2020 College Football Picks: Week Nine

 

Chris Olave, Ohio State

Current Picks Record: 18-6 (2-1 Upset)

(#3) Ohio State Buckeyes @ (#18) Penn State Nittany Lions

Line: Ohio State -11

Over/Under: 68.5

Penn State's loss last weekend to Indiana dampened the hype surrounding this game, but PSU-OSU is always a critical one in the Big Ten Title chase. Things have quickly gone downhill for a Nittany Lion offense that looked ready for a big year under new coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca. Quarterback Sean Clifford played well against Indiana, throwing for 238 yards and leading the team in rushing. He'll have even more on his shoulders due to injuries to running backs Journey Brown and Noah Cain. Those two were expected to lead perhaps the league's best rushing offense, but now all the duties fall to Devyn Ford. On the outside, wide out Jahan Dotson and tight end Pat Freiermuth will test an inexperienced Buckeye secondary but who else will step up alongside them? Sophomore Daniel George is a potential deep threat who caught three passes last week. He'll need to open things up for Freiermuth to operate underneath. It will also be fascinating to see how Penn State handles the Buckeye pass rush. Although there's no Chase Young out there this year, guys like Jonathon Cooper and Zach Harrison can still get after it.

The Ohio State offense is led by Heisman candidate Justin Fields, who looked strong in their opener. The dual threat continues to make impressive throws, but his legs might be the big issue for this Nittany Lion defense. Fields and the now-departed J.K. Dobbins notched over 200 yards against PSU last year, and that was with Micah Parsons on the field. There is no Dobbins to worry about this year, but the backfield pair of Master Teague and Trey Sermon can still cause damage. Sermon is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, which gives OSU another playmaker. But, it isn't like the Buckeyes have any shortage of playmakers at receiver, as Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson run the show. In addition, true freshman Jaxon Smith-Njigba made an insane catch last week, and will also be featured. This Penn State defense is very susceptible to big plays through the air. You really have to wonder if they will be able to hold up over four quarters defending the likes of Olave, Wilson and Smith-Njigba.

Penn State gave Ohio State their toughest test of the regular season last year, and they might give them the hardest challenge out of anyone in the conference once again. They are one of the few teams in the Big Ten that has the athletes that can run with Ohio State, even if that doesn't necessarily mean they'll beat them. It's just too difficult to pick against the Buckeyes here, particularly with the fact that there won't be fans in the stands. In a normal year, a late night game in Happy Valley this time of year might sway me to the Nittany Lions. Unfortunately, that just isn't the case in 2020.

Ohio State, 31 Penn State, 20

Arkansas Razorbacks @ (#8) Texas A&M Aggies

Line: A&M -13.5

Over/Under: 54.5

While Penn State-Ohio State will capture most people's attention primetime Saturday, you shouldn't overlook this SEC West clash. Texas A&M followed up their massive win over Florida by getting past Mississippi State, but Arkansas is a different challenge. The Razorback defense is one of the best in the entire country, led by a physical group of linebackers that includes Bumper Pool and Grant Morgan. That means that Kellen Mond is going to have to make some plays over the top, as Isaiah Spiller is likely to have less opportunities. Mond has had a good start to the season, but these are the types of games he struggles in. We will see who steps up to help him on the outside, most likely do-it-all Ainias Smith. However, the Aggies need a more traditional receiver to also make some plays. After a hot start to the year Caleb Chapman has cooled down, but he could be in store for a lot of targets in this one. I will be interested to see how Jimbo Fisher chooses to attack this Arkansas defense. Fisher is not known as being a very innovative offensive play-caller, but he might try and switch some things up here.

The Razorback defense has fueled their surprising success so far in 2020, but this offense shouldn't be completely underestimated. Florida transfer Feleipe Franks has played well, playing smarter football at a controlled pace. He's not the type of weapon that can change games every snap, but Arkansas does have an underrated cast of characters. Back Rakeem Boyd is among the best in the SEC when fully healthy, while junior Trelon Smith has also added a notable spark. Treylon Burks and De'Vion Warren gets thing going at receiver. Warren has been a breakout performer as a senior, thanks in large part to big games against both Auburn and Mississippi State. I also expect to see some K.J. Jefferson sprinkled into this offense, as the speedy quarterback can do things with his legs Franks cannot. He won't see extended action, but Arkansas likes to utilize him to get them a different look offensively. This Aggie defense is decent, but I actually think the Razorbacks match up really well with them.

The upset is a real possibility in this one, and I seriously considered it. Arkansas always plays A&M tougher than the rest of the SEC, and this Razorback team could easily be 3-1 entering the weekend. Their physical brand of football is an absolute challenge for any team they square off against, and it will be interesting to see how A&M responds. I still lean the Aggies primarily because of Kyle Field, and the factor it brings into each game. 

Texas A&M, 24 Arkansas, 21

Boston College Eagles @ (#1) Clemson Tigers

Line: Clemson -24.5

Over/Under: 59

This game was not considered a major one primarily because the assumption has been that Clemson will roll at home. However, things got a lot more interesting last night when it was announced that Heisman frontrunner Trevor Lawrence has COVID-19. His absence means that true freshman D.J. Uigalelei will make his first start of his collegiate career. Uiagalelei is certainly no scrub, rated as a five-star recruit by nearly every recruiting service, and he has looked crisp in his action so far in 2020. With that being said, he does face a pretty tough challenge against an aggressive Boston College defense. The expectation is that tailback Travis Etienne will get a lot of usage early and often. Etienne is a Heisman contender himself, totaling 522 yards and eight touchdowns on the year. He continues to show his improvement as a ballcarrier between the tackles, which wasn't the case early in his collegiate career. I am still curious whether somebody emerges behind him, as Lyn-J Dixon has been fairly quiet in 2020. At receiver, Amari Rodgers leads the way, with plenty of support from Frank Ladson and tight end Braden Galloway. Galloway is going to a tough cover for the Eagles; he's an absolute matchup nightmare.

The BC offense deserves a lot of credit for their improvement in 2020. They've gone from a ground and pound, smash-mouth unit into one that can legitimately put up points. Quarterback Phil Jurkovec has been a revelation in his first season with the Eagles, tossing for 1,671 yards and 12 touchdowns. He's been blessed with a very capable group of receivers, namely Zay Flowers and tight end Hunter Long. Of course, Jurkovec will face his toughest test of the entire season. The Clemson secondary has been excellent all season long, and Jurkovec will have to face down a terrifying pass rush. We'll learn a lot about just how good the former Notre Dame transfer is by the way he handles it. It would really help if David Bailey could get things going on the ground. Bailey has been held in check pretty much all year, and it's a tough bet to think Clemson is the team he'll get going against. The BC O-Line also has to keep Jurkovec upright. They are facing a relentless Clemson pass rush that has so many names that can hurt you. True freshman Myles Murphy is leading the team in sacks, but Justin Mascoll, Bryan Bresee and potential even Xavier Thomas can get in on the fun, and that's just the D-Line. Thomas is still working his way back to full health but is an absolute menace when 100 percent.

The Lawrence absence might make this game slightly more intriguing, but it shouldn't change the result. Clemson is simply too athletic, skilled and deep to lose to Boston College, even a vastly improved Eagles team. Etienne will be overwhelming for this BC defense, and the offense doesn't have the guns to keep up. Perhaps Clemson won't be putting in their backups in the second quarter like past Tiger victories, but they should roll comfortably.

Clemson, 41 Boston College, 17

Other Picks

(#5) Georgia @ Kentucky -- Georgia, 34 Kentucky, 21

(#4) Notre Dame @ Georgia Tech -- Notre Dame, 23 Georgia Tech, 21

(#25) Boise State @ Air Force -- Boise State, 27 Air Force, 16

Upset: Texas, 38 Oklahoma State, 31

Double Upset: Georgia State, 30 Coastal Carolina, 27

2020 College Football Thoughts & Reactions: Week 8

Michael Penix Jr., Indiana

 

Indiana Is The Real Deal

Penn State going on the road and squaring off against Indiana was one of the most fascinating matchups of the Big Ten's return, and it did not disappoint. The Hoosiers and Nittany Lions went back-and-forth until the final play of the game, which featured a controversial touchdown by Indiana's Michael Penix Jr. The upset wasn't completely shocking, because this Indiana program has risen to the level where they should be able to compete with the elites of this conference. They have a true rising star in Penix Jr., and while the defense let up a lot points, they still did a good job creating turnovers and making plays. The most impressive thing about Indiana's rise under head coach Tom Allen is the cultural shift; this team has bought fully into their head coach, and they don't fear anyone in this league. That isn't too say the Hoosiers are going to overtake Ohio State in the East, but I wouldn't be shocked if they hover around seven-eight wins, which would equate to roughly 9-10 in a regular 12-game schedule.

Is Michigan Really That Good? Or Is Minnesota That Bad?

It's hard to know what to make of Michigan's resounding 49-24 win over Minnesota in primetime Saturday night. I foolishly picked the Gophers, but the Wolverines looked crisp on both sides of the ball, and the game was never really in jeopardy past the first quarter. So does this mean UM is a legitimate favorite in the East? Or is Minnesota going to fall back to Earth following their magical 2019? My opinion is a little bit of both. Michigan played excellent and QB Joe Milton played exactly the way the Wolverines wanted him to. He really seems like the ideal fit for OC Josh Gattis' offense, and he played really well despite Michigan replacing three of their top four receivers from '19. On the Gopher side, they had a number of players out due to COVID, including key places on special teams and linebacker. However, the defense has got to be better if they have any hopes of competing out West. Coordinator Joe Rossi did a tremendous job in his first full season at the position last fall, but this year will be where he really earns his money. The good news is that the offense did still play pretty well, and has a favorable matchup with Maryland this upcoming Friday.

