come out. Was it going to be the team that started off 6-0 in 2015? Or the one that sputtered down the stretch, going 4-3? The answer: a little bit in-between. Once more, a physical defense kept the Gators in every game they played but the same old offensive issues prevented the team from really taking the next step. However, a big win in a hard-fought battle against LSU helped Florida seal the SEC East for the second consecutive year and while they were eventually blown out, it shows Jim McElwain's crew has at least developed some form of consistency. Will an improved QB situation and offense mean a third straight SEC East title, or will be the program's continued offensive issues once more put a damper on their impressive talent? Jordan Scarlett Offense: Once Alabama's offensive coordinator, head coach Jim McElwain is known as a great offensive mind and one who has produced impressive results at multiple stops throughout his coaching career. However, entering Year 3 in Gainesville, it's hard to see any form of improvement from this offense. The group was 107th in the nation in scoring, 113th in rushing offense and 116th in total offense. One of the biggest issues has been the lack of a true, star quarterback, which Florida needs to change if they want to return to true national prominence. Redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks impressed coaches and fans alike with his poise and playmaking ability in the spring, but the transfer of Notre Dame grad Malik Zaire could force him to backup duties. Zaire was very good for the Irish at the start of 2015 but was lost for the year to injury. We saw him occasionally in '16 for Notre Dame, but the play of DeShone Kizer quickly overshadowed the veteran quarterback. Zaire is not the most accurate quarterback and still struggles with mistakes but his running ability adds a whole new dimension to an offense that has been stale for too long. After Florida limped along behind the arms of former transfers Luke Del Rio and Austin Appleby last season, it has to be assumed Zaire is a big improvement. The Gators must also develop a consistent ground game after the running back group underperformed a year ago. Junior Jordan Scarlett returns after rushing for 889 yards and six touchdowns last year. Scarlett isn't the type of running back that will break open games too often but the powerful rusher is very reliable and still averaged nearly five yards a carry in 2016. Sophomore Lamical Perine is the cousin of former Oklahoma back Samaje (now in the NFL) and plays very similar to him; he is a very physical runner with just enough shiftiness to him. He will be a quality backup to Scarlett. There shouldn't be much of a question that wide out Antonio Callaway is the best overall player on this offense. Despite not having any consistent signal-caller to catch passes from Callaway had 721 yards on 54 receptions and has averaged 14.5 yards per touch since he arrived in Gainesville. Defenses are definitely going to focus on containing Callaway but his impressive versatility and speed ensure he'll still be able to contribute. It would certainly help this offense in a big way if another go-to receiver arose, and there are some intriguing candidates. Senior Brandon Powell isn't quite the playmaker that Callaway is but is as sure-handed as they come, while sophomores Freddie Swain and Tyrie Cleveland have the explosiveness and potential to become major factors. At tight end, Florida returns two experienced weapons in senior DeAndre Goolsby and C'yontai Lewis. Goolsby quietly caught 38 passes for 382 yards and remains a solid red zone threat, while Lewis is a proven blocker. What should really help Zaire succeed is the offensive line, which returns four starters and has quality depth. Junior Martez Ivey has to be the most recognizable Brandon Powell face on the line, and the most talented. Ivey is a former five-star recruit and the nation's top offensive line recruit in 2015, but has had some major ups-and-downs in his short Florida career. Florida hopes that a move from guard to left tackle will truly unleash his vast potential. The rest of the O-Line includes junior Tyler Jordan (left guard), sophomore Jawaan Taylor (right tackle) and Fred Johnson (right guard) all back. The only position that is of concern is at center, where sophomore T.J. McCoy is the presumed favorite. Defense: It is no secret the Gators' strength over the past few years has been their defense, and that shouldn't change even as their former coordinator, Geoff Collins, moves to Temple to take over the head coaching gig there. Former Miami head coach and linebacker Randy Shannon will take over the D-coordinator role, but will have to deal with a group that loses plenty of starters, including NFL draftees like linebacker Jarrad Davis and corners Quincy Wilson and Jalen Tabor. The defensive line has no returning starters, but there are a number of breakout candidates. Junior Cece Jefferson has the size and power to evolve into a top-tier pass rusher at defensive end, while sophomore Jabari Zuniga already has shown flashes of his impressive talent (8.5 tackles for loss last season). Both Jefferson and Zuniga have seen plenty of action so while this group isn't as experienced as others in the SEC, it should still be able to hold its own. The interior of the D-Line is the bigger question, but juniors Taven Bryan and Khairi Clark looked good during the spring. The linebacker corps will miss Davis in a big way. The now-Detroit Lion had 60 tackles last year, and was really the leader of the group. With his absence, as well as the losses of Alex Anzalone and others, Florida will be wrought with inexperience. Sophomore David Reese will battle senior Christian Garcia to take over Davis' middle linebacker role, while Kylan Johnson and Vosean Joseph appear to be ready to lock down starting jobs on the outside. Johnson is particularly intriguing; the former high school quarterback doesn't really look like a typical SEC 'backer but plays with a kind of toughness and