Cincinnati Is One Step Closer To a New Year's Six Bowl

Although it got lost in the shuffle with both the Big Ten and Mountain West returning, Cincinnati's victory over SMU was quite the impressive one. The Bearcats dominated from start to finish, and held the explosive SMU offense to just 290 yards. The victory improves Cincy to 4-0 on the season and while there is still a lot of football to be played, they are pretty clearly the AAC favorite. Considering this conference has sent four of the six Group of Five NY6 representatives, it's a good bet that the Bearcats have a good chance to reach one of the major bowls. With that being said, they'll have to stave off a few other contenders, namely Memphis and Tulsa inside their own conference, and Coastal Carolina, Marshall and Boise State elsewhere.

Yes, BYU Really Is Going To Go Undefeated

One of the really great stories of this wacky 2020 college football season has been the success of the BYU Cougars. BYU entered the year with reserved expectations, but they have jumped out to a 6-0 start and are beating opponents by an average of 31 points. They have four games left on their schedule that are definitely scheduled, and are also expected to make-up their previously postponed matchup with 6-1 Army. Those four remaining games? Western Kentucky, at Boise State, North Alabama, and San Diego State. Certainly that road trek to Boise could be awfully tricky, as would a showdown with the triple-option attack of Army, but this Cougars team has the second-best odds to finish the year undefeated according to ESPN's Football Power Index. It's going to be hard for the Cougs to convince the CFB Playoff Committee that they're worthy of a Playoff spot even if they are undefeated, but it's still a fairly incredible story. Don't be shocked if QB Zach Wilson is a regular at the award show at the end of the season, as the junior has been an absolute revelation in 2020.

How Does Jaylen Waddle's Injury Affect Alabama?

Injuries are an unfortunate reality of college football, and the biggest one of the day Saturday was the injury to Alabama's lightning fast receiver, Jaylen Waddle. Waddle might be the fastest player in college football and he was the type of talent that could take the top off opposing defenses, giving the Tide yet another weapon to have fun with. He was leading the Tide in receiving yardage and had four touchdowns on the season, a major contributor to the nation's third best scoring offense. At a place like 'Bama, you expect others on the depth chart to be able to step up, but this loss could still make an impact. Expect even more usage for DeVonta Smith and John Metchie III, but the biggest impact will be on special teams. As their primary returner, Waddle struck fear into opposing team's hearts, and they rarely chose to kick to him. Alabama will have somebody ready to step into his role, but it's going to be hard to replace that type of speed. With all that being said, the Tide are still the heavy favorite in the SEC West. Their biggest threat is Texas A&M, a team they already dominated 52-24. The bigger question is the effect it could have down the line. Will it make an impact against a Clemson or an Ohio State in the Playoff? It certainly could.

The Mountain West Is Back Too

While all the headlines over the weekend focused on the Big Ten's return, the Mountain West also returned for the first time in the 2020 campaign. The league's favorite, Boise State, opened up their season with a comfortable victory over Utah State while possibly their biggest threat, Air Force, lost 17-6 to San Jose State. Another team to watch is the reigning West Division champion Hawai'i, who beat Fresno State by two touchdowns. New quarterback Chevan Cordeiro not only threw for 229 yards, but he also added 116 yards and two scores with his legs. Sure, maybe the Mountain West won't make a massive difference on the national scene, but what college football fan doesn't love some late night football? At least until the Pac-12 returns, the Mountain West should dominate the late-night market.

2020 College Football Picks: Week Eight

Rashod Bateman, Minnesota

Current Picks Record: 12-4 (1-1 Upset)

 (#18) Michigan Wolverines @ (#21) Minnesota Golden Gophers

Line: Michigan -3

Over/Under: 56.5

The Big Ten returns this weekend with a number of big games, capped off by this duel between Michigan and Minnesota. College GameDay is in town for the second time in as many years for Minnesota, adding an extra layer of pressure for P.J. Fleck's team. The Gophers are expected to have an explosive offense, even as they break in two new co-coordinators. Veteran QB Tanner Morgan was terrific throughout 2019 and his top target, Rashod Bateman, is also back after a brief opt-out. Bateman will be a stiff challenge for this Michigan secondary, which relies on physical, man-to-man defense. Don't be surprised if Chris Autman-Bell also gets in on the action as he'll have his opportunities on underneath routes. The primary concern for this Gopher offense entering this one is on the offensive line. While five starters returned to this group this fall, right guard Curtis Dunlap and right tackle Daniel Faalele are both expected to be out. Against a Wolverine defense that loves to blitz, it will be interesting to see how Minnesota handles this. They'll also need it to get their ground attack going; this offense finds its rhythm on the ground before Bateman takes the top off a defense.

On the Michigan side, they're breaking in a new signal-caller in Joe Milton. Michigan fans are excited about the youngster, who has a huge arm and a huge athlete. While it will be his first start, the fact that there will not be fans in the stands will be a major plus. Milton is surrounded by back Zach Charbonnet and a decent receivers corps, although losing Nico Collins is a major blow. Ronnie Bell is now the "veteran" of this group, and he'll have to get things going. The Wolverines are going to want to throw the ball, but I expect their ground game will also be a priority. Minnesota's rush defense loses a number of key pieces, namely Kamal Martin and Carter Coughlin. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Gopher defense have an off-day, even against an inexperienced offense. I'm interested to see what Joe Rossi draws up on the defensive side to try and address these losses. 

I'I'm conflicted about how to feel about this matchup. Admittedly, I'm a lifelong Gopher fan, and I don't think it's crazy to think this is the best Minnesota team in my lifetime. But, I have a lot of respect for Jim Harbaugh, and the defensive concerns for Minnesota are significant. Even though both offenses may start out a little bit slow considering the timing of this start, it could end up being a shootout. With that being said, I trust the Gopher offense more at this point. Morgan, Bateman, and running back Mo Ibrahim are proven offensive weapons, and the O-Line should hold up. I'm never very confident in Minnesota sports, but this Gopher team should be able to prove me right. 

Minnesota, 34 Michigan, 30

(#9) Cincinnati Bearcats @ (#16) SMU Mustangs

Line: Cincinnati -1

Over/Under: 57.5

Perhaps the most underrated of this weekend's slate is this action between Cincinnati and SMU, which will be crucial in the American Athletic Conference race. Both teams sit undefeated, with Cincinnati jumping out to a 3-0 start. However, the Bearcats have yet to see any AAC action in 2020 with last weekend's matchup with Tulsa cancelled. The strength of this team is unquestionably their defense, allowing just 12.3 points per game. Linebacker Jarrell White is the team tackle leader, but its safety James Wiggins that really gets them going. He's one of the best coverage players on this team, and can still get after opposing quarterbacks. Cincy will use him creatively against an explosive SMU offense. The bigger question for the Bearcats is whether their own offense will be able to keep up. QB Desmond Ridder has had a solid year, but turnovers have become a problem. He'll need plenty of help from backs Gerrid Doaks and Charles McClelland, who both can catch out of the backfield. SMU's defense is far from great, but they do some creative stuff to mask their deficiencies.

SMU is led by Heisman contender Shane Buechele, a former Texas transfer. Buechele has already racked up 1,710 yards on the year and he's also playing more efficient, posting a higher completion percentage than in years past. Unfortunately, he won't have his favorite receiver with him heading into this one. Reggie Roberson Jr. is out for the reason due to a knee injury, leaving the Mustangs without one of their chief playmakers. Running back Ulysses Bentley IV will also have to pick up more weight, with starter T.J. McDaniel joining Roberson on the injury list. Bentley has been a pleasant surprise, as the freshman is averaging nearly seven yards per carry. He's the type of playmaker teams need to open things up against this stout Bearcats' defense. We'll also see how this SMU offensive line holds up; it has played decent so far this year, but Cincy is probably the toughest defensive front they've seen all season long.

This is the classic battle between an elite offense and terrific defense and it will be fascinating to see how it plays out. SMU has surprised me this season; while they were a fringe Top 25 team to begin the year, I've been surprised at their ability to finish close games this season. However, I still believe that Cincinnati is the more well-rounded team. They have a deep, experienced defense that should be able to contain a Roberson-less Mustang offense. The big question is on Ridder; can he make the plays necessary to put them over the top? If not, it wouldn't be surprising to see continued expansion of backup Ben Bryant's role.

Cincinnati, 35 SMU, 27

(#17) Iowa State Cyclones @ (#6) Oklahoma State Cowboys

Line: Oklahoma State -4

Over/Under: 61.5

We didn't expect Iowa State and Oklahoma State to be potentially the biggest game of the regular season in the Big 12, but here we are. Iowa State has recovered from a season-opening loss to Louisiana-Lafayette to win their last three games. The offense has been rolling behind the leadership of quarterback Brock Purdy and tailback Breece Hall. Hall in particular has been a touchdown machine since that ULL game, rushing for seven in those last three. He faces an Oklahoma State defense that struggles to defend the pass, but actually has a pretty good rush defense. Purdy should take to the air early and often, but the Cyclones really need new faces to emerge on the perimeter. Senior Landen Akers has shown big-play ability, but this offense could still use an extra spark considering the offense on the other side.

Oklahoma State has traditionally been an explosive offense but they've dealt with the injury bug early on in 2020. Starting quarterback Spencer Sanders has been injured since the opener, forcing freshman Shane Illingworth into the starting role. Sanders is expected to be ready to go for this one and he should start. Sanders still can struggle with turnovers, but he's also shown the arm strength necessary to run this offense. Star back Chuba Hubbard also has not been 100 percent, but he should also be ready to roll in this one. He was a little bit quieter in this matchup than normal a year ago, primarily because Iowa State's rush defense has been so strong. We'll see if he can really get going after a fairly quiet start to this season. Expect the Cowboys to still utilize backup L.D. Brown extensively, as he's thrived during Hubbard's issues. On the outside, wide out Tylan Wallace will be excited that his main quarterback is back in action. Wallace has still been effective, totaling 325 yards, but he should be even more dangerous with Sanders running the show. Oklahoma State does need somebody else to step up as well beyond Wallace if they want to move the ball against a skilled Cyclone defense. Look at senior Dillon Stoner as a real possibility; he's been surprisingly contained.

Despite not being 100 percent, Oklahoma State has asserted themselves as the early favorite in the Big 12 Title chase. Yet, they still haven't beaten a ranked team and their best win is a fairly mediocre West Virginia squad. This is a major opportunity to prove themselves at home against an Iowa State team that's playing some great football. The two are pretty evenly matched top to bottom, although the return of Sanders might give OSU a slight edge on offense. Perhaps if this game was in Ames, I'd roll with the Cyclones but home-field advantage leads me to pick the Cowboys. 

Oklahoma State, 38 Iowa State, 28

Other Picks

(#8) Penn State @ Indiana -- Penn State, 27 Indiana, 24

(#23) NC State @ (#14) UNC -- UNC, 37 NC State, 24

(#3) Notre Dame @ Pittsburgh -- Notre Dame, 20 Pittsburgh, 13

(#2) Alabama @ Tennessee -- Alabama, 49 Tennessee, 21

Upset Pick: Wake Forest, 34 Virginia Tech, 30

College Football Preview 2020: Big Ten

 

Garrett Wilson, Ohio State

Usually when I put out my annual "College Football Preview" in late summer, I don't have to go back and add onto it later on. But, the return of the Big Ten is worthy of discussion, especially with how strong the top of the conference is. Ohio State and Penn State both are skilled enough to be in the National Championship hunt, and the West Division has an intriguing list of contenders.  

East Division

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (Projected Record: 9-0, Win Big Ten Championship Game)

Strengths: Justin Fields was just as good as advertised coming from a one-season stay at Georgia, asserting himself as a Heisman finalist in Columbus. It's not just Fields' playmaking that is so impressive, but that he does it so efficiently and limits turnovers. He finished with 51 total touchdowns and threw just three interceptions, with two of those coming in the CFB Playoff semifinal against Clemson. I don't expect any rust from Fields, he should be dominant from the outset... Fields will have the luxury of throwing to a stacked receiver corps, which has proven veteran talent, as well as tantalizing upside. Chris Olave was the leading pass-catcher on this roster last fall, and sophomore Garrett Wilson is ready to become the other go-to guy on the outside. Add in freshmen Julian Fleming and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and there are so many weapons opposing defenses have to worry about... While Chase Young might now be on the Washington Football Team, the Buckeye front seven will still have some serious bite. The linebacker group is especially well-rounded, with veterans Tuf Borland and Pete Werner in place. Nobody will be able to completely replicate Young's impact on a game, but senior Jonathon Cooper and sophomore Zach Harrison are ready to go. 

Weaknesses: This Ohio State secondary has become an NFL factory, and the league once again stole a number of key Buckeye defensive backs, namely Jim Thorpe Finalist Jeff Okudah and steady Damon Arnette. The Buckeyes did receive good news recently when Shaun Wade announced he would be opting back into the season, ensuring there is some proven leadership here. However, the corner spot opposite of Wade is up in the air, and the safeties will need some time. It wouldn't be surprising to see the pass defense struggle for the first month as it finds its groove... J.K. Dobbins is a big loss, even as Ohio State brings back interesting weapons in the backfield. Dobbins had a tremendous 2019, propelling him to second on the OSU all-time rushing records, with 4,459. OSU will now turn to Master Teague III and Oklahoma transfer Trey Sermon to fill the void. Teague quietly added 789 yards a year ago and should acclimate well to an expanded role, while Sermon is very versatile, and can help out in the pass game... You almost have to nit-pick a third major concern for Ohio State here. Could the lack of QB depth possibly end up being a problem? Could the loss of Jeff Hafley on the defensive side of the ball? Is there a potential issue looming on special teams? Either way you look at it, Ohio State has the least amount of "questions" of any team in the Big Ten.

Bottom Line: Ryan Day has begun his Ohio State coaching career winning 16 of 17, and his lone loss was a heartbreaker to Clemson. He'll have his Buckeyes back with a vengeance, and trotting out what is perhaps the nation's best QB is quite a place to start. With the speed, talent and depth OSU can roll out for an entire sixty minutes, it's hard to see anyone taking them down in the league this year. The only chance will be if the Buckeyes have an off-week and even then, you'll have to play the Buckeyes for an entire four quarters.

2. Penn State Nittany Lions (Projected Record: 7-2)

Strengths: The backfield is stocked top to bottom with talent. Journey Brown, Noah Cain and Devyn Ford all saw significant action in 2019, with Brown emerging as the top guy late in the season. He'll get the majority of the carries this fall, but Cain and Ford will also play a lot of snaps. Cain is the type of hard runner this offense needs to create a spark at times... Penn State might have the best collection of tight ends in the country, and they'll use them in creative ways. Junior Pat Freiermuth is almost sure to be a high draft pick, and he hauled in 43 passes for 507 yards. With K.J. Hamler gone, Freiermuth will probably see an increase in targets, operating as Sean Clifford's security blanket. Sophomore Zack Kuntz has red zone threat potential behind him, and true frosh Theo Johnson was a big addition to this roster... The defensive line is among the best in the conference, and should feature a fairly potent pass rush. Sure, it's a group that loses an important face in Yetur Gross-Matos, but Shaka Toney and Jayson Oweh should be a very strong 1-2 punch. Oweh has received rave reviews from Penn State people in practice and after a five-sack 2019, he is a popular breakout candidate.

Weaknesses: The decision by Micah Parsons to opt out of the 2020 season really hurts. Parsons was possibly the best defender in college football, totaling 109 tackles, five sacks, and five pass deflections. Penn State has been able to produce well at the linebacker position over the years, but Parsons is not a guy that you simply replace... Freiermuth is a load to handle at tight end, but I'm a little concerned about PSU's receiver room. Jahan Dotson was a nice complement to Hamler in 2019, but can he step up and be the No. 1 option? Behind Dotson, this is an untested group, with sophomore Daniel George and junior Cam Sullivan-Brown the next guys up. For an aerial attack that had some room to grow in 2019, losing a player like Hamler will be difficult... The pass defense was really bad at times last season, and cost them games. This is a secondary with a healthy amount of experience and plenty of talent, but it had a knack for allowing the big play last fall. Senior corner Tariq Castro-Fields has to be better, while veteran safeties Lamont Wade and Jaquan Brisker patrol the far back-end.

Bottom Line: James Franklin has developed Penn State into one of the Big Ten's most consistent programs, and a perennial New Year's Six threat. However, as he enters his seventh year in Happy Valley, PSU is still aiming for their first Playoff berth. There's the talent in place to do it in 2020, but the offense will undergo a transition under Kirk Ciarrocca, while the defense must replace Micah Parsons. The Nittany Lions will still be a factor in the East, but they seem just a step below Ohio State entering the season.

3. Indiana Hoosiers (Projected Record: 5-4)

Strengths: Nearly every important piece returns to this offense, which averaged nearly 32 points per game a season ago. Michael Penix Jr. is healthy and ready to go at quarterback after missing a big chunk of last season. In his six starts, Penix had 1,613 yards and 11 touchdowns. He will be aided by a receiver corps that includes Whop Philyor and Ty Fryfogle, plus running back Stevie Scott also returning to the backfield... The front seven may be relatively short on star power, but there's plenty of experience returning to lead the Hoosiers. Ends James Head Jr. and Michael Ziemba have proven they can create chaos for opposing quarterbacks, and Indiana also brought on Jovan Swann as a grad transfer from Stanford. Swann should compete for snaps right away, as a regular contributor for the Cardinal the last two seasons... Despite playing in a difficult division, Indiana's pass defense numbers were also good in 2019, ranking 46th nationally. There are a few names gone from the defensive backfield, but enough holdovers for this to be a strength. Sophomore corner Tiawan Mullen is a name to know; he was a Freshman All-American after breaking up 13 passes last season. Don't be surprised if he makes the next jump and establishes himself as one of the best corners in college football, let alone the Big Ten.

Weaknesses: The offensive line does return three starters, but is it good enough to be among the best in the league? The Hoosiers are legitimately good enough to contend for an East Division Title, but this division is stacked with elite pass rushers. How Indiana handles that and finds quality depth up front will be a fascinating watch... The rush offense was the weakest part of this team statistically last fall, even with Stevie Scott eclipsing 1,000 yards. Scott isn't a superstar, but has proven himself as a solid weapon for Indiana to utilize. Whether that results in more balance on offense this year remains to be seen... How does Indiana handle going from the hunters to the hunted? After their best season since the early 1990s, the Hoosiers are in unfamiliar territory. They won't just be a dark horse team in the league this year, but considered a legit contender. Whether they can live up to that expectations will be interesting, because it's always easier said than done.

Bottom Line: Indiana was a great story last fall, and the core is in place to once again be a factor in the East Division. This team is balanced, well-rounded and well-coached and while they might not have the talent of the big boys in the Big Ten, they'll compete. They won't win the conference this year, but beating an Ohio State or Michigan will be the top goal. The Hoosiers haven't beaten the Buckeyes since 1988, and Michigan the year prior. 

4. Michigan Wolverines (Projected Record: 5-4)

Strengths: The front seven still has loads of future NFL talent, with the headliners being ends Kwity Paye and Aidan Hutchinson. Paye led the team with 12.5 tackles for loss last fall, and also posted 6.5 sacks, and Hutchinson is proven in run support. At linebacker the Wolverines must replace Josh Uche, but junior Cam McGrone appears ready to break on to the big stage... Nico Collins opting out was a real bummer, but the Wolverines still have a receiver group that could be really good. Ronnie Bell has occasionally dealt with drops, but he totaled 758 yards receiving in 2019. Sophomores Giles Jackson will accompany him on the outside, and Michigan is excited about the upside of true freshman A.J. Henning. Jackson is probably the fastest player on the entire roster, and could play a crucial role as a deep threat... Special teams should be a strength in 2020, as two experienced kickers return, plus punter Will Hart. Hart won Big Ten Punter of the Year in 2018 and remains one of the league's best, while Quinn Nordin and Jake Moody will split placekicking duties.