grit that can't be taught. Inexperience could also be a problem in the secondary, especially at corner, where Wilson and Tabor were so good. However, there is still some proven playmakers remaining, and the group should still be nearly as good as last year's edition, which allowed just 148.5 yards per game (2nd in the entire land). Senior safety Marcell Harris has a very good chance of earning All-Conference honors after leading the Gators in tackles in 2016. He is joined in the group by fellow senior Duke Dawson, who played cornerback in the spring and could take over as the team's top CB. Dawson has played most nickelback throughout his UF career but the team's need at corner and his impressive versatility pushed him there, where he should excel. The likely starter opposite of him at cornerback is sophomore Chauncey Gardner. Gardner is still very young but still managed three interceptions a year ago (one which he took back for a score) and earned Outback Bowl MVP honors for his fabulous play in the team's dismantling of Iowa. Special Teams: Even if the offense doesn't take off like Florida hopes, the wonderful special teams play could mask some of those deficiencies. Junior kicker Eddy Pineiro has one of the strongest legs in the sport and nailed 21 of 25 field goals last year, while punter Johnny Townsed led the country in punting average with 47.9 yards. Callaway was a terrific returner his freshman season but struggled last year. If he can regain the 2015 form, it would be a huge lift to the Gators. Two straight SEC East titles and 19 wins in that span prove Jim McElwain's pedigree as a head coach but it is hard to envision what the next step is for the Gator program. The defense should keep them in every game even as it breaks in plenty of new faces, and this is the best special teams group in the country. But, the X-factor is the offense, particularly quarterback. If Zaire can breath new life into this offense and the ground attack can really take off, this team has an outside shot of a Playoff berth and possible SEC Championship. But, if the offense continues to struggle it's hard to see Florida returning to Atlanta or doing much non-conference, where they'll have dates with Michigan and archrival Florida State. Player to Watch Martez Ivey, OT When Ivey arrived on campus two seasons ago, people were already envisioning him being the anchor of the offensive line, a future All-American and eventually, high NFL Draft pick. It hasn't been like Ivey's career has been a bust, but the junior is still improving and learning. It will be interesting to see whether the switch from guard to tackle can result in improved play from him, or whether it will be an experiment doomed to fail. Five-Year Trend 2012: 11-2 (7-1 SEC)* 2013: 4-8 (3-5 SEC) 2014: 7-5 (4-4 SEC)* 2015: 10-4 (7-1 SEC)* 2016: 9-4 (6-2 SEC)* *= Bowl game

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 20. Louisville Cardinals

20. Louisville Cardinals

They're good, but are they at Clemson/FSU's level?

Location: Louisville, KY.  Conference: ACC (Atlantic) Schedule Roster Coach: Bobby Petrino (fourth year) Last Years Record: 9-4 (7-1 ACC) Bowl Result: Loss in Citrus Bowl Overview Entering last season, Louisville appeared to be at an interesting place in the ACC Atlantic. The Cardinals had tons of talent on both sides of the ball, but were inside a division with two Top 5 teams, and had to face a tough Houston team in the non-conference. However, the Cardinals quickly seemed to be perhaps better than originally thought, pounding Charlotte, Syracuse and then second-ranked Florida State behind the play of QB Lamar Jackson, who announced his Heisman candidacy in exciting fashion. Yet, Louisville's early dominance wouldn't last; they were unable to beat Deshaun Watson and Clemson in a thriller, then struggled mightily as November came around, losing their final two regular season games. A Citrus Bowl loss to LSU in which the Cards managed just nine points showed there is plenty to work on as Louisville looks ahead to 2017. Even so, with Jackson leading the charge, and a talented defense, Louisville is almost certainly to still be a major factor in the crowded ACC race.  Lamar Jackson Offense: To call Lamar Jackson simply electrifying may be a serious understatement. The true junior quarterback ran all over, threw all-around and jumped over defenders en route to a season where he had over 5,000 yards of total offense and 51 touchdowns, and of course, a Heisman. Despite his lengthy list of accomplishments, Jackson still has plenty to improve on. He did pass the ball pretty well throughout 2016 but he still has to improve his accuracy and contain his sometimes erratic throws. Jackson also still has to prove doubters wrong who point to his second half struggles as a reason why he shouldn't have won the Heisman. A major help for Jackson will be an improved offensive line, as the Cardinals were extremely porous on the unit a year ago, allowing an ACC-high 47 sacks. Two starters are back but they both are very good, in juniors Geron Christian and Lukayus McNeil. Christian is going to start at the always-important left tackle spot, while McNeil, an established run blocker, should start at a guard spot. The rest of the group is a relative mystery, as a number of position battles unfold. The hope is that some of the young guys take major steps forward, or else they are going to be shredded by the Florida States and the Clemsons of the conference. Jackson will also likely have to make do without a number of his top targets after the top three receivers all departed. The cupboard is far from bare at the position, though, with guys like junior Jaylen Smith and senior Reggie Bonnafon both returning. Smith had 27 catches for 599 yards a year ago and proved to be a very reliable weapon who can good, crisp routes. He doesn't have the insane explosiveness or athleticism other top receivers do in the conference, but he should be effective all the same. Bonnafon is a converted quarterback who has shown plenty of potential at receiver, but is still learning some of the finer things about the position. Expect junior Devante Peete, sophomore Seth Dawkins and perhaps even true freshman Joshua Johnson to see targets as well in the spread offense. At tight end, Louisville is looking to break in a new starter, but junior Micky Crum looked very good in the spring. With Jackson running all over, the Cardinals' serious problems at running back were masked. However, the position has long been a problem for Louisville and needs to truly find a feature back for the offense to really take the next step forward. Senior Jeremy Smith is very experienced and rock-solid, but it's hard to know how high his ceiling is. There is a chance true freshman Colin Wilson gets a chance at starting-level carries as he arrives on campus as the best running back recruit Louisville and Petrino have landed since Michael Bush.  