Weaknesses: The offensive line loses four starters, including long-time stalwarts Cesar Ruiz and Ben Bredeson. Right tackle Jalen Mayfield is the lone holdover, originally opting out of the season before deciding to opt back in once the Big Ten officially returned. Mayfield has the potential to be an absolute stud, but he'll need some help if this offense is to succeed... Shea Patterson was far from the world's best QB in his time in Ann Arbor, but his absence does leave questions at the game's most important position. An off-season quarterback competition resulted in Joe Milton being named the starter, while long-time backup Dylan McCaffrey entered the transfer portal. There's a lot of hype surrounding Milton and he has significant upside, but an inexperienced QB playing behind a thin O-Line? It's only natural to be slightly concerned... Can Josh Gattis figure out the offense? Gattis was a big-name hire when Jim Harbaugh brought him to Michigan prior to 2019 but UM's offensive numbers were very underwhelming. An off-season of learning the system should help this offense and Milton seems like a good fit, but there's plenty of room for growth.

Bottom Line: I picked Michigan to win the Big Ten and make it to the Playoff prior to last season, so a 9-4 mark was obviously disappointing. This year, my expectations are significantly lower, and for obvious reason. Unless Milton acclimates to the starting QB job fast and the rest of the offense figures it out quick, this team is going to struggle to score against the elite of the league. Hovering around .500 may be the reality in such an unconventional season.

5. Maryland Terrapins (Projected Record: 2-7)

Strengths: Mike Locksley had a couple major recruiting wins over the off-season, most notably bringing in Taulia Tagovailoa from Alabama, and adding former LSU commit Rakim Jarrett on National Signing Day. It's hard to know what we're getting from Tua's younger brother, but he flashed potential in short spurts with the Crimson Tide. Jarrett may end up starting right away, and he's the type of receiver Maryland hasn't had since Stefon Diggs was in College Park... In addition to Jarrett, the receiver corps could be really good. Jeshaun Jones was a breakout star in 2018, but he missed nearly all of 2019 with a torn ACL. His versatility will allow OC Scottie Montgomery to be creative with how he attacks some of these defenses. Also back is Dontay Demus Jr., who paced the Terps with six receiving touchdowns last season... The pass defense was among the worst in the country in 2019, but there's reason for optimism this year when considering the talent returning. Sophomore corner Deonte Banks is ready to be the No. 1 guy on the back-end, while safety Nick Cross is almost sure to have a big sophomore season after earning All-Big Ten honors last season. Senior Antwaine Richardson joins Cross at safety, as Richardson also returns from an ACL injury.

Weaknesses: After a 3-2 start, Maryland dropped seven straight to end the 2019 campaign. Locksley has earned a reputation as a recruiter, but he's got to rid the losing culture that takes over Maryland on the football field. This team has a lot of potential, they simply need to play better... It's unclear what this backfield will look like. Tagovailoa is the favorite to start at quarterback with Josh Jackson opting out, but who takes over for Anthony McFarland Jr. at running back? Tayon Fleet-Davis has been solid, but we'll also likely see freshman Peny Boone get his opportunities to show what he can do. Both are completely different runners than McFarland, who was a speed demon... Line play on both sides of the ball has to be better if Maryland has any chance at competing in the Big Ten. This is a physical league, but the Terrapins have simply not done a good job crafting their talent to match that. Three starters are back on the offensive line, so that group should be better, but I worry about the D-Line.

Bottom Line: Since moving to the Big Ten, Maryland has consistently found themselves at the bottom of the league standings, along with their fellow newcomer Rutgers. They won't be able to rise from the cellar to the top of the league in 2020, but it's up to Locksley to show that there is a foundation in place that can eventually compete. If the Terps can find a QB and play better in the trenches, there's enough interesting pieces for this team to surprise some folks. If not, it's a race against Rutgers at the bottom of the conference once again.

6. Michigan State Spartans (Projected Record: 2-7)

Strengths: The Spartans have seriously lacked explosive weapons offensively for some time now, but they have intriguing talent on this roster entering 2020. Running back Elijah Collins recorded 988 yards in 2019, despite running behind a mediocre O-Line. He could be one of the nation's most underrated tailbacks going into this season. At receiver, sophomore Jalen Nailor has game-breaking speed and athleticism, while former Western Michigan transfer Jayden Reed brings proven experience... Michigan State had the nation's 16th-ranked rush defense last fall, and the front seven will again be stout. Senior Jacob Panasiuk is an absolute pest at defensive end, while tackles Naquan Jones and Jacob Slade plug holes up the middle. The linebacker group does lose a lot of key faces, but senior Antjuan Simmons is an important returnee... Kicker Matt Coghlin might've been the best in the Big Ten in 2018, but he really fell off last year. If he can return to that '18 form (18-22 on field goals, 25-25 on extra points), he is quite the luxury to have.

Weaknesses: Bringing in a new offensive staff was necessary after MSU ranked 105th in the nation in scoring offense (22.4 PPG), but things became a lot more complicated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. OC Jay Johnson and this new staff may have some interesting talent to work with, but how will they perform with the shortest off-season in Big Ten history?... It doesn't make things any easier for Johnson or new head coach Mel Tucker that the quarterback situation is so up in the air. Junior Rocky Lombardi has seen playing time backing up the now-departed Brian Lewerke, but he hasn't grabbed the starting job. He has to fend off challenges from sophomore Theo Day and redshirt frosh Payton Thorne... The pass defense might have been a Top 40 group in 2019, but only one starter is back in East Lansing, that being junior Xavier Henderson. Neither corner spot has a locked in, for-sure starter on Day One, and the safety spot opposite of Henderson is up for grabs. Perhaps this defensive coaching staff will be able to figure things out, but a step back should be expected.

Bottom Line: The surprising retirement of Mark Dantonio forced MSU to bring in Mel Tucker later in the off-season than most of the coaching carousel, making 2020 an even greater challenge for the young head coach. This is a program that has proven it can win, but a rough Year One may be in store. The offense may have some weapons, but QB is still such a problem, and eight starters are gone from a good defense. Tucker will be making a bunch of money in 2020 and he'll have earned it if he's able to build a contender in his debut season in East Lansing.

7. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Projected Record: 0-9)

Strengths: After firing Chris Ash a month into the 2019 campaign, Rutgers decided to bring back Greg Schiano as head man. Schiano won a lot in his first stint with the Scarlet Knights and parlayed it into an NFL job, but times have changed. No longer is Rutgers playing in the Big East and staring down a schedule that includes Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan every single year is a tough ask. Schiano did make two good coordinator hires, bringing in Oklahoma State OC Sean Gleeson to run his offense, while former Minnesota DC Robb Smith will handle the same duties on defense... Schiano and Rutgers were very active in the transfer portal this off-season, helping them upgrade the talent level in short order. Wide out Aron Cruickshank (Wisconsin), QB Noah Vedral (Nebraska), DT Michael Dwumfour (Michigan) and S Brendon White (Ohio State) are just a few of the newcomers who will immediately compete for snaps. None are exactly program-changing talents, but they are the type of experienced players Rutgers has lacked since joining the league... Even with Raheem Blackshear transferring to Virginia Tech, the running back room is really strong. Junior Isaih Pacheco ran for 729 yards and seven touchdowns last fall and will once again be the feature back. He is joined by Aaron Young and Kay'Ron Adams, a pair of sophomores who add speed.

Weaknesses: Rutgers still has a long way to go to even be competitive in the Big Ten. Their closest game in the league last fall was a 21-point loss to a beat-up Penn State team, and they were shut out four times in a nine-game conference schedule... Unsurprisingly, the quarterback situation is a problem. Vedral comes in from Nebraska with some experience, while Art Sitkowski returns after redshirting a season ago. Sitkowski came to Rutgers with some notable hype as a prospect but he's been terrible in his time with the Scarlet Knights so far. Baylor transfer Peyton Powell may also factor into the competition, but he also might move to wide out... The offensive line was atrocious in 2019, and only one starter remains in the fold. That starter is senior guard Nick Krimin, who will have to anchor this unit in 2020. The rest of the group is completely untested, and there is no depth to speak of.

Bottom Line: Bringing back Schiano was the right move when you consider the current state of this Rutgers program, but there are no quick fixes here. While bringing in some talent through the transfer portal will undoubtedly help, there's a long way to go. Playing a full Big Ten schedule means 1-2 wins is about the best that you can hope for in 2020.

West Division

1. Minnesota Golden Gophers (Projected Record: 6-3, Lose Big Ten Championship Game)

Strengths: The offensive core remains mostly in place, with the only notable names moving on being Tyler Johnson and running back Rodney Smith. Tanner Morgan has asserted himself as one of the best in the conference, and he gets his favorite pass-catcher, Rashod Bateman, back in the fold. Bateman opted out of the 2020 season before later announcing his return, hoping to defend his Big Ten Receiver of the Year honors... The offensive line returns all five starters, plus a quality backup in John Michael Schmitz. This group struggled earlier in the year but seemed to really find their rhythm down the stretch, becoming a major reason for Morgan's success. Guard Curtis Dunlap entered his name into the transfer portal in September before taking his name out later on. He's talented enough to be the best blocker on this roster, teaming up with 400 pound behemoth Daniel Faalele on the right side... Even though Antoine Winfield Jr. is now a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, there's still a lot to like about the pass defense, which ranked ninth in the entire nation a season ago. Veterans Coney Durr and Benjamin St. Juste are proven Big Ten commodities, while junior safety Jordan Howden might lead the team in tackles. The big concern is Winfield's absence, which will likely be taken over by sophomore Tyler Nubin.

Weaknesses: The defense loses seven starters, including some of the biggest names in recent Gopher football history. Carter Coughlin, Kamal Martin, Thomas Barber and Winfield Jr. were not just elite-level players, but leaders in the locker room. It's one thing to replace their production, but another thing to replicate that type of leadership... While the offense has a lot back, they will be breaking in two new co-offensive coordinators following Kirk Ciarrocca's departure to Penn State. Receivers coach Matt Simon will pair with new hire Mike Sanford Jr. to run this offense. Sanford's stock has been down after previous stops as Notre Dame OC and Western Kentucky head coach, but he has loads of talent to work with... The receiver room is supremely talented with Bateman leading the charge, but depth could be a concern. Beyond Bateman and sidekick Chris Autman-Bell, the list of proven receivers is short, particularly after Demetrius Douglas' decision to opt out. The Gophers are hopeful a youngster can step up and become their third option, possibly even freshman Daniel Jackson.

Bottom Line: In a West Division where there isn't a clear favorite, it's essentially up to you on who chose between Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota. I may be biased, but the Gophers seem like the most logical choice, mainly because of the edge in experience at QB. With that being said, the defense could take a notable step back with so many names gone, and I'm curious to see what the Sanford/Simon situation looks like. Minnesota's talented enough to win the division, and they've had their breakthrough season already. Now it's just time to see what P.J. Fleck can do for an encore.

2. Wisconsin Badgers (Projected Record: 7-2)

Strengths: The Badger front seven will again be one of the best in the league, coming off a 2019 in which they were Top 10 in rush defense. Senior Isaiahh Loudermilk is the team's best pass rusher on the D-Line, while fellow senior Garrett Rand causes chaos on the other side. At linebacker, Jack Sanborn returns after leading the team in tackles last fall, while sophomore Leo Chenal is a breakout candidate... Record-setting tailback Jonathan Taylor may be gone, but the backfield is still loaded. Sophomore Nakia Watson served as Taylor's backup last season and contributed 331 yards. He'll compete with veteran Garrett Groshek and highly touted newcomer Jalen Berger for carries... You never worry about offensive line play at Wisconsin, and they're strong once again up front. Left tackle Cole Van Lanen is a future NFL linemen, while junior Logan Bruss is the other returning starter on the unit. The right tackle spot will have to be figured out, but there's no reason for serious concern.

Weaknesses: A foot injury to Jack Coan certainly changed Wisconsin's perceptions on the season. Coan put together the best season by a Badger QB since Russell Wilson was in town, and the steady vet has started 18 games in his collegiate career. His injury means the Badgers will likely turn to redshirt freshman Graham Mertz. Mertz was a fairly high-profile recruiting win for Wisconsin, but he played sparingly in 2019... Who is going to step up on the perimeter now that Quintez Cephus is in the NFL? At times in 2019, Cephus was the only Badger receiver that could make things happen downfield, and his absence is a bigger deal than most realize. Seniors Danny Davis III and Kendric Pryor have the experience, but they simply haven't proven they can be go-to guys. Tight end Jake Ferguson might end up leading the team in most receiving categories... Special teams is a possible problem area, as the Badgers were 112th in the nation in punting yardage in 2019. It won't help that there isn't a clear starter at the punter position entering this fall, and the team's top returner, Aron Cruickshank, transferred.

Bottom Line: Wisconsin is still a smart pick as the division title winner, as the Badgers have dominated the West since the Big Ten's move to the East-West format. However, it's reasonable to be a little bit concerned about an inexperienced QB leading an offense that loses Taylor and Cephus. I expect some growing pains early, with the defense carrying them later into the year. The Badgers are still going to be a tough team to beat, but a slight slide down the division wouldn't be shocking either.

3. Iowa Hawkeyes (Projected Record: 6-3)

Strengths: Iowa is the most talented they've been at the skill positions in some time. In the backfield, Ty Goodson is ready to become the next great Iowa tailback, and the Hawkeyes have a terrifying trio on the outside in Brandon Smith, Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Tyrone Tracy. Smith-Marsette is the type of versatile, game-changing talent Iowa simply has not had in a long time... While Tristan Wirfs may now be in the NFL, you don't worry about the Hawkeye O-Line either. Left tackle Alaric Jackson probably would've been a first or second rounder if he had chosen to go pro, but he instead decided to stay one more year in Iowa City. Along with Mark Kellenberger and Tyler Linderbaum, the Hawkeyes also added Indiana transfer Coy Cronk... The 19th-ranked pass defense may lose Michael Ojemudia and Geno Stone, but it's still a strength for this team. Corner Matt Hankins and safety Jack Koerner will lead the unit, while Riley Moss is expected to step into the corner spot vacated by Ojemudia. Koerner was second on the team in tackles last season, and will once again be manning the free safety spot.

Weaknesses: Nate Stanley might not have a game-changer at QB, but he was a multi-year starter who was an ideal fit in this Iowa offense. His graduation means the Hawkeyes will turn to either sophomore Spencer Petras or true freshman Duece Hogan. Petras is certainly the favorite and at 6'5", he has a frame very reminiscent of Stanley... The front seven is thinner than usual, even though Iowa has a track record for developing linemen and linebackers. A.J. Epenesa was one of the best in the entire country, but his 11.5 sacks are now in Buffalo. The linebacker group got even more thin when projected starter Dillon Doyle, the son of embattled former strength & conditioning coach Chris Doyle, transferred... It's been a long off-season for Iowa football. Former players of color have come forward and accused the program of a racist and close-minded culture, which will likely result in lawsuits against the university. Kirk Ferentz has tried to calm down the drama and firing Doyle was an understandable move, but it's likely off-the-field issues could overshadow the 2020 season for the Hawkeyes.

Bottom Line: The ever-consistent Hawkeyes will once again be a major factor in the Big Ten West, and they're absolutely loaded at the skill positions. With that being said, the QB questions and holes on defense make me feel less confident about Iowa's chances to overtake Minnesota-Wisconsin and win the West. As the fallout from off-season events continues deep into the fall, it will be interesting to see whether the Hawkeyes can push forward beyond that and still finish near the top of the conference.

4. Purdue Boilermakers (Projected Record: 4-5)

Strengths: Purdue might challenge Ohio State for best collection of receivers in the Big Ten. Rondale Moore was one of 2018's breakout stars during the season, but missed nearly all of last season with injury. After initially opting out, his return to West Lafayette gives the Boilermakers an absolute game-changer ready to go out on top. Sophomore David Bell starred in Moore's absence last year and should be an excellent complement, and fellow sophomores Milton Wright and Amad Anderson Jr. will also be featured... The defensive line may be the most underrated in the division, spearheaded by rising star George Karlaftis. As a true freshman in 2019, Karlaftis earned Freshman All-American honors for posting 17 TFL and 7.5 sacks. He has the talent to not just be one of the best in the league, but one of the best in the entire nation. Joining him will be veteran defensive tackle Lorenzo Neal, who has played in 32 games during his Purdue career. Neal was another Boilermaker hit by the injury bug a year ago, but he had 30 tackles in 2018... Even though the Boilermakers don't have a superstar at running back, they have a number of proven commodities, namely sophomore King Doerue. Doerue had 451 yards in 2019 and should once again be the feature back, but he'll be aided by hard-nosed runner Zander Horvath and highly touted newcomer Tirek Murphy.

Weaknesses: The defense was really bad across the board in 2019, ranking 86th nationally in points allowed per game and 100th in yards allowed. New DC Bob Diaco was the former coordinator at Nebraska so he knows this division, but there's a lot of room for improvement... The defense won't get better unless the pass defense really improves, but there's a real lack of proven experience on the back-end. Corners Cory Trice and Dedrick Mackey have played snaps for this Purdue team, but neither have emerged as a true lockdown guy. Neither safety spot has a locked-in starter heading into the 2020 season, although adding UConn transfer Tyler Coyle will help... Quarterback isn't a massive concern because there is starting experience there, but who will end up being the starter? Junior Aidan O'Connell and sophomore Jack Plummer both saw action in 2019, and are considered the two favorites. UCLA grad transfer Austin Burton might also factor into the equation, after appearing in six games last fall.

Bottom Line: A 4-8 record was understandable for Purdue when you consider the injuries they dealt with throughout 2019. It's pretty doubtful they'll have that bad of injury luck again in 2020, and this roster has some legitimate elite-level talent. I actually really like Purdue as this division's dark horse, especially when you consider their schedule. Their cross-division games are Rutgers and rival Indiana, both winnable games for this program.

5. Nebraska Cornhuskers (Projected Record: 4-5)

Strengths: If you haven't heard of Wan'Dale Robinson yet, it's about time to get acquainted. In ten games last fall, Robinson broke Nebraska freshman records for receptions and receiving yards and he was a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award (nation's most versatile player). After dealing with injuries at the end of 2019, it sounds like Robinson is 100 percent and ready to go. He's the type of versatile game-breaker that offenses need more and more in today's college football... In addition to Robinson, there's a lot to like about this offense. Quarterback Adrian Martinez was a disappointment in 2019 but he was two years of experience under his belt, and former Georgia Tech transfer Dedrick Mills is one of the most underrated tailbacks in the conference. Add to that four starters back on the O-Line, and this offense should be much better than the mediocre group it was last fall... The pass defense was actually pretty good a year ago, ranking 30th nationally. Three out of four starters are back, although losing Lamar Jackson is a tough pill to swallow. Corner Dicaprio Bootle will feature as the team's primary cover guy, while safety Marquel Dismuke is a name to watch.

Weaknesses: The rush defense was absolutely dreadful at times in 2019, allowing over 188 yards per game. Losing defensive linemen Carlos and Khalil Davis won't help things, although there is still talent to like on the D-Line. Defensive end Ben Stille has played a lot of snaps in his NU career, and junior Damion Daniels has the potential to be a real force... Robinson may be the top playmaker on this team, but he's not a natural No. 1 receiver. That leaves the 'Huskers a little bit thin on the perimeter, thanks in large part to the transfer of J.D. Spielman, who is now a TCU Horned Frog. Expect names like Kade Warner (Kurt's son) and JUCO transfer Omar Manning to be featured heavily, and Nebraska will also probably need production from the tight end position... Special teams was a big problem for NU in 2019. The Cornhuskers cycled through six kickers to go 12/20 on field goal attempts. It's unclear who will take over placekicker duties entering 2020, but they simply have to be better than last season's group.