Jaire Alexander Defense: While Louisville's offense sputtered down the stretch, the defense also struggled, allowing 35 points per game over their final three game losing streak, which included being shredded by a bad LSU offense in the bowl game. The good news is that the Cardinals return plenty of talent at all three levels of their defense and have a new look, as defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon arrives after leading the Mississippi State defense for a season. The defensive line will be forced to replace two impressive pass rushers in Devonte Fields and DeAngelo Brown. Fields, an outside linebacker/end hybrid, originally began his career at TCU before ending up at Louisville. His six sacks will certainly be missed, as will Brown's fantastic rush defense abilities, which helped him record 13 tackles for loss in '16. Those losses will put more pressure on the unit's lone returning starter, senior Drew Bailey. Bailey isn't quite the natural pass rusher that Fields was, but had 58 tackles a year ago and seems to only be getting better. Senior Kyle Shortridge is the presumed favorite to take over defensive tackle duties now that Brown has moved on, but could be pushed by impressive young tackle Caleb Tillman, who oozes with potential. Louisville has two very good linebackers back in seniors Stacy Thomas and James Hearns. Hearns will take over Fields' role as the team's premier pass rushing threat off the edge (11 TFLs, 8 sacks in 2016) and should use his NFL-size frame to his advantage. Thomas has had a lengthy injury history, but emerged as one of the team's most consistent defenders a season ago. After picking up 85 tackles last year, he'll hope to see that number increase in a big way as he returns at an inside linebacker spot. Junior Isaac Stewart played very well in a reserve role last year for the Cardinals, and should be ready to help out Thomas at the other ILB position. The secondary is going to be the clear-cut strength for this defense. The group performed pretty well last season, allowing 207.1 yards per game, which was fifth in the conference and 37th nationally. All four starters are back, including the real studs of the group, cornerback Jaire Alexander and safety Chucky Williams. Alexander had a big game on national TV against Clemson, and the junior's star has only continued to rise since then. He is still working on consistency and some of the finer points of cornerback play, but he had five interceptions last year and nine pass deflections in 2016, and is always ready to make a big play. Meanwhile, Chucky Williams led the Cards in tackles last year, recording a whopping 107 tackles. Williams is easily the most rangy defender on this team, truly doing it all, getting in the backfields with 10 tackles for loss and jumping passing routes, with three interceptions. Senior Trumaine Washington is going to start alongside Alexander at the other corner spot, while hard-hitting veteran Zykiesis Cannon is going to start at free safety. Overall, the group has the playmaking (Alexander) and overall experience it needs to be absolutely dominant, which gives them a major advantage in a conference with plenty of quality quarterbacks. Special Teams: Sophomores Blanton Creque and Mason King both return at kicker and punter, respectively, but it's hard to know how good they really are. Creque attempted just 19 field goals last season and did make 16, but Petrino's aggressive offensive approach doesn't rely on the kicking game very much, while King was inconsistent through 2016. Jaire Alexander is going to be a major threat in the return game, where he'll most likely handle punt return duties. Despite all the impressive accomplishments last year's team was able to achieve, there has to be a sense of frustration about the way it ended, which should only motivate the 2017 edition that much more. Jackson still has to improve as a passer to really take the next step but he should keep the offense humming, while this defense is one of the more experienced in the ACC. The big question is whether that will be enough to overcome both Florida State and Clemson in the Atlantic Division, both of whom appear to be Top 5 teams? If this team can cut down on turnovers (107th in turnover margin last season) and maintain their focus over an entire season a division title isn't completely out of the question. However, the most likely scenario? A third-place finish in the division and another good, not great, bowl game. Player to Watch Reggie Bonnafon, WR Once Louisville's starting quarterback, senior Reggie Bonnafon has converted full-time to receiver, able to maximize his impressive speed and explosiveness. One of the more experienced wide outs on the roster, Louisville will look to him to be one of their top targets, but offensive coordinators Lonnie Galloway and Mike Summers will be creative with other ways to get him the ball. With his skill set, he could also play halfback, QB in a Wildcat look or even help out as a returner. Five-Year Trend 2012: 11-2 (7-2 Big East)* 2013: 12-1 (7-1 AAC)* 2014: 9-4 (5-3 ACC)* 2015: 8-5 (5-3 ACC)* 2016: 9-4 (7-1 ACC)* *= Bowl appearance