Bottom Line: I joined a lengthy list of people who thought Nebraska would make a big jump in 2019, but they ended up being one of college football's most disappointing teams. I still believe that Scott Frost can turn this thing around, but the defense has to be better and Martinez must develop some consistency on offense. I certainly wouldn't be shocked if Nebraska finishes much higher than fifth but until they prove they can do it, they're a middle-of-the-pack West Division team in my opinion.

6. Northwestern Wildcats (Projected Record: 3-6)

Strengths: The Wildcats had the worst passing offense in Power Five football a season ago, making it necessary to make a change at QB. They're hopeful Indiana transfer Peyton Ramsey can be an improvement over their previous situation, and Ramsey does bring a proven pedigree. He started 23 games for the Hoosiers, and is a dual threat... Northwestern always has a tough, physical defense and 2020's group should be no different. While they have to do some retooling on the D-Line, the back-seven should be among the best in the division. Linebacker Paddy Fisher is an All-American talent, and he is aided by Blake Gallagher, who led the team in tackles in 2019... Northwestern had to really lean on their ground game to move the ball at all a year ago, and the backfield is full of talent. Junior Isaiah Bowser is the established veteran, running for 866 yards in 2018 before an injury-plagued '19. But, don't be surprised if Evan Hull ends up impressing the most from this group. He dominated down the stretch last season, rushing for 220 yards and four touchdowns against UMass.

Weaknesses: The offense simply has to generate more explosive plays, and get the ball down the field. Getting Ramsey at quarterback will make that an easier mission, but Northwestern also needs some playmakers to emerge at wide out. Veterans Kyric McGowan and Riley Lees are experienced, but can they create more vertical gains?... While the back-seven should be strong, the defensive line is definitely a concern. It's likely to be comprised of four brand new starters, made even worse when senior defensive end Samdup Miller announced he was opting out of the 2020 campaign. Senior Earnest Brown IV does have some experience, but he'll have to become the real leader of this unit... Again, adding Ramsey has to be seen as a win, but how do the Wildcats handle a new QB with a new coordinator during an abbreviated off-season? The new OC is Mike Bajakian, who comes over from the same gig at Boston College, but how does he handle breaking in a new system during the weirdest off-season in Big Ten history? Northwestern is not the only team dealing with this issue, but it's a weakness all the same.

Bottom Line: Northwestern's regression from Big Ten West champ to 3-9 cellar dweller was fairly shocking, but a return to normalcy should be in store. The offense still has its concerns, but it's hard to imagine it putting up worse numbers than last year's group, and the defense should still be very good. The Wildcats might not have the playmakers to contend with the top of the division, but they could certainly surprise. Pat Fitzgerald usually outpaces preseason expectations, and this group probably won't be much different.

7. Illinois Fighting Illini (Projected Record: 2-7)

Strengths: For the first time since Lovie Smith was hired at Champaign, he has a returning starting quarterback in the fold. Former Michigan transfer Brandon Peters might not have lit the world on fire after coming to Illinois, but he was rock-solid, finishing with 1,884 yards and 18 touchdowns. Peters was also supremely efficient, posting the best passing efficiency numbers by an Illinois QB in a half-decade... The offensive line might not be at the level of a Wisconsin or Iowa in the division, but it's not super far behind. Four starters are back on the unit, namely guard Kendrick Green and center Doug Kramer. Wofford transfer Blake Jersaty was expected to also come in and contribute, but he'll miss 2020 with injuries... The defense's numbers were pretty average across the board in 2019, but it did prove it knew how to create big plays, recording 28 takeaways and six defensive touchdowns, which was first nationally. It might be hard to completely replicate that type of success, but Lovie Smith is known for building chaotic, turnover-hungry defenses that will often change the course of games. Five starters are back to the defense, including most of the ball-hawking secondary.

Weaknesses: Two quality running backs are gone after Reggie Corbin and Dre Brown graduated. The pairing combined for over 1,200 yards and 12 scores but their absence leaves a notable void. Junior Mike Epstein has proven he can be a go-to guy in the backfield, but injuries have crippled his Illini career. If he's unable to stay healthy, it's unclear who gets the nod at tailback... The rush defense was second-to-last in the Big Ten a season ago, and the defensive line has plenty of holes to fill. Defensive tackle Calvin Avery is a former big name recruit who has the potential to be a real force in the middle, and Illinois is also hopeful Wisconsin transfer Christian Bell can make an immediate impact... Much like Northwestern, Illinois lacks the playmakers on the outside that other teams in this division possess. Josh Imatorbhebhe and Trevon Sidney are both former USC transfers who have plenty of talent, but have to show it on the field. Sidney missed a big chunk of last season with injury, so his return should benefit the Illini. In addition to those two, expect the Illini to lean on yet another transfer, Luke Ford from Georgia. Ford had to sit out 2019 due to eligibility issues, but he was the top TE recruit in the country when he arrived in Athens.

Bottom Line: A four-game winning streak in the middle of the season gave Illinois their first bowl berth under Lovie Smith, but a three-game losing streak to end the year showed they still have work to do. This will be the most experienced team Smith has had since taking over in Champaign, but the offense still lacks much weapons, and the rush defense is a big problem. I still really like this Illini team, but somebody has to finish last in the division, and Illinois seems like the safest bet.

All-Big Ten Teams

First Team

QB: Justin Fields, Ohio State

RB: Journey Brown, Penn State

RB: Ty Goodson, Iowa

WR: Rashod Bateman, Minnesota

WR: Rondale Moore, Purdue

TE: Pat Freiermuth, Penn State

OL: Cole Van Lanen, Wisconsin

OL: Alaric Jackson, Iowa

OL: Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa

OL: Wyatt Davis, Ohio State

OL: Jalen Mayfield, Michigan

DL: George Karlaftis, Purdue

DL: Kwity Paye, Michigan

DL: Shaka Toney, Penn State

DL: Chauncey Golston, Iowa

LB: Paddy Fisher, Northwestern

LB: Tuf Borland, Ohio State

LB: Jake Hansen, Illinois

CB: Shaun Wade, Ohio State

CB: Matt Hankins, Iowa

S: Lamont Wade, Penn State

S: Jack Koerner, Iowa

Kicker: Keith Duncan, Iowa

Punter: Blake Hayes, Illinois

Second Team

QB: Tanner Morgan, Minnesota

RB: Trey Sermon, Ohio State

RB: Mo Ibrahim, Minnesota

WR: Chris Olave, Ohio State

WR: David Bell, Purdue

TE: Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin

OL: Will Fries, Penn State

OL: Thayer Munford, Ohio State

OL: Josh Myers, Ohio State

OL: Kendrick Green, Illinois

OL: Rashawn Slater, Northwestern

DL: Zach Harrison, Ohio State

DL: Lorenzo Neal, Purdue

DL: Jacob Panasiuk, Michigan State

DL: Jonathon Cooper, Ohio State

LB: Blake Gallagher, Northwestern

LB: Jack Sanborn, Wisconsin

LB: Cam McGrone, Michigan

CB: Dicaprio Bootle, Nebraska

CB: Tariq Castro-Fields, Penn State

S: Daxton Hill, Michigan

S: Jordan Howden, Minnesota

Kicker: Matt Coghlin, Michigan State

Punter: Will Hart, Michigan

Honors & Awards

Big Ten Championship: Ohio State over Minnesota

Offensive Player of the Year: Justin Fields, Ohio State

Defensive Player of the Year: Paddy Fisher, Northwestern

Newcomer of the Year: Trey Sermon, Ohio State

Coach of the Year: Ryan Day, Ohio State

2020 College Football Picks: Week Seven

Brian Robinson, Alabama

Current Picks Record: 5-3 (0-1 Upset)

 (#3) Georgia Bulldogs @ (#2) Alabama Crimson Tide

Line: Alabama -6.5

Over/Under: 57

It will be hard to find a more consequential regular season game in 2020 than Georgia-Alabama. Both teams are ranked in the Top 3, and have serious aspirations that go beyond SEC Title contention. Plus, long-time Nick Saban assistant Kirby Smart is still looking for his first win against his former mentor, despite coming close on multiple occasions. In fact, Smart is looking to become the first former Saban assistant to beat the man himself, as Saban is 20-0 against former assistants. Georgia is coming off a Top-15 victory over Tennessee, where a dominating defensive performance helped put them over the top. That defense will be obviously be instrumental in the Bulldogs pulling off the win over the Crimson Tide. It's a group that can attack you in so many ways, and has speed and strength all over the field. This front seven is stocked to the brim with playmakers, including Nakobe Dean, Monty Rice, Adam Anderson, Nolan Smith, and Azeez Olujari. It is almost certain to be the toughest pass rush Alabama has seen all season long, although I'm sure the Tide offensive line will be up to the task. The bigger concern for Georgia lies on offense, where they've been solid, but far from great. Former walk-on Stetson Bennett has been a great story starting the last two games for UGA, but is he really the guy to lead Georgia past Alabama? Perhaps, but that will take an extra effort from his supporting cast. Zamir White and Kenny McIntosh have impressed me so far this season and will put pressure on the 'Bama defense, one that is coming off their worst performance of the Saban era. However, the Bulldogs still need to open things up on the perimeter to keep pace with a Tide offense that is still going to put up points. Kearis Jackson has been a pleasant surprise for the 'Dawgs and has big-play potential, but can Bennett get him the ball? George Pickens is also a nightmare matchup on the outside for UGA, but has a knack for dumb penalties and childish acts. Alabama's secondary is talented, but the numbers simply haven't been very good so far in 2020. I'm curious to see how aggressive UGA play-caller Todd Monken is in attacking this group.

Even though they face what could be the country's best defense, I don't question that Alabama will score. They simply have too many weapons not to, and QB Mac Jones has asserted himself as an early Heisman frontrunner with his play so far this season. Brian Robinson and Najee Harris have proven to be a potent 1-2 punch in the backfield and the Tide probably have the best collection of pass-catchers in the country, led by Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, John Metchie III and Miller Foristall. Georgia's defense simply has not seen a group of playmakers that pound between the tackles and also stretch the field vertically quite like this. I'm sure defensive coordinator Dan Lanning will have them ready, but I still think the Tide are going to be tough to keep up with for sixty minutes.

In the past, this game has been often been an old-school, punishing SEC game. It's sure to still be a physical game in the trenches with the bulk that will be out there, but don't be surprised if there is a lot more points scored than usual. Alabama is equipped with possibly their best offense under Saban, but also equipped with what looks like their worst defense, even with a lot of adjustments coming this week. On the flip side, the Bulldogs look questionable on offense right now, but their defense has been incredibly impressive. It leaves us with an intriguing clash of strengths against strengths and weaknesses against weaknesses, which will help make it a close one. I've been more impressed with Georgia than 'Bama so far in 2020, but there are still enough factors working in Alabama's favor for me to pick them. First off, Saban's track record against former assistants speaks for itself; not only is he undefeated, he's beaten them by a margin of 841-308. Secondly, Alabama gets the 'Dawgs in the friendly confines of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Lastly, I trust Alabama's quarterback play more, which is an obvious tiebreaker. Bennett may be a great story, but I don't think UGA is a legit National Title contender with him under center.

Alabama, 35 Georgia, 31

(Note: At the time of publishing, Nick Saban had not tested for COVID-19, changing his status for Saturday's game).

(#11) Texas A&M Aggies @ Mississippi State Bulldogs

Line: A&M -6.5

Over/Under: 54

The SEC slate beyond Georgia-Alabama is pretty underwhelming this week and that's with Florida-LSU still slated to play (status of the game up in the air due to COVID-19 positives). However, the mid-afternoon matchup between Texas A&M and Mississippi State interests me. On one side, the Aggies are coming off their biggest win of the Jimbo Fisher era, and are back as SEC West contenders. The other side includes Mississippi State, who opened the season with a huge win against LSU then has followed it up with two deflating losses. It's a question week-in, week-out what you're getting from Mike Leach-coached teams, and this year's Miss. State will be no different. After that record-setting day against the Tigers, they've scored a total of 16 points. K.J. Costello earned Heisman hype after the first game, but now has a 6-9 TD-INT ratio. Leach is still going to pass the ball either way, but I'm curious if he can get Kylin Hill more involved. Hill currently leads the team in catches, but they should try and find more creative ways to get him in space. Costello simply has to be better; yes he throws the ball so much that interceptions are bound to happen, but some of them have been real head-scratchers for a veteran QB. The A&M secondary is solid, but could still make some mistakes. He needs to be aggressive throwing the ball down the field still, but a whole lot smarter.

The Aggies' offense had quite the explosion against Florida, and they'll hope to ride that momentum into Starkville. The ground attack has been really fun to watch, as Isaiah Spiller has had no troubles being the lead guy, with versatile Ainias Smith helping out. The bigger question is what the passing game will look like each week. Kellen Mond threw for 338 yards and three scores against Florida, but he tends to play better in big games and worse against lesser foes. Can he continue that against a Bulldog defense that is fairly mediocre? I'd like to see one more Aggie step up on the perimeter to complement Caleb Chapman and Chase Lane, while tight end Jalen Wydermeyer works the inside routes. Possibly a bigger question will be whether A&M's offensive line can hold up against an underrated Mississippi State pass rush. The unit has played pretty well for the Aggies, but it will still be worth a watch.

With A&M coming off such a major victory, it wouldn't be a shock if they experience a let-down to Mike Leach and the sneaky Bulldogs. Starkville might not be the toughest place to play in all of the SEC, but it's always loud, and Leach has an affinity for pulling wild upsets. With that being said, the formula for beating Mississippi State is there for A&M. They'll drop most of their defense in deep zones and force underneath throws, with the occasional exotic blitz. Kentucky and Arkansas have done it to perfection, and they don't have the athletes A&M can put on the field. In short, an upset certainly could happen, but this is not my upset pick in Week Seven.

Texas A&M, 28 Mississippi State, 20

UCF Knights @ Memphis Tigers

Line: UCF -3.5

Over/Under: 75

While it may be lost in the grand scheme of Week Seven, you shouldn't overlook this one between UCF and Memphis. These two teams have established themselves as not just two of the best in the AAC annually, but Group of Five in general. Yes they both have lost so a Playoff run may be out of the question, but an AAC Title is definitely still in play. After blowing out East Carolina and Georgia Tech to begin the season, UCF found themselves on the wrong side against a sneaky Tulsa team. They got a bye this past week to recover, and there's plenty of room for growth. QB Dillon Gabriel didn't play terrible in the loss, but he wasn't as efficient as he normally was. Memphis could be an opportunity for him to get back on track against a defense that is okay, but prone to the big play. Gabriel and UCF will also need more help from a ground game that has disappeared at times this season. However, my biggest concern for UCF is on the defensive side. This is a defense with some playmakers, but they tend to let up plenty of yardage and they face an experienced quarterback on the other side. They certainly don't have to be perfect for the Knights to land in the win territory, but need to play better for the entire four quarters.

Memphis lost last week to SMU two weeks ago, but there are a few things to consider. They were playing their first game in a month due to scheduling problems, and also had the game tied at 27 until the final seconds of the game. They're still going to be a tough out this year in the AAC with Brady White running the show. White has played in some big games in his Memphis career, and he should have a big day against an inconsistent UCF pass defense. The playmakers surrounding White have suffered without do-it-all back Kenneth Gainwell, but watch out for tight end Sean Dykes. He's proven to be a fairly athletic pass-catcher that could be a real matchup problem for the Knights. Memphis can't turn the ball over the way they did against SMU; four turnovers with a skilled offense on the other side isn't going to work out.

I've gone back and forth on who I like in this matchup. Both these offenses are going to find a way to light up the scoreboard, but it's the defense that makes the most plays that is going to help their team come out on top. I trust the Memphis defense slightly more, even if the last time we saw them they were getting shredded by Shane Buechele and SMU. I think they'll shut down the UCF rushing attack and get enough pressure on Gabriel to make a few mistakes. Plus, playing in front of the home "crowd" will help put them over the top.

Memphis, 37 UCF, 34

Other Picks

(#1) Clemson @ Georgia Tech -- Clemson, 49 Georgia Tech, 13

Pittsburgh @ (#13) Miami -- Miami, 31 Pittsburgh, 21

Kentucky @ (#18) Tennessee -- Tennessee, 20 Kentucky, 17

Louisville @ (#4) Notre Dame -- Notre Dame, 38 Louisville, 24

Upset Pick: South Carolina, 28 Auburn, 27

2020 College Football Picks: Week Six

Stetson Bennett, Georgia

 I've held off on my usual "College Football Picks" this year due to the uncertainty of the 2020 college football season and the delayed/postponement factor. But, with our strongest slate of games ahead this weekend, I felt that it was time to once again start up my picks this year. 

Current Picks Record: 0-0

(#14) Tennessee Volunteers @ (#3) Georgia Bulldogs

Line: UGA -12

O/U: 43

With both teams 2-0 and sitting at the top of the SEC East along with Florida, this Tennessee-Georgia game will be a major one on the docket this weekend. The Bulldogs are coming off a dominant showing against Auburn, building a big lead early and suffocating the Tigers over the next few quarters. It hasn't been surprising at all to see the dominant UGA defense play so well, but it has been surprising to see who is playing QB for them. Former walk-on Stetson Bennett started the first game of his career last Saturday and played poised and confident, engineering a Bulldog offense that moved the ball very effectively. It sounds like he'll start this one, even with USC transfer J.T. Daniels now cleared to play. I do believe Tennessee might be a slightly tougher challenge than Auburn, at least in the secondary. I expect Todd Monken to pound the ball early for the Bulldogs and get this ground attack rolling again. After an off Week One, UGA ran the ball very easily last Saturday, and the line played well. The Vols don't have a star-studded defensive line but it's solid, and I'm curious to see how they handle one of the league's best run-blocking units. 

On the Tennessee side of things, the Volunteer offense hasn't been super explosive but it has been effective. Veteran QB Jarrett Guarantano survived a quarterback competition over the off-season to hold onto the job, and he's looked good. Despite not having a huge arm, he's looked more comfortable in the pocket this year and he's always a running threat. The Bulldog front seven might end up being the scariest he's seen all season, but I think he'll be ready. Guarantano also has the luxury of operating behind one of the country's best O-Lines, a group that is stocked with four and five-star talent. The two-headed monster backfield has been what has really got Tennessee going over the first couple weeks, and they are the real playmakers in this offense. The Vols got just 70 yards of rushing in this matchup last season, which may gave them a little extra motivation in this one.

It's been a long time since Tennessee had this much hype around them, coming into this game with an eight-game win streak that continues from the end of 2019. Their performance last weekend gives confidence that they'll be ready for this challenge, but I still like the 'Dawgs comfortably here. The defense is probably the nation's best, and the offense is capable enough to provide some separation. Playing in Sanford Stadium also gives them a distinct advantage, even though it won't be as raucous as usual this season.

Georgia, 28 Tennessee, 17

(#7) Miami Hurricanes @ (#1) Clemson Tigers

Line: Clemson -14

O/U: 63.5

In this weird, untraditional college football season, no team is receiving more hype than the Miami Hurricanes. They've opened their 2020 by beating a good UAB team, running past Louisville, and then pummeling rival Florida State. The story has been the offense, where new OC Rhett Lashlee has leaned on transfer QB D'Eriq King and a no-huddle, breakneck speed. I had my doubts about how King would respond to the jump to Power Five, but he's had no problems. The dual threat hasn't lacked confidence, and he's proven to be a good decision-maker. That's going to be crucial against a Clemson defense that knows how to produce takeaways, and capitalize off of them. This offense has also shown the capability to vary their attack based on opponent's weaknesses. They can pass and run, while mixing in some creative looks and schemes. They should be able to move the ball, but I am concerned about how the line is able to hold up against Clemson. They simply have not seen the athletes that the Tigers have, and Clemson comes at you for all sixty minutes. King might be an effective playmaker, but he can't play all night with Tigers barreling down on him.

Clemson has breezed through a relatively soft schedule so far this year, winning their first two conference games against Wake Forest and Virginia. The Tigers feature two Heisman finalists on offense in QB Trevor Lawrence and back Travis Etienne, two guys who can absolutely change games. Lawrence has really impressed me; his stats aren't exactly gaudy (mainly because he doesn't often play much in the second half) but he's limited turnovers and looks locked in. This is important, because as much as Clemson creates takeaways, the 'Canes do it even better. No team in college football has created more turnovers than Miami since they started donning the "Turnover Chain" back in 2017. Stopping Etienne may be the most difficult part of the night for the Miami defense. His speed and big-play ability are already legendary, but his improvement as a pass-catcher has been one of the things I've noticed about him. Last week against Virginia he caught five passes for 114 yards and a touchdown. Miami's rush defense has been okay so far this season (41st nationally) but they did struggle when facing an All-ACC caliber back in Javian Hawkins a few weeks ago. If they allow Etienne to really get going, the Tigers are nearly impossible to stop. 

This is a big game not only for the programs, but also the ACC as a whole. Clemson has absolutely ran the league the last half-decade, and they haven't even had much of a challenge a few of those years. Outside of possibly Notre Dame, the Hurricanes are their greatest threat in an untraditional season. The offense has enough playmakers to make Brent Venables job difficult, and the defense has the type of aggressive, ball-hawking athletes that are an absolute necessity in taking down Clemson. With that being said, I think it would still be unwise to pick against the Tigers. They are the gold standard in college football right now, and they just have too many ways to hurt you.

Clemson, 34 Miami, 23

(#19) Virginia Tech Hokies @ (#8) North Carolina Tar Heels

Line: UNC -5

Over/Under: 59

Although this game will almost surely be overshadowed by Clemson-Miami later in the evening, it's still a pretty important game in the ACC. Both of these teams have jumped out to 2-0 starts, but neither has faced much of a challenge just yet. This matchup will give them an opportunity to show what they can do against a ranked foe. North Carolina is still shaking off a little rust, as they went nearly a month without playing in between their first two games due to COVID-19 postponements. The offense is still working on hitting its stride, but there's no denying it has the potential to be really special. Quarterback Sam Howell has asserted himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the entire country, and he's shown the ability to use his legs a little bit more in 2020. Virginia Tech will have their hands full stopping Howell and an aerial attack that has an abundance of options, namely Dyami Brown. On the ground, Michael Carter doesn't get a ton of attention playing with Howell but he's another guy that can break open games. It will be a fascinating watch to see how the VT defense fares. This is their first season in two decades without Bud Foster calling plays and while things have gone well so far, they have yet to face an offense with the weapons that UNC can throw at you.

The Virginia Tech offense has leaned on their ground game over the first few weeks of the season, thanks in large part to the absence of starting QB Hendon Hooker. Hooker missed the first two games of the season due to a COVID diagnosis, but head coach Justin Fuente has indicated he'll be a "full go" for this one. With Hooker back, the VT offense should be at full strength for the first time in the 2020 campaign. He's aided by talented receivers Tre Turner and Tayvion Robinson, and former Kansas transfer Khalil Herbert has guided the improving rushing attack. They face a North Carolina defense that has plenty of talent, but has struggled to stop the pass throughout Mack Brown's return. I would expect the Hokies to be aggressive in attacking the Heels, and look for some big plays early to gain momentum. They'll have to find a way to get the ball away from UNC linebacker Chazz Surratt, who has emerged as one of the best in the ACC. 

Well this game is a perfect opportunity for one of these teams to rise up the ACC pecking order, I wouldn't be shocked if it's a little bit of a sloppy game. UNC is still working their way back into game action, and the Hokies have not played this season with Hooker under center. Although crowds aren't as big of a factor in 2020 as most years, the Heels still playing on their home field gives them a distinct advantage. They also have an advantage at quarterback with Howell, even if Hooker is able to suit up. For that reason, I have to roll with the Heels in this one.

UNC, 38 Virginia Tech, 30

Other Picks

(#22) Texas vs. Oklahoma -- Texas, 42 Oklahoma, 34

(#4) Florida @ (#21) Texas A&M -- Florida, 31 Texas A&M, 21

(#2) Alabama @ Ole Miss -- Alabama, 45 Ole Miss, 24

Florida State @ (#5) Notre Dame -- Notre Dame, 35 Florida State, 10

Upset Pick: Arkansas, 28 (#13) Auburn, 24

2020 College Football Thoughts & Reactions: Week 5

Shane Buechele, SMU

 The Big 12 Race Is An Absolute Mess

The Big 12 Title race was already confusing before another wild week in the league, as TCU upset Texas and Iowa State took down Oklahoma. The upsets leave Oklahoma State as the lone undefeated in the conference, and the Big 12's best hope for one of the four spots in the Playoff field. It's an uncomfortable position for a conference that has yet to win a Playoff game, despite regular representation from Oklahoma over this past half-decade. Speaking of the Sooners, their struggles so far in 2020 aren't completely shocking considering some of the injuries and opt-outs they had, but the frustrating thing? Their defense continues to struggle, and they just put together one of the worst tackling performances I've ever seen at any level in football. The Sooners have a chance to fall to 1-3 this next weekend as they take on a Red River rivalry that seems as unimportant as it ever has at the moment.

The SEC West Once Again Runs Through Tuscaloosca

One of the least surprising elements of Week Five was Alabama's handling of Texas A&M Saturday afternoon. Although the Aggies kept up with the Tide through the first half, Alabama was able to put their foot on the gas pedal, coming out with a 52-24 win. Mac Jones spent all off-season hearing about the potential QB competition between him and Bryce Young, but has come out this season with a vengeance. He totaled 435 yards and 4 touchdowns through the air, chucking the ball all over the field to a group of dynamic receivers. Even better news for 'Bama was the fact the rest of the division struggled on the field this weekend. Auburn looked extremely underwhelming in a 27-6 loss to Georgia and Mississippi State lost to Arkansas one week after their big victory over LSU. It's way too early to already crown the Tide the kings of the SEC West once again, but which team in the division has a reasonable chance to top them? I thought the Aggies would end up being the greatest challengers preseason, but they once again look like a good, but far from great, middle-of-the-pack team in the West once more.

The American Athletic Race: Cincinnati or SMU?

Cincinnati entered this weekend as the second-highest ranked Group of Five team in the polls, but following UCF's loss to Tulsa the Bearcats are now likely the league's favorite. This Cincy team is far from flashy, but their defense has been dominant over the season's first month. It's a defensive group that has allowed just over 12 points per game so far, and they forced five USF turnovers this Saturday. The other big winner in the AAC was SMU, who won a thriller over No. 25 Memphis. Shane Buechele outdueled Brady White to the tune of 474 yards and 3 touchdowns, while wide out Reggie Roberson went for 243 yards in the victory. I still have some concerns about the Mustangs on defense, but the offense is going to keep them in prime position every game they play. It will be two more weeks before these two square off in their regular season battle, which should be the biggest game in the American this season.

Could BYU Go Undefeated?

If you're not a fan of late-night Friday football, you may have missed BYU's dominant performance this week, as they pummeled Louisiana Tech by 31 points. It continued an amazing month for the Cougars, who have won their first three games by 52, 41 and now 31. It does raise the question: is this team legitimately good enough to go undefeated? The schedule down the line changed a bit over the last few weeks with the Mountain West announcing it would return, which added Boise State and San Diego State to their schedule. But, there's a good chance BYU is favored in every single remaining game they play, with the only exception being that road trip to Boise. This is not some crazy overreaction either; the BYU offense has looked aggressive and explosive, and the defense is well-rounded and disciplined. The way the Cougars have dominated the line of scrimmage is what has jumped out to me, they've looked more like an SEC team out there than an Independent.

The Heisman Race Starting to Heat Up?

It's hard to consider the Heisman race really started without the Big Ten or Pac-12 playing yet, but some names are already getting early consideration for college football's most prestigious award. Kyle Trask helped himself out with another big day over South Carolina, Mac Jones deserves attention after what he did to A&M, Trevor Lawrence went for 329 and 3 touchdowns against a solid UVA defense, and Buechele will continue to put up staggering numbers. With that being said, there are also several players who likely have already seen their Heisman hopes dashed. Sam Ehlinger has been really good but UT needs to be a legit Playoff threat if he wants the award, the same likely goes for Spencer Rattler, and K.J. Costello had an off-week after setting the SEC record for yardage.

The October 10th Slate

I've held off on my usual College Football Picks this year because this season has been so chaotic in terms of scheduling and postponements. However, I'll be making picks this week because this October 10th is just too good not to. A quick look at the biggest games this next Saturday:

• Florida-Texas A&M: Biggest test of the season so far for the Gators, and also possibly an elimination game for any A&M West Title hopes.
• Virginia Tech-UNC: Two undefeated teams who have yet to face a ranked opponent, this one will tell us a lot abut whether either can stage a legit threat to Clemson.
• Okahoma-Texas: These two teams are reeling, but the Red River rivalry is always worth a watch.
• Tennessee-Georgia: The Vols have been a great story so far, and this might be the biggest game they've had in a long, long time.
• Clemson-Miami: Perhaps the biggest game in the ACC this season. The Hurricanes have been so good, but are they good enough to take down the league's Goliath?